By Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of his blessed Mother. Amen.
8th. ANNUAL MEMORIAL SWIM: The Connie Harnett Memorial Swim will take place in Ballybunion at 1pm on New Year’s Day. Raffle, Family Fun, Refreshments. Proceeds to The Saoirse Centre, Listowel, St. John of God’s and Down Syndrome Kerry.
ABBEYFEALE’S CONNECTION TO NEWGRANGE AND THE WINTER SOLSTICE: Professor Michael J. O’Kelly was born in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick in 1915. Although he was Christened as Michael, his family called him Brian. He was one of Ireland’s most prominent archaeologists, having studied at University College Cork. His legacy is long-standing and his body of work is incredibly well respected in the field of archaeological academia. Shortly after graduating with his MA, he was appointed to the role of curator at the Cork Public Museum, a position which he retained for over 20 years. He also replaced his great mentor Seán O’Ríordáin as head of the archaeology department at his alma mater, UCC. Newgrange is largely regarded as his life’s work, his magnum opus as it were. His name has become synonymous with the monument. https://www.irelandxo.com/ireland/meath/news/chronicles-insight-newgrange-and-winter-solstice?ct=t%28Newgrange+and+the+Winter+Solstice%29
CHRISTMAS PRAYERS IN RELIG IDE NAOFA: Well done to the committee and especially to John who brushed all the paths to make sure there were no remnants of frost left last Sunday. Thank you too to Canon Tony and Fr. Willie who said the prayers for all our dead.
LIVE CRIB IN DUAGH: The Live Crib opened on Sunday 18th December after Mass in Duagh and will remain open until January 6.
WALK: In aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital will take place at 11.30am on St. Stephen’s Day from O’Brien’s Bar, Duagh. All welcome.
CAREGIVERS: online course, ‘Building Better Caregivers’ due to begin in January which will offer valuable support and practical advice to those supporting a loved one through cancer treatment. The free course, is given over two and half hours, one day a week, for six weeks and will cover topics such as communication skills; staying well and getting a good night’s sleep; tools for managing fatigue; dealing with challenging emotions and behaviour and getting help and action planning. For more information, please ring Reception at Recovery Haven on 066 7192122 Recovery Haven Kerry – Cancer Support House. https://www.recoveryhavenkerry.com
SWIM: Christmas Day Swim in aid of the Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue on Christmas day at 12.30pm from the Sea & Cliff Rescue building. Sponsorship cards are available from Mike Flahive 087-9502167.
EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTRE, 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
CARA: Cara are all about the Creative Arts Raising Abbeyfeale – a dedicated group set up to promote and showcase Abbeyfeale through the arts. The idea is to use the arts to lift the profile of Abbeyfeale on a local, regional and national level. The calendar “Abbeyfeale – The Bare Essentials” is their first project. Calendars on sale throughout the town and are currently making their way to ex pats all over the world through [email protected] If you are looking for an unusual gift for your loved one who is far from home this Christmas this will surely put a smile on their face and they will make a collector’s item in time to come. Sales will not only benefit the Irish Cancer Society but will enable CARA “to create a dedicated fund for future artworks and creative projects in the Abbeyfeale streetscape”.
- ITAS DAY CARE: Open to visitors every Tuesday. Morning Coffee and scones. Lunch, music and dancing. Contact Jane on 068 51850. Meals on Wheels are available and can be booked in advance.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Knockalougha on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month.. Every 1st Thursday of each month there is a Rambling House in the Community Centre in Knockanure.. All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.
Ita McQuinn, Monagea Rambling House is on the third Thursday of the month at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 8pm. Listowel Rambling House takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9.15 pm in the Seanachai Centre.
Christmas greetings from the Glórach
A momentous year came to a close on Monday evening with our final bingo of 2022, a surfeit of Christmas Hampers given out and a well deserved break awaiting our volunteers. Thanks to all of our volunteers who have ensured the smooth running of a wide variety of events this year, and to you, the public, who have given us such fantastic support throughout the year. Be it concerts, plays, choral music, film or the aforementioned bingo, these events become so much more with your support. Plenty planned for the new year, for now we’ll bask in the success of our first ‘normal’ year since the pandemic. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.