PROLOGUE: Remember that you’re as good as any, better than most and after that you’re tops.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION: The Church of the Assumption was built during the years 1966 – 1968 under the leadership of Philip Canon Enright, who is buried in the grounds. The Church replaced St Mary’s Church which was located in New Street and where St Mary’s Boys National School now resides. The land was kindly donated by the Broderick family and the Sisters of Mercy Abbeyfeale. It provides valuable parking for those entering the town of Abbeyfeale today. In the grounds of the Church, there is a statue to the memory of James Joseph Sheehy who died in 1948 in Chicago. Mr. Sheehy was a native of the area and it was erected by Fr. Vincent J. Sheehy in 1985 who was a priest in Miami. The Holy Water font in the grounds is believed to come from the original Cistercian Abbey. A Grotto has also been erected to the right of the Church. To the left of the Church, there is a small plot where priests who served in the area or came from the area are buried. Three members of the McEnery family are buried here. Thomas, Patrick and Denis were all priests in the Diocese of Duluth in Minnesota. Also, two brothers of the Murphy family, Seán and T. J. were priests in Rockhampton, Australia. Two other priests who preached the Gospels in far-flung places were J. Downey in Canberra, Australia, and Monsignor Daniel P. Collins in Los Angeles. Two local priests are also buried here, Monsignor Dan Gallagher and Canon O’Donoghue.There is a stained glass window of Mary at the back of the church. In the left Transept, there is a stained glass window depicting Jesus healing the sick. There is also a Crucifix in this Transept. The adjoining plaque states that the crucifix is to Denis Bailey of Rockchapel, who contributed to the Sheltered Housing Scheme.An interesting feature of this church is the small chapel to Jesus attached to the left transept. To the left of the altar in this Chapel, there is a statue of the Sacred Heart, while to the right is a statue of Mary. Stained glass windows in this Chapel depict the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles, the Crucifixion, and the bread and wine of Mass. These stained glass windows are donated in memory of Denis and Mary Lyons of Port, Abbeyfeale, Dick and Mary Hartnett of Port, Sr. Theresa, Joe and Eily, Connie, Sr. Immaculata, and Bridie Hartnett of Port, and James and Julia Quirke respectively. The chapel was opened in June 1991 by Bishop Newman. In the main Church, there is a stained glass window of the Good Samaritan on the left behind the altar, while the stained glass window on the right depicts Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. There is a shrine to Mary Immaculate to the left of the main Altar. In the right Transept of the church there are two shrines, one to St Joseph, and one to Mary. The stained glass window in the right Transept depicts the healing of the lepers. (Taken from the parish website.)
ST PIO Prayer meeting in St. Stephen’s Church, Castleisland on Tuesday, January 18 at 7.30pm, it is also the beginning of Week of Prayer for Church Unity. Witness by: Tom “Pa” O’Connor, he shares with us his story of managing a terminal illness. It is a story of Courage, Hope and Positivity.
MISSION: The diocese of Kerry is holding a Mission 2022 online from Sunday, January 16 -19. This Mission called, ‘Moving Forward in Hope’ offers an opportunity for people to gather in reflection and in prayer, online and in the home. Speakers include Fr. Sean McDonagh the climate justice activist and Oisin McConville the GAA player, pundit and counsellor. If you register you’ll be sent a link each morning for the activities of the day. Register on www.dioceseofkerry.ie
BLOOD Donors wanted especially O-, A- and B-, due to covid restrictions, supplies are low.
WRITE A SHORT STORY: If you are a member of the ICA you might consider entering their competition to write a short story entitled “The Window” max 2,000 words, the closing date is January 28 for entries.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: on June 15 – 22 flying Cork to Dubrovnik (morning flight) with Aer Lingus staying in Hotel Leone. Spiritual Director Fr. Ted Sheehan. COVID insurance cover included in cost. Contact Sean at 0862959380.
SIAMSA TÍRE: Learn traditional Irish music, song, and dance with a range of online and in-person classes starting at Siamsa Tíre at the end of January. These classes will be taught by four members of Siamsa Tíre’s professional cast of performers: dancer Jonathan Kelliher, musician and composer Tom Hanafin, and singers Joanne Barry and Martina Ryan Murphy. More details (https://kerrycoco.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3755ab5575cb711eac9566f8&id=0e0267a91a&e=57e387efec)
DUAGH LIVE CRIB: is open daily 11.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. thanks to Duagh Tidy Towns Committee. You are asked to adhere to all protective public health guidelines that are in force at the moment. Donations are in aid of local charities.
SWIM: The annual “Connie Hartnett Memorial Swim” in aid of Milford Care Centre took place at the Ladies Beach Ballybunion on New Year’s Day. You can still make donations to www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11422755. Contact Kathleen on 086 3151 447 for more information.
GLORACH BINGO: After a very successful start bingo will continue every Sunday at the GAA grounds at 1.30pm.
CITIZENS ADVICE: They are available to deal with queries Monday to Friday between 9.30am – 4.15pm and can be contacted by phone on 0761 07 5780 or by email on [email protected]
BOOKS: ”Mountcollins and its Vicinity, a 440 page book, by Larry Begley, is now completely sold out. There are still some copies of ‘As tough as tathfhéithleann’ – a rare and beautiful collection of Irish words and phrases written by Timmy Woulfe, Athea.
CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. 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. Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Christina Harnett, Dromtrasna Harnett.
Month Mind. Friday 10am Timmy Nolan (80th Birthday remembrance). Feast of St Ita Saturday, January 15. St Ita was born in Co. Waterford of noble and Christian parents. Early on she set her mind on serving Christ in religious life. She founded a monastery in Kileedy, Co Limerick, which attracted a great variety of young people. She was given the title ‘Foster –Mother of the Saints of Ireland’. She died in 570. St Ita’s feast day will be celebrated in the parish of Kileedy on Saturday, January 15.
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD:
A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the seven wonders of
the world. Though there were disagreements, the following received the most votes:
1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids, 2. The Taj Mahal,
3. The Grand Canyon, 4. Panama Canal, 5. The Empire State Building,
6. St Peter’s Basilica, 7. China’s Great Wall.
While gathering the votes, the teacher noticed that one quiet student hadn’t returned
her paper yet. So, she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl
replied, “Yes a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind, because there were so
many” The teacher said “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help,”
The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
1. to see, 2. to hear, 3. to touch, 4. to taste, 5. to feel,
6. to laugh, 7. to love.”
The room was so quiet; you could hear a pin drop.
The things we overlook as simple and ordinary, which we take for granted,
are wondrous.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Test your fire alarm once a week. (Fire safety.ie ) The majority of burglaries take place in unoccupied homes. The following are some of the things a burglar looks for:
- No lights on at night, or just ‘dead’ lights on (porch, hall)
- Lights on constantly during the day
- Blinds pulled down, or curtains across during the day
- A build-up of papers and/or flyers in the letter box
- A build-up of letters in the hall or porch visible from outside
- A build-up of milk on the door-step
- Front gates closed and no car in the driveway
- Notes left for delivery men or callers
Uncut lawn and untidy garden.
Most burglars are opportunists and will select the easiest target that they can find. Don’t offer them assistance by: Leaving any window open. Some people do this for ventilation forgetting that burglars will take advantage of the smallest opening
- Leaving external doors unlocked
- Leaving a key on a string, under a doormat, or in some other ‘good hiding place’ outside
- Failing to secure side doors, allowing entry to the back of the premises, which is more vulnerable to attack
- Failing to keep garages and sheds locked. Not only do they contain valuable property, but also tools which may help the burglar gain access to your home.
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: Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie Email:
[email protected] 01 210790. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 057 9351886/0860419154. 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. Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Tel: Freephone 1800 80 48
48 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). Email: [email protected] 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] 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
