By Marian Harnett
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Joe Kelly, Collins Park who died recently. May he rest in peace.
GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: The annual Parish Christmas Concert starring the Celtic Brothers formerly The Willoughby’s takes place in the Church of the Assumption on Sunday, 11th of December 7.30pm. Tickets will go on sale next weekend. More details will be announced during the
week. Proceeds in aid of St Ita’s Hall Renovation Fund.
RELAUNCH OF “A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF RE. WILLIAM CASEY P.P.:” It’s been 114 years since J.D. Harnett’s book “A Sketch of the Life of Rev William Casey P.P. of Abbeyfeale” was first published in 1908, following the death of Fr. Casey himself in December 1907. Copies of the original book are extremely rare and difficult to come by, and yet so sought after that a collaborative approach between different individuals and Groups on either side of the Limerick / Kerry border has now resulted in the research and republishing of this iconic biography, along with some additional content and images.
Endearingly referred to as the “Peoples Priest” and well known for attracting thousands of people at monster meetings during the late 1800’s / early 1900’s, Fr Casey was a national icon and a passionate promoter of The National Land League and the fight for tenants’ rights.
Special guests will be in attendance and refreshments will be served on the night.
The relaunching of “A Sketch of the Life of Rev William Casey P.P. of Abbeyfeale” will take place at the Glórach Theatre, Convent Rd, Abbeyfeale V94 H9C8 on Friday, November 11 at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm and all are welcome.
ONE WOMAN SHOW: Frances Kennedy, she of the great singing voice and the earthy humour is hosting a one woman show at St. John’s, Listowel on Friday, November 18. She’ll send you home with a smile on your face.
LOST SOULS AT THE GLÓRACH: Heavenly harmonies will be the order of the evening at the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, November 12th as the Lost Souls take to the stage. The group are no strangers to the venue, nor to the Abbeyfeale public who have seen them in memorable gigs in the past in McEnery’s Bar and the Church. Over the past eleven years the group has cultivated a wide following, with their tight musicianship, soaring vocals and easygoing style. Mixing it up on guitars will be Dr Mick O’Donnell and Gary O’Keeffe, with D Dennison keeping a steady rhythm on bass. The Abbeyfeale version of ‘The Commitments’ singers is made up of Noreen Cotter, Orla Dennison, Martina McAuliffe and Kelly Hartnett, with the possibility of a few guest appearances by other acclaimed local vocalists during the night. Covering artists as diverse as Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor and the Cranberries to name but a few, the Lost Souls always put a unique stamp on the songs and very definitely make them their own. Always open to experimentation, they stunned patrons at the concert for Ukraine last May with their electric version of ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ by Pink Floyd, a definite first in the Church of the Assumption! Expect an eclectic mix this Saturday as the Lost Souls make a welcome return to a venue ideally suited to their sound. Don’t be disappointed and make sure to book tickets at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or by calling 0871383940.
CULTURE NIGHT AT THE GLÓRACH: It’s been three long years, but after the successful show for Culture Night in September 2019 little did we think it would be this length of time before we hit the Glórach Boards again. Celebrating the themes of community and culture, the show aims to celebrate the best of our culture and heritage, and will feature acclaimed local musicians and singers, and also a retelling of one of the most famous love stories of all time. The show will take place at the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, November 19th and tickets can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or by calling 0871383940
NOVEMBER AT THE GLÓRACH: Local singer Denis Curtin makes a welcome return to the venue with various traditional musicians joining him on the night of Saturday 26th November. Abbeyfeale on Film kicks off on Thursday, November 24th, with further dates on the 25th, 30th and 1st, 10th and 11th of December. Archival footage of the town has been expertly brought together under one film, providing a rich delving into our not so distant past. Tickets for all events can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or by calling 0871383940.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Keep Sunday, November 27 free for our annual Christmas Party in Fr. Casey’s Club House with dancing after lunch to Paddy Qulligan. Tickets are €25. There will be goodie bags for everyone in the audience and talks from the local Fire Station Officer and our new Community Garda Tommy Commane.
BOOK LAUNCHES: A local girl, Catherine Richardson formerly Catherine Fitzgerald from Knocknasna daughter of Mikie and the late Betty has just published her first book. It’s entitled ‘The Simple Life’. Catherine qualified as a nurse but continued with more studies in Reflexology, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and other therapies. The book gives us an insight into Catherine’s life and the influences that shaped it combined with practical information – a real treasure to be read and reread. The book is available in two well known shops ‘ An Siopa Milséan and ‘ Heavenly Gifts’. Catherine will be launching her book in the Castle Oaks Hotel in Castleconnell on Saturday, November 19th at 7.30pm. The following Saturday, November 26th she will be signing copies of the book in ‘Nature’s Hand’ – the health shop in the Crescent Shopping Centre between 11am – 1pm. Then on Saturday,November 26th, Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel will be host to a book launch by local man Pat Mulcahy. His book entitled ‘For God and Country’ are the memoires of the Rockchapel man as he describes his colourful and eventful life spanning his start in Jersey during WW2, life in the US in the army and NYPD and his return to his native County Cork. Pat was co-founder of Project Children, an organisation responsible for bringing over 23,000 children from the troubles of Northern Ireland to the US for a six week break. The launch begins at 8pm with entertainment from local musicians followed by refreshments. All proceeds will go to Rockchapel NS and Bruach na Carraige. Pat’s mother was Eileen Mulcahy (nee Moriarty) from Caherlane, Abbeyfeale. It’s a very small world as Pat’s wife, Kathleen Beirne whom he met in the US is my neighbour from Co. Longford