PROLOGUE: “The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. Napoleon Hill (1883 – 1970).
DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Mary Ita Scannell, The Hill whose death occurred over the weekend. May she rest in peace.
ABBEYFEALE SHOCKED: There was a palpable sense of shock and sadness when the news of the imminent departure of our parish priest of the last 14 years started to spread throughout the town and parish this week. Canon John O’Shea is moving back towards his home place near the city to be parish priest of three parishes – Raheen, Crecora and Mungret. He will be sadly missed – the most approachable, personable, pleasant, pragmatic man who ever stood in shoe leather and who was at everyone’s beck and call when needed to offer support, consolation, advice. A man of the people and of the land who treated everyone the same, who supported us in our sorrows, celebrated our successes and was always there when we needed him. A great man to delegate, who could talk to the smallest child or the octogenarian and leave them both feeling the better for having been in his company. A man who could – to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling – walk with the crowd and with kings and never lose the common touch. Abbeyfeale parish has long been blessed with strong leaders who each continued the work begun by his predecessors and Fr. O’Shea was no different. I leave it to others to detail the body of work he leaves behind but suffice to say it is impressive “Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord, Keep them, for they are thine – Thy priests whose lives burn out before Thy concentrated shrine.” A prayer for priests.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale in aid of West Limerick 102fm takes place at the Community Centre, NCW on Sunday, July 10 with gates opening at 7.30am. Further information 069 66200.
DROMTRASNA N.S. LAUNCHES ‘PAST AND PRESENT’: As if it weren’t enough to produce the All Ireland 5-a-side Champions for 2016 Dromtrasna N.S. have gone and brought out a 156 page book. The launch of the eagerly awaited book entitled Past and Present’ took place recently and it is now available through the school and in Harnett’s SPAR, O’Donoghue’s SPAR, Ann Lyons’ and Sheehy’s Hardware. Dromtrasna N.S. engaged in a historical reflection of 1916 and how a community has changed in the last 100 years since it opened on May 5, 1915. The book is a mine of information and contains the stories of people who fought in the War of Independence as well as the life stories of past pupils like Mary Wrenn who was a cousin of the late Lawrence Wrenn who was appointed Garda Commissioner in 1983, Lizzie Harnett who became a nun in Texas, Larry Ellen Harnett who started the first unit of the IRA in Abbeyfeale and many more. This is a book that will be treasured by future generations and is a credit to the Acting Principal Ann Marie Downes, the staff, students and Bord of Management.
CRAFT FAIR ON THE COBBLES: There’s no Gathering unfortunately this year – a combination of burnout, difficulties in getting a committee together and lack of interest. The Farmers Market have decided to keep the annual craft fair going anyway so we’re going ahead with it on Friday, July 15 from 9.30am. Please support and rise a bit of excitement around the town that day.
PARISH COMMUNITY GARDEN NEWS: We must say goodbye to our faithful Tus worker James McKenna who leaves the garden in great shape. Thanks James for all your work over the past year. We welcome Tom O’Rourke who takes over for the next 12 months. James grew potatoes, carrots and onions along with blackcurrants, raspberries, strawberries and herbs this spring so we are going to have our annual sale of produce outside the church on Sunday, July 17 with all monies raised going as usual to support Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan.
NIGHT AT THE DOGS: Fr Casey’s GAA Fundraising Night at the Dogs will take place on Saturday, August 13 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. .All proceeds in aid of field development. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Dublin City Marathon Training commences July 9 at Fealefit @ 8.30am. Well done to all Fealefit & St Ita’s Ac members that took part in events over the weekend! Fealefit are taking part in Adare to Survive this year and fundraising for the ‘ Community crisis support team ‘. If you’re interested in joining us register at Adare to survive & join team Fealefit. All Fealefit event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness,if you wish join us at any event please contact us…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552.
WATER: On Thursday fortnight last (during our Irish summer) the water in the taps in Knockbrack was brown and undrinkable. If anyone else has issues with water they should contact their local representatives as it is important that the powers that be, need to be alerted.
TOWN PARK INVITATION: Abbeyfeale Town Park requires a new plan to cover the next number of years in order to bring the park to its next stage of development. Abbeyfeale Town Park Committee would like to invite all interested parties to attend the town park on Wednesday July 13th 7.00 p.m. So, if you want your voice heard and your ideas noted, please come along. This is your opportunity to have your say.
ABBEYFEALE’S SINGING CLUB: West Limerick singing club monthly singing session take place on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn Bar, Abbeyfeale. The next session will take place on Friday July 1 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the singing, tell a story, or just listen to the performers.
JOURNEY INTO AWARENESS: One day workshop in Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Saturday, July 9. .An inspirational journey of self-discovery, creative visualization and positive affirmation, based on the works of Anthony de Mello and Jon Kabat-Zinn. Focus will be on the topics of Self-Awareness, Living Confidently in the Moment and the use of Experiential Mindfulness Techniques. Tel 061-367010.
SEISIÚN BEGINS : The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sponsored traditional entertainment programme for the Summer season commences this week at more than forty 40 centres throughout the country. The Devon Inn Templeglantine is one of these centres, where on Thursday nights a host of musicians, singers and dancers combine to present a top class show of Irish traditional entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Towards the end of the night, time is allowed for audience participation. The Templeglantine Seisiún takes place on each Thursday night at 8.45pm.
GLÓRACH NEWS: Congratulations to all the children involved in the two shows held at the Glórach Community Theatre on Thursday and Friday last, the fantastic set and costumes lighting up a dull summers evening. The shows were the culmination of months of work with Marie and Theresa, and couldn’t have happened without the support of all the parents involved, so a big thanks to ye all for your support.
COURSE IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: A course in personal development runs one evening a week from September to May and seven Saturdays or Sundays through the year in Tralee, Killarney and Limerick. It is organised by SHEP (The social and health education project). For further information contact Helen O’Grady 085 8626844.
BOXING TOURNAMENT AT VIKING BOXING CLUB: First annual Tournament at the premises in Colbert’s Terrace on Sunday, July 24. Admission €5. 15 fights on the day, weigh in 12 noon. Refreshments available. Contact Noel 087 4360339. Denis 087 7614462.
FAITH CAMP: St Ita’s Catholic Camp for boys & girls aged between 5-12
years takes place from Tuesday, August 2 – Friday, August 5 in St. Mary’s N.S. from 10am -3pm. Cost €40 for first child & € 20 per additional child in family. Activities include Art, drama, Music, Sport, faith teaching. Tel Martina 087/2788834 Lorraine 086/3765751 for more information and registration form.
ABBEYFEALE ANGLERS PRESENT CHEQUE: Paddy O’Sullivan and Dee Dennison of the Abbeyfeale Angling Club recently presented Mike Shanahan Clash, a volunteer with Blood Bike Mid-West, with a cheque for €200 to aid the group in their work. Blood Bike Mid-West is a charitable organization that provides transport for urgently needed blood, blood products, patient records, drugs and other medical requirements. Established in 2013, volunteers from all over Limerick including Abbeyfeale provide a free transport service to the HSE. They receive no state funding and all volunteers and directors are unpaid. The group have three specially adapted motorcycles and a van for bad weather. All riders are trained to the highest RoSPA (Royal Society for the prevention of accidents) levels and pay for this training out of their own pockets. They are based at the Maternity hospital on 12 hour shifts and travel between there and the Regional Hospital. Journeys can include on any given day trips to Nenagh, Croom and Ennis Hospitals as well as the Hospice and other hospitals in the the area and trips to Co. Fermanagh to the emergency Breast Milk Bank as necessary.
SAGART PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: A five day pilgrimage to Lourdes will travel to Lourdes on September 22 and return on September 27. Further information from Canon John O’Shea or Fr. Joe Foley.
LAUNCH NIGHT FOR CHARITY CYCLE: PRO Maria Woulfe has been in touch with the news that Abbeyfeale Cycling Club (ACC) will be hosting a launch for their first charity cycle at Leens Hotel on Friday, July 15. Junior Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan will be present to hear details of the planned 60Km and 110Km routes around the surrounding parishes. This first cycle will be in aid of St Gabriel’s School in Limerick and will take place on Sunday, August 14.
REMEMBERING ZOE RELAY RUN TO DUBLIN: Runners wanted for a once in lifetime experience. The Remembering Zoë Relay run to Dublin for Make a Wish Foundation will take place over the August bank holiday weekend July 29 – July 31.
Day 1: Abbeyfeale – Castleisland – Killarney – Macroom – Cork City – Fermoy – 170km
Day 2: Fermoy – Mitchelstown – Cahir – Clonmel – Kilkenny – Carlow – 161km
Day 3: Carlow – Castledermot – Newbridge – Naas – Rathcoole – Leopards town – 120kmIf interested in taking part or helping in any way on Day1,2 ,3 or on the 3 days please let us know.
ABBEYFEALE SUMMER CAMP 2016: West Limerick Resources is running a Summer Camp for 6 to 12 year olds on July 11-14 in the Further Education and Training Campus Abbeyfeale (Old Tech). The activities include sport and games, art & craft and a bus trip to Free Range Kids Outdoor Activities in Croom. This camp is free to families in receipt of a social welfare payment. Registration is essential. Application forms are available at Reception in The Further Education and Training Centre and must be returned by Tuesday June 28. For more information, or to check if you are eligible, please contact Mary at West
TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION: The Tidy Towns Committee would like to inform everyone that the judging panel for the Tidy Towns Competition are expected to visit Abbeyfeale within the next few weeks and we ask that everyone do whatever they can to help brighten up the town through cleaning, painting and displaying of plants and flowers etc. Anything that would help the town be seen in a better light would be such a help. Members of the committee meet in the Square every Wednesday evening from 7pm for an hour and along with the Tus staff are responsible for the resplendent display of roses, pots and tubs around the town.
ADAPT: Help is only a phone call away at 1800 200 504. Women can meet a Support Worker from ADAPT in Abbeyfeale or Newcastle West to chat and look at options in their particular situation. See www.adaptservices.ie or adapt domestic abuse services on Facebook for more information.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Do not, under any circumstances, return missed calls on your mobile unless you know who they are from. If they want you badly enough they will ring you again. There is a scam on the go where if you return calls you get connected to a premium number and your credit is drained. If you have a bill pay phone you could get charged up to €40 on your next bill. The latest scam is the call you get with instructions to turn on the computer so that the ‘Vodaphone technician’ can fix your slow internet connection. If you have the misfortune to follow instructions then your computer will have a virus implanted and it will cost you hard earned money to have it removed. I myself have been getting these calls several times a day at all hours so in desperation today I told ‘John’ with the foreign accent that I had gotten rid of the internet and he said how could you get rid of the internet and I said I couldn’t afford the monthly bill and he dropped the phone like a scalded cat. Things have got to a sorry state when you have to suspect the worst every time you pick up the phone so maybe the best recommendation I can make is to get caller id on your handset and only answer calls from numbers that you recognize.
PILGRIMAGE: 3 day Pilgrimage to Knock and Lough Derg from August 22- 24. All in package includes visit to Knock, day retreat on Lough Derg, Coach for 3 days, Breakfasts, Evening meals and Accommodation in Bundoran. Early booking is advised due to waiting lists from previous pilgrimage in May. Deposit secures booking. Contact Cormac O’Connor Coach Tours on 023-8849196, 087-6167835 for further details.
ARE YOU IN CRISIS: There are several organizations who will help if you are under pressure and these include the newly formed West Limerick Crisis Intervention Team who can be reached on 085 1777631, the Mind Our Farm Families is a dedicated suicide and self-harm phone line 1890 130 022 between IFA and Pieta House. The phone line for IFA members will put farmers and their families in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist. Then there is the Samaritans on free call 116 123 or Console 1800 247247.
FREE 6 WEEK COURSE: A free 6 week course run on a Stress-Strain-Coping model will take place in the West Limerick area shortly for people who are affected by someone else’s’ substance misuse. Further information from Mags Dillon Community Substance Misuse Team 086 4141890 or [email protected]
CARE OF OLDER PERSON COURSE: Family Carers Ireland are providing the QQI Level 5 Care of the older person module on September 7 in Limerick, this will be the first module off the Full QQI Healthcare Award. To express an interest contact the training unit on 0579370221.
AA: Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office. AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm, Friday evenings at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.
RELIG IDE NAOFA GRAVEYARD CLEAN UP: The clean-up has started and will take place every Tuesday evening from 7-8pm. Every family with a grave there is asked to give just one hour a week to keep the graveyard pristine.
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.
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. . Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass on Saturday 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Julia Maddden, Dually NCW. Friday 8.15am Jimmy McCarthy died recently. Friday 10am Mary Keane & her daughters Judy & Margaret, Kilmanihan . Friday 7pm Michael Enright, Mountmahon died in Galway the family will be present if you wish to sympathise with them. May he rest in peace. Saturday 7pm Marie O’Donnell, Kilconlea Upper. Dick Fitzgerald the Lighthouse Months mind. 12noon Billy & Joan Tuohy, St Ita’s Terrace.
Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. for the church webcam. 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.
AN TIONAD GLAS SUMMER OPEN DAY: Sunday, July 17 from 2-6pm. All welcome, free admission. Tours of gardens and tunnels. Information on organic courses and bee keeping. Market stalls, An Siopa Glas, Teas and Coffee.
SÉAN Ó SÉ AT JOHN B’s – A great night is planned for The John B Keane Bar in Listowel on this Friday July 8. The Dan Paddy Andy Festival Committee is holding a press launch to announce details of this year’s Festival which will be on as usual over the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Lyreacrompane. The special guest will be the one and only Séan Ó Sé (The Poc ar Buile man himself). Sean is famous for his songs, stories and humour and he will be joined by many other entertainers on the night. The setting for the event is particularly appropriate considering John B Keane’s close connection to Lyreacrompane and his book on Dan Paddy – The Man of the Triple Name. All are welcome to what should be a special night of songs, music and humour.
1916: An evening commemorating 1916 in Poetry, Story & Song will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Tuesday July 12 as part of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan. The event starts at 8 pm and admission is free.
SINGING CLUB The Munster Fleadh Singing Club will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16 from 9 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome along to sing a song.
SAGART PILGRIMAGE 2016: Why not travel with the Sagart Pilgrimage. Bus leaving Abbeyfeale to Shannon Airport on Thursday, September 22. Arriving in Lourdes for 5 nights and returning on Tuesday, September 27 in this the Year of Mercy. Cost €719 Contact Fr John or Fr Joe or the Office.
SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES IN BALLYHAHILL: Summer dancing classes every Monday night in the Community Centre with Seamus 8.30pm – 10.30pm. All welcome.
MAUREEN IS OFF AGAIN; Day Trip on Sunday, July 17, leaving NCW at 8.30am. for the Ring of Kerry and the Sheep Dog Trials on the farm. We will be stopping for our usual hearty breakfast at the River Island Hotel and returning again in the evening where we will be spoilt for choice dinner menu. We will pick up in Abbeyfeale at the bus stop just outside the Church. This is a very popular trip and the seats will be filled very quickly we already have a number of seats booked so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.
CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL JULY 7-10: Cistercian College, Roscrea. Further information www.youth2000.ie
HORTICULTURE/ORGANIC GROWING: If you are interested in growing we are now open for full-time and Part-time applicants. QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to May. Students taking this course learn by taking part in the daily routine on the holding, attending lectures given by tutors and experienced Food producers. QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to September. Learners apply the skills gained at Level 5 to take responsibility and control of the entire production process relating to an Organic Horticultural Enterprise. Contact details: An tIonad Glas, Dromcollogher 06383604 or [email protected] for further information or application form.
IRISH CHURCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SCHOOL: Wednesday, July 6 – Saturday July 9 in St Patrick’s College Maynooth, with this year’s theme being ‘God, Full of Mercy’. For more contact Mary (086) 8128266.
THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY’S VOLUNTEER DRIVER SERVICE: The service is currently seeking volunteer drivers to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in Tralee General Hospital, Cork, University Hospital & the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. We are looking for volunteers to pick local patients up at their homes, drive them to the door of the hospital, and pick them up again when they are finished their treatment and bring them home. Driver expenses are paid. Telephone Rebecca on 01 2316 642 or email [email protected]
RAMBLING HOUSES: Jim Lyons’s Rambling House in Knockalougha is held on the third Tuesday of each month. Ita Mc Quinn has a Rambling House on the second Monday of the month in Monagea. I’ve recently been told about another Rambling House held in Sandpit House near Millstreet on the first Tuesday of each month but check out the details first before travelling there.
UPDATE ON FR. PAT MOORE: “This April I found out that there was a reoccurrence of cancer in the same place and it means that I am again in treatment. For the sixteen months I have been on sick leave from the parish and in view of these facts I have told Bishop Ray that I wish to retire as Parish Priest. I know in my heart and soul that it is the right thing to do. I also know that because of the age profile and number of priests in the diocese it means a
new reality is dawning for the parish. Parishes all over the diocese are now in clusters
rather than singular. Bishop Ray will come to all Masses next weekend in the Parish
to tell of these new realities that will be our future. I am grateful to Almighty God for giving me the privilege and health of working and living in the Parish of Duagh/Lyre for the past ten years. In that time I felt supported, welcomed and appreciated in this parish. I was educated in the faith when I saw the ability, skill and depth of faith people showed as they lived through tight corners in their lives. The most important duty I had was to celebrate the sacraments especially weekend Masses. Meeting people at funerals, weddings and baptisms gave me a window into their lives. I felt nourished by the prayer, life and practical
Christian living I met. Priesthood can be a lonely life and I am grateful for the love and appreciation I got in the Parish. I feel the need for all of us to slow down, listen more carefully to what is going on inside of us and around us, and spend quality time with one another. I feel the need to pray more for protection and healing. For I know there is a God there to trust and be close to. Otherwise the future makes us fearful and we can’t appreciate
the present moment. I am grateful to so many, to Fr Paul, Tom and Jack. They inspire and are great personal friends. Fr Declan in Listowel is such a support and works so hard. I thank
our sacristans in both churches, all who attend and serve in every way. Our schools
are led by hard working committed teachers and boards. To all who keep the invisible
web of community by doing volunteer work around our Churches that seldom gets
acknowledged: Thank you, for you make the difference. Finally, change is difficult.
Nobody likes it except maybe a baby with a wet nappy. Our Parish Secretary, Nina, has held things together above and beyond the call of duty in the last two years. I am so grateful and inspired by her dedication.
Let us continue to pray for each other mar níl I gach rud ach seal.”
WEST LIMERICK HERITAGE AGM: The AGM of the West Limerick Heritage Network will take place in the offices of West Limerick Resources, St Mary’s Rd., Newcastle West, Co Limerick on Wednesday July 6 at 7:30pm. Initially established in 2014, the West Limerick Heritage Network is made up of individuals and groups from across the area whose aim it is to preserve and promote the heritage of the West Limerick area in all its forms. New members welcome. Contact: [email protected]
087 260 0414
