Notices

PROLOGUE:  “The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun.  It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.  Napoleon Hill (1883 – 1970).

DEATH:  Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Mary Ita Scannell, The Hill whose death occurred over the weekend.  May she rest in peace.

ABBEYFEALE SHOCKED:  There was a palpable sense of shock and sadness when the news of the imminent departure of our parish priest of the last 14 years started to spread throughout the town and parish this week.  Canon John O’Shea is moving back towards his home place near the city to be parish priest of three parishes – Raheen, Crecora and Mungret.  He will be sadly missed – the most approachable, personable, pleasant, pragmatic man who ever stood in shoe leather and who was at everyone’s beck and call when needed to offer support, consolation, advice.  A man of the people and of the land who treated everyone the same, who supported us in our sorrows, celebrated our successes and was always there when we needed him.  A great man to delegate, who could talk to the smallest child or the octogenarian and leave them both feeling the better for having been in his company.  A man who could – to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling – walk with the crowd and with kings and never lose the common touch.  Abbeyfeale parish has long been blessed with strong leaders who each continued the work begun by his predecessors and Fr. O’Shea was no different.  I leave it to others to detail the body of work he leaves behind but suffice to say it is impressive “Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord, Keep them, for they are thine – Thy priests whose lives burn out before Thy concentrated shrine.” A prayer for priests.

CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET:  The monthly car boot sale in aid of West Limerick 102fm takes place at the Community Centre, NCW on Sunday, July 10 with gates opening at 7.30am.  Further information 069 66200.

DROMTRASNA N.S. LAUNCHES ‘PAST AND PRESENT’: As if it weren’t enough to produce the All Ireland 5-a-side Champions for 2016 Dromtrasna N.S. have gone and brought out a 156 page book.   The launch of the eagerly awaited book entitled Past and Present’ took place recently and it is now available through the school and in Harnett’s SPAR, O’Donoghue’s SPAR, Ann Lyons’ and Sheehy’s Hardware.  Dromtrasna N.S. engaged in a historical reflection of 1916 and how a community has changed in the last 100 years since it opened on May 5, 1915.  The book is a mine of information and contains the stories of people who fought in the War of Independence as well as the life stories of past pupils like Mary Wrenn who was a cousin of the late Lawrence Wrenn who was appointed Garda Commissioner in 1983, Lizzie Harnett who became a nun in Texas, Larry Ellen Harnett who started the first unit of the IRA in Abbeyfeale and many more.  This is a book that will be treasured by future generations and is a credit to the Acting Principal Ann Marie Downes, the staff, students and Bord of Management.

CRAFT FAIR ON THE COBBLES:  There’s no Gathering unfortunately this year – a combination of burnout, difficulties in getting a committee together and lack of interest.  The Farmers Market have decided to keep the annual craft fair going anyway so we’re going ahead with it on Friday, July 15 from 9.30am.  Please support and rise a bit of excitement around the town that day.

PARISH COMMUNITY GARDEN NEWS:  We must say goodbye to our faithful Tus worker James McKenna who leaves the garden in great shape.  Thanks James for all your work over the past year.  We welcome Tom O’Rourke who takes over for the next 12 months.  James grew potatoes, carrots and onions along with blackcurrants, raspberries, strawberries and herbs this spring so we are going to have our annual sale of produce outside the church on Sunday, July 17 with all monies raised going as usual to support Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan.

NIGHT AT THE DOGS:  Fr Casey’s GAA Fundraising Night at the Dogs will take place on Saturday, August 13 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.  .All proceeds in aid of field development.  Your support will be greatly appreciated.

FEALE FIT NOTES:  Dublin City Marathon Training commences July 9 at Fealefit @ 8.30am.  Well done to all Fealefit & St Ita’s Ac members that took part in events over the weekend!  Fealefit are taking part in Adare to Survive this year and fundraising for the ‘ Community crisis support team ‘.  If you’re interested in joining us register at Adare to survive & join team Fealefit.  All Fealefit event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness,if you wish join us at any event please contact us…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552.

WATER:  On Thursday fortnight last (during our Irish summer) the water in the taps in Knockbrack was brown and undrinkable.  If anyone else has issues with water they should contact their local representatives as it is important that the powers that be, need to be alerted.

TOWN PARK INVITATION:  Abbeyfeale Town Park requires a new plan to cover the next number of years in order to bring the park to its next stage of development.  Abbeyfeale Town Park Committee would like to invite all interested parties to attend the town park on Wednesday July 13th 7.00 p.m.  So, if you want your voice heard and your ideas noted, please come along. This is your opportunity to have your say.

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. The next session will take place on Friday July 1 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the singing, tell a story, or just listen to the performers.

JOURNEY INTO AWARENESS:  One day workshop in Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Saturday, July 9.  .An inspirational journey of self-discovery, creative visualization and positive affirmation, based on the works of Anthony de Mello and Jon Kabat-Zinn.  Focus will be on the topics of Self-Awareness, Living Confidently in the Moment and the use of Experiential Mindfulness Techniques. Tel 061-367010.

SEISIÚN BEGINS :  The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sponsored traditional entertainment programme for the Summer season commences this week at more than forty 40 centres throughout the country. The Devon Inn Templeglantine is one of these centres, where on Thursday nights a host of musicians, singers and dancers combine to present a top class show of Irish traditional entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Towards the end of the night, time is allowed for audience participation.  The Templeglantine Seisiún takes place on each Thursday night at 8.45pm.

GLÓRACH NEWS:  Congratulations to all the children involved in the two shows held at the Glórach Community Theatre on Thursday and Friday last, the fantastic set and costumes lighting up a dull summers evening.  The shows were the culmination of months of work with Marie and Theresa, and couldn’t have happened without the support of all the parents involved, so a big thanks to ye all for your support.

COURSE IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:  A course in personal development runs one evening a week from September to May and seven Saturdays or Sundays through the year in Tralee, Killarney and Limerick.  It is organised by SHEP (The social and health education project).  For further information contact Helen O’Grady 085 8626844.

BOXING TOURNAMENT AT VIKING BOXING CLUB:  First annual Tournament at the premises in Colbert’s Terrace on Sunday, July 24.  Admission €5. 15 fights on the day, weigh in 12 noon.  Refreshments available. Contact Noel 087 4360339.  Denis 087 7614462.

FAITH CAMP:  St Ita’s Catholic Camp for boys & girls aged between 5-12

years takes place from Tuesday, August 2 – Friday, August 5 in St. Mary’s N.S. from 10am -3pm.  Cost €40 for first child & € 20 per additional child in family. Activities include Art, drama, Music, Sport, faith teaching. Tel Martina 087/2788834 Lorraine 086/3765751 for more information and registration form.

ABBEYFEALE ANGLERS PRESENT CHEQUE:  Paddy O’Sullivan and Dee Dennison of the Abbeyfeale Angling Club recently presented Mike Shanahan Clash, a volunteer with Blood Bike Mid-West, with a cheque for €200 to aid the group in their work.  Blood Bike Mid-West is a charitable organization that provides transport for urgently needed blood, blood products, patient records, drugs and other medical requirements.  Established in 2013, volunteers from all over Limerick including Abbeyfeale provide a free transport service to the HSE.  They receive no state funding and all volunteers and directors are unpaid.  The group have three specially adapted motorcycles and a van for bad weather.  All riders are trained to the highest RoSPA (Royal Society for the prevention of accidents) levels and pay for this training out of their own pockets.  They are based at the Maternity hospital on 12 hour shifts and travel between there and the Regional Hospital.  Journeys can include on any given day trips to Nenagh, Croom and Ennis Hospitals as well as the Hospice and other hospitals in the the area and  trips to Co. Fermanagh to the emergency Breast Milk Bank as necessary.

SAGART PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:  A five day pilgrimage to Lourdes will travel to Lourdes on September 22 and return on September 27.  Further information from Canon John O’Shea or Fr. Joe Foley.

LAUNCH NIGHT FOR CHARITY CYCLE: PRO Maria Woulfe has been in touch with the news that Abbeyfeale Cycling Club (ACC) will be hosting a launch for their first charity cycle at Leens Hotel on Friday, July 15.  Junior Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan will be present to hear details of the planned 60Km and 110Km routes around the surrounding parishes.  This first cycle will be in aid of St Gabriel’s School in Limerick and will take place on Sunday, August 14.

REMEMBERING ZOE RELAY RUN TO DUBLIN:  Runners wanted for a once in lifetime experience.  The Remembering Zoë Relay run to Dublin for Make a Wish Foundation will take place over the August bank holiday weekend July 29 – July 31.

Day 1: Abbeyfeale – Castleisland – Killarney – Macroom – Cork City – Fermoy – 170km

Day 2: Fermoy – Mitchelstown – Cahir – Clonmel – Kilkenny – Carlow – 161km

Day 3: Carlow – Castledermot – Newbridge – Naas – Rathcoole – Leopards town – 120kmIf interested in taking part or helping in any way on Day1,2 ,3  or on the 3 days please let us know.

ABBEYFEALE SUMMER CAMP 2016:  West Limerick Resources is running a Summer Camp for 6 to 12 year olds on July 11-14 in the Further Education and Training Campus Abbeyfeale (Old Tech).  The activities include sport and games, art & craft and a bus trip to Free Range Kids Outdoor Activities in Croom.  This camp is free to families in receipt of a social welfare payment.  Registration is essential.  Application forms are available at Reception in The Further Education and Training Centre and must be returned by Tuesday June 28.  For more information, or to check if you are eligible, please contact Mary at West

TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION:  The Tidy Towns Committee would like to inform everyone that the judging panel for the Tidy Towns Competition are expected to visit Abbeyfeale within the next few weeks and we ask that everyone do whatever they can to help brighten up the town through cleaning, painting and displaying of plants and flowers etc. Anything that would help the town be seen in a better light would be such a help.  Members of the committee meet in the Square every Wednesday evening from 7pm for an hour and along with the Tus staff are responsible for the resplendent display of roses, pots and tubs around the town.

ADAPT:  Help is only a phone call away at 1800 200 504.  Women can meet a Support Worker from ADAPT in Abbeyfeale or Newcastle West to chat and look at options in their particular situation.  See www.adaptservices.ie or adapt domestic abuse services on Facebook for more information.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Do not, under any circumstances, return missed calls on your mobile unless you know who they are from. If they want you badly enough they will ring you again.  There is a scam on the go where if you return calls you get connected to a premium number and your credit is drained.  If you have a bill pay phone you could get charged up to €40 on your next bill.   The latest scam is the call you get with instructions to turn on the computer so that the ‘Vodaphone technician’ can fix your slow internet connection.  If you have the misfortune to follow instructions then your computer will have a virus implanted and it will cost you hard earned money to have it removed.  I myself have been getting these calls several times a day at all hours so in desperation today I told ‘John’  with the foreign accent that I had gotten rid of the internet and he said how could you get rid of the internet and I said I couldn’t afford the monthly bill and he dropped the phone like a scalded cat. Things have got to a sorry state when you have to suspect the worst every time you pick up the phone so maybe the best recommendation I can make is to get caller id on your handset and only answer calls from numbers that you recognize.

PILGRIMAGE:  3 day Pilgrimage to Knock and Lough Derg from August 22- 24.  All in package includes visit to Knock, day retreat on Lough Derg, Coach for 3 days, Breakfasts, Evening meals and Accommodation in Bundoran. Early booking is advised due to waiting lists from previous pilgrimage in May. Deposit secures booking. Contact Cormac O’Connor Coach Tours on 023-8849196, 087-6167835 for further details.

ARE YOU IN CRISIS:  There are several organizations who will help if you are under pressure and these include the newly formed West Limerick Crisis Intervention Team who can be reached on 085 1777631, the Mind Our Farm Families is a dedicated suicide and self-harm phone line 1890 130 022 between IFA and Pieta House.  The phone line for IFA members will put farmers and their families in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist.  Then there is the Samaritans on free call 116 123 or Console 1800 247247.

FREE 6 WEEK COURSE:  A free 6 week course run on a Stress-Strain-Coping model will take place in the West Limerick area shortly for people who are affected by someone else’s’ substance misuse.  Further information from Mags Dillon Community Substance Misuse Team 086 4141890 or [email protected]

CARE OF OLDER PERSON COURSE:  Family Carers Ireland are providing the QQI Level 5 Care of the older person module on September 7 in Limerick, this will be the first module off the Full QQI Healthcare Award.  To express an interest contact the training unit on 0579370221.

AA:  Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office.  AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm, Friday evenings at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.

RELIG IDE NAOFA GRAVEYARD CLEAN UP:  The clean-up has started and will take place every Tuesday evening from 7-8pm.  Every family with a grave there is asked to give just one hour a week to keep the graveyard pristine.

RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE:  Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses.  Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.:  Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, 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:  Wednesday 10am   Julia Maddden, Dually NCW.  Friday 8.15am   Jimmy McCarthy died recently.   Friday 10am      Mary Keane & her daughters Judy & Margaret, Kilmanihan .  Friday 7pm Michael Enright, Mountmahon died in Galway the family will be present if you wish to sympathise with them.  May he rest in peace.    Saturday 7pm    Marie O’Donnell, Kilconlea Upper.  Dick Fitzgerald the Lighthouse Months mind.  12noon   Billy & Joan Tuohy, St Ita’s Terrace.

Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. for the church webcam.  A direct link from the parish website has been set up.  You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.

AN TIONAD GLAS SUMMER OPEN DAY:  Sunday, July 17 from 2-6pm.  All welcome, free admission.  Tours of gardens and tunnels.  Information on organic courses and bee keeping.  Market stalls, An Siopa Glas, Teas and Coffee.

SÉAN Ó SÉ AT JOHN B’s – A great night is planned for The John B Keane Bar in Listowel on this Friday July 8. The Dan Paddy Andy Festival Committee is holding a press launch to announce details of this year’s Festival which will be on as usual over the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Lyreacrompane. The special guest will be the one and only Séan Ó Sé (The Poc ar Buile man himself). Sean is famous for his songs, stories and humour and he will be joined by many other entertainers on the night.  The setting for the event is particularly appropriate considering John B Keane’s close connection to Lyreacrompane and his book on Dan Paddy – The Man of the Triple Name. All are welcome to what should be a special night of songs, music and humour.

1916:  An evening commemorating 1916 in Poetry, Story & Song will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Tuesday July 12 as part of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan.  The event starts at 8 pm and admission is free.

SINGING CLUB The Munster Fleadh Singing Club will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16 from 9 pm.  Admission is free and all are welcome along to sing a song.

SAGART PILGRIMAGE 2016:  Why not travel with the Sagart Pilgrimage.  Bus leaving Abbeyfeale to Shannon Airport on Thursday, September 22. Arriving in Lourdes for 5 nights and returning on Tuesday, September 27 in this the Year of Mercy. Cost €719   Contact Fr John or Fr Joe or the Office.

SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES IN BALLYHAHILL:  Summer dancing classes every Monday night in the Community Centre with Seamus 8.30pm – 10.30pm.  All welcome.

MAUREEN IS OFF AGAIN; Day Trip on Sunday, July 17, leaving NCW at 8.30am. for the Ring of Kerry and the Sheep Dog Trials on the farm.  We will be stopping for our usual hearty breakfast at the River Island Hotel and returning again in the evening where we will be spoilt for choice dinner menu.  We will pick up in Abbeyfeale at the bus stop just outside the Church.  This is a very popular trip and the seats will be filled very quickly we already have a number of seats booked so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.  Contact Maureen 087 9845102.

CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL JULY 7-10:  Cistercian College, Roscrea.  Further information www.youth2000.ie

HORTICULTURE/ORGANIC GROWING: If you are interested in growing we are now open for full-time and Part-time applicants. QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to May. Students taking this course learn by taking part in the daily routine on the holding, attending lectures given by tutors and experienced Food producers.  QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to September. Learners apply the skills gained at Level 5 to take responsibility and control of the entire production process relating to an Organic Horticultural Enterprise.   Contact details: An tIonad Glas, Dromcollogher 06383604 or [email protected] for further information or application form.

IRISH CHURCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SCHOOL:  Wednesday, July 6 – Saturday July 9 in St Patrick’s College Maynooth, with this year’s theme being ‘God, Full of Mercy’. For more contact Mary (086) 8128266.

THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY’S VOLUNTEER DRIVER SERVICE:  The service is currently seeking volunteer drivers to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in Tralee General Hospital, Cork, University Hospital & the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. We are looking for volunteers to pick local patients up at their homes, drive them to the door of the hospital, and pick them up again when they are finished their treatment and bring them home. Driver expenses are paid.  Telephone Rebecca on 01 2316 642 or email [email protected]

RAMBLING HOUSES:  Jim Lyons’s Rambling House in Knockalougha is held on the third Tuesday of each month.  Ita Mc Quinn has a Rambling House on the second Monday of the month in Monagea.  I’ve recently been told about another Rambling House held in Sandpit House near Millstreet on the first Tuesday of each month but check out the details first before travelling there.

UPDATE ON FR. PAT MOORE:  “This April I found out that there was a reoccurrence of cancer in the same place and it means that I am again in treatment. For the sixteen months I have been on sick leave from the parish and in view of these facts I have told Bishop Ray that I wish to retire as Parish Priest. I know in my heart and soul that it is the right thing to do. I also know that because of the age profile and number of priests in the diocese it means a

new reality is dawning for the parish. Parishes all over the diocese are now in clusters

rather than singular. Bishop Ray will come to all Masses next weekend in the Parish

to tell of these new realities that will be our future.  I am grateful to Almighty God for giving me the privilege and health of working and living in the Parish of Duagh/Lyre for the past ten years. In that time I felt supported, welcomed and appreciated in this parish. I was educated in the faith when I saw the ability, skill and depth of faith people showed as they lived through tight corners in their lives. The most important duty I had was to celebrate the sacraments especially weekend Masses. Meeting people at funerals, weddings and baptisms gave me a window into their lives. I felt nourished by the prayer, life and practical

Christian living I met.  Priesthood can be a lonely life and I am grateful for the love and appreciation I got in the Parish. I feel the need for all of us to slow down, listen more carefully to what is going on inside of us and around us, and spend quality time with one another. I feel the need to pray more for protection and healing. For I know there is a God there to trust and be close to. Otherwise the future makes us fearful and we can’t appreciate

the present moment. I am grateful to so many, to Fr Paul, Tom and Jack. They inspire and are great personal friends. Fr Declan in Listowel is such a support and works so hard. I thank

our sacristans in both churches, all who attend and serve in every way. Our schools

are led by hard working committed teachers and boards. To all who keep the invisible

web of community by doing volunteer work around our Churches that seldom gets

acknowledged:  Thank you, for you make the difference. Finally, change is difficult.

Nobody likes it except maybe a baby with a wet nappy.  Our Parish Secretary, Nina, has held things together above and beyond the call of duty in the last two years. I am so grateful and inspired by her dedication.

Let us continue to pray for each other mar níl I gach rud ach seal.”

WEST LIMERICK HERITAGE AGM: The AGM of the West Limerick Heritage Network will take place in the offices of West Limerick Resources, St Mary’s Rd., Newcastle West, Co Limerick on Wednesday July 6 at 7:30pm.  Initially established in 2014, the West Limerick Heritage Network is made up of individuals and groups from across the area whose aim it is to preserve and promote the heritage of the West Limerick area in all its forms. New members welcome. Contact: [email protected]

PROLOGUE : “The test of a man or woman’s breeding is how they behave in a quarrel.”
George Bernard Shaw

REMEMBERING ZOE:  A Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, July 3 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale. Guaranteed fun with Underage Blitz’s, Dog Show, Bouncing Castles, Kiddie’s Disco, Face painting, Obstacle courses, Arts and Crafts and Novelty events.  These are just some of the activities laid on for all the family, like
any community event it relies on the support of the community to help make it a success so please show your support and come out and enjoy the day.  Gates open 2pm.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION FOR CHERYNOBL CHILDREN:  The annual collection for Chernobyl Children will be held at all Masses this weekend.

WACKY PINK DAY HUGE SUCCESS: Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna, held a “Wacky Pink Day” in aid of the Mid Western Cancer Foundation on Thursday, June 23 last. All pupils, parents and grandparents along with members of the local community were invited to attend. The day entailed a 5 km walk around the vicinity of the school escorted by local agricultural contractors “Kennellys” with some pink ice-cream and pink treats afterwards. Over €800 was raised and it will be going towards improving services for oncology patients in the University Hospital Limerick. Certificates were given to pupils, parents and Margaret Broderick (long serving grandparent of the school) for the wackiest outfits! Huge thanks to Twohig’s Supervalue, Eurosaver and O’Donoghues Spar for sponsoring all the ice-cream, goodies and decorations. Sincere thanks to everyone who donated so generously and a special word of thanks to Maria Woulfe for the leading the organisation of this successful event. A great day was had by all.

TOWN PARK NEWS;   Geraldine O’Brien sent the following report from the Town Park this week; “We had our annual dog show in the Town Park on Sunday June 12. There was a fantastic attendance and many people supported the dog show and brought their families and their wonderful pets.  We would like to thank the following people for their help. Firstly our own group from our C.E. scheme who came on the day and helped to run the event smoothly. We are fortunate that we have such great workers to help out with great enthusiasm. We would like to thank James Harnett, Norma Healy and Claire Sheehy for the dedicated and professional way that they produce the dog show. Finally to our committee members who looked after the raffle and helped to make this event the great success that it has turned out to be.

With the financial help from the dog show, we were able to purchase a much needed strimmers. Much work is needed to be done on this fantastic project and we have earmarked other areas for improvement as soon as funds become available to us. From time to time we get enquiries from groups for permission to use the park for events. We have no issues with events being held but for insurance and safety reasons all enquiries must be made through the following people. John O’Sullivan phone number 086 3165848. Gerardine O’Brien 087 7729690. Celine McNally 087 7697672.”

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. The next session will take place on Friday July 1 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the singing, tell a story, or just listen to the performers.

CONGRATULATIONS ON TAKING PLEDGE:  Well done to the six young men who pledged to avoid drink and other addictive substances until they reached the age of 18 during St. Mary’s Boys N.S. end of year Mass last week.  They were Aodhán Cotter, Daniel Woulfe, Sam Quigley, Mark Roche, Liam Broderick and Shaun Dillon.

ANOTHER GOOD NEWS STORY:  Kathleen’s Food Store, Church St., has had two Lotto winners in the last few weeks.  The first win was €20,000 on a 2 euro scratchcard and then last week €30,000 was won on a 3 euro scratchcard!

QUEEN OF THE RACES:  The inaugural Queen was selected at the Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Races on June 19 at Relihan’s Inch and is Abbeyfeale’s Nadine Smith who was representing Annette’s Boutique.   Nadine will now be an official entrant to next year’s Rose of Tralee.  Nadine is a student of dentistry with UCC and will shortly be travelling to Nepal with UCC’s Dental Outreach.

VIKING BOXING CLUB:  Training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the old Flamingos with entrance next door to the back entrance of The Coffee Pot on Colbert Tce.  Contact Noel 087 4360339.  All age groups welcome.  We are hoping to hold our first annual Tournament at our base in Colberts Terrace on Sunday, July 24 and will have further details next week.

CRAFT FAIR:  The Farmers’ Market held each Friday in the Square hope to hold a craft fair in conjunction with the Market on Friday, July 15 next.  Anyone interested in taking a stall please contact the Market on 087 6866450.

FAITH CAMP:  St Ita’s Catholic Camp for boys & girls aged between 5-12years takes place from Tuesday, August 2 – Friday, August 5 in St. Mary’s N.S. from 10am -3pm.  Cost €40 for first child & € 20 per additional child in family. Activities include Art, drama, Music, Sport, faith teaching. Tel Martina 087/2788834 Lorraine 086/3765751 for more information and registration form. One of the camp staff, Fr Patrick, will preach next Sunday, July 3. A retiring collection will be taken up for the Faith camp.

FEALEFIT NEWS:  Well done to all Fealefit & St Ita’s Ac members that took part in events over the weekend!  Fealefit are taking part in Adare to Survive this year and fundraising for the ‘ Community crisis support team’.   If you’re interested in joining us register at Adare to survive & join team Fealefit!  Dublin City Marathon Training commences July 9…

All Fealefit event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness, if you wish join us at any event please contact us…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552

FÉILE EVENT A MAJOR SUCCESS:  Fr. Casey’s Bord na nOg U14 Boys and Fr Casey’s Ladies Football U14 Girls both took part in this year’s GAA National Féile Peil na nÓg Competition along with acting as a Host Club to both U14 South London Boys and U14 Con Magees Girls between June 24-26. With perfect weather adding to the already exciting atmosphere surrounding, what is in effect, the largest Youth Sporting Event in Europe this year, it turned out to be an amazing, fun-filled weekend for our Community and Club that was enjoyed by several hundred kids and adults alike from early morning to late evening for the 3 day event.   However, no Event runs smoothly without the help and effort of all those throughout the Community to make it work and Fr Casey’s GAA would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the following individuals;

Firstly, to the few Host Households that were on Emergency Standby throughout the whole weekend, it would not have been possible to run this event without knowing that you were always ready to take on some of the kids and/or the adults if the unforeseen had ever happened. Thank you very much indeed for your patience and willingness to be there.

To all the Host Families who had either visiting Boys or visiting Girls and for all the baking, washing, driving etc. that had to be done as part of that. We know you’ve all enjoyed it but a hugh thank you to all of you for everything you’d done to keep them happy and smiling.

To all the Staff and Committee Members who did so much behind the scenes to make this Event run smoothly, you really have promoted yourselves and Fr Casey’s in a wonderful light and proud you should be of it – Well done.

To the children from all sides, you have all done your families and clubs so proud. You are a real credit to all those that love you.

Such a success was this weekend and such was the feeling of appreciation from our visiting teams and clubs that several of our mentors, players and committee members have already been invited to spend some weekends with them.
Now that the Féile is over, Fr Casey’s are back concentrating on the process of creating an all-weather training and playing pitch and we hope to have this project completed by the end of this autumn. We are looking for as many Parents / Guardians / Supporters / Mentors as possible to help us out on our fundraising runs over the next few weeks so please get in contact with anyone from Fr Casey’s GAA and join our Fundraising Teams now – We need your HELP !

Remember, this will be of benefit to all age groups going forward and will help greatly when our youngsters are looking to train or play in more adverse weather conditions. To join our Fundraising Runs, meet us at the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.45pm.

We continue to respectfully remind all Parents / Guardians that due to increasingly strict Child Protection and Insurance Policies, that all registration and membership fees must be fully completed and paid for in advance by a responsible Parent or Guardian before any child is allowed to train or play. Also, be aware that all children who are training or playing must wear GAA approved Gum Shields; which can be purchased in all good Sport Shops.
In order for us to stay in touch with all age groups and all generations, Fr Casey’s Bord na nÓg have a number of Social Media accounts that anyone that follow.

Facebook:  frcaseys_bordnanog
Twitter:  frcaseys_bng
Instagram: frcaseys_bordnanog

RECOVERY HAVEN SAYS THANKS:  The Recovery Haven (Cancer support house in Tralee) wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the Wednesday’s Clubs fundraising afternoon tea dance on Sunday, June 12 which raised over €1000 for the house. Many thanks.

SAGART PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:  A five day pilgrimage to Lourdes will travel to Lourdes on September 22 and return on September 27.  Further information from Canon John O’Shea or Fr. Joe Foley.

CHARITY CYCLE: PRO Maria Woulfe has been in touch with the news that Abbeyfeale Cycling Club (ACC) are having their first charity cycle on Sunday, August 14 in aid of St Gabriel’s School in Limerick. There will be two routes, 60km and 110km taking in all the surrounding parishes. We are having a launch night on Friday, July 15 in Leen’s Hotel where Patrick O’ Donovan (Junior Minister for Sport) will be present.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY ABBEYFEALE MAN IN THE IRISH TIMES FOLLOWING BREXIT VOTE IN UK:  While the UK has chosen Leave in the EU referendum, voters in Northern Ireland and Scotland bucked the overall trend and voted Remain by a margin of 10 per cent greater than their English compatriots. Ominously, such a stark divergence in opinion between the Celtic countries and England means we may have witnessed the first step in the disintegration of the UK as we have known it for over 400 years.

In contrast, in 1975, it was the English who actually voted for the EC by a margin of 10 per cent greater than the Scottish and Northern Irish, who rejected the authority of the London government to act on their behalf, resented yet another foreign government controlling their lives and rebelled at the prospect of heavily-subsidised foreign farmers undercutting domestic farmers. Incredibly, that vote even registered the rare achievement of uniting most Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland against membership!

So, what has happened in the meantime to cause this dramatic Celtic transformation?

There are several factors.

First, in 1975, the Northern Irish and Scots saw the EC as a threat to British regional development aid. Back then, the EC had no regional development policy of note. Fast forward to 2016 and the EU now runs a comprehensive regional development fund with deep pockets, investing billions of pounds around the entire island of Ireland and in the most deprived parts of Scotland. Before 2020, Northern Ireland alone was due to get over twice the per capita EU regional development funding of England. Over the same period, Scottish and Irish farmers would have received three times and five times, respectively, the per capita compensation of their English counterparts from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Second, since the 1970s, both Scotland and Northern Ireland voters have fought for, and won, limited autonomy, devolution, and their own national parliaments within a more flexible UK structure. Consequently, today, they enjoy a more autonomous and equal relationship with London. Counter intuitively, the EU has actually facilitated this devolution process. Before British membership, devolution provoked fear of disintegration in London. However, within the EU, London recognised that both it and the regions were united within a common European project, making domestic devolution less risky. Moreover, thanks to the EU’s deliberate engagement with regional political parties, both Scottish and Northern Irish parties actually gained political legitimacy and boosted their own local profile. This was an unforeseen positive consequence of membership.

Third, in Northern Ireland, where the Belfast Agreement of 1998 remains the guarantor of the still shaky co-operation between unionist and nationalist communities, shared EU membership of the UK and the Republic played a positive role. As partners in Europe since 1973, the daily and routine contact between Irish and British representatives in a neutral venue helped build the kind of trust lacking for decades and allowed both countries to engage as equal partners. Of course, the massive injection of EU peace-building money into Northern Ireland since 1995, approximately £1.3 billion to date, can only have helped too.

Fourth, the most successful Brexit argument, immigration control, failed to swing the Celtic voters. This is partly because the issue is not as provocative outside of England. Historically, the Scots and Irish have been forced to seek work abroad themselves for so many generations that the word “immigrant” there provokes a much more empathetic response there than it does in England.

Finally, many of the Irish and the Scots voted for the Remain camp on Thursday because, unlike their English counterparts, the present Celtic generation has become fundamentally more comfortable with the notion of belonging to at least two distinguishable cultural or political identities. If you start from the position of willingly accepting that you can be both Scottish and British, then it is not as awkward to add a third tier, European, to this identity mix. Devolution has certainly helped this process. In contrast, English and British identities are often seen as one and the same in England, where the Scottish and Irish notes of the British symphony are often drowned out.

In Northern Ireland, the specific sectarian divide muddies this theory somewhat but dual identity still holds for many there. For the Catholic population, who would reject the British label, this dual identity includes affinity with Catholics in the Irish Republic, a fellow EU member, not to mention the traditional religious link with Rome as an accepted “foreign” authority structure.

Given these transformations in Scotland and Northern Ireland since the 1970s, it is hardly surprising that the Celtic cavalry overturned their 1975 voting deficit with the English on Thursday. However, their ultimate failure to prevent the UK from stumbling over the Brexit cliffs of Dover will make for an awkward and unstable future within the British union.

Peter Moloney is a visiting professor at Boston College history department and a native of St. Ita’s Terrace, Abbeyfeale.

REMEMBERING ZOE RELAY RUN TO DUBLIN:  Runners wanted for a once in lifetime experience.  The Remembering Zoë Relay run to Dublin for Make a Wish Foundation will take place over the August bank holiday weekend July 29 – July 31.

Day 1: Abbeyfeale – Castleisland – Killarney – Macroom – Cork City – Fermoy – 170km

Day 2: Fermoy – Mitchelstown – Cahir – Clonmel – Kilkenny – Carlow – 161km

Day 3: Carlow – Castledermot – Newbridge – Naas – Rathcoole – Leopards town – 120kmIf interested in taking part or helping in any way on Day1,2 ,3  or on the 3 days please let us know.

ABBEYFEALE SUMMER CAMP 2016:  West Limerick Resources is running a Summer Camp for 6 to 12 year olds on July 11-14 in the Further Education and Training Campus Abbeyfeale (Old Tech).  The activities include sport and games, art & craft and a bus trip to Free Range Kids Outdoor Activities in Croom.  This camp is free to families in receipt of a social welfare payment.  Registration is essential.  Application forms are available at Reception in The Further Education and Training Centre and must be returned by Tuesday June 28.  For more information, or to check if you are eligible, please contact Mary at West

TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION:  The Tidy Towns Committee would like to inform everyone that the judging panel for the Tidy Towns Competition are expected to visit Abbeyfeale within the next few weeks and we ask that everyone do whatever they can to help brighten up the town through cleaning, painting and displaying of plants and flowers etc. Anything that would help the town be seen in a better light would be such a help.

ADAPT THANKS:  The amount collected in Abbeyfeale for the recent ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services collection was €482.03.  ADAPT extends thanks to all who supported the collection and particularly the kind volunteer collectors who stood at the tables.  These funds go towards maintaining the services for women and their children in domestic abuse situations.  Remember help is only a phone call away at 1800 200 504.  Women can meet a Support Worker from ADAPT in Abbeyfeale or Newcastle West to chat and look at options in their particular situation.  See www.adaptservices.ie or adapt domestic abuse services on Facebook for more information.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Do not, under any circumstances, return missed calls on your mobile unless you know who they are from. If they want you badly enough they will ring you again.  There is a scam on the go where if you return calls you get connected to a premium number and your credit is drained.  If you have a bill pay phone you could get charged up to €40 on your next bill. More people across the EU are now living longer than ever before. However failing mental function can frequently impair the quality of those extra years. The ‘Hello Brain’ campaign brings together the latest information on brain health together with the latest brain research in a bid to raise public awareness of the importance of investing in brain health to help support independent living in our older years The ‘Hello Brain’ website (available in English, French and German) provides practical tips on how to keep your brain healthy using a range of entertaining videos and online resources, including the Hello Brain Health App which can be downloaded for free.

PILGRIMAGE:  3 day Pilgrimage to Knock and Lough Derg from August 22- 24.  All in package includes visit to Knock, day retreat on Lough Derg, Coach for 3 days, Breakfasts, Evening meals and Accommodation in Bundoran. Early booking is advised due to waiting lists from previous pilgrimage in May. Deposit secures booking. Contact Cormac O’Connor Coach Tours on 023-8849196, 087-6167835 for further details.

ARE YOU IN CRISIS:  There are several organizations who will help if you are under pressure and these include the newly formed West Limerick Crisis Intervention Team who can be reached on 085 1777631, the Mind Our Farm Families is a dedicated suicide and self-harm phone line 1890 130 022 between IFA and Pieta House.  The phone line for IFA members will put farmers and their families in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist.  Then there is the Samaritans on free call 116 123 or Console 1800 247247.

FREE 6 WEEK COURSE:  A free 6 week course run on a Stress-Strain-Coping model will take place in the West Limerick area shortly for people who are affected by someone else’s’ substance misuse.  Further information from Mags Dillon Community Substance Misuse Team 086 4141890 or [email protected]

CARE OF OLDER PERSON COURSE:  Family Carers Ireland are providing the QQI Level 5 Care of the older person module on September 7 in  Limerick, this will be the first module off the Full QQI Healthcare Award.  To express an interest contact the training unit on 0579370221.

AA:  Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office.  AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm, Friday evenings at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.

RELIG IDE NAOFA GRAVEYARD CLEAN UP:  The clean-up has started and will take place every Tuesday evening from 7-8pm.  Every family with a grave there is asked to give just one hour a week to keep the graveyard pristine.

RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE:  Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses.  Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.:  Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, 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:  Wednesday 8.15am   James Stout recently deceased. Saturday 11am James O’Grady, Meenkilly 7pm   Pat McKenna and his parents Catherine & John, Tom Moore, Kilconlea Lower.  Sunday 9.30am   John Michael Kennelly. David Leahy and Mick Collins and  Maurice Griffin  12noon     Eileen Chris Foley, Dromtrasna,  Jack & Nellie Healy, Knocknasna .Monday 7pm  Tado Scannell, Bogmount.

Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. for the church webcam.  A direct link from the parish website has been set up.  You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.

SAGART PILGRIMAGE 2016:  Why not travel with the Sagart Pilgrimage.  Bus leaving Abbeyfeale to Shannon Airport on Thursday, September 22. Arriving in Lourdes for 5 nights and returning on Tuesday, September 27 in this the Year of Mercy. Cost €719   Contact Fr John or Fr Joseph or the Office.

THANK YOU FROM THE COLLINS SISTERS:  We are very grateful for the generosity of the people in helping us with our work with teenagers and the poor here in Scotland. May God bless you all.  God bless, Eleanor, Kelly and all of the St. Andrew Community Church.

12 MONTH REPORT FROM WEB CAM:  It’s been a year since the Church Web Cam in Abbeyfeale has been installed and it has surpassed all expectations as to how important a link it has become to those living abroad and to those living closer to home. It has become very obvious that there are many people both abroad and at home, who for whatever reason, are at times unable to make their way to the Church in Abbeyfeale when they would most like to but are now able to access the Webcam through the Internet and in their own way feel that they are taking part in Mass on a Sunday or other important events such as a family Christening, First Communion, Confirmation, Wedding, Funeral etc.  The following is a breakdown of just how many people are accessing the Church Webcam. 83 – The number of Countries around the world from where the Webcam has been accessed. 30,295 – The amount of times that people around the world have accessed the Webcam. 34,900 – The total amount of viewing time in hours. Ireland tops the table with people accessing the Webcam 19,280 times.  Top 5 Countries outside of Ireland are U.K. – 6,416, U.S.A. – 2,148, Germany – 530, Australia – 390 and Poland – 371.  For anyone at home or abroad who have not yet accessed the Church Webcam, all you need to do is log onto the Internet and go to our own Parish Website at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie and click on Live Web Cam or go to www.churchservices.tv and click on Abbeyfeale Church.

FAREWELL MASS:  The Dominican community of Saint Saviour’s Priory,  Glentworth Street, Limerick  invite all our benefactors, friends and parishioners both past and present to a Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell on Sunday, July 3 at 3pm.

JOURNEY INTO AWARENESS:  One day workshop in Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Saturday, July 9.  .An inspirational journey of self-discovery, creative visualization and positive affirmation, based on the works of Anthony de Mello and Jon Kabat-Zinn.  Focus will be on the topics of Self-Awareness, Living Confidently in the Moment and the use of Experiential Mindfulness Techniques. Tel 061-367010.

COURSE IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:  A course in personal development runs one evening a week from September to May and seven Saturdays or Sundays through the year in Tralee, Killarney and Limerick.  It is organised by SHEP (The social and health education project).  For further information contact Helen O’Grady 085 8626844.

SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES IN BALLYHAHILL:  Summer dancing classes every Monday night in the Community Centre with Seamus 8.30pm – 10.30pm.  All welcome.

MAUREEN IS OFF AGAIN; Day Trip on Sunday, July 17, leaving NCW at 8.30am. for the Ring of Kerry and the Sheep Dog Trials on the farm.  We will be stopping for our usual hearty breakfast at the River Island Hotel and returning again in the evening where we will be spoilt for choice dinner menu.  We will pick up in Abbeyfeale at the bus stop just outside the Church.  This is a very popular trip and the seats will be filled very quickly we already have a number of seats booked so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.  Contact Maureen 087 9845102.

RAMBLING HOUSE IN LISTOWEL; Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday June 30  from 9.15 pm.  Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.

CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL JULY 7-10:  Cistercian College, Roscrea.  Further information www.youth2000.ie

HORTICULTURE/ORGANIC GROWING: If you are interested in growing we are now open for full-time and Part-time applicants. QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to May. Students taking this course learn by taking part in the daily routine on the holding, attending lectures given by tutors and experienced Food producers.  QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to September. Learners apply the skills gained at Level 5 to take responsibility and control of the entire production process relating to an Organic Horticultural Enterprise.   Contact details: An tIonad Glas 06383604 or [email protected] for further information or application form.

IRISH CHURCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SCHOOL:  Wednesday, July 6 – Saturday July 9 in St Patrick’s College Maynooth, with this year’s theme being ‘God, Full of Mercy’. For more contact Mary (086) 8128266.

THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY’S VOLUNTEER DRIVER SERVICE:  The service is currently seeking volunteer drivers to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in Tralee General Hospital, Cork, University Hospital & the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. We are looking for volunteers to pick local patients up at their homes, drive them to the door of the hospital, and pick them up again when they are finished their treatment and bring them home. Driver expenses are paid.  Telephone Rebecca on 01 2316 642 or email [email protected]

RAMBLING HOUSES:  Jim Lyons’s Rambling House in Knockalougha is held on the third Tuesday of each month.  Ita Mc Quinn has a Rambling House on the second Monday of the month in Monagea.  I’ve recently been told about another Rambling House held in Sandpit House near Millstreet on the first Tuesday of each month but check out the details first before travelling there.

WEST LIMERICK HERITAGE AGM: The AGM of the West Limerick Heritage Network will take place in the offices of West Limerick Resources, St Mary’s Rd., Newcastle West, Co Limerick on Wednesday July 6t at 7:30pm.  Initially established in 2014, the West Limerick Heritage Network is made up of individuals and groups from across the area whose aim it is to preserve and promote the heritage of the West Limerick area in all its forms. New members welcome. Contact: [email protected]