By Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: Four things you can’t get back: The stone after it’s thrown. The word after it’s said. The occasion after it’s missed. The time after it’s gone. Diocese of Limerick Thought for the day.
DEATHS: We offer our sincere sympathies to Nancy and family on the death of Noel Lynch, late of the US and Railway Rd. We also offer Helga Henn and family, Dromtrasna sincere sympathies on the death of Norbert. May they rest in peace.
WEDDING WISHES: Congratulations to Damien Leahy and Janette Quirke who celebrated the sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale recently. We wish them every happiness in
their married life together.
DANAHER MCGRATH TRUST SCHOLARSHIP: Young people from Athea, Abbeyfeale, Mountcollins, Tournafulla and Templeglantine are invited to apply for a range of scholarships from a minimum of €2,000 to a maximum of €5,000 that are open to full time college students. Application forms are available from Abbeyfeale Credit Union, local secondary schools or Woulfe Murphy Solicitors. Closing date is August 31 and terms and conditions apply.
START IT UP COMPETITION: Nick Cotter Jnr., who is the son of Jackie and Nicky Cotter, Dromtrasna, is one of six junior entrepreneurs in the running for a top prize of 40K. The second episode of the competition was aired on the GSEA You Tube channel on Thursday, June 16 at 5pm and featured Nick, plenty of firewood, logs and a lamb! Nick won through to next week’s final and the winner will be announced on Thursday, June 23. We’re all rooting for young Nicky and there is great excitement around Abbeyfeale. Check out the link on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKMFaZCMuY4&t=1s
PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: The Abbeyfeale Eucharistic Adoration Committee organised a wonderful day in Knock on Saturday last joining pilgrims from all over Ireland in attending the National Eucharistic Adoration pilgrimage. A big thank you to Kathleen Kennelly and Teresa O’Connell who organised the bus and arranged for a comfort stop in Roots Restaurant in Kilcolgan on the journey up and down where we were met with great hospitality and a fine choice of menu. Then it was onto Knock where the weather was grand and we were able to participate in all the outdoor activities and attend Mass in the Bascilica.
A word to anyone planning a trip over the next few months, the shortage of priests is also affecting Knock and there are long queues for Confessions so maybe make that your first stop when you arrive. There are also queues for getting Masses said but at least its volunteers you are dealing with there. Because the Basilica was full for the ceremonies and again because of the shortage of priests the blessing of the sick was moved to the foyer after Mass as they were trying to cater for the bus loads who had been told to return to their busses around 4.30pm. We were delighted to meet Fr. Tom McMahon late of Duagh parish in the foyer as we queued for a blessing. Our bus driver Timmy Quinn from Kilmorna was very obliging and bent over backwards to help us and there was no rushing no matter what speed us elderly ladies were moving at. So, a great day was had by all and again a huge thank you to Teresa and Kathleen who took on the onerous task of minding 30 of us.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights committee say “In our town, we believe in Christmas. With this in mind, we started 5 years ago to provide new lighting. Every year we work very hard with volunteers to fundraise so that we can add to our stock. We need to raise a lot of money to finish our task “ Log onto I donate and you can enter a raffle for two Garth Brooks tickets for his concert in September with all monies going to the Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights committee www.idonate.ie/AbbeyfealeChristmasLights.
DAY CARE CENTRE: Now open to visitors every Tuesday. Contact Jane on 068 51850.
MEALS ON WHEELS NOW AVAILABLE FROM ST. ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE: Meals on Wheels are available from the Centre – to book a delivery ring 068 51850.
PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: If you are interested in travelling to Lourdes this September 22-27 contact Fr. Tony. Staying at the Hotel La Solitude, complimentary group insurance, cost €789. Pilgrims must be fully vaccinated to travel as part of this group.
COMMUNITIES TOGETHER AT RATHFREDAGH GARDEN FÊTE: Friends of Rathfredagh and staff are planning their Garden Fête, Sunday July 3 at 12 noon after a two-year hiatus. They are planning to have a special community space where community groups can have a free stand to show people what is available in the West Limerick Community, with a view to increasing membership and social connectedness. If you are interested in having a free stand on the day then please email Helen in Rathfredagh, email helen.o’[email protected], closing date to book your spot is Wednesday June 22 at 5pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to support people get back into their stride, back into their community and bring communities together. Go on, she is waiting to hear from you!
CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030 www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email [email protected] Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068 -31133. Confessions every Saturday evening at 6pm. To book a Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 068 51915. Intentions: Wednesday 10am Gerard Curtin, Brosna who died recently. Alan Martin, husband of Elena Harnett, Knockbrack who is a patient in the Mater Hospital with serious injuries after being attacked as he withdrew money from an ATM in Dublin on Tuesday, June 14.
GRASSROOTS GAA: Stories are being collected for publication, details from 086 821 7631, or contact [email protected]