PROLOGUE:”Procrastination:A hardening of the oughteries.”
Author Unknown
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Eily Lane, Lanes Stores, New Street whose funeral took place last week. May she rest in peace. We also offer our sincere sympathies to the wife and family of the late Jerry O’Riordan, Dromtrasna whose funeral was held on Monday. May he rest in peace.
VIKING BOXING CLUB: Another first for Abbeyfeale with the setting up of a boxing club. Training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the old Flamingos with entrance next door to the back entrance of The Coffee Pot on Colbert Tce. Contact Noel 087 4360339. All age groups welcome.
CAMOGIE CLUB: Is this another first this week with a Camogie Club for the U14’s starting on Monday, February 22 from 6-7pm at Fr. Casey’s. Registration €30. Wear tracksuit, runners and gloves and bring a helmet and hurley. Then on Wednesday, March 2 the U 6’s will have training from 5-6pm. Wear a helmet and bring a hurley. Registration €20. Further information from Liz on 087 2482844.
TLC: You are invited to register with www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie for the second annual Team Limerick Clean Up which takes place on Good Friday, March 25 from 10am – 1pm.Join The Clean Team and be part of history!
For further information, please email [email protected] or call 061496200.
SIVE: It’s 57 years since its first outing in Listowel and now, all those years later the play, which still resonates with audiences both rural and urban will be staged by the Abbeyfeale Drama Group in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse beginning Tuesday, February 16 and continuing its run on February 18, 20/21/23/25/27 and finishing on Sunday, February 28. All proceeds from the first night on Tuesday, February 16 go to the Abbeyfeale Lourdes Invalid Fund. Chairman of the Drama Group Seamus Lane has issued an invitation to one and all to come and see their production which will start at 8pm.. “Bi ann gan teip agus beidh failte roimh gach einne.”
INVASIVE SPECIES WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources is hosting a workshop on Invasive Species Management on Monday February 15 in the Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre (‘the Tech’), Mountmahon from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Supported under the Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership Fund, the workshop will focus on invasive species identification and management but will also outline how to conduct and submit survey result to the National Invasive Species Database (http://invasives.biodiversityireland.ie), which provides centralised up-to-date information on the distribution of Invasive Species in Ireland. To register email Suzanne at [email protected] or call 069 79114.
NIGHT AT THE DOGS: On Saturday, February 27 Nadine Smith from Abbeyfeale who is a fourth year dentistry student at UCC is travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal with the organisation Work the World and twelve fellow students to work with residents there. It is a long standing tradition of fourth year students in UCC to travel on a Dental Outreach programme to a developing country. Each student has to raise €3,300 and Nadine says that while out there “We will undertake extractions, fillings, assisting in Oral Surgery procedures and delivering oral hygiene demonstrations. Unfortunately as Nepal is seen as a developing country dental care is out of reach for a majority of the population. Many who shall attend our clinics will travel by foot from rural communities for days” As part of her fund raising efforts Nadine has organised a Night at the Dogs at Tralee Greyhound Stadium, Saturday, February 27 at 7.50pm. As always this is a guaranteed enjoyable night for all the family. Apart from the opportunity to watch and bet on greyhounds, Nadine who is herself, a regular competitor on the Best Dressed circuit has organised a Best Dressed Lady competition with a top prize of a Jennifer Wrynne headpiece sponsored by Jennifer Wrynne Millinery. The first prize also includes jewellery and glassware sponsored by Heavenly Gifts, Abbeyfeale. There will be generous second and third prizes too. Other events include Best Dressed Man with a prize of a gift voucher sponsored by Gentlemen’s Quarters, Patrick’s St., Cork. There will also be a Little Miss Competition sponsored by Heavenly Gifts and Heavenly Day Spa, Abbeyfeale. There will also be raffle extravaganza with over 30 phenomenal prizes and entertainment to finish out the evening. Expert Judges for the competitions will include Annette Mann of Annette’s Boutique, Abbeyfeale, Ladies Day regular Mary Woulfe and esteemed make-up artist Rachelle Guiry. Tickets cost ONLY €10 and in order to maximize the returns to the charity you are asked to purchase them in advance as only these sales will be donated towards the charity. Tickets available in local outlets including Annette’s Main St., Heavenly Gifts, Main St., Esther’s Boutique, Main St., Needles and Pins, Abbeyfeale. Then in Newcastle West they can be purchased in Scanlan’s Menswear, and in Listowel at John B Keane’s and also in Jackie Reidy’s Menswear, Castleisland. Any queries please phone: 0879776831/ 0876273731. Your support is greatly appreciated.
AGM OF WEST LIMERICK RADIO: West Limerick 102fm Community Radio Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) takes place on February 23 at The Desmond Complex, Newcastle West. Meeting starts 8pm sharp.
THE WIZARD OF OZ: TY students in in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale are currently rehearsing their production of The Wizard Of Oz directed by Miriam Ball. It’s being staged Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26 with doors open at 7pm and show from 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available at the interval. Admission €10. Raffle for hampers.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Couch to 5k training continues this Saturday February 13 at Fealefit @ 9am along with Adventure Race Training at 10am. Our Couch to 5k training is building towards a Charity 5k in Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s day morning March 17 at 10am with a Green theme ,€10 to register. All money raised will be donated to charity. This is a fun community event to help raise money for charity so we ask people to help in any way they can with stewarding the course, bring your own water & whatever you can for refreshments, baked goods etc. All event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552!!
‘CANVASS THE CANVASSERS: Grave concern is expressed by families in West Limerick at the proposed siting of a Gasification plant at the Gortadroma former landfill site. The long term effects of such a plant on the health of local people is a big worry. It is hoped that Limerick County Council will rescind their decision and at whatever cost, give priority to the health of people.
ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes take place each Thursday in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) from 10am – 12pm. This educational programme has a relaxation and social aspect. This is a time out space to enhance mental and emotional health. If you are interested in joining this class please contact Mary on 087 9382883. Supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Clare Education & Training Board.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Parent Coach Joan Barrett will attend the Parent and Toddler Group in St. Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale on Tuesday February 26. Joan will endeavour to answer parent’s question regarding their toddlers and parenting. The parent and toddler group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall form 11 – 12.30pm. New Mum’s, Dad’s and toddlers are always welcome.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses. Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.
ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes take place each Thursday in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) from 10 – 12pm. This educational programme has a relaxation and social aspect. This is a time out space to enhance mental and emotional health. If you are interested in joining this class please contact Mary on 087 9382883. Supported by West Limerick Resources and the Limerick – Clare Education & Training Board.
ALCOHOLOLICS ANNONOMOUS: Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office. AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Friday evenings. Go to www.pioneerassociation.ie and pledge the short term pledge for Lent. Local representative is Rita Horgan, Killarney Rd. May with a jam packed agenda which included a cycle challenge, a family fun day, a dance and a variety concert with over €28,000 raised and donated to First Light and Bru Columbanus including a donation being made to the Hope Foundation. Plans are now in train to continue the good work begun last year and carry on fundraising in Zoe’s name for good causes with children’s charities Make a Wish Foundation, Community Games, Hope Foundation and the playground in Abbeyfeale Town Park being the chosen beneficiaries this year. There are a number of events pencilled in and these include:• Back 2 School Theme Party, Railway Bar Abbeyfeale Easter Sunday Night 27th March – Doors open 9pm. Entertainment with Band No Direction & Late night Dj.- No Homework, No exams, just fun with your old Class mates….A night not to be missed
• Remembering Zoe Cycle Challenge Sunday 15th May starting at Fr, Casey’s GAA Clubhouse at 9am and consisting of a 110km, a 75km and a 40km Cycle with refreshments before and after at the GAA Clubhouse and a Food Stop at the Community Centre in Mountcollins.Registration for the cycle will take place in the GAA Clubhouse on Friday 13th May from 6pm to 9pm and again on Sunday morning from 7.30am
• Family Fun Day Sunday 19th June from 2pm at Fr. Casey’s GAA with kiddies disco at 6pm. A day out for all the family with lots of great activities, enjoy the old reliables and lots of new & exciting games to keep all the family entertained!
• Relay Run to Dublin – A once in a lifetime 3 x day Relay run to Dublin starting July 29th in Abbeyfeale & finishing at Make a Wish Foundation headquarters in Dublin July 31st taking in some of Ireland’s biggest towns & Cities along the way!
SAGART LOURDES REUNION: Sagart Lourdes Reunion in the Woodlands House hotel on Friday March 4. Tickets €25. Contact Mary on 087/7919414.
ABBEYFEALE HARRIERS ANNUAL HUNTING FESTIVAL: Sunday, February 14 – The Strand Bar, Strand, Co. Limerick (The South Tipperary Harriers). Monday, February –15 Walsh’s Bar, Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry (The Macroom Foxhounds).
Tuesday, February 16– Lyons’s Bar, Scartaglin, Co. Kerry (The Stonehall Harriers & the Desmond Foxhounds). Memorial Meet for John O’Connor Wednesday, February 17 – Cryle View Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick (The Carraigshane Harriers). Thursday, February 18 – The Goalpost Bar, Tournafulla, Co. Limerick (The Rooves Bridge Harriers & The Rockfield Harriers). Friday, February 19 – DP Lyons Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick (The Sliabh Luachra Harriers, The Killtevan Harriers & The Minerock Harriers) Memorial Meet for Jackie O’Grady. ALL MEETS AT 11.00 a.m. Food kindly sponsored by publicans.
Hunting is on foot and the quarry is fox – Cap €10.00 per meet.
PLEASE SHOW RESPECT TO LANDOWNERS AND THEIR PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES.Enquiries: Doug McGuinness (Hon. Sec. Abbeyfeale Harriers) 087 6829044 or Paddy O’Grady 087 6258933.
DIVINE MERCY: Divine Mercy Jubilee 25th Divine Mercy Conference February 19-22 in Main Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
FASHION SHOW: Tournafulla Camogie Club are holding a Fashion Show, featuring local models, on Thursday, February 18 in Tournafulla Community Hall, commencing at 7.15pm with a Cheese and Wine Reception. Fashion Show starts at 8pm. Tickets €10,.
can be purchased from Irene Dillane, Miranda Foley, Janet Garvey or Marina O’Mahoney.
CONCERT: Traditional fundraising variety concert by West Limerick traditional singing club on Saturday March 12 in Fr Casey’s GAA club, Abbeyfeale. The concert will include a variety of Traditional Musicians, Singers, Storytellers and dancers all for just €10. Please support. West Limerick singing club are also hosting a night of songs in remembrance of 1916 on Friday April 1 in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale at our monthly singing session which takes place on the 1st Friday of every month.
DRUGS INITIATIVE: The Irish Bishops Drugs initiative programme for confirmation children will take place on Wednesday night March 9 and Wednesday night April 13 from 7:30pm until 9pm at Scoil Mháthair Dé. Both Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to attend.
‘GLÓRACH YOUTH THEATRE: Preparations are well underway for an upcoming production, and even if you don’t fancy threading the boards, there is always lots of work offstage, be it with props, prompting, curtains or light and sound, and who knows, you may even surprise yourself by taking a small part on stage. To paraphrase the old Northern Ireland Tourist board ad from the 1990′s, “you’ll never know unless you go.” Youth theatre classes take place at the Glórach on Thursdays from 7 to 8.30pm , for further enquiries call 0871383940.
KNOCKNASNA N.S. CALLING: Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Pádraig is a country primary school for girls and boys located at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick which is now accepting enrolments for September 2016. If you wish to come and visit the school, see the facilities, meet the pupils and teachers at a time convenient to you, then please contact the school principal Billy Quirke @ 087 9601506. Alternatively you can visit the school website www.knocknasnans.ie. Enrolment Application Forms can be downloaded from the website or collected at the school.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Applications are currently being taken for security systems for those 65 or older, living alone or with someone aged 65 or over. Contact Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue at the Garda Station or any member of the committee including Chairman James Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins and Marian Harnett or committee members James Joy, Neily Lyons, Mary Jo O’Connell, Mary McArthur, Micheal Kelly, Brodie and Brenda Barry, Denis Collins and Sean Broderick. If you have a smartphone you should download an app called panicguard and if you ever feel threatened shake your phone vigorously. This will set off a high pitched panic alarm on your phone, the phone will start flashing, it will activate the gps so you can be tracked and it will also turn your video so it catches everything on camera. MOBILE PHONE OPERATORS are warning customers not to return missed calls from unknown international numbers or risk being charged. The Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) - an alliance of Meteor , Three and Vodafone – issued a warning to its customers advising them to avoid the scam. The ICIA issues these guidelines to its customers if they receive a call from an international number that they don’t recognize: Do not call the number back: If it is a legitimate call, then the chances are that the caller will call you back or leave you a voicemail. Be vigilant about protecting their number whenever possible, ensuring they are careful when answering calls to numbers they don’t recognize or calling an unrecognized number back after a missed call. Particular care should be taken when responding to calls from unknown numbers beginning with +247. The scam is a telecoms industry-wide problem.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: 10th. Anniversary of 1st. meeting of West Limerick Toastmasters takes place at The Desmond Complex NCW on Wednesday, February 17 at 8pm. Learn the art of speaking in public and develop self-confidence and self-esteem. Special guest Sean Lyons Chairman of Listowel Writers Week with a humorous speech. All welcome. Further information from Charles 087 7972855/ Bridget 087 2343227.
COMMITMENT MASS: Confirmation Children, parents and sponsors commitment Mass will take place on Saturday, February 13 @ 7pm in the Church of the Assumption.
SUE RYDER: The shop in Abbeyfeale offers a large selection of low priced women’s and men’s clothing, bric a brac, toys, handbags and a fantastic choice of bestseller books.
We welcome donations of all of the above but at the moment we especially need bed linen and curtains, towels etc. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items and duvets/pillows.
Thank you for your continued support.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.: Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: 087 – 2618412. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday Ash Wednesday 3 Masses 8.15am, 10am and 7pm. Thursday 10am Larry Corbett. Friday 10am Joe Murphy, Radharc Na Feile. Saturday 7pm Jim Ahern Shanbally, Sr. Ita Leahy Millstream. Monday 7pm Lillie Reidy 1st Anniversary and husband Con Reidy. Church Webcam is now officially switched on and broadcasting live. Almost anyone in the world can now view live broadcasts of events in Abbeyfeale parish church by logging onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. A direct link from the parish website has been set up. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard. Ash Wednesday February 10. The chart for perpetual adoration for the Lenten period is at the back of the altar and you are asked to sign up for one hour a week. Trocaire boxes are available to be distributed by usual volunteers.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN DUAGH: Every Friday at 7.30pm in Duagh Church.
DOMESTIC ABUSE GROUP FOR MEN WHO ARE BATTERED: AMEN is based in Navan at St. Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway St. and provides a helpline on 046 9023 718, Email: [email protected]
LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS: Limerick Beekeepers Association will hold its first meeting of the year on Thursday,February 11 at 8pm in Mungret GAA clubhouse. The topic this month will be an open forum where plans will be outlined for the year. Our new library of Bee Keeping books will be showcased and the apiary management team will discuss the importance of feeding your bees at this time of year. The Education officer will talk about plans for the year with special emphasis on the upcoming beginner’s course. So if you’re interested in learning about beekeeping, please come along.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Husbands and Wives, Why not gift one another with a Marriage Encounter Weekend to enrich your communication, rekindle romance, deepen your love and discover the rich spirituality of your marriage. At the Creggan Court Hotel, Athlone from 26 to 28-Feb. www.marriageencounter.ie or call 087-784 0408.
GROUP TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR THOSE WHO MISUSE CANNABIS: A free programme will commence on Thursday, February 11 at a venue in Limerick city for persons over the age of 18 who feel that their use of cannabis is out of control. This is a free confidential service, for further information contact Mark Campbell 086 3847075 or Justin Sherin 087 2051958.
MAUREEN’S OUTINGS: Spring Break; April 24-27, 2016. We will be staying in the Cavan Crystal 4 star Hotel, Cavan. On our way up we will stop off in Longford to see St. Mel’s cathedral that was destroyed by fire 5 years ago and reopened last Christmas. We have a full and interesting itinerary, touring by day and dancing after dinner in our hotel. On Monday we will go to Armagh where we will visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Church of Ireland Cathedral also we will go and see the Cardinal Tómas O’Fiaich Memorial Library. We intend going to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises. All those who have already given in their names must confirm their booking with a deposit of €25 to secure our hotel booking. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.
ADAPT: Support is available in Newcastle West each week and there is a new survivors group called ‘Let’s Talk’ which is open to women. A 24 Hour Freephone Helpline is available 365 days a year at 1800 200 504. Court accompaniment and many other supports are also available.
SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 1pm 365 days a year.
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: Fr. Moore continues his recovery in his place in Asdee, He has a new site – frpatmoore.com - T his week he writes; ‘It was the biggest meeting of Paul’s life, and it had gone very well. He couldn’t wait to tell his wife and boss. As he rushed out of the office building with the rest of the team, they noticed a taxi. Eager to get to the airport to catch their flight home, they bolted toward the car. But as they make their way across the street, they inadvertently knocked over a small fruit stand by the side of the street. The rest of the team ran on but Paul stopped and turned around to go back. The others said, “Come on or we will miss the plane “Go ahead without me” Paul said as he made his way back to the sidewalk covered with fruit. At that moment, he realized that the woman who owned the fruit stand was blind. She was just standing there crying softly with tears running down her face. “Go ahead without me” Paul said as he made his way back to the sidewalk covered with fruit. At that moment, he realized that the woman who owned the fruit stand was blind. She was just standing there crying softly with tears running down her face. “It’s all right “Paul said to her as he got down on his hands and knees picking up the fruit and vegetables. There were a hundred people passing in each direction, but nobody else stopped to help. They scurried off to wherever they were going. Paul not only put the fruit back up, he rearranged it. Now he turned to the woman and said, “are you all right?” She nodded through her tears. Then reaching into his wallet,he took out a few notes,gave to the woman and said “this should cover the cost of the damaged fruit ” With that Paul began to walk away. “Mister,” the woman called after him. Paul paused and turned round,”Are you Jesus?” “Oh no,”he replied.The woman nodded and continued, “I only ask because I prayed for Jesus to help as I heard my fruit fall all over the street” Paul turned now to go on,only now he was crying. He missed his flight that night, had to stay in a hotel. This gave him time to think. He couldn’t get one question out of his head: When was the last time someone confused you for Jesus?
087 260 0414
