Notices

Community notices 4th April 2021

April 2nd, 2021

PROLOGUE; Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what is called experience.

DEATH:  Sincere sympathy is offered to Eileen and sons on the death of Billy Finnegan, Mountcollins.  May he rest in peace.

BLESSING OF EASTER BASKETS: The annual blessing of Easter Baskets which is a tradition in the Polish community takes place on Holy Saturday, April 3 at the Grotto side of the Car Park at 12 noon. Families are asked to remain in their cars and Fr. Tony will go to each car.

TROCAIRE:  The Trocaire Lenten campaign provides us with an opportunity to reach out in support to those who are most in need in the world, enabling us to fulfil one of our Lenten observances to help the poor. Abbeyfeale has a great tradition of supporting Trocaire and Fr. Tony says  “I know you will be generous in your donations to this year’s campaign”. Trócaire chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said that “Lent is the engine that keeps our programmes going throughout the year. The public in Ireland always rally behind our campaign. While this year will be different, we hope the public will continue to support our life-saving work overseas.” While boxes are still available to be picked-up at churches nationwide, there are up to 50 per cent fewer boxes in circulation. Trocaire Boxes in Abbeyfeale parish can be handed in on Good Friday between 4pm to 7pm. We suggest that where possible that people make their donation in notes rather than coin. If you are writing a cheque make it payable to Trocaire or make your donation directly to Trocaire.

HOLY WEEK 2021:   Unfortunately, due to the ongoing restrictions it is not possible to have parishioners attend the ceremonies. We will continue to broadcast all our ceremonies online. Despite the restrictions we encourage parishioners to link into the various ceremonies. We have done a great deal of preparation to make these liturgies as meaningful as possible. We invite you and your family to join us through the internet service. The schedule is also up on our parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie and throughout Holy Week we will remind people through Facebook each day of what is happening and at what time. This year the diocese is putting on a number of ceremonies online and we have included the dates, times and links. We invite you in whatever way possible to keep this week sacred. We are all busy in our own lives with so many things to do and so many things to worry about. Perhaps this week we can take some time to reflect on our faith and the significant role in plays in our lives. These days we hear much talk about wellbeing. For people of faith the greatest source of wellbeing is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  Sacred Space:  We encourage parishioners to create a sacred space in your homes during Holy Week. This could be located on a little table, or a window ledge. In your sacred space place, a white cloth, some palm, a little dish of water, a small towel, a crucifix and a candle. These are the sacred symbols of Holy Week. They will help you to focus on the various ceremonies as we journey together.  Mass Intentions:  Wednesday 10am Kathleen Clarke nee Kelly Knocknasna.  Thursday 7pm Mass of the Last Supper, Birthday Remembrance for Ann Romaine. Good Friday Day of Fast and Abstinence 3pm Passion of the Cross.  8pm Stations of the Cross.    The main Church building will be open on Good Friday after the 3.00pm ceremony to allow parishioners to venerate the Cross. This year because of the restrictions parishioners can venerate the Cross by making a reverent bow before the Cross, spend a little time in prayer and then return home. The Church will be open from 4.00p.m. to 7.00p.m. Parishioners visiting the Church are advised to observe social distancing at all times.  .No Saturday morning Mass Holy Saturday 8pm Easter Ceremonies. The main Church building will be open on Good Friday after the 3.00pm ceremony to allow parishioners to venerate the Cross. This year because of the restrictions parishioners can venerate the Cross by making a reverent bow before the Cross, spend a little time in prayer and then return home. The Church will be open from 4.00 – 7.00p.m. Parishioners visiting the Church are advised to observe social distancing at all times. Easter Sunday  10am Bridie Nally nee Harnett Brooklyn, NY 1st Anniversary James Nally and deceased family members Dromtrasna O’Brien.  12 noon Bridget Foley.  Hannah and John O’Doonoghue, Knocknasna.   Parish Finance:  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.

VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. We are thrilled to have Billy tutoring with us this year all the way from Maryland, America! This is such a wonderful opportunity for any accordion players out there. We strongly advise that you register ASAP as spaces are filling up quickly.  See our Facebook page for registration details.

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.

BATS IN SPRINGTIME:  Spring has arrived and our resident bats are coming out of hibernation and beginning to feed again along the hedges, ditches and woodland areas. Bats are mammals, just like us, not rodents. The female has just one pup per year and a bat lives to be 7 years on average. We have 4 species of bat regularly seen in Abbeyfeale and in the surrounding area. Abbeyfeale Town Park is an ideal place in which to see bats. Irish bats eat only insects and one bat can eat 3000 insects per night. Remember that a bat can only feed at night and only if the temperature is moderate (there are no insects on cold nights). Also nights that are very wet or windy are hungry nights for bats, so a bat needs to eat well on every available night. In 2020 one colony of bats numbering 76 was monitored in Abbeyfeale Town Park and they would consume 1,500000 midges per week. To help our bats along, Abbeyfeale Community Council, under the chairmanship of Maurice O’Connell, has secured a supply of bat boxes. These boxes are placed on trees and give shelter and resting places to bats. Many of these bat boxes will be erected in Abbeyfeale Town Park and we also have some for distribution in the local area. Remember that the presence of bats is a great indicator of a healthy environment. Bats will only live where there is access to clean water, a good variety of plants and no pesticides in use, so if you are sharing your environment with bats, you are living in a healthy place.  If you would like a bat box for the bats in your area please contact Maurice (086 163 1639) or James (087 2500 929) and we will be delighted to help.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order from their special Easter Menu.   Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES:  Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]

CLEAN-UP; Team Limerick (TLC) clean up year 6 will go ahead this Good Friday April 2. It was not held in 2020 due to Covid-19, and our communities show all the signs. The event will have to be Covid compliant as we could still be in Level 5. Individuals and groups are asked to register for the clean-up by logging on to www. teamlimerickcleanup.ie More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

DANGER: Pre-schoolers who use electronic media regularly are more likely to have social issues, according to recent reports.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6

Or can Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.

FREE ONLINE START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: If you are thinking of starting your own business or if you have recently become self-employed, join our free four part Start Your Own Business Training starting Wednesday, April 14. For further information or to book your place, please contact Brenda Heath at [email protected]

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO:  Community Radio is very distinct from Local Commercial radio, providing access for rarely heard voices, diversity in programming including music, and acting as a means of community expression. No more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources.  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 and Moss the Farmers’.

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 [email protected] or 069 66294.

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Red C research has discovered that 55% of Irish people have received a fraudulent text, email or call.  Do not answer if you don’t recognise  the number and do not click on a link and definitely do not give your Pin Number.  Another thing is do not post details on FB like your mother’s maiden name or what type of a car did you drive in your youth because questions such as these are often used as security questions by the bank when you are looking to borrow money.  An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are become prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Romance scams have also become very prevalent in the age of Tinder where relationships are built up on social media and eventually he or it could be a she will look for a loan in order to come and visit you – God be with the days of Tobin’s Hall when all he’d want was the convey.    Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  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 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 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:  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 Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 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 [email protected]

community notices 12th March 2021

March 12th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  The person who falls and gets up is much stronger than the one who never fell.

DEATHS. Sincere sympathy to the O’Sullivan family, Mountcollins on the death of Brett Audsley and the O’Connell family on the death of Peg Doody O’Connell, New St.  May they rest in peace.

GLIN CASTLE TO GO GREEN:.  ‘St Patrick’s Festival 2021 will be marked virtually with an online programme celebrating Limerick’s ‘Edge and Embrace. Limerick Tourism, Culture and Arts Department are working in partnership with Failte Ireland to light up buildings across Limerick City and County from Saturday, March 13 – 20 inclusive, to celebrate St Patrick’s Day’. Despite the pandemic, the show goes on, online on St Patrick’s Festival TV (SPF TV) at stpatricksfestival.ie from March 12 – 17, offering more than 100 events.

CLOSURE OF ABBEYFEALE BRANCH OF BANK OF IRELAND:  Fintan Quirke, the last Porter in the Bank of Ireland was in touch to say that the bank arrived in Abbeyfeale in 1876 and was known then as The National Bank.  The first Porter to work there was Mr. Wrenn from New Street whose son Lornie became the Garda Commissioner in the late 70’s and was involved in several high profile cases.   Fintan also told me that in the early years of the 20th. Century the bank had two sub offices in Athea and Brosna and travelled out to them by pony and trap carrying the cash box on the floor of the trap!  Different times indeed.

EDUCATION: Kerry College will take part in a ‘Career Path Expo’ on Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11 from 3pm to 8pm. Career Path Expo is a free, online, virtual and interactive.

SOCIAL 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 [email protected] or 069 66294.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm. The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.

WANTED:   Trainers & Mentors Wanted: Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is looking to form a panel of experts to support the delivery of SICAP activities. For Expression of Interest Form please visit www.wlr.ie/vacancies/ or contact SICAP Co-ordinator, Dearbhla Conlon Ahern on [email protected]

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

RETAIL SUPPORT TRAINING PROGRAMME: West Limerick Resources along with the Local Enterprise Office are offering this FREE Online Training to Retailers in the West Limerick area, presented by Ireland’s leading consultant in the artisan food manufacturing and retail sectors, James Burke. There will be two workshops. Workshop 1 – Driving Aggressive Sales Growth will be held on Monday, March 22 from 9.00 to 1.00pm and Workshop 2 – Driving Online Sales will be held on Monday, March 29 from 11.00am to 1.00pm.  All participants will be offered a free business assessment as part of the training. Please note this training is limited to 10 participants. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week.  Special menu available for Mothers’ Day. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  During Lent there will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday evening from 6-7pm and on Thursday mornings after the 10am Mass until 12 noon.   St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.  Stations of the Cross every Friday at 9.30am.  Mass Intentions:  Intentions for the week.  Thursday10am Lisa Doran No Saturday morning Mass.  6.30pm Pa Colbert, Killarney Road Billy & Joan Colbert , Killarney Road.  Mary Clancy, New Street Month Mind.  Sunday 10am Ned & Peg Leahy, The Millstream their son Emmet and Daughter Ita Kelly.  Sean & Margaret and Lukeen Scannell The Hill.12noon Kitty Fitzgerald, The Railway Bar.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are becoming more prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  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 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 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:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  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.  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 Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 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.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

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]

community Notices 3rd March 2021

March 3rd, 2021

PROLOGUE:  We have two ears and one mouth so we should listen more than we say.  Zeno of Citium.

DEATHS. Sincere sympathy to the families of the late Brenda Aherne Woulfe,  Church St. and Peg McEnery nee Collins, Knocknagoshel.  May they rest in peace.

SOCIAL 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 [email protected] or 069 66294.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Well done to the Stryker family on the big spread they got in the Farmers Journal  Machinery Section of February 27.  It is great to see a thriving business in Abbeyfeale employing up to 6 people.  Their garage is based in Kinclonlea Upper and they specialize in Defender Land Rovers.

THE END OF AN ERA:  Ann Lyons’s sweet shop and small grocery, The Square, Abbeyfeale which opened for business approximately 41 years ago closed on Saturday, February 27.  Christmas week 2020 had brought the shocking news that Ann Lyons was dead – Ann whose sweet shop in the Square was an institution, shelves laden with jars of sweets, stacked boxes of penny sweets at eye level, sweet cakes and buns ,  Brennans loaves, tins of custard, jellies, soups, Limerick ham, Charleville cheese in the fridge, rubber gloves, dish clothes, scrubbing brushes and much much more.    The counter covered in Split the Bucket, C.D’s, sporting books, parish magazines, tickets for socials, parish outings, afternoon tea dances, fundraisers, raffle tickets and all the minutiae it takes to keep a community going.  Ann might have been confined to a wheelchair but she was always there to help out her church and her community no matter how often she was asked.  Ann’s support of WL102fm from it went on air first in 2005 to her death was extraordinary and she was very proud of the involvement of her nephew Liam Aherne who was one of its first sports commentators and who has now moved on to work with RTE.    Her shop was a Mecca for the thousands of children who passed through her doors over the past 40 years coming from school or in town on Saturday for the weekly shopping or attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the Fleadh by the Feale, the Gathering, Santa’s arrival in town, and all the other going’s on down the years. A trip to town was no good without a call to Ann and communions, confirmations, sporting achievements were all celebrated there.   Thirty six years ago Mary Flynn from Meenaline finished her Leaving Cert and took a summer job with Ann, she quickly became indispensible helping Ann with the ordering, packing shelves, serving customers and all the myriad of jobs that running a small shop entail.  Mary and Ann made for a formidable twosome – there was the welcome of the world for every customer and it didn’t matter whether you were coming to spend your pocket money or do your weekly shop, Ann and Mary knew your name and what class you were in or if you had moved on to college or to work or to quote Rosemary Fonseca who came to live in Abbeyfeale some years ago.    “Ann Lyons’ … We knew not well

a well-known landmark within the town

And as we came from lands afar

you both welcomed us with a smile

when we landed within the square

A well-known place for folks, young and old

buying candies from the jars

shelves well stocked within the store

When we met in the street

The lady in the chair

a beam that shone so bright

Upon this sweet and bountiful day

Both ………… ‘Ann and Mary’,

would take their time to speak  to

A blow-in upon that day

Thank you for the time you took

to welcome us to the town

The times we took to step inside

You beckoned us with a smile

that made our day

It was so sad to hear

That she was laid to rest

Upon the day

The lady within the chair.

We thank you both for the wondrous times

That children had, both the young and the old

in passing time

rambling from school to home

visiting the landmark within the midst

T’is sad to hear – A landmark so dear

within the square is passing through

Hearing stories, through the vine

Will close …….. this one last time

A landmark within the town

That we now know so well

(On hearing that this shop and the people involved, has been in the town

for over 41 years) To Mary and Ann (Rip)

Mary continued to run the shop after Ann’s death but unfortunately its days were numbered and it finally closed on Saturday, February 27. Thank you to Ann’s family who gave away much of the stock of her shop to her customers.  The love and esteem that Mary was held in was evidenced by the queues that lined the Square on Friday and Saturday from early morning to dusk with children carrying bouquets of flowers and gifts to give to the lady who always had the smile and who called them by their name no matter their age. We wish Mary great success as she begins the next chapter in her life.

Recently returned emigrant Pat Fitzgerald from the Railway put pen to paper about his memories of childhood forays to Ann Lyons’s sweet shop.

-

Ann Lyons’s Sweet Shop

There was a million things going on in the square

After school in the 80′s when Florry used cut our hair

Myself and my best friend, a pound in the hand

We’d get 10p back and sweets to ‘bate’ the band

The BMX 20 would get tossed to the floor

We often nearly carried the two jambs off the door

To that magical world

Of sweets, crisps, lollipops

T’was a magical world

Was Ann ‘Lyons’s sweet shop.

We’d pick up fifty things and put back forty nine

Sure part of the joy was changing our mind

There was black jacks and golfballs, penny drinks and bulleyes

The fat frog, the banshee bones and some new fangled surprise.

The cadbury cream egg if you had financial power

But our ten p in there lasted surely an hour.

And then up to the counter to spill out our treasure

A few sweets from the jar just to add to the pleasure. Smiles and thanks from Mary, lovely Ann in her chair

Believe it or not we were walking on air!

What did you get we would eagerly ask?

If you had done better twas your moment to bask.

Will you swop this for that?

Or break me a bit off

You’re getting none of my cola bottles will you ever feck off!!

We would line up our treats and decide what to eat first.

‘Did you get anything at all in there to quench the thirst?’

‘Never mind.. Sure tis fine.. This moment is gold’.

I’ll remember this happiness when I’m grey and old

We stuffed our little faces and home to mam we’d run

“You went to Ann ‘Lyons’s, I can tell by your tongue”

‘We didn’t, I swear’, we would bluff for a while

She didn’t really care I could tell by her smile.

Well Ann ‘Lyons’s continued throughout our lives

Secondary school, immigration

Anne ‘Lyons’s survived

But now that I hear it will no longer be there

I just long for the square

And after school in the 80′s when Florry used cut our hair.  Pat Fitzgerald, Railway Road.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm. The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.

ON-LINE LENTEN ADORATION: Adoration Initiative for Lent and commit to that hour, text Fidelma at 086 –2603421 the following information: https://eucharisticadoration.ie/adoration-initiative-for-lent/

URGENT MESSAGE RE; PHONE SCAM: People have been receiving calls from Tel:  +375602605281, Tel: +37127913091, Tel: +37178565072, Tel: +56322553736, Tel: +37052529259, Tel: +255901130460 or any number starting from +371 +375 +381.

These guys only ring once and hang up.   If you call back, they can copy your contact list in 3sec and if you have a bank or credit card details on your phone, they can copy that too…

+375 code is for Belarus . +371 code is for Lativa. +381 Serbia. +563 Valparaiso.

+370 Vilnius. +255 Tanzania.  Don’t answer or Call back.  Also, Don’t Press #90 or #09

on your Mobile when asked by any caller.   It’s a new trick which is use to access your SIM card, make calls at your expense and frame you as a criminal.

SELLING ONLINE:  Moving Your Business Online: This free course will provide you with all the information required to create a business plan for moving online with your business and is running on Monday, February 22, from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Delivered by Talent Pool and supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Local Enterprise Office, it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the Limerick area. This training will be carried out through Zoom and pre-booking is essential. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

CONGRATULATIONS PADDY:  Up and coming apprentice jockey Paddy Harnett from Ballaugh, son of Adrian and Louise,  gave trainer John Geoghegan his second winner of the week in Dundalk on Monday evening after coming first in an eight-furlong handicap.  Well

WANTED:   Trainers & Mentors Wanted: Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is looking to form a panel of experts to support the delivery of SICAP activities. For Expression of Interest Form please visit www.wlr.ie/vacancies/ or contact SICAP Co-ordinator, Dearbhla Conlon Ahern on [email protected]

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  Reader’s lists and Missal are available from the sacristy.  St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.  Stations of the Cross every Friday at 9.30am.  Mass Intentions:  No Saturday morning Mass 6.30pm John Joe Lane, Ballaugh Months Mind.  Mary O’ Connor. Knockbrack Anniversary.  Sunday 10am Michael and Teresa Devine.  Johnny and Eily Lane, New St. 12 noon Ted Mulcahy, Dromtrasna 19th anniversary.  Johnny Lane, New Street.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Gardai are asking people to let them know when people call selling goods or offering services on 068 30010.  Try and make a note of their general description ie height, accent, hair colour, tattoos etc.  Write down the vehicle reg. colour and make.  We are all being asked to make only essential trips to the shops, chemist etc. for the next few weeks to help break the cycle of Covid.   If you need messages collected contact our local Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will organise someone to do them for you.  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 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 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:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  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.  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 Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 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.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

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]

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Community notices 24th Feb 2021

February 24th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  Prepare a Lenten Garden:  1. Weed out gossip.  Weed out laziness, Weed out indifference, Weed out pride.  2.  Plant five rows of Peas – Preparedness, Promptness, Perseverance, Politeness, and Prayer. 3.  Plant 5 rows of Lettuce – Let us be faithful, Let us be loyal, Let us be unselfish, Let us be truthful, Let us be grateful.  4.  Plant Turnips – Turn up for church.  Turn up with a smile, Turn up with a new idea.  Turn up with new determination.  Abbeyfeale Parish Newsletter.

DEATHS:  We offer our sincere sympathies to the families of the late John Joe Lane, Ballaugh, Kate Curtin, Dromtrasna and Mary Clancy. New Street who died recently.  We also offer our sympathies to Paddy Flynn, Main Street on the death of his brother Frankie in Perth, Australia, Mary Behan, Clash and Timmy Collins, Ballybehy on the death of their sister Christina Walsh in Achill Island and J.J. Healy Knocknasna on the death of his wife Noreen in Lyreacompane.  News broke this evening that Brenda Aherne Woulfe from Church Street has died.  Her funeral Mass takes place on Wednesday at 2pm and can be downloaded on churchservices.tv/Abbeyfeale.  Sincere sympathy to her son DP and his family.

PARENTING SUPPORT PROGRAMME: This 6-week programme is for parents of children under 12 & is on-line via Zoom, starting Wednesday, February 24, from 11am to 12.30pm but excluding Wednesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) and finishing on Wednesday, April 7.  Registration is essential, or for information, contact Mary on 087 9382883 or email [email protected]

ON-LINE LENTEN ADORATION: Adoration Initiative for Lent and commit to that hour, text Fidelma at 086 –2603421 the following information: https://eucharisticadoration.ie/adoration-initiative-for-lent/

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm. The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.

URGENT MESSAGE RE; PHONE SCAM: People have been receiving calls from Tel:  +375602605281, Tel: +37127913091, Tel: +37178565072, Tel: +56322553736, Tel: +37052529259, Tel: +255901130460 or any number starting from +371 +375 +381.

These guys only ring once and hang up.   If you call back, they can copy your contact list in 3sec and if you have a bank or credit card details on your phone, they can copy that too…

+375 code is for Belarus . +371 code is for Lativa. +381 Serbia. +563 Valparaiso.

+370 Vilnius. +255 Tanzania.  Don’t answer or Call back.  Also, Don’t Press #90 or #09

on your Mobile when asked by any caller.   It’s a new trick which is use to access your SIM card, make calls at your expense and frame you as a criminal.

SELLING ONLINE:  Moving Your Business Online: This free course will provide you with all the information required to create a business plan for moving online with your business and is running on Monday, February 22, from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Delivered by Talent Pool and supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Local Enterprise Office, it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the Limerick area. This training will be carried out through Zoom and pre-booking is essential. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

CONGRATULATIONS PADDY:  Up and coming apprentice jockey Paddy Harnett from Ballaugh, son of Adrian and Louise,  gave trainer John Geoghegan his second winner of the week in Dundalk on Monday evening after coming first in an eight-furlong handicap.  Well done Paddy, we’re watching your meteoric rise with great interest.

FREE ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR JOB SEEKERS:  Training to provide specific knowledge & skills to enable you to work through the Pandemic. Manual Handling, Infection Prevention & Control, Safe Use of PPE.  Starts February 24.  Contact Finn 087 759 1951 to register.

WANTED:   Trainers & Mentors Wanted: Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is looking to form a panel of experts to support the delivery of SICAP activities. For Expression of Interest Form please visit www.wlr.ie/vacancies/ or contact SICAP Co-ordinator, Dearbhla Conlon Ahern on [email protected]

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  Reader’s lists and Missal are available from the sacristy.  St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.  Mass Intentions:  Wednesday 2pm Requiem Mass for Brenda Woulfe .No Saturday morning Mass 6.30pm Pat and Catherine Lyons, Killarney Road.  Danny Harnett, The Hill, Padraigh Ó Cléirigh, Killarney Road.  Sunday 10am Tom and Mary Flynn.  Mattie Dillane, Months Mind.  12 noon Denis Murphy, The Hill 3rd. Anniversary.

PARISH FINANCES:   PP Canon Tony Mullins writes:  I would like to acknowledge the ongoing financial support of parishioners. Your donations to the church and the various collections are greatly appreciated. However, the ongoing lockdown continues to impact on parish finances. Last year the offertory collection was down by 35% on the previous year’s collection. The offertory collection is the main source of income for the parish. Despite the lockdown, the continuing maintenance of the church building and the service provided to parishioners remains constant. I encourage parishioners to continue to make contributions towards the running of the church. You can do so by setting up a direct debit with your bank. For further information on this method of donating to the parish, contact the parish office and you will be helped in putting the payment in place. Parishioners can also contribute to the parish through the DONATE system now in place on the parish website. All donations are welcome. Sincere thanks to all of you for your ongoing generosity to the parish and for all the personal support that I receive. God Bless and protect you at this time.”

MUNSTER BISHOPS PLEAD FOR ADHERENCE TO GUIDELINES: “Funeral guidelines must be observed to avoid further lives being put at risk –Bishop Leahy”.  On Tuesday last, The Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy along with the bishops of Munster announced updated guidelines for the celebration of funeral Masses and burials during this period of lockdown. Bishop Leahy said “while we must preserve our great culture of compassion towards the bereaved, we must stay away from funerals or further lives will be put at risk. He said that in offering these five points, it must be recognised that the vast majority of Catholics have been careful in their observance of the public health guidelines. The five points are: 1. Public Health guidelines are clear: attendance at funerals is to be restricted to 10. We appreciate there are some who believe that for the sake of accommodating the immediate family it would be better to allow a number higher than 10 for the funeral liturgy in a church. We too look forward to when that number can be increased. However, it is important that undertakers and priests clarify with bereaved families as early as possible regarding the limit of 10 people in the church.  2. As recommended in our statement last March, there should be no removal to the church the evening before.  3. People not attending the funeral liturgy should avoid congregating immediately outside the church building or around the hearse. For the sake of the great majority trying to keep to the public health guidelines, we ask people, difficult as it is, not to approach the bereaved in the church grounds or cemetery to sympathize.  4 .As per the public health guidelines regarding social and family gatherings, there should be no wakes or large gatherings for prayers in the house of the deceased nor gatherings in cemeteries.  5.Support for the bereaved can be expressed through social media as an alternative to attending the funeral. Often it is possible to link to a local church for a funeral ceremony via a webcam/Facebook Live. We invite people to pray for the deceased and family of the deceased in their own homes at the time of the funeral Mass   6.Bishop Leahy said, “In restating the guidelines around funerals we do so for the benefit of all concerned –mourners, undertakers, neighbours and friends as well as priests and public authorities –that we might have a common understanding of good practice around funerals aimed at keeping people safe from the virus. The bishops concluded “We wish to express our thanks to priests and sacristans as well as the many volunteers in our churches who ensure that all the requirements around the sanitising of our churches are observed. We also acknowledge with gratitude the care and help of undertakers in implementing the restrictions. May our deceased loved ones rest in peace and may the bereaved be comforted.”

MEMORY CARD DISPLAY IN FUNERAL PARLOUR:  James Harnett has told me that if anyone wants a copy of one of the memory cards on display in the window of the funeral parlour he’ll sort them out.  Contact him on 087 2500929.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Gardai are asking people to let them know when people call selling goods or offering services on 068 30010.  Try and make a note of their general description ie height, accent, hair colour, tattoos etc.  Write down the vehicle reg. colour and make.  We are all being asked to make only essential trips to the shops, chemist etc. for the next few weeks to help break the cycle of Covid.   If you need messages collected contact our local Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will organise someone to do them for you.  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 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 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:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  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.  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 Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 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.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

18th Feb 2021

February 19th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  “I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the Astonishing Light of your own Being!” Hafiz of Shiraz

PARENTING SUPPORT PROGRAMME: This 6-week programme is for parents of children under 12 & is on-line via Zoom, starting Wednesday, February 24, from 11am to 12.30pm but excluding Wednesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) and finishing on Wednesday, April 7.  Registration is essential, or for information, contact Mary on 087 9382883 or email [email protected]

URGENT MESSAGE RE; PHONE SCAM: People have been receiving calls from Tel:  +375602605281, Tel: +37127913091, Tel: +37178565072, Tel: +56322553736, Tel: +37052529259, Tel: +255901130460 or any number starting from +371 +375 +381.

These guys only ring once and hang up.   If you call back, they can copy your contact list in 3sec and if you have a bank or credit card details on your phone, they can copy that too…

+375 code is for Belarus . +371 code is for Lativa. +381 Serbia. +563 Valparaiso.

+370 Vilnius. +255 Tanzania.  Don’t answer or Call back.  Also, Don’t Press #90 or #09

on your Mobile when asked by any caller.   It’s a new trick which is use to access your SIM card, make calls at your expense and frame you as a criminal.

SELLING ONLINE:  Moving Your Business Online: This free course will provide you with all the information required to create a business plan for moving online with your business and is running on Monday, February 22, from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Delivered by Talent Pool and supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Local Enterprise Office, it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the Limerick area. This training will be carried out through Zoom and pre-booking is essential. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

SHOUT OUT FOR WORK MATES:  I was contacted by a Johnny Heffernan who used to work in Mungret College possibly in the fifties and he’s looking to get in touch with Dan and John Sheehan from Kilmanahan /Brosna.  If anyone can help him reunite with his mates will you contact him on 086 8811567.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  Reader’s lists and Missal are available from the sacristy.  .St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.

PARISH FINANCES:  In this week’s parish newsletter our PP Canon Tony Mullins writes:  “I would like to acknowledge the ongoing financial support of parishioners. Your donations to the church and the various collections are greatly appreciated. However, the ongoing lockdown continues to impact on parish finances. Last year the offertory collection was down by 35% on the previous year’s collection. The offertory collection is the main source of income for the parish. Despite the lockdown, the continuing maintenance of the church building and the service provided to parishioners remains constant. I encourage parishioners to continue to make contributions towards the running of the church. You can do so by setting up a direct debit with your bank. For further information on this method of donating to the parish, contact the parish office and you will be helped in putting the payment in place. Parishioners can also contribute to the parish through the DONATE system now in place on the parish website. All donations are welcome. Sincere thanks to all of you for your ongoing generosity to the parish and for all the personal support that I receive. God Bless and protect you at this time.”

FOOD/TOURISM BUSINESSES IN WEST LIMERICK:  West Limerick Resources CLG has secured funding under the LEADER Food Initiative delivered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture to further develop the food sector and food tourism industry in the West Limerick area.  The second phase of the West Limerick Food Series, a comprehensive networking and training programme designed to inspire and develop the food sector and food tourism industry by fostering collaboration between businesses in the region, starts on Wednesday 17 February 2021. “West Limerick Wednesday” features a series of free networking and training modules delivered by The Discovery Partnership on behalf of West Limerick Resources CLG and is open to businesses and individuals committed to showcasing and nurturing the food/drink sector and food tourism industry in the West Limerick area.  The initiative is a blend of workshops with expert trainers, guest speakers and interactive discussion and is suitable for, but not limited to, food/drink producers and growers, café owners, restaurateurs and chefs, hoteliers, B&B owners, tour guides/operators, retailers, publicans, tourist attractions and food/drink enthusiasts. Training provider, The Discovery Partnership, boasts an experienced team of experts who have facilitated a number of food and food tourism projects, working closely with government bodies including regional development agencies, Leader companies, LEOs, Bord Bia and Fáilte Ireland.  Participation on the West Limerick Food Series programme is free and registration is required.  For more information and/or to register, visit the West Limerick Food Series on Eventbrite or email [email protected]

MUNSTER BISHOPS PLEAD FOR ADHERENCE TO GUIDELINES: “Funeral guidelines must be observed to avoid further lives being put at risk –Bishop Leahy”.  On Tuesday last, The Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy along with the bishops of Munster announced updated guidelines for the celebration of funeral Masses and burials during this period of lockdown. Bishop Leahy said “while we must preserve our great culture of compassion towards the bereaved, we must stay away from funerals or further lives will be put at risk. He said that in offering these five points, it must be recognised that the vast majority of Catholics have been careful in their observance of the public health guidelines. The five points are: 1. Public Health guidelines are clear: attendance at funerals is to be restricted to 10. We appreciate there are some who believe that for the sake of accommodating the immediate family it would be better to allow a number higher than 10 for the funeral liturgy in a church. We too look forward to when that number can be increased. However, it is important that undertakers and priests clarify with bereaved families as early as possible regarding the limit of 10 people in the church.  2. As recommended in our statement last March, there should be no removal to the church the evening before.  3. People not attending the funeral liturgy should avoid congregating immediately outside the church building or around the hearse. For the sake of the great majority trying to keep to the public health guidelines, we ask people, difficult as it is, not to approach the bereaved in the church grounds or cemetery to sympathize.  4 .As per the public health guidelines regarding social and family gatherings, there should be no wakes or large gatherings for prayers in the house of the deceased nor gatherings in cemeteries.  5.Support for the bereaved can be expressed through social media as an alternative to attending the funeral. Often it is possible to link to a local church for a funeral ceremony via a webcam/Facebook Live. We invite people to pray for the deceased and family of the deceased in their own homes at the time of the funeral Mass   6.Bishop Leahy said, “In restating the guidelines around funerals we do so for the benefit of all concerned –mourners, undertakers, neighbours and friends as well as priests and public authorities –that we might have a common understanding of good practice around funerals aimed at keeping people safe from the virus. The bishops concluded “We wish to express our thanks to priests and sacristans as well as the many volunteers in our churches who ensure that all the requirements around the sanitising of our churches are observed. We also acknowledge with gratitude the care and help of undertakers in implementing the restrictions. May our deceased loved ones rest in peace and may the bereaved be comforted.”

MEMORY CARD DISPLAY IN FUNERAL PARLOUR:  James Harnett has told me that if anyone wants a copy of one of the memory cards on display in the window of the funeral parlour he’ll sort them out.  Contact him on 087 2500929.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Beware of text messages looking for your DOB,  PPS. Address, Banking details, whether you live alone or not and purporting to be from the HSE offering you the vaccine.   IGNORE ALL.  Only answer phone calls from numbers you recognise, let the rest leave you a message and listen back at your leisure.  Call none of them back unless they leave a message so you know who you are talking to.  Wear a high viz jacket every time you go outside on the road. Be careful in the ice and frost and only go out these days if you really need to.   There was a saying years ago that the East wind was good for neither man or beast so stay inside from it – it’s only going to last for a few days.  If you suffer from fuel poverty then just heat one room and layer up.    If you have a panic button, check to make sure it is working by pressing it and speaking to the monitoring service – that’s why they are there 24 hours a day and why you are paying a yearly monitoring service fee.  Gardai are asking people to let them know when people call selling goods or offering services on 068 30010.  Try and make a note of their general description ie height, accent, hair colour, tattoos etc.  Write down the vehicle reg. colour and make.  We are all being asked to make only essential trips to the shops, chemist etc. for the next few weeks to help break the cycle of Covid.   If you need messages collected contact our local Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will organise someone to do them for you.  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 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 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:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  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.  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 Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 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.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

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