By Marian Harnett
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of Teresa Riordan, Banard whose funeral took place on Friday last, the family of William (Billy) O’Sullivan, Springmount whose funeral took place on Saturday, to the family of Sean Casey, Knocknasna/England whose funeral took place on Tuesday. We also offer sincere sympathy to Cllr. John Sheahan on the unexpected death of his mother Anne Sheahan, Ballyguiltane, Glin whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR ABBEYFEALE TOWN PARK: A box for donations to help keep Abbeyfeale Town Park open has been affixed to the wall of the public toilets in the park. A Go Fund Me page has also been set up. The park which has proved to be such a godsend during the lockdown is struggling because the usual fundraising activities have had to be curtailed. It is used daily by hundreds of people and takes a lot of upkeep so funds are urgently needed.
WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Wellness Wednesday – a 30 minute programme on WL102fm and sponsored by the West Limerick Mental Health Association begins on July 14 from 11 -11.30am.
CAR BOOT SALE: At the Community Centre NCW next to Aldi and the GAA pitch on Saturday, July 10 from 8.30am – 1pm. Admission €2. Stall holders may book by calling 069 69584. All proceeds to the Community Centre. NB I had it down for Sunday in last week’s notes but July 10 actually falls on a Saturday.
ELDERLY: Bishops have welcomed the introduction by Pope Francis of a new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which will be celebrated for the first time this year by the Universal Church on Sunday 25 July.
GLÓRACH BINGO: For an increasing number of Bingo aficionados, the Glórach’s Drive-In Bingo at the GAA Car Park, Abbeyfeale has become a not to be missed event in their weekly calendar.Yes, there are numerous demands on your time; but, how many of those activities guarantee a fun filled afternoon with the possibly of leaving richer than you arrived? In short, none!Those of you of a certain age will recall, when uncertain financial outcomes were in the melting pot, the commendation that one might arrive in a wheelbarrow and depart in a motor car was often recited. Well, we can’t provide the motor car but, we can provide the deposit for such a conveyance, should you be lucky enough to win our jackpot game which carries €650 in prize money and must be won every week. We pay out a minimum of €3,100 every Sunday and very often exceed that minimum as evidenced by the total of €3,250 paid out to our lucky winners last Sunday. In bygone days everyone’s weekly calendar contained 2 red letter events, Sunday Mass and The Late, Late Show (with Gaybo!). And, whereas these 2 events remain mightily important, a lot of people are adding to their red letter events with Glórach Drive-In Bingo at the GAA Car Park, Abbeyfeale every Sunday (2pm start) assuming an increasingly important role in the leisure activities of folks from the Tri-County area of Cork, Kerry & Limerick. So, whether you’re a first time player or a member of our “durables cohort”, we look forward to welcoming you to our “Bingo family” where fun, frolics and creating bonds of fraternal brotherhood and sisterhood are the order of the day.
ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE: St Ita’s Day Care Centre, Abbeyfeale are now doing Meals on Wheels. If anyone is interested or would like further information please contact Jane/Norma at 068 51850.
LETTER FROM FR. TONY: “ The school year is coming to conclusion and we want to wish all the pupils and staff members of our parish schools a very happy and safe holiday. Due to the ongoing pandemic it has been another challenging year for everyone in our school communities. We acknowledge the great work done to ensure that our schools remained open during this difficult period. This could only have been achieved by the collaboration and goodwill of everyone involved. For our 6thclass children, it is the end of their time at primary school. It is a time for them both to look back and give thanks for all that they have learned, for the life-long friends they have made and for the care and guidance of their teachers. They look forward to new schools, new friends and new beginnings in September. We wish them every blessing and success in the years ahead. Thank you to all our teachers and staff member who worked tirelessly throughout the year to meet the needs of all the children entrusted to their care. Thank you to the parents who work with their children, and the school, to support the home-school connection that is vital for pupil success. Thank you to all those parents and guardians who volunteered to assist our schools in so many ways. Your involvement is invaluable. Thanks to all the members of the boards of management for their time, their interest and their management of our parish schools. Finally, we thank our children for always working to the best of their ability throughout the school year. We are confident that they will continue to build upon the knowledge and skills that they acquired this school year. Wishing all of you a wonderful summer filled with blessings and God’s grace. Be safe and enjoy the days ahead of rest and relaxation!!”
CYCLING: Seán Kelly has launched the four-day Tour across Munster, the marathon journey will commence on August 5. Now in its 21st year, the event will raise funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.
REEK SUNDAY: The annual Reek Sunday Pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, will be going ahead this year in an extended format from Wednesday to Saturday, 1- 31 July. Pilgrims are asked to plan their climb well in advance, and to choose a weekday when Croagh Patrick is quieter. The Reek Pilgrimage normally takes place on the last Sunday in July.
ESB runs a visitor experience in the power station at Ardnacrusha from May to September each year, with visitor numbers of 10,000 annually.
VACCINE ETHICS AND EQUITY: Those who have received their full vaccination are encouraged to donate the price of a vaccine to Unicef to enable a person in the Third World to have equal opportunity with those of us lucky enough to live in the First World.