By Marian Harnett

AN SIOPA NUA: The queues are still forming on the Main St. to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s.  It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’ behind the shop counter.  The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnells down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, ice cream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine.  We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always, she has the welcome mat out for everyone.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sister Rosarii O’Sullivan of Dirreen, Athea and OLA Sisters, Ardfoyle, Cork who recently celebrated her 101st birthday, she received a medal from the President to mark the occasion.

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions; Wednesday 10am Larry Harnett, Dromtrasna Harnett and deceased family members. No Saturday morning Mass Intentions for next weekend 6.30pm Jim & Nora Harnett, the Hill and deceased family members. Bessie Meehan, Kilnorna. John & Maureen Canty, Fealesbridge. Sunday10am Kathleen Gleeson, Kilconlea Lower. Michael O’Hanlon, Collins Park.  12noon Mary O’Connor, Bridge Street. Bill & Mary Quirke, Hill Road Monday week April 19 John & Niamh O’Donoghue, Valentia. Parish Finance:  Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. .    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year!  See our Facebook page for registration details.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order.  Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES:  Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6.  Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.