By Marian Harnett

DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the Murphy family on the death of Eileen Murphy, Dromtrasna Collins. Sincere sympathy to Mary and Sinead and the extended Downey family on the death of Noel, Church St.  May they  rest in peace.

TIM O’BRIEN AT THE GLÓRACH THEATRE:  PRO Lorcan Curtin says “No better way to banish the lethargy that can persist after Nollaig na mban by having an upcoming concert to look forward to, and we’re fairly excited about this one.  So much so that we were oblivious to the ferocious rain and incessant traffic when we put up large posters on Christmas Eve morning, such was our desire to let locals know in advance. On Saturday, January 28th, the gifted Tim O’Brien, one of the finest exponents of bluegrass music, will take to the stage alongside his partner Jan Fabricius. A brilliant songwriter and interpreter of other artists’ songs, check out this Nashville based grammy winner and then make sure to book a ticket and avoid the disappointment of missing what promises to be a very special night.  Curtains up at 8 pm, tickets can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 0871383940”

STORY OF THE BUTTER ROAD TO CORK:  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.

CITIZENS ADVICE HELPLINE:  You can contact them Monday – Friday between 9.30 -4.15pm on 076 1075780 or email [email protected]

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

ST JOHNS THEATRE, LISTOWEL: Sean Keane Live in Concert on Friday, January 13th at 8pm.  Bookings 068 22566.

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

THE BUDS OF BALLYBUNION by JOHN B. KEANE:  The Loughill/Ballyhahill drama group, Abha Bhán Players, will be performing  The Buds of Ballybunion in  The Tintean Theatre,  on Saturday night January 28 at 7.30pm. The website is now open for booking tickets. This was performed in Ballyhahill last November to huge acclaim so now is a chance, in case you missed it, to see it in the Tintean theatre.

ADULT IRISH SPEAKING CLASSES:  Abbeyfeale branch of Conradh na Gaeilge will recommence their very successful ‘ Coiral Comhrá on Wednesday, January 18 from 7.30 – 8.30pm in the LCETB located in the Old Tech, Mountmahon.  The main aim is to promote and encourage Irish speaking in the locality from a very basic level ( Bunrang) to a more advanced level ( Ardchúrsa)..  The classes will run for six weeks and cost €30.  Further information or to book your place from Donal Murphy on 068 31661 (9am – 5pm.)

RELAUNCH OF “A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF RE. WILLIAM CASEY P.P.: ”Copies of the relaunched book are on sale in Batts and in the Siopa Milsean at a very reasonable €8.  Every household should have a copy so that the children will gain an appreciation of where they come from and the hardships suffered by those who went before them.

AA OPEN MEETING – The Tarbert Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, We are beginning our 21st year with an Open Meeting in the Tarbert Community Centre on  Saturday. January 14 at 8pm – Everybody Welcome.

PILGRIMAGE: To Medjugorje Spiritual Director: Fr Francis Nolan. 6 – 13 September 2023. Return flights from Cork to Dubrovnik, for details & bookings contact: Group Leader – Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen (Tralee),Tel: 066 7127143 or 087 1517696.

FESTIVAL: THE Wander Wild Festival, at Killarney from March 24th-26th. Many events are free, See www.wanderwildfestival.com for more.

CHURCH NEWS:  Abbeyfeale is part of the parish pastoral unit that consists of Athea, Templeglantine, Tournafulla and Mountcollins.  Contact numbers are as follows:
Fr. Willie Russell Tel 087/2272825.  Fr Tony Mullins Tel 087/2600414 Fr. Denis Mullane Tel 087/2621911. Fr Dan Lane Retired Tel 087/2533030.  There is always a priest from one of the other pastoral areas on emergency call on Sundays and his name and number is published on the parish website and also on the weekly newsletter.   Mass intentions: Wednesday 10am  Mossie and Elsie Nolan, Tournafulla.  Saturday 6.30pm  Peg and James O’Grady and son James. Peg and Philip Woulfe, Kilconlea Upr.  Sunday 12 noon.  John Collins, Ennis and late of Glenashrone. If you are interested in either being a Reader of the Word or an Eucharist Minister contact Fr. Tony Mullins or the sacristy before or after Mass.  Baptisms in Abbeyfeale will be celebrated on the first Saturday of each month at 5.00pm. Also, on the second Sunday of the month after the 12 noon Mass. Contact the Sacristy 068/51915 during Mass Times

BRIDGE CLUB:  Abbeyfeale Bridge Club meet at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre every Thursday from 7.30pm.  New members welcome.

GLÓRACH BINGO:  Returns Monday, January 9th.  All welcome.

ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUB:  We are hoping to have the Parish Youth Club up and running very shortly. There is a need for parent volunteers to help with the running of the club.  If you have some time and are willing to help contact Noreen Cullinane on
Messenger on 087-2353306.

  1. 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.