By Marian Harnett
LAST DATES FOR POSTING LETTERS AND CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS: Rest of the World December 4, USA December 9 and Ireland December 21.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Julette O’Sullivan, daughter of Bridie and Gerry, Killarney Rd. and Niall Barrett who celebrated the sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale on Saturday last. We wish them every happiness in their married life
PARTY: The Senior Citizens Christmas Party will take place on Sunday 5th Dec. at 1.00pm in the Listowel Arms Hotel. Please contact Noreen 068-49238 or Eileen 087-9313912.
ROSARY: A 9 Day Rosary Novena beginning Tuesday, November 30 and ending on Wednesday, December 8. People all over Ireland will pray the Rosary together each evening at 9pm. On the final evening at 9pm on Radio Maria the Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin will lead the final Rosary live. If you are gathering to pray in groups, we encourage you to gather safely adhering to local Covid 19 regulations.
CONGRATULATIONS to Norma McMahon from Coolaneelig, Duagh, who has been named Kerry Carer of the Year by Family Carers Ireland.
GREENWAY section from Abbeyfeale to Kerry Border was recently reopened.
CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Michael Collins, Purt Harry O’Shea, Convent Road Month’s Mind Special Intention. Acknowledgement for those who supported Bridie at this difficult time . No Saturday Morning Mass. 6.30pmWilliam & Nora Flynn and deceased relatives Jackie & Ann Lyons & Noreen Lyons and members of Lyons and O’Donoghue families. Sunday 10am James McEnery, Kilconlea Upper Month’s Mind 12noon Mary & Maurice O’Connell and deceased members of the O’Connell and O’Riordan families.
CHANGES TO THE MARKET AT THE BARNAGH HUB: It will now be a morning/afternoon market from 10-2pm and will take place on Saturday, December 4,11,and 18 and Sunday, December 5,12 and 19.To book a free pitch contact Eileen from 9-2pm on 085 2552890.
FIVE THINGS WE CAN ALL DO: Five things to help “drive down” COVID-19 Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, has asked anyone who has plans to socialise in the next four weeks to do five specific things to help “drive down” Covid. Speaking on Thursday evening, he said: “Incidence of COVID-19 remains concerningly high, with 62,401 cases reported in the last 14 days. We need to continue to make every effort we can to drive down incidence of disease and break the chains of transmission. The best way we can stop COVID spreading to the people we meet is by meeting fewer people and avoiding crowds. Dr Holohan said, that “If you are socialising, think about the risk associated with the activities you have planned. Remember the simple steps you can take to keep both you and the people you meet with safe: 1. Wear a mask correctly, 2. Meet outside if possible, 3. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces, 4.Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, 5. Be mindful of your contacts in the days after socialising, and especially consider anyone you meet who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID 19.
RETIREMENT: There will be a presentation to Doctor Kieran Murphy, Athea to mark his retirement, in the Community Centre, Carrigkerry on Sunday, December 5 at 3pm. He has provided his services since 1984. Dr. Murphy has patients too in the greater Abbeyfeale area who may wish to be associated with the above.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The committee members say that they are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us out over the last month. Don’t forget our bag pack courtesy of Twohigs Supervalu on the 3/4 December 3/4. Regrettably, due to Covid restrictions we have had to cancel our pub quiz at O’Rourkes bar on December 10.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: Timmy Woulfe, writer, historian, dance master, footballer extraordinaire has launched his book “As Tough as Tathfhéithleann”, a list of Irish words and phrases which were commonly used in the parish of Athea in the last century. This would make a great Christmas surprise for our ex pats and if Mary Flynn is not stocking it you have only to ask her and no more than the late Ann Lyons RIP she’ll have it on the shelves in jig time. By the way congratulations to all at An Siopa Milsean on winning Today FM’s Cadbury’s Sound Town 2021.
MORE PHRASES BUT THIS TIME FROM UP NORTH: The following was sent to me by Jer Keneally, Knockanure: The Richness and humour of Ulster Norn (Northern) Ireland speech.
Compiled by Sr Dympna O’Daly, as heard regularly in her neighbourhood.
“Here’s me” – This is what I said.
“Keep it lit” – A word of encouragement.
“Howl yer whist” – Be quiet!
“He’s a real melter!” – He does my head in.
“Call around for a yarn” – yarn = a chat.
“Bout ye?” – How are you?
“Wind yer neck in” – Stop talking.
“Gurning” – Complaining.
“Do you think I came down the Lagan in a bubble?” – “Do you think I’m stupid?”
“It’s a wee bun” – It’s very simple.
“I’m foundered” – I’m cold /freezing.
“I’m dying for a poke” – for an ice-cream.
“I’m sundered” – I’m embarrassed.
“Going for a dander”- Going for a stroll.
“Boggin” – Dirty, very unkempt.
“There’s more meat on a butcher’s apron” – A very skinny person.
“As thick as champ” – Not very intelligent.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: In the coming week parents of children in 6th class will be invited to register their son or daughter in the parish Confirmation preparation programme. These registration forms will be distributed through the parish schools. While no dates for Confirmation have been decided yet, the parish will shortly begin its preparation for the sacrament. It is planned to have a number of preparation meetings with the children and their parents. These meetings will be held online. We also intend to organise a number of Masses with the children and their families with a special focus on Confirmation and preparing for celebrating the Sacrament.