Notices

PROLOGUE:  “Nothing, Everything, Anything, Something: If you have nothing, then you have everything, because you have the freedom to do anything, without the fear of losing something.”
Jarod Kintz

DEATHS; Sincere sympathy to the families of the late Mary Mann, Church St., and John Morrissey, Cedarville.  May they rest in peace.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES:  Every Tuesday night in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale from 8-9pm for beginners and advanced from 9-10.30pm.  All welcome.

CAR BOOT SALE:  The monthly car boot sale and Indoor Market in aid of WL102fm takes place at the Community Centre on Sunday, February 21 with gates opening at 7.30am.  This fundraiser helps keep local community radio on air so your support would be very welcome.  Contact 06966200/0876866450 for more details.

ATHEA DRAMA:  Rehearsals are progressing very well for Athea Drama Group’s upcoming production of ‘The Hen Night Epiphany’ which will be staged at Con Colbert Hall Athea on February 25/ 27/28 & March 3/5/ 6.  Directed by Oliver McGrath, this is a heart lifting tale that tells the story of five women who meet up for a night of fun and laughter that ultimately leaves their lives turned upside down. The cast features Annette O’Donell, Angeline O’Donnell, Nora Hunt, Louise Ahern & Ria Browne.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday February 25 from 9.15 pm.  Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.

SIVE:  It’s 57 years since its first outing in Listowel and now, all those years later the play, which still resonates with audiences both rural and urban will be staged by the Abbeyfeale Drama Group in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Thursday, February 18 and continuing its run on February 20/21/23/25/27 and finishing on Sunday, February 28.  Doors open 7pm, performance 8pm sharp.

WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS 10^TH BIRTHDAY:  A celebration meeting to mark ten years of West Limerick Toastmasters will be held at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on  this Wednesday, February 17 at 8 p.m. sharp.   Current and former members and guests will come together to enjoy some short speeches and topics session followed by refreshments. Guest speaker will be award winning Sean Lyons, renowned for his humorous speeches.  Contact Charles at 087 797 2855 or Helen on 087 6043351 or just come along on the night and you will get a great welcome.  You can sit back and relax and see what you think.   There is no charge for guests and you will not be expected to speak during the meeting.

GATHER BY THE FEALE:  The Gather by the Feale committee would like to hear from anybody interested in organising and running an event during the Gather by the Feale Festival in July 2016.  If you have any ideas please contact Orla Dennison 0878045013 at your earliest convenience.

R.A.G.E. (Residents against Gassification in our Environment) are hosting a Public Meeting in Shanagolden Hall on Thursday, February 18 at 8pm.  Everyone welcome.

ABBEYFEALE HARRIERS ANNUAL HUNTING FESTIVAL:

Memorial Meet for John O’Connor Wednesday, February 17 – Cryle View Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick (The Carraigshane Harriers). Thursday, February 18 – The Goalpost Bar, Tournafulla, Co. Limerick (The Rooves Bridge Harriers & The Rockfield Harriers).  Friday, February 19  – DP Lyons Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick (The Sliabh Luachra Harriers, The Killtevan Harriers & The Minerock Harriers) Memorial Meet for Jackie O’Grady.  ALL MEETS AT 11.00 a.m. Food kindly sponsored by publicans.

Hunting is on foot and the quarry is fox – Cap €10.00 per meet.

.Enquiries: Doug McGuinness (Hon. Sec. Abbeyfeale Harriers) 087 6829044 or Paddy O’Grady 087 6258933.

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT:  The recent announcement(see link here:  http://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/gas-times-ahead-for-kerry-group-34399252.html) that a gas pipeline connection from near Aughinish, Co. Limerick to Listowel is to be provided is most interesting.  An existing  operational gas pipeline crosses the railway line near Croagh, Co. Limerick and an obvious route for a connection to Listowel is along the old railway, now the Great Southern Trail Greenway (www.southerentrail.net)  The entire route is along State owned land and the opportunity could also be availed of to upgrade the existing 40km Greenway in Limerick and, at the same time, to complete the long awaited  greenway link between Abbeyfeale and Listowel.  There is already a fibre optic cable along the route and in other countries such as the USA (see link here: http://www.railstotrails.org/build-trails/trail-building-toolbox/planning/utilities/) it is common practice to route such public utility projects along former railway lines. This practical solution would also avoid the disruption caused to road traffic were the pipeline to be installed along the roadside. It is to be hoped that the relevant agencies and our public representatives will give serious consideration to this suggestion.

NIGHT AT THE DOGS:  On Saturday, February 27 Nadine Smith from Abbeyfeale who is a fourth year dentistry student at UCC is travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal with the organisation Work the World and twelve fellow students to work with residents there.  It is a long standing tradition of fourth year students in UCC to travel on a Dental Outreach programme to a developing country. As part of her fund raising efforts Nadine has organised a Night at the Dogs at Tralee Greyhound Stadium, Saturday, February 27 at 7.50pm. As always this is a guaranteed enjoyable night for all the family.  Apart from the opportunity to watch and bet on greyhounds, Nadine who is herself, a regular competitor on the Best Dressed circuit has organised  a Best Dressed Lady competition with a top prize of a Jennifer Wrynne headpiece sponsored by Jennifer Wrynne Millinery.  The first prize also includes jewellery and glassware sponsored by Heavenly Gifts, Abbeyfeale. There will be generous second and third prizes too.  Other events include Best Dressed Man with a prize of a gift voucher sponsored by Gentlemen’s Quarters, Patrick’s St., Cork. There will also be a Little Miss Competition sponsored by Heavenly Gifts and Heavenly Day Spa, Abbeyfeale.  There will also be a raffle extravaganza with over 30 phenomenal prizes and entertainment to finish out the evening.  Expert Judges for the competitions will include Annette Mann of Annette’s Boutique, Abbeyfeale, Ladies Day regular Mary Woulfe and esteemed make-up artist Rachelle Guiry.  Tickets cost ONLY €10 and in order to maximize the returns to the charity you are asked to purchase them in advance as only these sales will be donated towards the charity. Tickets available in local outlets including Annette’s Main St., Heavenly Gifts, Main St., Esther’s Boutique, Main St., Needles and Pins, Abbeyfeale. Then in Newcastle West they can be purchased in Scanlan’s Menswear, and in Listowel at John B Keane’s and also in Jackie Reidy’s Menswear, Castleisland.   Any queries please phone: 0879776831/ 0876273731. Your support is greatly appreciated.

VIKING BOXING CLUB:  Training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the old Flamingos with entrance next door to the back entrance of The Coffee Pot on Colbert Tce.  Contact Noel 087 4360339.  All age groups welcome.

CAMOGIE CLUB:  U14’s Camogie Club starting on Monday, February 22 from 6-7pm at Fr. Casey’s.   Registration €30.  Wear tracksuit, runners and gloves and bring a helmet and hurley.  Then on Wednesday, March 2 the U 6’s will have training from 5-6pm.  Wear a helmet and bring a hurley.  Registration €20.  Further information from Liz on 087 2482844.

TLC:  You are invited to register with www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie for the second annual Team Limerick Clean Up which takes place on Good Friday, March 25 from 10am – 1pm.Join The Clean Team and be part of history!

For further information, please email tlc@limerick.ie or call 061496200.

THE WIZARD OF OZ:  TY students in in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale are currently rehearsing their production of The Wizard of Oz directed by Miriam Ball.  It’s being staged Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26 with doors open at 7pm and show from 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available at the interval. Admission €10.  Raffle for hampers.

ABBEYFEALE UTD. DINNER DANCE:  Saturday next at the Devon Inn.  Tickets €25.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Parent Coach Joan Barrett will attend the Parent and Toddler Group in St. Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale on Tuesday February 26.  Joan will endeavour to answer parent’s question regarding their toddlers and parenting.  The parent and toddler group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall form 11 – 12.30pm. New Mum’s, Dad’s and toddlers are always welcome.

RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE:  Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses.  Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.

ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes take place each Thursday in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) from 10 – 12pm. This educational programme has a relaxation and social aspect. This is a time out space to enhance mental and emotional health.  If you are interested in joining this class please contact Mary on 087 9382883. Supported by West Limerick Resources and the Limerick – Clare Education & Training Board.

AA:  Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office.  AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Friday evenings.  Go to www.pioneerassociation.ie and pledge the short term pledge for Lent.  Local representative is Rita Horgan, Killarney Rd. May with a jam packed agenda which included a cycle challenge, a family fun day, a dance and a variety concert with over €28,000 raised and donated to First Light and Bru Columbanus including a donation being made to the Hope Foundation. Plans are now in train to continue the good work begun last year and carry on fundraising in Zoe’s name for good causes with children’s charities Make a Wish Foundation, Community Games, Hope Foundation and the playground in Abbeyfeale Town Park being the chosen beneficiaries this year. There are a number of events pencilled in and these include:• Back 2 School Theme Party, Railway Bar Abbeyfeale Easter Sunday Night 27th March – Doors open 9pm. Entertainment with Band No Direction & Late night Dj.- No Homework, No exams, just fun with your old Class mates….A night not to be missed

FEALE FIT:  Well done to all the Fealefit / St Ita’s runners that ran the Tralee Valentines 10 miler Sunday last, February 14.  Many of the group were running that distance for the first time.  Charity 5k in Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s day morning March 17 at 10am with a Green theme ,€10 to register. All money raised will be donated to charity! This is a fun community event to help raise money for charity so we ask people to help in any way they can with stewarding the course, bring your own water & whatever you can for refreshments, baked goods etc, .anything left over will go to homeless! All event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness…see www.Fealefit.com
• Remembering Zoe Cycle Challenge Sunday 15th May starting at Fr, Casey’s GAA Clubhouse at 9am and consisting of a 110km, a 75km and a 40km Cycle with refreshments before and after at the GAA Clubhouse and a Food Stop at the Community Centre in Mountcollins.Registration for the cycle will take place in the GAA Clubhouse on Friday 13th May from 6pm to 9pm and again on Sunday morning from 7.30am

• Family Fun Day Sunday 19th June from 2pm at Fr. Casey’s GAA with kiddies disco at 6pm. A day out for all the family with lots of great activities, enjoy the old reliables and lots of new & exciting games to keep all the family entertained!

• Relay Run to Dublin – A once in a lifetime 3 x day Relay run to Dublin starting July 29th in Abbeyfeale & finishing at Make a Wish Foundation headquarters in Dublin July 31st taking in some of Ireland’s biggest towns & Cities along the way!

SAGART LOURDES REUNION:   Sagart Lourdes Reunion in the Woodlands House hotel on Friday March 4.   Tickets €25. Contact Mary on 087/7919414.

REMEMBERING ZOE BACK 2 SCHOOL THEME PARTY:  Easter Sunday March 27 at the Railway Bar with doors open at 9pm.  Music by No Direction followed by a late nite D.J.

No Homework, No exams, just an excuse to dress and have fun with your old Class mates. All funds raised to Remembering Zoe nominated charities 2016:  Make a Wish Foundation, Community Games, Hope Foundation and Town Park Playground.  No Direction have kindly started the ball rolling by waiving their fee and performing gratis.

DIVINE MERCY:   Divine Mercy Jubilee 25th Divine Mercy Conference February 19-22 in Main Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

FASHION SHOW:  Tournafulla Camogie Club are holding a Fashion Show, featuring local models, on Thursday, February 18 in Tournafulla Community Hall, commencing at 7.15pm with a Cheese and Wine Reception. Fashion Show starts at 8pm. Tickets €10,.

can be purchased from Irene Dillane, Miranda Foley, Janet Garvey or Marina O’Mahoney.

CONCERT: Traditional fundraising variety concert by West Limerick traditional singing club on Saturday March 12 in Fr Casey’s GAA club, Abbeyfeale. The concert will include a variety of Traditional Musicians, Singers, Storytellers and dancers all for just €10. Please support. West Limerick singing club are also hosting a night of songs in remembrance of 1916 on Friday April 1 in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale at our monthly singing session which takes place on the 1st Friday of every month.

DRUGS INITIATIVE:   The Irish Bishops Drugs initiative programme for confirmation children will take place on Wednesday night March 9 and Wednesday night April 13 from 7:30pm until 9pm at Scoil Mháthair Dé. Both Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to attend.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Applications are currently being taken for security systems for those 65 or older, living alone or with someone aged 65 or over.  Contact Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue at the Garda Station or any member of the committee including Chairman James Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins and Marian Harnett or committee members James Joy, Neily Lyons, Mary Jo O’Connell, Mary McArthur, Micheal Kelly, Brodie and Brenda Barry, Denis Collins and Sean Broderick.   If you have a smartphone you should download an app called panicguard and if you ever feel threatened shake your phone vigorously.  This will set off a high pitched panic alarm on your phone, the phone will start flashing, it will activate the gps so you can be tracked and it will also turn your video so it catches everything on camera.

SUE RYDER:  The shop in Abbeyfeale offers a large selection of low priced women’s and men’s clothing, bric a brac, toys, handbags and a fantastic choice of bestseller books.
We welcome donations of all of the above but at the moment we especially need bed linen and curtains, towels etc.  Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items and duvets/pillows.
Thank you for your continued support.

LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE:  Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale.  Ring 061 314213 for appointment.

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

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.:  Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Fr Joe Foley CC:  Tel:  087 – 2618412.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Intentions:  Saturday February 20 7pm  Mossie Regan, Cahir.  Mary B. Dalton Purt 1^st anniversary.  Sunday 9.30am  Daniel O’Donnell, The Hill.  12 noon Lily O’Keeffe, Hill Road and Ballaugh Months Mind.  Church Webcam is now officially switched on and broadcasting live.   Almost anyone in the world can now view live broadcasts of events in Abbeyfeale parish church by logging onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish.  A direct link from the parish website has been set up.  You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard. Ash Wednesday February 10.  The chart for perpetual adoration for the Lenten period is at the back of the altar and you are asked to sign up for one hour a week.  Trocaire boxes are available to be distributed by usual volunteers.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN DUAGH:  Every Friday at 7.30pm in Duagh Church.

DOMESTIC ABUSE GROUP FOR MEN WHO ARE BATTERED: AMEN is based in Navan at St. Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway St. and provides a helpline on 046 9023 718, Email: info@amen.ie

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Husbands and Wives, Why not gift one another with a Marriage Encounter Weekend to enrich your communication, rekindle romance, deepen your love and discover the rich spirituality of your marriage. At the Creggan Court Hotel, Athlone from 26 to 28-Feb. www.marriageencounter.ie or call 087-784 0408.

MAUREEN’S OUTINGS: Spring Break; April 24-27, 2016. We will be staying in the Cavan Crystal 4 star Hotel, Cavan. On our way up we will stop off in Longford to see St. Mel’s cathedral that was destroyed by fire 5 years ago and reopened last Christmas. We have a full and interesting itinerary, touring by day and dancing after dinner in our hotel. On Monday we will go to Armagh where we will visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Church of Ireland Cathedral also we will go and see the Cardinal Tómas O’Fiaich Memorial Library. We intend going to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises.  All those who have already given in their names must confirm their booking with a deposit of €25 to secure our hotel booking.  Contact Maureen 087 9845102.

RALLY FOR LIFE:  Saturday, February 27 Grand Parade Cork.  2pm.

ADAPT:   Support is available in Newcastle West each week and there is a new survivors group called ‘Let’s Talk’ which is open to women.  A 24 Hour Freephone Helpline is available 365 days a year at 1800 200 504.  Court accompaniment and many other supports are also available.

SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 1pm 365 days a year.

Sir – This was written by an old lady in a geriatric ward in a hospital.  After she died, it was found among her possessions by a nurse.  All members of staff who have dealings with old people should ponder on what this old woman wrote:

What do you see, Nurse?

“What do you see, nurses, what do you see?

What are you looking at when you look at me?

A crabbed old woman, not very wise

Uncertain in habit with faraway eyes.

Who dribbles her food and makes no reply

When you say in a loud voice – I do wish you’d try.

Who seems not to notice the things that you do

And is forever losing that stocking or shoe,

Who unresisting or not, let you do as you will,

With bathing and feeding – the long day to fill.

Is that what you are thinking?  Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, Nurse, you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still

As I move at your bidding, as I eat at your will.

I’m as small child of 10 with a father and mother

Brothers and sisters who love one another.

A girl of sixteen with wings on her feet

Dreaming that soon now a lover she’ll meet.

A bride soon at 20 – my heart gives a leap.

Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.

At 25 now, I have young of my own

Who need me to build a secure happy home?

A woman of 30, my young grow fast

Bound to each other with love that should last.

At 40, my young sons have grown and are gone

But my man is beside me to see I don’t mourn.

At 50, once more, babies play around my knee

Again, we have children my husband and me

Dark days are upon me – my husband is dead,

I look to the future – I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing young of their own

And I think of the years and love I have shown

I’m an old woman now and nature is cruel

‘Tis her jest to make old age look a fool.

The body, it crumbles, grace and vigour depart

There is a stone now – where once I had a heart.

But inside this old carcase – a young girl still dwells

And now and again my battered heart swells

I remember the joys – I remember the pain

And I’m loving and living life all over again.

A NURSE’S REPLY

What do we see, you ask, what do we see?

Yes, we are thinking when looking at thee’

We may seem to be hard when we hurry and fuss,

But there’s many of you, and too few of us.

We would like far more time to sit by you and talk,

To bath you and feed you and help you to walk,

To hear of your lives and the things you have done;

Your childhood, your husband, your daughter, your son.

But time is against us, there’s too much to do-

Patients too many, and nurses too few.

We grieve when we see you so sad and alone,

With nobody near you, no friends of your own.

We feel all your pain, and know of your fear

That nobody cares now your end is so near.

But nurses are people with feelings as well,

And when we’re together, you’ll often hear tell

Of the dearest old Gran in the very end bed,

And the lovely old Dad, and the things that he said.

We speak with compassion and love, and feel sad.