by Peg Prendeville

Belated Happy 80^th Birthday wishes to Mary Collins of Athea who celebrated last weekend with her family and friends.

Mass in Ballyhahill last Saturday night was offered up for Nell Brosnan, nee Sheahan, sister to my neighbour Peg, whose 5^th anniversary occurs at this time.

There was a time when we all believed that the fine weather came when the exams began but I am afraid it is not working this year and we all wait for the summer to start so that we can feel the heat of the sun for a while. I was lucky enough to be in Ballybunion last Sunday night to watch a glorious sunset when the clouds obeyed my commands and drifted away in time to let the sun spill out over the sea. It was beautiful. The words of the hymn “My God, how great though art” came to mind. This week sees the longest day of the year which is an almost frightening thought – that half the year is gone and we still wait for a decent summer. Hopefully it will come.

The shop in Knockdown is looking like it might be opening soon again. It has been badly missed and we hope that when it does open that it will be supported.

The Sacred Heart Novena in Robertson starts on Thursday night at 8pm and the Solemn Novena in the Redemptorist Church in Limerick is on all this week too. Many people locally attend these annual events which proves that the faith is not dead yet.

e servev� a�-X@T also be held and all are welcome.
The weekly Comhaltas Summer Seisiún Shows begin at The Devon Inn, Templeglantine, on Thursday 30th June and will run over the summer months and they attract a lot of visitors on holiday in the West Limerick area.
The annual fundraiser for the Rathfredagh Cheshire Home will be held in the grounds on Sunday 3rd July from 1pm. It is a wonderful day out for all the family with lots of attractions to view and events to participate in.
The Palatine Centre Rathkeale has re-opened for the summer months and is well worth a visit.
Opening hours from June to September- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 2-5pm.
Opening hours for June, July and August 2-5pm on Sundays.
Desmond Hall in the Square, Newcastle West is now open for the 2011 season with free admission and free guided tours are also available at regular intervals. The site is open daily from 10.am to 6pm, with last admission at 5.15pm. The Hall will be open until the 31st of August and the contact number is 069-77408.
Kilcolman Community Creche, will hold their Summer Camp from Monday 11th to Friday 15th July and will cater for children from 5 to 12 years. A wide range of activities has been lined up including sports, hip hop, karate, cookery and lots more. The entry fee is €90 per child and to book a place contact Gráinne at 069-60770.
Saint Colman’s Community Creche facilities are available to individual or groups for meetings, classes, rehearsals etc by contacting Sharon on 086-8106522.
The Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte has announced a Rural Broadband Scheme for areas where people cannot get a broadband service either through private operators or the National Broadband Scheme. The time limit for applications is very short with the closing date Friday 29th July. People interested in the scheme can contact the department’s Rural Broadband Scheme line on 1850 678100 to apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications for grant assistance towards maintenance of burial grounds is this Friday 24th June. The forms can be obtained by contacting the water service department at 061-496394 or by emailing Maureen Dillon at

[email protected]
A collection of Art by Askeaton Art Group will be launched by Eimear Brophy of Limerick V.E.C. on Thursday 23rd June at 8.oop.m. at NCW Library.

The group consists of 13 members mainly from Askeaton with Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale and Ballyhahill also represented. Local interest will centre on the work of Carol Noonanfrom Clounleharde, who is well known in craft circles, having built up an impressive reputation in recent years. Her 1st Art Exhibition went on display in January 2003 at Newcastle West Library. The paintings included still life, flowers, cottages and boats. She enjoys painting seascapes with Ballybunion her favourite venue for inspiration. She also exhibited very creatively painted bottles which were much admired. Carol has given workshops in ”Pebble Painting” in the local libraries during Childrens Book Festivals and other events over the years. She has exhibited her work at many craft fairs around the Mid West in recent years and is looking forward to the upcoming Coolcappa Craft Fair, and the Knockdown Vintage Rally in July.
The main group has formed over recent years and received sponsorship from Limerick County V.E.C. as part of their training to FETAC level. They have completed the drawing and painting modules of the course and the best of this work will be on display at the Exhibition. Different styles and interests have fused together over the past 12 months to produce this body of work which has taken long hours of work to reach fruition. The pieces are realistic and take into account the times we are in at present. A painting is a very special present to give to someone, and it can be used for so many events. They will grow in value and who knows what masterpiece may be unearthed from the Exhibition. It will run from Thursday 23rd June to Monday 4th July during Library Hours, Monday to Saturday from 10:30a.m. to 5p.m. with late openings to 8p.m. on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
It is always nice to see a local group display their talents to a wider audience. There is great credit due to a person who can sit in front of a blank canvas and produce a work of art over a given period of time. By attending, you will be supporting local enterprise and giving encouragement to the group members. A warm welcome awaits all who attend NCW Library from the very courteous staff on duty and from the members of Askeaton Arts group who will welcome your comments and delight in your awarding of red dots.
There is a special envelope in your Offertory Box for next weekend, 25th/26th June to help with the expenses involved in hosting the Eucharistic Congress in 2012.

The big news on the sporting front is Rory McElroy who is leading the US Open Golf Championships at the time of writing by 8 shots. We hope he can continue his good form and win his 1st Major title. Delighted to see Conor Niland from Limerick progress to take his place in Round 1 of the Men’s single event at Wimbledon.
I will conclude with our thought,
“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk”