by Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  A NURSE’S REPLY:  What do we see, you ask, what do we see?  Yes, we are thinking when looking at thee.  We may seem to be hard when we hurry and fuss, but there’s many of you and too few of us. We would like far more time to sit by you and talk, to bath you and feed you and help you to walk.  To hear of your lives and the things you have done; your childhood, your husband, your daughter, your son.  But time is against us, there’s too much to do – patients too many and nurses too few.  We grieve when we see you so sad and alone, with nobody near you, no friends of your own.  We feel all your pain and know of your fear that nobody cares – now your end is so near.  But nurses are people with feelings as well and when we’re together you’ll often hear tell of the dearest old Gran in the very end bed and the lovely old Dad, and the things that he said.  We speak with compassion and love and feel sad when we think of your lives and the joy that you’ve had .  When the time has arrived for you to depart, you leave us behind with an ache in our hearts.
When you sleep the long sleep, no more worry or care, there are other old people and we must be there.  So please understand if we hurry and fuss – there are many of you and so few of us.
DEATHS:  We offer our sympathy to the family of James Doody, Kilconlea Upper whose funeral took place on Friday.  To the family of Eamonn Scannell, Mountmahon / Dublin whose funeral took place on Friday. To the family of Jim Coffey, Clash Road who has died.  May they all rest in peace.  ” Jesus, Mary, save souls”.
CULTURE NIGHT THIS FRIDAY:  The Glórach is providing a night of cultural events from 8pm – enterance free but reserve your seat on 087 1383940.
ABBEYFEALE BRIDGE RESUMES:  Abbeyfeale Bridge is back  on Thursday nights  in the Day Care Centre at 7.30pm.  New Members welcome.  Bridge classes for beginners will be held in The Desmond Complex NCW every Tuesday night for ten weeks commencing Tuesday, September 19.  If interested contact Mary at 087 9050311.
GLÓRACH EVENTS:  PRO Lorcan Curtin reports ”
Upcoming events at Glórach
Plenty of entertainment coming to the esteemed venue over the next few weekends, with Culture Night being celebrated on this Friday, September 22nd.  A short concert will take place in the evening, with a variety of local musicians and singers and a special appearance by the local choir, with the celebration of culture and community, as well as 20 years of Glórach being the main themes.  This event, similarly to every other event in the country organised as part of culture night, is free.  The doors open at 7.30 pm and the concert commences at 8.  A week later, Jon Kenny comes to town with his one man show, ‘In words, lies and songs’, looking back over a stellar career with his unique South-East Limerick wit.  Just prior to the first lockdown, Jon Kenny astounded all who attended the Glórach with the pathos in his performance of ‘Crowman’, little did we know at the time that it would be well over three years before Jon would grace our stage again.  Be it comedy, drama and song you’re always guaranteed a fantastic night’s entertainment with the Effin man and the show on Friday, September 29th promises more of the same.  Curtains up at 8 pm, be sure not to miss this night by booking at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 0871383940.  The Autumnal series of shows continues with a charity concert on Saturday, October 7th in aid of Milford Hospice and Fr Tim Galvin’s mission, with an eclectic music mix promised on the night from extremely talented local musicians and singers.  Looking forward to seeing ye at these diverse events, make sure to keep an eye on the weekly notes and the Glórach online for further details of all upcoming performances.
MAUREEN’S OFF AGAIN:  Our next day out will be taking us to Roscommon on Sunday 8th Oct. We will start our day with breakfast in Tuam in the Plaza self service, we can have dinner on the way home, this must be booked because they close early normally but will  facilitate us by staying open later once we can confirm numbers for dinners, as you  will appreciate they need to know this ahead of time to ensure they have staff available.  The Arigna mining experience recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and the hosting of more than 450,000 visitors at the amenity over time.  The popular tourist  attraction in North Roscommon opened its doors in April, 2003 following the closure of the mines and local power station almost 15 years previously.  This will be our time visiting this most interesting place.  A number of former miners are employed as information guides at the facility and will  give us a tour lasting 45 minutes. As part of the Arigna Mining Experiences expansion plans, an outdoor discovery park on the theme of mining, sensory gardens and biodiversity trail are being developed. Please note that we will be leaving earlier because of the longer journey.  Listowel 8am. the Square, Abbeyfeale  8.15am. bus stop opposite the Church. Devon Inn 8.45am. Newcastle West 9am. bus stop opposite the Longcourt House Hotel,  Rathkeale House Hotel 8.45am. Adare Heritage Centre 9.10am. and the South Court Hotel Car Park  9.30am. Bookings must be confirmed with payment prior to travelling.  For more  information please contact Maureen  087 9845102.
SET DANCING IN MONAGAE:  Fiona 086 3510774 has two classes in Monagae – Tuesday 8.30pm and Thursdays 9pm.
CAR BOOT: Knockanure Community Centre Car Boot Sale & Vintage Rally Sunday, October 1.
AA Open Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at Listowel Family resource Centre, all are welcome.  Are you suffering from the effects of growing up of children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families ACoA is a 12 Step program of men and women who need to share their experience of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional home. ACoA meeting every Tuesday evening at 8pm in the Shanakill Family Resource Centre , Shanakill Tralee County. Contact 087-2304905 for more information.
EIGSE MICHAEL HARTNETT:  Thursday October 5 – Sunday, October 8.  Official Opening, Thursday, October 5 with the Hit Macchine Drummers in the Square followed by the songwriter Jack O’Rourke, Limerick poet Tim Cunningham, author and  columnist Michael Harding, artist Gerard Fenniman who worked on a project in Abbeyfeale Town Park in 2015.  There will also be a book launch of Pat Mc Laughlin’s latest  book,  a screening of the Irish made film ‘Roise and Frank’  Poetry and Music, a photogrraphic exibition, The Hartnett walking tour, a puppet show for the children and so much more.  Google eigsemichaelhartnett.ie for the full picture of events.  By the way the memorial Lecture will be delivered by Duagh acedemic Dr. Mary McAuliffe.
USED POSTAGE STAMPS:  Your used stamps can do so much and it is worth taking the time to keep them cut approximately l” around them and drop them into a box provided in the Church in NCW under the table in the porch Sacristy side entrance.  There are 120 girls in St. Mary’s Home Mynmar the Servite sisters look after them providing food, shelter and education up until 2020 they were going to school but since then schools are closed.  They live in a regime now that is controlling, dangerous along with prices escalating for rice, oil and food, struggling as are the poor people in Mynmar.  We manage to get money out to Sister Salette in person from friends who are travelling home to their district where the sisters live.  With the used stamps we collected we give them to a stamp collector who gives us €5 per kilo so the more stamps we can get the more funds we receive.  If you wish to post stamps to me my name is Maureen Finnegan please give me  a call 087 9845102.   Thank you for helping.
COLLECTION TO FUND CHURCH WEB CAM:  A collection will be taken up on the weekend of September 30/31 to help towards the running costs of the webcam.
CHRISTMAS MARKET IN KNOCKNAGOSHEL:  Knocknagoshel Over 55’S Services annual Christmas Market on Sunday, November 19 at 12 noon in the Community Centre V92 WV70.  Contact Noreen to book a table 0863487298.
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, Tralee at 7.30pm. Tickets €20 available in St. John’s Parish Centre or from Michael Fox O’Connor 087- 9833075.  Tickets also available at the door on the night. Proceeds in aid of Kerry Hospice.
CEILI RECALL DANCING:  If you are an older adult with an interest in teaching other adults on the greying spectrum there is a training course in St. John’s Pavilion Mulgrave St. on Mondays 10. 30 – 13.00  organised in conjunction with Limerick Sports Partnership to help set up Irish Ceili Clubs in local communities.  Contact Tracy on 061 524 975.
MASS SCHEDULES FOR THE WINTER;  Weekend Mass in Tournafulla is on Saturdays at 7.30pm and in Mountcollins on Sundays at 11am.
LEADER FUNDING:  In anticipation of the commencement of the new LEADER Programme in late 2023/early 2024, WestLimerick Resources would like to hear from community groups, micro, small and medium enterprises andothers who may be interested in applying for funding and would like to receive some initial guidance onwhether their project may be eligible and general information on the application procedure.  This table provides an overview of the LEADER 2023-2027 Themes and Sub-themes.In addition, following a recent extension to the LEADER 2013-2022 programme, a limited amount of funding may become available for applications in 2023.  Full applications would need to be submitted to West Limerick Resources CLG by the 30 th of September 2023, with approval anticipated in early December and projects to be completed by March 31 st.   For further information or to discuss your ideas contact the LEADER team at [email protected] or on 069 62222.
PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO:  ” Footsteps of Padre Pio”: This pilgrimage will take place from 15 October – 22 October.  It will include a return flight from Shannon to Naples. Pilgrims will spend the first night in Avellino and the remaining six nights in San Giovanni Rotondo. The pilgrimage will include a day in Pietrelcina where Padre Pio was born on 25 May 1887 and visits to other places in or near San Giovanni Rotondo where Padre Pio spent the last 52 years of his life before passing away on 23 September 1968 at the age of 81. Spiritual Director: Fr Pat Crean-Lynch. For more information please contact Marian Pilgrimages at 01 8788159.
GROW MENTAL HEALTH GROUP meets in Seanchaí Centre, Listowel every Wednesday evening at 08:00 pm. No referrals necessary. Just come along or telephone Jerry at 086-0271990.
WORKSHOP FOR THOSE POST CANCER TREATMENT:  Recovery Haven Kerry is delighted to facilitate a wonderful patient education workshop – LACES on Monday, September 25th from 11am – 1.30pm for adults who are post cancer treatment.  Jointly created by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), the workshop aims to bridge the gap in services between the end of active treatment and potentially, suitable longer-term support.  The Life and Cancer – Enhancing Survivorship (LACES) workshop is for adult patients who have finished their active cancer treatment and are beginning their long-term follow up. This includes patients who are post-surgery, radiation therapy, the acute phase of their chemotherapy treatment and patients with advanced cancer, who have discontinued treatment or who are on ongoing treatment.  To register call 0667192122 or email patienteducation@irishcancer.ie
ST. ITA’S HALL RENOVATION WORKS:  O’Callaghan Contractors have begun work in St Ita’s Hall. They were awarded the contract following a Public Procurement Process. All works are scheduled to be finished by the 31st January 2024.
TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS will be offered on Sunday, September 24 at 12.00 noon at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathass, by Fr. Bernard Healy. More information [email protected]
POPULAR RADIO HOST SWAPS MICROPHONE FOR PRIESTHOOD:  On Sunday, July 2 last  Shaun Doherty was ordained into the priesthood at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry. For almost three decades, Fr Doherty had hosted a chat show on the County Donegal-based Highland Radio. Six years ago he stoodown to begin a journey into the priesthood. Speaking to journalists after hisordination Fr Doherty said, “I look forward to being involved in the lives of people,”. “I particularly feel that I would like to be with people on the margins.There are so many issues and problems today, so many feeling hopeless.”Hopefully, my story will be a source of encouragement for people that there isalways hope because of the goodness of God. His love and generosity is boundlessand never ends.”The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown – who officiated at the ordination – said “You’re being presented for priestly ordination at a time when there’s so muchdiscussion about the future of the Church in Ireland. Is it dying? Is it dead? Is it past its best?” Bishop McKeown said. Bishop McKeown continued  “Shaun, as you step forward today for ordination with lots of people round you, some may say you’re crazy. I’d agree with them – you are. You could have chosen a much easier path for the next chapter of your life. “But you’re crazy enough to believe that God has chosen you for this ministry at this time in this place.”
CHURCH NEWS:  Contact numbers for the Parish Priests of the Pastoral Area: Fr Denis Mullane 087/2621911.Fr Tony Mullins 087/2600414. Fr Willie Russell 087/2272825.  Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030.  Fr James Ambrose (Retired) Tel 087/774075.   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 12noon Mass.  Contact the Sacristy 068/51915 during Mass Times.  Parish office 086/8661651 Anne Secretary 11am to 1pm. Eucharist Adoration every Friday in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from 10.30am – 7pm.  Mass Intentions:  Wednesday 10am Birthday remembrance Shelia O’Connell.  Thursday 10am Special intention.  Saturday 6.30pm Noreen Daly, Ballybehy Anniversary.  Terry Morrissey and his grandparents David & Nora. Veronica Doyle, Glenashrone 3rd Anniversary.   Katie Dolan, Achill Co Mayo 1st Anniversary.  Sunday 10am Eileen Cahill, Dromtrasna Collins 1st Anniversary.  12noon Dan Hartigan NCW /Colbert Terrace and deceased family members. Connie, Eilish & Bridget Harnett , Kilconlea Upper.  Patrick Moriarty, London & Caherlane. Joe O’Flaherty, Mountmahon.  Diocesan Assembly: A meeting of all 15 Parish Pastoral Unit Councils of the diocese, will take place in Rathkeale House Hotel, on Saturday 23rd September, from 10.00am to 3.00pm. The meeting will include a review of the Parish Pastoral Units Team Ministry and sharing of practical experiences from parishes. A Diocesan Report on the diocese will be launched by Bishop Leahy and those attending will receive an update on the upcoming Synod in Rome.  All Pastoral Unit Council members are asked to attend.
LESSONS on Tin Whistle at Knockanure, contact Kerryann 087 153 2216.
FOOD Fair Listowel, November 9th – 13th November.
GARRY MC MAHON TRADITIONAL SINGING WEEKEND OCTOBER 13-16:Official Opening Friday, October 13 at the Ramble Inn at 8pm with guest Labhrás Ó Murchrú Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann and a retired member of Seanad Éireann for Fianna Fáil.
ONLINE TRAINIG TO HELP PREVENT SUICIDE:  Log onto Ohana.ie where you will be able to register for suicide awareness training:  the training will provide you with the tools to enable you to identify the signs that someone may be suicidal, employ the correct language in asking the appropriate questions,direct that person to the appropriate help.  You can also contact the Samaritans 24 hour service on 116123 or Pieta House 24 hour service 1800 247 247.
DANCING: Clounmacon Community Centre will be offering social dancing classes  from Monday, October 2nd with Norella Molyneaux.
MONSTER BINGO:  Mountcollins Community Centre on Sunday, October 15 at 3pm.  Prize money €2,000.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE IN FR. CASEY’S FOR KNOCKNAGOSHEL MEALS ON WHEELS:  A fundraising Tea Dance is planned for Sunday, September 24 from 3-6pm with dancing to Stevie Donegan.  Refreshments and Raffle on the day.
WALK FOR JIM:  A walk in remembrance of the late community activist and environmentalist Jim O’Connor, Kilmorna will take place along the Kingdom of Kerry Greenway from Abbeyfeale to Listowel on Sunday, September 24 at 11am.  All proceeds are in aid of the Cork Kerry Bus operated by Kerry Cancer Support Group.  Donations can be made online via www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Walk for Jim or on the day.
CYCLISTS ON THE GREENWAY:  A request has  issued that  cyclists would ring their bells to signal their approach as walkers who can be engrossed in conversation or the scenery or listening to music  get a shock when they, the cyclists  suddenly whizz past and accidents could easily occur if walkers were not aware of cyclists about to pass them out.
PICKLE BALL:  Kingdom Pickleball will be showcasing the latest health craze in the Community Centre, in Listowel on September 27 from 7 -9pm.  All equipment supplied and instruction provided.  Everyone wellcome.
MEALS ON WHEELS:  Available from St. Ita’s Day Care, Convent St.  Collect or have delivered.  This week’s menu:  Monday18,   Lamb Chop or Beef Burger.  Tuesday, September 19 Roast Beef or Chicken Fillet. Wednesday, September 20 Turkey or Pork Chop. Thursday, September 21 Bacon and Cabbage or Turkey Burger.    Friday, September 9 Fish of the Day or Meat Alternative. Soup €1, Main Course €7, Half portion €5.  Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes €3, Dessert €2.  Order before 11am.  Phone 068 51850.
DANCING Classes with Timmy Woulfe have begun in the Marian Hall Moyvane Beginners in particular will be catered for during the month of September.

MAUREEN LOOKING FOR CANDLES:  “Any unwanted or used candles would be greatly appreciated.  The candles are melted down and made into a new type of candle that can beused to heat hot chocolate and warm hands of the soldiers in the
trenches in Ukrainian.  Candles can be dropped into the Community Centre Newcastle West and Dressmaking shop opposite church on the corner of Boherbui, also to the Alterations shop in Church Street .

RACING: Wranboys in the Square Friday, September 22nd in the Square, Listowel.  Four groups have registered to attend.

GRINDS:  Eimhear Flannery 086 8822215 is offering grinds to 5th years and Leaving Certs in Biology and Chemistry.

DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE:  Taking place on Saturday, October 21.    All proceeds to Milford Hospice.  Kids Run 2k, 4k Walk, 5K and 10K Chip Timed Runs.Online registration has opened on https:www.dromtrasnachallallenge.com/events

GREEN CARD: The US Department of State announced that the electronic enrollment period will roll out on Wednesday, October 6, at 12pm and will close on Tuesday, November  9 at 12pm, the Miami Herald reports. Those interested in immigrating legally to the United States must submit their applications electronically only through dvprogram.state.gov.
Officials warned that those planning to apply for the lottery “do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter as heavy demand may result in website delays.”
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/us-green-card-lottery-opens-irish-vias

INVITATION TO LAUNCH OF BOOK ” MY SUPER POWER IS BEING ME” :  A book of mindfullness activities for children is being launched at the Barnagh Hub on Saturday, October 7 from 2-4pm.  Further information from 083 8385857.
COMMEMORATION on Thursday September 21st at the Bob Browne memorial in Knockalougha, Duagh at 7pm.
COMMUNITY ALERT: If something sounds too good to be true then more than likely it is so be careful out there. Warn your teenagers about how easy it is to become a money mule but if they receive a criminal record it could affect their chances of travelling or taking out a morgage. Take care on the roads and make sure that you are visible to other road users so if walking wear a high viz jacket and after dusk carry a torch and if driving turn on your lights if the wipers are on.  Lock the doors of your car when you are inside, do not leave a handbag visible on the seat.  When you are at home keep the two doors locked so that if someone calls a second person cannot enter the house through the back door while you are occupied at the front door. Once you reach the age of 65 and 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 for long periods of the day 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.  Please note that this fee has increased by €6 and is payable in a lump sum each year after year one.  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.  Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur,  John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Susan Daly, Catherine Daly, Marian Harnett.