By Pat Brosnan

Multiple Sclerosis Research Project

The University of Limerick is undertaking a significant medical programme to help combat Multiple Sclerosis (MS). “Step it Up” is a new physiotherapy-led exercise and education programme for people with MS. Researchers at U.L., working in collaboration with MS Ireland, the Health Research Board and colleagues in the United States, have developed this new programme aimed at tackling the symptoms of MS such as muscle strength, walking mobility, fatigue and management of the condition. Those interested in participating should contact project co-ordinator Sara Hayes by email at [email protected]

Civil Defence

County Limerick Civil Defence ARA held their annual Mass for deceased colleagues and their AGM at De Bucket in Kildimo recently. The following officers were elected: Chairperson: Anne Denihan, Athea. Vice-Chairperson: Kitty O’Sullivan. Secretary: Paddy Hyland. Assistant Secretary: Maura Lyons. Treasurer: Pauline Fitzgerald. Assistant Treasurer: Joan Hevenor. PRO: Phyllis O’Halloran.

The good wishes of all present were extended to Pat Brosnan, our colleague and former chairperson.

Toy Appeal To make a Child’s Christmas

Barnardos has launched its annual Toy Appeal, supported by GLS Parcelshops. The children’s charity is asking shoppers in Limerick to add the Barnardos Toy Appeal to their shopping list this festive season to help make a child’s Christmas.

Barnardos needs gifts for children aged from babies through to teenagers. The charity has a handy gift guide available on its website www.barnardos.ie to help shoppers choose age appropriate gifts. For the fifth year GLS Parcelshops are supporting the Barnardos Toy Appeal and they guarantee that all gifts dropped to any of their 160 GLS Parcelshops nationwide by Friday, December 19th will be delivered to Barnardos in time for Christmas. The GLS Parcelshops in Limerick are located in Knock Shrine Bookshop, Little Catherine Street, Limerick City, Vokes Hardware, Main Street, Adare, Hogan’s Newsagents, Main Street, Glin. Barnardos CEO Fergus Finlay said “many thanks to GLS Parcelshops and those who so generously give gifts to the Toy Appeal. We can make sure that the children and families we work with experience that magic this Christmas”. They are truly grateful that, for the fifth year running, GLS Parcelshops will make sure that every child they work with will receive a gift in time for Christmas.

Youth 2000 Ireland

Youth 2000 Ireland will be hosting their annual Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from Friday, December 12th to Sunday, December 14th. Many young people from across Ireland (aged 16-35) are expected at this donation only event with all newcomers very welcome. This is a great opportunity to find out what your faith is all about in a friendly, chilled out atmosphere. Free buses available. Online booking is necessary at www.youth2000.ie or phone 01-675690.

Brosna Heritage

The Rambling House is on again this Thursday night December, 11th. All welcome.

Christmas Concert in Glin

The Three Tenors will perform in Glin Church on Tuesday, December 23rd at 8pm. Tickets available from any member of Glin Development or contact Siobhán at 087-9944245.

ALONE (No one deserves to be lonely at Christmas)

Alone, the charity that supports older people in need, has launched a Christmas campaign highlighting the isolation and loneliness of older people around Christmas time. At the launch of the campaign ALONE called on members of the public to reach out to older members of their community who may be isolated or lonely this holiday season. This risk increases at Christmas when the nights are darker and the days are colder, making older people less inclined to leave their homes. This winter they are asking and reminding the generous Irish public to check in on their older neighbours for a cup of tea, a quick word of kindness, or just to see if they need a lift to the shops. People are often surprised to learn that loneliness is actually a greater health risk than smoking or obesity, said Sean Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of ALONE. If any person is concerned for anyone in particular you can contact ALONE for advice and support. You can help an older person by ensuring they have enough food, medication, heat and they are ok this Christmas. Thankfully most older people will enjoy a happy Christmas surrounded by their families but ALONE is urging the general public to be vigilant for those who are vulnerable. ALONE can be contacted on 01-6791032. To make a donation and help ALONE’s work this Christmas time visit www.alone.ie

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to Mary Daly (Fr. Bowen’s housekeeper) on the recent death of her sister in England. May she rest in peace.

Best Wishes

Best wishes to Fr. Denis Mullane, new parish priest of Mountcollins/Tournafulla parish as well as Templeglantine. We wish him well in his ministry and many happy years in the parish.

Dancing Club Party

West Limerick Set Dancing Club will hold their annual Christmas Party in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse in Abbeyfeale on Saturday, December 13th at 9pm. Music will be provided by Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band. Tickets are €20 and are available from Con, Nora or Kevin.