PROLOGUE: Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. Newt Gingrich.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to the Burns family, Coolanelig on the death of the late Lizzie and to Rita and family on the death of the late John Horgan, Killarney Rd. May they rest in peace.
BEST WISHES TO OUR EXAM STUDENTS: The results will be out on Wednesday and we hope everyone gets what they had hoped for but remember too “If it is for you, it will not pass you by”.
O’GRADY FAMILY REUNION: The O’Grady’s family reunion is from August 19-21. All O’Grady’s welcome.Contact Maria 087 7154020 for details. Schedule of events are as follows: Friday 19 – 9pm meet & greet at The Devon Inn Hotel. Saturday, August 20 – Mass at The Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale for all the deceased members of the O Grady family at 7pm followed by Dinner & Disco at The Devon Inn at 8pm sharp.€30 per person. Contact Maria on 087 7154020 for booking. Sunday, August 21 – O’Grady family origins tour to Holy Island in Lough Derg. Bus Leaving Abbeyfeale 10am. Contact Paddy on 087 6258933 for details. 9 pm – O’Grady’s open rambling house at The Railway Bar Abbeyfeale – all welcome.
HERITAGE WEEK AT THE GLÓRACH: 1916 Commemorative Event: As part of Heritage Week 2016, the West Limerick Heritage Network and its volunteers in Abbeyfeale will host an exhibition and talks next Saturday, August 20 from 8-10pm on social history aspects of life in West Limerick during the period 1916 to 1923. The theme of the event is Window on the Past: All Changed, Changed Utterly” and will feature a country kitchen of 100 years ago and some local singers will perform songs from the era. Guest speakers are Felicity Hayes-McCoy, author of A Woven Silence: Memory, History and Remembrance and The House on an Irish Hillside. Felicity’s talk will focus on the role of women in social history at that time. Historian Tom Donovan will talk about local personalities involved in the Uprising. Free event – all are welcome. Please contact Margaret on 087 751 1241 for more information. Supported by the Limerick City and County Council 1916 Commemorative Programme.
EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS RE: FUTURE OF ABBEYFEALE TOWN PARK: It has been decided to extend the deadline for submissions since this is the prime holiday season and many people are away. If you walk in the Park, spend time in the reflective spaces, visit the 1916 memorial garden, enjoy getting close to nature or have children who visit the playgrounds, who like to run free in a safe environment, who have the choice to attend camogie classes on the pitch, play basketball or soccer or just want to visit the ducks and hens or the fairy village then you should have your say on Abbeyfeale Town Park. After all it is of the community and for the community. If you like to see nature protected with several species of bats roosting in the trees there safe in the knowledge that the organic ethos that is central to the management of the park means that no chemicals are going to poison them, if you’re interested in seeing the forest grow and develop and would like to have your say in the future development of Abbeyfeale Town Park then why not spend a few minutes and put your ideas about how it could be further utilized i.e. used as an outdoor education centre, have an interactive app to guide visitors, guided walks, exercise machines etc. This is your chance to make a difference so send your submission to Gerardine O’Brien, Secretary to the Management Committee before Monday, August 30. Submissions can be sent by post to Ballaugh, Abbeyfeale or handed in to Little Rascals, Church St. or emailed to [email protected]
SPIRITUAL FAREWELL GIFT: As all in the parish know, our well beloved parish priest is being moved by the Bishop and a suggestion has been made that we should each give him a farewell gift of a spiritual bouquet of an hour’s adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. A card will be available in the chapel on Tuesdays and Fridays which are full days of adoration each week until 10pm and you are invited to sign your name, date and time of making the visit.
FUNDRAISING DANCE: Mike Condon will be providing the music at a fundraiser for WL102fm – our local community radio station in Monagae Community Hall on Friday, August 19. Tea and Coffee will be served. Dancing 9 till late. Admission €10. Raffle. Our local station which has been in existence since 2005 is struggling under its license provisions which insist that it must raise 25% of its running costs in the community it serves with the remaining monies coming from advertising and grants. It would be a huge loss if the radio went under so please support our local community radio which helps to remove the scourge of rural isolation, keeps local communities in touch and gives volunteer presenters an opportunity to build their skill sets thereby increasing their chances of getting employment.
REILIG IDE NAOFA MASS: The annual Graveyard Mass will take place on Thursday, August 18 @ 7.30pm, weather permitting. Clean up takes place every Tuesday to tidy up if you are available some evening please call all help is greatly appreciated as the graveyard is quite large and needs constant weeding. So come along and join the group, a great workout!!! All are welcome.
FEALEFIT NOTES: Fealefit are taking part in Adare to Survive in September 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.
DAY OUTING: On Saturday, August 27 a coach will depart from the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 8 a.m. to visit the Kilmeaden to Waterford City section of the new Déise Greenway. Walk options of 4 or 6 miles will be available, all downhill as the route is alongside the river Suir. Afterwards, there will be ample time in the afternoon for a couple of hours exploring Ireland’s oldest city. This will provide an opportunity to visit the museums and Waterford Glass centre or simply to enjoy the afternoon open-air musical recitals provided as part of the ‘Summerval’ festival. There will be a stop for breakfast in Tipperary Town before continuing along via the Suir valley to Kilmeaden.
A full four course evening meal will be provided in Waterford before returning home. Arrival back in Newcastle West at about 10.30pm. Booking is with Pat Condon, Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West 069 62344 (3-6pm preferably). The cost is €50 which includes breakfast, evening dinner and coach travel but not museum admissions. Our initial visit to Waterford was on the May Bank Holiday when we walked the seaside portion of the Greenway near Dungarvan on what was a most enjoyable day; with many participants expressing the wish for a similar outing in late summer. Therefore, early booking is advisable “GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL LTD.” who are organising the tour. Beidh fáilte and all monies must be received by Friday, August 19. Cheques should be made payable to romhat.
AUCTION OF HOUSE CONTENTS: O’Donovan and Associates, Newcastle West, are holding antiques and house clearance auction, including the contents of a prominent O’Connell Avenue residence, on Saturday 27 August at 11am at their premises on Maiden St. Newcastle West. Included in this month’s sale, is a large collection of quality period furniture, cut glass, hallmarked silver, Masons, tea services, vintage, fine art, and unusual collectibles. Viewing for the month’s sale takes place Sunday, August 21 from 2-5pm and Monday – Friday from 10am until 5pm. This truly is an auction not to be missed. For more information visit www.odonovan.ie or call Pat on 087 9977340.
NATIONAL NOVENA: The Novena to Our Lady of Knock is taking place all this week in Knock, Co.Mayo. The theme for this year is ‘Merciful like the Father’ in keeping with the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Daily ceremonies will be held in the Basilica at 3.00pm and 8.30pm and workshops will take place at 12 noon and 6.00pm. On Saturday, August 20 Bishop Philip Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe, will preach on ‘The name of God is mercy’. On Sunday August 21 Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, will preach on ‘The Joy of the Gospel – no easy recipe’ and on the same day Father Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine will preach on ‘Knock, an engagement with mercy’. For more on this year’s novena see www.knockshrine.ie
COMMUNITY ALERT: Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college and seeking accommodation.
Caution is advised, if the rent sounds too good to be true.The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) rent index provides students with important benchmark information and is an authoritative guide as to the actual rents being charged by landlords adjacent to all Universities, ITs and other Third Level colleges. www.prtb.ie Look for property’s eircode and use online maps to verify the existence and address of the property. Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented, avoid doing so alone. If you are dealing with an agent, check if they are from a reputable agency. Ask for identification, a drivers licence & business card etc. Beware of incorrect contact details and phone numbers.
Make sure you have seen inside the property before paying a deposit and are happy with its condition. If there is anything in less than perfect condition, bring it to the Landlords attention. Take a photograph of it for record purposes. Ensure keys fit and open door locks. Pay the deposit to the Landlord and not the persons leaving the property. Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence. If you are suspicious in any way, contact the Gardaí immediately.
SUE RYDER: Our sale had started! That means half price on all items marked €2 and over. Call into our shop on Main Street, Abbeyfeale, find yourself a bargain and only pay half the marked price! The sale includes clothing, footwear, toys and bric a brac. Books are still only €1 each with 4 books for just €3. Sue Ryder is an Irish, registered, not for profit organisation that enables people aged 65 and over, to live independent but secure lives. The charity currently helps over 300 people around Ireland. Thank you for your continued support.
JOBS AVAILABLE: There are CE Positions available at Fr.Casey’s GAA Grounds and Abbeyfeale Town Park. Positions Include Groundskeepers, Gardeners, Caretakers, Forestry and a Research Assistant. Working Hours Flexible. Opportunity for upskilling as per DSP Guidelines. Apply through local DSP Office, Fr.Casey’s GAA or the Town Park. Contact 068 31799 or 087 928 2322
PHONE CONNECT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS. The Phone Connect project is a free community based telephone support service offered to older people in the West Limerick Area empowering them to remain independent in their own homes. The weekly service provides a listening ear to the elderly allowing them to share any worries or concerns and to be informed of any local events or services. West Limerick Resources, in association with RCCN (Housing) Ltd., are now seeking volunteers to make these phone-calls from a dedicated space where a mobile phone and credit will be supplied. Training will also be made available. If you would be interested in volunteering or require more information, we would be delighted to hear from you by calling Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or Stefanie on 087 3290483.
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, September 2 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the singing, tell a story, or just listen to the performers.
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.
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.
TIDY TOWNS: Members of the committee meet in the Square every Wednesday evening from7pm for an hour and along with the Tus staff are responsible for the resplendent display of roses, pots and tubs around the town. More help would be appreciated.
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; Thursday 10am William and Nora Murphy, Kilmanahan. 7.30pm Graveyard Mass Reilig Ide Naofa. Friday 10am Madge Griffen, Main St. Saturday 11am Monica and Micheal Collins, Knocknasna. 7pm Mary Ann Walsh 1st. Anniversary. Deceased members of the O’Grady family. Sunday 9.30am Eily Mai Barry, Caherlane and the Lane family. 12 noon. Paddy and Norrie Kennedy, Convent St.
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.
NOVENA PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK: Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”. Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.
HOLY CROSS THURLES: A bus will leave Abbeyfeale Church on Sunday, August 28 at 10am on pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey. Contact 0667131328/0872426580 for further details.
OPEN DAY: The annual open day at An Páircín Clinic of Herbal Medicine, Stacksmountain, Kilflynn, Tralee takes place on Sunday next, August 21 from 11-6pm with guided walks at 12 noon and 3pm. Turn at the Day in the Bog and take next right. Free admittance.
HERITAGE WEEK AT THE SEANCHAÍ, LISTOWEL: Seanchaí – Kerry Writers’ Museum will host two history lectures in conjunction with the OPW, Listowel Castle during Heritage Week 2016. ‘The Role of Kerry Women in the 1916 Rising’ by Dr. Mary McAuliffe, UCD will take place on Tuesday, August 23 and Liam Irwin of the University of Limerick will give a lecture on ‘Con Colbert 1888-1916’ on Thursday August 25. Both lectures commence at 7.30 pm and admission is free.
OUTING TO CLONMACNOISE AND BIRR CASTLE: An outing to Clonmacnoise (Pattern Day) and Birr Castle will take place on Sunday, September 11. Details from Pat O’Donovan 0879977340 or Mary O’Keeffe 087 6990816 of Knockfierna Heritage Society. All are Welcome.
LISTOWEL RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday, August 25 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
TEAM LEADERS AND COLLECTORS REQUIRED: Barnardos Children’s Charity is looking for volunteers to help collect funds during our national collection day “Buckets for Barnardos” taking place on Friday September 16, with an organised bag pack, or on the streets shaking buckets in locations throughout Limerick. Contact Mary on 1850 217 217 or email [email protected]
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.
MAUREEN IS ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Visit the Italian Gardens on Garnish Island in West Cork on Sunday, August 21, leaving NCW at 8.30am. We will as usual have our full Irish Breakfast and choice of dinner menu. For more information and booking Contact Maureen 087 9845102.
THE UNCOUNTABLE LAUGHTER OF THE SEA: Screening at the Cinema in Killarney every Tuesday at 7 p.m., until the end of August. This is a 50 minute reflective film featuring the landscape and culture of Kerry in which Msgr Pádraig O Fiannachta RIP had a major involvement. Worth seeing on the big screen.
LEGION OF MARY: A conference for young adults between the ages of 18-40 will take place on Saturday, August 20- Sunday 21 in All Hallows, Dublin. The theme of the conference is “Mary inflames the embers…are you ready?”.