Community notices 1st May 2018

PROLOGUE:  “If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money.”
Abigail Van Buren

DEATH:  The death has taken place of Fr Peadar deBurca, retired parish priest of Feenagh-Kilmeedy. Apart from spending some years after ordination in Cardiff, he spent most of his life ministering as priest in West Limerick. We offer our sympathy to his cousins here in Abbeyfeale and pray that he will rest in peace.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION:  The annual church gate collection in aid of Abbeyfeale Community Alert will be taken up at all Masses this coming weekend.

FUNDRAISER FOR ALZHEIMERS:  A tea day will be held on Wednesday, May 9 from 10.30 -1.30 pm at St. Ita’s, Main St., Abbeyfeale.   This is a very worthy cause as the

numbers suffering from dementia are increasing. All monies raised goes to support services which help people with dementia in your area such as support groups, day care and respite centres. A raffle will also be held for some lovely prizes. Please call in and enjoy a cuppa with our delicious home baking.

REMEMBERING ZOE; The Remembering Zoë Charity Cycle in association with Abbeyfeale Cycling Club takes place on Sunday May 13 starting in Abbeyfeale at 9am from Fr. Casey’s GAA Club. For safety reasons the Gardai will close the road from the GAA Club and New Street to Buckley’s Cross on the Athea road from 09.00 – 09.20 approximately. All cyclists will turn left at Buckley’s cross and follow the Kilmorna road to Shanacool cross.  In the afternoon the Cycle will pass through Main Street, New Street and also the townlands of Ballaugh, Ballybehy and Knockbrack. The organisers thank you for your patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

SEÁN KEANE AT THE GLÓRACH:   The tickets are sold out and the stage is set for what should be a very special concert at the Glórach Theatre this Friday, May 4.  We hope to bring a selection of prominent musicians to this wonderful venue over the coming months, but for now look forward to the wonderful voice of Seán Keane resonating through the Glórach this weekend.

THANK YOU FROM GLÓRACH:  After an unbelievably successful run by the Abbeyside Players with Second Honeymoon, a few thanks are in order.   First up, thanks to the cast of the Abbeyside Players and director Merce Hobson for staging this comedy at the Glórach Theatre. Thanks to all who helped at Front of House, backstage, selling raffle tickets and to the lads who did the light and sound. Thanks to the anonymous donors of spot prizes. Thanks to all who promoted the play in local media, and especially to those who took such fantastic photos. Thanks to the committee at Rockchapel Community Hall for the fabulous reception they afforded the group last Saturday week, and finally, thanks to each and every one of you who turned out in such large numbers each night, and whose enthusiasm and laughter generated so much energy amongst the cast. The play is put to bed for now, but the Abbeyside Players will be looking forward to taking part in the pub theatre segment of Writers Week in Listowel over the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES:  Iolar Training is running some more free Digital Skills for Citizens computer and internet training courses in Newcastle West beginning on Tuesday, May 15.  The courses are open to everyone and will run for two hours per week for five weeks. Training is aimed at beginners and new users and gives participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to use the internet. Last year, almost 500 Limerick city and county residents completed our free Digital Skills for Citizens courses going from learning how to switch on a computer to booking flights and making video calls. The core topics covered include :Safety & security, Using email, Using search engines and websites, Accessing government services online, Conducting everyday transactions, Using apps, Voice and video calls online.  Optional modules include:  Online shopping, Online banking and security, Social media, Video, TV and radio online, Digital photography, Using YouTube instructional videos, Advanced government services.  Training is free for all participants. Having access to a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone is an advantage but not essential. An Eircode (postcode) is required to register. For more information, or to reserve your place on the courses, please call Iolar Training on 089 420 7708.

BENNY THADE’S RAMBLING HOUSE: The next rambling house will be held on Monday, September 3 in Fr. Casey’s Club House.  Benny can be contacted on 087 9918546.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH celebrates its Jubilee this year. The church was opened in June 1968. It has been suggested that an exhibition of memorabilia connected to the building and opening of the church would be a nice part of the celebration. If anyone out there has anything of interest and would be willing to lend it for this exhibition please contact 089 4356981. The Jubilee mass takes place on June 16th at 7.30 pm.

ROSARY:  Mary’s Month May is the month dedicated to Our Blessed Lady.  We invite you to honour her by joining us in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for recitation of the Rosary each night at 7.30pm Mon-Fri and before the vigil Mass on Saturday. The rosary will be recited at the Holy Well in Kileenagh each Friday evening during May.  The Walk to the Well will take place on Sunday, May 27.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Congratulations to Aoife Daly and Stephanie O’Donnell who both completed the recently introduced Diocesan Youth Ministry Training Course. The Youth Ministry Course was one of the proposals of the Diocesan Synod and Stephanie and Aoife were commissioned by Bishop Brendan Leahy along with 29 other people from around the diocese at a special ceremony held on Thursday last in the new Diocesan Centre located at the St Munchin’s College Campus, Corbally, Limerick. Aoife and Stephane are well known and have been involved in Youth Ministry in the parish for many years and will be developing new ways of involving young people in the life of the parish. We wish them well in their ministry.

ALZEMHEIMER’S DANCE AT THE RAILWAY:  There will be a dance at the Railway on Wednesday, May 2 with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society.  Dancing to the Tom Healy Band.  Your support would be appreciated.

AGM:  Please be advised that the AGM of West Limerick Tourism will take place on Thursday, May 3 at 7.30pm at the Dunraven Arms.

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL MAYO DAY TRIP;   Contact Pat Condon, Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West 069 62344 (5-6pm) if you wish to participate in the day trip to walk/cycle the Achill Greenway, Co. Mayo on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7. Coach departs Market Yard, NCW at 7a.m. Cost €60 includes coach, breakfast and evening dinner at Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam (but not bike hire). Beidh fáilte romhat.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE: This year’s Fleadh by the Feale takes place from Thursday, May 3 – Monday, May 7.  Loads of events including Presentation of prizes in Schools Art Competion at the Library and Ceoil agus Caint at Thomas T. J’s Thursday night.  Busking on the street , Donie Nolan Ceili in Fr. Casey and  Gig Rig in the Square with Athea Wrenboys., Master Workshops, Youth session in Donal and Ann’s, Traditional Mass, Templeglantine Comhaltas on the Gig Rig on Saturday.  Story telling on Sunday in St. Ita’s Hall, ceili in the Square, tribute to the late Dan Murphy in Murphys before the celebrity concert.  The grand celebrity concert will take place in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef on Sunday, May 6 and features the Shandrum Céilí Band with support from the Coláiste Íde agus Iosef  Band.  Doors open 7pm with show from 8pm. Tickets & further information: Nora 086/2427003, Celine 087/7697672, Vincent 087/2443353 and Mary 087/7419343. All Ireland Bones Monday night in the square, sessions in various pubs all weekend and so much more.

EMEMBERING ZOE:  120km, 85km, 50km cycle challenge as well as 5km walk/run on Sunday, May 13.  Family fun day Sunday May 20.  Proceeds to Nano Nagle, Brothers of Charity and Fr. Casey’s Bord naNog.

JUBILEE BOOKLET:  The final draft of the publication will be ready this week.  If you have an article for inclusion then you need to email it to Feale church @eircom.net in the next few days.  It is up to each ministry group to include their article. The launch will take place in May and it would be helpful if you could book a copy of this production in advance to estimate printing numbers.  Text 089/4356981. The Jubilee celebration Mass will take place on June 16 @ 7.30pm. All are welcome.

NEW MASS TIMES: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon Mass.   Holy day’s Mass 11am and 6.30pm.   Daily Mass remains as always – 10am unless when there is a funeral.

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL:  Adoration will continue from 10-10pm every Tuesday and Friday and from 6-8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   New adorers are always very welcome.

OFFICE MOVE: Please note that the Abbeyfeale Office of West Limerick Resources has relocated to St Ita’s Hall, Convent Street, Abbeyfeale. If you have any enquiries, please call to the office and speak to Nora or you can call Mary on 087 9382883.

PARISH OFFICE HOSTS MEETINGS: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm in the parish Office.  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.

LIMERICK SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL:  The Limerick Social Service Council (LSSC) is a leading voluntary service, working in communities in Limerick for over five decades.  We deliver our services at the LSSC Centre in Henry Street, Limerick and at different locations throughout Limerick City and County.  Our Mission is to promote the dignity and growth of individuals, families and groups. Further details of our services can be found on our web-site or by contacting the numbers below.   Limerick office: 061-314111.Abbeyfeale Office: 068-31019/ 0863514700.  Web: www.lssc.ie

STAY SAFE:  If casual traders call to your door or drive into your yard then why not give the Gardai a ring on 06830010 and alert them that these people are around – this is an integral part of our community helping the Gardai to keep us all safe.
LATE FR PAT MOORE’S PP MEMORIAL EVENING AFTER MASS ON MAY 5:  The DDA will be unveiling a bench that they commissioned in memory of the late Fr Pat Moore. Then there will be a candle lighting ceremony with night lights in glass jars.   There will then be some refreshments and entertainment in the marquee at the front of the church with people who may like to reminisce about their own memories or stories relating to the late Fr Pat. There will be music and some singers and story tellers, there will also be a photographic slideshow going on in the background on one of the walls of the marquee so if you or anyone has any photos of the late Fr Pat maybe at a christening, communion, confirmation etc. the DDA would be very grateful we would just scan them and hand them straight back to the owner, please call Sandra 087 6718377 .The DDA are also requesting people from the parish to donate some home baking or make sandwiches etc. for this evening as the DDA only have a handful of committee members. All foods can be dropped off to any member of the DDA on the day.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT:  Pieta House walk/run takes place at The Desmond complex Newcastle West and in Listowel May 12 at 4.15 am.

LOURDES:  Autumn Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Direct from Shannon Airport, staying at the Solitude Hotel, from September 22-27.  Full Pilgrimage Programme. Booking forms available from Fr Tony Mullins. Fr John O’Shea & Fr Willie Fitzmaurice.

DIVERSITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Doras Luimní will host a free workshop on ‘Diversity Awareness for Community and Voluntary Groups’ on Tuesday May 15 at Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 7.30pm. This workshop will explore cultures, discuss barriers for community involvement and provide information on how to create a more inclusive society.  Registration is essential by contacting Damien Ahern at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or by emailing [email protected]

DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES:  Limerick Pro Life Action now have a “Lifts for Life” scheme which is created to help Pro Life votes who have no means of transport. We need drivers to help take people, in their locality to the Polling Station on Polling Day to vote. If you are willing to help, please contact any of the following: Olive     085-7172970 John   087-1127477.

WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS:  Learn to speak with confidence, make presentations at work, and much more at the Desmond Complex on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 8-10pm.

STARTING A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: Social Enterprise puts people and community first, ahead of private or personal gain, using a business model that operates in a viable and sustainable way.  Two information sessions, covering the basics of establishing your own Social Enterprise venture, will take place on Tuesday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 8, in Newcastle West, from 7pm – 10pm.  Open to Community & Voluntary organisations and individuals. Topics include; Introduction to Social Enterprise; Setting up and Financing a Social Enterprise; Needs analysis and researching ideas; Case Studies; Creating a Social Enterprise Business Plan. For further information contact Caitriona Scully, at West Limerick Resources, on 069 66298 or cscully@wlr.

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER MEETING:  Janice and Moss Carraig will lead the Holy Spirit Prayer meeting on the second Sunday of each month in the Desmond Complex.  Further information on 087 6174639.

LOURDES:  Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St.  Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.

FUNDRAISING DANCES:  Fundraising dances for the redevelopment of the former Ashford Tavern to the Ashford Community Resource Centre will take place on the first Friday of the month in the Ashford Tavern.  Doors open 9pm with dancing from 9.30pm.  Forthcoming Attractions: Friday, May 4 P.J. Murrihy.  Friday, June 1 Muriel O’ Connor and Fran Curry.  Friday July 6 T.R Dallas.  Admission €10.

ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650.  Helpline for crime victims is 116006. Opening hours are; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 – 6.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4pm.Sunday- Closed.

The following is some advice on protecting your home taken from www.garda.ie;  ‘ Whether you are at home or going out, remember to turn on some lights, use timer switches, lock all doors and windows, use an alarm, store keys away from windows and letter boxes and do not keep large amounts of cash and jewellery in the house.’   If someone does call to your door and you are finding it hard to get rid of them then press your monitor which you should never take off and yes, I have been assured that it is waterproof.  Please be careful when answering the phone to never disclose bank a/c details to anyone purporting to be calling from your phone provider, bank, credit card company etc.  If they want those details over the phone then they are probably not for your good.  Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which is 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. There 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. If someone does call to your door or drive into your yard then why not give the Gardai a ring on 06830010 and alert them that these people are around – this is an integral part of our community helping the Gardai to keep us all safe.  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 of €66.  Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month.  Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. 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.

DANCE CLASSES:  Social dance classes with Josephine, Tuesdays, The Railway 8.30pm.

CONCERT Bruach Na Carraige Rockchapel presents Sean O Se and Peadar O Riada in concert on Friday, May 11 at 8.30pm.

MUSICAL SUMMER CAMP:  The Bruach Na Carraige Summer Camp for children between 6 and 15 years will be from  July 16-27. Children attending this camp who have not played music before will learn a few new tunes on the whistle, those already playing will get new tunes, they will learn traditional songs and four or five ceili dances, all mixed with much games and fun.

ABHAILE:  This is a new service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears.  It’s 100% State funded, to qualify you must be:  In mortgage arrears on your home.  Insolvent.  At risk of losing your home because of arrears. Contact local Mabs office.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm.  New people always welcome.  This group is a great way to introduce your child to a pre-school environment, teaching them to play and share with other children and a fantastic way for parents to make new friends as well.  Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018:  You can currently only book tickets for the 3 day Congress (1 day or 5 day), but when booking a congress ticket you can register for the free weekend tickets. Every person attending each event must be registered to gain access to that event. You can book as an individual (over 18), as a family or group, or as a priest. Where a family wishes to register, a single family leader can register all members together. When part of a family/group, all children under 18 are free but each person must be registered in order to receive their ticket. Costs for adults: 5 day ticket €68, 1 day ticket €38. Book at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress-Registration

FINE INCREASE:  The fine for parking in a disabled bay will increase from €80 to €150 from March 1.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.

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.

PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS:  Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm.  Blessing with 1st. class relic.

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.  Mass Intentions Friday 10am    Hannah O’Donoghue, Collins Park.  Saturday 11am   Leana & Paddy Flynn, Craggane, Duagh.  Sunday 9.15am   William & Eileen Healy, Ballaugh.

Prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.  Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment.

24 HOUR ADORATION FOR LIFE AND IRELAND’S DECISION IN THE REFERENDUM|: on Saturday May 12 commencing after the 7.30pm Mass and continuing until 6pm on Sunday 13 in the Church of the Resurrection, Park Rd, Killarney.

HISTORY FESTIVAL:  Seanchaí -Kerry Writers’ Museum will host a number of events for Listowel History Festival 2018.  It runs from May 4-6 and includes lectures by Justin Horgan, Cmdt. Tommy Martin and Dr. Mary McAuliffe, and a historical town walk with Vincent Carmody.  Full details of all Festival events are available at www.kerrywritersmuseum.com or www.facebook.com/listowelhistoryfestival.

FAIR:  An Arts & Craft Fair will take place at Seanchaí – Kerry Writers’ Museum on Sunday May 6 from 11 – 5 pm.  Admission is free and a wide variety of locally produced hand crafted products will be on sale.

FREE ASTHMA AND COPD ADVICE LINE: Speak to a specialist nurse over the phone about your or your child’s asthma or COPD. Free phone 1800 44 54 64 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to book an appointment.

VOLUNTEERS IN AFRICA: Humanitarian Volunteers are looking for volunteers to travel to Kenya on June 17 for two weeks, assisting in teaching English, sports, games, arts, crafts, etc. No Experience required, no age restriction, supervision provided. Ring 086 8520271.

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month.  Monagae first Tuesday of every month.  Ceremonies begin 6.45pm.

UP COMING EVENTS:  Holy Communion May 24.  Tralee Races Point to Point, Ballybeggan Racecourse May 26.  To book a stall Sinead 087 6906104.

DOON CONVENT REUNION:  A reunion (for anyone who attended St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Doon up until 1965) will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, Co Tipperary starting about mid-day.  Further information is available from our website: www.DoonConventReunion.com