By Pat Brosnan

Recent Death

The death occurred recently of Jack Brosnan, formerly of Toureendonnell and Knocknagorna, peacefully after a brief illness. Jack passed away surrounded by his loving family. Jack is survived by his loving sister, Cathy, brothers Micheál, Tom and Jim, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. Jack spent many years in England working with the Barrett family (Knockdown). He returned home in the last few years and lived in Knocknagorna with his brother Tom. Jack was a very kind man, good humoured and a great neighbour to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed, especially by his brother Tom, his family and wonderful neighbours in Knocknagorna and Toureendonnell. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Céilí Classes

Céilí classes resume in the GAA Club, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday September 3 starting at 9pm. Beginners dance classes at the Top of the Town, Athea on Monday September 1 starting at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Grandparents Pilgrimage

The annual Catholic Grandparents Association pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 14th September 2014.

Mental Health News

The West Limerick branch of the Mental Health Association of Ireland will resume its monthly meetings at Maple Lodge, Gortboy, Newcastle West on Tuesday 2nd September at 8.30pm. As there are some important decisions to be made, a full attendance of members is required. New members would be most welcome.

New Craft Hub

All craft workers will be delighted to hear that a new craft hub is opening in Limerick City. It is at the corner of Cecil Street and Henry Street just down from the GPO. It is promoted by Limerick City of Culture and the official opening is on September 21st. It is a retail shop with demonstrations and workshops. People should go along and visit as local craft people will also be displaying their wares. You could even join in and help with knitting the Giant’s scarf. Children are also very welcome.

Milford Hospice Fair

The 29th annual Milford Hospice Harvest Fair is scheduled to take place on Sunday August 31st at the arena in the University of Limerick. The Harvest Fair committee once again appeals for your support in donating goods such as books, toys, bric-a-brac etc (no clothes). Items for the Harvest Fair will be accepted on the grounds of Milford Care Centre up until Thursday, August 28th. For further details on donating items please contact Nora Enright 087-3664499 or the fundraising office on 061-485860, Pat Dalton on 069-62306. This is a great day out for all the family.

Recent Engagement

Congratulations and best wishes to Tom Collins, Knocknagorna, son of Paddy and Kathleen, and Caroline O’Reilly who recently got engaged. Wishing Tom and Caroline every happiness for their future together.

Tidy Towns Composting Course

Under the West Limerick Tidy Towns network, West Limerick Resources will be running a short composting course this September. The course will consist of two evening workshops where participants will learn effective composting and waste minimization techniques and a one day (Saturday) outing to visit a community composting facility in Tralee. It wil be free of charge to members of the Tidy Towns groups in the West Limerick area. Limited places are available, booking essential. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email [email protected]

PRTB Advises First Time Students How to Avoid Paying Excessive Rent

With offers of third level college places being received in the last week by young people around the country, the  Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) is reminding them that there is now authoritative information available on the actual level of rents for different types of accommodation adjacent to all universities, IT’s and other third level colleges. The information is available on the PRTB’s Rent Index, which is the most accurate and authoritative rent data source of its kind on the private accommodation sector in Ireland. Compiled by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and based on the PRTB’s own register of 300,750 tenancies across the state, the Rent Index reveals the actual rents being paid for rental properties, as distinct from the asking rent which features in other rent reports published by other parties. This can help students and their parents to make informed decisions about the accommodation options open to them and to negotiate the best possible deal on rent. The PRTB Rent Index reveals the different rent levels across the country for different accommodation. By logging on to www.prtb.ie prospective renters can establish the monthly rent being paid.