by Marian Harnett

SCAM WARNING: The following message was posted on social media locally ‘Be very very careful with any texts or calls from BOI( Bank of Ireland), a very close family member of mine – their Bank account was scammed and a very large sum of money was taken. They got a text message from BOI and a phone call from BOI from an Irish male. It really seemed very genuine; It was BOI that was actually hacked and money taken from her account. It has been reported to the Bank & Garda Station. The Garda Station has said it was 5th report they got from same. It all seems to be happening very local if people are reporting it in Listowel.  Be very careful and please let elderly know also that you may know. This is very upsetting as if times aren’t hard enough for people’.

CARS AND VANS ACTING SUSPICIOUSLY:  Dogs being stolen – be careful.  Several reports locally of men calling to houses looking to buy dogs.  Don’t leave them out unless they are accompanied.

OPENING OF PARISH CHURCH:  Abbeyfeale Parish church will open for people to attend Mass on Tuesday, July 7. The Mass will be celebrated at 7.00pm. For the first three weeks of July there will be a gradual opening up of the church with Masses celebrated on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.00pm and on Saturday & Sunday mornings at 10.00am.  However, there are strict conditions to the re-opening. The maximum number of people allowed to attend is 50 and this figure includes the priest, sacristan, cantor, organist and stewards. In reality we are looking at 40 parishioners attending. We are also obliged to adhere to the two-meter social distancing rule.  Parishioners need to be aware that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended. The practice before the lockdown of parishioners attending Mass on a Saturday evening or Sunday Morning is not practical or safe in this circumstance.  We are suggesting that some people, come to Mass during the weekdays. Some parishioners like to attend Mass daily. We are asking these parishioners to attend just once a week for the time being.  If you come to Mass and discover that when you arrive that the maximum number of people is already in the church, parishioners will be able to hear Mass in the car park through the outside loudspeaker system which is at the Grotto side of the church. Holy Communion will be distributed at the Grotto.  Again the 2-metre social distancing must be strictly adhered to while attending Mass in the church car park.  To maintain safety and prevent the spread of the virus, the church will be cleaned after each Mass.  In line with HSE guidelines, Parishioners are encouraged to wear face coverings while in a confined area. This is the responsibility of each individual. We will have more information next week. In recent weeks we have all had to make significant adjustments as to how we go about our daily tasks. Attending Mass will see significant changes and we ask you to follow the instructions below. There will be only one entry point to the church that is the main door at the front of the Church. When you are entering the church, remember to maintain the two-meter social distance. Stewards will direct you to the hand sanitizing stations and then to your seats. The seats will be clearly marked. In line with social distancing the seats will accommodate three individual people and family members may sit together.  When families attend together, they will be allocated one seat to themselves.  We ask you to cooperate with the stewards. At Communion time, stewards will direct you to Holy Communion and at the end of Mass we are asking people to exit the church gradually and safely. Do not come to Mass if you have a cough or feel you could have a temperature. If all goes according to plan we will increase the number of Masses open to the public. Meanwhile we will continue to broadcast our Masses online. More information next week.

THE BEST OF LUCK:  Three businesses have opened in Abbeyfeale recently – Eamon Foley‘s bicycle shop in Mountmahon and Wioleta Kelly’s Abbeyfeale Interiors has opened upstairs in Scanlons, Convent St.  and Krafty Klippers a barber shop also on Convent St.  We are delighted with the vote of confidence in the town that this indicates.

FARMERS’ MARKET REOPENS:  The weekly market has returned to the small square from 9-1pm every Friday.  We thank you for your continued support.

FACE MASKS:  Kathleen Quinn has made face masks which were donated to local nursing homes.  She has a selection available for sale so contact her on 087 2802704.

WATER RESTRICTIONS:  A ban on the use of water hoses has come into operation owing to the dry April and May.  All householders are asked to conserve water in as much as possible.

WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES:  The Offices of West Limerick Resources remain closed to the public but all staff are available to contact. Please ring 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

RETURNING TO WORK TRAINING PROGRAMME: Prepare for the post Covid19 workplace with this FREE 3 part certified programme covering Infection Controls, PPE: Correct use and disposal, and Manual Handling.

11am to 1pm July 28^th, 29^th & 30^th in NCW.  Pre-registration essential as places strictly limited due to social distancing. Priority given to those in receipt of a Jobseekers payment.  Contact Finn 087 759 1951, Eddie 087 653 5156 or email [email protected]