Light refreshments afterwards.

All are Welcome

GLÓRACH BINGO:  Glorious weather ensured a large turnout at the GAA grounds in Abbeyfeale last Sunday for our weekly drive-in Bingo.  The effervescent Tom Madigan took up the mantle once again of calling out the numbers, and any despondency felt by our Kerry contingent after the match on Saturday quickly receded over the course of a memorable afternoon.  Once again, thanks to all involved who have ensured the safe and smooth running of this event, and to our loyal patrons.  Familiar faces and newcomers all welcome at the usual starting time of 2 pm each Sunday.

PAT FEELEY ON LYRIC FM:  With obvious distractions for many Limerick people over the last few weeks, some may have missed the compilation of some of Pat Feeley’s memorable programmes that appeared on Lyric FM.  If you did, simply go to the RTE Lyric FM Player site; the three programmes broadcast can be accessed under ‘The Lyric Feature’.

WELCOME HOME FR. TIM AND SORRY FOR YOUR TROUBLE!:  Delighted to have Fr. Tim Galvin home from his Mission in South Sudan for a few months but how well Kerry had to lose to Tyrone at the weekend.  The Kilmanahan native will have to pray for Mayo on Saturday week at 5pm and use all his influence with the Man Above to get that curse called off.

FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTRE, MOUNTMAHON, ABBEYFEALE (THE OLD TECH):

The following free courses still have some spaces left: Sewing for Beginners, Beginners knitting, Payroll Manual & Computerised (Level 5), Bookkeeping manual and computerised (Level 5), Childcare Level 5, Healthcare Level 5, Sign Language, Winter window box gardening, making a podcast, Upcycling Furniture, Local history.

Please call the office on 06831198 for more information, Email: fetabbeyfeale@lcetb.ie or register at www.learningandskills.ie.

ST PIO DEVOTIONS:  Devotions in Listowel every first Friday beginning with Evening Mass at 6.45pm.

BALLYHEIGUE PATTERN DAY:  This year Bishop Ray Browne will celebrate Mass in Our Lady’s Well and Grotto, Ballyheigue on Wednesday, August 8 at 12 noon, Mass will be streamed live on www. dioceseofkerry.ie facebook page. In the interests of safety and fairness there will be no congregation present on the day. The Well and Grotto will remain closed for the duration of the Mass and will reopen at 1.30pm after which you are most welcome to come for private prayer.

INVITATION:  You are invited to attend Abbeyfeale Community Council AGM on Thursday, September 16 at Fr. Casey’s G.A.A. Clubhouse @7.30 p.m.  ACC has secured the investment of over six hundred thousand euro for our community in the past five years. Projects include The new Business Hub, walkways in Abbeyfeale Town Park, heritage signage, provision of defibrillators and many more. Abbeyfeale is about to undergo momentous changes with the implementation of the new traffic management plan, the development of the Greenway and the proposed Abbeyfeale bypass.

Have your voice heard now. Join the ACC – at the heart of Abbeyfeale. Stronger together!

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration in the main church every Friday, beginning after the 10.00am Mass – 6.00pm. Entrance through the front door of the church. Please note that when there is a Wedding Mass celebrated on a Friday, adoration will be from 4 to 6.00pm.

LIMERICK WOMEN’S MARATHON:  The Virtual Limerick Women’s Marathon will take place on September 25/26.

CHARITY Cycle on the Limerick Greenway on Saturday, September 11 in aid of Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

VEHICLE RUN:   Paudie Fitzmaurice Memorial Vehicle run, begins at the Mart in Castleisland at noon on Sunday, September 5.

TRAINING: Cycle Against Suicide are working to train and deploy a network of ‘Community Buddies’ into communities in Kerry and all across Ireland.    The Community Buddy programme is peer to peer support and is centred around a structured but supportive conversation in a safe and non-judgemental space.  It allows an individual to discuss how they are coping or not coping and working with the Buddy to discuss (and co-produce) ways of moving forward to overcome the challenges.  The training to become a Community Buddy is 2 full days or four evenings currently being delivered via zoom.  Full details are available at: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/community-buddy-club/

DIP IN THE NIP:  This unique fundraiser in aid of Recovery Haven will be held on Saturday, September 18 at a secret location.  Registration is vital through Evenbrite, tickets €40 plus booking fee.  Music, entertainment, raffle.  Contact Recovery Haven, Tralee on 066 7192122 for further details.

COURSE: Recovery Haven Kerry are starting a six-week course titled ‘Building Better

Caregivers’.  This course starts on Tuesday, September 14 and is an online

programme for those supporting a loved one with cancer.  If you are interested

in this course, please contact Reception on 066 7192122 for more details.

RADIO MARIA:  broadcasts Mass, Rosary, Divine Mercy Hour etc daily. It has many interesting programmes.. The easiest way to tune in is via the television, Saorview channel 210, (if you go forward one channel from RTE1 you get RTE2, if you go back one from RTE1 you get Radio Maria). There is also a mobile App. For info  visit  www.radiomaria.ie.

FOOD FAIR: Listowel Food Fair will be held from Thursday, November 4 until Monday, November 8 – Family & Children, Festivals, Food & Drink. Since its inception in 1995, the Listowel Food Fair has continued to develop successfully and is now an established event in the calendar of Kerry festivals.

ARTS FESTIVAL:  Ballybunion Arts Festival September 9 – 12 will host a diverse programme of Theatre, Poetry, Performance Art, Music, Visual Art & workshops for artists and audiences.  Kerry Writer in Residence Máire Holmes will host an Irish language poetry workshop on September11in Ballybunion Community Centre. More details (https://kerrycoco.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3755ab5575cb711eac9566f8&id=30cb5eab5e&e=57e387efec)

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR ABBEYFEALE TOWN PARK:  A box for donations to help keep Abbeyfeale Town Park open has been affixed to the wall of the public toilets in the park.  A Go Fund Me page has also been set up.

CHURCH NEWS:    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Priest on Call during the summer months Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030  www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email fealechurch@eircom.net Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068 -31133.  To book a |Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 0668 51915.

COMMUNITY RADIO:  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square, Moss the Farmers’ and also in the Siopa Nua.  Fr. Tony is very thankful to the volunteers who make it possible to broadcast Mass to the people of West Limerick every Sunday morning at 10am from Abbeyfeale.

BALLYBUNION STAGE SCHOOL:    If you want your children to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, put them on the stage, details from 087 1303 325.

ACCORD FACILITATORS NEEDED:    Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Those interested should have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part a  team  supporting  couples  who  are  preparing  for  the  Sacrament  of Marriage. Contact Aisling on 01 5053112 or email info@accord.ie

PATRICK O’KEEFFE YOUNG MUSICIAN AWARD:   Applications are now open to all musicians in the 13 – 23 age bracket. Please note that any videos submitted by minors must be submitted by the child’s parent/guardian and the deadline is Sunday, September 12. Email applications to: patrickokeeffefestival@gmail.com

STORYTELLING: Listowel International Storytelling Festival returns in-person to Listowel from Friday, September 17 – 19.    Now in its 3rd year the festival will feature a packed programme of events including storytelling sessions & workshops, story & history walks, music sessions and children’s storytelling. We are especially thrilled to have acclaimed storyteller Maria Gillen as our Artistic Director for the festival. Our full programme will be available soon, but follow our Social Media pages or visit www.kerrywritersmuseum.com/storytelling-festival/ for updates on special guests and events.

BALLYLONGFORD BLACKSMITHING FAIR:   A new event will take place in  Ballylongford on the weekend of  Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26 next.  Blacksmithing displays in the Creamery and grounds from Forged in Ireland , hand forged and old wares for sale, food and refreshments on sale and roving musicians.  It will be a family friendly weekend with admission only €5 and under 16’s free.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC: As a result of the Coronavirus, the offices of West Limerick Resources remain closed to the general public.  Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

BUGGY BUDDIES: Join our 4-week ‘Walk and Talk’ programme.  A chance to get out and about with babies & toddlers, keep fit and have a chat with other parents, caregivers & expectant mothers.  Starts 11am, Tuesday, September 7, at the Demesne, Newcastle West.  Registration essential.  Contact Stefanie 087 398 2925.

DIGITAL MARKETING PROGRAMME: West Limerick Resources in partnership with West Limerick Tourism are delighted to be able to offer you/your business the opportunity to attend the West Limerick Digital Marketing Training Programme, starting Monday, September 6.  Do you struggle to see a return on your digital marketing activity?  Do you want to know how to streamline processes and get a better return for your time and money?  Register for this free initiative and you will: be able to create a robust integrated digital marketing strategy that will earn you a high return; know what channels are best for your business and be able to use them more effectively; get advice that is specific to your business and your business goals; be able to create digital campaigns using channels that best suit your business and your customers; discover what works by measuring and optimizing social media campaigns; make the businesses website visible to larger audience thanks to Search Engine; optimisation (SEO) techniques; learn by doing – this course is very practical and hands-on.  Please be advised this course is limited to 12 participants as it includes intensive training sessions for you with the trainer. Register today by emailing Elaine at edillon@wlr.ie

NORTH KERRY, WEST LIMERICK: SMART VILLAGES, STRONGER COMMUNITIES: This initiative is jointly led by NEWKD and West Limerick Resources in association with KPMG Future Analytics and University College Dublin and addresses the unique challenges facing Ireland’s rural regions by unlocking innovative new solutions for the sustainable growth and development of rural communities within the North Kerry – West Limerick region. The project will involve a combination of detailed data analysis, extensive public consultation and capacity-training workshops will be used to co-produce an integrated development plan for the North Kerry – West Limerick region.  Over the course of the project, the team will seek to engage with communities across Causeway, Ballyduff, Ballybunion, Ballylongford, Tarbert, Duagh , Moyvane, Brosna, Knocknagoshel, Listowel, Ballydonoghue, Lixnaw, Finuge, Abbeyfeale, Turnafulla, Mountcollins, Templeglantine, Athea/Carrigkerry, Glin, Loughill/Ballyhahill, Ardagh and Shanagolden. The project will officially launch with an online event entitled “Co-Developing Smart Villages – Towards Stronger Rural Communities” which will take place over two morning sessions on Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1. A conference programme and registration page will be launched shortly.

LEADER OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: The LEADER Transition Programme is now open for applications for eligible community and enterprise projects.  Grant aid for capital works is currently available to all at a rate of 75% to a maximum €200,000 however funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is also available for eligible training and A&D projects.  Please note conventional retail, agriculture, childcare, healthcare and on-going running costs are among the areas ineligible for LEADER funding.  For more information or to discuss your ideas please contact one of our development officers:  Caitriona Scully (Tourism and Food Projects) – cscully@wlr.ie Elaine Dillon (Community Projects) – edillon@wlr.ie Suzanne Rowley (Enterprise Projects) – srowley@wlr.ie Further information on all our activities and projects is available on www.wlr.ie or check out our Facebook page: www.wlr.ie/facebook

COMMUNITY ALERT:  There is not a day but the phone rings and it’s an automated message urging you to press button 1 or to divulge your PIN number for your bank account or your PPS number. Ignore everything, ring the Garda Station if you are concerned but whatever you do tell your business to no one on the phone. If you’re on Face Book don’t be telling people you’re going on holidays either.  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.

.HELPLINES:  If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 0579351886/0860419154.  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 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.  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 jo@samaritans.ie Aware (Depression & Anxiety 016617211.  National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444.   Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 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 during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. 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.

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 marianharnett1@gmail.com

DEATHS:  We offer our sympathy to the family of Paddy Leahy, Banard whose funeral took place on Monday. To the family of Jer Roche, Caherhayes whose funeral took place on Tuesday. To the family of Michael (Mick Fox) Harnett, Knockadireen, Dromtrasna Collins whose funeral took place on Wednesday. May they rest in peace.

DRUG RELATED INTIMIDATION:  Having heard of a case of  Drug Related Intimidation locally I contacted the MidWest Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum   and received the following statement from Rionach who is a development Worker with the Forum. “ It is a criminal offence, and An Garda Siochana and the National Family Support Network highlighted this back in 2013, with the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme. However, a lack of awareness of the programme, means that some family members can go without support, and some people (including workers in organisations) may be at a loss if a situation of drug related intimidation is disclosed to them.  It is a very difficult situation that a person could find themselves in, through no action of their own. It may be, that they didn’t even know their family member was using substances.  Whatever the circumstance, it can be isolating and heart breaking, and for that reason, it is important that people who find themselves in this situation know that there is support out there, and they are not alone.  Drug Services can direct a family member towards a family support project or worker who can help them around the stress and strain of the circumstances where a family member is using substances (www.drugs.ie) and An Garda Siochana can support the family member in terms of their safety and security when faced with an incidence of drug related intimidation. There is a designated Garda Inspector allocated to Drug Related Intimidation in every county.  Limerick: Detective Inspector Ronan McDonagh Henry Street Garda Station 061 212 400. Kerry: Inspector John Kelly Tralee Garda Station 066 7102300.  It’s never too late to ask for help.

NATIONAL PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION:  The NPA executive has announced the “difficult decision” it has made to cancel the 2021 trade exhibition this year. The World Ploughing Contest due to be held in Ireland to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the championships has also been cancelled.

WARNING:  There are currently fraudulent SMS messages in circulation claiming to be from DHL. These messages are not from us! As a matter of principle, we do not ask for any data or to download apps via SMS.
CHURCHES REOPEN:  Fr. Tony writes:  The two-metre social distancing rule still applies. Stewards will direct you to the hand sanitizing stations and then to your seats. The seats will be clearly marked. Three individual people from different households to a seat. Families from the same household may sit together. The stewards will direct you to Holy Communion and at the end of Mass we are asking people to exit the church gradually and safely. Should the church be filled parishioners will be able to hear Mass in the car park through the Car Park Radio. Tune your car radio to 107FM. For Holy Communion we ask you to remain in your car and Holy Communion will be brought to you. We ask you to follow the guidance of the stewards at all times. The church will need to be cleaned thoroughly after each time that it is used. The cleaning of the building after each Mass is essential to maintain safety and prevent the spread of the virus. Please use sanitiser, available at entrances and exits to the church· Social Distancing must be adhered to at all times and please wear your mask for added safety.   The Church will be divided into ‘pods’ (of no more than 50 persons in each), giving us welcome extra capacity· Each Section has its own entrance / exit route with strictly no movements between ‘pods’· The ‘Sign of Peace’ remains suspended for the moment and arrangements for Holy Communion, observing social distancing as they were last time· Should you find the capacity of the church has already been reached, you may park in the grounds and participate in our Mass through your car radio [107FM}But please remain in your car so that there is no congregating in the car park.  Numbers for Weddings and Funerals are limited to 50. It is not in the power of the priest to change this. It is the ‘law of the land’, so please do not exceed or ask for exception. The current Mass schedule will remain in place for the summer months.

DEGREE: Pre-Degree course for adults, closing date May 31, details from University of Limerick.

ACTIVE RETIRED; We are inviting expressions of interest from all Active Retired Groups to host an event/ activity for older members of your community during the month of May. All event organisers must ensure that their event is on-line, or alternatively events must be adhering to the public health guidelines that may be in place at the time.

https://www.sdcc.ie/en/news/bealtaine-festival-may-2021.html

SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS:  West Limerick Mental Health Association are always searching for volunteers and they say “Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organization and our community. Without the dedication of volunteers, many projects offered by our local branch would not be possible. We truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy to further our mission.  Volunteering is at the core of our organization. It is about giving, contributing and helping other individuals and the community at large; it is working with others to making a meaningful contribution to a better community.Give the gift of yourself, your time, your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering. You are always welcome. Contact : westlimerickmha@mentalhealthireland.ie

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions; Wednesday10am Bridget O’Connell New Street and deceased family members. Ita & Bill Stemp.  No Saturday morning Mass.  Saturday  6.30pm Kathleen Wrenn New Street and deceased family members.  Pats, Bridget, Danjoe & Jeremiah Murphy Banard. Nora & William Flynn. Sunday 10am Denis Barry,Clash.  Dick Fitzgerald, Dromtrasna South. 12noon Jack Scannell, St Ita’s Terrace.  Under the current guidelines the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation are not permitted for the time being. Parents should note that the dates we have issued from the parish are provisional. Hopefully come the end of June restrictions on these ceremonies will be lifted.  Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

COMMUNITY RADIO:  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square, Moss the Farmers’ and also in the Siopa Nua. I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact kmurray@wlr.ie or 069 66294.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  ‘An Garda Síochána uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems in its Garda Traffic Corps vehicles.  ANPR uses optical character recognition technology to automatically read vehicle registration plates and is used in patrol cars by many police forces worldwide. The technology can read number plates at a rate of six per second on vehicles travelling up to 180km/h.  ANPR systems also include a speed detection capability. This allows for the measuring of the speed of a vehicle travelling in front of a patrol vehicle. The video camera records on-the-scene evidence of speeding, and offences such as dangerous driving, crossing continuous white lines and breaking red lights.  One of the main benefits of the system is that the plate recognition can run in the background while Gardaí are measuring speed or attending to other issues as demands dictate.  All vehicles fitted with ANPR camera systems will be able to identify vehicles as being stolen, untaxed, suspect, cited as connected with terrorist suspects, crime groups, drug trafficking, people trafficking and/or persistent offending.  The systems therefore make a significant contribution to the fight against serious and organised criminal activity.  The planned nationwide roll out of ANPR in An Garda Síochána was completed in 2010.  There are approximately 100 operational unit and are now fitted with 3G technology. ANPR vehicles are now deployed in every Garda Division, with the number of vehicles allocated in each division based on various criteria including the type of roads, the amount of motorways and geographic profile.’  Downloaded from  www.garda.ie When you reach the age of 65 and 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 spend long periods of the day 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.

.HELPLINES:  If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 0579351886/0860419154.  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 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.  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 jo@samaritans.ie Aware (Depression & Anxiety 016617211.  National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444.   Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 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 during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. 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. .

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 marianharnett1@gmail.com

Gail Lumet Buckley

DEATHS:  We offer our sympathy to the family of John O’Brien, 6 Radharc na feile whose funeral took place on Friday.  To the family of Eileen (luke) Collins, Dromtrasna Collins whose funeral took place on Saturday.  Requiem Mass for Michael Greaney, New Street will take place on Saturday January 13 @ 11am.   May they rest in peace.

WEDDING BELLS:   Congratulations to Sheila O Connell & Paul Fitzgerald who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale on Wednesday, December 27 and to Elaine O’Donnell & Denis Murray who also celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here on Saturday, December 30.   We wish them every happiness and long lives together.

NEW MASS TIMES FOR 2018:  Mass times in Abbeyfeale will change from January 1, 2018.   Saturday evening Mass will now be @ 6.30pm and Sunday morning Mass will be at 9.15am.  No change to the 12 noon Mass.   Holy days morning Mass will be 11am & 6.30pm. Please note change of times for Holy Days as well as weekly Masses.   (Saturday January 6 is Little Christmas and a Holy Day and Mass will be at 11am and 6.30pm.)

GLÓRACH NOTES:  On Wednesday, January 3 we will be screening the 2015 film, Brooklyn.  Based on the Colm Tóibín novel, and starring Saoirse Ronan, the film offers a wonderful snapshot of 1950s Ireland and the experience of a young emigrant to New York.  The screening takes place at 8 pm and all are welcome.  Later on in the month we will be having an International Concert on Thursday, January 18, with an array of fantastic musicians lined up for the night.  On the drama front, rehearsals are well underway for the production of the Sam Cree play, Second Honeymoon.  Presented by the Abbeyside players, under the direction of Merce Hobson, this comedy will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter when it takes to the Glórach Stage towards the end of February.  For any queries or bookings don’t hesitate to call 0871383940.

CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM:  It was a freezing New Year’s Day but that did not deter the huge crowd who travelled to Ballybunion and more importantly participated in the swim, the proceeds of which go to Crumlin Cardiology Unit with donations also to the Youth Ministry in the parish and to the Hope Foundation.  Well done to Kathleen and the Harnett family for organising this fundraiser.

PARISH CLERKS COLLECTION:  This will be taken up at all Masses over the weekend.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION:  Abbeyfeale Community Council (ACC) held a Public Presentation / Consultation on the Research undertaken to date and Proposed Plans for the Old Convent Building in Abbeyfeale at the Glórach Theatre in Abbeyfeale on Thursday, December 28 last.

Both Maurice OConnell and Trevor McCarthy Secretary of ACC began by giving a brief understanding of what Abbeyfeale Community Council was about as a Community Group and how it has evolved from an Association to a Company limited by Guarantee along with being awarded Charitable Status – all within 18 months on from initial inception. This was followed by several examples of funding secured and projects completed by ACC in and around Abbeyfeale over the past 12 months..   Both Maurice OConnell and Trevor McCarthy emphasized how important it is to realise that there are three very important aspects to this one project – the saving of an iconic building, the creating of jobs for Abbeyfeale and its wider Community and the ongoing growth within the local economy as a result of having such a project and new employment in place.

Maurice and Trevor then continued to explain the financial breakdown of both Renovation Costs and Expected Revenue. The overall cost of €3-€3.5 million to complete such a large scale project was seen as something never attempted before by anyone in Abbeyfeale.  Maurice OConnell then explained that most of this funding would come from the larger Agencies but around 10% or €300,000 would need to be raised locally in order to show the Directors of these Funding Agencies that those living in and around the Abbeyfeale area are supportive of such a project but just as importantly that they have the foresight and the vision to understand the vast potential of the expected annual €600,000 to be generated from this site once it is completed.

ADULT LEARNING CENTRE ( OLD TECH):  A Level 5 (Full Award) Course starting in January in Childcare early care and education practice at the Further Education & Training Centre, Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale.  For further inquiries 068 31198.

A NEW RESPONSE TO ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ( ASBO) Anti Social behaviour is when a person acts in a way that causes or, in the circumstances, is likely to cause someone harassment, significant or persistent alarm, distress, fear or intimidation, or impairs their use or enjoyment of their property in a significant or persistent way.  Examples of anti social behaviour are intimidation, abusive or threatening behaviour and vandalism.  If you are affected you should contact Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010.    The Gardai may issue a behaviour warning to the perpetrator, if they fail to obey the warning it may result in a behaviour order from the courts. Information taken from a public information leaflet published by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.  Limerick County Council also operate a 24 hour free phone number 1800 283 064 dedicated for Anti Social Behaviour reporting.

MY SILVER RIVER FEALE:  The debut CD by talented local singer Eibhlin Broderick is available for sale in Ann Lyons’s The Square.

NEW GRANTS:  The Department of Education has announced €6 million worth of funding to assist people from different groups that are underrepresented in higher education.

The 1916 Bursary Fund will allocate students €5,000 per year over the next three years, coming to a total of €6 million.  The target groups include:  Lone parents (at least 20% of the bursaries will targeted towards lone parents).  First time and mature student entrants.   Students with a disability – particularly students with a physical/mobility impairment, students are who deaf/hard of hearing and students who are blind or have a visual impairment.  Travellers.  Further education award holders.  Ethnic minorities (including programme refugees).

FINBAR WRIGHT CONCERT:  It’s 50 years next year since the Church of the Assumption was opened and to celebrate the Jubilee Year we are having Finbar Wright in Concert on Friday, February 9, 2018.  Tickets available at the following outlets in Abbeyfeale, Moss Harnett’s Spar shop,Twohig’s Supervalue, O’Donoghue’s Spar shop, Ann Lyon’s, The Square and Sean Broderick’s New Street. Kathleen Foodstore in Convent Street. Tickets are also on sale in Templeglantine at Pat Buckley’s shop and at the Post Office in Templeglantine. Tickets are also on sale at Annette’s Adare, All Seasons Ladies Fashions, Bridge Street, Newcastle west and the butcher shop in Ardagh. Contact 089/4356981and leave a message if you wish to order tickets.

BURGLARS THWARTED:  This report from the press tells the story of the attempted burglary of Dennisons Solicitors on Main St., before Christmas: “Client confidentiality was most definitely in ‘safe keeping’ at a Co Limerick legal practice as burglars wasted an entire night in the run-up to Christmas trying to crack a 56-year-old safe, writes David Raleigh. In a case supporting the nostalgic notion that they don’t make them like they used to, an old Chubb safe, purchased by Jim Dennison Snr all the way back in 1961, proved too much for today’s criminals.  In a scene almost straight from the ‘World’s Dumbest Criminals’ series, the burglars spent all of six hours battering away with kango hammers, nail bars and lump hammers, it has emerged, but to no avail.  The old safe located on the Main Street, Abbeyfeale practice of Dennison Solicitors, stood strong during the all-night onslaught before the robbers finally gave up and fled the premises empty-handed before dawn.  “They went straight for the safe. I’m not sure what they would have thought would be in it as we don’t keep cash on the premises. But it was a complete waste of time,” said James Dennison, who today runs the practice founded by his father. “They got nothing. They stayed hammering away for around six hours, we estimate.”  “My father was old-school and held that an essential part of any legal firm is a safe to hold wills and title deeds.  “He went all out when he bought this one. He went to London in 1961 to deal directly with Chubb, the makers of the best safes in the world. He specified a safe to bankers’ standard.”  “My father’s uncle, the Late Jack Healy from Brosna installed the safe to the strict specifications set out by Chubb, which included building a concrete and steel reinforced room around the safe.”  “The safe door dominates the reception in the legal firm, and it has held several thousands of client files over the years. The burglars must have expected a safe like that has to hold cash.  “It doesn’t but even if it did, it seems to have stood the test of time.”It was an awful lot of effort to go away empty-handed.”

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Please keep an eye on elderly neighbours, it need only be a telephone call or just dropping in for a few minutes on your way home from work but showing that you care could mean the world to someone.  If you have been a victim of crime call the crime victims helpline on Freephone 116 006 between 10—5.30pm Monday to Friday.  The minute you buy something in the line of electrical goods, machinery, bicycles, quads find the serial no. and record it even if it was only on a sticker on the inside door of a press.  Muintir Na Tire have a log book for sale for just a fiver that you can use to make a record of all you possess and they are available from any member of Abbeyfeale Community Alert.  If you see anything that makes you wonder if thieves are casing the area like a car that seems to be travelling around several times ring Abbeyfeale Station on 068 30010.  If the Gardai on duty are out on patrol the call will be patched through to NCW who will call the car back to town.  Once you reach the age of 65 and 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 for long periods of the day 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 and this fee includes insurance against breakages and is currently €80.  If you do not want the insurance cover then the fee is €65.    If you do not have a land line the company will organise a sim card for a mobile phone for a quarterly fee of approx. €56.  This works out cheaper that the rent of a landline which is currently €25 per month.   The installing company are required to provide identification on their equipment, their vans and their staff and before you admit anyone to your house you should ask for this identification.  The company also offer a button which can be installed near the front and back doors for a once off payment – this is nothing to do with either Pobal or Abbeyfeale Community Alert and is just between the installing company and the client.  The idea is that it offers extra security when answering the door.  If you leave the house close windows, turn lights on and maybe invest in a timer for them.  Now is the time to prepare for winter so make sure you have draught excluders around windows and doors, outside lights working, a supply of batteries, a couple of hot water bottles, know where the stop cock is for the water supply and above all get your chimney cleaned. If you are going for a walk or cycle wear a hi viz jacket and bring a light – in this murky weather it makes the roads so much safer for everyone.  We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that. The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested.  People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift.   Contact 061 496000 for further details.  Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.

RCCN (HOUSING) LTD:  This is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick.  Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315.

LIVE CRIB IN DUAGH: Located behind St Brigid’s church, the crib will remain open to the public until Sunday January 7, 2018. Open daily 10.00am to 9.00pm.

FUNDRAISER FOR FR. MARTIN MCCORMACK:  An Afternoon Tea Dance will take place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, January 14 to raise funds for Fr. Martin McCormack’s Projects in Swaziland.  Fr. Martin, who is from Ballydesmond is a member of the Salesian Missionaries based in Pallaskenry.  Music will be provided by Sheila Fitzgerald and Mike Sheehan and Ted McCarthy so a great afternoon’s dancing is assured to shake down the excesses of the Christmas.  Admission is only €5 and a raffle will be held.

SOCIAL FARMING: West Limerick Resources is delighted to support the development of Social Farming in the region – Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and parts of Kerry and Cork.  Calling interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming please contact Stefanie, at West Limerick Resources, on 087 366 3842 or 069 66290.  We look forward to hearing from you.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.

ST. ITA’S DAYCARE CENTRE:  The Day Care Centre located near the Church and beside the Glórach Theatre hosts two open days every week.  An open invitation has been issued to anyone who would like to join them for a four course lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays followed by dancing, bingo, cards and afternoon tea.  The cost is just €10 per person.  They also say that the Day Care Centre Bus and care are available to provide transport where possible.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul.  If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414.  The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm.  Further information 087 1213560.

ABBEYFEALE CRAFTY CORNER:   Meets every Tuesday evening in the West Limerick Resources Hub Room based in the Further Education & Training Centre Abbeyfeale, from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome. Contact West Limerick Resources on 068 31198 or Madeline on 087 9707989.

FOOD BANK:The Street Life Food Bank will provide food for families and individuals in West Limerick.  The Bank will be open on Fridays at the Newcastle West Bible Fellowship, North Quay from 10am.  If you or someone you know is struggling to feed their family then the Street Life Food Bank is there to help.  Further information from 086 2157975.

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

WEST LIMERICK 102FM: Every Monday evening from 7pm to 7.30pm tune into a little bit of Heaven with Fr. Kevin.

WEEKLY DRAW FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO:  West Limerick 102fm are holding a weekly fundraising 50/50 Draw with the raffle taking place live on air in the West Limerick 102fm. Studios.  Each week the pot from the sale of the raffle tickets will be divided equally between the person whose ticket is drawn and the station. Tickets only €2 each are now on sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and Kathleen’s Quick Pick, Convent St.  Call 06966200 for further information.   Books of 12 tickets are available from the station for €20 so two free tickets to the seller.

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414.  Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674 Parish Office:  Parish 068/31133 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri.     Email: fealechurch@eircom.net Limerick Social Services:     061-314111   Accord NCW 069/61000.  Priest on Duty for Emergency only (Sunday) Fr. Noonan (087)6796217.    Parish Church 068/51915.  Limerick Social Services:     061-314111.   A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019.   St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560.  087 – 2618412.  To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm.  Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon.

Feast of the Epiphany Friday, January 5.  6.30pm Special Intention .Saturday 6 Holy Day     Mass11am and 6.30pm Timmy Daly, Dromtrasna Collins. Joan E Leahy, Ballybehy                     John Collins, Ballaugh.  Sunday 9.15am    Michael & Dan McCarthy Purt.  James & Peg Joy        John & Hannah Mai Lane and their daughter Catherine Rawcliffe.  12noon Michael O’Shea 6th Anniversary.  Paddy & Nancy Fitzgerald, Meenahela

To book a mass contact the church 51915

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 takes place each Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8pm and on Tuesday& Friday from 8.30am to 10pm.  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 Fr. Tony if you wish him 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.   Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment.   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.

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP Listowel is on the first Friday of every month.  The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45 pm, followed by Mass at 7pm.for Saint Padre Pio with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after Mass.