PROLOGUE: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
– William Arthur Ward YEAR IS TURNING: Anois teacht an Earraigh, beidh an lá ag dul chun síneadh, Is tar éis na Feile Bríde, ard óigh mé mo sheol, Ó chuir mé i’m cheann é, ní stopfaidh mé choiche, Go bhfillfidh mé ar ais ar Chontae Mhuigheo.
SIVE: It’s 57 years since its first outing in Listowel and now, all those years later the play, which still resonates with audiences both rural and urban will be staged by the Abbeyfeale Drama Group in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse beginning Tuesday, February 16 and continuing its run on February 18, 20/21/23/25/27 and finishing on Sunday, February 28. All proceeds from the first night on Tuesday, February 16 go to the Abbeyfeale Lourdes Invalid Fund. Chairman of the Drama Group Seamus Lane has issued an invitation to one and all to come and see their production which will start at 8pm.. “Bi ann gan teip agus beidh failte roimh gach einne.”
AGM OF WEST LIMERICK RADIO: West Limerick 102fm Community Radio Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) takes place on February 23 at The Desmond Complex, Newcastle West. Meeting starts 8pm sharp.
NEW GATES FOR CHURCH OF IRELAND GRAVEYARD ABBEYFEALE: Abbeyfeale Men’s Shed and Traveller Men’s Group have collaborated on repair and hanging of gates in the Church of Ireland Graveyard at Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale. The fitting of the gates will take place on Tuesday February 9 at 12 noon. Local historian Billy Broderick will give a brief talk on the history of the Church of Ireland Graveyard and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre. All welcome. This in an initiative of West Limerick Resources, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board. For more information contact Denis on 087 6497671 or Mary on 087 9382883.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: The parent and toddler group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall from 11- 12.30pm. New Mum’s, Dad’s and toddlers are always welcome.
CANVASS THE CANVASSERS: Grave concern is expressed by families in West Limerick at the proposed siting of a Gasification plant at the Gortadroma former landfill site. The long term effects of such a plant on the health of local people is a big worry. It is hoped that Limerick County Council will rescind their decision and at whatever cost, give priority to the health of people.
ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes take place each Thursday in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) from 10am – 12pm. This educational programme has a relaxation and social aspect. This is a time out space to enhance mental and emotional health. If you are interested in joining this class please contact Mary on 087 9382883. Supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Clare Education & Training Board.
TROCAIRE We ask our usual distributors to collect the Trocaire boxes at the church this weekend to be distributed for Lent. We appreciate your help.
SAGART LOURDES REUNION: Sagart Lourdes Reunion in the Woodlands House hotel on Friday March 4. Tickets €25. Contact Mary on 087/7919414.
I.C.A.: Mainistir na Féile ICA guild resumes on Tuesday night February 3 at 7.30pm. at the Adult Education Centre Mount Mahon.
ABBEYFEALE HARRIERS ANNUAL HUNTING FESTIVAL: Sunday, February 14 – The Strand Bar, Strand, Co. Limerick (The South Tipperary Harriers). Monday, February –15 Walsh’s Bar, Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry (The Macroom Foxhounds).
Tuesday, February 16– Lyons’s Bar, Scartaglin, Co. Kerry (The Stonehall Harriers & the Desmond Foxhounds). Memorial Meet for John O’Connor Wednesday, February 17 – Cryle View Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick (The Carraigshane Harriers). Thursday, February 18 – The Goalpost Bar, Tournafulla, Co. Limerick (The Rooves Bridge Harriers & The Rockfield Harriers). Friday, February 19 – DP Lyons Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick (The Sliabh Luachra Harriers, The Killtevan Harriers & The Minerock Harriers) Memorial Meet for Jackie O’Grady. ALL MEETS AT 11.00 a.m. Food kindly sponsored by publicans.
Hunting is on foot and the quarry is fox – Cap €10.00 per meet.
PLEASE SHOW RESPECT TO LANDOWNERS AND THEIR PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES.Enquiries: Doug McGuinness (Hon. Sec. Abbeyfeale Harriers) 087 6829044 or Paddy O’Grady 087 6258933.
DIVINE MERCY: Divine Mercy Jubilee 25th Divine Mercy Conference February 19-22 in Main Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
FASHION SHOW: Tournafulla Camogie Club are holding a Fashion Show, featuring local models, on Thursday, February 18 in Tournafulla Community Hall, commencing at 7.15pm with a Cheese and Wine Reception. Fashion Show starts at 8pm. Tickets €10,.
can be purchased from Irene Dillane, Miranda Foley, Janet Garvey or Marina O’Mahoney.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses. Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.
CONCERT: Traditional fundraising variety concert by West Limerick traditional singing club on Saturday March 12 in Fr Casey’s GAA club, Abbeyfeale. The concert will include a variety of Traditional Musicians, Singers, Storytellers and dancers all for just €10. Please support. West Limerick singing club are also hosting a night of songs in remembrance of 1916 on Friday April 1 in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale at our monthly singing session which takes place on the 1st Friday of every month.
HAVE YOU A CHILD FOR BAPTISM: Baptismal Meeting will take place in Athea on February 9 @ 8pm in the Sacristy. Parents from the Pastoral area intending to baptize their child are encouraged to attend this gathering.
DRUGS INITIATIVE: The Irish Bishops Drugs initiative programme for confirmation children will take place on Wednesday night March 9 and Wednesday night April 13 from 7:30pm until 9pm at Scoil Mháthair Dé. Both Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to attend.
TOWN PARK NOTES: James Harnett PRO of the Town Park committee writes “February approaches and with it longer days and a touch of spring. Right now is a good time to visit Abbeyfeale Town Park to watch some of the largest river birds in Ireland. The best viewing point is along by the railings directly in front of the picnic tables and early morning offers the best opportunity of enjoying the spectacle of these great birds fishing in the Feale. The most common of these birds is the heron, a large grey bird with a long neck. It stands upright in the water, quite still, until it spots its prey. It then darts its head into the water and catches a fish. The cormorant is another large bird that frequents the river. It swims in the river with just its head and neck appearing over the water. It then dives under the water and surfaces several metres away having caught a fish. The little egret, a very large white bird, has also been spotted flying in the vicinity of the town park recently. So, if you are a twitcher why not come along to Abbeyfeale Town Park – you might find something to tweet about.”
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: This year, the theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy”. This is a Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis and we are called and challenged to be the face of God’s mercy to one another. Mercy is difficult to define and even more difficult to practice in our everyday lives.
FEALEFIT NEWS: Well done to the Fealefit crew who took part in The Milford Hospice 10k in UL on Sunday. Couch to 5k training continues this Saturday February 6 at Fealefit @ 9am along with Adventure Race Training at 10am. Our Couch to 5k training is building towards a Charity 5k in Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day morning March 17 at 10am with a Green theme, €10 to register. All money raised will be donated to charity. This is a fun community event to help raise money for charity so we ask people to help in any way they can with stewarding the course, bring your own water & whatever you can for refreshments, baked goods etc. – anything left over will go to homeless. All event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552.
‘GLÓRACH YOUTH THEATRE: Preparations are well underway for an upcoming production, and even if you don’t fancy threading the boards, there is always lots of work offstage, be it with props, prompting, curtains or light and sound, and who knows, you may even surprise yourself by taking a small part on stage. To paraphrase the old Northern Ireland Tourist board ad from the 1990′s, “you’ll never know unless you go.” Youth theatre classes take place at the Glórach on Thursdays from 7 to 8.30pm , for further enquiries call 0871383940.
KNOCKNASNA N.S. CALLING: Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Pádraig is a country primary school for girls and boys located at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick which is now accepting enrolments for September 2016. If you wish to come and visit the school, see the facilities, meet the pupils and teachers at a time convenient to you, then please contact the school principal Billy Quirke @ 087 9601506. Alternatively you can visit the school website www.knocknasnans.ie. Enrolment Application Forms can be downloaded from the website or collected at the school.
ARA NA FEILE: The active retirement social club hold their next meeting at the Adult Education centre on Wednesday, February 3 at 2pm.
PAINT WITH WATERCOLOURS: Classes at Shakti and Wellness Centre, Hill Road with Denise Joy 087 1538884. Start Thursday, February 4 at 6 weeks.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Applications are currently being taken for security systems for those 65 or older, living alone or with someone aged 65 or over. Contact Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue at the Garda Station or any member of the committee including Chairman James Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins and Marian Harnett or committee members James Joy, Neily Lyons, Mary Jo O’Connell, Mary McArthur, Micheal Kelly, Brodie and Brenda Barry, Denis Collins and Sean Broderick. MOBILE PHONE OPERATORS are warning customers not to return missed calls from unknown international numbers or risk being charged. A scam known as Wangiri fraud involves fraudsters leaving missed calls from unknown numbers on people’s phones and when people call back their credit is drained or their bill is charged. Scammers buy up a range of numbers and then use automated machines to make quick missed calls to different numbers. Customers then receive a missed call from an unknown number – generally an international number or premium rate number – and if they call back their credit or call charge is drained. To keep people on the phone for longer, the sound on the other end of the line will usually be someone calling for help or an operator saying: “All operators are busy at present, please hold.” There is no charge incurred when people answer calls from these numbers, only when they call back, and the longer someone stays on the phone the higher the charge will be. The Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) - an alliance of Meteor , Three and Vodafone – issued a warning to its customers advising them to avoid the scam. The ICIA issues these guidelines to its customers if they receive a call from an international number that they don’t recognize: Do not call the number back: If it is a legitimate call, then the chances are that the caller will call you back or leave you a voicemail. Be vigilant about protecting their number whenever possible, ensuring they are careful when answering calls to numbers they don’t recognize or calling an unrecognized number back after a missed call. Particular care should be taken when responding to calls from unknown numbers beginning with +247. The scam is a telecoms industry-wide problem.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: A new year brings new opportunities to improve oneself so why not check out West Limerick Toastmasters at the Desmond Complex, NCW on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 8pm. A club with a difference where you get the opportunity to practice the art of public speaking in a supportive caring environment. Everyone welcome. Further information from Charles 087 7972855.
COMMITMENT MASS: Confirmation Children, parents and sponsors commitment Mass will take place on Saturday, February 13 @ 7pm in the Church of the Assumption.
SUE RYDER: The shop in Abbeyfeale offers a large selection of low priced women’s and men’s clothing, bric a brac, toys, handbags and a fantastic choice of bestseller books.
We welcome donations of all of the above but at the moment we especially need bed linen and curtains, towels etc. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items and duvets/pillows.
Thank you for your continued support.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.: Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: 087 – 2618412. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Bernadette O’Connor, Knocknasna Thursday 10am Elizabeth, Johan & Moss O’Connor and Elizabeth O’Sullivan. Saturday 11am Bridie & Thomas O’Connell, late of London & Knocknasna. Intention for next weekend 7pm Peter Scannell, Clash Road, Peggy Foley, Ballaugh. . 9.30am Dan McCarthy, Collins Park. John Stack, Purt . 12noon Gerard O’Shea Mary Ann Barry, Knocknasna 1st Anniversary.. Church Webcam is now officially switched on and broadcasting live. Almost anyone in the world can now view live broadcasts of events in Abbeyfeale parish church by logging onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. A direct link from the parish website has been set up. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard. Ash Wednesday February 10. The chart for perpetual adoration for the Lenten period is at the back of the altar and you are asked to sign up for one hour a week. Trocaire boxes are available to be distributed by usual volunteers. Baptismal Meeting Athea church in the sacristy Tuesday February 9 at 7.30pm.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDUGORJE: Pilgrimage to Mejugorje – 35th Anniversary. Departing from Shannon. Wednesday, September 7. Fare €649 for bookings before February 17. Half board accommodation. Contact John O’Brien 086-8938984.
DOMESTIC ABUSE GROUP FOR MEN WHO ARE BATTERED: AMEN is based in Navan at St. Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway St. and provides a helpline on 046 9023 718, Email: [email protected]
CREATIVE WRITING: Children’s creative writing classes in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from 9.30 to 10.30 am. Suitable from children age 7 to 12 years. To book tel. (068) 22212.
GROUP TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR THOSE WHO MISUSE CANNABIS: A free programme will commence on Thursday, February 11 at a venue in Limerick city for persons over the age of 18 who feel that their use of cannabis is out of control. This is a free confidential service, for further information contact Mark Campbell 086 3847075 or Justin Sherin 087 2051958.
WEEKEND FOR MEN DISCERNING A VOCATION: St. Patrick’s College Thurles on Friday, February 5 starting with dinner at 6.30pm followed by prayer and overnight stay. Saturday breakfast, short talk on discerning a vocation, Mass, lunch followed by discussion. To book 061 414624 / [email protected]
MEDJUGORJE 35TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE AND DAY OF PRAYER: Sunday, February 7 at Montenotte Hotel, Cork, 10am—5pm. Tickets €12 phone Sean 086 2959380.
AUCTION OF CONTENTS: An auction will take place of the contents of Adare Manor on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29. Further information Aidan Foley 086 8290680.
LONDON KERRY ASSOCIATION AGM: Wednesday, February 3 at 7pm sharp in the Kingdom Bar, 229 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JG.
Nominations will be taken from the floor for all positions.
MAUREEN’S OUTINGS: Spring Break; April 24-27, 2016. We will be staying in the Cavan Crystal 4 star Hotel, Cavan. On our way up we will stop off in Longford to see St. Mel’s cathedral that was destroyed by fire 5 years ago and reopened last Christmas. We have a full and interesting itinerary, touring by day and dancing after dinner in our hotel. On Monday we will go to Armagh where we will visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Church of Ireland Cathedral also we will go and see the Cardinal Tómas O’Fiaich Memorial Library. We intend going to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises. All those who have already given in their names must confirm their booking with a deposit of €25 to secure our hotel booking. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.
VOCATIONS AFTERNOON: “Come and see” 2.00 – 4.30 p.m. Saturday, February 6. For women discerning a religious vocation Poor Clare Monastery, College Rd. Cork. www.poorclarescork.ie Email: [email protected]
ADAPT: Support is available in Newcastle West each week and there is a new survivors group called ‘Let’s Talk’ which is open to women. A 24 Hour Freephone Helpline is available 365 days a year at 1800 200 504. Court accompaniment and many other supports are also available.
SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 1pm 365 days a year.
KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND: led by Bishop Ray Browne, October 30, 2016, 8 nights. Direct Flight from Shannon, coach transfers from Kerry. Cost €1,575 sharing. Enquiries: Janice O’Sullivan 064 7758219 or email [email protected] Limited availability.
HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Check if you are on the register of Electors – at your local library, post office, Garda station or council office or go on-line to www.checktheregister.ie If you are not on the register, get a Supplementary Registration Form (RFA2) from local library, post office, Garda station or council office or on-line at www.vote.ie Fill in the form and take it to your local Garda station or Community Garda with some form of identification. Have the form stamped and signed by a Garda. Post the form to your local council at least 15 days before the date of the election. (www.vote.ie)
087 252 3030
