PROLOGUE: Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – live it. Life is a goal – achieve it. Duagh Parish Newletter.
DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the little girl killed in a road traffic accident at the weekend and whose family have recently moved to live in Abbeyfeale.
WORKSHOP FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS: West Limerick Resources Ltd (WLR) is rolling out a series of free workshops under the SICAP programme to support you with your group development. Practical no nonsense workshops offering advice on key areas of managing community groups, knowledge of funding opportunities and how to make a good funding application. First workshop takes place on Thursday, September 22 from 7pm – 9pm on Community Management, challenges and solutions. Second workshop on Thursday, October 6 will focus on Role & responsibilities for Voluntary BOMs. Workshops are in the offices of WLR in Newcastle West. For more information & to book your place please call Damien on 087 9042477 / 069 62222.
DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE: On Saturday, October 22 next Dromtrasna will come alive with runners and walkers, young and old, to show their support for a wonderful charity, Milford Hospice and Milford Home Care Services. Dromtrasna is a scenic townland of Abbeyfeale, rich in views and stunning scenery. Log onto Facebook and like and share Dromtrasna Challenge 2016. We invite you to view our video which captures some of those scenes as we take you on a tour of Dromtrasna and surrounding areas through our 10K route. Fasten your seatbelts and see what Dromtrasna Challenge 2016 10K route has to offer. Join us on October 22, experience the welcome of our community and lets all take that step for Milford!!
COMMUNITY ALERT: The days are getting shorter so it’s time again to review security at your home. Check that your smoke alarm has a working battery, buy a carbon monoxide alarm as a backup. Consider installing a house alarm, replace bulbs in lights outdoors.
IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE: Marie Barrett, Ballaugh will be teaching an Introduction to Sign Language at the Desmond College this autumn. For further information contact Sean Sheils 06962205.
SATURDAY ANTIQUES, CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: A Saturday market will be held in the Community Centre NCW (next door to Aldi and the GAA field) next Saturday, September 24. All proceeds in aid of WL102fm.
YOUTH CLUB NEWS: Abbey Angels return on Friday, September 23 from 8.00 to 9.30 in St. Ita’s Hall. Teen’s Together return on Saturday, September 24 from 7.45 to 9.15pm in the GAA complex. The new club will register on Saturday, September 24 in St. Ita’s Hall at 7.45pm. A parent or guardian must accompany each young person. Registration costs €10. Places are limited to 40 places on a first come, first served basis. A reserve list will be taken on the night and hopefully we will be able to accept extra members after Christmas. This club is for young people who are currently in 2nd year.
NEW RAMBLING HOUSE OPENS IN ABBEYFEALE: Benny Thade McCarthy, the popular presenter with WL102fm will be opening a Rambling House in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Monday, October 3 following Mass at 8pm that evening. Big Maggie will cut the ribbon and it is hoped to hold a night on the first Monday of each month. Musicians, singers, storytellers are cordially invited, if you don’t want to perform do come along and join the audience. A donation will be made to WL102fm.
READING GROUP: St.Ita’s Reading Group will meet in the small chapel on Wednesday September [email protected]. We are looking forward to seeing our regular readers and hopefully some new ones.
CHURCH GATE COLLECTIONS: A collection in aid of the Town Park will take place at the church gate at all Masses next weekend. Please support as generously as possible. Epilepsy Ireland will hold a church gate collection on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday October 2. The Irish Cancer Society wish to thank you for your support to their recent collection. The amount collected was €1119.75 which will go towards making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.
COFFEE MORNING FOR KERRY HOSPICE: The Wednesday Club are holding a coffee morning in the Ploughman Bar, Abbeyfeale on Friday, September 23 from 11-1pm. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
BUS TO PLOUGHING Wednesday September 21 leaving from Abbeyfeale Church 6.15am. Contact Tom O’Connor 087 2632096 to book your seat.
ABBEYFEALE BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge club will be playing cards again after the summer break Thursday, September 22 at the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale starting 7.30 pm.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: CareBright are looking for people to train as Healthcare Assistants in Abbeyfeale and North Kerry. They offer a 4 week internship programme which will commence in Croom on Monday, October 17. Further details and application forms from Monica Hanley on 087 8310999 or email [email protected]
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Tralee/West Kerry MS Society are holding an Afternoon Tea Dance on Sunday, October 9 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse. Dancing 3-6pm. Music by Pa Quade. Admission €5. Teas served. Raffle on the day for selection of gifts. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: The new season of Toastmasters has started and will continue on the first and third Wednesday every month until May 2017. Next meeting Wednesday September 21 at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West from 8-10pm. Toastmasters provide you with the tools to become a confident speaker in a safe caring environment where everyone is on the same path. Great for anyone who finds it hard to stand up and get their point across at meetings. Further information from 087 7972855 or check out our Facebook page.
ATHEA HORSE AND PONY RACING: There will be a video race night on Saturday, September 24 in The Top of the Town Bar followed by horse and pony racing at the farm of Helen and Micheal O’Keeffe, Glenagore , Athea on Sunday, September 25 starting at 1pm sharp. All proceeds to Milford Hospice. Further information Chairman Sean King 087 2678439.
CON COLBERT WEEKEND IN ATHEA: A weekend of events to honour local patriot Con Colbert will take place in Athea over the weekend of September 24 and 25 with the unveiling of a magnificent bronze bust being the highlight of the celebrations. A football blitz, free concert and a historical lecture are also planned for the weekend as well as the annual horse and pony racing.
RED HURLEY IS COMING TO ABBEYFEALE: A concert featuring the gospel songs of Red Hurley will take place in the Church of the Assumption on Friday, October 15 at 8pm with tickets costing €15 available from Sean Broderick, Moss the Farmer, David Wards, Pat Buckley’s, Heavenly Gifts and O’Donoghue’s Convent St.
LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE: A bus will travel from Abbeyfeale on Sunday, September 25 at 7am. Book your seat €20 from members; Sean Broderick 068 31213 Bernard Broderick 068 31565 Gerard O’Callaghan 087 2980841 Michael Lane 087 9639775 David Davy 087 0994272.
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.
HISTORY LECTURE: A lecture on ‘The Asgard and the Howth Gun Running’ by Pat Murphy will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Tuesday September 27th at 8 pm. Admission €5.
SEANCHAÍ Rambling House: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Thursday September 29 from 9.15 pm. A great evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling is guaranteed and audience participation is welcome. Admission is free, tea/coffee served.
CHILDREN’S ARTS CLASSES: Classes for children’s in Creative Writing and Arts & Crafts start on Saturday October 1 in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from 9.30 am. Classes are suitable from children age 7 to 11 years. For further details and to book tel. (068) 22212.
MEETING: A meeting for people interested in Humanism will be held in Christy’s Bar, The Square, Listowel on Saturday, September 24 at 11:30 am. Humanism is not a religion, rather an ethical life stance that holds that people can be good. Any queries contact Denis Hobson 087 9481031.
DAY TRIP: Visit Offaly in the Centre of Ireland on Sunday, September 25, guided tour of Charleville Castle & stroll in the gardens, also time to browse around the thriving town of Tullamore. Leaving NCW at 8. 30Am. We will stop off at the Obama Plaza where we can buy our breakfast and return in the evening for dinner. You can visit a very interesting museum on the premises for free. Cost for bus & Castle €21. We still have some seats available. Everyone most welcome. Contact Maureen 087 9845102
NCW FILM CLUB: Showing ‘Mustang’ on Friday, October 7 in the Desmond Complex. Cost €7. Starting at 8pm, come early for refreshments. This film lasts 97 minutes. When five orphan girls are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach, their scandalized conservative guardians confine them while forced marriages are arranged. For more information 087 6877870. Everyone most welcome.
.PARENTING CLASSES IN WEST LIMERICK: Parenting /self-care classes will recommence in West Limerick in September. There is no cost involved, but as places are limited, booking is essential. All classes are organised by staff from Limerick Social Services. Classes are planned for Thursday mornings 11.00am – 12.30pm. Venue and start dates to be confirmed, depending on numbers. For further details, or to book a place please contact: Enda: Tel No: 0831949882 [email protected] Mary: Tel No: 0863514700 [email protected]
RAYMOND FENNELLY REMEMBERS: “Sunday night was dance night. We put on our good suits, polished the shoes and headed for Tom Tobin’s Hall.
We left our bicycles at Sonny Sullivan’s gate and walked the last mile down in to the town. That way, we wouldn’t have to push them back up the hill later.
At the bottom of the Old Road we checked our trousers for mud spatters and removed our bicycle clips.
Sometimes lads forgot to take off the clips and walked around the dance hall all night with their trouser legs tied to their ankles. They didn’t get a lot of dances but were the cause of much merriment and many snide remarks behind their unsuspecting backs.
It was the age of popular music. Love was in the air and young people all over the world were rocking to the sounds of Elvis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
However, back in Ireland, we were dancing to a different beat. We listened to the pop charts on Luxembourg and Radio Caroline but our access to records was limited and very few of us owned a record player. Radio Eireann was rubbish and we were dependant on the visiting showbands to play the latest hits.
And so it was that on Sunday nights we donned our drip-dry shirts and carefully knotted our ties, rubbed a dollop of Brylcreem into the hair and away with us down to Tobin’s Hall.
A gang of us usually met at the monument and sauntered slowly up Main Street exchanging banter with rival groups and eyeing the talent. There was safety in numbers.
Some lads headed for the pub to steady the nerves with a couple of pints. We were made of sterner stuff, beside which we had very little money to waste on porter.
We queued for tickets at the door and in we went and made straight for the gents to check our appearance in the large mirror because, as Shakespeare said, “the apparel oft proclaims the man.” (we were doing Hamlet for the Leaving Cert at the time)
Satisfied that all was in order we ventured back out into the hall which was now starting to fill. The girls sat demurely on benches along one wall looking deceptively shy and aloof. The lads were bunched on the other side like eager young colts waiting to be let loose in a field of fresh oats. On stage the band warmed up with a few golden oldies. It was a typical Sunday night.
Cremin was a demon on the dance floor. He had two left feet, neither of which were suitable for dancing. However, this did not hold him back
As the floor filled he marched boldly across and asked the best-looking girl in the hall if she wanted to dance. She hesitated but Cremin grabbed her by the hand and hung on tightly. There was no escape.
Reluctantly, she stood up and followed him out. The band struck up a quick-step and Cremin began performing his own particular version of The Twist, strutting around the floor like a poor man’s Mick Jagger. The crowd moved well back to give him room.
Meanwhile, his embarrassed partner stood there open-mouthed as he gyrated and wheeled before her like some demented dervish, a fixed expression on his face and moving completely out of sync with the music.
As soon as the music stopped the unfortunate girl did an about-turn and retreated back to the safety of her female companions while Cremin, completely unfazed, looked around for his next victim.
And the strange thing was that Cremin rarely went home alone after the dance. He always seemed to procure “the shift” as we called it, which was more than could be said for the rest of us.
And on Monday mornings we compared notes. Those of us who had gone home on our own stayed quiet while those who might have managed to engage in a spot of romance were happy to boast about it.
However, details of such dalliances were usually sketchy as there was rarely very much to tell. Fear of having to face Canon Lynch in the confessional the following Saturday was a great deterrent to any shenanigans!
Romance blossomed in the ballroom and many people met their future partners while dancing an old time waltz or a polka set on the hollowed boards of that famous dance floor. Some married for love, others for money. But, for better or worse, most married for life.
Tom Tobin’s Hall is closed now. The band has left the stage and the dancers dance no more. All that is left are memories of lost loves and distant dancing partners.
The rest, as Hamlet observed, is silence.”
FREE TO BE’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE: This Personal Development Course (6 week programme) starts Tuesday morning September 27 from 10am to 12 noon in the Further Education and Training Centre Abbeyfeale. ‘Free to be’ is essentially a positive way for people to make time for personal growth. It’s a gentle time for people to step back, take stock and examine how they are, where one can discover personal strengths in a safe confidential space. Anybody who feels they can commit to 2 hours on a Tuesday morning for 6 weeks are welcome. Booking early is advisable to secure a place on this course. For further information or queries or to book a place, contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 938 2883 or Nora on 068 31198.
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: . Thursday10am Michael O’Shea, Friday 10am Donie Cahill, Brosna / Knocknasna. Saturday 7pm Patrick Moriarty, Caherlane . Dan Murphy, New Street 1st Anniversary. Michael & Ellen Quille, Ballaugh.
To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page. Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. for the church webcam. A direct link from the parish website has been set up. You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.
GALA CONCERT: A Gala concert in aid of Pieta House will take place Ardagh Church on Sunday, October 16. Tickets available from 086 8123855.
LONDON PREMIERE FOR “THE MOUNTAINY PUCK”: On Saturday, October 1, Knocknagoshel based drama group, the Spike Players, will travel to London to perform the hilarious comedy The Mountainy Puck. The special performance will be for one night only in the Bentley Suite of the Clayton Crown hotel, Cricklewood. The play, written by Chriostóir Barrett, Ballybowler, Lispole who now lives in Knocknagoshel is based in 1970’s rural Ireland and follows the lives of ordinary country folk. It addresses themes such as neighbourhood rivalry, love and unexpected incidents that bring comedic value to the play. The Spike Players Drama Group, from Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry, was set up in September 2009 and the late Noelie Roche from Church St., Abbeyfeale who lived in Knocknagoshel was a member. Noelie, known locally as ‘Spike’ died suddenly in November 2009 and it was decided to call the group Spike Players in his memory. Tickets are £10.00 and available on the door or on pre-sale from the Danny Sullivan Group head office in Park Royal London. To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, please contact Siobhan on 0208 961 1900 or email [email protected].
IFA AND PIETA HOUSE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TALK AND CONNECT WITH LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES: The IFA and Pieta House have taken the opportunity on World Prevention Suicide Day to encourage anyone who is feeling suicidal to get help by connecting with the support services that are available, including the Mind Our Farm Families phone line and counselling service offered by IFA and Pieta House. The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day 2016 is to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. This year’s theme is ‘Connect, Communicate, Care’, three words that are at the heart of suicide prevention. IFA President, Joe Healy said the high rate of suicide, particularly among men in rural Ireland, was the driving force behind IFA’s involvement is setting up a dedicated Mind Our Farm Families phone line and counselling service. The phone line, 1890 130 022, puts farmers in direct contact with a Pieta House therapist who can make an appointment at one of their 18 centres, if needed.
“Suicide is preventable and it is so important that if you are feeling suicidal or you are concerned about a family member or friend that you talk to someone. The Mind Our Farm Families service is a solution focussed one-to-one counselling service that is completely free of charge”, Joe Healy said. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 800,000 people die by suicide each year – that’s one person every 40 seconds. Up to 25 times as many again make a suicide attempt. The tragic ripple effect means that there are many more people who have been bereaved by suicide or have been close to someone who has tried to take his or her own life.
“Our vision is of a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance,” said Pieta House CEO Brian Higgins. “In the last 10 years we have been brilliant at replacing suicide with hope and bringing people to self-care, but the biggest struggle for us is to replace stigma with acceptance.
“Individually, we all need to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. At Pieta House we have helped more than 25,000 people since 2006. We are delighted to be working with the IFA on Mind Our Farm Families. Suicide is something that sadly affects every community in Ireland but in rural and farming communities in particular it is vital that people know that our services are there if they need them.”
Pieta House will be at the IFA stand (block no: 2, row: 12, stand: 289) at the National Ploughing Championships taking place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly from September 20-22 to provide advice and information on the services offered.
MONAGAE TEA DANCE: The first of the monthly Afternoon Tea Dances kicks off on Sunday, October 2 with music by Declan Aungier.
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 the following at West Limerick Resources, Finn (087 759 1951), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.
COUNTRY MUSIC BREAK: Great County music break from Monday October 17 –
Friday, October 21 based in the Great Northern 4 Star Hotel, Bundoran with complimentary use of the Leisure Centre. I have learned that there is a change in the lineup of entertainers and I have been informed that this will be finalised this coming week. Once I know the definite line up of entertainers I will have it printed here so please watch this space. If you like dancing every night and then enjoying taking in the beautiful Donegal scenery and visiting places of interest during the day this is the break for you contact Maureen 087 9845102 for more details and booking.
CHRISTMAS PANTO: Musicians, e.g. guitarists, drummer and keyboard players
needed for this year’s Panto in Listowel. Young people wanted to take part in this year’s production. Anyone interested, please contact Michelle Whelan 087-2071371.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS: will be held in Castleisland in the Nano Nagle Presentation Primary School Hall from September 14 – October 26. Guest Speakers:, Msgr. Dan O’Riordan on Wednesday, September 21, Fr Harry Bohan on Wednesday, September 28, Joe Dalton on Wednesday, October 5, Eddie Stones on Friday October 14, Peter & Anne O’Reilly on Wednesday, October 19 and Fr John Mockler on Wednesday, October 26. These seminars try to help those to deepen a personal relationship with Christ and to be active with the Holy Spirit in their lives so they can begin to experience him working in them and through them. Further information call 0874112002 or 0861982188.
EVENING CLASSES: The College in Listowel is offering a number of QQI Certified and Hobby Based courses in the Evening. Professional courses include; Occupational First Aid, Healthcare Support, Special Needs Assisting, Desktop publishing,etc. Hobby courses include; Computers for Beginners & Intermediate, Web Design for Beginners. Enrolment will take place on September 19-24 from 9am-4.30pm (closed 12.30-1pm). For more information on our course go to www.NorthKerryCollege.ie or contact our Director of Adult Education on 0860289958 or email [email protected]
THRESHING CANCER’S ANNUAL THRESHING, Vintage and family fun day in aid of Kerry Cancer Care Support is being held on Sunday, September 25 on the farm of Brendan Ferris, Beaufort @1pm.
087 260 0414
