By Marian Harnett
While there were few positive stories emanating from the last eighteen months of the pandemic, it was good to know that as a result of local fundraising done last Christmas, a tremendous amount of building work has been done in conjunction with Fr. Tim Galvin’s mission in South Sudan. Four new classrooms have been completed at the Secondary School in Riwoto, the construction of an Administration Block, Head Teacher’s Office, dining room/kitchen area, as well as housing for the teachers. Education is a proven path away from poverty, and all involved are looking forward to the start of the academic year in 2022. Owing to restrictions, the Abbeyfeale for Africa committee are not doing fundraising at the moment, but our Credit Union Account is open if people wish to make a donation. Brosna native Fr Tim is at home at the moment enjoying meeting old friends and ruminating on the fortunes of the Kerry footballers. Abbeyfeale for Africa has been in existence since 1995 and pictured presenting Fr. Tim with the proceeds of the various fundraisers lodged to the Credit Union a/c are l-r Marian Harnett, Lorcan Curtin, Carina Prendiville and Maireád Daly.
PROLOGUE: Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach. Albert Einstein.
LOCAL AUTHOR LAUNCHES NEW BOOK: A new collection of short stories by Pat McLoughlin has just been released. The title of the book is ‘Just One More Thing’. Multi award winning writer, Donal Ryan, described the stories as “humane, empathetic and blessedly sincere; adding that the collection was a joy to read. The book is available at ‘An Siopa Milseán’ (Mary Flynn’s), Abbeyfeale or online at www.limerickwriterscentre.com. Like Pat’s previous three books all proceeds will be donated to local charities.
GLÓRACH NEWS: Our drive-in bingo continues at Abbeyfeale GAA grounds every Sunday at 2pm, and if one ever needed a reminder of the indefatigable nature of our volunteers, it was on display on Sunday last as they battled ferocious rain showers, one of which looked like it might derail the whole event. Very colourful bingo signage greets visitors to the town from all sides, but for those who might have missed the time on the posters, it’s 2 pm at the GAA grounds in Abbeyfeale every Sunday, whatever the weather. While the concert organised by the West Limerick Mental Health Association is sold out for Sunday 10th, we are hopeful that there will be more nights of wonderful music and song at our esteemed venue in the near future.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Appeal to Parents – Your Parish Youth Clubs needs You
Abbeyfeale Youth Club has been up and running for the past 16 years, providing an essential service for hundreds of young people. The success of the club is down to the participation of the many parent volunteers who over the years have given their time to the club. The
youth club is an essential service for our young parishioners, providing an opportunity for them to socialise together in a safe environment. The club leaders are currently planning the reopening of the club, but this can only happen with the support and participation of parent
volunteers. We are now seeking the help of parents of first year, second year and
third year students in secondary school. In fact, the club will only reopen when there are sufficient parent volunteers in place. We are coming out of probably one of the most challenging times for young people in our lifetime. For the well-being of our teenagers it is essential that we get the clubs open, so that they can once again experience normal social interaction. This weekend we are appealing to the relevant parents to help us in this
important work. Do consider volunteering. If you would like further information please contact Noreen on 0872353306 or Fr Tony on 087-2600414. We would ask that grandparents bring the news of this appeal to their children and grandchildren. All Covi-19 requirements will be implemented by the clubs once they are open.
HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE PETITION: The Season of Creation runs from September 1 (World Day of Prayer for Creation) to October 4 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi). Amid numerous crises which have shaken our world, the theme this year is “Restoring Our Common Home”. During this season we are asked to join together to celebrate creation and protect our common home through prayer, reflection and action. After the Season of Creation there will be UN meeting on Climate Change in November of world leaders in Scotland (known as COP 26) and another UN Conference of world leaders on Biodiversity is scheduled to take place in China during Spring 2022.
In preparation for these UN meetings a petition known as the Healthy Planet, Healthy People Petition which has been endorsed by the Vatican Department for Integral
Human Development and is now available at http://healthyplanetandpeople.org/ for dioceses, parishes, and individuals to sign. It is envisaged that this petition with
signatures will be presented by Pope Francis to the Presidents of these upcoming UN conferences.
DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE: Saturday October 16 in Aid of Milford Hospice.
Take that step. Walk or Run. Details on facebook. Registration on line on Sunday October 10 at 12 noon. www.dromtrasnachallenge.com