PROLOGUE: “You aren’t wealthy until you have something money can’t buy.”
Garth Brooks.
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the families of Kellycia Dalima Mudiri, Killarney Road, Thomas O’Brien, Radharc Na Féile and Shelia Horgan, Convent St. whose funerals took place recently in Abbeyfeale. May they rest in peace.
RED HURLEY IS COMING TO ABBEYFEALE: A concert featuring the gospel songs of Red Hurley will take place in the Church of the Assumption on Friday, October 14 at 8pm. Red Hurley is one of Ireland’s most enduring singers whose career has spanned several decades. He is principally known as a solo artist, although he has performed with various orchestras and bands. A formidable live performer, Red continues touring and performing and we are looking forward to him performing here in Abbeyfeale with our own local Gospel Folk Group. Tickets costing €15 available from Sean Broderick, Moss the Farmer, David Wards, Pat Buckley’s, Heavenly Gifts and O’Donoghue’s Convent St. Monies raised from this concert go towards supporting the very active youth ministry here in Abbeyfeale parish.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Tralee/West Kerry MS Society are holding an Afternoon Tea Dance on Sunday, October 9 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse. Dancing 3-6pm. Music by Pa Quade. Admission €5. Teas served. Raffle on the day for selection of gifts. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
MICK O’CONNELL TO OPEN GARRY MCMAHON WEEKEND: The 8th annual Garry McMahon traditional singing festival takes place from Friday, October 21 to Sunday 23 in Abbeyfeale. This year’s lineup makes for another full weekend of singing sessions, Storytelling, Workshops, Competitions and Presentations. The press launch for the festival takes place on Thursday, September 29 @ 8pm in the Ramble Inn bar, Abbeyfeale, The launch will be performed by our friend from West Clare Joe O’Connor and will be followed by a singing session. On Friday October 21 @ 8pm the festival will be officially opened by the one and only Mick O’Connell from Valentia who was a personal friend of Garry McMahon’s and they also played football for Kerry together. This will be followed by a singing session in The Ramble Inn bar. Saturday will begin with free workshops @10.30 in Leens hotel where we will have 2 tutors teaching songs and composing new songs. This will be followed @ 3pm by the very popular newly composed ballad competition in the Ramble Inn bar. Singing sessions will continue into the night in both the Ramble Inn and Leens hotel. Sunday will commence @ 12 noon with Aifreann na Riocht in Abbeyfeale church as composed by Garry McMahon RIP and performed by the Abbeyfeale choir. At 3pm we will have a very special presentation in Fr Caseys GAA club which will include traditional music, singing and storytelling. this year’s tribute goes to Daisy Kearney well known storyteller and a regular at our monthly singing sessions where she entertain us all with her stories, this will be followed by our final singing session in the Ramble Inn bar. All events during the weekend are free and everyone is welcome to come along and join us.
TOWN PARK NEWS: Abbeyfeale Town Park Committee would like to thank all those who supported our recent church gate collection. Thanks to your generosity Abbeyfeale has a beautiful park that contributes greatly to the health and wellbeing of all our community every day of the year.
ABBEYFEALE MARTYR PRIEST; An article written by Steve Landregan in The Texas Catholic and printed on March 27, 2015 tells the story of Fr. Jeffrey Hartnett who was the first priest ordained for the newly established Diocese of Dallas. He was born in Purt, Abbeyfeale in 1859 and immigrated as a child with his family firstly to New York and then to Texas. After serving in various parishes in Dallas he was named pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dallas where he completed the first brick church in Dallas. It was because of his work at St. Patrick’s that he was named rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral with the task of overseeing the erection of a new cathedral but then fate intervened. During a late February snow and ice storm the cathedral received a call out to a patient in the local fever hospital where a lady was dying of smallpox. The assistant pastor volunteered to go but Fr. Hartnett insisted that it was his responsibility, he walked to the hospital in the height of the storm, baptized the poor woman and administered the last rites. Unfortunately, he caught the disease and died on March 7, 1899. His death drew much attention with The Dallas Morning News reporting “No death that has occurred in Dallas for many years has occasioned more general regret than that of Fr. Hartnett”. His story was picked up and appeared in papers as far away as Australia. When the new cathedral was completed in 1902 a stained glass window with his pictured was dedicated to his memory. A great grandnephew of Fr. Hartnett’s Dallas attorney Will Hartnett has begun researching the story of his granduncle in the hope of having him declared a servant of God – the first step towards canonization.
MISSION IN ROCKCHAPEL: There will be a Mission in Rockchapel starting on Saturday, October 1 and continuing until Friday, October 7. Everyone welcome.
AMERICAN TEA PARTY: The annual fundraising American Tea Party held in the Community Centre, Rockchapel takes place on Friday, October 21 next.
DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE: Dromtrasna Challenge 2016 will take place on Saturday, October 22, starting at Dromtrasna National School. All proceeds go directly to Milford Hospice and Home Care, to help them with the tremendous work they do in their Care Centre in Milford and throughout the Midwest region. The Dromtrasna Challenge offers an opportunity to all members of the community to get involved in this event and support this very deserving cause through our 10K Run, 4K Walk/Run and our newly added 2K Kids Run. There is something for everyone in this year’s event. will be our guests at the Dromtrasna Challenge 2015. The lads will bring along the ‘The Cross of Cashel’ Trophy and will be available for autographs and photographs throughout registration. They will also run the 2km fun run with the kids. This is a unique opportunity to meet these lads and chat to them. We urge everyone to bring your flags and banners, wear your Limerick jersey and show our support for these lads fantastic achievement in bringing an All Ireland Crown back to Shannonside. The 2km kids run takes place at 1.30pm with registration commencing at 12.30pm. The 10K Run and 4K Walk/Run will start at 3pm with registration from 2pm. Hot refreshments will be served afterwards in the school. This is a unique opportunity to meet these lads and chat to them. We urge everyone to bring your flags and banners, wear your Limerick jersey and show our support for these lads fantastic achievement in bringing an All Ireland Crown back to Shannonside. It doesn’t end there, having conquered the Dromtrasna Challenge, the after party will take place in The Winners Circle Abbeyfeale at 10pm. Entertainment will be provided by popular Limerick based band FREE BEER. We will have a barbeque and raffle on the night. Donations at the door for Milford Hospice. This is sure to be a great social occasion and definitely not to be missed. We urge everyone to get involved and lets all take that step for Milford
CONCERT IN AID OF PIETA HOUSE: A gala concert will be held in St Molua’s, Church, Ardagh on Sunday October 16 at 8 pm. It will feature Anne Phelan, violinist with the RTE Orchestra, accompanist Jean O’Brien, soprano Sinead o Brien, musician Charlie Reynolds, tenor Derek Moloney, the Hands in Harmony (deaf choir), Michael Doyle and his golden trumpet and Ardagh Church Choir. The concert will be compered by Abbeyfeale Parish Priest Canon Tony Mullins and Seamus Hennessy. Tickets €15 available locally.
MORTGAGE INFORMATION EVENING: Permanent TSB Market Yard Newcastle West will be open Thursday October 6 from 5- 8pm for a mortgage information evening.
For further information please contact Deborah or Risteárd on 069 69076 or 087 3931193.
TIDY TOWNS SUCCESS: Maurice O’Connell Chairman of Abbeyfeale Community Council writes; “If ever proof was needed that a well presented Town / Community draws attention all you have to do is to open a newspaper or watch TV or listen to a radio over the past few days. The towns and communities that have done well are praised and recognised on a truly national scale – that draws attention and in turn draws visitors.
We may not have won the gold but congratulations are truly in order for our own dedicated Tidy Towns Committee and volunteers who have succeeded in increasing the points awarded to Abbeyfeale for the 4th consecutive year – now standing at 264. This is no easy feat but shows what good community and volunteer spirit can achieve. Again – well done to everyone at Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns and all those involved in it.
PAEDRIATIC FIRST AID: A free workshop suitable for parents, carers, guardians will take place on Wednesday October 5, in Abbeyfeale, in the Family & Community Hub on the Further Education Campus. Pre-registration is essential, please contact Mary for further details on 087 938 2883.
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS: A Community Workshop on the topic of ‘Roles & Responsibilities for Voluntary Boards of Managements’ takes place at the West Limerick Resources offices in Newcastle West on Thursday October 6 from 7 -9pm. For more information & to book your place please call Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 / 069 62222.
AGM: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club will be holding its A.G.M on Thursday, October 13 in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale at 7pm sharp, we will be playing cards afterwards.
IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE: Marie Barrett, Ballaugh will be teaching an Introduction to Sign Language at the Desmond College this autumn. For further information contact Sean Sheils 06962205.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (RES) / YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (YES): If you need support job seeking and feel that you are a little lost in deciding what you want to do, then you should contact the RES / YES which offers 1:1 support and career planning to individuals around education, training and employment opportunities. To find out more you can contact Finn or Lynne at West Limerick Resources on 069 61316 or Adrienne on 069 62222. Thank you to all who attended our workshop on Back To Work Enterprise in Rathkeale last week. This workshop was delivered in partnership with Intreo, to mark Jobs Week 2016. Sincere thanks to Emma Stack from Divas & Dolls in Abbeyfeale who spoke about her journey to Self-Employment. Well done Emma.
HELP NEEDED: Homecare Assistant required to provide home help to an elderly parishioner in the Abbeyfeale area. Please call Nadine or Margaret on 061-490760 for further information about the position.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: CareBright are looking for people to train as Healthcare Assistants in Abbeyfeale and North Kerry. They offer a 4 week internship programme which will commence in Croom on Monday, October 17. Further details and application forms from Monica Hanley on 087 8310999 or email [email protected]
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: The new season of Toastmasters has started and will continue on the first and third Wednesday every month until May 2017. Next meeting Wednesday, October 5 at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West from 8-10pm. Toastmasters provide you with the tools to become a confident speaker in a safe caring environment where everyone is on the same path. Great for anyone who finds it hard to stand up and get their point across at meetings? Further information from 087 7972855 or check out our Facebook page.
PUBLIC LECTURE: A free lecture on The Good Friday Agreement entitled ’18 years a growing – a view from West Limerick will be given by Tim Curtin on Friday, October 7 at 8.30pm at the Community Arts Centre, Carnegie Library, Rathkeale. All welcome.
HOUSE AVAILABLE: St Ita’s Day Care Sheltered Housing has a vacancy for suitable candidate but they need to be on the County Council list for housing. For further information, please contact St. Ita’s Day Care Centre, Abbeyfeale. Ph.06851850.
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, October 7 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in.
COMMUNITY ALERT: A salutary tale from Raymond Fennelly; “Some people are easily fooled. I was sitting in my car outside Tesco’s recently waiting for the wife. There was tap on the window and I wound down the glass. A lad in a peaked cap peered in at me.
“Ah, ’tis yourself.” he said, extending his hand. “I thought I recognized you,”
“How’s the going?” I answered, accepting the handshake, although I hadn’t a clue who he was.
“You’re keeping well” he continued. “It’s been a good few years.”
“It has indeed.” I replied, still trying desperately to remember his name.
“And how are all the family?” he asked. “They must be grown up by now.”
“Grown up and gone from the nest.” I was still in the dark. Was he a distant relative or someone I owed money to?
“I was just on my way out when I spotted you.” he explained. “We were doing a bit of a promotion in the area. I have this yoke left over, and I thought you might like it, for old times’ sake,”
So saying, he reached in to a Lidl bag and produced a presentation box with a well-known brand name on the cover, containing what appeared to be a state-of-the-art electric razor set.
“Take it,” he said, handing me the box “or I’ll only be throwing it away.”
“Ah no. You’re grand.” I replied. I was reluctant to take advantage of the fellow, seeing as he might be either a relative or someone I already owed money to. But he was insistent.
“There’s no charge.” he said, “In fact you will be doing me a favour by taking it off my hands.”
I examined the box. The packaging was intact and the contents looked expensive. It was very tempting.“I couldn’t possibly take it.” I protested. “It is too valuable to be given away for free.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, then give me what you think it might be worth.” he suggested.
I looked at the box again. Razors like this were going for over eighty euros on the internet.
“Tell you what.” he said. “Give me twenty quid in to my hand and we’ll say no more!”
“Are you sure about this?” I asked. “I don’t want to pull a fast one on you.”
“Not at all.” he replied. “Sure aren’t we all the one here.”
I handed over the money and he put it in his pocket. “We must go for a drink sometime.” he said before disappearing behind a row of parked cars, just as the wife arrived back.
“Who was that?” she enquired.
“A lad selling cheap electric razors.” I replied. “He seemed to know me.”
“Oh, he knew you all right!” said the wife, picking up the box and giving it a good shake. There was an immediate rattle and the top flew open, spilling bits and pieces of wire and plastic all over the car.
“He knew you all right.” she repeated. “It takes one to know one – you fecking eejit!”
Women can be very cruel sometimes, and men are so misunderstood. The ‘Love, Honour and Obey’ bit seems to have gone out the window,
And, needless to say, I’m still shaving with the old cut-throat razor!”
NEVIN MAGUIRE FUNDRAISER: Clare’s Wish Foundation, in association with the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick are Hosting an Evening of Cookery with Neven Maguire Thursday, October 6 to raise much needed funds for the Limerick-based charity. The evening will start at 6.30 with Wine Tasting on entry, kindly supplied by O’ Brien’s Wines, Parkway Shopping Centre. There will also be a wide variety of Artisan Food stands. Neven will take stage at 8p for a Cookery Demonstration. Clare’s Wish is the only Irish charity granting wishes to Adults living with terminal medical Condition. Founded by Kevin Clancy in 2013, the charity aims to bring the wish to life, to create ever-lasting memories for the wisher, their family and their friends. More than 28 wishes have been granted since the charity launched, providing respite from the normal routines of hospitals, doctors and treatments. Clare’s Wish receives no funding and relies solely on fundraising events such as this Cookery Demonstration with Neven Maguire. Patrons for Clare’s Wish Foundation are Irish Legend Singer Red Hurley & Chloe Magee Olympic Irish No1 Badminton Player. Our Ambassador is currently Miss Limerick 2016 Aoife McNamara. Tickets for this fundraiser are only €20 with all proceeds going to Clare’s Wish Foundation and can be purchased at Radisson Blue Hotel & Spa Reception & also on line www.eventmaster.ie
LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: Limerick Mental Health Week 2016 kicks off on Sunday October 9 –Sunday 16 with an action packed calendar of talks/workshops and events aimed at raising awareness around mental health and the supports available in our county. This year’s theme is “Psychological First Aid” which looks to equip people with the skills needed to show empathy, understanding and genuine care to people in distress. The amount of support we receive each year from organisations and people showing support is phenomenal and really puts into perspective how important mental health is now more than ever. We would ask your involvement in this week by supporting local events, spreading the word of Limerick Mental Health Week and attending what you can. I am delighted to announce our launch this year will take place in King John’s Castle on Sunday, October 9 from 6. – 7.00pm. Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon will officially launch the event and we will also have two speakers – Karl Spain (Ambassador for the week) and Dr Jennifer McMahon (Chairperson of Limerick Mental Health Association). One of our highlight events this year is the family Funday taking place on Saturday, October 15 on Bedford Row between 12.00pm and 4.00pm. This event will see organisations from around Limerick taking part with interactive engaging pieces to raise awareness and educate around mental health with live music, face painting and prizes on offer, it will truly be a big event aimed at all ages.
NCW FILM CLUB: Showing ‘Mustang’ on Friday, October 7 in the Desmond Complex. Cost €7. Starting at 8pm, come early for refreshments. This film lasts 97 minutes. When five orphan girls are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach, their scandalized conservative guardians confine them while forced marriages are arranged. For more information 087 6877870. Everyone most welcome.
.PARENTING CLASSES IN WEST LIMERICK: Parenting /self-care classes will recommence in West Limerick in September. There is no cost involved, but as places are limited, booking is essential. All classes are organised by staff from Limerick Social Services. Classes are planned for Thursday mornings 11.00am – 12.30pm. Venue and start dates to be confirmed, depending on numbers. For further details, or to book a place please contact: Enda: Tel No: 0831949882 [email protected] Mary: Tel No: 0863514700 [email protected]
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 Console 061-306792
Fr. Anthony Mullins P.P. 068/31157 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: Friday is the First Friday of the Month. Confessions on Thursday after the 10am Mass. Intentions for next weekend Saturday 7pm Matt & Josephine & Mary & Phil Brennan. Eileen & Timothy O’Donoghue, Ballybehy. Sunday 9.30am Margaret Culhane, Knockbrack 12noon Connie Healy, The Hill. George & Betty O’Mahony. Monday 7pm Marian Shannon/Murphy Anniv.
To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page. Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam. You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.
TRIP TO KENMARE: Maureen Finnegan writes “We are going to visit Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional farm, Heritage & Culture Centre in Kenmare on Sunday, October 16. Leaving Newcastle West at 8.30am picking up in Abbeyfeale and heading for the River Island Hotel for a full Irish breakfast and returning in the evening for a choice of dinner menu. We will have an opportunity to see bread making and poitin made and of course sampling the produce. Molly’s cottage is over 200 years old and still holds the hospitality of all those years. Molly was widowed with seven small children and she had to call on all her resources to keep body and soul together. She supplemented her meagre income by selling part of her farm produce such as butter, eggs and honey on the local market. Her renowned baking and hard spun woolens were very popular but it was her illicit homemade poitin or whiskey (“Molly’s Mountain Dew”) which she sold right here in her “Sibheen” (illegal pub) that proved to most profitable. Lots of really old farm machinery to be seen. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.”
KNOCK: The ‘Story of Love’ concert is a spectacular musical event celebrating God’s love for His creation. It will take place in the Basilica on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday October 16. This sacred concert brings together choirs from around the world, Italian singers and Irish musicians for a unique musical experience.
SUICIDOLOGY CONFERENCE: 20th Annual Conference of Irish Association of Suicidology on Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7 in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney. ‘From Hope to Action: Interventions that work for suicidal persons’. Further details on www.ias.ie, phone 01 6674900. €30 for One Day or €50 for Two Days Attendance (excludes Conference Dinner).
087 260 0414
