By Marian Harnett

DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Ita O’Connor, nee Harnett, Rathoran, Duagh and Purt who died in her 93^rd year.  May she rest in peace.

DEBUT NOVEL LAUNCH:  At a recent launch ceremony in Newcastle West the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Collins welcomed the publication by The Limerick Writers’ Centre of the debut novel of local writer Pat McLoughlin entitled The Canary in the Mine. The novel charts the ups and downs of a diverse collection of Irish emigrants who come together in 1950s London. In their daily struggles, the full spectrum of conditions, emotions and feelings are experienced: love, companionship, loyalty, separation, abuse, honesty, deceit, despair, but above all, hope – they all have a story to tell. The proceeds from Pat’s novel will go to Friends of St Ita’s. It is available at the following: Ann Lyons’s shop, Abbeyfeale; or www.limerickwriterscentre.com.

BE WINTER READY:  Be Prepared:  Have a small supply of non perishable, easy-to-prepare foods.  Keep extra supplies of essential medication in case it is difficult to get to the doctor/pharmacy.  Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating/cooking and if possible a suitable alternative should the main supply fail.  Have batteries for torches and alternative light sources in the event of power cuts.  Have a water container to ensure a supply of drinking water.  Know how to turn off your water supply.  Keep mobile phones charged up -have local emergency numbers in your phone.  Have a suitable snow shovel (but any shovel or spade will do).  Know your EIRCODE.  (HSE website).

ACCORD PRE-MARRIAGE COURSES AND COUNSELLING SERVICES: Until at least May 2021 Accord pre-marriage courses will take place live on-line with up to 12 couples; via ZOOM, they will be interactive and delivered by 2 presenters. Accord has also resumed face to face counselling. Contact Accord by Phone or online to book.

A PRAYER FOR OUR DECEASED LOVED ONES:  Take some time today, and every day of the month to remember your deceased loved ones.  Give thanks to God for them and the love they have shown during their time on earth. Take time to visit their graves.  Pray for them each day, using this or a similar prayer:  Dear Lord, Thank you for our loved ones whom You have called from this life.  Watch over them and protect them and bring them to fullness of Eternal joy where we hope one day to be united with them in Your presence forever.  Amen.