by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: Young a gambler, old a beggar. It is too late to spare when all is spent. Never putting into the meal tub but always taking out – it soon comes to the bottom.
- ITA’S HALL RENOVATION WORKS:The Management committee wish to advise that the Hall is now closed to the public until early February 2024 to allow for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Hall, recently funded under the Community Centres Investment fund.
GLÓRACH NEWS: A new play called Katie by local playwright Thérèse Prendiville will be coming to the Glórach stage, Abbeyfeale, on September 8th, 9th, and 10th next. The doors will open at 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Katie tells the story of Tony & Maureen’s grief-stricken journey as they mourn the loss of their only child, Katie. Tony & Maureen, with the help of friends, are desperately trying to navigate their way through the painful, complicated world of grief. This play explores themes of love, loss, hope, and relationships. Tickets available at 0871383940 or online www. glorachabbeyfeale. com
CULTURE NIGHT COIS FÉILE: Culture night takes place on September 22 this year. Culture night is always great fun and offers the perfect time to all to showcase the wealth of our culture cois Féile. This is a call to locals who might feel like singing with others, to enjoy a good sing-song. A grand enjoyable culture night cois Féile next September, to include great music, dance, story-telling, sing-along and great songs with a great chorus, is being planned for all to enjoy. If you want to be part of Culture night with friendly folk in Glorach, and sing cois Féile, you can look forward to great benefits, fun, enjoyment, and a rewarding experience on Culture night for culture, community and the craic. A kick off meeting will take place in Glorach later on and details will be published.
OLDER PERSON’S AFTERNOON: A free gathering of older people from the Brosna, Mountcollins, Abbeyfeale, Knocknagoshel and surrounding areas for an afternoon get together took place last Sunday from 2-5pm at Brosna Parish Hall with tea, cake, chat and singalong. It was a huge success and Organiser Sheila Heery 086 1030643 who is determined to rid us of the evil of social isolation has promised more to come.
PLOUGHING TICKETS: The National Ploughing Championships will require online pre-booking. 2023 National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois from September 19th to 21st, for all details please see www.npa.ie.
STORYTELLING: Listowel International Storytelling Festival takes place from September 14th – 17th . Email: [email protected], Telephone: 00353 (0)68 22212, view our Website on https://kerrywritersmuseum.com/storytelling-festival.
DOLLY DAY CHEQUE PRESENTATION: Dolly Day Listowel set the official Guinness Book World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Dolly Parton lookalikes last June. This was a fundraiser for the Kerry Hospice and Comfort for Chemo and the cheque presentation will take place on Saturday, August 26 in Christy’s Bar at 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. The Abbeyfeale Community Alert Dollies are planning to dress up again so anyone fit to blow up balloons needed as some of us are quite deflated after the last couple of months.
SHANNON DOC HAVE MOVED: The office of the our of hours service is now based in the new HSE facility opposite Churchtown Graveyard above St. Ita’s Hospital. Their eircode is V42 RD7G and phone no. is 0818 123500.
TEMPLEGLANTINE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER GROUP: Their official launch is being held in the Devon Inn on Sunday, September 10 at 2pm. Everyone is welcome. They have also set up a Go Fund Me page in order to raise much needed funds.[
ATHEA VINTAGE CLUB : Their annual vintage and Modern Tractor and Car Road run takes place on Sunday, September 3. Registration at 11am. Proceeds in aid of Sophie Mulligan for Ronald McDonald House and Mid West Parkinson Association.
ARRIVE AND JIVE: A four week jiving course starts in Brosna Hall on Friday, September 1st. Contact Tom on 087 3995877.
ABBEYFEALE TOURIST OFFICE: Almost twenty Volunteers each donate three hours a week to cover the hours of 10am-1pm for the months of June, July and Aug. The Tourist Office is located at the Workbase E-Hub on Main Street, following collaboration between the Management of the Building and Abbeyfeale Community Council. For more info email [email protected] If you’re in town any morning give a call in.
PICKLEBALL TASTER SESSION: Anyone interested in getting to know about the popular new game (which is very suitable for those of us who are now in their golden years) is invited to the Listowel Community Centre on Saturday, August 26 from 11 – 12.45pm to see the Kingdom Pickleball Club in action.
RED HURLEY IN CONCERT: GALA CONCERT—RED HURLEY with St. John’s Gregorian Choir, Kerry School of Music Orchestra and Kerry Chamber Choir. “How Great Thou Art” Sunday, September 24th in St. John’s Church at 7.30pm.
Proceeds in aid of Kerry Hospice.
MAUREEN O’HARA EXHIBITION AT FOYNES MUSEUM: The Academy Award which Maureen won can be seen Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm in Foynes Museum.
IRISH MEN’S ROSARY: Will be said on Saturday, September 2 at 1pm in the The Square. Tralee. Further details from John 087 6951298.
WALK FOR JIM: After he received a diagnosis of terminal cancer the late Jim O’Connor, Rathoran had been planning to organise a walk for the cancer bus but events overtook him and he died on Christmas Day 2022. His wife and family have taken on the mantle of organising the walk and it’s now planned for Sunday, September 24 on the Kingdom of Kerry Greenway from Abbeyfeale to Listowel starting at 11am. The walk will be in aid of the Cork Kerry Bus operated by the Kerry Cancer Support Group.
DAY OF PRAYER FOR HEALING: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Scartaglen on Sunday afternoon, September 17.
CLEAN COASTS: The Big Beach Clean celebrates 20 years in operation and this year the clean-up will take place from September 15-17. Register to help at www. cleancoasts.org
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: European Family Weekend August 25-27 offers families the opportunity to energise their relationships, using a language and an approach suitable for all ages (6 years and older). We request a non-refundable deposit of €50 (£45) per family (towards the cost of the venue). We will simply ask families to donate what they can afford at the end of the weekend. Register your interest on [email protected]
PILGRIMAGE: Padre Pio Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday, September 17. Coach will leave Listowel at 7.45am via Ballybunion. From Asdee at 8.15am, Ballylongford 8.30am and Tarbert 8.45am. Contact Bernadette on 087-6019474.
- JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS:Meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Parish Office except for July and August.
GUIDED TOURS OF GLIN CASTLE AND GARDENS: Sunday, September 3 from 12 -6pm. Admission €10. Tickets available at the entrance gate. Coffee, Cakes, Ice Cream, Refreshments and Raffle.
DANAHER MCGRATH TRUST; There are a number of Scholarships ranging from a minimum of €2000 to a maximum of €5000. Applications forms are available from secondary schools in Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Tarbert or through Purtill Woulfe Murphy Solicitors in the square, Abbeyfeale (068 31106) or email [email protected] or [email protected] . Closing date is 31st August 2023.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: A group of volunteers get together every Sunday morning to clean around the Square and Main St. They do a great job but more people are always needed.
DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUP: The weekly Divine Mercy prayer group have (has?) resumed meeting after the 7pm Mass every Monday. New members are always welcome.
VISITOR CENTRE; Glin Knights Visitor Centre open daily 10am – 5pm. Next to Glin Library. Free admission.
LARTIGUE MONORAIL: From May 1st throughout the summer until October 1st, the Lartigue will operate every afternoon from 1pm to 4.30pm in Listowel. Telephone 068 24393.
IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE COURSES: Certified and non-certified Irish Sign Language courses will begin in September 2023 at the College of further education, Mountmahon. Students will be introduced to the Irish Sign Language Dictionary, use common phrases to communicate non verbally, develop vocabulary and language skills and much more. Other courses being offered this September include Beginners Computers and QQI Level 5 Bookeeping . Further information from www. collegeoffet.ie/abbeyfeale or phone 068 31198.
CHURCH NEWS: www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email [email protected] Church Sacristy 068 – 51915 Parish Office 068 – 31133. 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. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from after 10am Mass until 7pm each Friday. There is a chart at the back of the altar where you are asked to fill in an hour at the time that suits you. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.
GARRY MCMAHON TRADITIONAL SINGING WEEKEND OCTOBER 13-16: The official opening by Labhrás Ó Murchú will take place on Friday, October 13 at 8pm. Aifreann na Riocht composed by the Garry McMahon will be offered for the deceased members and friends of West Limerick Singing Club at 6.30pm on Saturday, October 14 in the Church of the Assumption.
TRAIN: Car Park Closure – Colbert Station, Limerick. From Monday 30th May parking will not be available at Colbert Station Car Park, Limerick until further notice. A temporary car park will be located at Roxborough Road (beside CBS Sexton Street) – Eircode V94 Y2V1. Please allow up to 30 minutes extra to get to the station. Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience.
- ITA’S DAY CARE: Open to visitors every Tuesday.Morning Coffee and scones. Lunch, card game, music and dancing. Contact Jane on 068 51850. Meals on Wheels available to everyone Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays etc). Collect from the Day Care or have it delivered. Soup €1; Main Course €7, Half portion €5, Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes €3, Dessert €2. The menu is put on the St Ita’s Day Care Abbeyfeale Facebook page on Friday for the following week. Monday August 21 Breaded Chicken or Pork Chop. Tuesday August 22 Roast Beef or Chicken Fillet. Wednesday August 23 Glazed Ham or Beef Burger. Thursday August 24 Braised Steak or Lamb Chop. Friday, August 25 Fish of Day or Meat Alternative. All meals are gluten free. Call 068 51850 for enquiries and booking. Call before 11 am on the day to order your meal.
CELTIC STEPS THE SHOW: With its Abbeyfeale connections (Murphys – Sweeney, Prendeville- O’Donnell,) will be on stage at the Killarney Racecourse and the Brandon Conference Centre all summer long. They are moving to the INEC this week on account of the Killarney Races. Bookings on [email protected] or 064 6618933.HOT DESK: Work Base E-Hub at Old Bank Building on Main Street is open for Business. For full details and pricing on Private Office Suites, Meeting Room, Hot-desks etc contact Ken Tobin on 086 816 2105.
REOPENING OF ABBEYFEALE MART: A sale is held every Saturday so please support. For further information 087 6903172/ 087 9480484.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: There is a regular clean up in the Reilig Graveyard every Tuesday from 7-9pm. More help is always appreciated as the graveyard is quite big. In order to help with this families are encouraged to maintain their own graves and one near yours if that family is no longer able to. The committee appreciates any help you can give. “Many people walk the path of life with us, only some leave their footprints in our heart”
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Next devotions in Castleisland will not take place again until Tuesday, September 19th at 7.30pm.
SEISIÚN: Templeglantine finished last week but Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel continues on Tuesday nights at 9pm until end Of August. Admission €5.
LISTOWEL/NEWCASTLEWEST CASTLES: Both castles are open to visitors for the summer months. There will be guides available to conduct tours.
KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK; will take place on the 26th of August leaving St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00am on Saturday the cost pp is €25. Please Contact Sheila at the Parish Office with names and Contact Details 064 6631014 or email; [email protected] Please spread the word to those living away who might like to attend.
WRITERS: Creative Writers meet at the Library in Listowel on Tuesdays from 10.30 to noon every fortnight, details from 085 2351 202.
KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES will take place from September 1- 6 led by Bishop Ray. Flights from Kerry Airport. Booking through Marian Pilgrimages Dublin.
PILGRIMAGES: Pilgrimage to Medjugorjie travelling from Cork. September 6 – 13 Return flights from Cork to Dubrovnik, for details & bookings contact: Group Leader – Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen – 066 7127143 or 087 1517696.
MASSES IN ATHEA: The weekend Mass is on Saturday evening for summertime.
NEW TOURISM ACCOMODATION; Grainne and Toby have opened up a self catering cottage and two pods for glamping in Templeglantine just beside the
Greenway. We wish them a great season. Email them for further details on [email protected]
SCEILG MHICHÍL: Open to visitors. Email [email protected] for information on trips.
CARD DRIVE: The 45 Card Drive continues in Raheenagh Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm all year round. All welcome.
RAMBLING HOUSES: 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. Knockalougha on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month. Ita McQuinn’s Rambling House is on the third Friday of the month at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 8pm but has finished until September. Listowel Rambling House takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9.15 pm in the Seanachai Centre.
PRAYER MEETING: Janice Carrig holds a prayer meeting in the Desmond Complex on the last Sunday of the month.
STAMP COLLECTION: Maureen Finnegan is still collecting stamps for charity and you can drop them to the side entrance of NCW church. She has already sent away two black bags full and will be delighted to receive more.
MOUNT TRENCHARD house and gardens Foynes open 9am to 1pm daily -Monday to Friday, June, July and August.
WALK WITH ME: Everyone is invited to join us walking in the Desmene, NCW every Tuesday at 11am. We meet at the entrance to the Soccer Club Cark Park. Limerick Sports Partnership come out each week, this a very enjoyable social event. Looking forward to you walking with us. Maureen Finnegan 087 9845102.
LISTOWEL BINGO: Bingo Sunday night in the Plaza, Church St, at 8.30pm. Welcome back to all old and new players.
TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, are currently recruiting new foster carers to meet the growing demands for placements given the ongoing humanitarian crisis. To find out more about becoming a foster carer please call 1800 226 771.
ORCHARD FOSTERING: You can also get information from Orchard Fostering on fostering at a meeting in the Listowel Community Centre, Bridge Road, Town Park, Listowel V31 VK13 on Tuesday, August 22 from 12-1pm.
COMMUNITY ALERT SCAM ALERT: Anti fraud gardai are advising people to make sure their smart phone access code is different to their online banking codes after it was found that criminals were watching people while they opened their phone, memorised the code, stole the phone and then accessed their bank accounts. Criminals are now focussing more on investment frauds as people are becoming less likely to fall for text or email scams or to click on links. More than €10 million has been scammed from Irish people in online and investment frauds in the first five months of 2023. Investment scams are where criminals create fake websites for investment products or clone real ones and lure potential investors largely through pop up ads online and social media. Once a person makes contact they will be called by a fake ‘broker’ who lures the victim into either transferring funds directly, or downloading software onto their computer which can be used to drain bank a/cs. Between January 1 2020 and May 31, 2023 €43.6 million was reported as stolen from victims’ bank accounts in different types of frauds. Another few scams. If you get a call from someone you don’t know and they say “Can you hear me” do not reply “Yes” Say “I can hear you”. It seems they can use a recording of your “Yes” to sign you up for all kinds of stuff. If you get a text mar ya from one of your children that reads like this; “Hi Mam, my phone is broken, this is my new mobile number. You can save this number and delete my old one” – Ignore and Delete. Be careful about calls from Amazon Prime, if you signed up for a free month’s trial, at the end of it the scammers could ring you up and ask you if you want to sign up or cancel. If you decide you want to sign up and it’s a scammer you’re dealing with they’ll be able to get your credit card details. Ignore text messages about you supposedly passing through the tunnel and not paying. If you don’t recognise the number don’t answer the phone, let them leave a message and then ring them back if you feel you need to. Keep your doors locked so that if you answer someone at the front door there is no danger of an accomplice coming in the back door while your attention is diverted. Banks never ask you to click onto a link – it’s either a y or a n that they require. That’s how the scammers work- put on the pressure and someone will surely fall for it. FAST is the checklist for a stroke. Face – Check to see if one side of the face droops, Arms – Raise both arms, see if one drops down. Speech- check for slurring. Time – if the answer to these is yes call 112/999 immediately. Five ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning. Give. www. mentalhealth Ireland.ie . Ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone. Learn your Eircode – if you have to call for help it will take the services straight to your door. Write ICE before your next of kin’s number in your phone so if you cannot communicate the services will be able to contact your next of kin. If you suffer from a gambling addiction there is a counsellor/psychotherapist available at the Listowel Family Resource Centre. Further information from 068 23584. If you are 65, you live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out or if you spend long periods of the day on your own then, because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65. The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company of €72. There may be some confusion over the word free – the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month payable from day one with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation. Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish, you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly. Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.
HELPLINES: HSE Mental Health Information Line 1800111888. Senior Line Friendly Listening Service 1800 804591. If you are feeling vulnerable contact Pieta House 061 484444/ Samaritans 116123/061 412111. Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie Email [email protected] Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. 01 2107906. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland. Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer. Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Tel: Freephone 1800 80 4848 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). Email: [email protected] A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email [email protected] National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444. Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684. Mental Health Ireland – Helpline 01 2841166. Alzheimers Society, Information and Emotional Help – 1800341341.AMEN( male victims of domestic violence) 0469023718. Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members. Call: 01 5313331. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. . Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick. Tel: 061 485 800 Email: [email protected] Children’s Grief Centre, Limerick. Tel: 061 224 627 Email info@childrensgriefcentre. TeenTxt-Text: TEEN to 50101.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS: If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]