By Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. Think about it.-Alfred Brendel.

DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to Betty and all the Sheehan family, Knocknasna on the death of Paddy. May he rest in peace.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE:  An upcoming foundation course in personal development this autumn will take place this Autumn. The Mid-West SCPD Application Form is now available on the website for downloading: .https://www.socialandhealth.com/scpd-application-form-mid-west-region/

VINTAGE: Knockanure Vintage Club are holding their Annual Tractor run on Sunday August 15th. Registration time 12 noon. Proceeds in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation, Listowel Branch.

TRADITIONAL NIGHT IN THE ROCK:  The Seisiún” is on in Bruach Na Carraige, Rockchapel every Tuesday during August. Due to restrictions, it is essential to book in advance by phoning 087 9921 119.

SAILING:  A Limerick man Peter Lawless aged 52 who lives in Annascaul, wants to be the first Irishman to sail non-stop, around the world on his own, starting from Kilrush harbour later this month

RACING:  There will be racing on the beach at Ballybunion on Saturday, September 11.  Time to be confirmed.

HERITAGE: West Limerick 102 fm will broadcast a series of programmes to mark this year’s Heritage Week from Saturday August 14 to Sunday August 22. People interested in participating this August are asked to get in contact with Shirley at 102fm, on 069-66200.

100 YEARS OF THE LEGION OF MARY:  33 DAYS FOR OUR LADY: To celebrate 100 years of the Legion of Mary there will be an online worldwide consecration to Jesus through Mary beginning on August 5th. Tune in nightly at 8 p.m. on zoom. ID: 811 4083
3503. Code: 876433.

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Contact Aisling on 01 505 3112 or by email to [email protected].  Closing date is Friday, August 27.

LEADER OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: The LEADER Transition Programme is now open for applications for eligible community and enterprise projects.  Grant aid for capital works is currently available to all at a rate of 75% to a maximum €200,000 however funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is also available for eligible training and A&D projects.  Please note conventional retail, agriculture, childcare, healthcare and on-going running costs are among the areas ineligible for LEADER funding.  For more information or to discuss your ideas please contact one of our development officers:  Caitriona Scully (Tourism and Food Projects) – [email protected]  Elaine Dillon (Community Projects) – [email protected]  Suzanne Rowley (Enterprise Projects) – [email protected]

ARTS FESTIVAL:  Ballybunion Arts Festival September 9 – 12  will host a diverse programme of Theatre, Poetry, Performance Art, Music, Visual Art & workshops for artists and audiences.  Kerry Writer in Residence Máire Holmes will host an Irish language poetry workshop on September11in Ballybunion Community Centre. More details (https://kerrycoco.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3755ab5575cb711eac9566f8&id=30cb5eab5e&e=57e387efec)

COMMUNITY ALERT:  Gardaí have received reports of persons receiving phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be members of An Garda Síochána. The number calling appears to be the phone number of a genuine Garda station.

An Garda Síochána will never make contact with members of the public in this fashion.

There are several stages to these scam calls:

  1. The person receiving the call is subjected to a pre-recorded or automated message that prompts them to select an option.
  2. The person is then put through to a person alleging to be a member of An Garda Síochána.
  3. The scammer either looks for personal information or informs the person that their details have been involved or linked to a crime.
  4. After giving over personal details the victim receives a follow up call from another scammer seeking more details on behalf of An Garda Síochána (This call appears to be coming from a genuine Garda station number)

On receipt of these call, the advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows:

  • Do not engage with the caller.
  • Do not return the call.
  • Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.
  • Never transfer money.
  • Never disclose personal or financial information.
  • Hang up and end the call.

Unoccupied properties are being targeted, so if you are going away on holidays please consider the following crime prevention advice:

  • Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
  • If possible leave a car in the driveway, this gives the impression someone is at home.
  • Cancel delivers such as milk and ask someone to collect your post.
  • Lock away wheelie bins, ladders and other tools that could be used to climb or force an entry.
  • Keep your garden tidy, and if you’re away for a prolonged period ask someone to cut your grass.
  • Secure any garden sheds with good quality locks, and independently secure bikes and other high value items. Consider marking high value items with your Eircode or other property marking system.
  • Cash and Jewellery remain the targeted items. Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home, and either take your jewellery with you or invest in a good quality safe.
  • Consider installing a Video Doorbell. These are becoming very affordable and allows you to remotely answer a caller to your door; which again gives the impression someone is at home.