By Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “Ring a Ring a Rosy, as the year declines, We’ll remember 2020 and the Quare Old times.” Mary Murphy
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family Joe Leahy, Cratloe West whose funeral took place on Thursday. May he rest in peace.
GRAVEYARD COMMITTEES: As we come to the end of November we thank all who are involved in looking after the graveyards in the parish. We can easily take this work for granted. We acknowledge and thank all who are associated with this voluntary work.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: For the past 25 years or so the Abbeyfeale for Africa committee have been organising a Christmas Cake Sale as a fundraiser for Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan. Life in South Sudan was never easy but this year add Covid and a Civil War over the border to the mix. Life must be extremely tough and fundraisers such as ours can help to make life somewhat easier for Fr. Tim. This year, Abbeyfeale For Africa are fundraising for Fr. Tim by distributing envelopes to shops around town , please return the envelope to Abbeyfeale Credit Union and lodge to Abbeyfeale For Africa account which is always open for donations. The committee have decided to hold the annual cake sale outdoors in the Square alongside the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market on Friday, December 18 from 10-12 noon. We hope our usual bakers will deliver their goods to the Square on the morning as we won’t be able to have drop off points this year. We will be observing social distancing and wearing masks and ask our loyal customers to do the same. All inquiries to Mairead at 0868594983.
SOLDIER RETURNS: Christmas Eve 1961 was a joyous day for Cpl Tadhg Quinn of Port, Abbeyfeale, when he came home to Abbeyfeale from army duty in the Congo. Older people in the community recall the Siege of Jodotville, where he was stationed at the age of 18.
SHOP LOCAL: We are grateful to all the local shops and businesses who help distribute the Parish Newsletter each weekend. It helps parishioners keep in touch with the parish. At this challenging time of restrictions for all shops and businesses we encourage parishioners to support where possible local shops and businesses, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
PASTORAL SUPPORT TO PARISHIONERS IN NURSING HOMES: Due to the necessary Covid -19 restrictions it is not possible for Fr Tony to visit parishioners in Nursing Homes this Christmas. Fr Tony is asking family members to let him know which nursing homes their relatives are resident in so that he can write to them for Christmas. All contact details will remain confidential to Fr Tony. You can email the contact details to [email protected] or text 087-2600414.
LYREACROMPANE JOURNAL: The Lyreacrompane and District Journal is on the shelves once again – thirty years after it first appeared. This Lyre Journal is the largest yet – 108 pages packed with local history accounts and photos old and new. The articles deal with local history from the general area and also takes in stories and accounts from as far afield as Knocknagoshel, Moynsha, Islandanny, Duagh, Kilmorna, Listowel and Castleisland. Four local murder cases are revisited including the killing of Bob Browne in Knockalougha. February 2021 is the centenary of that tragic event. More details on Amelia Canty, the rebel woman from Lyreacrompane are revealed. The story of Duagh’s ‘bridge to nowhere’ is recounted. The journal has humour and tragedy from the past and some wonderful ideas for future development.As always, this Journal will be of particular interest to those away from home and its appearance in this year of the Pandemic has been specially timed to give people abroad, who may not be returning home this year, a chance to get it in time for Christmas. The Lyreacrompane and District Journal, Number 13, is available at Annes Shop in the Square and at Twohig’s SuperValu in Abbeyfeale. It is also at Watsons in Duagh and other outlets in Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland. The Journal, which costs €12 plus post and packaging, can also be ordered from – Lyreacrompane Journal, The Glen, Lyreacrompane, Listowel, Co. Kerry. For more information please call 087 285 3570.
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.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: The IHF annual bereavement information evening is being held online this year on Wednesday 9 December, 7 pm. In this online space, the IHF will share some reflections on bereavement and help people find out about the supports that are available. This free event is for all; who may have experienced a Bereavement this year or at an earlier time, or you may be concerned about a child or friend who is grieving and wish to help. Anyone wishing to participate in this online event will need to register in advance of the meeting. You can do so through Eventbrite here or via the following link: https://hospicefoundation.ie/livingwithloss/ You can access Living with Loss on a computer or your mobile phone. When you register, you’ll receive an email to say you’ve registered. The zoom link will then be emailed to you before the event. Use this link to access the event. It will be open from 6.45pm. You are welcome to join the IHF on Wednesday 9 December, 7pm-8.30pm You will not be able to see or hear other attendees nor will they be able to see or hear you. You will only be able to see and hear the speakers. You can type in questions for the speaker using the ‘chat function’ at the bottom of your computer/phone screen. Please offer to help friends and family who have difficultly using technology and would like join us. Attendees do not need to have an email account but will need access to one to receive the link. Age Action has published easy to use guidelines on how to use zoom on your smartphone or computer. Please email bereavement [email protected] with any questions or call 01 679 3188. Further support is available via the freephone Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line is 1800 80 70 77 and is open from 10am – 1pm from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). If the line is busy when you call, they can call you back if you leave your contact details.