Progressive 41 Card Game for the Hope Foundation

There will be a progressive 41 card game (2 x 3s) in the Top of the Town bar at 8.30pm on Saturday night, February 2nd  in Aid of Sarah O’Connor’s and Alannah Scanlon’s trip to Kolkata with the Hope Foundation in April. There will be cash prizes and loads of spot prizes on the night. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Sacristan’s Collection

Sacristan collection for Carol takes place on Saturday and Sunday 2nd & 3rd February. Envelopes will be available at the Church door. Thank you for your support.

C.E. Scheme Vacancies

There are some vacancies for workers on the Athea/Carrigkerry/Old Mill C. E. Scheme. There are two vacancies in Athea for the  Community Hall and one for the Church.

If anyone thinks they are eligible please call 068-42301.

Athea Drama Group

Bookings can now be made for Athea Drama Group’s 2019 production of ‘The Lonesome West’ by calling/texting 087 2743189 stating your name, no. of tickets required and the date you wish to attend.  We will operate a open seating booking policy where those booked will choose their own seats. The play will be staged at Con Colbert Hall, Athea on Feb 7th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 16th & 17th at 8pm with doors open from 7pm. Play is recommended for over 12s due to strong language and adult themes throughout.

Changing Times

by Domhnall de Barra

Rural Ireland, as we knew it, is dying; that is a fact. Our whole way of life is changing with everything becoming more centralised and people becoming more isolated. Once upon a time I knew who lived in every house in our locality. Doors were left open all the time and we wandered in and out without invitation. At night people would gather in a particular house to share the news, play cards or even learn to dance a step or two. There was always a place at the table at meal times for anyone who happened to be  visiting at the time and neighbours looked out for each other. If somebody was in trouble all the neighbours got together to help out. There was a great sense of community and though there was the odd falling out, in general there was harmony. Local towns and villages flourished with every second house turned into a business premises. All trades were catered for  with drapers, harness makers, furniture and hardware shops, blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, coopers, butchers and many more doing a lively trade. Everyone shopped in the local village, sometimes without money changing hands. A little “pass book”  was carried by shoppers to keep an account of what was bought and the bill was settled at the end of the month, usually when the cheque from the creamery was cashed. At a time when there were few cars on the road there were several petrol pumps in villages because traders wanted to have as many goods as possible for their customers. That is why most of the shops had groceries and provisions in the front, a pub in the next room and a yard out the back that might have pieces of farm machinery or hardware. The life blood of the village was the creamery. Farms were smaller in those days and even people who had just a couple of acres kept a cow or two. The milk was brought to the creamery in the morning early and the shops were kept busy as papers, cigarettes, tobacco and grocery items were taken home. Hard to believe it now but a local pub with an early opening licence also did a lively trade. The creamery was a great place for social interaction. All the news of the parish and beyond was discussed and it was a great help to postmen who had letters for people who lived  down long passages in remote areas. They delivered the post by bicycle at the time. It wasn’t a bad way of life but “progress”  took over and farmers were coaxed  by the promise of higher rewards to join the Kerry Co-op group. For a while the creamery stayed open but eventually it closed altogether and that was the first nail in the coffin for village business. There was now no need for people to come to the village on a daily basis and more and more shopping was done in nearby towns where big supermarkets opened up and could afford to sell goods much cheaper than local shops who did not have the same buying power. One by one the shops closed down as profits were not enough to make a living. Though cars and other motor vehicles got more plentiful the pumps disappeared because the petrol companies did not want to keep on supplying small outlets and safety regulation meant they could not be on the side of the street anymore. Out the country, smaller farms also went by the wayside. Where once upon a time a farmer could make a living and raise a family on land for 15 to 20 cows it was now necessary to have at least twice that much and pretty soon the amount of cows necessary to survive had risen to three times the original amount. People no longer kept a “cow for the house” as milk was cheap in the shops.  The day is coming when there will be only a few big farmers in the parish. As we watch the years go by we can see the changes. We are now down to one shop in Athea and even though we still have a few pubs, most of those will close in the future as people are not going out as they used to at weekends due to home entertainment and the cost of hiring babysitters and taxis. There is now also the problem of driving to work the following morning with the blood alcohol limit being so low and the penalties for being just over that being so severe. The loss of the post office has been another blow. Pensions and social welfare payments are now collected in nearby towns. Some of these are located in supermarkets so the money will be spent there; money that would normally be spent in the village. It is difficult to see how businesses will survive into the future. We are lucky in Athea to have the doctor’s surgery and the chemist. At least they bring footfall to the village. Other places are not so lucky. There are no shops at all now in Mountcollins or Tournafulla. Locals in those areas depend on the rural busses to bring them to Abbeyfeale for their shopping. I know I am painting a gloomy picture but that is the reality and we are going to have to change some of our ways if we are not to become a place just for sleeping. We can do at least some of our shopping at home and use the local  services that are available. We might even be able to create some new ones with a bit of help. Getting back to my own neighbourhood, I do not now know who is living over the road from me and I would not dare call to any house without an appointment. Is this really “progress” or were we better off with the old way of life. We could embrace all the modern technology with the changes it brings and still keep the values that were handed down to us from our forefathers. Country life can be good.

Ad  in lonely hearts column:  “Man in late forties who likes playing golf, going to race meetings, and attending Fleadh Cheoils would like to meet a lady whose hobbies include saving hay, footing turf and looking after cattle with a view to marriage”.

Abbeyfeale Notes

THE CHASTITUTE:  

The Glorach Theatre are proud to present the Abbeyside Players with John B. Keane’s The Chastitute on Thursday, January 31, Friday, February 1, Saturday, February 2, Thursday, February 7, Friday, February 8, Saturday, February 9, Sunday, February 10.  Doors open 7pm.   Bookings 087 1383940.

CALLING PARENTS:

Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler Group: 11am – 12.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday, St Ita’s Hall. New people always welcome. Contact Mary on 087 9382883.

COFFEE MORNING:

A Coffee morning will be held at the Gate way café the Western Inn Feale’s Bridge Abbeyfeale on Thursday, Valentine’s day February 14 from 11 – 2 where all the proceeds are going towards the chemotherapy day ward at UHK.  Your support would be greatly appreciated.

SHEP – THE SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT:

Two new programmes available in West Limerick, ‘Effective Communication for Better Relationships’ in St Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale, begins on Monday, January 28, 2019, from 10.00am to 12.30pm for 8 weeks (to March 25). ‘An Introduction to Personal Development’ in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, begins on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, from 10.00am to 12.30pm for 8 weeks (to March 20). Please contact Adrienne at West Limerick Resources on 087-2773294/[email protected] for further details and to register your interest.

CONRADH NA GAEILGE FESTIVAL:  

Tionól (Irish language and Music w/e)   Chontae Luimnigh present the first, hopefully of many gatherings of  Folklore, Music, Poetry and History of Abbeyfeale through the Irish Language in Fr. Casey’s Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9 with daily admission just €5 per day.  The official opening takes place on Friday from 7pm followed by a lecture from Séamus Ó Coileáin from Athea and ending with a traditional music concert with the Murphy family, Riona Ní Churtáin, Denis Curtin and the Flannery Sisters.   Saturday’s programme includes lectures, a   bilingual walking tour of Abbeyfeale and a traditional music session.  All are welcome.

IS YOUR NAME HARNETT:  

We are now planning Harnett Reunion International for July 11-14, 2019.  We are currently assembling our programme, which will include genealogy, workshops, local tours, a concert and gala dinner at The Devon Hotel. We would be delighted if you could spread the word and invite everyone to join us in the spiritual home of the Harnetts in West Limerick next July.   Email HarnettReunion2019 @gmail.com for further information or check out Harnett Reunion FB page to keep up to date with all the plans for a fantastic weekend July 11-14, 2019.

Kairi de Barra Upton, (granddaughter of Domhnall de Barra) making a presentation to Mariah
Culloty and  Nicola Brouder of
West Limerick Red Cross from the sales of Christmas cards she hand painted.
She also made a donation to the Athea Lourdes Fund for cards sold in the Athea area.

by Kathleen Mullane

Firstly, I’d better wish my son-in-law Paul Curry a very happy 50th birthday as  he celebrated his special day over the weekend at the Arsenal / Man Utd. game and also the London / Limerick game in England with his sons. Best wishes to aul.

Well, this weekend sees the collection taking place for Carol, our sacristan on Saturday and Sunday at both Masses. Envelopes are available at the Church doors. Show your appreciation for all the work she does and give generously.

This Friday, January 1st, sees the start of Spring and St. Brigid’s Day. No doubt in Kerry they will be out celebrating “the Biddy”. It’s the time of year everyone looks forward to; the brighter mornings and evenings, the daffodils starting to bloom, indeed everything coming to life. These days are a bit wet and damp, however we must not complain – we had a lovely mild Christmas. At present, in Australia, the temperatures are in the high 40s. Many hundreds of dogs have died with the excruciating heat as well as people and forest fires are rampant. In the USA at present the cold is unbelievable, in the

–20s so in all we are so lucky and the mud slides in Brazil with 100s missing – another awful disaster so, enjoy the rain and no doubt we will have drier days ahead.

Don’t forget to book your seat for the Athea Drama’s production, The Lonesome West, starting next week. Phone/text 087 2743189. It is on for a total of six nights and is bound to be a great production.

Yoga continues at the hall with Lynda from 7- 8.30. All newcomers welcome. A great way to de-stress  and get those bones limbered up.

Congrats to Eamon O’Riordan (son of Mary and Ned of Clash, Athea) who became engaged to Eva Drew of Bridgetown, Clare, daughter of Michael and Bríd Drew. The happy couple were joined by family for their engagement in Ennis. Best wishes to the happy couple.

Well, not much going on this week so I’ll finish with these lines –  “Whether one is 20, 40, 60 or 80, whether its the year 2000 or 2019 –  whether one has succeeded, failed or just muddled along. Whether yesterday was full of sun or storm or one of those dull days with no sun at mall. Life begins each morning –  each morning is the open door to a new world and new aims, new tryings, new friendships and the good health to enjoy the day and the week ahead.”

by Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Carmel O’Donovan nee Purtill, Tubrid, Creeves, Shanagolden, and wife of the late Patrick. Her remains lay in repose at her son Patsy’s residence in Ardagh on Friday January 18 from 4pm-8pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 12 noon in Saint Senan’s Church Shanagolden, with burial afterwards in Kilbradren Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her sons Eddie, Ollie and Patsy, daughters Ann, Martina, Geraldine, Caren and Toni, sons in Law, daughters in Law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Kathlyn Hayes Knockfinisk and Scoil Mhuire agus Íde Newcastle West who recently received the Student of the Year award. She is very involved in all sports with Old Mill Ladies and Newcastle West camogie. Kathlyn was a participant in the ADRSC  Lip Sync Legends Fundraiser with the Bellas act last November in the Devon Inn Hotel.

The signage for the St. Kieran’s area community watch will be erected in the next few weeks. If anyone would still like to be included in any future text alert concerning illegal or unsociable behaviour, or indeed lost or stolen property, livestock or pets, applications forms are available at the back of the 4 local churches or the Daybreak Shop in Carrigkerry or Greaney’s Butchers in Ardagh or alternatively ring Pat on 0872750061.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday January 21. The numbers drawn were 12,13,20, and 22, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won € 40 each Paudie c/o Moira, Ann Relihan Ardagh, Josie O’Connor Glensharrold, Oisín O’Connor Creeves, and JAP c/o Greaney’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be € 14,200 and the draw will be held in Reens Bar Ardagh.

Limerick defeated Offaly by 1-12 to 0-13 in the National Camogie League at Banagher on Sunday January 20. Roisín Ambrose from Ardagh and the Newcastle West club made her senior debut at centre field. Róisín may well be the first player from the parish to do so at this grade, which is a great achievement following her All Ireland ladies football success with Limerick last year.

Saint Kieran’s set dancers represented Limerick at the Munster Scór Na Nóg Final in Cappoquin Waterford on Sunday January 20. Saint Kieran’s officers and players are selling National Club tickets for € 10 at present. The draw is run by Croke Park and the clubs receive all the proceeds from the tickets they sell. The prizes include a 2019 Renault Clio 2, All Ireland Final weekend packages, and shopping vouchers. All support will be greatly appreciated by the club. The Astroturf pitch is near completion and soon will be open for teams to use. The booking is online on the following website http//http://ardaghdistrictrsc.ie/

Carrig Celtic lost 6-1 away to Granagh Utd in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday January 20. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 away to Glin Rovers B in Division 2 in what was only their second defeat in the league this season. In the Desmond Ladies Cup quarter final Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton 3-0 away. Marie Liston, Dora Bury, and Ann Mc Mahon scored their goals.

Congratulations to Jim Dalton and Francis Woulfe, who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday January 18.

The Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place each year from June 21 to 26, and each parish is entitled to apply for two places for over 16-year olds. The closing date is January 31, and anyone interested please contact Fr Michael Noonan on 087-6796217 or the parish office 069-76678. For the Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish applications   please contact Fr Tim Curtin on 086-3697735 or Ann Dore on 086-3794646.

All are welcome to Saint Brigid’s Well in Shanagarry Newcastle West on this Friday February 1 at 7pm. The rosary will be recited, and prayers will be said to mark her feast day.

Newcastle West Film Club will present Leave No Trace in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday February 1 at 8pm. Tickets cost € 7 and refreshments available before the screening and all are welcome.

A set céilí will be held in Halla Tadgh Gaelach Tournafulla on Friday February 1 from 9.30pm.  The Striolan Céilí Band will provide the music, and refreshments will be served at the interval. The venue is known far and wide for its warm hospitality and lovely eats and treats.

The annual Milford Hospice 10kmrun/walk will be held at UL on Sunday February 3 commencing at 11am outside the main library. Contact the fundraising department at 061-485859 or 061-485860 for all the details.

The Jailbirds group who participated in the Lip Sync Legends are holding a Valentine’s Disco at the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Friday February 15 from 9pm until late. There will be spot prizes for the best dressed and a raffle will be held, and food will be available. The DJ will be Sean Carrig and admission is € 10 and all proceeds will go to the Astro Weather Pitch Ardagh. The tickets are available from Denis Greaney, Neary’s Bar, The Ballintemple Inn, and from members of the Jailbirds. All support for the group and the ADRSC project will be greatly appreciated.

A Valentine’s Ball will be held on Saturday February 16 in Rathkeale House Hotel, with all  proceeds going to Milford Hospice. It commences with a Presseco reception at 7pm followed by a 4-course meal with lots of pop up entertainment. Music by Traffic followed by DJand the MC on the night is Tim Cusack of The Lime Tree Panto Society. Tickets are € 50 per person or a Table of 10 for € 450 euro. They can be got by contacting Mary Roche on 087 7473550, Maurice Cremins on 086 3530096or Deirdre Hough on 087 6415449. All support will be greatly appreciated for what promises to be a great night’s entertainment.

Saint Molua’s NS Ardagh have application forms for the 2019/20 school year and they can be got by contacting the school office by phone 069-76353 or by emailing [email protected], ie There will be an Open Morning on Friday February 15 at 10am and all are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Ita Tracey Newcastle West who won € 209 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday January 18. Congratulations also to Kathleen Harrold Bruree who won € 215 on Friday January 25. Tickets cost € 2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.