Debating Drink

 Drink, drama and debate is the all encompassing title of a unique youth health event organised by Macra na Feirme on Saturday, March 22nd at 2.30pm in Limerick’s Castletroy Hotel. Using a unique and thought provoking format, the event will incorporate a dramatic sketch followed by contributions from expert speakers on the subject of alcohol abuse among Ireland’s young people.

Young Opinions

European Movement Ireland is offering young Limerick people the opportunity to have their voices heard on the subject of Irish-EU relations. My MEP-My Voice is an initiative that will enable young people to create a video outlining their views on the forthcoming European election. Participants will be brought for a day of training, brainstorming and filming in Cork this Friday. Four screenings will be held in Cork, Belfast, Dublin and Galway where they will have a chance to put their questions directly to the candidates. Further information is available at www.europeanmovement.ie/mymep-mywoice/

Insulin Pumps to End Young Children’s Pain

The pain of constant injections and the risk of serious organ damage for 400 young children in the Mid-West has ended with the roll-out of insulin pump provision in Limerick. Children under 5 years of age will be the first to receive the important equipment with the rest of the 400 children – 250 of them in Limerick– following on. Until now the University Hospital in Limerick did not have a full time nurse specialist or a clinical dietician attached to the diabetes clinic to help families use the specialist pumps which measure insulin levels and administer it as needed. The appointments have now been made and this week, parents and children were invited to a party to launch the scheme at the hospital. Paediatric endocrinology consultant Dr. Koppikar explained that “the pumps reduce the peaks and troughs in insulin levels, which makes children very sick and can cause organ failure. It also dispenses with multiple injections” We are delighted for the families, she said.

Calling All Photographers

Canon Ireland this week launched a national photography competition to celebrate all things Irish, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The imaging expert is calling on budding photographers to capture what St. Patrick’s Day means to them and one lucky winner will be in with a chance to win a top of the range Canon EOS 100 D. Whether it is your local parade, a favourite Irish landmark or simply a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day family moment. Take your inspiration from anywhere or anything that expresses what St. Patrick’s Day means to you to be with a chance to win. To enter simply post your St. Patrick’s Day picture to the Canon facebook page https/www.facebook.com/canon.ie and the picture with the most comments saying St. Patrick’s Day will win the prize. Pictures should be at least 1MB and entrants should submit their pictures no later than midnight on Sunday March 23rd.

Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage

The annual Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from June 21st to 26th and is now open for bookings. The flights will be from Shannon and the fare is €709. If you are interested please contact the Lourdes Office at 061-314111.

Any incapacitated person who would like to go and stay in the hospital in Lourdes Demesne should contact Fr. Duhig. The fare for the latter is €599. People staying in the hospital will be brought to all ceremonies.

Recent Deaths

Sympathy is extended to the Barrett family, Glenastar, on the recent death of their mother Alice (nee Stokes). Sympathy also to her brother-in-law Dan Barrett, Turraree. May she rest in peace.

Sympathy is also extended to Jimmy Morgan and family, Glenagragra, on the recent death of his brother John Morgan (Ballybunion) nephew of the late Kathy Moran (nee Morgan) and all the Moran family formerly of Toureendonnell, Athea. May his soul rest in peace.

Mother’s Day

Happy ‘Mother’s Day’ to all the mother in the parish and beyond and especially to all the mother who have recently become first time mums. Hope you all have a very special day on Sunday 30th March.