By Marian Harnett
A MESSAGE FROM FR. TONY: “Guidance on attending Mass; Since the parish church opened up in May to allow people attend Mass, the numbers attending have increased significantly, especially at weekends. This is good news and very encouraging. However, we have to ensure that it is safe to do so for everybody. Because of the ongoing restrictions and the expected Delta wave we need to remind parishioners that we are limited in the number of people who can actually attend Mass within the church at any one time. We have a responsibility to follow seriously the guidance of the HSE for the opening of churches. We ask parishioners where possible, to attend Mass during the weekdays, where there is ample room at the moment for additional people to attend Mass, rather than Sunday morning or Saturday evening. Once the maximum number of people allowed to be within church has been reached, a sign will be placed at the door informing people that the church is full. Parishioners then have the option of attending Mass in their cars and tuning into the church radio 107FM. Holy Communion will be brought to you at Communion time. Stewards are obliged to implement these rules and we ask you to follow the directions of the stewards at all times. Church doors and windows have to remain open at all times to ensure proper ventilation. We appreciate how important it is for parishioners to be able to attend Mass and to receive Holy Communion, but in order to be as safe as possible and to ensure that our churches remain open into the future, we all need to do our bit in complying with the requirements at this time.”
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to Marie Sheehan, Knocknasna daughter of Jerry and Teresa on the death of her husband, Anthony Reidy, late of Ballyduff, Knocknagoshel, son of Donie and Mary. May he rest in peace. We also offer sincere sympathy to Ellen Scanlon and family, Knockbrack on the death of her husband Michael whose funeral took place on Tuesday.
AUDITIONS FOR SIAMSA TÍRÉ: Children aged between 7 and 12 who are interested in playing Irish music, singing traditional songs, or dancing reels, jigs, and hornpipes, might like to audition for Siamsa Tíre’s National Folk Training Academy.
BEST WISHES to Jimmy Deenihan, former Minister for the diaspora who despite losing his seat continues his work in the community and has just been elected the new chairperson of Munster Technological University based in Tralee.
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.
KIRBY ENGINEERING ARE RECRUITING: The Limerick-based Kirby Group Engineering is to create 300 jobs as part of a significant expansion to meet demand for its services in Ireland and across Europe. The family-founded, privately owned company said the new jobs will include engineering, commercial, operations and administrative staff, with recruitment for many of these roles already underway. Kirby has also announced a €2m plan to upgrade its company headquarters on the Raheen Business Park. The construction phase of this expansion is projected to take six months, with the facility expected to be fully operational by the end of 2021. The company, which was set up in 1964, employs over 1,200 people with 200 new employees joining the company last year. As part of its new recruitment drive, Kirby said it is looking for almost 100 people to be deployed across its Apprenticeship Scheme and Graduate Programme. (Limerick Post).
LEARN CPR: Go onto the Irish Heart Foundation website and learn how to do CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and maybe if someone collapses you’ll have the skills to save their life.
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.
GLÓRACH BINGO AT FR. CASEY’S: “We have been encouraged by your support of our initiative and in association with our partners in the venture, Fr Casey’s GAA Club, whose grounds and facilities we use, and Abbeyfeale District Search & Rescue who provide stewarding for the event, want to state our great appreciation and thanks to you in providing much needed revenue for all three voluntary organisations. And, as there are plans for further enhancements to the facility when funds permit, our need for continuing streams of revenue is greater than ever as is our need for your support and patronage. We will continue to host Drive-In Bingo at the GAA grounds in Abbeyfeale every Sunday, until further notice, with a 2pm start.
BARNAGH GARDENS: A big well done to Olive and Maurice Sheehan and family who have re-opened Barnagh Gardens to act as a Greenway Hub. This hub and the restaurant Platform 22 on the top of #Barnagh in #WestLimerick along the @limerickgreenway offers great food and great views as well as great coffee and a menu that showcases locally sourced #WestLimerickFood, such as @rigneysfarm granola. You will also find Spindoctors from Mountmahon there with adult hybrid and electric bikes, children’s bikes as well as child seats. Book online at https://www.spindoctorcycles.ie/locomotion-bike-rental
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. Mention of Pope Francis reminds me that the poor man is in hospital for a check-up at the moment.