‘THE HOLE IN THE GROUND’: This horror thriller with a supernatural vibe made in Ireland and shown at the Sundance Film Festival has been nominated for best film 2019 at the IFTA’s. Conor Dennison, son of Peigi and Dee Dennison Abbeyfeale Hill has been nominated for Best Production Design. We wish him every success.
HELP FOR YOUTHS: Our Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.
WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO: WL102fm has provided a great service throughout West Limerick since the lockdown began with Mass being broadcast every Sunday, loads of country and western music, (all genres of music but you see where my heart lies!), a daily rosary and local news from the county as well as current affairs and documentaries. By the terms of the licence that they get to broadcast, they must raise a share of their running costs in the community that they serve and over the years volunteers have organised concerts, car boot sales, tea dances and sold raffle tickets as well as organising a yearly church gate collection at all the local churches. That all came to a halt on March 14 last and they are now hoping to restart the weekly draw in order to get an income stream going again. Tickets are on sale all over the West Limerick area and in Abbeyfeale at Ann Lyons’s, The Square for €2 each and please be generous in your support.
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: We are 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. 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. We will continue to broadcast our Masses online.
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. There are also masks available from Peg Grady at Batt’s and Maureen Hickey of Pins and Needles.