PROLOGUE:  The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of that opportunity.  Leonard Ravenhill.

DEATHS:  We offer our sympathy to the family Breda McAuliffe, Dromtrasna Collins whose funeral took place on Monday. To the family of Margaret Dempsey / Colbert formerly Killarney Road whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace.

A WALK IN THE PARK:  ARA na Feile,  Abbeyfeale Active Retirement Assoc.proposes to have a walk in the Town Park on Wednesday 2nd of June @ 2pm. This exercise is to raise funds for much needed upkeep  of the Park.  A donation box will be in situ and we know you will be generous. Refreshments will be served but please bring your own drink.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

ST. ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE: St Ita’s Day Care Centre, Abbeyfeale are now doing Meals on Wheels. If anyone is interested or would like further information please contact Jane/Norma at 068 51850.

CONFIRMATION:    Fr. Chris O’Donnell has produced 3 video lessons for Confirmation children and their families.  The lessons are delivered by Johanna O’Brien and Eleanor O’Brien from Limerick along with Fr Chris. Both Johanna and Eleanor trained as teachers at Mary  Immaculate College and have been involved in the Limerick Diocese’s Youth
Ministry programmes.  Details will be posted on FB.

SIGNS OF POSITIVITY: The official launch of the SICAP produced ‘Signs of Positivity’ video will take place at 1pm, Sunday, May 30, on the WLR You Tube channel as part of the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2021.  Join us for an adventure in remote, community-based learning featuring local craftspeople from throughout West Limerick.

VIATORES CHRISTI: A faith-based development organisation have launched an online discussion forum.  Free for everyone to join and to become a volunteer.  To learn more visit vcvolunteers.ie

NCW:  Olden Times – an online archive dedicated to telling the story of Newcastle West in Co. Limerick in words, photos and videos from the town’s proud history.

http://ncwoldentimes.com/tag/st-itas/

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  Construction has begun on the European headquarters, Manufacturing and Operations Centre  of US company  Ortec Inc in Newcastle West. The company was founded  in 1980 and its  headquarters are in Easley, South Carolina.

SCRAP: Glin GAA Club will be hosting a scrap collection over the next 2 weeks.  All types of steel, galvanised sleeting, copper piping etc.  No gas cylinders.  Anyone wishing to drop off any scrap at the GAA grounds can do so on Wednesdays from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.  Anyone wishing to have scrap collected please contact James on 0872311156 or Jack on 0872289841.

DESMOND CASTLE, NCW:   Outdoor tours only. Self-guiding access to ground floor of castle. Limited access to castle banqueting hall. Listowel Castle-Site closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

https://heritageireland.ie/visit/closures/

AUTISM ONLINE CONFERENCE 2021:– Thriving with Autism:  This online conference offers interventions, skills and strategies to support people on the autism spectrum.  Suitable for parents, families, caregivers, autistics, employers, educators, professionals, agencies, advocates and anyone with an interest in autism.  Visit www.autismcork.ie

CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions; No Saturday morning Mass. Saturday  6.30 pm Eddie Lyons, Coolaneelig.  Michelle O’Connor 2nd Anniversary.   Joe O’Connor 2nd Anniversary. Kathleen Wrenne, Hillary Close Month Mind.   Mary Ann, Daniel, Francis and Joe Collins and Michelle Hardke Ballymacgordon.  Joan McCarthy, New Street.  Sunday 12noon Bertie Collins, Convent Street 1st Anniversary. John Jackie Broderick, Ballaugh Month mind.  Michael Houlihan, Ballaugh Month Mind.  St Anthony’s Novena each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.   Under the current guidelines the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation are not permitted for the time being. Parents should note that the dates we have issued from the parish are provisional. Hopefully come the end of June restrictions on these ceremonies will be lifted.  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.

NATIONAL PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION:  The NPA executive has announced the “difficult decision” it has made to cancel the 2021 trade exhibition this year. The World Ploughing Contest due to be held in Ireland to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the championships has also been cancelled.

WARNING:  There are currently fraudulent SMS messages in circulation claiming to be from DHL. These messages are not from us! As a matter of principle, we do not ask for any data or to download apps via SMS.
CHURCHES REOPEN:  Fr. Tony writes:  The two-metre social distancing rule still applies. Stewards will direct you to the hand sanitizing stations and then to your seats. The seats will be clearly marked. Three individual people from different households to a seat. Families from the same household may sit together. The stewards will direct you to Holy Communion and at the end of Mass we are asking people to exit the church gradually and safely. Should the church be filled parishioners will be able to hear Mass in the car park through the Car Park Radio. Tune your car radio to 107FM. For Holy Communion we ask you to remain in your car and Holy Communion will be brought to you. We ask you to follow the guidance of the stewards at all times. The church will need to be cleaned thoroughly after each time that it is used. The cleaning of the building after each Mass is essential to maintain safety and prevent the spread of the virus. Please use sanitiser, available at entrances and exits to the church· Social Distancing must be adhered to at all times and please wear your mask for added safety.   The Church will be divided into ‘pods’ (of no more than 50 persons in each), giving us welcome extra capacity· Each Section has its own entrance / exit route with strictly no movements between ‘pods’· The ‘Sign of Peace’ remains suspended for the moment and arrangements for Holy Communion, observing social distancing as they were last time· Numbers for Weddings and Funerals are limited to 50. It is not in the power of the priest to change this. It is the ‘law of the land’, so please do not exceed or ask for exception. The current Mass schedule will remain in place for the summer months.

SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS:  West Limerick Mental Health Association are always searching for volunteers and they say “Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organization and our community. Without the dedication of volunteers, many projects offered by our local branch would not be possible. We truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy to further our mission.  Volunteering is at the core of our organization. It is about giving, contributing and helping other individuals and the community at large; it is working with others to making a meaningful contribution to a better community.  11Give the gift of yourself, your time, your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering. You are always welcome. Contact : [email protected]

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.

CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions; Wednesday 10am   Jack & Nell Gleeson  Killarney Road .  No  Saturday morning Mass  6.30pm   Dick Fitzgerald , Railway Bar. Sunday 10am      Maria Delariza  1st Anniversary12noon   Niall O’Mahony, Collins Park.  Mary Ita McCarthy , Shanbally.  Monday 7pm  Denis & Mary O’Connor, Kilconlea.   Under the current guidelines the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation are not permitted for the time being. Parents should note that the dates we have issued from the parish are provisional. Hopefully come the end of June restrictions on these ceremonies will be lifted.  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 087/2621911.

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.

COMMUNITY RADIO:  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, Moss the Farmers’ and also in the Siopa Nua.

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.

COMMUNITYALERT:  An Garda Síochána at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau wish to alert the Public to an ongoing Text Message Scam focused on gaining access to personal bank accounts. An Garda Síochána supported by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) are advising consumers to be on the alert to a text message or ‘smishing’ scam in which victims receive a text appearing to be from their bank asking them to confirm personal details or click on links to unfreeze their account. Gardaí at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) wish to advise that the focus of the criminals in this latest scam is to obtain personal information that will allow them to steal money from bank accounts. Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan, GNECB stated that ‘banks and other financial entities will never make unsolicited contact with individuals asking for personal details, account numbers, 4-digit pin number or passwords.” He warned ‘that people receiving unsolicited communications looking for these personal details should not reply to text messages, emails or other communications. They should contact their bank independently to check on the validity of the communications they have received before taking any action’.

KEY DETAILS OF THE SCAM

1.The message will imitate a text from your bank.

2.The message will typically ask you to click on a link to a website to “verify”, “update” or to “reactivate” your account.

3. It may ask you to reply to the text message with personal or financial information or to click on a link to website.

4.If it includes a link, the website is a fake one. The website will then attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information. If clicked on it also could download dangerous software known as malware to your computer or mobile device.

5.Often the text will create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking e.g. your money is in danger or your account will be frozen.

WARNING SIGNS

The following are some warning signs :

•The text message will be unsolicited

•The text message will always seek information that allows access to bank accounts, Note; banks or other financial institutions would not look for that kind of information!!

•The text will instruct the individual to go to a website or make a phone call to a specified number

•The text will create a fear that if the customer does not take action requested in the text, their account will be compromised

•The text will emphasise the need for urgent action by the recipient of the text

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

•A text from your bank will not ask you for any personal information, only ever respond Y or N to bank text messages.

•Never respond to a text message that requests your 4-digit card PIN or your online banking details or any other password.

•Do not respond to unsolicited text/SMS messages before independently validating who the text appears to be from. Never use the number in the text message. For your bank, use the number on the back of your debit / credit card.

•Don’t be rushed. Take your time and make the appropriate checks before responding.

•Do not click on a link, attachment or image that you receive in an unsolicited text without first verifying the text and understanding what you are clicking on.

•If you think you have responded to a Smishing text message, contact your bank immediately.

Niamh Davenport, who leads the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART programme, offers the following advice to consumers: “Always be wary of any unexpected calls or texts which appear to be your bank especially those asking for personal details or payments. Your bank will never ask for your personal information so never give your financial or personal information in order to release money, refund fees, or access to your computer. Fraudsters are very convincing but don’t be afraid to take the time to make the relevant checks. The scammer will try to rush you, but this is all designed to panic you into doing something you wouldn’t otherwise do.” I found the following message on my FB  page last week and thought it was well worth sharing to give people an idea of what to expect when they get a scam call;  “  “On Friday 14th May at approx 11am , I was on my way to Tralee when my phone rang. The number came up 0833364543. They said I owed the department of Social Welfare 30,000 euro and that the solicitors acting for them would be around to take a statement and serve me with court papers unless I pressed a key on my phone . At that stage I switched my phone off. The accent was not Irish, more foreign , with good English. As I don’t have any dealings with the department, I was not all worried.” 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 or spend 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:  If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 0579351886/0860419154.  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 [email protected] Aware (Depression & Anxiety 016617211.  National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444.   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]