Notices

PROLOGUE:  “People have to forgive. We don’t have to like them, we don’t have to be friends with them, we don’t have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget. Because if we don’t we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry!” Joy Bell.

DIVINE MERCY CEREMONIES IN ABBEYFEALE:  The novena to the Divine Mercy begins on Good Friday and continues until the Sunday after Easter.  There will be Mass, confessions, rosary, and blessing of the sick in Abbeyfeale Church beginning with confessions at 2.30pm on Divine Mercy Sunday.  All are welcome.

PILGRIMAGE: Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration will travel to Knock on Sunday, April 30.  Bus leaves church @ 7.30am.  Contact 087/7758503 or 087/6542685.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The word is out about Abbeyfeale’s 23^rd Fleadh and there’s even a man coming from Canada to take part in the All Ireland Bone playing competition on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1.  It will be, as always , a mighty weekend with the Art Poster Exhibition and prize giving in the Library kicking it off on Thursday night at 7.30pm followed by a Gathering Session in Thomas T. J’s., New St.  The Child of Prague will be busy on Friday with every statue in the town out to prevent rain for the buskers who will be on the Main Street from 7pm; then in the Square the gig rig will be hopping from 8.30pm.  Later on the set céilí gets underway in Fr. Casey’s clubhouse with dancing to Donie Nolan and Taylor’s Cross.  Saturday is a full day of workshops, a youth trad session, a trad disco, entertainment on the gig rig with Templeglantine Comhaltas and pub sessions  all over town from New St. to Bridge St. to Main St. and the Square.  Sunday is equally as busy with the highlight being Frankie Gavin and DeDannan joined by Coláiste Íde agus Iosef’s wonderful céilí band in concert in the Coláiste at 8pm.  Earlier Daisy Kearney will entertain adults and children alike in St. Ita’s Hall at 3pm, the All Ireland Junior Bone Playing gets underway on the Gig Rig following new exciting band Fugazi at 3.30pm and then at 4pm a Polka/Slide Recital – a tribute to founder member the late Dan Murphy will take place at D.J. Murphy’s on Main St.  There will be sessions all over town in corners of hostelries and a pub crawl is in order before the celebrity concert for which tickets are now on sale from Slice of Life 068-32655; Abbey Tile 068-31661; Celine 087 7697672 and Mary 087 7419343.  Bank Holiday Monday is a day to relax and enjoy the music all over town and then from 7.30pm the Gig Rig will be the place to be.  Scoil Mháthair Dé and Tournafulla Comhaltas will entertain the crowd before the All Ireland Senior Bone Playing when our Canadian entrant will be the unknown to watch.  It’s going to be a great weekend so mark it down.

MEETING:  There will be an information evening on creating Sustainable Energy Communities and reducing Energy Consumption at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick on Thursday, April 20 at 7.30pm.  All are welcome.

FILM CLUB AT THE GLÓRACH:  Thanks to everyone who attended our inaugural film screening of Blue Velvet last Wednesday evening, we hope to show more classic films in the coming months and are open to feedback as to what films people might be interested in seeing at the Glórach.  We are now looking at the possibility of putting on a Family / Children’s Matinee on Sunday’s but would like some feedback from Parents/Kids on how best to run such Sunday Matinees. Please contact the Hotline on 087 138 39 40 with your thoughts and ideas.

MEENKILLY CARD GAME:  After a very successful run, the last card game of the season was held on Tuesday, April 11. The Board of Management of the school would like to thank everyone who helped out during the year. A huge thanks to Marian who ran the card game with her usual efficiency, patience and good humour; to Eleanor, for her work backstage; to Joan, Theresa, Liam, Julia, Noreen; to our ticket-sellers, Shauna, Sarah, Patrick, Michael, Conor, Aine and all the children who helped out on the night. The Board would like to express its gratitude to everyone who donated food; especially Murphy’s Bakery, who have always been so generous in their support of the school, to the Parent Association for serving up tea and treats, to all (including teachers and staff) who donated spot prizes. Your support is very much appreciated by all in Meenkilly School. Four teams finished on twelve games and shared the prize-money: Gobnait Scannell, Sean O Connor, Paddy Sheehan; Jackie Harnett, Pat Fitzgerald, John Quirke; Eoghan Lane, Joe O Connor, Kevin O Connor; Marian Quirke, Donal O Connor. Table Prizes: Hannah Foley, Margaret Mc Carthy, Noel Murphy; Mossie Collins, Mary Mc Carthy, Michael O Kelly; Laurence Mc Auliffe, Margaret Mc Auliffe, Bridie Collins. Raffle Tickets: Con Lane, John Quirke (x2), JJ Lenihan, Catriona Sheeran, Beth Collins, Seamus Collins, Sheila Breen, Noreen O Callaghan (x2), Betty Curtin, Marian Roche (x2), Eileen Reidy

WELL DONE: Abbeyfeale Youth Club played a blinder under the direction of Martin Tobin on Good Friday with their re-enactment of the Passion and Crucifixion.  These young people are the future of our parish community and we are so proud of them.

‘FREE TO BE’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE (PART 1): West Limerick Resources (SICAP) will roll out the very popular ‘Free to be’ Personal Development Course (Part 1) in the Further Education & Training Centre Abbeyfeale, starting Monday May 8 from 10 – 12 noon, for 6 weeks finishing on June 19. This course is free to anybody in receipt of social welfare payments, those who feel they would like to be part of a group, parents, parenting alone, people living in a disadvantage area or who have children with learning difficulty. ‘Free to be’ has been developed in such a way that it encourages and enables you to look at ways of improving your daily life, manage stress and stressful situations, develop relaxation skills, self-care, re-connect with your inner self. This programme is about well-being which benefits you and your family. If you are interested in attending please book a place with Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883 or contact Nora at West Limerick Resources on 068 31198. Booking is essential.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  Benny Thade McCarthy’s  Rambling House Bank Holiday Monday May 1 at 9pm in Fr Caseys Club house Abbeyfeale.  All musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers are welcome to attend.   A donation will be made on the night to Pieta House Suicide prevention and awareness.  All welcome.

FOOD CLOUD INFORMATION EVENING: West Limerick Resources is delighted to announce that we are working to support the FoodCloud Initiative in the West Limerick Area. FoodCloud is a simple yet ingenious idea whereby working with local supermarkets for the aim of reducing food waste and restoring community spirit based on shared food. We would like to hear from Community Groups or Charities in the area who would be in a position to support this initiative, by receiving the food donations for their own work or indeed for further distribution within the community. If you were unable to attend the meeting on the April 11 we would still like to hear from you; please contact Dearbhla at West Limerick Resources on 069 66293 or email [email protected]

REMEMBERING ZOE CYCLE:  The third Remembering Zoë Cycle Challenge around the 8 parishes which surround Abbeyfeale will be held on Sunday, May 14 – there are 3 routes:  110 km, 75 km or 40 km and online registration is now open – you can register by clicking on ; https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/RememberingZoeCycleChallenge By registering on-line you are automatically entered in a draw for the following spot prizes:  €100 voucher for O’Sullivan’s Cycles, Killarney and a €100 voucher for iBikes Cycle Shop, Killarney.  All participating cyclists will receive a specially designed finisher’s medal.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH CLASSES: Volunteers are wanted for Conversational English Classes in Newcastle West. The classes will take place over 10 weeks on Wednesday evenings at the Community Centre Newcastle West, beginning April 19. If you are interested, please contact Stefanie at West Limerick Resources on 069 62222 or [email protected]

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall In Abbeyfeale from 11am to 12.30pm.  New people always welcome. This group is a great way to introduce your child to a pre-school environment, teaching them to play and share with other children and a fantastic way for parents to make new friends as well. Activities each week include singing nursery rhymes, painting/colouring, table-top art and crafts, also messy play, which encourages children’s imagination and they learn about different textures & help develop their motor skills (hand eye co-ordination). Parents have time to chat, with a cup of tea, sing and play also. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.

GATHERING OF THE CURTIN CLAN:  There will be a clan gathering at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis next weekend April 21-23.  It’s the 10^th Biennial Reunion and all members of the clan are welcome.   Further information from [email protected]

COMMUNITY NATTERS: West Limerick Resources are now producing a monthly community newsletter entitled ‘Community Natters’. With this newsletter, we hope to reach out to the many community groups in our area and communicate some useful hints and information as well as highlighting some new and interesting projects happening around us. As always, we are hoping to engage with as many voluntary organisations as possible, so please feel free to get in touch with any member of the team at West Limerick Resources if you have any events/projects currently happening in your community. Please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] or [email protected]. To subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please log onto our website www.wlr.ie and enter your email address in the subscription box.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT:  This year’s walk/run takes place in Newcastle West on Saturday, May 6 at 4 am, starting at The Desmond Complex (new venue) Gortboy. Seniors, Students (aged 16 & upwards) and unwaged €15. Children under 16 can register free but if they want a T-shirt it will cost €3.50. Groups of 5 or more can avail of a 20% discount. You can also register online at dil.pieta.ie Registration will take place at Feale fit Mountmahon (opposite Kostal) on Saturday, April 29 from 12am – 2pm.  For further information contact Breda 087 7715734

YOUTH SURVEY:  The Big April Ask is a national survey prepared by Youth Leaders throughout Ireland. It needs to be completed by the end of April 2017. The Diocesan Youth Ministry team (Fr Chris and Aoife), recently invited young people to participate in a survey with questions from Pope Francis for young people. This new national survey has now also been created and we are inviting young people to complete this too – As Chris says: ‘it will take you 2 minutes to complete and the answers will be seen by Pope Francis himself because he wants to know what you think’. If you are aged between 16 and 29 then please take two minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bigaprilask

LAY LED LITURGY OF THE WORD:  Bishop Brendan Leahy has asked that every parish offer a lay led Liturgy of the Word on Tuesday, April 25. After two days of formation parishioners are now considering how they might do that together in their local place.

PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS:  First Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm.  Blessing with 1st. class relic.

WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Next meeting Wednesday, April 19 in the Desmond Complex NCW.   Further information 087 7972855.

SOCIAL FARMING: Calling interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming, Julette O’Flynn the new Social Farming Regional Development Worker with WLR can provide more information on 087 3663842 or by email to [email protected].

GIFT IDEA:  Ann Lyons is currently selling the book celebrating the 125 years of Knockaclarig National School at her business in the Square.

ABBEYFEALE’S SINGING CLUB:  West Limerick singing club monthly singing session take place on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn Bar, Abbeyfeale.

NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB IN LISTOWEL:  If you would like to gain self confidence, self esteem and improve your ability to speak in public then you should check out the newest public speaking club in North Kerry.  The next meeting will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, April 20  from 8 -10pm.  Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room.  Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.

SELF EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS: If you are considering Self Employment and would like to know more about the process involved you should contact our Enterprise Officer Brenda Heath. We are currently rolling out a series of FREE Enterprise Training Workshops for all those considering this route including workshops on Steps to starting your Business, Book-keeping, Marketing and Health & Safety. If you wish to find out more please contact Brenda Heath at West Limerick Resources on 069 66297 / [email protected] or our support Worker Dee Collins on 069 62222 / [email protected]

DOMESTIC ABUSE: Groups meet weekly and many women find it helpful to meet and talk with others who are or have been in similar situations.  To find out more just ring Jess or Majella on  061 412354.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  A number of people have been in touch with the Kerry Gardai saying that they have received a call from an 021 number saying that they are from the bank and that there is a problem with their credit card.  Do not engage and do not give details of your card to anyone.  This is a scam.  We have been asked to remind people that once they reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 then they are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system.  The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert but there will be a monitoring fee to be paid yearly to the installing company which is currently in the region of €65.  If you are a victim of or have witnessed domestic abuse then log onto whatwouldyoudo.ie We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that.  Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Brody and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Neily Lyons, Marian Harnett and Garda Roger O’Donoghue.

JUBILEE 2018:  In June 2018 the parish will celebrate  the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish church.  A Golden Jubilee is a significant event in the life of any parish. The Pastoral Council are beginning to plan for the 50th celebrations. At this stage we are seeking any photographs of the construction phase of the building and any  articles or publications covering the opening Mass and  consecration ceremony.

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins  087/2600414.  Fr Joseph  Foley CC Tel: Mobile : 087 – 2618412.  Parish Church 068/51915.  Parish Office:  Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services:     061-314111.   A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/51984. Parish Support Worker 068/31019 St Vincent De Paul  087/1213560

Counselling Appointment    061/314213 . Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-814342551984 Console 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am.  Mass on Saturday 11am.  There will be no 8.15am Mass this week.  Friday 10am  Josephine Lyons.  Saturday 7pm  Julia Chris Fealy.  Bessie Meehan, Kilmorna .Michael O’Hanlon, Collins Park.    Johnny Nash, Upper Knocknasna .  Sunday 9.30am   Will Joe, Mary Collins and their son    Billy ( the Hill).  Denis & Ellen Collins and deceased members of the Geary  family.  Adrian Doyle .  Sunday12 noon   Richard Tobin, Convent Street .  Andrea Costelloe, Mountmahon.       Tom Collins Convent Street.

Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.  Adoration will resume  after Easter on Tuesday April 25 after the 10 o clock Mass and continue until 10p.m. It will continue then as usual every Tuesday and Friday. New adorers are always very welcome.  We thank you all for making our Perpetual Adoration such a success. Because of your commitment to an hour per week we are able to continue this wonderful gift we have in our Parish. As due to data protection laws, priests can no longer go to the reception desk in local hospitals and get a list of parishioners who are patients, you are requested to contact either Fr. Joe or Fr. Tony if you wish them to visit.  Faithcast is the new weekly podcast from catholicnews.ie, the news source for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Presented by Brenda Drumm,  Faithcast is a mixture of interviews and news snippets from the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is published every Monday and is available on catholicnews.ie.

To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page.  Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam.  You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.  Invitation from Fr. Mullins: “I want to extend an open invitation to all parishioners, particularly young people to share their God given talents with the community. We are always in need of Musicians, Singers, Readers of the Word, Altar Servers, Ministers of the Eucharist, Flower  arrangers, Collectors and Stewards. You may have IT skills which we need to help us use social media in bringing God’s message to  parishioners. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated”.

PARK RUN IN THE DEMESNE:  Parkrun is a free, fun, timed 5 kilometer run.  It starts at 9.30am each and every Saturday beside the soccer pitch in the Demesne, Newcastlewest. Runners, walkers, families and even family pets are welcome!  Just register for free at www.parkrun.ie, print out your barcode and come along on Saturday morning.
We are one year old this Saturday, April 22.  There will be birthday cake and sweets for all at the finish so please come along.

PADRE Pio Prayer Meeting takes place in Lixnaw Church on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.

PILGRIMAGES:  Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2017 from June 21-26.  The Lourdes office is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St.   All details concerning the Pilgrimage Tel 061/314111.

JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE:  Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockaloucca.

MONAGAE RAMBLING HOUSE:  The monthly rambling house in Monagae Community Centre takes place on the 2^nd Monday of the month.

ult help. The age profile of the volunteers is currently dominated by over 60s with a number of diligent workers in their 70s and 80s. There is extremely sparse representation of under 40s in the grouping and this will have to be improved upon as the older members of the group cannot go on indefinitely. Please consider lending a hand throughout the year. All help would be appreciated

ult help. The age profile of the volunteers is currently dominated by over 60s with a number of diligent workers in their 70s and 80s. There is extremely sparse representation of under 40s in the grouping and this will have to be improved upon as the older members of the group cannot go on indefinitely. Please consider lending a hand throughout the year. All help would be appreciated

PROLOGUE:  Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble.  Andrew Murray.

DEATHS:  Sincere sympathy is offered to the partner Mary, mother Myra, brother and sisters, and extended family of the late Liam Flynn, Convent St. whose death occurred last weekend.  We also offer our sympathies to the family of the late Dinny Collins, Templeglantine and Raheen and to Ita O’Donoghue, Buckley’s Cross on the death of her brother Christy Brosnahan, Strand.  May they rest in peace.

CINEMA AT THE GLÓRACH:  The Glórach Theatre recently announced the introduction of a Monthly Cinema slot for Abbeyfeale. To get proceedings underway there will be a free showing of ‘Blue Velvet’ on Wednesday next, April 12 at 8pm.  To book contact 087 1383940.   They are now looking at the possibility of putting on a Family / Children’s Matinee on Sunday’s but would like some feedback from Parents/Kids on how best to run such Sunday Matinees. Please contact the Hotline on 087 138 39 40 with your thoughts and ideas.

41 CARD GAME:  The third annual Card Game in aid of the Mater Hospital Transplant Unit takes place on Holy Thursday night at the Winners Circle Bar, Bridge St. at 9pm.  The group organising it have been able through your generosity to donate €2,015 over the past two years and look forward to your support again this year.  There will be a raffle on the night.

DIVINE MERCY CEREMONIES:  The novena to the Divine Mercy begins on Good Friday and continues until the Sunday after Easter.  There will be Mass, confessions, blessing of the sick in Abbeyfeale Church beginning with the rosary at 2.30pm on Divine Mercy Sunday.  All are welcome.

MOCK WEDDING UPDATE:  Nicole Prendiville Doyle wishes to thank everyone who helped with the Mock Wedding that was held at the Railway Bar on March 10 last.  Thank you to Abbeyfeale Drama Group and Friends, Francis Kennedy (Bride) Listowel, John Sheahan MCC, and Tomas and Carol of the Railway Bar.  Nicole raised €3,467 for Nurture Africa, a huge thanks to all who attended on the night

.PALM SUNDAY WALK TO THE WELL:  Saturday’s glorious sunshine was just a memory by Sunday afternoon but that did not deter the walkers who set off from Dromtrasna N.S. at 3pm and walked up the hill, through Cotters yard and fields to arrive at the Blessed Well for the rosary led by the Confirmation children.  .  A trip to see the pet lambs in the sheep shed broke the pull up the hill after we left the Well and gave us a chance to catch our breath.  Arriving in the farmyard we were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of barbecuing beef burgers with the parish ladies serving up a veritable feast to one and all.   Great credit is due to the Cotter family for welcoming us to their farm and to the Parish Council for organising the day.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT:  This year’s walk/run takes place in Newcastle West on Saturday, May 6 at 4 am, starting at The Desmond Complex (new venue) Gortboy. Seniors, Students (aged 16 & upwards) and unwaged €15. Children under 16 can register free but if they want a T-shirt it will cost €3.50. Groups of 5 or more can avail of a 20% discount. You can also register online at dil.pieta.ie Registration will take place at Feale fit Mountmahon (opposite Kostal) Saturday, April 15 from 12am – 2pm and on Saturday, April 29 from 12am – 2pm.  For further information contact Breda 087 7715734

TIDY TOWNS:  Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns will be taking part in the Limerick TLC Clean Up on Good Friday April 14 from 11am- 1 pm meeting in the square at 10.45am.   We are looking for volunteers and all help would be much appreciated.

WEST LIMERICK 102 FUNDRAISING CARBOOT SALES: Next sale Easter Sunday, April 16 at the Community Centre, NCW.  Further information 06966200.

ABBEYFEALE’S ROSE OF TRALEE CONTESTANT:  Best of luck to trainee dentist, Abbeyfeale’s Nadine Smith who will be participating in the 2017 Limerick Rose competition. Nadine was crowned Queen of the Races 2016 at the Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Races and as part of her prizes she was sponsored for the Limerick Rose. The event will be held at 7pm this Saturday, April 15 ( Holy Saturday) in The Bunratty Castle Hotel. Tickets are €25 and should be purchased in advance due to high demand.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE: Abbeyfeale is the place to be on the May Bank Holiday weekend where Traditional Musicians and Music Lovers are expected to converge on the town, some to participate in the various events and others to soak up the lively atmosphere at Fleadh by the Feale.  It is also a fantastic opportunity for musicians and singers who wish to improve their standard of playing and singing to avail of the Master Workshops which take place on Saturday, April 29 at the earlier time of 11.00am-2.00pm.  Some of Ireland’s finest tutors have been engaged to pass on their skills and techniques at this year’s workshops,

Tutors are:  Fiddle –Tara Breen/Niall Murphy; Flute – Gary Shannon;

Concertina – Paul Clesham; Accordion – Conor Moriarty; Banjo – Adrian McAuliffe;

Bodhrán – Eamon Rooney and Singing – Elle Marie O Dwyer.  The classes are open to all age groups for advanced and improvers categories only.  They are not suitable for beginners.  This will be followed by a Youth Trad Session which is a new event on the programme which takes place at Donal & Ann’s Bar, Main Street commencing from 2.00pm-4.00pm.

Tickets are now on sale for the Mighty Frankie Gavin and De Dannan Concert on Sunday, April 30 at 8.00pm from Slice of Life 068-32655; Abbey Tile 068-31661; Celine 087 7697672 and Mary 087 7419343.  A Concert not to be missed!

MEENKILLY CARD GAME;  The first prize was shared between Danny O Connell, Kathleen Lenihan and Noreen O Callaghan, Liam O Connor, James Mc Enery.

Table Prize:  Paddy Finucane, Matt O Connell, Seamus Collins.  Door Prize:  Michael O Kelly, Joan O Grady.

Raffle Tickets:  Sean Harnett, Tom Nelligan, Dan Reidy, Sheila Breen, Noel Murphy.

YOUTH SURVEY:  The Big April Ask is a national survey prepared by Youth Leaders throughout Ireland. It needs to be completed by the end of April 2017. The Diocesan Youth Ministry team (Fr Chris and Aoife), recently invited young people to participate in a survey with questions from Pope Francis for young people. This new national survey has now also been created and we are inviting young people to complete this too – As Chris says: ‘it will take you 2 minutes to complete and the answers will be seen by Pope Francis himself because he wants to know what you think’. If you are aged between 16 and 29 then please take two minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bigaprilask

LAY LED LITURGY OF THE WORD:  Bishop Brendan Leahy has asked that every parish offer a lay led Liturgy of the Word on Tuesday, April 25. After two days of formation parishioners are now considering how they might do that together in their local place.

PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS:  First Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm.  Blessing with 1st. class relic.

WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Next meeting Wednesday, April 19 in the Desmond Complex NCW.   Further information 087 7972855.

OPT IN: Keep up to date with training, courses, workshop opportunities as they happen in Limerick & Tipperary with Opt In. The range of programmes listed are being rolled out by West Limerick Resources particularly under the SICAP Programme but also the ETB, LEO, Skillnets & LIT to name a few.  Opt-In is a collection of courses and events aimed at helping rural dwellers find the means and skills necessary to increase their income generating options. Check it out – https://www.opt-in.ie

WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT – calling all women in business and women who are embarking on the voyage to join us for this networking opportunity on Tuesday April 11@ 7pm. Share experiences and learning and hear from Guest Speaker Caroline McEnery from the HR Suite. This is a FREE event however booking is essential. Please contact Brenda on 069 62222 or 069 66297 to book your seat or email [email protected]

SOCIAL FARMING: Calling interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming, Julette O’Flynn the new Social Farming Regional Development Worker with WLR can provide more information on 087 3663842 or by email to [email protected].

GIFT IDEA:  Ann Lyons is currently selling the book celebrating the 125 years of Knockaclarig National School at her business in the Square.

ABBEYFEALE’S SINGING CLUB:  West Limerick singing club monthly singing session take place on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn Bar, Abbeyfeale.

NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB IN LISTOWEL:  If you would like to gain self confidence, self esteem and improve your ability to speak in public then you should check out the newest public speaking club in North Kerry.  The next meeting will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, April 20  from 8 -10pm.  Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room.  Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.

SELF EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS: If you are considering Self Employment and would like to know more about the process involved you should contact our Enterprise Officer Brenda Heath. We are currently rolling out a series of FREE Enterprise Training Workshops for all those considering this route including workshops on Steps to starting your Business, Book-keeping, Marketing and Health & Safety. If you wish to find out more please contact Brenda Heath at West Limerick Resources on 069 66297 / [email protected] or our support Worker Dee Collins on 069 62222 / [email protected]

DOMESTIC ABUSE: Groups meet weekly and many women find it helpful to meet and talk with others who are or have been in similar situations.  To find out more just ring Jess or Majellaon 061 412354.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Text Alert forms available from any member of the committee or at the Garda Station from community Garda Roger O’Donoghue.  There was an alert last week and we would ask people who receive one to forward it to family and friends.  In order that our community remains safe and secure we need to have people develop a mindset whereby they become aware of what is going on around them, vans or cars on roads that they have no business on, people offering stolen property for sale – remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this life.  Two members of the committee attending Pobal training this week and we have been asked to remind people that once they reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 then they are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system.  The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert but there will be a monitoring fee to be paid yearly to the installing company which is currently in the region of €65.  We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that.  Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Brody and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Neily Lyons, Marian Harnett and Garda Roger O’Donoghue.

JUBILEE 2018:  In June 2018 the parish will celebrate  the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish church.  A Golden Jubilee is a significant event in the life of any parish. The Pastoral Council are beginning to plan for the 50th celebrations. At this stage we are seeking any photographs of the construction phase of the building and any  articles or publications covering the opening Mass and  consecration ceremony.

CO. LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION:  Keith Pierce will speak on the topic  Hive records, bees maths & easy swarm control at 8pm on Thursday, April 13 in Mungret GAA Hall.  Supplier of Bee products Paul O’Sullivan will be attending the April meeting, please contact to pre order 086 1779900.

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins  087/2600414.  Fr Joseph  Foley CC Tel: Mobile : 087 – 2618412.  Parish Church 068/51915.  Parish Office:  Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services:     061-314111.   A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/51984. Parish Support Worker 068/31019 St Vincent De Paul  087/1213560

Counselling Appointment    061/314213 . Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-814342551984 Console 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am.  Mass on Saturday 11am.  There will be no morning Mass on Thursday.  Mass of the Last Supper will be at 8pm that evening. The First Holy Communion children will lead the Procession to the Altar of Repose.   Good Friday Day of fast and abstinence 3pm Passion Liturgy 3pm.  8pm Reflection of the Betrayal and Passion of Jesus .  Abbeyfeale Youth Clubs under the direction of Martin Tobin will dramatise the Stations of the Cross.  Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 9pm.

Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. As due to data protection laws, priests can no longer go to the reception desk in local hospitals and get a list of parishioners who are patients, you are requested to contact either Fr. Joe or Fr. Tony if you wish them to visit.

To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page.  Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam.  You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.

REPORT FROM THE WALK:  Glengurt NS Parents Association wish to thank all those who participated in the 5K Fun Run and Walk through the village of Tournafulla on Saturday last, by either walking or running the 5K or by sponsoring the school children so generously in the run up to the event.  Thanks also to the large number of volunteers who contributed to a really enjoyable community day by donating foodstuffs/water, helping in the hall or by marshalling the roads to make sure everyone was safe and hydrated en route.  There was a great buzz on the day with support and encouragement for children and adults alike as they completed the course.  Thanks to the hall committee who facilitated a venue for registration beforehand and refreshments for participants afterwards.

Sponsorship is still coming in and we are delighted to say that we are many steps closer (pardon the pun) to achieving our aim of covering the ball court in the school, which will provide a shelter for the children and a venue for outdoor classes, PE, sports and assembly throughout the year.  Race results as follows: 5K Run Men: 1st Neil Curtin, The Village, Tournafulla (19.57); 2nd Eamonn Browne, Monagea (20.42); 3rd Martin Browne Knocktoosh, Broadford (20.52).  5K Run Women: 1st Elaine O’Keeffe Creggane, Abbeyfeale (21.39) (6th overall); 2nd Bernie O’Reilly Broadford (17th overall); 3rd Diane Donovan, Dromtrasna Harnett, Abbeyfeale.   5K Run Children: 1st Darragh Cahill, Brosna 24.18 (13th overall); 2nd Paddy Harnett, Upper Tournafulla 24.28 (14th overall); 3rd Michael Collins Glenmore East, Strand 25.30 (15th overall).  5K Walkers: 1st Naomi Ryan Abbeyfeale 28mins.  The majority of walkers crossed line in 35-45mins.  Well done to all!

FRAME BY FRAME: Photography & Art Exhibition. St. Johns Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Opening Thursday, April 27 @ 7.30pm. Cheese and wine Reception. Admission Free. Photographs and Artwork by Students of North Kerry College.

FR. PAT MOORE WRITES:  I have been invisible and silent for a couple of weeks and here’s the reason, I’ve been in hospital.  On Wednesday March 8 , I was for my three monthly check up with the surgeon in Cork, it went very well, my bloods were excellent (I regard those as the Nasdaq or Dowjones index!). Had been  feeling a cold rising in me but then I had been lucky enough to avoid any infection in two and a half years.   It was the following Monday before l got to the doctor but an antibiotic didn’t seem to touch it so I was admitted to Tralee hospital on Wednesday evening. That was the start of our St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend so it was Monday before the team removed a large quantity of fluid that had built up in the lung. I had found it increasingly difficult to breathe and was using oxygen a lot.  As a result I spent a week in the ICU unit, time I really needed there, not realising how weakened I had become. Then I had a week out in the hospital ward and I found this most challenging of all as I had to rebuild my confidence in myself to do the most basic things from eating to walking to washing. My Cork oncology team are fully on board and a detailed examination of the fluid suggests the presence of a small growth similar to before. This is and will be treated by Chemotherapy as before and can be successfully dealt with as I’ve had a fullsom response to chemotherapy twice beforehand.  I came home from hospital yesterday and am already in the benefit of a great nights sleep in the Spring Air. I am in great form and in great care with family and Debbie, Kathleen and Ann. It’s building up time and where better but home.  Having totally cut off from phones,emails and all forms on outside communication I know there is alot of messages of support and prayer that I’m not in a position to acknowledge but can I do so now and thank you for the felt support and concern.

Was it Churchill said, “rumours of my demise have been grossly exaggerated!”?  In summary, I had my weeks in hospital, challenging but worthwhile in that it highlights something that will need attention and a plan is in place when the time is right.

Right now I find talking and meeting people most tiring so I’m going private and quiet for a while. “

PADRE Pio Prayer Meeting takes place in Lixnaw Church on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.

EASTER MONDAY WALK:  Follow in the footsteps of the North Kerry writers  at 11am on Easter Monday, April 17 from The Seanchai Centre in Listowel Square along the River Feale. Included are some dramatized stories, poems and excerpts from the plays of Listowel writers, Bryan MacMahon, John B. Keane, Dan Keane, Maurice Walsh, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Brendan Kennelly, Billy Keane and more.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSE FOR OLDER PEOPLE:  The Limerick Writers’ Centre presents a series of creative writing classes, featuring poetry and short story for older people – aged 55 plus – an age group that is often underrepresented in literature and writing activities. In conjunction with the Limerick Writers’ Centre and supported by Bealtaine 2017, the facilitator, award-winning poet Ron Carey, will give friendly and personal support to each participant. At the end of the course Limerick Writers’ Centre will give consideration to publishing a book featuring the work produced. The book would be published in May during Bealtaine Festival 2017.

The workshops will be held at the Limerick Writers’ Centre, 12 Barrington Street, Limerick on Saturday, April 22 and Saturday, May 20 from10.30am to 12.30pm.

Fees for the 5 week course are €80 (€70 concession).  Booking essential.   Details [email protected] or Tel 087 2996409.

PILGRIMAGES:  Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2017 from June 21-26.  The Lourdes office is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St.   All details concerning the Pilgrimage Tel 061/314111.

JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE:  Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockaloucca.

MONAGAE RAMBLING HOUSE:  The monthly rambling house in Monagae Community Centre takes place on the 2^nd Monday of the month.

ult help. The age profile of the volunteers is currently dominated by over 60s with a number of diligent workers in their 70s and 80s. There is extremely sparse representation of under 40s in the grouping and this will have to be improved upon as the older members of the group cannot go on indefinitely. Please consider lending a hand throughout the year. All help would be appreciated