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]
087 260 0414
