By Marian Harnett
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to Johnjoe and family on the recent death of Betty O’Connor, Dromtrasna. May she rest in peace.
WEDDING BEST WISHES: Congratulations to Tara Finucane of Knockanure and Joe Flaherty of Abbey Tyres and Knocknasna who were married recently in Athea Church and held their reception at The Devon Inn.
URGENT: BLOOD DONOR CLINIC IN NCW: The HSE have put out an urgent request for blood donations at the Community Centre, Newcastle west on Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th June from16:50 – 20:10. Existing & New Blood Donors welcome.
To make an appointment please phone 1800 222 111
DOLLY DAY IN LISTOWEL: In an extraordinary gesture of generosity Dolly Parton is supporting the Listowel world record attempt for the most people dressed as Dolly. The charity event takes place on the 24th June next in Listowel in Ireland and Dolly has donated two nights’ accommodation with 5 star treatment , costing $10,000 in her personal tour bus. Eugene Naughton, the manager of Dollywood, who has relatives near Listowel heard of the world record attempt in aid of two cancer charities, The Kerry Hospice and Comfort for Chemo Kerry. He rowed in behind the record attempt and is travelling to Listowel on June 24th to represent Dolly. Eugene will speak at the event. Dollyday chairperson Cora O’ Brien, says “the people of Kerry will be eternally grateful to Eugene for his commitment to helping those with cancer.”Dollyday is organised by a local committee of volunteers in this small town which is known as Ireland’s literary capital.Tickets are available at Eventbrite and hundreds will dress up as Dolly. Philip Sheppard of the world- renowned Sheppard’s Irish Auction House has agreed to auction the Dolly experience at Sheppard’s Garden auction on the 27th June. Sheppard’s are donating their services free of charge. Dolly fans from all over the world are expected to bid for this unique experience. All monies raised will go directly to the cancer charities, who do such wonderful work all day, every day. The de -luxe package includes includes a private dining experience, tickets to Dolly’s Pigeon Forge dinner shows, the Dollywood theme park and Dolly-approved merchandise. Dolly’s personal chefs will prepare a special feast for the people who put in the winning bid.There’s stone soup, made just as Dolly’s mama once cooked it, lip-smacking ribs in a secret sauce, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken with a side of creamy mac ’n’ cheese. Away from the glitter and rhinestones, the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience illustrates another facet of the country music icon’s life—the free-spirited traveller. Dolly’s former tour bus gives an authentic look into her colourful interpretation of life on the road from late 2008 to March 2022.
In the 13 years Dolly travelled on this Prevost bus, it travelled roughly 360,000 miles throughout North America. While on the road, Dolly spent most of her time writing. She wrote albums such as “Backwoods Barbie” and “9 to 5 the Musical,” but she also wrote books, television shows and movies. Dolly used her time on the bus to relax and work, both of which she found in writing. This Prevost tour bus was Dolly’s home away from home. Dolly does not enjoy flying, so it was important that her bus was comfortable and could accommodate long trips. A number of customizations and upgrades were done to make sure the bus was fit for Dolly’s life touring the country. She designed the bus as a space to do work. Dolly customized the interior décor of the bus to represent her life on the road. Dolly once said “I have homes all over the United States, but my favourite place is the bus.”
Dolly requested special hand-painted murals to adorn the walls of the bus. These unique paintings of wayfaring wanderers, wagons and crystal balls paint the interpretation of life on the road for the singer.
Jewel-toned fabrics and décor blend seamlessly with the overall theming that Dolly envisioned and brought to life.
In March 2022, Dollywood’s Dream More Resort and Spa acquired the tour bus and created the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience. Suite 1986 is an authentic Dolly Parton experience that gives guests a unique and genuine look into the music icon’s life.
The prayer table at the foot of the bed is where Dolly read her Bible. The worn area on the carpet marks the spot in front of the mirror. America’s queen of country relaxed in the specially commissioned bathtub after her shows. She slept in her custom designed bed. This is where Dolly was at her best, on the road, entertaining her fans and writing those iconic life changing songs. Read more on www.dollywood.com
MEMORIAL FOR KILLIAN O’SULLIVAN O’BRIEN: There was a large attendance at the Light on Stone area in The Town Park last Thursday evening in honour of the late Killian O’Sullivan who touched many people in Abbeyfeale from the time he moved here from Cork. He was very friendly and helpful and volunteered with Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns and took a stall at the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market selling face masks during Covid. Facilitators for the gathering were Jennifer O’Connell, Denis Daly, Amanda Colbert Cahill and Kadie Colbert. One of Killian’s friends had composed a rap about the shocking loss he had suffered and what it meant to him to lose his best friend and this was played in the background. Jennifer then spoke and said “The loss of a child to suicide is an unimaginable tragedy that leaves a profound impact on us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Killian’s family and friends who are experienced this devastating loss. Grief is a deeply personal and complex journey that affects each of us differently. Even if we didn’t know Killian personally, the ripple effect of grief can touch us all. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the profound pain experienced by those left behind. It’s essential to recognise that grief knows no boundaries; it doesn’t distinguish between acquaintances and close friends. We are all part of this community, and the loss of one affects us all. In the wake of such a tragic event, it is natural to experience a range of emotions. We may feel shocked, disbelief, anger, sadness, or even guilt. These emotions are valid, and it’s important to give ourselves permission to process them. Let us remember that grief doesn’t have a timeline or a roadmap, and we all cope in our own unique ways. We must extend compassion and support to one another during this challenging time. It may also be that the impact of this death has brought other deaths you may have experienced previously, more sharply into your mind. You may wonder if there was something you could have done to have prevented this person from dying. Whatever your connection to the person who has died, you can talk about how you are feeling and how the death has affected you. Any individual death, especially a death by suicide, can affect many, many people, like ripples on the surface of a pond. Many people are sad and distressed after a death by suicide, and you don’t have to be a family member or friend of the person who has died to be deeply affected. For instance, you may be a member of the local community or a neighbour. Grief can also serve as a reminder for us, of the importance of cherishing the relationships we have and fostering a sense of community. It prompts us to reflect on our own mental well-being and that of those around us. It compels us to come together, to lend a listening ear, and to offer a helping hand. Grief can be a catalyst for change, inspiring us to advocate for mental health resources, support systems, and open dialogue about these difficult topics. As we move forward, let us honour the memory of Killian by fostering an environment that supports one another through grief and beyond. Reach out to your neighbours, your friends, and even those you may not know well. Offer a kind word, a gesture of support, or simply a listening ear. Together, we can navigate this journey of healing and resilience. Remember that it’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling with grief or your mental health. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide support and guidance. Let us reinforce the importance of seeking assistance when needed and ensure that no one in our community faces their battles alone. In conclusion, let us acknowledge the personal impact of grief, even if we didn’t know Killian personally. Let us stand together in our shared humanity, supporting one another through this difficult time and committing to creating a community that prioritises mental well-being and compassion. If you are feeling despair or suicidal thoughts, please seek support from those around you, or contact your GP or organisations such as Pieta (1800 247 247) or Samaritans (116 123). If you or someone you know needs help right now, in the first instance contact Barnardos Helpline offers information and support relating to bereavement from 10 am to 12 pm Monday to Thursday. Helpline: 01 473 2110 www.barnardos.ie Childline is Ireland’s 24 hour national listening service for young people aged up to 18 years. 24 Hour Free Phone Helpline: 1800 666 666 Text: TALK to 50101 www.childline.ie 50808 is Ireland’s free 24 hour anonymous messaging service for people in crisis. Text: YMH to 50808 www.text50808.ie Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line is a national bereavement support service available Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm.