PROLOGUE: The secret to living well & longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh treble, & love without measure. Duagh Parish Newsletter.
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Pat Moloney. St Ita’s Terrace whose funeral took place during the week. May he rest in peace. The death also took place recently of Con (CC) O’Rourke, The Square and Limerick. May he rest in peace.
CONGRATULATIONS ON SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS: Well done to Abbeyfeale United who beat St. Michael’s from Tipperary in the Munster League Champions Trophy Final last Sunday. The senior Colaiste Ide agus Iosef camogie team also won a Munster final last weekend so huge congratulations to them too. Both teams will be progressing in the New Year.
FARMERS’ MARKET: The Christmas Farmers’ Market takes place on Friday next December 16. We have a selection of stallholders joining us for the day with Christmas Wreaths, cakes and puddings on offer. Ali from Tour will be there with home made soup and we’ll also have Martin’s organic jams, Mido’s jewellery and Sue and Dee from the Wednesday club are coming with handknitted goods. I have got a couple of calls from other stallholders who will come if the weather is dry. We’re also expecting Carol singers from the Colaiste, so do give us a call in the small Square between 9-2pm.
CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS: Penitential Service on Monday night, December 19 @ 7pm in the Church of the Assumption with visiting priests who have heard it all before.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: We join with Fr. Tim’s family, neighbours and friends in wishing Fr. Tim Galvin a safe trip back to South Sudan after a couple of months sabbatical in the area. Thanks to all our bakers and to those who came out and purchased cakes, buns, scones, jams, marmalades last Sunday at the annual cake sale in aid of Fr. Tim’s Mission, it was a huge success and sold out completely. Triona, the former chairperson of Abbeyfeale for Africa was sadly missed by the customers but she leaves a great legacy behind her of support for Fr. Tim.
GOOD NEWS STORY: Maurice O’Connell, chairperson of the Abbeyfeale Community Council reports: “Work on the final section of footpath from Abbeyfeale Town Centre all the way to the Great Southern Trail has begun and a huge thank you is due to our friends in Limerick City & County Council. The plan is to have it completed in time for our walk after dinner and pudding on Christmas Day. Happy Christmas to all our walkers and hikers out there!This follows on from our successful “Town & Village Renewal Scheme” application for which the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, announced that Limerick City and County Council will receive €24,700 on our behalf. More to follow on this in the New Year”. Keep up to date with everything happening on our new Facebook page Abbeyfeale Alive.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FROM LOCAL SCRIBE: “Last One For The Road” A final collection of short stories and articles has been published by Abbeyfeale scribe, Raymond Fennelly. “Last One For The Road” is available from Ann Lyons, The Square or can be ordered online from Amazon.
PRAY FOR THOSE GONE BEFORE US: A Christmas Ribbon Ceremony Prayers and a Remembrance service will be held at Reilig Ide Naofa graveyard @ 3pm on Sunday next, December 18. Ribbons and Candles will be available.
ADVENT GIVING TREE: Every leaf on the Giving Tree represents a gift from someone generous. The youth clubs have placed the leaves with the gifts written on it on the Giving tree, please bring back the gift which you have wrapped with the label on the outside to facilitate those sorting the gifts. The gifts are collected and distributed by the Youth Clubs to the elderly in local nursing homes next week.
GLÓRACH NOTES: Trojan work done by Mike and Donal Woulfe over the weekend in building our set, things starting to come together now as we approach the final few weeks before we take to the stage in mid-January with our production of the John B Keane play, The Highest House on the Mountain. A powerful play that explores the notions of love, land, family pride and hidden secrets, thankfully we have a strong cast made up of seasoned stalwarts and fresh and vibrant newcomers that will bring this story to life in the new year.
BENNY THADE’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Takes place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on the third Thursday of each month. On Thursday night next the doors will open at 8.30pm with Mr and Mrs Santa Claus making a surprise visit. All proceeds this month go to Noonan’s Lights to add to the pot for the charities that Tony, Hannah and Siobhan are supporting this year.
MONSTER CHRISTMAS HAMPER: Tickets on sale at Ann Lyons, The Square, Abbeyfeale for the monster Christmas Hamper which is currently growing by the day. This is a fundraiser for WL102fm. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing the station on 06966200.
NATIVITY PLAY AND CANTATA: Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Christmas Nativity and Cantata in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday, December 15. Nativity at 1.30 p.m. Cantata at 7.00 p.m. All Welcome.
LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters will continue on the first and third Wednesday every month until May 2017. Next meeting Wednesday, January 18 at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West from 8-10pm. Further information 087 7972855.
Toastmasters provide you with the tools to become a confident speaker in a safe caring environment where everyone is on the same path. Great for anyone who finds it hard to stand up in public and get their opinion across.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS :A big thank you to all who helped to put up the Christmas lights in town and who helped to decorate the square. The place is looking welcoming and bright and the crib is in its rightful place in the centre of all the celebrations.
ADVENT PRAYER: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the pure Virgin Mary, at mid-night in a stable in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At the same hour vouch safe O My God, hear my prayer and grant my petition.
THIRD ANNUAL CONNIE HARNETT SWIM: The third annual New Year’s Day swim in Ballybunion in honour of local cattle dealer Connie Harnett takes place on Sunday, January 1 with proceeds going to the Dialayis Unit in Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Ava and Daniel who are travelling to Calcutta next Spring. All those taking part will be entered for a draw for a Limousin calf which will take place at the Corner House on Saturday, January 14.
NOONAN’S LIGHTS: Congratulations to Tony, Hannah and Siobhan who won a countrywide Energia competition top prize of €4,000 to add to their charities collection.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Keep an eye out for your elderly neighbours who might need support during these very long dark evenings. There are a lot of scams around at the moment so keep in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch, if it sounds too good to be true – then it is. Be careful when signing up to packages from mobile phone or tv providers – you’ll never again get talking to a human if you want to stop payments or change the contract details – talking to a computer is hard on the nerves and gets you very little satisfaction.
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS. West Limerick Resources provides ongoing support to Local Community Groups in the West Limerick area. Should you require any support or guidance as a Community Group or have ideas for training needs in 2017 please call Stefanie at West Limerick Resources on 087 3290483 or Damien on 087 9042477.
COUNSELLING SERVICE: Limerick Diocesan Social Service provides Counselling in Abbeyfeale on Monday’s. Tel 061/314213 for an appointment.
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER AND PLAN GIVING; We ask our usual distributors to collect the envelopes at the church Thursday, December 15 from 7-9pm. We appreciate your help with this distribution. Tel sacristy 068/51915 during Mass times. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
COMMUNITY ALERT SCAM ALERT: Beware of a mini bus which has been known to pull in front of cars and brake suddenly causing the car driver to run into it. All the passengers get whip lash. Mini bus has been spotted in Askeaton, Adare and Newcastlewest.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Abbeyfeale’s Bereavement Support Group can be reached on 068 31230 or 068 31262.
ABBEYFEALE’S SINGING CLUB: West Limerick singing club monthly singing session take place on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn Bar, Abbeyfeale.
TEXT ALERT: The text alert system is up and running. If you are worried about someone who calls to your door or you see a vehicle around the area or someone drives into your yard then you should ring 068 30010, the call will be answered by NCW Gardai who man a 24 hour telephone line. If they feel that your concerns merit further investigation then they will contact the company who will send out an alert by text to all those signed up to receive it. When you receive a text you should forward this to all the contacts in your phone so that the word gets disseminated throughout the community. These alerts will then enable other people in the community to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. If you would like to receive these warning texts then contact any member of the committee who on receipt of €10 (to help pay for the on-going cost of the texts) will take your number and sign you up. Presidents Micheal O’Kelly, Killarney Rd, and Sean Broderick, New St. Chairman James Stack, Cahir, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Kilconlea, Assistant Secretary Mary Mc Arthur, Meenkilly, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins, Convent St. and Marian Harnett, Knockbrack. Committee: Brenda and Liam (Brodie) Barry, Meenkilly, John O’Sullivan Meenkilly, Neily Lyons, Dromtrasna, Cllr. Francis Foley, Billy Quirke N.T, Knocknasna and Ballaugh, Denis Collins, Knockbrack, Mary Jo O’Connell Knocknasna and James Joy, The Grove
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NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB IN LISTOWEL: If you would like to gain self confidence, self esteem and improve your ability to speak in public then you should check out the newest public speaking club in North Kerry. The next meeting will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, January 19 from 8 -10pm. Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room. Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.
SOCIAL FARMING: This is the practice of offering family farms as a form of social services for people with intellectual disabilities and/or mental heath difficulties. The farm remais a typical working farm where people in need of support can benefit from participation in the farms’s chores and activities. It also creates the opportunity to connect farmes with local communities through the opening up of their farms as part of the social support system of the community. For further information call Stefanie or Dearbhla at West Limerick Resources on 069 62222.
RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection implement the Rural Social Scheme in West Limerick. The scheme aims to provide part time flexible employment opportunities to low income farmers by utilising their skills and talents on community and not for profit projects. If you are: (a) currently in receipt of Farm Assist, (b) have a herd number, a copy of your Single Farm Payment application and are in receipt of a qualifying payment from social welfare (www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Rural-Social-Scheme.aspx) then you (or your spouse) could benefit from the scheme in return for 19.5 hours of work in the community, (c) you will also be contributing to a class A stamp while on the scheme. Work is available in all areas with hours to fit in with your farming needs. The following people are also permitted to participate in the scheme: children or siblings of a qualifying herd owner provided they meet the necessary qualifying criteria.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Community/Voluntary Groups & Sporting Organisations: Applications are also invited from organisations interested in having suitable work carried out in their areas. Types of work includes: Maintaining and enhancing walkways and trails; village and countryside enhancement projects; social care and care for the elderly; environmental maintenance work; projects relating to not for profit cultural & heritage sites; work with not for profit organisations including administration. Further details and application forms can be obtained from the Rural Social Scheme Supervisors at The Weigh House, Market Yard, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 61540, E-mail [email protected] or West Limerick Resources (Main Office), St. Mary’s Road, Newcastle west.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 Console 061-306792
Fr. Anthony Mullins P.P. 068/31157 Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: 087 – 2618412. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. . Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass on Saturday 11am. Mass Intentions: Intentions for next week; Wednesday 10am Thomas J O’Connell New St. & deceased family members. Thursday 10am Thomas O’Brien 1st Anniv. Thursday 1pm Nativity Play Scoil Mháthair Dé 7pm Cantata Scoil Mhathair Dé Friday 10am Maurice Griffin Main St. Saturday 7pm John Hayes, Fealebridge. Peggy Woulfe, Ballaugh 1st Anniversary. Mary Enright, Caherlane. Ricky Loughnane. Sunday 9.30am Quinn & Codyre Family members. John Shannon Main Street. John D & Mary Ita Collins, Bogmount. Phil Kelly, Killarney Road. 12noon James Power O’Connell, St Ita’s Rd. Geraldine Woulfe, Cratloe.
Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.
To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page. Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam. You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.
JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockaloucca with the next one taking place on Tuesday, December 20.
SET DANCE CLASSES: Set dancing classes in Ballyhahill Community Centre from 8.30-10.30pm. Further information from Seamus 0851149796.
MONAGAE RAMBLING HOUSE: The monthly rambling house in Monagae Community Centre takes place on the 2nd Monday of the month with the next one taking place on December 19 as there is a school concert on December 12. It will be back to the 2nd Monday from January onwards.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE presented by the Kerry Choral Union, Tralee will be held in St. Bridgid’s Church Duagh on Friday, December 16 at 8:00pm. This will be a beautiful night of song and Christmas Carols and lovely way of easing into the Christmas spirit as we come closer to Christmas. Tickets €10 each, all proceeds in aid of Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex. Tickets can be ordered by telephoning 087-6725979.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS??? Back2New Community Upcycling is having a five day Christmas sale on December 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16, of unique, upcycled and redesigned furniture. Prices start from €20. This 5 day sale will be held at The Red Door Incubation Centre, The Square, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Opening times: 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Back2New Community Upcycling is a project established by West Limerick Resources and is facilitated under the TUS programme. www.facebook.com/back2newupcycling.
AFTERNOON OF PRAYER: An afternoon of prayer on will take place in Scartaglen Church on Sunday, December 18 with John Delaney. Starting with rosary at 2.30pm.
DON’T BE LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS Senior Help Line, Ireland’s only national listening service for older people, will be open every day over Christmas and the New Year from 10 am to 10 pm. We are here to take your call if you are on your own, feeling isolated, worried or would like someone to talk to. Christmas can be a sad time for many people, and in the midst of apparent universal gaiety, some of us can feel very alone. Senior Help Line volunteers are trained older people who understand the ups and downs of life, and are happy to listen, to keep company and to support. So let us put the companionship into Christmas this year. LoCall 1850 440 444, no call costs more than 30 cents. All calls completely confidential.
MAUREEN’S TRIPS FOR 2017: Day Trip on Sunday, January 15. Leaving NCW at 9.30am, we are going to visit Kerry Crafted Glass where we will be given a demonstration of re cycled glass making something beautiful, there will be pieces to be seen in the show room. We will have our usual breakfast and dinner. There will be time to visit Killarney and then go onto Kilgarven to the hostilliery of the Healy Rae family where Micheal will be waiting to meet us. We will be picking up in Listowel and Abbeyfeale. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
Spring Break from Friday, March 31- Monday April 3, 2017. We will be based in the beautiful Boyne Valley Hotel in Drogheda with complimentary use of the leisure centre. There will be breakfast and four course dinner each evening and afterwards dancing in our hotel to fantastic music that will have your feet tapping. One evening we will have entertain ourselves night which has proved to be a great success and most enjoyable. On Saturday we will board our bus for Banbridge Outlets Centre and take in the beautiful scenery of Co. Down with those magnificent Mountains of Mourne. Every day we will be out and about seeing new places. Drogheda is a fine town and has an awful lot of interesting places to visit one being St. Peter’s church where you can see the encased head of St. Oliver Plunkett. We have a full and exciting week end planned everyone is most welcome and you will be surprised to hear that this break will most definitely not break the bank. We will be able to pick people up in Kerry, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Adare and The South Court Hotel. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
MOUNT MELLERAY ABBEY ADVENT RETREAT: Preparing for Christmas
through the practice of Christian Meditation
(Possible to come for the day, either Saturday or Sunday, or for a full weekend.)
Led by Dr Stefan Reynolds
(Oblate of The World Community for Christian Meditation and Associate of the Irish Cistercians). Author of: ‘Living with the Mind of Christ: Mindfulness in Christian Spirituality’. A wonderful opportunity to join the monks in prayer. Learn and practice contemplative prayer. Explore the beautiful grounds of Mount Melleray Abbey
Contact the Guestmaster: [email protected] or 058 54404
Retreats are run at a donation rate according to people’s means (Suggested donation €50 per day). Accommodation is offered at a rate of €30-€60 per night – full board (It is possible to stay both Friday and Sunday nights as well). Talks and meditations will be held in the Guesthouse Parlour.
Retreat Program: Saturday 17: 7am Meditation, 7.45am Mass, 8.30am Breakfast, 10am Talk, 11am Meditative Walk & Meditation, 12.15pm Midday Prayer, 12.30pm Lunch, 2.30pm Walk in the hills, 4pm Talk, Lectio Divina & Meditation, 5.45pm Vespers, 6.30pm Supper, 8pm Compline followed by Rosary. Sunday 18: 7am Meditation, 7.45 Lauds, 8.30 Breakfast, 10.30 Mass followed by Coffee with theCommunity, and thereafter as on Saturday.
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Pope Francis and Laudato Si – pointing to a brighter future for humanity and given by Teresa Devine
Location: Blessed Terence Albert Hall, Dominican church, Limerick
When: 13th December at 7.30 pm
All are welcome – donation requested.
087 260 0414
