LOCAL NOTES 22nd AUGUST 2017

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CHURCH TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

In June 2018 the parish will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish church. 

A Golden Jubilee is a significant event in the life of any parish.

The Pastoral Council are beginning to plan for the 50th anniversary celebrations. 

At this stage we are seeking any photographs of the construction phase of the building and any articles or publications covering the opening Mass and consecration ceremony. 

Any old stories, memories or photos would be greatly appreciated. Contact the Parish Council at fealechurch@eircom.net or the Abbeyfeale On Line website at dromtrasna1@gmail.com

LOCAL NOTES 22nd August 2017

PROLOGUE:  "The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see."
Winston Churchill.

DEATH:  We offer our sympathy to the family of Seano Collins, Knocknacrohy whose funeral took place on Thursday.  May he rest in peace.

PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY CROSS ABBEY:  The annual pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady of Fatima takes place on Sunday, August 27.  A bus will leave from Abbeyfeale church at 10am.  To book your seat contact Phil Herlihy 087 1445072.

ABBEYFEALE HERITAGE DAY:  Sunday, August 27 next in association with National Heritage Week, The Heritage Council, West Limerick Heritage Network, Abbeyfeale Town Park, Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns, Gather by the Feale - Abbeyfeale Festival, and many other supportive Individuals and Groups  “A Park, a Monk, an Earl and a Princess”
2 pm – Meet & Greet at Town Park.  2.15 – Depart on Bus.  2.30 – Arrive at Old Railway Station.  Talk on Old Railway Station with Margaret O’Shea – 15 mins.  Talk on Purt Castle / Earl Desmond with Billy Broderick 15 mins.  Q & A – 5 mins.  3.15 – Depart on Bus.  3.30 – Arrive in Square.  Talk on Old Abbey / Old Chapel with Margaret O’Shea – 10 mins.  Talk on Fr Casey  with Billy Broderick– 10 mins.  Talk on Leahy’s Inn / Daniel OConnell / Princess Belgiojoso with Maurice O’Connell.– 10 mins.  Q & A – 5 mins.  4.15 – Depart on Bus.  4.30 – Arrive in Town Park.  Talk on Town Park , Ellis Estate  and Special Presentation with Geraldine O’Brien.  4.45 – Talk on Biodiversity with Anneke Vrieling– 15mins.  5.00 – Refreshments and Music.
6:00 – End of Abbeyfeale Heritage Day Tour – Beginning of a Lifetime of Memories.
All are Welcome!!!

MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND:  Ten tips to boost your resilience.  Have the courage to be imperfect.  Take time out for yourself.  Sign up for that course, join that club.  Be active every day in as many ways as you can.  Spend time with people who make you feel good.  Laugh out loud each day.  Get a good night’s sleep.  Share the work load, get everyone involved.  Try to be positive and focus on things you can control.  Talk about your troubles and seek help early.

DUAGH SPORTS COMPLEX:  All roads lead to Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex on August 31 next.  A great night of music and  fun to look forward to with  Shaun O’ Dowd, Red Hurley, Crystal Swing, Gina of the Champions, The Conquerors, Keith & Lorraine all performing on the night.  PRO Miriam Gaire says “ To date, we have completed the ground floor area and it is being utilised to great effect by the communities of North Kerry and West Limerick. We are now embarking on the last phase of our project and are endeavouring to complete the first floor section of the building. The finishing of our project has taken on a special significance since the passing of the late Fr Pat Moore. He was a director of the complex and it would be very fitting for us to finish and name the facility in his honour. We are also donating a sum of money from the sale of each ticket in memory of Fr. Pat to the Kerry Cork health link bus.  Tickets are €25 each and can be purchased at the Duagh Post Office,   shops and  bars in Duagh as well as  some outlets in Abbeyfeale and Ballybunion and from   from the committee members. Contact 087 2684540  Doors open at 7.30 show starts at 8.30”.

CITIZEN KANE AT THE GLÓRACH:   Citizen Kane up next on September 6, doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm, admission €7.

OUTING TO SLIGO AND ENNISKILLEN:  Are you interested in a 4 day trip to Sligo and Enniskillen (in conjunction with Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society) departing Newcastle West from September 11-14.   The 4 day trip will take in Temple House castle and country house, the famous Carrowmore Passage tomb, Sligo Abbey, Sligo Museum, the Niland art collection, Yeats Memorial Building, a special reception by the Mayor of Sligo at County buildings, Creevekeel Court tomb, Lissadell House, Alpine Gardens, Drumcliff Yeats Grave, Museum and High Crosses, Lough Gill, Creevelea Franciscan Abbey, Parkes Castle, Glenfarne, Castlecoole National Trust House Enniskilleen, Skreen, Sophie Cooper 1822 monument, Boyle Cistercian Abbey, King House Boyle, Tulsk Visitor Centre and Rathcroghan Iron Age complex. The 4 day trip includes bed/breakfast and dinner in the 4 star Sligo Park Hotel and will have qualified historian tour guides. Entry fees are all included also for a total cost of €310. A trip not to be missed. Contact Pat O’Donovan, Newcastle West on 087-9977340.

COURSE OPPORTUNITY: Exciting opportunity to learn new skills in a local course in Abbeyfeale with The Abbey Heritage Project. Learn about Retail Skills, Computer skills and Employment opportunities in one full time free course from September 2017. Training Allowance available to eligible participants. Contact Adrienne O’Connell at West Limerick Resources on 087 2773294 and aoconnell@wlr.ie for information or to register.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Well done to Lisa Shine and Muireann Hickey who came second in the Senior Duets at the All Ireland Fleadh in Ennis at the weekend.  Well done too, to the girls who did us proud at the National Community Games in Abbotstown last weekend – Mai Quinlivan, Amy O’Connor and Shauna Finn.

FOOD CLOUD: West Limerick Resources is delighted to announce that we are working to support the FoodCloud Initiative in the West Limerick Area. FoodCloud is a simple yet ingenious idea whereby working with local supermarkets for the aim of reducing food waste and restoring community spirit based on shared food.  We would like to hear from Community Groups or Charities in the area who would be in a position to support this initiative, by receiving the food donations for their own work or indeed for further distribution within the community. Please contact Dearbhla at West Limerick Resources on 069 66293 or email dconlon@wlr.ie

FREE COMPUTER AND INTERNET TRAINING COURSE: Digital Skills for Citizens computer and internet training at Abbeyfeale library began recently and the course will run every Friday for five weeks.  It will then start up again and hopefully, if enough people show interest, will run continuously.  It aims to give beginners the confidence and skills required to benefit from the internet so farmers who need to register with the Dept. of Agr should be doing this, elderly people who are not used to banking on line will find this useful when our local branch stops providing counter services and as there will be only 8 people on each course you will get plenty of one to one help.   The course will cover internet security, emails, search engines and websites, accessing government services, conducting everyday transactions, shopping, banking and security, and voice and video calls online. Digital Skills is free to all participants and beginners are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops or tablet PCs if available. Call Iolar Training on 089 420 7708 for more information or to book a place.

SELF EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS: If you are considering Self Employment and would like to know more about the process involved you should contact our Enterprise Officer Brenda Heath. We are currently rolling out a series of FREE Enterprise Training Workshops for all those considering this route including workshops on Steps to starting your Business, Book-keeping, Marketing and Health & Safety. If you wish to find out more please contact Brenda Heath at West Limerick Resources on 069 66297 / bheath@wlr.ie  or our support Worker Dee Collins on 069 62222 / dcollins@wlr.ie.

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL:  On Saturday, August 26 we hope to visit the "Old Rail Trail" County Westmeath Greenway which links Mullingar with Athlone. The option of walking various lengths or cycling the entire 25mile/40km route will be provided (bike hire will be extra). Coach departs from Newcastle West, Market Yard at 8 a.m. with a breakfast stop in Birr and evening dinner in Moate included for €50 (bike hire will be extra). If interested please contact Pat Condon, Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West  069 62344 (phone preferably between 5-6pm) without delay as all of our previous day trips have been fully booked.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita's Hall inAbbeyfeale from 11am to 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.  Activities each week include singing nursery rhymes, painting/colouring, table-top art and crafts, also messy play, which encourages children’s imagination and they learn about different textures & help develop their motor skills (hand eye co-ordination).  Parents have time to chat, with a cup of tea, sing and play also.  Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.

FILM CLUB AT GLÓRACH:  Thanks to everyone who attended our screening of Finding Dory, our next children's film will be Trolls, showing at the Glórach Theatre on Sunday, September 3at 2.30 pm.  For more details, please contact 0871383940, children must be accompanied by an adult, all are most welcome.

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

NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB IN LISTOWEL:  The first meeting of the second season is in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, September 28 at 8pm.  Further details contact wwwtoastmasters.org or 0872193670

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:  If you’ve experienced a personal setback, long-term illness, have a disability or are an early school leaver one of National Learning Network’s full-time Courses will give you the confidence to open up new opportunities for further training or employment.  If you wish to pursue a career in I.T./Admin we currently have vacancies on our I.T. Office Skills Programme which is suitable for beginners or those wishing to advance their current skills.  Nationally recognised awards available on completion of programme.  To find out more: ring Val or Trish at 061 229777, email limerick@nln.ie or visit our stand at the Department of Social Protection in Newcastle West on Tuesday or Wednesday next.

PIONEER GATHERING:  The Munster Pioneer Gathering and Spirituality Day will take place in The Woodland's House Hotel in Adare on October 1, 2017. This will be a most important day for the future of the Pioneer Association in Munster.

 ‘THE MORE MONEY THAT’S IN; THE MORE YOU WIN’:    West Limerick 102fm will be holding a fundraising 50/50 Draw with the raffle taking place weekly live on air in the West Limerick 102fm. Studios.  Each week the pot from the sale of the raffle tickets will be divided equally between the person whose ticket is drawn and the station. Tickets only €2 each on sale now in local shops and West Limerick 102fm offices, Pat O’Donovan offices, North quay, Newcastle West, Ann Lyons Abbeyfeale and Beauty Bliss Rathkeale.  Call us on 06966200 for further information.   Books of 12 tickets are available from the station for €20 so two free tickets to the seller.

SVP OPENING HOURS: The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm.  Further information 087 1213560.

YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING: The Youth Ministry Team in the Diocese will be delivering a Youth Ministry Training Programme beginning in September 2017. This course is aimed at adults (aged 21+) volunteers or professionals who have an interest in working with children or young people in a parish or school setting.  The aim of the training is to train people to deliver youth ministry programmes and events within their own parishes, to empower and encourage people at local level to take on leadership roles in the area of youth ministry.   To offer practical support and resources as well as grounding people in the theory and theology of youth ministry.  The course will be held on Thursday nights from September to December 2017 beginning on September 21.  Weekend Residential Retreat October 14/15. There will also be one day of Safeguarding Training on November 11.  The Course Content will include:  Introduction to Youth Ministry, Prayer & Worship, Pilgrimage & Residential, Children’s Liturgy & Sacramental Preparation, Altar Servers, Special Liturgies & Youth Masses, Confirmation Retreats, Pastoral Care & Mental Health, Music, JPII Awards & Justice Projects.  For more information please contact: Aoife Walsh, Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Den-mark St, Limerick 061-400133awalsh@ldpc.ie

COMMUNITY ALERT: Have your say! An Garda Síochána is seeking submissions for its 2018 policing plan. Log onto their website for details.  Keep Sunday, November 19 free for our 2^nd. Annual Christmas Party which will be held this year in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse.  Do not return a call to any missed number beginning with a plus sign as more than likely you’ll be charged premium rates or have your credit eaten up.  It’s just another scam – it’s a strange world out there anymore and there is always someone somewhere hoping to relieve you of your hard earned cash.  If you have a strimmer or a lawn mower or a piece of machinery that cost you money then write down the number of it so that if it is stolen and the Gardai find it, ye can be reunited.  Keep your Eircode beside the phone so that if you need to direct someone with a delivery to your house you can give it to them.  Preface your next of kin’s number in your phone with ICE (In case of emergency).  Should you be involved in an accident the services will be able to contact your loved ones.  There are three new defibrillators in town courtesy of the grant application written by Maurice O’Connell and Trevor McCarthy of Abbeyfeale Community Council who are putting in a lot of time and effort to improve the facilities in Abbeyfeale.  They will be located in the Town Park, at the Church and in the Square. I hope to be in a position to include contact no’s shortly.   The older Defibrillators are located at the Search and Rescue Headquarters and also at Fr. Casey’s, the Rugby Club and the Soccer grounds.  Should you require one in an emergency contact Christy Kelleher 087 7452110.   If you are affected by or witness an anti-social event – on the street, in your property, at your business, in the Town Park etc. -  it is recommended that you call the 24 hour line in Newcastlewest  on 069 20650 to log your complaint.   You can also log your complaint on the 24 hr free phone no 1800 283064. This type of low level nuisance crime needs to be reported so that the Gardai can be made aware that it is happening.  So, if someone walks out in front of your car, or you see someone in your garden or on your wall make the call.  We have been asked to remind people that once they reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 then they are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system.  The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert but there will be a monitoring fee to be paid yearly to the installing company which is currently in the region of €65.  If you do not have a land line the company will organise a sim card for a mobile phone for a monthly fee of approx. €12 on top of the monitoring fee.  If you are a victim of or have witnessed domestic abuse then log onto whatwouldyoudo.ie  We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that. 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, Neily Lyons, Marian Harnett and Garda Roger O’Donoghue.

TRAINING IN USE OF DEFIBRILLATOR:  It is planned to train up a group of people in the use of defibrillators.  If you would be willing to receive the training please email with your details and contact number to adsarhq@gmail.com

SINGING NIGHT IN PHILIP ENRIGHTS:    The monthly singing night at The Ramble Inn takes place on the first Friday of each month from 9pm.

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

 CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414.  Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412.  Parish Church 068/51915.  Parish Office:  Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. - Fri. (068) 31133 Email: fealechurch@eircom.net  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

 Counselling Appointment    061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 - 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-814342551984 Console 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Mass Tuesday –Friday 10am.  Saturday 11am.  Vigil Mass 7pm. Sunday Masses 9.30am and 12 noon.    Mass Intentions;  Thursday 10am  Tim Harnett Chicago & Dromtrasna Hartnett  Saturday 11am   Monica & Micheal Collins, Knocknasna.  Mass Intentions for next weekend Saturday 7pm  Bridget White, Lower Knocknasna and deceased family members ,  James & Bridget O’Mara Church St. Jimmy Collins Main St. Sunday 9.30 am  Teresa Lyons New Street, Jackie Hartnett, Months Mind,  Dick O’ Mahony, Killarney Rd. 12pm  Gerry Foley, St. Ita’s Rd. Anniv.        James Thompson & Bill Harnett, Knocknasna. 

MASS TIMES IN THE PASTORAL AREAS OVER THE SUMMER:  Abbeyfeale; Saturday evening @ 7pm, Sunday at 9.30am &12noon .Athea; Saturday evening @ 7pm, Sunday @ 11am.  Templeglantine; Saturday evening @ 6pm Sunday Morning @ 10.30am.  Tournafulla; Sunday morning 11am.  Mountcollins; Saturday evening   @ 7.30pm.Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.  Adoration takes place each Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8pm and on Tuesday& Friday from 8.30am to 10pm.As 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 either Fr. Joe or Fr. Tony if you wish them 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 WestLimerick 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. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.  Invitation from Fr. Mullins: “I want to extend an open invitation to all parishioners, particularly young people to share their God given talents with the community. We are always in need of Musicians, Singers, Readers of the Word, Altar Servers, Ministers of the Eucharist, Flower  arrangers, Collectors and Stewards. You may have IT skills which we need to help us use social media in bringing God’s message to parishioners. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated”. 

ST, ITA’FAITH CAMP:  Thanks to all who organised and assisted with the recent faith camp that took place on the first week of August. Up to 70 children and young people took part in the camp and over 50 volunteers assisted in running the camp. Thanks to all the families who hosted visiting workers and volunteers. The camp was directed by Fr Patrick Cahill and was organised locally by the St Ita’s Faith Camp Committee. It was a great week in the life of the parish and will bring many blessings to all who were involved. We are already looking forward to next year’s camp.

AUCTION:  O'Donovan and Associates are holding an auction of antiques and collectibles on Saturday, August 26 at 11am in their Newcastle west town centre auction rooms.
Included in this month’s sale are the contents of 2 local residence and a shop. Viewing is daily and online at www.odonovan.ie. All lots are for sale without reserve!

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE: is a specially designed Support Programme for men and women who have suffered the loss of a spouse. The next weekend is being held in the Ennismore Retreat Centre, Cork from Friday October 6 - Sunday October 8. For Application Forms and further details please contact 087 9886480 or email  beginningexperience@gmail.com

“KNOW MARY, KNOW JESUS, DARE TO BELIEVE” This is the title of a Catholic Young Adults Conference which is being held on September 2/3 in All Hallows, Dublin. This is a fantastic weekend packed full of interesting events and open to all 18-40 year old. 

FREE FAMILY MINIBEAST SAFARI:  Family Minibeast Safari with Limerick’s Biodiversity in schools expert Geoff Hunt in Coillte’s Curraghchase Forest park on Saturday, August 26, become a nature explorer using all your senses to take part in this Minibeast hunt for bugs, bees, butterflies, spiders, worms, frogs and more. This is a family event and booking with Seán Hartigan is essential, there will be a morning session starting at 11am and an afternoon session starting at 2pm, children to be accompanied by an adult.

SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES:  Ballyhahill Parish Hall every Monday night at 8.30pm.

PADRE PIO:   Prayer Meeting takes place in Lixnaw Church on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.  Devotions begin at 6.30pm with Rosary, Mass and Benediction followed by blessing with a first class relic.

SHEP: Personal development course beginning the end of October to mid-May in Killarney - a one year part time course, a journey understanding life & relationships. Places must be booked - contact Deidre 087 7728089.

JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE:  Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockalougha.

GROW:  Newcastle west Meeting (which serves the greater West Limerick area) is held every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm at the Desmond Complex for anyone aged 18 or over.   Anyone wishing to know more about GROW and our services please come to this meeting, check our website WWW.GROW.IE, or contact Eimear Purcell at 086-7780664.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED:  World Meeting of Families in Dublin 2018.   Would you like to help organise this amazing event?  We would be delighted to have you! We need a diverse mix of people with various skills and experiences to ensure the success of this event. Whatever your reasons or your focus, we know your skills and experience can help us and we would welcome your support in helping us create a successful, historic and joyous event. WMOF2018 volunteers will be assigned from a wide variety of roles to match their skills and experience. Tasks may include  supporting information and welcome centres, transport hubs and event services at the major WMOF2018 venues. A volunteer must be a resident of the island of Ireland at the time of application. Be over 18 years of age as of 1st January 2018. Be sensitive and respectful of our Catholic ethos. Must apply for Garda vetting as part of the application process in line with the procedure laid down. Be available to volunteer for a minimum of four consecutive days  between 18th and 29th August 2018. (Shifts will last up to 8 hours and you will be given adequate rest time). Be available for three mandatory training sessions, starting before the end of 2017.  The training sessions will be on Saturdays and will last 3 to 5 hours. They will cover Induction, Job and Venue Specific  Training. Advance notice will be given of dates. Please note that registration is handled online. If you do not have access to email or a computer, please ask family members or friends for access to their computer and for assistance with the  volunteer application process. Alternatively, you can access a computer and support in your local citizens information office  or local library. For more details log on to www.worlmeeting2018.ie

MILFORD HOSPICE FAIR:  For 40 years, Milford Care Centre has provided the best possible hospice care to the people of the Mid-West. We have always relied on the strength and support from our community in order to serve our patients and their families from counties Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.  On August 27 next we will hold our 32nd Annual Harvest Fair on the grounds of University of Limerick Sports Arena with a theme of family fun. The fun starts at 11.00am.This year we will have ice-cream, music everywhere, kids’ entertainment, raffles, and a specially designed kid’s zone with activities planned for the younger ones including a brand new puppet show, and lots of other fun activities for the young at heart. We also have a BBQ, cakes stall, pancakes, pig on a spit, popcorn, cool drinks, the wheel of fortune, many stalls selling lots of goodies, and lots lots more...We really hope you can come and join us this year with your friends and family to make it the biggest Harvest Fair yet, help us continue to provide the highest level of care to our patients and their families for another 40 years and more.