By Marian Harnett

GLORACH BINGO IS BACK: There will be flashing, hooting and hollering a plenty at Fr. Casey’s Carpark  from 2.30pm on the Sundays of September 13, 20 and 27 next when the Glorach Bingo returns in a new outdoor setting. All Covid restrictions will apply.

ABBEYFEALE ABLAZE:  Abbeyfeale Community Council has been blazing a trail over the past few years when it comes to the funding and implementation of various Projects throughout the greater Abbeyfeale area. This week was no different with the donation of almost 1,000 Philips and Energetic branded LED Light Bulbs to a number of locally based Voluntary Community Groups who themselves interact predominantly with the elderly population throughout the greater Abbeyfeale area.
The Groups chosen to receive a significant consignment of LED Bulbs were the Abbeyfeale Guild of Irish Countrywomen’s Association, Abbeyfeale Active Retirement Group, St Ita’s Housing and Daycare Centre, and Abbeyfeale Community Alert Group. All of these Groups helped Abbeyfeale Community Council in the initial research stages of this Project and were duly rewarded for their efforts.
Maurice OConnell – Chairperson of Abbeyfeale Community Council commented   “ We are delighted that this project was fully backed by the SSE Airtricity Community Fund. hopefully it should be of benefit to several households in their efforts to reduce their respective electricity costs while also playing a small but important role in helping the environment and saving our planet”.

CLASSES TO RECOMMENCE AT THE ADULT ED. CENTRE:  Classes starting shortly for the Autumn.  Contact Tech in Mountmahon on 06831198.

WEARING OF A MASK IN ENCLOSED SPACES MANDATORY: You are also reminded to wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently and to observe social distancing.

SOUTHERN REGION GARDAI APPEAL: “We are appealing for everyone to be extra vigilant regarding bogus traders and cold callers.  Over the last two weeks Gardaí on patrol have had over 30 incidents of people canvassing members of the public offering illegitimate home repair services. Between these incidents, and as a result of checkpoints with Social Welfare Officers, approximately 70 people have warranted further investigation by Social Welfare for suspected fraudulent claims. We have identified up to 50 people who we believe travel around the city with the sole aim of trying to defraud people by offering services such as building work, repairs and gardening.  If you are offered services from someone who cold calls to your door, and you don’t believe they are genuine, call us.  If you do wish to you avail of their services, ask for a brochure or documentation so you can carry out checks and verify their credibility. This should include a contact number and a V.A.T registered number. If you are satisfied that the company or individual (s) are credible and you want to make a purchase, ask for an itemised written quotation for the exact goods/services being offered.  Always seek comparable estimates for services. Never engage a person who insists on a cash payment as it is untraceable.  Genuine trade’s people won’t be offended by any queries that you or Gardaí may make.   If anyone feels like they, or someone they know, paid for building work or other services that was not carried out or that was substandard, to call any Garda station and report the matter. There is nothing to be embarrassed about and we will carry out a full investigation.   For more crime prevention advice on the topic please see https://www.garda.ie/en/Crime-Prevention/Bogus-Traders-Callers.pdf  If you can also tell elderly neighbours, friends and family.

SELLING ONLINE – MOVING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE: This free three-hour course will provide you with all the information required to create a business plan for moving online with your business.  There are two course dates available, Wednesday, September 9 and Wednesday, October 7, from 10am to 1pm.  Delivered by Talent Pool and supported by Limerick Local Enterprise Office, it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the West Limerick area. This training will be carried out through Zoom and pre-booking is essential. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

FURTHER EDUCATION: Even in these difficult times it is good to make positive plans for the future. If you hope/intend on going to college in September 2020 WLR can support you with your SUSI Grant Application Form. Leaving Cert Students, Mature Students and Parents are welcome to contact Adrienne on 087 277 3294 or email [email protected] for advice and guidance.  The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 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.

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO PLAYING THEIR PART:  WL102fm has provided a great service throughout West Limerick since the lockdown began.  Advertising and fundraising pay their expenses and like everyone else they need money to survive.  Please buy a ticket for their weekly draw and help them stay on air – it’s as simple as that – you’ll never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry.  Tickets on sale  at Ann Lyons’s, The Square for €2 each.  Please be generous in your support. They are also need volunteers to help run the station.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO GET MARRIED SHORTLY: For those who are getting married in the next few months and due to the current restrictions, please send an email to [email protected], to find out the current procedures and to book your pre-marriage course as soon as possible.