Community notices 18th Oct 2016

PROLOGUE:  “I want to share something with you: The three little sentences that will get you through life: Number 1: Cover for me. Number 2: Oh, good idea, Boss! Number 3: It was like that when I got here.”

– Homer Simpson

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. Next  Friday October 21 @ 8pm the festival will be officially opened by the one and only Mick O’Connell from Valentia who apart from being a personal friend of Garry McMahon’s played football with him on  the Kerry team. This will be followed by a singing session in The Ramble Inn bar.  Saturday will begin with free workshops @10.30am 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.  Later the weekend will draw to a close for another year with a final session in the Ramble Inn.

THE ROAD FROM ABBEYFEALE:  Abbeyfeale was a vital hub in the early part of the nineteenth century in the national network of horse drawn transport.  On November 4, 1836 Mr. Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, had the services of a driver and four horses on a journey from Abbeyfeale to Newcastle West.  The four horses were named Jack, Major, Nancy and Grey.  O’Connell paid one pound and eight shillings for this service.  His driver was paid seven shillings.  This information is gleaned from the books of accounts of Leahy’s Inn and Livery Station located at the Square in Abbeyfeale at that time.  An original copy of the accounts for the years 1834 to 1842 is the source material which Dr. Pat Wallace will draw on for his lecture entitled “The Road from Abbeyfeale” which he will deliver to Rathkeale & District Historical Society this Friday evening October 21.  The lecture will examine all the horse drawn traffic through Abbeyfeale in the years 1834 to 1842.  It will also tell of the guests, carriages, drivers and horses as well as details of the cost of stay and other matters.   Dr. Wallace is the former Director of the National Museum of Ireland and was the chief archaeologist with overall responsibility for the Viking Dublin excavations at Wood Quay and Fishamble Street in 1974.  You, your family and friends are welcome to attend this free lecture in the Arts Centre at the Carnegie Library in the Rathkeale area offices of Limerick City and County Council. Starting time is 8.30pm.  The Arts Centre can be reached by lift and by stairs.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE:  Peggy Fealey would like to give a sincere thank you to all those who sponsored and supported her recent dance for M.S.  She raised in excess of €700.  Tickets at €5 are on sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and at the Farmers’ Market for the dance on Sunday, November 13 in aid of WL102fm. Dancing will be to the ever popular Mike Condon, teas will be served and there will be a raffle.  Your support would be much appreciated.

CHARLIE BIRD TALK ABOUT REFUGEES:  Well done to the students of Colaiste Ide agus Iosef who attended the talk given by Charlie Bird  and a speaker from the Refugee Council and organised by the Diocese of Kerry last Monday night.  It is great to see that young people are aware of the injustices that are happening daily and that they are willing to try to help to make this a better world for everyone.  Charlie who also showed us a short documentary featuring the work of Irish missionaries gave an impassioned talk for over 30 minutes.  He told of nearly 40 years travelling the world and reporting from the atrocity of the day be it the Palestine people who are herded into open prison camps or the rape culture in the Congo or the million people massacared in 100 days in Rawanda, he spoke of Syria and compared what happened in Nazi Germany to what is going on in Allepo today and said that the world had not access to the communications we have now during World War Two so there was some excuse for the way the world allowed the Jews to be massacared but now we just stand and watch it all happening again in Syria and nothing is done.  During a Q+A session afterwards he was asked what could we do and he said if we meet someone who is obviously after moving to this country a simple smile or hello could mean the world to them.  It was also suggested from the floor that donations should be made directly to missionary orders who are working at the coalface thus ensuring that all monies are used for the purpose they were intended for.

CAR BOOT SALE DATE CHANGED:  The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of local radio WL102fm takes place this month on Bank Holiday Monday, October 31 at the Community Centre, across the road from Aldi in Newcastlewest.

RED HURLEY GOSPEL CONCERT:  The concert was uplifting, inspirational and a great night was had by all who turned out last Friday night to the Church of the Assumption.  Red  who brought along several musicians and two backing singers and a soprano was also joined on the altar by Dr. O’Donnell’s Lost Souls who contributed several songs and much glamour!

TOWN PARK AGM:  The AGM of the Abbeyfeale Town Park committee takes place on Wednesday night, October 19 at 8pm in Leens Hotel.  New members are needed to help with the running of one the greatest free facilities that the town has to offer so we would encourage parents with children who use the playground or the other sporting facilities and those who walk there daily to attend the meeting and offer their services.  We cannot always leave everything to the few so come to the meeting and get involved.  New blood brings new ideas and energy and it is time for the younger generations to step up to the plate.

FILM:  THE SIEGE OF JADOTVILLE AT GLÓRACH:  Through the very kind assistance of Helena Quinn, we look forward to showing the film The Siege of Jadotville on Saturday evening, October 29.  The siege took place during the United Nations intervention in the Katanga conflict in the Congo in 1961, and saw a small group of Irish peacemakers bravely holding out for as long as they could in the face of Katangan rebels who had a vastly superior numerical advantage.  Helena’s father Tadhg was a corporal in that company and we will be having a question and answer session with Tadhg after the screening of the film.  The film has received critical acclaim, but most importantly has been given the thumbs up from the surviving veterans of the siege.  We hope to raise funds for both the Glórach Community Theatre and also for Fr. Tim Galvin’s missionary work in Sudan, where Helena has volunteered in recent years.  Doors open at 7.30 pm and the film will begin at 8.  There is a great buzz around this so booking is essential at 0871383940 to avoid disappointment.  Keep an eye on the Glórach Facebook page for further updates.

MAUREEN’S OFF TO DUBLIN:  A day trip to Dublin on Sunday, November 20 will leave Newcastle West at 8am. “We will be calling to Mrs. Monaghan for our breakfast and if you so wish you can order the home made bread that you will have on the table plus lots more scones, cakes, mince pies and Christmas pudding and your order will be ready to collect when we return to have our dinner. We are going to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre which is the largest in Ireland where you can browse and see all the Christmas decorations.” For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.   Make a note in your diary we are having our annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 in Corbett Court.  Everyone most welcome.

NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB SETS UP IN LISTOWEL:  If you would like to gain self confidence, self esteem and improve your ability to speak in public then you should check out the newest public speaking club in North Kerry.  The next meeting will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, October 20 from 8 -10pm.  Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room.  Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.

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.

BENNY THADÉ’S RAMBLING HOUSE:  Takes place in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on the third Thursday of the month.

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 19 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

CELEBRATING YOUNG PEOPLE: The first step to engaging our young people is to recognise them and their contribution to our communities, and to say thank you!  An Garda Síochána  recognize that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community in Limerick and awards will be considered for nominated young people who by their presence make their communities a better place to live in. There will be eight award: .4 overall award winners and 1 award winner from each of the four Garda districts within the Limerick division (Bruff, Newcastle West, Henry Street and Roxboro Road.)The Limerick  Garda Youth Awards for 2016 in association with Garveys Supervalue and Centra will be presented at a gala dinner in the Woodlands House Hotel on Thursday, November 24.  The nomination process is open to everyone, so if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award.  This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday, October 28.

DISCOVER EUROPE WITH ERASMUS:  Limerick Youth Service & Leargas are inviting parties who are interested in the Erasmus Plus programme, which outlines funding opportunities for European youth exchanges & projects, to an information roadshow our Northside Youth Space on Thursday,  October 20 from 11:30-1.30pm.  The workshop will outline the many opportunities available through the Erasmus+ Programme and the application process that accompanies it.  The roadshow it suitable for youth groups and organisations that work with youth people across the Midwest region. LYS’s Northside Youth Space is located in Ballynanty (beside Thomond Park) and interested parties are asked to contact Stacey Lyons at [email protected] or 083-854675.

1916:  There is an Exhibition currently running in Abbeyfeale Library displaying work by a

class based in Abbeyfeale Education Centre.

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE ex Cork to Mostar (40 mins from Medjugorje) May 31- June 7, 2017. Spiritual 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.

Director Fr. Sean Corkery. Cost €619.00pps if paid in full before December 8. Full price of €719.00 after this date. €200 deposit secures place.  Contact Sean O’Shaughnessy 086 29 59 380. Pilgrimage organised through JWT.

SET DANCE CLASSES:  Set dancing classes will commence in Ballyhahill Community Centre on Monday, October 17 from 8.30-10.30pm.  Further information from Seamus 0851149796.

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 10am Denis Keane, Kilmanihan and deceased family members.  Saturday 11am Tommy Moran, Cratloe.  7pm  John Joe Broderick, Purt.  Willie Maurice Harnett, Knockbrack 12^th anniversary.  Mossie Collins and his parents The Hill.  Sunday 9.30am Patrick and Kit Riordan, Purt.  Eileen and Patrick Roche, Killarney Road.  James Harnett, Purt.  12 noon Garry Mc Mahon Mass sung by the senior choir.

The annual Bereavement Mass celebrated for the parishioners who died in the past year and who will be mentioned by name on the night takes place on Friday, November 18.  Names of deceased relatives from outside the parish may be submitted to the Sacristan prior to Friday, November 11.

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.

CIVIL DEFENCE: All deceased members of Civil Defence from Limerick City & County will be remembered at a special Mass which will be celebrated on Sunday October 23 at 2.30pm in St Michael’s Church, Denmark Street, Limerick. All family members and colleagues are cordially invited to attend.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Thursday October 27from 9.15 pm.  A great evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling is guaranteed and audience participation is welcome.  Admission is free, tea/coffee served.

HALLOWEEN:  Visit the Haunted Writers’ Hall at the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from Sunday October 30  to Tuesday November 1from 3- 5 pm.  Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years.  A children’s Halloween Arts Camp will also take place from November 1- 4  from 10 – 1 pm.  For further details tel. (068) 22212 or email [email protected].

COMMUNITY ALERT NEWS:  An Garda Síochána has appealed to young males to think of the consequences for themselves and others of being involved in assaults as statistics show a rise in assaults in last number of years in line with the rise in the night-time economy.

According to the Garda Analysis Service, the vast majority of assaults are carried out by males aged between 18 and 39 against males of a similar age. These assaults typically take place in and around public places (street, roads, pubs and hotels) between 8pm and 5am at the weekend. Approximately 25% of incidents linked to the night time economy involved intoxication of either the suspect offender, the victim, or both.

Perpetrators of assaults tend not to repeat the crime and there is a very low level of repeat victimisation.

Analysis has also shown that the level of assaults is typically associated with the vibrancy of the night time economy which has shown signs of recovery following the recession.

For example, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, the number of assaults causing harm rose from 1,396 in 2012 to 1,707 in 2015, while minor assaults increased from 3,100 to 3,337 in the same period.

In 2016, assaults nationally have shown a decline with minor assaults down 2% and assaults causing harm down 4%.

To further reduce assaults and enhance community safety, An Garda Síochána has implemented its multi-strand anti-crime strategy. This has involved a range of activities across a number of different areas.

Operations and Crime Prevention: Assault hotspots have been identified and since early August there has been a high visibility policing presence in these areas at key times.

Partnership: An Garda Síochána is working in partnerships with licensed premises, the business community and local councils to address issues around anti-social behaviour.

Education: A public awareness campaign titled Use Your Brain Not Your Fists targeted at males aged between 18 and 39 goes live from today.

The campaign informs them about the consequences from assaulting another person – they could lose their job, their ability to travel, and even go to jail. It also reminds people of the potentially devastating physical and mental impact on assault victims. (Please see Editor’s Notes for extracts from Victim Impact Statements from young male assault victims).

The campaign will run across social media, and on-street, outdoor and in-pub advertising.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney, Garda Bureau of Community Engagement, urged young men to think about the impact of their actions on themselves and others, and advised people to be streetwise when they are out and about.

“The vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable,” said Sergeant Kelvin Courtney, Garda Community Engagement. “They are usually carried out by males against males aged between 18 and 39, during evenings and early mornings. Don’t be that guy; use your brain not your fists.

“Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people. Walk away and look for help.

“Be streetwise when you’re out and about. Planning is key to having a good night out. Arrange transport to and from events in advance. Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Avoid walking alone and in dark places. Be wary of your surroundings and mind your property.”

Sergeant Courtney urged assault victims to report the crime, which, according to the CSO may be under-reported by approximately 40%.

“Some victims of assaults, particularly men, are embarrassed to say they have been assaulted. I would encourage anybody, and in particular younger men, to report all assaults to An Garda Síochána. Anyone who has been assaulted will be treated with sensitivity by An Garda Síochána and it will be fully investigated.”