Community Notices 15th March 2019

PROLOGUE:  Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.”
Chuck Norris.

BREAKING NEWS!:  The wonderful Rathkeale Brass Band will lead the parade on Sunday.

IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES:  Abbeyfeale branch of Conradh na Gaeilge kick started Adult Irish Speaking classes, last Wednesday, March 6. As a result of the large numbers signed up for the classes, the venue for the classes have moved to St Itas Hall, Convent St, Abbeyfeale, from this Wednesday, March 13,  tosnú 7:30pm to 8:30pm.  There will be 2 classes, a Bun rang (beginners) & an Ard rang (more advanced). The main aim of these classes are to promote and encourage Irish Speaking in the locality. Some places are still available, we encourage anyone with an interest on brushing up on “na cúpla focal” to attend. The classes will continue for 6 more weeks cost €30. Mar a deireann an sean fhocal “Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste”. For more information or to book your place contact Dónal on 068 31661 or email [email protected]

OPEN DAY: An invitation has been issued by the Board of St Ita’s Sheltered Housing  to their Open Day on Saturday April 27. There will be a cup of tea in the Day Care Centre following the unveiling of a plaque in honour of the late Canon Neville whose brainchild the Sheltered Housing was.  The evening will conclude with music by Lost Souls at The Winners’ Circle.

LEXIO DIVINA:    It is hoped to begin Lexio Divina after Friday’s 10am Mass. Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate. First a passage of scripture is read, and then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God.  Everyone welcome.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE:  Mary MacArthur in association with the Wednesday Club are holding a Tea Dance in memory of Mary’s late husband Hughie, in Fr Casey’s GAA Hall, Abbeyfeale.3 -6pm on Sunday, April 14.  All proceeds to Milford Care Centre.  Music by Mike Condon. Tickets €5 from 087 6377310. All donations gratefully accepted.

RATHKEALE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY will hold its final meeting of this season on Friday, March 22  at 8.30 pm. in the Community Arts Centre, New Line, Rathkeale. Topic: “REVISITING THE LORE OF WEST LIMERICK”.  Speaker:  Maurice O’Keeffe, who travelled the highways and byways of West Limerick and other regions twenty years ago, meeting and talking to people on the way, which has resulted in thousands of hours of audio material being  compiled into oral history collections. All are welcome.  Admission Free.

COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERT:  All roads lead to Duagh Sports & Leisure Complex on Thursday, April 4 for The Irish Country Music Concert presented by Mike Gardner of Country Corner – Clare FM.  A fantastic line up comprises The Ryan Turner Band, Louise Morrissey, Gerry Guthrie, Cathy Durkin, John Hogan, Michael Collins. Following on from the great success of last years “Showbands concert” this promises to be an event not to be missed. Doors open 7.30pm and Concert starts @8.30pm. Tickets €25 available from 087-2684540 or any committee member. Lots of Spot prizes, full bar facilities as well as Tea/Coffee.

FR. CASEY’S CARDS; Winner with 13 games were; Sean O’Connor, Teddy Sullivan, Eamon Scannell.  Runners up with 12 games were; Liam O’Connor, Beth Collins, Jamsie McEnery.  Door prize winner was; Connie Collins.  Table prize winners;  Eddie O’Connor, Connie Collins, Mike Donoghue.  Raffle winners were;  Beth Collins, Kathleen McCarthy, Dan Brosnan, Dan Reidy, Jerry O’Connor.

CONCERT:  A Variety Concert in aid of the Athea Lourdes Invalid Fund will take place in St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea on Sunday,March 31 at 7pm. Tickets €10.

RADIO MARIA:  Radio Maria Ireland is a Catholic Radio station broadcasting 24/7. Various programmes suited to youth and not so young listeners include daily Mass at 10am, daily Rosary prayed at 12.30pm and 5.30pm, Chat shows, Vocation stories, Catechesis and loads of Music. Tune in on your TV set at Saorview 210 (Just back from RTE1) or online at www.radiomaria.ie. or by phone on 01 4373277. Listeners can text a comment or request to 089 4672000.

EVENINGS OF REFLECTION:  This year during Lent the Unit of Parishes (Abbeyfeale, Athea, Tournafulla/Mountcollins, Templeglantine) have organised two evenings of reflection to be held in Templeglantine on Thursday, March 7 and Thursday, March 14.

HARNETT REUNION:  It’s all systems go, email [email protected] for all the latest news, bookings, rates etc.

GLORÁCH NEWS: PRO Lorcan Curtin writes; “ A brilliant night of music was enjoyed by a sellout crowd at the Glórach Theatre last Friday night.  As part of our celebration of International Women’s Day, the group Cuisle took to the stage singing iconic songs by iconic female artists.  The best of West Limerick musicians comprised the group, with a phenomenal performance on vocals from Susan Browne and tremendous guitar and vocals from Kevin McCarthy, whose banter between numbers had the audiences in stitches.  Catherine Horgan gave a mesmeric performance on the fiddle, veering from traditional to bluegrass in style, while Dan Sheehan’s piano playing gave a great depth to the overall sound and Noel Beasley on percussion drove the rhythm on throughout the night.  A Woman’s Heart, Caledonia, Both Sides Now, It’s a heartache were just some of the numbers sung during the course of the concert, with thundering versions of Proud Mary and I will survive bringing the crowd to their feet towards the end of the night.  Thanks to Cuisle, the enthusiastic audience who attended and all the volunteers who helped out on the night”

FASHION SHOW; Spring /Summer Fashion Show – Community Hall Glin – Wednesday, March 13 – Prosecco & Glin slim (alcoholic free cocktail) with food tastings -.Fashions by;

Brides Boutique Glin, Esthers Boutique Abbeyfeale,  Annette’s Adare, Mc Conell, Killaloe, Coco, Listowel, Bella Sola NCW, Caroline Mitchell limerick, menswear by Gatsby Newcastlewest., Caroline Mitchell Limerick, Menswear by Gatsby NCW. Modelling by the Holman Lee agency.  Doors open & Reception @ 7pm. Show 8pm.  Door prize, spot prizes. Best Dressed Lady.  Tickets €15available from school 068 35344 or Maura 087 7539926.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: All is now in readiness for the annual Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade. Templeglantine Comhaltas will open proceedings with a lively session of jigs and reels in The Square and we hope that they will receive their usual warm reception. The parade will start from Mountmahon at 4pm and proceed down Main Street and past the reviewing stand in The Square. We look forward to another big entry of floats and novelties again this year, and already many businesses and clubs have signalled their intention to take part. Participants are asked to assemble at the Industrial Estate from 3pm and they are reminded that they are responsible for their own insurance cover and will be required to sign a waiver to that effect. Prizes will be awarded for Best Float, Best Decorated Window and Best Youth Entry. We hope that spectators will will assemble in great numbers down along Main Street to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on the participants. Bí ann agus bí linn, Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

TRIP TO CONNEMARA:  On Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, a coach will depart from the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 7a.m. to visit the Connemara Greenway. Our first stop will be for breakfast in the Forge, Moycullen.   The Connemara Greenway is planned to run all the way from Galway to Clifden but our visit is to a 6km section which was only opened in 2018 (http://connemaragreenway.ie/about-2/). It is very scenic and includes wonderful lakeside stretches.  Our walk/cycle ends near Ballynahinch Castle which also has its own parkland and walks.  In the afternoon we will continue deeper into Connemara to the Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel for tea and scones with time to relax. A full four course dinner at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis will be provided en route home.  The cost for coach travel and the three food stops is €60 which is payable to Pat Condon, Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick.  (Tel: 06962344 from 5-6pm). As our previous excursion was oversubscribed we recommend early payment to guarantee your reservation. Beidh fáilte romhat!

€2000 IN PRIZES:  A monster Bingo will take place in Ratheenagh Community Hall on Sunday, March 17 at 3pm.  Further details 087 2126136.

LOURDES:  Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place this year from June 20 -25.  All Assisted (Invalid) Pilgrims applications to be submitted to Lourdes Office before the end of April. Details and cost will be on the notice board at the entrance of the Church.

ST ITA’S FAITH CAMP: This year our camp takes place in St Mary’s Boys school from Monday, July 29 –Thursday, August 1.  We will need volunteers -adults 18yrs +and also youths aged 14 –17 yrs. Info: -087-2788834.

CONRADH NA GAEILGE/GAELIC LEAGUE; a branch has been re-established in Abbeyfeale.  Members welcome.  Further information Éamonn 086 3903244.

CONFIRMATION:  Congratulations to the sixth class children who received their Confirmation last Tuesday.  We thank all who helped us to celebrate the Sacrament.   We pray the  Holy Spirit will bless each and every one of them in year ahead.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE:  Celebrity concert this year by The Kilfenora Ceili Band.  Takes place May 2-6, concert Sunday, May 5.  Great interest this year in the Bones playing competition so all you aspiring world champions out there – get practicing.

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTES: Sgt. Ber Leetch was out with the ICA last Tuesday.  This is a flavour of what she said:  Keep vegetation around the house low so that callers can be seen from the road.  Try and have access to the back of the house restricted, people should call to the front door .  Lock the garden shed with a good lock, if you have a bicycle then lock it with a lock that is at least 10% of its value.  Photograph Jewellery.  Do not hide cash, jewellery, ipads etc in the hot press or the bedroom.  Bolt a safe to a solid wall.  The greatest sign of occupancy are lights, buy a timer so that they will switch on even if you’re out. If someone calls offering to clean your gutters, paint your chimney, replace ridge tiles on the roof or any number of other jobs tell them that you only deal with RCCN (Housing ) Ltd., the not for profit company based in NCW who provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick.  Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315.  Senior Help Line is a free confidential listening service provided by trained older volunteers on 1800804591and its open daily from 10am – 10pm.  ‘So if you’re older and want information or just to hear a friendly voice then give them a call.  You can also register with WLR 069 62222 who provide a locally based service.  The phone no. for Abbeyfeale Station  is 068 30010.  If the Gardai on duty are out on patrol the call will be patched through to NCW who will call the car back to town.  Keep an eye on our FB page which is updated daily with all the latest on scams, money making rackets and fast ones.  Once you reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out for long periods of the day then because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65.  The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company of €66.  Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one.  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. If someone comes to the door that you are not comfortable with you can use the panic button to summons help. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.

NOVELTY FUNDRAISER:  Duagh’s Unique Generation! On Friday April 5 next, Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex Committee will hold a novelty fund raising event. This will entail the showing of the popular film Despicable Me 3 in the sports hall – but with a twist! The power to operate the film projector will not be taken from the national grid. Instead the power will be generated by local cyclists working, and pedalling- in teams of eight and hoping to supply between 80 to 100 watts of power.

CALLING PARENTS:  Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler Group: 11am – 12.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday, St Ita’s Hall. New people always welcome. Contact Mary on 087 9382883.

MASS TIME:  Mass Times in the Pastoral Area Unit; Abbeyfeale – Saturday 6e.30pm   and    Sunday   9.15am & 12noon.    Athea -   Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 10.30am. Mountcollins   – Sunday 11am.  Templeglantine – Saturday 6pm and Sunday 10.00 am.  Tournafulla    -   Saturday 7.30pm.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH:  Fr Tony Mullins PP 087/2600414.  Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674. Fr Denis Mullane 087/2621911. Parish Church 068/51915. Parish Office; Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133    Email: [email protected]   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 [email protected] 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 effected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560 .  Counselling Appointment    061/314213.  Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm.  Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon.  Mass Intentions: Saturday 11am   Pa Colbert, Killarney Road.

6.30pm      Peter Healy, The Hill 6th Anniversary.           Margaret & Ned Leahy and their son Emmett  and deceased family members, The Millstream.   Kitty Doody, New Street.           Thomas & Jerry O’Connor, Knockbrack, Knocknagoshel.  Sunday. 9.15am   William Riordan, Upper Purt, Month Mind .   12noon      Tom Scanlon.  Lourdes invalid  Collection will take place on March  23/24.  Schools Collections will take place on March 30/31.  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Having revised the Eucharistic Adoration for  Lent it has  been decided  it will be for 12 hours a day  8am –8pm.  Monday to Friday.  Lent a season of Grace;   Lenten reflections  Special Programming Throughout the Lenten Season, reflection on the Gospel reading of each Sunday in Lent from the parish church of Ardagh in Carrickerry,  Sundays at 11.30am Monday at 7.30-pm Wednesdays at 10.30am Saturdays at 12.30pm ( 30mins) Available on SKY 588, Virgin Media 815, eircomeFibre 589 or watch online wwwewtn.ie

GLÓRACH: Bingo continues on Monday nights at 8.30 pm.

BOOK ON SALE:  The Treaty Triumph celebrating Limerick’s All Ireland Hurling win is on sale at Ann Lyons’ in the Square.

GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH MOVEMENT IN IRELAND.  Meet on Wednesday’s at 8pm in the Seanchaí  Centre, Listowel. This programme is open to all and is free of charge. No introductions needed. Just come along. For more information, contact Jerry, 086 0271990.

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE May 28 – June 4 ex Cork. 15 places remaining. €725.00 half board. €200.00 deposit secures place. Staying in locally owned Hotel Leone, 3 mins from St. James Church. Spiritual director Fr. Sean Corkery.  Contact Sean O’Shaughnessy 0862959380.

UNDERSTANDING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH Is a one-day interactive workshop for those working or volunteering with young people. The workshop is designed to provide participants a deeper understanding of the factors that influence youth mental health. Examples will also be provided of the signs of youth mental difficulties influencing safety Participants will also learn about help seeking patterns amongst young people.  The programme is designed and run by Jigsaw.   The programme runs at Listowel Family Resource Centre on March 21 from 9.30am-4.30pm.  Contact 068 23584.

RAMBLING HOUSES:   Monagae 2^nd. Monday of the month.   Knockalougha, Duagh on the third Tuesday of every month.

‘AT LAST’:  The book is for sale in Ann Lyons’s, The Square.  It tells the story of Limerick’s long wait for All Ireland Hurling Glory.