PROLOGUE:  “If life were predictable it would cease to be life and be without flavour.”  Eleanor Roosevelt.

DEATHS:  We offer our sympathy to the family of Rita Hernon, Hillary Close whose funeral took place on Monday.  We offer our sympathy to the family of Tady Finucane, 7 St Ita’s Terrace whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace

CONCERT FOR PEACE IN THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION:  The Lost Souls and guests including Donal Murphy and family, church cantors and surprise guests will perform at a concert in the Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale on Friday, May 27 to show support for Ukraine.  Tickets on sale from the usual outlets and on the door on the night.

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DANAHER MCGRATH TRUST SCHOLARSHIP:  Young people from Athea, Abbeyfeale, Mountcollins, Tournafulla and Templeglantine are invited to apply for a range of scholarships  from a minimum of €2,000 to a maximum of €5,000 that are open to full time college students.  Application forms are available from Abbeyfeale Credit Union, local secondary schools or Woulfe Murphy Solicitors.  Closing date is August 31 and terms and conditions apply.

A CALL OUT FOR SUMMER CLOTHES: – Ukrainian children boys & girls 4 to 10 years.  T shirts, shorts, pants, dresses, shoes, runners, sandals etc.  Clothes in good condition that your children have grown out of.  These can be dropped out to the Ardagh Community Centre anytime between 8. 30am – 4p.m.Monday to Saturday.  They are still looking for bikes for adults and children so that they could use the Greenway.

PATHWAYS:  Kerry College Pathways are happy to announce their Open Event in the Clash Campus, Tralee V92 YE27 on Friday, May 27 from 11am – 2pm for anyone over 18 wishing to return to full-time education. All are welcome. For further information please email [email protected] or call Admissions Office in Denny Street, Tralee.

PLAY IN KNOCKNAGOSHEL:  The Ragged Road Theatre Troupe present Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime – a rip roaring comedy in the Community Centre, Knocknagoshel on Saturday next, May 28 with doors open at 7.30pm.  Tickets €10 available on the door.

LIMERICK GARDEN AND FOOD FAIR: plant, garden & food fair, part of Limerick Garden Festival 2022  will take place on Sunday, June 19 at the Milk Market, Limerick.

OUTING TO CORK; Knockfierna Heritage Society have organised an outing to Cork on Saturday, June 4. They will visit the butter market museum, Shandon Church, Cobh Cathedral, Spike Island etc. Contact Pat at 087-9977340, or Helena at 085-1190991.

GLÓRACH BINGO;  The signs on the approach roads to Abbeyfeale seem to have done the trick with large crowds attending our indoor Bingo at the Glórach, every Monday night starting at 8 pm.

HOT DESK:  WorkBase E-Hub at Old Bank Building on Main Street is now open for Business. For full details and pricing on Private Office Suites, Meeting Room, Hot-desks etc contact Ken Tobin on 086 816 2105.

SCHOOL CELEBRATES IT’S CENTENARY: Athea National School are celebrating 100 years on Friday, June  10 at 12:00pm.

HELP TO STOP SMOKING:  “Quit Mid West is a Free Local HSE stop smoking service with clinics in your area. Quitting is much more likely to be successful with the right support, but many people still try to quit alone”. This month our Stop Smoking Advisor Stacey gives some top tips for beating cigarette cravings! HSE Quit Mid West – Dealing With Cravings – YouTube   To request a call back from a stop smoking advisor phone Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 or email      [email protected]”

DANCE: Afternoon tea dance will on Sunday, May 29 upstairs in Ballybunion Community Centre in aid of Downs syndrome.  It will take place from 3 -5pm with music by Matt Dillon.

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY:   August 7 -14.. Places for this Bavarian Event are available.  Spiritual Director – Fr. Dan O’Riordan.  Contact Premier Travel – 0214277700 or email [email protected]

CONCERT: Recovery Haven Kerry and a number of Kerry musicians and singers will have a gala summer concert at Tralee’s Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday, June 19^th.

ALONE:  They are currently looking for befriending volunteers. Support and Befriending is a supported one-to-one relationship between a volunteer and an older person who has been linked in with ALONE. The ALONE Support and Befriending service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit. The Support and Befriending service is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide assistance to solve everyday problems and enable older people to feel secure at home. Visit www.alone.ie for more details and to sign up.

NEW MABS OUTREACH CLINIC:  On Friday, March 4th and on every second of Friday of the month thereafter (excluding bank holidays) a MABS Outreach Clinic will be held in St. Ita’s Hall from 9am -12.30pm.  The contact number for appointments is 0818 072210 for the North Munster MABS Limerick Office.  Those wishing to make an appointment must make the call themselves due to GDPR.

A CHANCE TO WIN TWO GARTH BROOKS CONCERT TICKETS:  PRO of the Christmas Lights committee Wioleta Kelly has been in touch:  Hi, I’m Wioleta and I’m messaging you on behalf of the Abbeyefeale Christmas Lights Committee. We have a raffle where you are in with a chance to win 2 tickets for the Garth Brooks concert this September. All money from the raffle will go towards buying more lights for our town.  Here is a link to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Win2xGarthBrooksConcertTickets

HOME CARERS:  Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791 or 087 744 0729.  Website is www.alhomecare.ie

THIRD AGE CHARITY:  ‘Failte Isteach’is a community project involving predominately older volunteers welcoming migrants through conversational English classes.  The project provides the necessary language skills to new migrants in a student centred, welcoming and inclusive manner while involving older volunteers and recognising their skills, expertise and contribution to the community.  For more information log on to www. thirdageireland.ie/failte-isteach/locations.

KERRY FLEADH ;  It will take place over two weekends, 11th/12th June and 18th/19th June and will be held in the Dúchas Comhaltas Centre in Tralee.

CAMPA MHUIRE: Free online Catholic Faith Camp for children aged 5-12. The four day Summer Camp running from July 27th – 30th, Tuesday to Friday will include Music and Action Songs, Arts and Crafts, into the Deep Bible Stories, games, drama, live streamed daily Mass and more. No need to register, check out www.holyfamilymission.ie/camp-mhuire-mhathair

DAY CARE CENTRE:  Now open to visitors every Tuesday.  Contact Jane on 068 51850.  Meals on Wheels are also available from the Centre – to book a delivery ring 068 51850.

RING OF KERRY CYCLE:  It’s back – the Ring of Kerry Cycle and will take place on Saturday, July 2.

LOUGH DERG:  The season has opened and all details of the Pilgrimage programme can be viewed on the website – included are the One Day Retreats, the Three Day Pilgrimage from 1st June – 15th August and the new Pilgrimage experience along the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path. One day retreats will also take place during the months of August and September. Three Day Pilgrimages will commence in July and continue in July and August.  Saturday, August 13 is the last day for pilgrims to begin the Three-Day Pilgrimage.  For further information log on to www.loughderg.com or ring 071 9861518.

RACING:  Listowel Races June Festival take place on June 4th, 5th and 6th.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASS:  Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse every Tuesday from 8.30 – 10.30pm. Further information from 087 7206449.  Timmy Woulfe has resumed classes in Moyvane Hall every Monday night at 8.30pm.

ORCHARD FOSTERING: Ireland is experiencing a shortage of foster carers, and we need your help. If you would like to help support a child or young person in need, contact Orchard Fostering today on(021) 2038332 or visit www.orchardfostering.ie

RADIO MARIA IRELAND: Catholic Radio with a full programme, daily of catechesis, prayer, daily Mass, rosary, Stations of the Cross, Angelus, etc. You can listen by tuning into Saorview on your Television Channel 210 / Internet: www.radiomaria.ie

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:  If you are interested in travelling to Lourdes this September 22-27 contact Fr. Tony.  Staying at the Hotel La Solitude, complimentary group insurance, cost €789.  Pilgrims must be fully vaccinated to travel as part of this group.

CITIZENS ADVICE:  They are available to deal with queries Monday to Friday between 9.30am – 4.15pm and can be contacted by phone on 0818075780 or by email [email protected]

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.  Confessions every Saturday evening at 6pm.. To book a Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 068 51915.  Mass Intentions: Saturday 6.30pm Richard  (Dick) Fitzgerald , The Railway Bar.  Bertie Collins, Convent Street 2nd Anniversary and deceased members of the Collins and Mc Carthy families.
Pat & Catherine Lyons, Killarney Road. . Sunday10am Vella Riza Fernamdes Anniversary.
Michael O’Sullivan, Ballaugh/Birmingham - died recently.  12noon Anthony O’Connor, Mountmahon.  Mary Ita McCarthy, Shanbally.
Adoration:  Next Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will conclude at 6.00pm owing to the Concert for Ukraine at 8pm.  Fr Denis and Fr Tony are assisted in the overall running of the five churches in the pastoral area by the Pastoral Area Council.  The Pastoral Area Council is comprised of representative of the five churches in the area along with the priests of the area.  There are 16 Pastoral Areas in the diocese. In the very near future there will be just two priests serving in each pastoral area in the diocese.  Some of the changes taking place in the parish of Abbeyfeale include new arrangements for funerals and baptisms.  After consultation with the Pastoral Area Council, and the parish councils in each of the five parishes, it was agreed, that due to the number of Sunday Masses celebrated in the five churches in the area, it will no longer be possible to have funeral Masses on a Sunday. This has been the case in the diocese of Kerry for some years. We are also asking families who are bereaved, where possible, to continue with the practice of bringing the remains of the deceased to the church on the morning of the funeral Mass, rather than the night before. Over the coming weeks we will see a greater involvement of lay people in the leading of the prayers at funerals, such as the prayers for the deceased in funeral homes, in the family home of the deceased and at the burial ceremony.  Adoration will continue in the Blessed Sacrament chapel each Friday from 11am to 8pm.  New Arrangements for the celebration of Baptisms: From the first weekend in June the following will be the arrangements for baptisms in Abbeyfeale and Athea churches.  Baptisms in Abbeyfeale will be celebrated on the first Saturday of each month at 5.00pm. Also, on the second Sunday of the month after the 12noon Mass. Baptisms in Athea will be celebrated on the third Saturday of the month during the summertime at 2.30pm and the third Sunday of the month in wintertime at 12noon.  Baptisms booked in prior to these new arrangements will be celebrated on the date they are booked for. To book in a baptism in Abbeyfeale call to the sacristy after Mass at 10.30a.m Tuesday – Friday or after any of the weekend Masses.  Ring 068/51915 during Mass time.  We thank parishioners for their understanding and support in these new arrangements.  For further information contact the sacristy after Mass or telephone 068-51915 any morning between 10.00am and 10.45pm.  Congratulations to the children from Scoil Mháthair Dé and St. Mary’s Boys N.S.  who received their First Holy Communion at the weekend..

FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM 2022:  Take the trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land from August 31 – September 10 with Group Leader Mícheál de Barra and Spiritual Director,Fr. John Newman ( a Scripture Scholar).    For further information ring Micheál de Barra on 086 8337681 or email [email protected]

RATHFREDAGH CHESHIRE HOME GARDEN FETE:   Rathfredagh  Sunday, July 3.

SOCIAL FARMING: Social Farming is the practice of offering activity on family farms as a form of Social Support service. In Social Farming the farm remains a working farm at its core but invites people to participate in the day-to-day activities on the farm. Interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming please contact Eadaoin, at West Limerick Resources CLG, on 087 366 3842 or email her [email protected]

BACK ON TRACK:  Debt Solutions:  Debt Relief Notice – You may be eligible for a DRN if a. Your unsecured debts are €35,000 or less.  b,  You do not have a mortgage or own a property or other large asset. c You have €60 or less left after reasonable living expenses each month – the Approved Intermediary will go through this with you. d. You meet the criteria for having very little assets apart from some essential items of value. e. You have not been granted a DRN before.  Approved Intermediaries (AIs) can be found on www. backontrack.ie

HI DIGITAL Learn essential skills at Hi Digital.   It’s a step by step course designed for anyone who needs a bit of help developing their digital skills, particularly those who have rarely or never been online ( often 65+).  It has been developed as a free online course by Vodafone Ireland Foundation, in partnership with Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE.  To register email hidigital @ activeir.ie or freephone 1800203030.

LIFELONG LEARNING FESTIVAL: The Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival now in its 12th year, will take place from Monday 23rd to Sunday 29th May 2022, with the theme Learn Something New in 2022.

https://www.limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/festivals/limerick-lifelong-learning-festival-2022

POETRY: Michael Hartnett Poetry Award Competition Deadline: June 17.   The Michael Hartnett Poetry Award is now open for submissions. This year, the award will be for collections of poems in English. The award will be made to the winning poet on the basis of a third, or subsequent book of poetry, published in the last two years, i.e. 2020 – 2021.

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE:   Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation facilitators.  If you have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and if  you have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team in supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage – Accord wants to hear from you.   Successful applicants will receive professional training and will be part of a team delivering marriage preparation courses locally. Contact Aisling on 01-505 3112.  Application  forms and additional information about becoming a facilitator www.accord.ie

SCEILG MHICHÍL: The Unesco site reopened on May 14.  The landing boat tour departs daily between 8.30 – 9.30am from Portmagee and costs approximately €140. A non landing boat tour also leaves from Portmagee every day and costs approximately €50.

WOMEN OF NOTE is a show that celebrates the music of epic female performers down through the years. Hear their songs, their stories and learn about the impact they have made. Produced by and starring Grace Foley with narrator Laura Reidy, pianist Noel O’ Sullivan and violinist Padraig Creedon. Gleneagle INEC Club, Sunday May 29th at 8pm.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Jer Keannelly from Knockanure has word of the latest scam, he says “ You miss a call from a +44 number (UK) and ring back the number, When you ring back you are automatically connected to a billing service at a cost of €25 per call.”  Another one we’ve been notified of is a text message from PTSB advising you that there has been unusual activity on your card and to click on the link – needless to say don’t click on any link.  Most people have online banking so if you’re worried about ‘unusual activity’ just check the app on your phone to reassure yourself.  If you haven’t the app then ring your bank ; Bank of Ireland 0818 365 365/ AIB 0818 724 724.  If you suffer from a gambling addiction there is a counsellor/psychotherapist available at the Listowel Family Resource Centre.  Further information from 068 23584/0873684490.  Stay safe in the water. “Get in warm, get out warm”.  Make sure you can be seen.  Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and have a tow float so that other swimmers can see you.  If you do get into trouble stay calm, float, do not fight the waves or current. Always supervise paddling pools. Stay safe on line, if you are going on holidays don’t tell people until you’re back, Time enough then to post your holiday snaps.  Click on no link.  Don’t give any details of your credit card, keep the pin number to yourself and don’t carry the card and the pin together. 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 4848 (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]

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