Community Notices 20/03/2018

PROLOGUE:  “The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

EASTER CONFESSIONS:  Confessions with visiting priests present will take place on Saturday, March 24 from 11-1pm in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale.

EASTER CANTATA:  Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Easter Cantata, “Jerusalem Joy” in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday, March 22 at 7.00 p.m.  All Welcome.

ABBEYFEALE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE:  The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade was well supported last Saturday and, despite the wintry weather, appreciative crowds lined the route to cheer on the parade and the participants. The occasion was greatly enhanced by Ireland’s victory over England at Twickenham and the winning of a historic third rugby Grand Slam.  The parade was led by double world boxing and kick-boxing champion, Kori Goad, who received a tremendous reception as she marched down Main Street displaying her championship belts and trophies.  She was followed by members of the Tournafulla Wrenboys dressed in colourful regalia and led by St Patrick who looks more and more like a youthful Paddy Finucane every year!  An assortment of floats, carts, vintage cars, tractors, bicycles, motor bikes, musicians and various local and youth organizations followed on in an imaginative display of pageantry and entertainment.  Prize for best float went to the Men’s Shed while the best decorated window was won by the local St Vincent de Paul shop. The youth award went to Abbeyfeale Rugby Club.  The organizing committee would like to thank the following for their help and support; Main parade sponsors, Twohigs Supervalu, Abbeyfeale, and all the other sponsors. All of the participants without whom there would be no parade. The people who decorated their windows so tastefully. The crowds who gathered along the pavements and offered their support and encouragement as the parade passed by. Everyone who contributed to the recent church gate collection. All Star Deliveries for supplying the stage, and The Fáilte for the loan of the steps. James Kennedy for the sound system. Kathleen Collins of Jack Foley’s Bar for supplying food and refreshments. The local Gardai who kept the traffic running smoothly. The various stewards and all who assisted on the day. A big thank you to everyone concerned.

‘’SECOND HONEYMOON ‘:  The current offering from the Abbeyside Players is ‘Second Honeymoon’ a comedy by Sam Cree.  The play which is set in a seaside boarding house features amongst others the landlady, Molly her dog who’s better fed than the guests, a flighty servant girl, some newlyweds and a couple celebrating their 10^th wedding anniversary. Cast Members:    Triona O’ Callaghan NT, Nick Cotter, Emma Healy, Tom Madigan, Lorcan Curtin, Carmel Curtin, John Nelligan, Marian Harnett, Caroline Collins, Darragh O’Donnell, Angeline O’Donnell, Denis Murphy.  Directed by Merce Hobson.  The show will run for 6 nights at the Glórach, Convent St. beginning on Wednesday, March 28, Thursday, March 29 and the following week on Thursday, April 5, Friday, April 6, Saturday, April 7 and finishing on Sunday, April 8.   There’s a demand for tickets already as Molly seems to have a following coming from the Rock so if you’d like a night of laughs and the chance to forget your troubles book your seat on 087 1383940.  Admission €10.

SPRING GARDEN EVENT:  An event for garden enthusiasts and plant lovers at Sheehy’s Hardware April 14/15.  Bring and buy/swop stands, garden and spring related stands.  Further information Betty 087 6525816.

DUAGH MISSION CLOSING MASS: Fr. Derek Meskell  CSSR will return to Duagh Church to bring the recent Parish Mission to a close on  Friday night next, March 23 at 8.00 p.m. It was unfortunate that it had come to an abrupt end due to the recent inclement weather. We invite everybody to the closing ‘Mass of Thanksgiving’ with Fr. Derek.

SCHOOL FETE/JUMBLE SALE: All are welcome to St. Mary’s Boys’ School on this Wednesday, March 21 for our School Fête. Tasty burgers from our BBQ cooked by our Celebrity Chef! Tea / Coffee Stall with mouth-watering goodies! Lots of treasures to be found at the Jumble Sale. Bargains galore!!!

RAMBLING HOUSE:  Benny Thade McCarthy’s next Rambling House will be held in Fr Casey’s, Clubhouse,  Abbeyfeale on Easter Monday, April 2 at 8.30pm.   All singers, musicians, storytellers and dancers are welcome to attend.

ABBEYFEALE FARMERS’ MARKET:  Now that the weather is improving (!) and the days are getting longer Helga Henn with her home grown vegetables will be in the Square every Friday.  Our home baking stall will also return.

RADIO COURSE:  A free radio training course starts on April 11 covering basic interview skills, introduction to audio production, radio content development and much more.  It will take place at the WL102fm studios and is being run in conjunction with West Limerick Resources.  Further information from Dee Collins on 069 62222.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Abbeyfeale Community Alert, set up in on January 15, 1998 are celebrating 20 years in existence this year. It is made up of volunteers, all of whom are giving their time voluntarily helping our Community which is at the heart of who we are.   We continue to provide this voluntary service so that the elderly in our community feel safe in their own homes.  .  The AGM will be held at Leens Hotel on Wednesday, April 11 at 8pm.  New members are very welcome.

DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES:  Limerick Pro Life Action now have a “Lifts for Life” scheme which is created to help Pro Life votes who have no means of transport. We need drivers to help take people, in their locality to the Polling Station on Polling Day to vote. If you are willing to help, please contact any of the following: Olive      085-7172970 John       087-1127477 Mike      083-8892137.

GRAND CELEBRITY CONCERT:  This year’s Fleadh by the Feale takes place from Thursday, May 3- Monday, May 7.   The grand celebrity concert features the Shandrum Céilí Band with support from the Coláiste Íde agus Iosef Band on Sunday, May 6 with show from 8pm. Tickets & further information  Nora 086/2427003 Celine 087/7697672  Vincent 087/2443353 Mary 087/741934.

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER MEETING:  Janice and Moss Carraig will lead the Holy Spirit Prayer meeting on the second Sunday of each month in the Desmond Complex.  Further information on 087 6174639.

COLLECTION:  The Lourdes Invalid Collection will take place next weekend March 24/25. Any sick person who may wish to travel with the pilgrimage should contact the Diocesan Office as soon as possible.

THANK YOU:  Jackie Murphy wishes to thank you for your help at the recent coffee Morning fundraiser in St Ita’s Hall. Thanks to all who contributed so generously and baked lovely treats for the occasion.  Jackie will be travelling with the Diocesan Invalids Pilgrimage in June to Lourdes.

HORSE AND PONY RACES: The Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Races are to go ahead this year on July 1 next.   We would like to thank the Relihans for the use of their lands. In order to run Races of this calibre we urgently need extra Committee Members and volunteers because as people know, it takes a lot of work to get the course laid out, parking organised etc.  For the past 12 years we have run some great and very successful meetings. It has been a meeting place for the community and a family day out. It is classed as one of the best Horse and Pony tracks in the country. We have also donated a lot of money to local causes and helped various causes with much needed funds.  The Races may be discontinued if new blood does not come on board to lessen the work load. If interested in helping to keep things going please contact Toddy McMahon, Church St.

WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS:  Learn to speak with confidence, make presentations at work, and much more at the Desmond Complex on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 8-10pm.

PARKING AT MASS IN ABBEYFEALE:  Parking in the church area. Please co-operate with parking regulations. Parking is not allowed where there are double yellow lines. Parking while at Mass on this roadway is causing traffic congestion. Members of the Men’s Shed are volunteering in the Church Yard to assist with parking for a few weeks. Please adhere to their advice and make the best possible use of the church car park. From now you are liable to get a ticket if you park incorrectly. Also keep the centre by the main gate free in case of emergency.

LOURDES:  Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St.  Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.

RATHKEALE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY:  The final meeting of this season on Friday, March 23 at 8.30 pm, in the Community Arts Centre, New Line. Rathkeale. Topic: The Life and Times of the Late Jim Kemmy.  Speaker: Dr. Liam Irwin, former Head of History M.I.C.  All are welcome.  Admission Free.

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Abbeyfeale Community Alert, set up in on January 15, 1998 are celebrating 20 years in existence this year. It is made up of volunteers, all of whom are giving their time voluntarily helping our Community which is at the heart of who we are.   We continue to provide this voluntary service so that the elderly in our community feel safe in their own homes.  .  The AGM will be held at Leens Hotel on Wednesday, April 11 at 8pm.  New members are very welcome.  A new phone scam is doing the rounds - and it’s a bit smarter than some of the others, because it looks like it’s an Irish number at first glance. Though it starts with ’087′, the calls are actually originating in Bosnia.  The latest scam out of Australia features the harvesting of personal data when you return a missed call so we cannot emphasise enough to never ring back a missed call unless you recognise it.  Housing Aid for Older People Scheme used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested.  People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift.   Contact 061 496000 for further details. Once you reach the age of 65 and 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 for long periods of the day 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 and this fee includes insurance against breakages and is currently €80.  If you do not want the insurance cover then the fee is €65.    If you do not have a land line the company will organise a sim card for a mobile phone for a quarterly fee of approx. €56.  This works out cheaper that the rent of a landline which is currently €25 per month.  Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.

DANCE CLASSES:  Social dance classes with Josephine, Tuesdays, The Railway 8.30pm.

NEW MASS TIMES: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon Mass.   Holy day’s Mass 11am and 6.30pm.   Daily Mass remains as always – 10am unless when there is a funeral.

LIMERICK’S ORANGE MEN:  The Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society will hold a lecture on Monday 26 March 2018 at 8 p.m., in Room T.1.17 Tara Building, Mary
Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick City.  This illustrated lecture will be given by Quency Dougan on ‘The Treaty County Orange Men – Historical notes on Orangeism in Limerick’. Many people are aware that Orangeism is very strong in Northern Ireland and that it also exists in other countries such as the United States of America and in the continent of Africa.  However, very few know that this institution also existed in some of the counties of the South of Ireland. Limerick was one of these counties and Quency Dougan will throw some light on its very interesting existence here, in what is expected to be a very interesting subject. He is a historical consultant from County Armagh,who has written extensively on Orangeism across Ireland and on the anti Home Rule movement and has a particular interest in the subject matters outside the confines of Ulster. He has authored ‘The Armagh Brigade-the formation and sacrifice of the Ulster Volunteers in the Orchard County’ (2010), and ‘Leitrim and the Great War’ (2015). A former columnist for the ‘Belfast Newsletter’, he currently writes for the ‘Orange Standard’ (the newspaper of the Orange Institution) and his work has featured heavily in regional papers and publications across Ireland. His work is featured in the March/April edition of’HistoryIreland’magazine.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm.  New people always welcome.  This group is a great way to introduce your child to a pre-school environment, teaching them to play and share with other children and a fantastic way for parents to make new friends as well.  Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.

SKILLS FOR CITIZENS WORKSHOP:  Come along to The Red Door, NCW on Saturday, March 24 from 10am to 2pm to meet Enda O’Callaghan from IOLAR Training who will give workshops to adults on The Digital Skills for Citizens IT Programme as part of Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2018.  There will be demonstrations on Digital Skills for Citizens, File Management, Word Processing and Spreadsheets. Sign up with Enda for future Free IT course.  Admission is FREE and all are welcome.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018:  You can currently only book tickets for the 3 day Congress (1 day or 5 day), but when booking a congress ticket you can register for the free weekend tickets. Every person attending each event must be registered to gain access to that event. You can book as an individual (over 18), as a family or group, or as a priest. Where a family wishes to register, a single family leader can register all members together. When part of a family/group, all children under 18 are free but each person must be registered in order to receive their ticket. Costs for adults: 5 day ticket €68, 1 day ticket €38. Book at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress-Registration

RCCN (HOUSING) LTD:  This is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick.  Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315.

FINE INCREASE:  The fine for parking in a disabled bay will increase from €80 to €150 from March 1.

FUNDRAISING DANCES:  Fundraising dances for the redevelopment of the former Ashford Tavern to the Ashford Community Resource Centre will take place on the first Friday of the month.  Doors open 9pm with dancing from 9.30pm.  Forthcoming Attractions:  Friday April 6 Dave Lawlor.  Friday, May 4 P.J. Murrihy.  Friday, June 1 Muriel O’ Connor and.Fran Curry.  Friday July 6 T.R.Dallas.  Admission €10.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul.  If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414.  The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm.  Further information 087 1213560.

ABBEYFEALE CRAFTY CORNER:   Meets every Tuesday evening in the West Limerick Resources Hub Room based in the Further Education & Training Centre Abbeyfeale, from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome. Contact West Limerick Resources on 068 31198 or Madeline on 087 9707989.

PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS:  Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm.  Blessing with 1st. class relic.

WEST LIMERICK 102FM: Every Monday evening from 7pm to 7.30pm tune into a little bit of Heaven with Fr. Kevin.

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414.  Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674 Parish Office:  Parish 068/31133 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri.     Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services:     061-314111   Accord NCW 069/61000.  Priest on Duty for Emergency only (Sunday) Fr. Noonan (087)6796217.    Parish Church 068/51915.  Limerick Social Services:     061-314111.   A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019.   St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560.  087 – 2618412.  To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm.  Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon.  Mass Intentions: Thursday 7pm Easter Cantata Scoil Mháthair De.  Saturday 11am Mary B. Kelly & deceased family members. Patrick (Sony) O’ Sullivan 6.30pm Peggy Moloney Knocknasna. Sonny & Kitty Doody New Street.  Palm Sunday 9.15am Ita O’ Connell, Kilmanihan.  Thomas O’ Connell late of the Square &   Killarney Road. 12 Noon Joe O’ Connell.  Peg Cunningham nee Riordan, Galway & Ballybehy .  Monday 7pm Niamh O’ Donoghue Valentia.  Prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.  Lectio will take place every Tuesday morning after 10am Mass during Lent.  Due to data protection laws, priests can no longer go to the reception desk in local hospitals and get a list of parishioners who are patients, you are requested to contact Fr. Tony if you wish him to visit.  Faithcast is the new weekly podcast from catholicnews.ie, the news source for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Presented by Brenda Drumm, Faithcast is a mixture of interviews and news snippets from the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is published every Monday and is available on catholicnews.ie.   Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment.   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.

FREE ASTHMA AND COPD ADVICE LINE: Speak to a specialist nurse over the phone about your or your child’s asthma or COPD. Free phone 1800 44 54 64 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to book an appointment

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month.  Monagae first Tuesday of every month.  Ceremonies begin 6.45pm. March 24:

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF THE HONEY BEE:  Glenstal Abbey’s former Headmaster Fr. Simon Sleeman will answer all your questions about the honey bee on Saturday, March 24. Did you know they build in the dark and dance too, that their sting is good for arthritis.  Did you know that royal jelly is fed to the Queen Bee, are you aware of the importance of bees for the future of our life on this planet. Bring suitable outdoor boots/clothes.
Registration 10am @ Monastery Reception.
Finish @ 5.15 with option of staying for Vespers @ 6pm
Cost: €85 (including lunch, morning and afternoon tea/coffee) Booking: [email protected]  / 061 – 621005.

ST. JOSEPHS YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY:  March 24: St Joseph’s Young Priests Society All welcome to a special conference hosted by St Joseph’s Young Priests Society on Saturday March 24 in the Radison Blu Hotel, Limerick.  Speakers: Fr Frank O’Connor, Cathedral. Noirin Lynch, Pastoral Centre. Special closing Mass with Bishop Leahy at 3pm. Please call Una on 061 227852 to book your place.

LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES? 6 week course, 2 ½ hours run by HSE Dieticians. Call 087 673 4035, next course begins early April.

TALK ON ‘Lymphoedema- awareness & management,’ Recovery Haven Kerry, 5 Haig’s Terrace Tralee. Wednesday, March 21 at 7pm.  Ring 066-7192122

Glórach News

The set is up, and most of our energy is now focused on the Abbeyside Players production of the Sam Cree comedy, Second Honeymoon that opens next Wednesday, March 28th.  On the drama front, congratulations to all of the children who took part in the production last Friday, and under the tutelage of Jo Jordan, delivered a superbly entertaining show.  Hopefully they will continue to grace the Glórach stage and maintain the rich dramatic tradition present in this town.  Bingo continues every Monday night, and a special mention to Ann Curtin of the Coffee Pot who donates fresh scones to us each week.  Also coming up next month, there will be a talk and presentation on the Greenway (Great Southern Trail) taking place on Friday 13th April from 8 pm to 10 pm.  For any queries or bookings, don’t hesitate to call 0871383940.