This week we have news from Knockanure, Abbeyfeale, Knockdown, By Carrig Side, and Kathleen Mullane plus GAA News and Photos. If any of you have ideas on how we might impriove the content please get in touch.

St Bartholomew’s Church Athea

The second Confirmationceremony which took place on Saturday last 22nd August in Athea
Parish Church

Mass Times:

Sunday & Thursday mornings at 10.30am

Friday & Saturday evenings at 7.30pm

Readers:

Sat 29^th Aug –         Kathleen Mullane

Sun 30^th Aug –       Paul Curry

Eucharistic Ministers:

Sat 29^th Aug –         Margaret Enright

Sat 30^th Aug –         Mary Hunt

Mass Intentions this week:

Sat 29^th Aug – Thomas & Sean Cleary. Ned Kiely.

Collections: August 22^nd & 23^rd

Offertory  €835.00

Webcam   €650.00

Confirmation – The second of our confirmation sacraments in the parish took place last Saturday morning Aug 22^nd. It was a lovely ceremony, small and personal. The children were well prepared and a credit to their families and their school. Each child participated in the ceremony and a special word of thanks to the children and their parents. Ten children were confirmed by Fr. Brendan Duggan and the mass was con celebrated by Fr. Shoji Varghese. Our third and final confirmation day will take place this coming Saturday Aug. 29^th at 11am. May God bless all the children as they start back to a new school year very shortly.

Flowers – Many gardens are currently in bloom with wonderful colours of flowers, if you would like to donate some flowers to the church please contact Carol (Sacristan).

Church Opening Hours – Due to the recent increase in the COVID 19 Virus the church will only be open during mass times for the next few weeks – we are taking this measure on health & safety grounds to protect each other.

Please always remember to sanitise your hands upon entering and leaving the church.

Once again we thank you sincerely for your patience and understanding.

Fr. Brendan Duggan – Contact details 087-2600414

Fall out from Virus

By Domhnall de Barra

The country is up in arms over the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden which breached the government guidelines on the Corona virus pandemic. The good and the great in politics and public life gathered together in two rooms, less than 50 in each room, for dinner after the game of golf. The hotel thought that they were within the rules of 50 to a room but that had changed the day before. It must be said straight away that those attending should have known better. They could have had the game of golf and then gone their separate ways but they did not. When the news broke all hell broke lose and suddenly there was a baying for blood from the public at large, fuelled by some politicians and the media who left no stone unturned to bring the facts to life. The minister for agriculture was the first to fall on his sword, no doubt prompted to do so by his political masters, followed by many others but not the most prominent of them all, European Commissioner Phil Hogan. Now, I have no great liking for the same man. He seems to be an arrogant bullying type of  individual who, single-handedly scuppered Irish water by his lack of tact, but should he, or any of the others resign?  Every time people in authority make an error their heads are called for. Barry Cowan was the first of this very short lived government to be forced out of office because he was marginally over the limit after a football, match. The way I look at it; he paid the penalty that is prescribed by law thereby paying his debt to society. How was that transgression going to affect his role as agriculture minister?  It has absolutely no bearing on it. If a local doctor or head teacher  was caught breaking the traffic laws in the same manner should they then have to resign from their positions?  The punishment wouldn’t fit the crime. At worst it would show a lack of good judgement but before we start baying for blood I would think of the Bible quote: “let he who is without sin amongst you cast the first stone.”  I have no doubt that there a great many of you reading this who don’t agree with me and that is fine. If somebody feels they should resign then, fair enough but  they should not be hounded out of office just to satisfy what is akin to a lynch mob.

The schools are opening again this week and there is quite a bit of apprehension among teachers and parents alike. The pre-school and national schools should have no problems. There are very few cases of the virus in young children and the schools will keep them safe by following the government safety guidelines. It is good for children to get back to some semblance of normality. Unlike when I was young, children love going to school today and of course it is vital for their mental and physical development. It is also good for parents who will get a bit of respite for a few hours each day and especially for those who have to go to work. The secondary schools are a different story. Here you have teenagers who are basically young adults, some driving their own cars and in mature relationships who are more likely to contact the virus due to lack of social distancing. It is wrong to blame all teenagers but some see no danger in what they are doing and believe they are immune from harm. It is natural for young people to congregate and want to have fun and it is natural for them also to ignore advice from parents and authority. I was there myself and know well what it is like to think that, at 16 or 17 you have all the answers. At that age  parents are only there to stop you enjoying yourself. “Don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t take drugs, don’t have sex” are the messages continually conveyed by those who may be doing some of those things themselves. Like I said, the vast majority of teenagers are good, decent human beings who have their own and their friends best interests at heart but it only takes a few to buck the trend and we could easily be in trouble. We all have a responsibility to behave in a proper manner and take every precaution necessary. We are stuck with this virus until such time as a thoroughly tested vaccine is on the market which will be sometime next year. We are going to have to live with the danger of  becoming infected and be ever more vigilant. If we assume that everybody we come across already has the virus then we will take the right course of action and be ok. Complacency is our biggest enemy.

While I agree that people gathering in crowds should be controlled I am bewildered by the blanket, one size fits all, approach to numbers permitted outdoors.  It is sad to see huge  sports stadiums  that could easily accommodate thousands of people 5 metres apart completely empty. The same applies to big churches and cathedrals. Surely the capacity of the building should have some bearing on the numbers allowed to attend. Contrast that with the crowds that descended on our beaches and holiday resorts during the fine weather. There was no attempt at social distancing or any other preventative measures. It is no wonder that the numbers infected around the country have increased in recent times.

Community Notes from West Limerick Resources Ltd.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

THE JOBS CLUB:  We work with ‘job ready’ people who seek training and advice on job seeking skills and is open to unemployed people of all ages.  It is a free and confidential service to help you plan, actively seek and secure realistic work opportunities by providing individual or group support and guidance sessions in all areas relating to looking for a job, particularly the preparation of CV’s, cover letters and interview techniques. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings, & the current situation regarding the Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above.  The Jobs Club is funded and contracted by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.  For further information please contact Helen, at West Limerick Resources CLG, on 069 77664/087 147 2330 or email [email protected] or Nicole on 087 095 7653 or email [email protected]

BECOME A BIODIVERSITY LEADER IN YOUR COMMUNITY WITH WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES:  We are now taking applications for an online training programme to help you become a Biodiversity Leader in your community. The training is free of charge and will be held as a series of webinars taking place on Wednesday evenings, beginning September 16, and running for eleven weeks.  A certificate will be awarded to each participant who completes 75% or more of the course.  Three trainers will cover different aspects of Biodiversity.  Places are limited to 30 and participants will need access to internet and a smart phone or laptop.  Due to Covid-19 the entire course will be held online through Zoom and assistance can be given to show participants how to link in.  For further enquiries or application form please email Fran at [email protected]

SICAP RURAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (RES) / YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (YES):  If you are currently unemployed or work part-time, the Employment Service offers 1:1 support and career planning around education, training and employment opportunities. In relation to one-to-one meetings and group meetings and the current situation regarding the Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above.  To find out more contact Finn 087 759 1951 or email [email protected],  Eddie 087 653 5156 or email [email protected], Dee 087 918 5557 or email [email protected].  Check out the RES Facebook page for the latest in employment and training opportunities in county Limerick & beyond www.facebook.com/RES-144618922850869/

SICAP SELF EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS: If you are considering Self Employment and would like to know more about the process involved you should contact our Enterprise Support Officer Brenda Heath 087 766 9952 or email [email protected]

SICAP FAMILY SUPPORTS: For free support and guidance for parents and caregivers contact Mary O’Connor 087 938 2883 or email [email protected]; Stefanie Jaeger Liston, 087 398 2925 or email  [email protected]

SICAP LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS: West Limerick Resources provides ongoing support to Local Community Groups in the West Limerick area. Should your group require any support, guidance or training contact Damien on 087 9042477.

SICAP EMPLOYER SUPPORTS: If you have potential job opportunities and would like to find out more  about our supports and services or you would like to advertise for FREE in our weekly newsletter please contact Dee, on 069 62222 or email [email protected].  We would love to hear from you.

SOCIAL INCLUSION & COMMUNITY ACTIVATION PROGRAMME (SICAP):  The SICAP initiatives are funded by West Limerick Resources CLG under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022, which is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme  for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

Further information on all our activities and projects is available on www.wlr.ie or check out our Facebook page: www.wlr.ie/facebook

by Kathleen Mullane

Another lovely confirmation ceremony on Saturday last here in our church, and despite the fewer numbers allowed and the miserable day that it was, I’m sure all the families involved had a lovely day. Next Saturday will be the final and 3rd group being confirmed by Fr Duggan. Then 1st communion will be on September  5th.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the O’Connor family of Knocknagorna on the death of Pat at the weekend. Pat was to be heard early in the mornings on his motor – bike heading to Athea to open up the church up until when he was not able to do so. Often I heard him singing  going in the road on his bike at dawn with the birds. Requiem mass was private on Monday  and parishioners stood out along the route to Templeathea cemetery where he was laid to rest. May the light of heaven be his.

Another great game of football played on Sunday last by Athea Junior A team against Hospital/Herbertstown. We thought last week’s score of 3-20 against Bruree was high, but this week’s score of 9-23 to the oppositions 0-05 surpassed all expectations. Hopefully the winning run will continue and intermediate  status will be in sight again.

With the reopening of schools looming this week, and with last minute regulations of trying to get contractors to provide more buses and drivers as only 50 per cent are allowed on secondary school buses, it will be interesting to see what the future holds!!!!

I came across this sent to my phone this week and it’s a Preview of the Leaving cert 2021- higher level  maths paper Q13

If 30 children can be in one classroom, but only 10 people can attend a family gathering, but 80 people can attend an indoor event if there are government ministers present, but no one can attend a birth, and only 15 can attend a football match, yet 100 can be in a restaurant, but no one in a pub  How many therefore are allowed at a bus stop. One wonders what the answer would be????????

by Tom Aherne

We extend our sympathy to the Geoghegan family Skehanagh Ardagh on the death of Nell Cook (née Geoghegan) Hertford, England and late of Skehanagh, Ardagh. She was pre-deceased by her son Neil, three brothers and one sister. Burial in Hertford and a  Memorial Mass at a later date. Sympathy also to  her loving husband John, son Simon, daughter-in-law Nicola, sisters, brothers, sister’s in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Fr Tim Curtin Coolcappa/Kilcolman Parish on the death of his father Patrick (Paddy Molly) Curtin’s (Bar) Rockchapel, beloved husband of the late Breda (nee Cahill) on Sunday August 16, peacefully in his 99th year in the company of his family at his daughters residence Ballywilliam, Kinsale Co. Cork. The Funeral cortege left Ballywilliam, Kinsale on Tuesday at 4pm arriving at Rockchapel  via Mallow. 

The Requiem Mass was celebrated  on Wednesday, August 19 at 2pm in St Peter’s Church, Rockchapel, with  burial afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend sympathy also to sons and  daughters Mary (Cobh), Triona (Kinsale),   DJ (Cavan), Frank (Kinsale), Carmel O’Brien (Mallow), daughters-in-law Mary and Áine, son-in-law Barry, 11 grandchildren, brother-in-law Jimmy Cahill, sister-in-law Nora Moloney, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Fr Tim Curtin celebrated Mass in Kilbradern Cemetery on Sunday, August 16. It was dry and mild and over one hundred people were present. Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, August 30 in  Clounagh Cemetery at 12 noon.

The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be held  in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday, August 29.  

The following are the Mass times in the local four churches: Monday Ardagh 9.30am. Tuesday Coolcappa 9.30am,and Carrigkerry 10am. Wednesday Ardagh and Kilcolman 9.30am. Thursday Carrigkerry and Coolcappa 7.30pm. Friday Ardagh and Kilcolman 7.30pm. Saturday Carrigkerry 6.30pm, and Coolcappa 7.30pm. Sunday Kilcolman 10am, and Ardagh 11am.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Galbally by 2-7 to 0-11 in Round 1 of the County Senior Football Championship at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Sunday, August 16. They trailed by 2-4 to 0-2 at half time. They improved their performance in the second half despite having a player sent off shortly after the throw in. TEAM/PANEL Ray Noonan, Mossie Shine, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Anthony Mullins, Diarmuid Crowley, Brendan McCarthy, Liam Kennedy, Donie Nolan 0-1, Johnny McCarthy, Noel Callanan 0-1, John Hayes 0-8, Jack Ben Harnett, Seamus Mangan 0-1, Paudie McCarthy, Stephen Lyons, Anthony Molyneaux, John Doyle,  Kevin Meade, Aaron Heffernan,  Daniel Geraghty,  James O’Connor, Mike O’Mara,  Michael Murphy,  Daniel Power,  Kevin Guina,  Evan Donovan,  Eoin Burke. The minor hurlers received a walkover from Pallasgreen. The U-14 hurlers lost to Newcastle West by  2-9 to 0-7. The U-16 hurlers defeated Drom/Broadford by 5-16 to 3-8.

Congratulations to Tom Brouder, Camas Newcastle West, who won €127, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, August 21.Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated. The annual general meeting,  if Covid -19 allows, will be held on Tuesday,  September 15 at 7pm at Rathkeale House Hotel. New volunteers to get involved in all aspects of the station are needed at present. The roles available include research and studio work, fundraising and lots more. Contact the station at 069-66200 if interested.

National Heritage Week was held from Saturday, August 15, to Sunday, August 23. It was a restricted programme of events this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shirley O’Regan from West Limerick 102fm assembled heritage items of interest into short 20 minute slots to mark the event.  These programmes were broadcast last week from 11am to 11.30am, and they  included a few local voices, from Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association members Mary Kury and Tom Aherne. Mary spoke about her upcoming book on Coolcappa and Clounagh graveyards, which she is working on at present. She is aiming to publish it next month with dates and venues to be announced nearer the time. Tom spoke about the many heritage sites within the catchment area of the Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association.

The Desmond Castle Newcastle West, and Adare Castle are open to the public free of charge for 2020 as part of the Government’s July Stimulus Plan. A lot of other sites around the country are also open if people get a chance to travel around on holiday.

The next Limerick GAA club draw will be held on Saturday, August 29, on Limerick Live 95fm, during their sports programme from 10 to 11am. Contact the Saint Kieran’s club if you wish to join.

The Old Mill ladies football club are holding an Ocean Dash on Saturday, August 29, at 3pm on the Ladies Beach in Ballybunion. This will be a part of their Family Day Event. They have plans to hold a Coffee Morning in September if Covid 19 restrictions allow.

The annual general meeting of Ardagh Voluntary Housing will be held on Tuesday, September 1  at Ardagh Parish Hall.