By Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  No matter how long you have travelled in the wrong direction, you always have the choice to turn around.  Dromard parish leaflet.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION AGM:  The AGM of the association will take place in the Longcourt Hotel, NCW on Tuesday, September 13 at 8pm.  New members are all welcome..

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.  This will be a real Oscar moment for the people who took part in the various films with presentations to those deemed to be the best actor, best comedian etc. etc. so start thinking about making your hair and beauty appointments because this is your night to shine.

DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE 2022 BREAKING NEWS:  “ Delighted to announce that the Dromtrasna Challenge will take place on Saturday, October 22nd. in aid of Milford Care Centre. Registration will open shortly. Just seven weeks to go so plenty of time to get organised.

AGM: The AGM of Abbeyfeale Community Council will take place at Leens Hotel
on Thursday, September 8 at 7pm. Have your voice heard.  This is a time for the younger members of our community to step up to the plate.  My equals have done our bit down all the years and now we need fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energy to get this town moving again.

REOPENING OF ABBEYFEALE MART:  The freshly painted Mart reopened last weekend with a Weanling Show and General Sale. The canteen was a real topic of conversation with the great food and good service remarked upon  making a very welcoming meeting place for people who have been isolated for the past 30 months. A sale will be held every Saturday so please support. For further information 087 6903172/ 087 9480484.

COMHALTAS MUSIC CLASSES:  The Comhaltas traditional music classes will be recommencing on Monday nights at Halla Inse Bán and most instruments associated with traditional music will be catered for. Enrolment for the new season of classes took place at Halla Inse Bhán on Monday, September 5.   It is hoped that all the pupils from last season will be back to continue their musical progress. Newcomers and beginners will also be taken on. For any queries or further information on these music classes contact 0879654451.

GOOD LUCK: Our own Toddy McMahon will be showcasing his Whiskey Ribs at Dingle Food Fair. September 30 – October 2 in Dingle.

GLÓRACH NEWS:  PRO Lorcan Curtin writes;  “It was an unforgettable night of music at the Glórach and our September series of events at the Theatre got off to a flying start with the dynamic duo of Ger Sexton and Ger O’Donnell taking to the stage and delivering a magnificent show.  Soulful performances of folk and popular songs abounded, with an outstanding version of ‘The Unquiet Grave’ by Luke Kelly being a particular standout.  Gifted multi-instrumentalists, with the banjo and flute providing effective accompaniment to the tightness of their guitar playing, the only question on the lips of the crowd present was when they would be returning to the Glórach again.   Hopefully soon, but for the moment our next focus is on Friday 16th when Folk singer Daoiri Farrell returns to the venue.  Tickets are moving nicely for this much anticipated gig, so make sure to book at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 0871383940.  Thanks to all who supported us at the concert on Saturday and also supported our raffle, and given the rising fuel prices, a particularly special mention to those who travelled great distances, with patrons arriving from locations as far flung as Kilfinane and Newmarket on Fergus.  Proof of the positive power of music, look forward to seeing ye on the 16th.

FARMERS’ MARKET FOR FR. TIM:  Abbeyfeale Community Garden before it closed down held a sale of produce every summer at the Church of the Assumption and plans are in train by the members of Abbeyfeale for Africa to hold a similar market on Sunday, September 18 after 10am Mass.  We have already received donations of blackcurrant and marmalade jams from Helga Henn as well as Knocknagoshel honey and have been offered apple tarts, home made brown bread, scones,  rhubarb and cooking apples, alo vera plants, herbs such as chives and plenty of surprises on the day.  All money raised will be lodged to Fr. Tim’s a/c in the Credit Union which remains open all year round.  Your support will be welcome.

GARY MCMAHON SINGING: The Gary McMahon Singing Weekend will take place in Abbeyfeale from Friday, October 14 – 16.

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.

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.  There has been a lot of talk recently about the wait time for ambulances and if there was a group of first responders locally they could provide much needed reassurance to people who are having a medical episode.