PROLOGUE: It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living”.
F. Scott Fitzgerald.
MESSAGE FROM THE PASTORAL COUNCIL: The Pastoral Council are grateful to the Glórach Theatre Board for making the Glórach car park available to those attending the Celtic Brothers Concert on Sunday 11th. We appreciate their support for the parish.
CHRISTMAS PARTY IN ST.ITA’S: The annual Christmas party takes place on Tuesday, December 13. The day starts from 10 -11.30 with tea and scones, followed by a game of bingo from 12noon with Christmas Lunch served at 1pm and followed by Christmas Carols with the ACA Choir, music, song, dancing and for those who like a game of cards –there’s a quiet corner. . The charge is €15, you must book in advance on 068 51850 and everyone is welcome.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Christmas Cantata: We are delighted to announce that Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Christmas Cantata, “Nativity Story” in the Church of the
Assumption on Thursday, December 15 at 7.00 p.m. All Welcome.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: Our annual Christmas cake sale will take place in St. Ita’s Hall on Sunday, December 11 from 10am – 12 noon. Please take note of the times, last year we planned to stay open until 1pm but sold out much earlier. Hope all our generous bakers will continue to support us. Donations can be left in Batt’s the day before or dropped to the hall Sunday morning. We look forward to your continued support.
KNOCK Shrine Night Vigil. The Feast of Immaculate Conception Wednesday, 7th December, Coaches Departs: Listowel. 5:00pm (The Bridge); Abbeyfeale 5:15pm (The Church), contact: O’Shea’s. 066 71 80123.
STORY OF THE BUTTER ROAD TO CORK: Joe Harrington’s recent book, ‘Once Upon a Road’, is now in its second print run having become a best seller in some bookshops. It is now available in Harnett’s Gala on the Killarney Road out of Abbeyfeale. It can also be ordered by post from Joe who can be contacted at 0872853570 for more information.
ADORATION: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Wednesday and Friday in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from after the 10.00am Mass until 7.00pm. The Wednesday Adoration will continue until Christmas.
RETREAT: The Youth 2000 Christmas retreat will be taking place in Newbridge College, Newbridge between December 9-11th. This retreat is for anyone aged 16-35. Excellent Speakers, Inspiring Talks & Workshops, Fantastic music, Group activities, Youth Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, prayer, Drama, Games & plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young & Catholic today!! Donation only. Free buses leaving from all over Ireland. Register now on www.youth2000.ie”
EXCITING NEW VENTURE: Best wishes to Eamon McElligott, of Brown Joe’s Abbeyfeale Road, Athea who has recently opened his newly renovated kitchen and upstairs dining room which is now available for Christmas bookings..
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: St Vincent De Paul: The Annual Church Gate Collection in support of St Vincent DePaul will take place on the weekend of the 10th/11th of December.
Any donations you can give will be greatly appreciated.
CELTIC BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT: ’ The very popular singing family group Celtic Brothers, formerly known as the Willoughby Brothers will give a Christmas Concert in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, December 11. The concert will begin at 7.30pm. All funds raised at this concert will go towards St Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale Parish Resource Centre. Tickets for the concert are on sale in Abbeyfeale and are also available at The Zip Yard in Newcastle West, Greaney’s in Ardagh, The Parish Office Foynes, Collins Shop Athea, Buckley’s Devon Road, The Community Shop, Tournafulla, and at the Post Office in Templeglantine. Tickets can also be booked by ringing 089 – 4314765
CHRISTMAS MARKET at the Barnagh Hub on Sunday, December 11 and 18.
Saloon
At Glórach
LAST CHANCE SALOON AT THE GLÓRACH: One final opportunity for you to sup from the cup of local history on Saturday Dec 10 th ,when Abbeyfeale on Film & In Context will screen for the final time at 8pm.We have cancelled the Sunday (11 th Dec) screening so that the Glórach car park will be available for use by those attending the Abbeyfeale Church concert. A wise man, once said, that as a rule, one should believe nothing of what’s heard and only half of what’s seen – well, there’s an exception to every rule! And, that exception will unfold, on celluloid, in all its glory at Glórach cinema this coming Saturday night, when all of what you hear and see can, absolutely, be taken on trust. Eliminate the “if and buts and maybes” and become one of the lucky 95 who can say – yes, I was there on that historic occasion when Abbeyfeale on Film and In Context screened for the very last time. In the same manner as those lucky enough to have seen Munster beat the All Blacks at Thomond Park, all those years ago, you, too, will be entitled to bask in the reflected glory of an occasion that will last long into the future!! Book on-line at [email protected] or 0871383940. Postscript: Billy and I went to see the film last week and he recognised loads, me being a blow in didn’t but found it most interesting and educational and every youngster growing up in Abbeyfeale should get to see it and have their eyes opened to what their ancestors went through in the not so distant past – it will also give them a new appreciation for the man who welcomes us all to the Square – Fr. Casey. Because of the interest the film has generated we have been promised a couple of showings in January.
OLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING, MOUNTMAHON, ABBEYFEALE: The following free courses will be starting in January 2023: 1. Healthy eating made easy: This course is packed full of hints and tips for the home cook, and will allow learners to take their cooking to the next level. 2 ; Everyday cookery skills: Learners will explore a range of classic recipes aimed at healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options with a dish to suit everyone’s taste. 3: Cookery for blokes: Men, this class is for you. This class will allow you to develop your everyday cookery skills in a modern, purpose-built culinary fun setting; 4. Grow your own vegetables: This practical course will also cover a range of useful tips and ideas suitable to your own gardens at home. You will be based in our large polytunnel on-campus which comprises a variety of raised beds and gardening equipment. Please call the office on 06831198 for more information, Email: [email protected] or register at www.collegeoffet.ie/abbeyfeale
BROADFORD YOUTH CHOIR RINGS IN CHRISTMAS AT GLÓRACH: The acclaimed Broadford Youth Choir will come to Abbeyfeale to ring in the Christmas season at the Glórach Theatre on Friday, December 9th. The choir will bring a programme of festive favourites including classics such as O Holy Night, I Believe in Father Christmas, Christmas 1915 and more recent hits such as Christmas Lights, 2000 Miles and Last Christmas. Directed by Susan Browne, the choir is almost eleven years in existence and has approximately 70 members. Broadford Youth Choir aims to offer musical training and opportunities in a setting that is inclusive to all and to offer exceptional life experiences to the young people of West Limerick.
The choir has toured extensively including their most recent trip to perform at the Irish Embassy in New York, 2019. The choir also performed to rave reviews at the official Irish Gaelic mass at St. Agnes Church, St. Peter’s Church at the WTC and Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Building quite a following throughout the trip, the choir was lauded for its performances and the professionalism of the young people.
Broadford Youth Choir will travel to Paris next March to participate in St. Patrick’s Day events and are excited to once again be taking to the stage for full audiences. Throughout the pandemic, the choir continued to perform by creating safe spaces and opportunities. Christmas 2020 saw the kids brave the elements and perform an outdoor drive-in concert at Springfield Castle and Easter 2021 provided the opportunity to an online series of sacred song. They also participated in the Lourdes Online Pilgrimmage 2021 while many of the soloists went on to great success online and in person at Feis Ceoil and Feis Maitiu.
Don’t miss your opportunity to hear this outstanding group perform. You will be singing in your seats and leave the beautiful Glorach Theatre full of festive joy. Tickets are €15 per person and can be purchased online or by contacting the Glorach 087 1383040.
RELAUNCH OF “A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF RE. WILLIAM CASEY P.P.:”Copies of the relaunched book are on sale in Batts and in the Siopa Milsean at a very reasonable €8.
ABBEYFEALE’S NIGHT AT THE OSKARS: The DVD’s and USB sticks are in transit but held up at the port – we’re blaming Brexit. Whenever they come they will be on sale at the Day Care Centre, Batt’s in the Square and An Siopa Milsean and will make an ideal Christmas gift. The DVD’s will retail at €10 each and the USB sticks at €15.
BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club meet at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre every Thursday from 7.30pm. New members welcome.
CARA: Cara are all about the Creative Arts Raising Abbeyfeale – a dedicated group set up to promote and showcase Abbeyfeale through the arts. The idea is to use the arts to lift the profile of Abbeyfeale on a local, regional and national level. The calendar “Abbeyfeale – The Bare Essentials” is their first project. Calendars on sale throughout the town and are currently making their way to ex pats all over the world through [email protected] If you are looking for an unusual gift for your loved one who is far from home this Christmas this will surely put a smile on their face and they will make a collector’s item in time to come. Sales will not only benefit the Irish Cancer Society but will enable CARA “to create a dedicated fund for future artworks and creative projects in the Abbeyfeale streetscape”.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUB: We are hoping to have the Parish Youth Club up and running very shortly. There is a need for parent volunteers to help with the running of the club. If you have some time and are willing to help contact Noreen Cullinane on
Messenger on 087-2353306.
ST. ITAS DAY CARE: Open to visitors every Tuesday. Morning Coffee and scones. Lunch, music and dancing. Contact Jane on 068 51850. Meals on Wheels are available and can be booked in advance.
REOPENING OF ABBEYFEALE MART: A sale is held every Saturday so please support. For further information 087 6903172/ 087 9480484.
NEW MABS OUTREACH CLINIC: On the second of Friday of each month (excluding bank holidays) a MABS Outreach Clinic will be held in St. Ita’s Hall from 9am -12.30pm. The contact number for appointments is 0818 072210 for the North Munster MABS Limerick Office. Those wishing to make an appointment must make the call themselves due to GDPR.
HOT DESK: Work Base E-Hub at Old Bank Building on Main Street is open for Business. For full details and pricing on Private Office Suites, Meeting Room, Hot-desks etc contact Ken Tobin on 086 816 2105.
THE SIMPLE LIFE: Local lady, Catherine Fitz from Knocknasna has written a book that can be used as a guide to living the good life. Full of gems of wisdom it’s available from An Siopa Milsean and Heavenly Gifts.
45 CARD DRIVE: The 45 Card Drive continues in Raheenagh Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. All welcome.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Knockalougha on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month.. Every 1st Thursday of each month there is a Rambling House in the Community Centre in Knockanure.. All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.
Ita McQuinn, Monagea Rambling House is on the third Thursday of the month at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 8pm. Listowel Rambling House takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9.15 pm in the Seanachai Centre.
TABLE TOP SALE:: In Knockanure Community Centre on December 18th there will be a ‘Sale of Work’/Table Top Sale. Further information from 068 49799.
SET DANCING: With Timmy Woulfe Monday nights at 8pm in the Marian Hall, Moyvane, There are also Set Dancing Classes at Fr. Casey’s Club house Wednesday nights.
LEARN TO DANCE: Social dancing classes in the Plaza Hall, Listowel every Monday night for beginners 7.30 – 9pm. Waltzing, Jiving, Quick Step, Foxtrot. Everyone welcome.
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PRAYER MEETING: Janice Carrig holds a prayer meeting in the Desmond Complex on the last Sunday of the month.
CAROL CONCERT Hosted by Coláiste na Ríochta, Secondary School, in St. Mary’s Church, Listowel on Wednesday 14th December @ 7.30pm. Featuring Kerry Choral Union.
GREENWAY: Limerick Council will start work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West in early 2023. Design teams have been appointed to design Greenway Hubs at the Ardagh Stationhouse and the Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed.
EDUCATION: Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) Programme at University Hospital Kerry starting January’23. 12 weeks, modules involving education, supervision, and a clinical placement. For further information contact Dr. Margaret Naughton 066-7184000 or email [email protected]
.CHURCH NEWS: Abbeyfeale is part of the parish pastoral unit that consists of Athea, Templeglantine, Tournafulla and Mountcollins. Contact numbers are as follows:
Fr Willie Russell Tel 087/2272825. Fr Tony Mullins Tel 087/2600414 Fr Denis Mullane Tel 087/2621911. Fr Dan Lane Retired Tel 087/2533030. There is always a priest from one of the other pastoral areas on emergency call on Sundays and his name and number is published on the parish website and also on the weekly newsletter. Mass Intentions for the coming week: Wednesday 10am - The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday 7pm Vincent McNally. Willie Leahy and son Dermot, Mountmahon
Thursday 10am Lawrence Cree Month Mind. Thursday 7pm For the sick of the parish
Friday 10am Purgatorial List. Saturday 6.30pm Paddy & Ma ry O’Connor, Caherhayes.
Jeremiah Healy, Knocknasna Month Mind, Ann Lyons, The Square. Bridget Healy and deceased family members Lower Knocknasna. Betty & Patie Lane, Kilconlea .Ramey Leahy New Street. John & Mary Ita Collins and son John and deceased family members.
Sunday 10am Hannah Mai Scannell, Dromtrasna Collins.Paddy , Eily Mai and Michael Barry. 12noon Tom Dillane Kilconlea. Frank Foley, St Ita’s Road. Mary Gleeson Morrissey, Ballaugh .
A priest will be available after Mass on weekdays if a parishioner wishes to celebrate the sacrament of Confessions. : If you are interested in either being a Reader of the Word or an Eucharist Minister contact Fr Tony Mullins or the sacristy before or after Mass. Baptisms in Abbeyfeale will be celebrated on the first Saturday of each month at 5.00pm. Also, on the second Sunday of the month after the 12 noon Mass. Contact the Sacristy 068/51915 during Mass Times.
LISTOWEL BINGO: Bingo is back Sunday night in the Plaza, Church St, at 8.30pm. Welcome back to all old and new players.
VOLUNTEER WITH LIMERICK WEST SPECIAL OLYMPICS CLUB: Limerick West Special Olympics club are seeking volunteers to accompany adult athletes on a bus from the Abbeyfeale area to Bocce training in Newcastle West and home again on Tuesday evenings. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with bocce training (similar to bowls) each week. Our athletes have competed at both regional and national level so you could learn a fun new game with a great group of people! If you have some time to spare on a Tuesday evening we would be delighted to hear from you. Drop in to the Community Centre, NCW at 7pm to meet us or ring Deirdre at 0863628629 for more information.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT: Alzheimer’s Carers Support Group is a space where Carers can discuss their caring role, source information, and provide support for each other. Meetings take place at 2pm on the 2nd Wednesday of December at the Listowel Family Resource Centre. Contact Bridie Mulvihill 086-8556431.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Don’t leave the house without a Hi Viz Jacket, at least you’re someway visible if the driver of car coming against you is dazzled by the low sun. Start gathering a supply of batteries and candles just in case of power cuts and have them where you can easily put your hands on them. Invest in a couple of hot water bottles too. The easiest way to keep your feet warm is to wear pop socks inside your socks - I speak with the voice of experience after 18 years in the Square every Friday at the Farmers’ Market. Try and eat well – your food is your medicine and stay out of the hospital system if you can at all. Keep your personal information to yourself – personal details like name, emails or credit / debit card information. Regularly access your account online to verify all transactions. Change passwords regularly and keep them private. Do not post personal information about yourself e.g. date of birth, where you live, family details on social media Learn your Eircode – if you have to call for help it will take the services straight to your door. Write ICE before your next of kin’s number in your phone so if you cannot communicate the services will be able to contact your next of kin. If you suffer from a gambling addiction there is a counsellor/psychotherapist available at the Listowel Family Resource Centre. Further information from 068 23584. If you are 65, you live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out or if you spend long periods of the day on your own then, because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65. The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company of €72. There may be some confusion over the word free - the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month payable from day one with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation. Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly. Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.
JOBS: Objections have been withdrawn and so Lilly will open a biologics facility in the Raheen Business Park, Limerick with up to 1,000 workers involved in construction. They are expected to spend €400m.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Christmas Afternoon tea dance will take place on Sunday December 11th from 3pm-5pm in Ballybunion Community Centre. Admission on the day will be free.
OPEN AA MEETING - Saturday 10th December – The Tarbert Group of Alcoholics Anonymous opened its doors to the suffering alcoholic back in 2002. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary with an Open Meeting in the Tarbert Community Centre on Saturday 10th December at 8pm. Everybody Welcome.
SUPPORT: Anam Cara Kerry, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Tuesday 13th December at 7:15pm in the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. More [email protected] call our Information Line on 01 4045378.
HELPLINES: Senior Line Friendly Listening Service 1800 804591. If you are feeling vulnerable contact Pieta House 061 484444/ Samaritans 116123/061 412111. Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie Email Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland. Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer. Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Tel: Freephone 1800 80 4848 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). Email: [email protected] A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email [email protected] National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444. Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684. Mental Health Ireland – Helpline 01 2841166. Alzheimers Society, Information and Emotional Help – 1800341341.AMEN( male victims of domestic violence) 0469023718. Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members. Call: 01 5313331. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. . Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick. Tel: 061 485 800 Email: [email protected] Children’s Grief Centre, Limerick. Tel: 061 224 627 Email info@childrensgriefcentre. TeenTxt-Text: TEEN to 50101.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS: If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]
087 260 0414
