PROLOGUE: “Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.”
Gail Lumet Buckley
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of John O’Brien, 6 Radharc na feile whose funeral took place on Friday. To the family of Eileen (luke) Collins, Dromtrasna Collins whose funeral took place on Saturday. Requiem Mass for Michael Greaney, New Street will take place on Saturday January 13 @ 11am. May they rest in peace.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Sheila O Connell & Paul Fitzgerald who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale on Wednesday, December 27 and to Elaine O’Donnell & Denis Murray who also celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here on Saturday, December 30. We wish them every happiness and long lives together.
NEW MASS TIMES FOR 2018: Mass times in Abbeyfeale will change from January 1, 2018. Saturday evening Mass will now be @ 6.30pm and Sunday morning Mass will be at 9.15am. No change to the 12 noon Mass. Holy days morning Mass will be 11am & 6.30pm. Please note change of times for Holy Days as well as weekly Masses. (Saturday January 6 is Little Christmas and a Holy Day and Mass will be at 11am and 6.30pm.)
GLÓRACH NOTES: On Wednesday, January 3 we will be screening the 2015 film, Brooklyn. Based on the Colm Tóibín novel, and starring Saoirse Ronan, the film offers a wonderful snapshot of 1950s Ireland and the experience of a young emigrant to New York. The screening takes place at 8 pm and all are welcome. Later on in the month we will be having an International Concert on Thursday, January 18, with an array of fantastic musicians lined up for the night. On the drama front, rehearsals are well underway for the production of the Sam Cree play, Second Honeymoon. Presented by the Abbeyside players, under the direction of Merce Hobson, this comedy will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter when it takes to the Glórach Stage towards the end of February. For any queries or bookings don’t hesitate to call 0871383940.
CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM: It was a freezing New Year’s Day but that did not deter the huge crowd who travelled to Ballybunion and more importantly participated in the swim, the proceeds of which go to Crumlin Cardiology Unit with donations also to the Youth Ministry in the parish and to the Hope Foundation. Well done to Kathleen and the Harnett family for organising this fundraiser.
PARISH CLERKS COLLECTION: This will be taken up at all Masses over the weekend.
PUBLIC PRESENTATION: Abbeyfeale Community Council (ACC) held a Public Presentation / Consultation on the Research undertaken to date and Proposed Plans for the Old Convent Building in Abbeyfeale at the Glórach Theatre in Abbeyfeale on Thursday, December 28 last.
Both Maurice OConnell and Trevor McCarthy Secretary of ACC began by giving a brief understanding of what Abbeyfeale Community Council was about as a Community Group and how it has evolved from an Association to a Company limited by Guarantee along with being awarded Charitable Status – all within 18 months on from initial inception. This was followed by several examples of funding secured and projects completed by ACC in and around Abbeyfeale over the past 12 months.. Both Maurice OConnell and Trevor McCarthy emphasized how important it is to realise that there are three very important aspects to this one project – the saving of an iconic building, the creating of jobs for Abbeyfeale and its wider Community and the ongoing growth within the local economy as a result of having such a project and new employment in place.
Maurice and Trevor then continued to explain the financial breakdown of both Renovation Costs and Expected Revenue. The overall cost of €3-€3.5 million to complete such a large scale project was seen as something never attempted before by anyone in Abbeyfeale. Maurice OConnell then explained that most of this funding would come from the larger Agencies but around 10% or €300,000 would need to be raised locally in order to show the Directors of these Funding Agencies that those living in and around the Abbeyfeale area are supportive of such a project but just as importantly that they have the foresight and the vision to understand the vast potential of the expected annual €600,000 to be generated from this site once it is completed.
ADULT LEARNING CENTRE ( OLD TECH): A Level 5 (Full Award) Course starting in January in Childcare early care and education practice at the Further Education & Training Centre, Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale. For further inquiries 068 31198.
A NEW RESPONSE TO ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ( ASBO) Anti Social behaviour is when a person acts in a way that causes or, in the circumstances, is likely to cause someone harassment, significant or persistent alarm, distress, fear or intimidation, or impairs their use or enjoyment of their property in a significant or persistent way. Examples of anti social behaviour are intimidation, abusive or threatening behaviour and vandalism. If you are affected you should contact Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010. The Gardai may issue a behaviour warning to the perpetrator, if they fail to obey the warning it may result in a behaviour order from the courts. Information taken from a public information leaflet published by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Limerick County Council also operate a 24 hour free phone number 1800 283 064 dedicated for Anti Social Behaviour reporting.
MY SILVER RIVER FEALE: The debut CD by talented local singer Eibhlin Broderick is available for sale in Ann Lyons’s The Square.
NEW GRANTS: The Department of Education has announced €6 million worth of funding to assist people from different groups that are underrepresented in higher education.
The 1916 Bursary Fund will allocate students €5,000 per year over the next three years, coming to a total of €6 million. The target groups include: Lone parents (at least 20% of the bursaries will targeted towards lone parents). First time and mature student entrants. Students with a disability – particularly students with a physical/mobility impairment, students are who deaf/hard of hearing and students who are blind or have a visual impairment. Travellers. Further education award holders. Ethnic minorities (including programme refugees).
FINBAR WRIGHT CONCERT: It’s 50 years next year since the Church of the Assumption was opened and to celebrate the Jubilee Year we are having Finbar Wright in Concert on Friday, February 9, 2018. Tickets available at the following outlets in Abbeyfeale, Moss Harnett’s Spar shop,Twohig’s Supervalue, O’Donoghue’s Spar shop, Ann Lyon’s, The Square and Sean Broderick’s New Street. Kathleen Foodstore in Convent Street. Tickets are also on sale in Templeglantine at Pat Buckley’s shop and at the Post Office in Templeglantine. Tickets are also on sale at Annette’s Adare, All Seasons Ladies Fashions, Bridge Street, Newcastle west and the butcher shop in Ardagh. Contact 089/4356981and leave a message if you wish to order tickets.
BURGLARS THWARTED: This report from the press tells the story of the attempted burglary of Dennisons Solicitors on Main St., before Christmas: “Client confidentiality was most definitely in ‘safe keeping’ at a Co Limerick legal practice as burglars wasted an entire night in the run-up to Christmas trying to crack a 56-year-old safe, writes David Raleigh. In a case supporting the nostalgic notion that they don’t make them like they used to, an old Chubb safe, purchased by Jim Dennison Snr all the way back in 1961, proved too much for today’s criminals. In a scene almost straight from the ‘World’s Dumbest Criminals’ series, the burglars spent all of six hours battering away with kango hammers, nail bars and lump hammers, it has emerged, but to no avail. The old safe located on the Main Street, Abbeyfeale practice of Dennison Solicitors, stood strong during the all-night onslaught before the robbers finally gave up and fled the premises empty-handed before dawn. “They went straight for the safe. I’m not sure what they would have thought would be in it as we don’t keep cash on the premises. But it was a complete waste of time,” said James Dennison, who today runs the practice founded by his father. “They got nothing. They stayed hammering away for around six hours, we estimate.” “My father was old-school and held that an essential part of any legal firm is a safe to hold wills and title deeds. “He went all out when he bought this one. He went to London in 1961 to deal directly with Chubb, the makers of the best safes in the world. He specified a safe to bankers’ standard.” “My father’s uncle, the Late Jack Healy from Brosna installed the safe to the strict specifications set out by Chubb, which included building a concrete and steel reinforced room around the safe.” “The safe door dominates the reception in the legal firm, and it has held several thousands of client files over the years. The burglars must have expected a safe like that has to hold cash. “It doesn’t but even if it did, it seems to have stood the test of time.”It was an awful lot of effort to go away empty-handed.”
COMMUNITY ALERT: Please keep an eye on elderly neighbours, it need only be a telephone call or just dropping in for a few minutes on your way home from work but showing that you care could mean the world to someone. If you have been a victim of crime call the crime victims helpline on Freephone 116 006 between 10—5.30pm Monday to Friday. The minute you buy something in the line of electrical goods, machinery, bicycles, quads find the serial no. and record it even if it was only on a sticker on the inside door of a press. Muintir Na Tire have a log book for sale for just a fiver that you can use to make a record of all you possess and they are available from any member of Abbeyfeale Community Alert. If you see anything that makes you wonder if thieves are casing the area like a car that seems to be travelling around several times ring Abbeyfeale Station on 068 30010. If the Gardai on duty are out on patrol the call will be patched through to NCW who will call the car back to town. Once you reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out for long periods of the day then because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65. The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company and this fee includes insurance against breakages and is currently €80. If you do not want the insurance cover then the fee is €65. If you do not have a land line the company will organise a sim card for a mobile phone for a quarterly fee of approx. €56. This works out cheaper that the rent of a landline which is currently €25 per month. The installing company are required to provide identification on their equipment, their vans and their staff and before you admit anyone to your house you should ask for this identification. The company also offer a button which can be installed near the front and back doors for a once off payment – this is nothing to do with either Pobal or Abbeyfeale Community Alert and is just between the installing company and the client. The idea is that it offers extra security when answering the door. If you leave the house close windows, turn lights on and maybe invest in a timer for them. Now is the time to prepare for winter so make sure you have draught excluders around windows and doors, outside lights working, a supply of batteries, a couple of hot water bottles, know where the stop cock is for the water supply and above all get your chimney cleaned. If you are going for a walk or cycle wear a hi viz jacket and bring a light – in this murky weather it makes the roads so much safer for everyone. We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that. The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested. People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift. Contact 061 496000 for further details. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.
RCCN (HOUSING) LTD: This is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick. Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315.
LIVE CRIB IN DUAGH: Located behind St Brigid’s church, the crib will remain open to the public until Sunday January 7, 2018. Open daily 10.00am to 9.00pm.
FUNDRAISER FOR FR. MARTIN MCCORMACK: An Afternoon Tea Dance will take place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, January 14 to raise funds for Fr. Martin McCormack’s Projects in Swaziland. Fr. Martin, who is from Ballydesmond is a member of the Salesian Missionaries based in Pallaskenry. Music will be provided by Sheila Fitzgerald and Mike Sheehan and Ted McCarthy so a great afternoon’s dancing is assured to shake down the excesses of the Christmas. Admission is only €5 and a raffle will be held.
SOCIAL FARMING: West Limerick Resources is delighted to support the development of Social Farming in the region – Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and parts of Kerry and Cork. Calling interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming please contact Stefanie, at West Limerick Resources, on 087 366 3842 or 069 66290. We look forward to hearing from you.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
ST. ITA’S DAYCARE CENTRE: The Day Care Centre located near the Church and beside the Glórach Theatre hosts two open days every week. An open invitation has been issued to anyone who would like to join them for a four course lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays followed by dancing, bingo, cards and afternoon tea. The cost is just €10 per person. They also say that the Day Care Centre Bus and care are available to provide transport where possible.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul. If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414. The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm. Further information 087 1213560.
ABBEYFEALE CRAFTY CORNER: Meets every Tuesday evening in the West Limerick Resources Hub Room based in the Further Education & Training Centre Abbeyfeale, from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome. Contact West Limerick Resources on 068 31198 or Madeline on 087 9707989.
FOOD BANK:The Street Life Food Bank will provide food for families and individuals in West Limerick. The Bank will be open on Fridays at the Newcastle West Bible Fellowship, North Quay from 10am. If you or someone you know is struggling to feed their family then the Street Life Food Bank is there to help. Further information from 086 2157975.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm. Blessing with 1st. class relic.
WEST LIMERICK 102FM: Every Monday evening from 7pm to 7.30pm tune into a little bit of Heaven with Fr. Kevin.
WEEKLY DRAW FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO: West Limerick 102fm are holding a weekly fundraising 50/50 Draw with the raffle taking place live on air in the West Limerick 102fm. Studios. Each week the pot from the sale of the raffle tickets will be divided equally between the person whose ticket is drawn and the station. Tickets only €2 each are now on sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and Kathleen’s Quick Pick, Convent St. Call 06966200 for further information. Books of 12 tickets are available from the station for €20 so two free tickets to the seller.
CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414. Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674 Parish Office: Parish 068/31133 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services: 061-314111 Accord NCW 069/61000. Priest on Duty for Emergency only (Sunday) Fr. Noonan (087)6796217. Parish Church 068/51915. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019. St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560. 087 – 2618412. To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon.
Feast of the Epiphany Friday, January 5. 6.30pm Special Intention .Saturday 6 Holy Day Mass11am and 6.30pm Timmy Daly, Dromtrasna Collins. Joan E Leahy, Ballybehy John Collins, Ballaugh. Sunday 9.15am Michael & Dan McCarthy Purt. James & Peg Joy John & Hannah Mai Lane and their daughter Catherine Rawcliffe. 12noon Michael O’Shea 6th Anniversary. Paddy & Nancy Fitzgerald, Meenahela
To book a mass contact the church 51915
Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. Adoration takes place each Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8pm and on Tuesday& Friday from 8.30am to 10pm. As due to data protection laws, priests can no longer go to the reception desk in local hospitals and get a list of parishioners who are patients, you are requested to contact Fr. Tony if you wish him to visit. Faithcast is the new weekly podcast from catholicnews.ie, the news source for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Presented by Brenda Drumm, Faithcast is a mixture of interviews and news snippets from the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is published every Monday and is available on catholicnews.ie. Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment. 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. 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.
ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP Listowel is on the first Friday of every month. The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45 pm, followed by Mass at 7pm.for Saint Padre Pio with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after Mass.
087 260 0414
