Community notices 9th april 2021

PROLOGUE:  It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY:  The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and ends next Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) April 11.   The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary and Novena Prayers will be said at the 12noon Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to join us online at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie or churchservices.tv/abbeyfeale

AN SIOPA NUA:  Delighted to see queues forming on the Main St. all weekend to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s.  It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’ behind the shop counter.  The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnells down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, icecream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine.  We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always. she has the welcome mat out for everyone.

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

EASTER THE FEAST OF HOPE:  Martin Luther King Jr. said of Easter, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.  “The signs of spring are all around us. It is a season of hope and optimism. Springtime brings new life renewal, growth, and hope.  In his Easter message, Bishop Brendan Leahy says that “Easter is hope, and the great way to fan the flames of hope in our lives is to put aside, as much as we can, our own worries and go out to love one another. Every time we do an act of love for someone, we give them a reason to hope” We have great hope in the risen Christ. He is with us to encourage us, to strengthen us, enabling us to persevere through these difficult days. Easter is the ultimate message of hope as we struggle in this period of uncertainty. We also find hope in the goodness of the people around us. We are grateful to all who have willingly gone out to serve the community, especially the sick, those living alone and the vulnerable. “Every time we do an act of love for someone we give them a reason to hope.” When the Pandemic ends, as it surely will, we should let the extraordinary acts of kindness experienced during the lockdown period become the normal practice in our lives. In that way hope will live on in our lives. The Easter Message has its origin in the dark days of Jesus’ suffering and then blossoms into the Good News of resurrection. Our hope is firm; it is based in Jesus Christ and in the goodness of humanity. Let us bring this message of hope to everyone we meet this Easter week. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, that is our special gift to all who feel despondent at this time. Fr Dan and I are grateful for the encouragement and support we receive from so many parishioners. Sincere thanks for your continued financial support. We wish you and your families our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter. Fr Tony Mullins.  Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Sean Enright, Upper Purt. Friday 10am Denise Sheehan, Brosna/ Kildimo.  Saturday 6.30pm Patrick Lane and deceased family members. Phyllis Cotter, Purt.  Sunday10am Tom & Patrick Mc Carthy, Caherhayes . 12noon Johnny & Maureen Joy, The Square and their parents.   Dan Murphy, Main Street and Killarney Road. Monday7pm Austin Daly, The Grove 3rd Anniversary.  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. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year!  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.

WELL DONE:  A huge thank you is due to all the people who worked so hard to prepare the church for the online Easter ceremonies from Ann and Maurice O’Meara the church clerks ably assisted by Bridie Scully Collins, to Riona and her cantors who provided the musical accompaniment, to the readers and of course to Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan who presided over the Holy Week events.  It was the next best thing to be able to tune in each day on church services.tv/Abbeyfeale or www. abbeyfealeparish.ie

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.  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]

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.  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. As part of its licence a  very strictly enforced rule is that no more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources and at least 25% must come from the community they serve.  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’ and I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

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.

PADRE PIO:  The Padre Pio Devotions in Castleisland led by Fr. Mossie Brick on Tuesday,  April 20 at 7.30pm. Witness will be given by Mike O’Mahony. A journey from Alcohol 24/7 to a pathway of recovery and living for one day at a time. Watch on church services.tv/ Castleisland.

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]

PROLOGUE:  It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY:  The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and ends next Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) April 11.   The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary and Novena Prayers will be said at the 12noon Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to join us online at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie or churchservices.tv/abbeyfeale

AN SIOPA NUA:  Delighted to see queues forming on the Main St. all weekend to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s.  It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’ behind the shop counter.  The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnells down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, icecream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine.  We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always. she has the welcome mat out for everyone.

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

EASTER THE FEAST OF HOPE:  Martin Luther King Jr. said of Easter, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.  “The signs of spring are all around us. It is a season of hope and optimism. Springtime brings new life renewal, growth, and hope.  In his Easter message, Bishop Brendan Leahy says that “Easter is hope, and the great way to fan the flames of hope in our lives is to put aside, as much as we can, our own worries and go out to love one another. Every time we do an act of love for someone, we give them a reason to hope” We have great hope in the risen Christ. He is with us to encourage us, to strengthen us, enabling us to persevere through these difficult days. Easter is the ultimate message of hope as we struggle in this period of uncertainty. We also find hope in the goodness of the people around us. We are grateful to all who have willingly gone out to serve the community, especially the sick, those living alone and the vulnerable. “Every time we do an act of love for someone we give them a reason to hope.” When the Pandemic ends, as it surely will, we should let the extraordinary acts of kindness experienced during the lockdown period become the normal practice in our lives. In that way hope will live on in our lives. The Easter Message has its origin in the dark days of Jesus’ suffering and then blossoms into the Good News of resurrection. Our hope is firm; it is based in Jesus Christ and in the goodness of humanity. Let us bring this message of hope to everyone we meet this Easter week. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, that is our special gift to all who feel despondent at this time. Fr Dan and I are grateful for the encouragement and support we receive from so many parishioners. Sincere thanks for your continued financial support. We wish you and your families our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter. Fr Tony Mullins.  Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Sean Enright, Upper Purt. Friday 10am Denise Sheehan, Brosna/ Kildimo.  Saturday 6.30pm Patrick Lane and deceased family members. Phyllis Cotter, Purt.  Sunday10am Tom & Patrick Mc Carthy, Caherhayes . 12noon Johnny & Maureen Joy, The Square and their parents.   Dan Murphy, Main Street and Killarney Road. Monday7pm Austin Daly, The Grove 3rd Anniversary.  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. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year!  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.

WELL DONE:  A huge thank you is due to all the people who worked so hard to prepare the church for the online Easter ceremonies from Ann and Maurice O’Meara the church clerks ably assisted by Bridie Scully Collins, to Riona and her cantors who provided the musical accompaniment, to the readers and of course to Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan who presided over the Holy Week events.  It was the next best thing to be able to tune in each day on church services.tv/Abbeyfeale or www. abbeyfealeparish.ie

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.  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]

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.  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. As part of its licence a  very strictly enforced rule is that no more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources and at least 25% must come from the community they serve.  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’ and I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

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.

PADRE PIO:  The Padre Pio Devotions in Castleisland led by Fr. Mossie Brick on Tuesday,  April 20 at 7.30pm. Witness will be given by Mike O’Mahony. A journey from Alcohol 24/7 to a pathway of recovery and living for one day at a time. Watch on church services.tv/ Castleisland.

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]