By Marian Harnett

DEATH:  Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Nora Mary Enright, St. Ita’s Road whose funeral took place last week.  May she rest in peace.

WEDDING BELLS:

Congratulations and best wishes for a long, healthy and happy life together to John Browne, Railway Road and Clare O’Connor, Mountcollins who were married recently.

ITA’S RAMBLING HOUSE TO CELEBRATE LIMERICK’S ALL IRELAND:  Ita McQuinn is running a celebration night of Limerick songs, stories and music in Monagea Parish Hall on Friday, August 20 at 8pm sharp.  You are asked to come in the Limerick colours – Green and White and all proceeds will go to charity.

REMEMBERING A PRIEST OF THE DIOCESE:  Fr James Fitzgibbon (1803-1832) was a young Limerick priest who fell victim to the cholera epidemic.  In early summer 1832, the cholera epidemic that for two years had raged through Europe, arrived in Limerick. Among the hundreds that fell victim to the disease, was Fr James Fitzgibbon (1803-1832), originally from St Mary’s parish. The young priest attached to St John’s Parish, ordained from Maynooth in 1827, contracted the illness in the course of his ministry. He died on  August 11, 1832 and a news report of the time reads ‘his funeral being attended by immense crowds’. A Limerick Herald editorial remarked, ‘Since the commencement of the awful malady that has terminated his career, his labours for the poor were unceasing, both day and night… in his mission of love’. Buried in St John’s chapel, his remains were found to be incorrupt in 1861, when they were reinterred in the north transept of the newly constructed St John’s cathedral. We  give thanks for the ministry of all those priests who have faithfully served God’s people in this place, especially in times of difficulty, and we invoke their intercession in this time of pandemic.

OSKARS:  The Oskars will be taking place in the Devon Inn on Friday, October 21.  This fundraiser for St. Ita’s Sheltered Housing has been rescheduled from October 2020.   All tickets will be honoured and if you were involved in the filming contact your producer.

BEAL NA MBLATH COMMEMORATIONS:  Marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Micheal Collins the commemoration will take place between Macroom and Bandon outside Kilmurry on Sunday, August 21 at 3pm.  Oration will be shared by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste. If you plan on travelling the easiest route from Abbeyfeale is Millstreet, Macroom and turn off the Cork road at Kilmurry.  In order to get parking close to the site of the ambush you would need to be there by 1pm.  Bring a folding chair.

PRAYER MEETING:  Janice Carrig will hold a prayer meeting in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Scartaglen on Sunday, August 21 at 2.30pm.
All are welcome.

CLASSES IN THE TECH:  The College of Further Education and Training, Abbeyfeale Campus is now accepting applications for a wide range of part-time courses commencing in September. These include Cookery, Art & Craft, Wood Turning, Upholstery, Furniture Restoration, Childcare, Local History, Genealogy and much more. For further details, and to apply, check out our website www.collegeoffet.ie/abbeyfeale or call us on 06831198.

DRAMA CLASSES:  Glórach have announced that there will be drama classes for children and teenagers taking place on Saturdays over the Autumn and Winter starting on Saturday, September 24 and run for ten weeks.  To register email [email protected] or text 086 1944852.

QUIT MID WEST: Quit Mid-West is a Free Local HSE stop smoking service.   FREE support is available by phone call, video chat or face to face at a clinic near you”. To request a call back from a stop smoking advisor phone Quit Mid-West on 065 6865841 or email [email protected]

IRISH HEART CARDIAC REHAB PODCAST– A series bringing together experts in cardiac rehab and patients who have attended cardiac rehabilitation is available on podcast.  Topics included are exercise, medication, healthy eating and the psychological impact of living with heart disease.  If you have had a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, coronaryartery stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery –log onto https://irishheart.ie/services-for-you/its-cardiac-rehab-podcast/ for information and support’

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE Spiritual Director: Fr. Francis Nolan September 21-28.Return flights from Cork. For details & bookings contact: Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen (Tralee) Tel: 066 7127143 or 087 1517696.

COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS: Voluntary service Community First Responders. Provide a quick response to certain types of emergency callouts. The North East Kerry CFR Group covers, Abbeyfeale, Glin, Athea, Duagh, Knockanure, and Listowel and parts of Moyvane, Ballylongford, and Tarbert. If interested in helping to get a group set up in Abbeyfeale contact 087 6863 726.

GREENWAY SHUTTLE BUS: It runs every hour from 12pm to 4pm between the hubs at Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale.  Further details and reservations on 087 3726914 or limerickgreenwaybikehire.ie

DO YOU NEED TO TALK:  Contact Fr. Tony 087 2600414 or Mike Hayes on 087 7751386, the Samaritans 24 hour service on 116123 or Pieta House 24 hour service 1800 247 247.

JOB OPPORTUNITY –  HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINCY: Chaplains are professionals who provide spiritual, religious and emotional care to people in many different settings. As a chaplain, you will listen to people who are in a very vulnerable place. You’ll celebrate with families who have received great news. You’ll mark the beginning of lives, the end of lives and the many transforming moments in between. What training do I need? Board certification is required for employment as a chaplain. The Healthcare Chaplaincy Board (HCB) offers certification to Roman Catholics who: 1 Hold a degree in Theology (NFQ Level 8). 2 Complete H Dip or Masters in Pastoral Theology (Healthcare Chaplaincy) or 3 units of Clinical Pastoral Education. 3 Successfully meet the HCB Standards for Healthcare Chaplaincy.  Email: [email protected]  The Bursary is provided by the Bon Secours Health System.