PROLOGUE: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.”
— Unknown (popularly attributed to Mark Twain)
DEATHS: We offer our sincere sympathies to the families of the late Betty Harnett McCusker, Dromtrasna Harnett and Mrs. Collins Croagh (nee Crowley, Dromtrasna) whose funerals took place during the week. May they rest in peace.
HAIL AND BLESSED: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in a stable in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold . At the same hour, vouchsafe O My God to hear my prayer and grant my petition. Amen.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: The last afternoon tea dance for 2015 takes place on Sunday, December 13 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale. Dancing from 3-6pm. Teas served. All proceeds to Hope Foundation.
CAR BOOT SALE AND CHRISTMAS INDOOR MARKET: The last car boot sale for 2015 in aid of West Limerick Community Radio takes place on Sunday, December 13 at the Community Centre, NCW from 7.30am. Your support for local community radio is much appreciated. A huge thank you to all our constant stall holders, customers and volunteers who man the gate, make the tea and have kept this monthly fundraiser running since 2005.
JOY OF CHRISTMAS: An evening of Christmas carols and music Sunday, December 13 at 7pm in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale. All welcome. Held annually this is an evening not to be missed. Come early and enjoy hearing all the old favourites sung and performed by the choirs and musicians of Abbeyfeale.
A MESSAGE FROM THE HORGAN FAMILY: Just a note to say how delighted we are with the response to our September cinema day in honour of baby Brendan. We are thrilled to announce that we have raised €7000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation and the Limerick neonatal fund. A big thank you to all who cycled, sponsored and donated money. A special mention to our refreshment sponsors, Rose Enrights shop, Athea. Supervalu and Dillanes shop Abbeyfeale, Gallivan Kennedy Group and New Ireland assurance. Thanks to the hall committee for providing the venue. The money is to be shared equally between the two charities. It will provide vital neonatal equipment and home nursing care. So pat yourself on the back for providing babies and parents with more peaceful days and nights. We are so proud and humbled to be part of such a special community of people. Annemarie, Maurice and Nancy Horgan.
COMMUNITY ALERT NEWS: Chairman James Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson and committee members attended the recent crime prevention meeting held at the Desmond complex last week and heard presentations from the Garda Superintendent, the Garda crime prevention officer and Muintir na Tire’s Diarmuid Cronin. The three speakers spoke on various matters including scams doing the rounds and how criminals are using phones to ensnare people into transferring funds from their accounts to ones controlled by them. They ring people on their landlines with a concocted story that they are the security manager of a store and that someone is attempting to use their debit or credit card. When the receiver of the call hangs up and rings their financial institution or the gardaí to report the fraudulent use of their card they are simply reconnecting with the caller who pretends to be either the bank or the Gardai and are able then to get the callers details. If you receive such a call, by all means report it immediately but use your mobile phone rather than the land line or wait for several minutes before dialling using the land line. We were also told of an app for iPhones or Android phones. It allows the user to quickly take a photograph of impending danger (eg a suspicious person approaching). The phone automatically uploads the photo to a secure server with a time and location stamp. This can be used to deter a perpetrator or provide evidence afterwards. The basic app is free of charge. The premium app which costs approx… €20 has extra useful features such as emailing a link to the user – if the user does not confirm within 5 minutes that everything is okay the app automatically sends an alert to the user’s contacts (predetermined) by text or email telling them the user may be in danger. You can learn more about the app by logging onto the Muintir na Tire website. Theft Stop is a new initiative from I.FA. and all farmers whether members of the organisation or not should check it out – it is hoped to discourage the theft of farm machinery, lawn mowers, strimmers etc. using a stencil that can be purchased from I.F.A and a system whereby all machinery can be put on a central data base. Simple things that people are encouraged to do is to always leave a light on whenever you leave the house, buy a timer switch and set bedside lamps to go on and off. If you go away get someone to pick up the post and not leave letters strewn on the hall mat. Buy a chain and fix it to the door, at least no one can push in past you. Always keep the back door locked, one of the easiest ways to rob a house is for one person to engage the owner at the front door which the accomplice comes in the back door and has a free hand. If someone calls offering to do repairs ask them to leave their business card and you’ll get back to them. We heard a couple of horror stories about so called handy men doing jobs and charging a fortune and to add insult to injury sending someone back again a few months later insisting that the job was never paid for and aggressively demanding more money. That reminds me that West Limerick Resources are providing a small repairs service and if you check down the page you’ll find all the details or ring Kathleen on 069 69315.
Support After Crime Services is a voluntary service to people affected by crime founded in January 2006 by Sally Hanlon. Its objectives are to benefit the community by maintain a free and confidential service where the issues of people affected by crime can be addressed with a view to resolution. Contact details; 021 4320555 9.30am – 5.30pm or email [email protected]
Fun for all the family!!
For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.com
Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than to support local community enterprises and come home with some unique Christmas gifts. Money spent locally will recycle within the community as well as giving the buyer top quality food and crafts.
Fun for all the family!!
For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.com
Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than to support local community enterprises and come home with some unique Christmas gifts. Money spent locally will recycle within the community as well as giving the buyer top quality food and crafts.
Fun for all the family!!
For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.com
GOOD NEWS STORY: The RCCN (Rural Community Care Network) work in our area to deliver low cost maintenance to the Elderly & people with disability. They are funded through CSP programme through Pobal. They operate from the Round House Office in NCW under manager Kathleen Mulvihill. RCCN Ltd, The Round House, St Mary’s Road, NCW. 069 69315 [email protected]
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual concert at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna will take place on Friday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. sharp. All welcome to attend.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA FUNDRAISERS: A pub quiz organised by Carina Prendeville will take place in the Ploughman Bar on Friday, December 11 so put on your thinking caps and come out for a night that will exercise the brain cells and be a great laugh as well. Annual Cake Sale on Sunday, December 13 in St. Ita’s Hall. Proceeds to Fr. John Moloney’s Mission in London and Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Soudan.
CANTANA: This will be sung by the pupils of Scoil Mháthair Dé in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Thursday, December 10 at 7.30pm. If you want to get into the true spirit of Christmas and forget about the high jacking that commercial interests have done of our celebration of the birth of Jesus then come along to the church that night. I was there last year and it was a truly wonderful experience.
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVANGANZA CHILDREN’S PARTY: The annual children’s Christmas Party which had to be cancelled at Noonan’s Meenoline on Saturday night last will now be held on Saturday next, December 12 at 5pm. Everyone welcome. All proceeds to local charities.
CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM: The second annual Connie Harnett Memorial Swim will take place in Ballybunion on New Year’s Day at 1pm. This is a fundraiser organised by Connie’s wife and family in honour of the popular cattle dealer from Abbeyfeale who died in 2014. Monies raised will be divided between the Sagart Lourdes Fund, Nano Nagle Listowel and St Joseph’s Unit Listowel community hospital.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE: The Children’s theatre classes have been running at the Glórach Community Theatre since September, and the results of these long and fruitful winter nights in the Cliabhán space can be witnessed at the Glórach with two performances coming up towards Christmas. A matinee performance will take place on Sunday, December 20 at 3 pm, and an evening show on Monday 21at 7.30 pm.
.ABBEYFEALE FARMERS MARKET: A big thank you to all our customers and we look forward to providing some of your Christmas provisions this December.
FEALEFIT NOTES: ‘Fealefit Xmas Party this Saturday December 12 in the Cellar Bar Abbeyfeale @ 8.30pm. Hope you all can join us and celebrate what has been another great year of Health & Fitness in Abbeyfeale. If you wish to join Fealefit for Running / Tri – Athon or adventure race training in the New Year please don’t hesitate to contact us. All event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552.
ART EXHIBITION: “Creative Journey” A collection of Acrylic Paintings was launched in the Glórach Theatre last Friday and remains on display until Christmas week.
I.F.A. RURAL CRIME MEETING: Crime prevention officer for Limerick Garda Justin McCarthy CPO along with the newly appointed IFA crime prevention officer Colin Connelly will attend a meeting organised by Co. Limerick I.F.A in the Dunraven Arms Hotel on Wednesday, December 9 at 8.30pm . Come and hear about I.F.A’s exciting new initiative Theft Stop as well as simple ideas to help keep you, your family, your home and your farm safe from intruders.
SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
TABLE QUIZ: Table Quiz in aid of Noonan’s Christmas Lights Extravangza in the Cellar Bar on Friday, December 11. All are welcome.
YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey angels and Teens together are going to Askeaton on Friday evening leaving the church at 7pm sharp and returning 11pm. There are no clubs Saturday night.
SUE RYDER: As the temperatures drop you will still find a fantastic selection of coats and other winter clothing in our shop on the main street. You will also find that perfect holiday read from our well stocked library, still only €1 per book.
Donations of clothing, shoes, bags and bric a brac are always welcome. At the moment we still have lots of customers looking for Christmas decorations so if you are replacing any this year, we would welcome the old ones. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items. Thank you for your continued support.
HOPE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS: Five TY students are travelling to Calcutta in the spring with the Hope Foundation. There are three upcoming fundraisers being organized by Cian Blair, son of Josie Foley and Bill Blair to help with the €3,100 that each student is expected to raise and which will be used to help children in desperate need in Calcutta. The first is an Afternoon Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, December 13, a Golf Classic on St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) at Newcastle West Golf Club and then two nights after Christmas, on December 27 a Trad night is planned for Fr. Casey’s GAA Clubhouse here in Abbeyfeale. Cian’s father Bill is calling on all golfers, clubs and societies to please support the classic and any offers of help will be willingly accepted by Bill on 086 0768978. H
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: The Rural Employment & Education Service (REES) works with people who experience barriers and who feel they need support to enter or re-enter employment, explore education/training opportunities or wish to become self-employed. We are based in the Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West and also operate an outreach service. Outreach Services available in Abbeyfeale at the Old Tech on Thursdays from 10AM to 1PM (3 & 17 December). Contact 069 61316.
BACK2NEW THROUGH TO FINAL: West Limerick Resources Back2New Community Upcycling Project has been shortlisted for the final of the Better Together Video Competition which will take place on December 9 in Dublin Castle. Nora Casey and Mary Kennedy will be speaking on the evening. Back2New provides opportunities for work experiences and skills development for long term unemployed individuals. Thanks to everyone who voted for the project.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The conference are preparing hampers in conjunction with Colaiste Ide agus Iosef and would appreciate donations of non-perishable foods to the Colaiste.
WEIGHTWATCHERS: Weightwatchers meetings are being held in Fr Caseys GAA clubhouse every Tuesday morning 10am -11am and evening 7pm – 8pm. For more details call Sandra on 087 6718377 or call into the meetings.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
TOASTMASTERS: take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at the Desmond Complex in NCW from 8.30pm – 10.30pm. There’s always a cup of tea on offer and it’s a social night out with a chance to learn a skill that will carry you anywhere you want to go. Further information Charles 087 7972855. Next meeting takes place on Wednesday, December 16.
SINGING CLUB: West Limerick Singing Club are now holding their monthly singing session on the first Friday of each month at the Ramble Inn, Church St., Abbeyfeale from 9pm.
MEN’S SHED: The Men’s Shed is open every Monday evening from 6 -9pm. New members are always very welcome.
THE HILLS OF OLD KILCOLMAN: This traditional music C.D., proceeds of which are going to Milford Hospice is for sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and Philip Enright’s Ramble Inn.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler continues to meet in St. Ita’s Hall every Tuesday & Thursday 11.30 to 12.30pm. New parents and babies/toddlers are always welcome.
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. Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Monday at 7pm, Mass on Saturday 11am followed by Confessions, Vigil Mass 7pm, Sundays 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 8.15am Joan Connie Leahy and family Friday 10am Mary & Hughie Masterson. Saturday 11am Thomas J O’Connell, New Street and deceased family members. 7pm Bridget Healy & The Saunders family Knocknasna Lower.Ramey Leady, New Street, James O’Grady, Meenkilly. Sunday 9.30am Paddy Barry & the Barry family. John, John D& Mary Ita Collins Bogmount 12noon Tom Dillane, Kilconlea, Frank Foley, St Ita’s Road. The church Webcam is now officially switched on and broadcasting live. Almost anyone in the world can now view live broadcasts of events in Abbeyfeale parish church by logging onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. 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. Pope Francis has announced the Year of Mercy, with the purpose of proclaiming God’s mercy to all people, and for the church to “make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy.” The year begins with the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy in the Basilica of St. Peter, December 8, 2015 by Pope Francis. Every diocese will celebrate the opening of the Holy Door in unity with the Universal Church by opening a Holy Door of Mercy in their own cathedrals on Sunday December 13.
AN T-IONAD GLAS CHRISTMAS FEST: We are hosting a “Christmas Fest” on Thursday December 17 from 5-8pm. Taking the theme of the Continental style Christmas Markets there will be a wide range of market stalls selling crafts and food gifts including delicious chutneys, jams, home baking, plants, jewellery, and other goodies. You can also pick up natural gifts like Christmas Wreaths, hand-made soaps, balms and luxurious treats. There will be face painting for children and to relax visitors will get to enjoy tea & coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade cakes. Broadford Youth Choir will singing Christmas Carols to get us in the Festive mood. Contact the college on 063 83604/www.organiccollege.com
For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.comChristmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than to support local community enterprises and come home with some unique Christmas gifts. Money spent locally will recycle within the community as well as giving the buyer top quality food and crafts.
CHRISTMAS GROTTO AND CRAFT FAIR: The Duagh Christmas Craft Fair & FREE Santa’s Grotto will take place on Sunday, December 13 from 12pm – 3pm in the Church Grounds.
CHRISTMAS RECITAL: Minstrels Gallery, Adare Manor Wednesday December 16 with the Holy Trinity Abbey Choir. Book tickets on 061 605200.
YOUTH 2000 CHRISTMAS RETREAT in Newbridge College, Kildare, for 16-35 year olds on the weekend of December 18-20. Contact 01/6753690 or youth2000.ie
BOOK CLUB: Love to read? If so join Duagh’s newest Club—A Book Club. This is a great way to get together as a group and talk about our shared passion for books & reading. More information from Patsy Keane 087 617 7721.
REDEMPTORISTS – CHRISTMAS MISSION: A Time to Prepare for Christmas Monday, December 14 – Friday, December 18. Mass each day @ 8am, 10am and 7.15pm. Lectio Divino: Praying with the Christmas Gospels after the 10am Mass each morning. .Late Night Mission: Waiting at the Crib, each evening @ 9pm – Scripture, Silence, Chants.
MAUREEN’S OUTINGS: Christmas Party on Saturday, December12 at the Corbett Court. Bus leaving NCW at 7pm. Great party atmosphere in a decor of a Christmas winter wonderland. Four course delicious dinner and afterwards dancing and ‘craic’. Everyone most welcome. Contact Maureen 087 9845102. Spring Break April 24-27 staying in the four star Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan with complimentary use of the leisure centre. We have a full and exciting itinerary touring by day and dancing in our hotel in the evening. One of the days we will visit the two cathedrals in Armagh and if we are lucky enough to meet the Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin it would be really nice. Also we intend to visit the Cardinal Tómas O Fiaich Memorial Library which I have been told is very interesting by people who were there earlier this year. We are taking the big bus and this is fast being booked we have a few seats available, so to avoid disappointment contact Maureen now 087 9845102.
ADAPT: Support is available in Newcastle West each week and there is a new survivors group called ‘Let’s Talk’ which is open to women. A 24 Hour Freephone Helpline is available 365 days a year at 1800 200 504. Court accompaniment and many other supports are also available.
PARENT TODDLER GROUP: Duagh Parent & Toddler Group is a great way for Moms Dads and Kids to make new friends. Come along and join in the fun on Monday Mornings from 9:30am – 11:30am. 0 to 5yr Olds. Music, Dance, Singing, Games& Chat. For more info contact Caroline 087 2921292. Looking forward to seeing you.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: The Rural Employment & Education Service (REES) works with people who feel they need support to enter or re-enter employment, explore education/training opportunities or wish to become self-employed. We are base in the Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West. Outreach Services available in Abbeyfeale at the Old Tech on Thursday December 17 from 10-1pm. Contact West Limerick Resources on 069 61316.
SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
DANCING IN MONAGEA: Set dancing classes with Ita McQuinn every Thursday, from 8.30pm at the Parish Hall and continue until late Spring.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Jim Lyons hosts a rambling house in Knockalucka on the third Tuesday of the month.
NOTE CHANGE OF DAYS: If drugs or alcohol are a problem and you are over 18 then free help is available with no appointment necessary at the Hospital Family Resource Centre, Knockainey Road, Hospital. The service which is staffed by HSE Drug and Alcohol Outreach workers will be available on the first and third Wednesday from 10am – 12 noon. For further information contact Geraldine on 086 6076573 or Deirdre on 086 3840526.
USES OF THE PARISH OFFICES: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening @ 8pm. A.A. meet every Wednesday afternoon @ 3pm Friday night @ 8pm and Sunday mornings @ 10am. These organisations are a great voluntary support to many people and we are happy to host their meetings in our parish office.
087 260 0414
