DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Christina Harnett Dromtrasna North and Tralee whose funeral was held in Abbeyfeale on Thursday last. May she rest in peace.
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: Wishing all the readers of these pages a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2022. Maybe just watch one news bulletin a day and get out in the fresh air even if only for a short walk to keep your mental health healthy. After my marathon trip through three states in the US in late November I can truly say that in my opinion we live in the best country in the world. Between the heat in LA and the homeless people on every street and the smell of sewage in SF because they’ve had no rain in two years and more homelessness with camper vans parked up on the side streets around the ocean and the Golden Gate park as well as bothan’s on Market St. the main shopping area. Then on to NYC and it’s nothing but running and racing around, litter everwhere and again homelessness rampant even on the streets of Manhatten with opulence vying with the smell of marijuana. New buildings going up everywhere with a 70 story building that my cousin worked on now being overlooked by one of 125 stories. It’s a daunting process now travelling abroad between all the paperwork, wearing masks and the fear of catching covid in big crowds but I booked my flights with Noreen Lane of Travel Councillors who works out of Brosna and is the daughter of Moss and Kathleen Carroll, Creggane and I cannot give her enough credit for getting me there and back safely. One of her suggestions was to buy a folder with clear pockets in it and print off all the documentation needed as in Esta, covid certs, antigen test results, passenger locator forms, tickets, boarding passes and carry them along with your passport when checking in because even though you might have it all on your phone what happens if you run out of charge. So I did and it was a genius idea and I saw plenty of more seasoned travellers carrying folders too. I came back in the middle of Storm Barra and received a call from Noreen to make sure all was well and that I was back on Irish soil safely – all above and beyond the call of duty. If I wasn’t so stiff after all the sitting I’d have gotten down and kissed the ground like Saint Pope John Paul 11 storm or no.
| GLÓRACH NEWS: In his final report for this year Lorcan Curtin writes: All looking forward to a well earned break after our final drive-in Bingo of the year, with a special mention to all who sponsored the hampers for the draw at the interval. In what has undoubtedly been a difficult and testing year, it is important to reflect on some of the positives of 2021 for us at the Glórach Theatre. One of the few advantages of being shut down was that we were able to carry out extensive renovations and as well as having an impressive new sound and light system, the Theatre has never been warmer. Although there was, and still is, understandably, a reluctance amongst many to go back en masse to indoor gigs, we did hold two successful concerts in September and October and hopefully this will be replicated on a grander scale in the near future. Our drive-in Bingo resumed at the GAA grounds this Summer, and it has been a great success, with a tremendously loyal following and a charmed relationship with the weather, leaving us to wonder if many of our patrons have been putting out the Infant of Prague on a weekly basis. Whatever the weather, they have been safely guided to their parking spaces by the ADSAR, who will be joining us again in the new year when we resume on Sunday, 9th January. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this year, and finally a massive acknowledgement to all of our volunteers for the dedicated roles they have played throughout 2021. From all of us at the Glórach, nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
ABBEYFEALE WOMAN ON TG4: Last Sunday Abbeyfeale musician Louise Mulcahy from the Killarney Road headlined a programme on TG4 talking about women pipers in Ireland ‘Mná na bPíob’. |
ABBEYFEALE MAN DISCOVERED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NEWGRANGE: Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument located in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath. It is classified as a passage tomb, as are nearby Knowth, Dowth, and their satellite tombs. This network of monuments is located in an area of Co. Meath known as Brú na Bóinne, which translates to the Bend in the Boyne. This is an area of incredibly fertile soil and it is equally rich in archaeological monuments. It is located between Slane and Drogheda. Constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, and it is rightfully seen as the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East. The monument itself consists of a mound, roughly circular in shape and measuring 85 metres in diameter. It is surrounded by kerbstones, some of which bear carved decorations, with the most highly decorated being the entrance stone, and kerbstone 52. The entrance stone, as the name suggests, marks the entrance to the passage. The passage is about 24 metres long and ends in three chambers in a cruciform shape. The chambers contained human remains. Kerbstone 52 is located at the opposite side of the monument, and there are many who believe that there may be a matching passage on that side. Newgrange was excavated over the course of 14 years by UCC’s Prof. Michael J. O’Kelly and his wife Claire. Their incredibly detailed excavations pushed the accepted date of construction back by a thousand years. Their work has helped to inform our understanding of Neolithic Ireland, with the discovery of the roof box in particular highlighting that the people of prehistoric Ireland had a deep understanding of the movements of the stars and the alignment of the planets. It was the work of the O’Kellys and their team which has provided the information which is now displayed in the incredibly enlightening and interactive Brú na Bóinne visitor centre. Without their dedicated research, our knowledge of Stone Age Ireland would be nowhere near as informed as it is now. Professor Michael J. O’Kelly was born in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick in 1915. Although he was Christened as Michael, his family called him Brian. He was one of Ireland’s most prominent archaeologists, having studied at University College Cork. His legacy is long-standing and his body of work is incredibly well respected in the field of archaeological academia. Shortly after graduating with his MA, he was appointed to the role of curator at the Cork Public Museum, a position which he retained for over 20 years. He also replaced his great mentor Seán O’Ríordáin as head of the archaeology department at his alma mater, UCC. Newgrange is largely regarded as his life’s work, his magnum opus as it were. His name has become synonymous with the monument. The most remarkable feature of Newgrange is undoubtedly the roof box. This is a gap above the entrance which allows the dawn light to enter the tomb, lighting up the entire passage and chamber on the morning of the Winter Solstice (December 21st). Local tradition had long held a rumour that there was a day in the calendar when this would occur, though nobody could say for certain when it was. In 1967, Prof. O’Kelly decided that based on the orientation of the roof box, the most likely date would be the Winter Solstice. It is incredible to think that as he sat in the tomb in the predawn darkness with his daughter, he was about to become the first person in thousands of years to witness the phenomenon.A visit to Newgrange today involves a trip to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. There you can purchase your tickets to enter the monument and get a bus to the site. However the visitor centre itself is not to be overlooked. The exhibition is incredibly detailed and takes you through the timeline of Newgrange from construction to rediscovery. There you can learn about life, death, and burial in Neolithic Ireland, as well as read reports from the years spent excavating the site. It is also at the visitor centre that you can enter the lottery for attendance at the Solstice (this was suspended for 2021). This is the only way to gain entry to the tomb on that auspicious morning, however in recent years a live stream has allowed people all over the world to experience this magical feat of prehistoric astronomical engineering. (Taken from Ireland xo Reaching Out).
CHRISTMAS MASSES: Unfortunately, again this year it is not possible to accommodate all who wish to attend Christmas Mass. According to the public health rules for the hosting of
indoor events, the capacity of a venue is reduced to 50%. Two metres socially
distancing of people is still required. While this enables us to accommodate more
people than attended Mass last Christmas, we still have only 50% capacity. Each
individual person who comes into the church, must be counted individually.
In other words, a family cannot be counted as one, each member of the family must
be counted separately. This situation needs to be managed to ensure the safety of
all who wish to attend. So again, this year we will operate a ticket system. This
year Mass will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 5.00pm and 7.30pm. Mass on
Christmas day will be at 8.00am, 10.00am and 12noon. This year
St Stephen’s Day falls on Sunday and there will be the usual two
Masses on Sunday 26 at 10.00am and 12noon.
You may decide to attend Mass for Christmas on St. Stephen’s Day.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: “Mountcollins and its Vicinity, a 440 page book, by Larry Begley, is now on sale at Siopa Milseàn, Mosses (Killarney Rd.), Twohigs Supervalu, Pat Buckleys & Sheehans P.O. Templeglantine, Tournafulla & Brosna shops, and the Creamery Mountcollins. The book deals with the varied history of Mountcollins and its Vicinity including topics such as: Landlords, Placenames, Roads, Evictions, Moonlighters, Faction Fighting, Whiteboys, Rockites, Protestant Church in Fealesbridge, Pubs, Shops, Old trades and professions and many many more.
Please contact [email protected] for local orders, sales/delivery requests and other general queries.The book can also be bought online by visiting https://mountcollinsanditsvicinity.com Delivery available Nationwide and to the UK, USA & Australia.” Also on sale in the Siopa Milseán is a book by Timmy Woulfe about the sayings in Athea,
NOONAN’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Why not take a run out to Meenaline to visit the winter wonderland that is Noonan’s Christmas lights before the rain and the storm comes for Christmas.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Padre Pio December Devotions in Castleisland on Tuesday, December 21 at 7.30pm. Witness by:Joan Hussey, Tralee, “She will share her story about the heartbreak felt by the loss of her little andboy”.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration in the main church every Friday, after the 10.00am Mass – 6.00pm. Entrance through the front door of the church. Please note that when there is a Wedding Mass celebrated on a Friday, adoration will be from 4 to 6.00pm. Pope Paul VI: “Eucharistic adoration extends its influence far beyond the individual adorers, touching their homes and families and reaching out to the parish community and beyond”
CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Fr Dan Lane will be on call everyesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030 www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email [email protected] Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068 -31133. To book a |Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 0668 51915. Masses this week: Wednesday 10am, Thursday 10am, Christmas Eve 5pm and 7.30pm, Christmas Day 8am, 10am and 12 noon. St. Stephen’s Day Masses at 10am and 12 noon – Bridie Haughton, Collins Park. Noreen O’Rourke, Clash 2nd Anniversary. Joan Ahern. Jeremiah and Noreen Healy, Upper Knocknasna. John Broderick and his daughter Kathleen Knocknasna and Adelaide.
Monday 27th. Noreen O’Rourke Clash 2nd Anniversary.`
Christmas Masses. You may decide to make one of these Masses your Christmas Mass. Christmas Dues
The Christmas Dues Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend, on
Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.
Fr Tony thanks you for your generosity and support during the past year.
Christmas Newsletter
A special Christmas Newsletter will be available on Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day.
Holy Communion Call
If any parishioner who has been unable to come to Mass for one reason or another
would like to receive Holy Communion for Christmas please contact the sacristy on
068 51915 any morning at 10.30am.
COME TO BETHLEHEM:
An Invitation to all Families in our parish
Due to the restrictions on Mass attendance it is not possible to accommodate all
who would like to attend Mass this Christmas, but we are inviting all families to
make a short visit to the Church on Christmas Eve, to visit and pray as a family at
the Crib. You are also encouraged to bring the baby Jesus from your own home
Nativity set to be blessed. On returning home the youngest member of the family
can place the baby Jesus in the family crib. The Church will be open on Christmas
Eve from 1.00pm to 4.00pm Fr Tony & Fr Dan will be there to greet you and to
give your family a Christmas blessing. Entrance through the front door of the
Church.
COLLECTION:The members of the Abbeyfeale St. Vincent de Paul group would like to thank everyone who contributed to the annual Christmas appeal last weekend.
Your generosity will be of enormous benefit to those in need in our community this
Christmas and in the New Year.
ABBEYFEALE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights Group would like to thank you all for helping andcontributing in any way towards making our town the brightest town around. We aresolely depending on your generosity. Donations can still be handed into
Marie McElligotts and Esthers shop. We wish you and yours a healthy and safe
Christmas and a bright new year for 2022
COMMUNITY ALERT: Test your fire alarm once a week. Fire safety.ie
How to avoid delivery scams; First, are you expecting a parcel?
There’s no need to enter sensitive information to receive one, and none of the major delivery companies will ask for this – if an app or message is asking for this, it should raise alarm bells. Next, check with the company (not the delivery company) where you placed an order using your online account rather than an email. Again, don’t click on links from within the email. If it’s asking for money or personal information, it could be a scam. Check the address of the email sender and if it looks suspicious, ignore it. Watch out for generic greetings and grammatical errors. If you are 65, you 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 or if you spend long periods of the day on your own 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 €72. There may be some confusion over the word free - the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month payable from day one with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation. Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly. Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.
HELPLINES: If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 0579351886/0860419154. COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024. Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland. Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer. A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email [email protected] Aware (Depression & Anxiety 016617211. National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444. Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. . Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick. Tel: 061 485 800 Email: [email protected]
Children’s Grief Centre, Limerick. Tel: 061 224 627 Email info@childrensgriefcentre.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS: If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]
087 260 0414
