By Marian Harnett
CHRISTMAS PARTY IN ST. ITA’S: The annual Christmas party takes place on Tuesday, December 13. The day starts from 10 -11.30 with tea and scones, followed by a game of bingo from 12noon with Christmas Lunch served at 1pm and followed by Christmas Carols with the ACA Choir, music, song, dancing and for those who like a game of cards–there’s a quiet corner. The charge is €15, you must book in advance on 068 51850 and everyone is welcome.
KNOCK Shrine Night Vigil. The Feast of Immaculate Conception Wednesday, 7th December, Coaches Departs: Listowel. 5:00pm (The Bridge); Abbeyfeale 5:15pm (The Church), contact: O’Shea’s. 066 71 80123.
Joe Harrington’s recent book: ‘Once Upon a Road’, is now in its second print run having become a best seller in some bookshops. It is now available in Harnett’s Gala on the Killarney Road out of Abbeyfeale. It can also be ordered by post from Joe who can be contacted at 0872853570 for more information.
COMETH THE TIME , COMETH THE FILM: Abbeyfeale on Film and In Context is that film! As in life there are no guarantees, but it will be astonishing if within the various clips that are shown in the film that there isn’t a friend, family member, neighbour (or even an enemy!) that you will recognize from those days gone by. Clairvoyants can, reputedly, foretell the future – not sure what to call somebody who can look back to the past, but, it doesn’t matter because that ability to see into the past is bestowed upon you for one night only, by merely visiting the Glórach, so that you can witness, at one remove, the life and times of your ancestors. What’s striking about this film is the extensive interviews with people from the time of the “Land Wars” and “A Day at the Fair” and the striking example of their belief and commitment to the struggle of achieving better times for themselves and for their descendants and successors. We are gradually losing touch with our past, a bit like the ship sailing out to the deep blue ocean, the outline of the shoreline becomes more and more indistinct. So, before waving goodbye to our past; why not take one last lingering look at what life was like for our ancestors before you, too, sail away in the metaphorical ship of life. If our ancestors could have known that a film that captured their struggles would be available for viewing by later generations, for whom they did so much, and that due recognition wasn’t accorded to those struggles by witnessing on celluloid a blow-by-blow account of what sustained them through centuries of trial and unremitting challenges – they would, indeed, be disappointed. Particularly, as 80% of the ticket sales go to our 8 local churches – Abbeyfeale, Athea, Brosna, Duagh, Knocknagoshel, Mountcollins,Templeglantine and Tournafulla. However, the film is not just about Abbeyfeale; it looks at the Sabbath, takes a poignant look at the marginalised and dispossessed in Irish society, re-visits the Easter Rising, provides an insight into the experiences of the emigrant and takes a deep dive into how our National Anthem came into being. Abbeyfeale on Film last showing for 2022 on Saturday, December 10. Because of the interest the film has generated we have been promised a couple of showings in January. Tickets €10 can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or by calling 0871383940.
COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING, MOUNTMAHON, ABBEYFEALE: The following free courses will be starting in January 2023: 1. Healthy eating made easy: This course is packed full of hints and tips for the home cook, and will allow learners to take their cooking to the next level. 2 ; Everyday cookery skills: Learners will explore a range of classic recipes aimed at healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options with a dish to suit everyone’s taste. 3: Cookery for blokes: Men, this class is for you. This class will allow you to develop your everyday cookery skills in a modern, purpose-built culinary fun setting; 4. Grow your own vegetables: This practical course will also cover a range of useful tips and ideas suitable to your own gardens at home. You will be based in our large polytunnel on-campus which comprises a variety of raised beds and gardening equipment. Please call the office on 06831198 for more information, Email: [email protected] or register at www.collegeoffet.ie/abbeyfeale
BROADFORD YOUTH CHOIR RINGS IN CHRISTMAS AT GLÓRACH: The acclaimed Broadford Youth Choir will come to Abbeyfeale to ring in the Christmas season at the Glórach Theatre on Friday, December 9th. The choir will bring a programme of festive favourites including classics such as O Holy Night, I Believe in Father Christmas, Christmas 1915 and more recent hits such as Christmas Lights, 2000 Miles and Last Christmas. Directed by Susan Browne, the choir is almost eleven years in existence and has approximately 70 members. Broadford Youth Choir aims to offer musical training and opportunities in a setting that is inclusive to all and to offer exceptional life experiences to the young people of West Limerick.
The choir has toured extensively including their most recent trip to perform at the Irish Embassy in New York, 2019. The choir also performed to rave reviews at the official Irish Gaelic mass at St. Agnes Church, St. Peter’s Church at the WTC and Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Building quite a following throughout the trip, the choir was lauded for its performances and the professionalism of the young people.
Broadford Youth Choir will travel to Paris next March to participate in St. Patrick’s Day events and are excited to once again be taking to the stage for full audiences. Throughout the pandemic, the choir continued to perform by creating safe spaces and opportunities. Christmas 2020 saw the kids brave the elements and perform an outdoor drive-in concert at Springfield Castle and Easter 2021 provided the opportunity to an online series of sacred song. They also participated in the Lourdes Online Pilgrimmage 2021 while many of the soloists went on to great success online and in person at Feis Ceoil and Feis Maitiu. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear this outstanding group perform. You will be singing in your seats and leave the beautiful Glorach Theatre full of festive joy. Tickets are €15 per person and can be purchased online or by contacting the Glorach 087 1383040.