by Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE: Live your life to be happy.  Never mind what others say. Because you’re going to be judged any which way.  Karen Salmansohn.
OPEN DAY AT THE DAY CARE  CENTRE:  There’s always a welcome at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre every Tuesday to come along and socialise with your friends.  Join them for tea and scones, bingo, a card game or two, 4 course lunch, music, singing, poetry, a story or two before you head off sustained by more tea and some goodies.  Call Manager Jane 068 51850 for more information.
TEA PARTY IN ROCKCHAPEL:  The Annual American Tea Party will be held at Rockchapel Community Centre on Friday, 20th October. Tickets €25 and music will be provided by Billy O’Brien. A raffle will also take place on the night. Doors will open at 7pm and the meal will be served at 8pm. (Please note change of meal time.) Vegetarian/Vegan/gluten free options are also available but must be requested in advance. To book your tickets, please ring 087-6818113. Tickets need to be booked by 15th October.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Ali and her team in Gourmet Green, Convent St. were awarded a gold medal for their gorgeous organic broccoli salad at the 2023 Blas na hEireann Food Awards held in Dingle last weekend.
ABBEYFEALE BRIDGE HAS RESUMED:  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.
IN THE MOOD FOR MUSIC:  The Glórach Theatre will be hosting a charity concert on Saturday, October 8th in aid of Milford Hospice and Abbeyfeale for Africa.  Helen Hasenfuss, Riona Ní Churtáin and Scott Fitzgerald will be joined by P.P. Fr. Tony, Noreen and Aodhán Cotter, church cantors Liam and Eibhlín Broderick, Jackie Harnett, Mai Quinlivan,  Leona Lyons, Bláithín McElligott, Katie O’Connor, Maura O’Donnell, Mai Quinlivan and Rebecca Stryker.  They will play and sing a delightful selection of popular classics from Ragtime, jazz, swing, Latin, music from the films, light classical, a little traditional, some folk, some pop….there really will be something for everyone who is ‘in the mood for music’.    A night not to be missed.  Tickets €15 from www. glorachabbeyfeale. com or on 087 1383940.  Bígí linn.

RAMBLING HOUSE IN Sheahan’s Cottage, Finuge on Friday, October 6 from 8.30 – 10.30 pm in a cottage with 300 years of storytelling within its walls.
MISSION:  led by the Redemptorist Mission Team, Limerick will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Listowel beginning at the Vigil Mass on Saturday, October 7 and ending on Friday night,October 13. All are most welcome to come to each of the daily Masses 7.00 a.m. or 10.30 a.m. or the evening sessions at 7.30 p.m.
MAUREEN’S OFF AGAIN:  Our next day out will be taking us to Roscommon on Sunday, October 15. 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.
AA OPEN PUBLIC MEETING:  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 Machine 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 academic Dr. Mary McAuliffe.
USED 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.
CHAIR YOGA:  for Older Adults; Friday, October 13 @ 12:15 – 13:00, Venue: Listowel community centre, ListowelOrganiser: Listowel Community Centre, Facilitator: Trevor Horan.
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.
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.

KEEP FIT:  classes in Athea every Tuesday morning at 11.30am. Details Ring 087 9459971.
MASS SCHEDULES FOR THE WINTER; Weekend Mass in Tournafulla is on Saturdays at 7.30pm and in Mountcollins on Sundays at 11am.
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.

LISTOWEL KARATE CLASSES: Kerry Martial Arts School are continuing karate and self-defence classes in St. Michael’s College on Saturdays. 5-12 years old at 10:00a.m. and 13 years old to adults at 11:00a.m. Contact (087) 2636820 for further information.
GROW MENTAL HEALTH GROUP meets in Seanchaí Centre, Listowel every Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm. No referrals necessary. Just come along or telephone Jerry at 086-0271990.
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.
DANCE CLASSES IN FR. CASEY’S:  Every Tuesday from 8-10pm.
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 St Andrews Community.  Friday 10am Purgatorial.  Saturday Vigil Mass 6.30pm Neilie Flynn 20 Belfry Height Anniversary.  Dee, Eily &Tadhgeen Harnett, Kilconlea Upper Anniversary. Patrick & Kathleen Saunders Knocknasna Lower and deceased family members.  Bill Bridget and John Joe Collins The Hill and deceased family members.  Sunday 10am Margaret Cullinhane Knockbrack Anniversary.   Eileen & Timothy O’Donoghue, Ballybehy Anniversary.  12noon Detlef Hoepfner and his Mother and Father Martha & Karl.  Paul Collins, Main Street / Woodview Park 10th Anniversary. Richie Woulfe, Cratloe 6th Anniversary.  Kathleen Spillane, St Ita’s Housing Anniversary and deceased members of the Harnett family Dromtrasna Harnett.  Ned O’Connell, Kilconlea Anniversary. Statement of Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin  ‘On Wednesday next, lay women and men, members of religious orders, priests and bishops from around the world will gather in communion with Pope Francis to pray, reflect and discuss what a synodal Church looks like. We are invited to give sometime andspace in our thoughts and prayers to the dialogue taking place in Rome throughout thecoming month.  This Synod process is underpinned by the belief that Our God is not remote, but is involved in our affairs, has hopes and dreams for us as individuals, as parishes and as dioceses.  God is pursuing His plan for the universe, but He desires and needs our cooperation – weare his eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet. We must therefore constantly try to detect His voice, listen and pursue His will, as the Gospel Acclamation in today’s Liturgy reminds us: “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, says the Lord.” (John 10:27).  Traditionally, we have left the task of discerning what God wants to those in leadership roles. In our time, however, Pope Francis is reminding us that listening to the voice of God could be hugely enriched if all of God’s people, not just those in leadership, took  part. “The synod,” Pope Francis said on the day before its official opening, “offers us the opportunity to become a listening church, to break out of our routine and pause from ourpastoral concerns in order to stop and listen.” Synodality has existed since the time of the early church, but which fell into disuse; it was revived by Pope Saint Paul VI as a way of gathering together a variety of voices from across the church. Later, the model was promoted by Pope Saint John Paul II, who convened many synods during his pontificate.  Synodality is an attempt to harness the energy of all the members of God’s people, to involve them in discerning what God’s wants from us and in contributing to the enactment of what He desires. I hope we can build on that involvement; a first step is to engage with what is about to happen, namely this Synod as an important instrument for listening to the People of God. This can be done, by praying daily for the success of the process, by informing ourselves about what is happening in the process and by embracing its fruits asthey emerge. In the words of Pope Francis, “we ask the Holy Spirit first of all for the gift of listening: to listen to God, that with him we may hear the cry of the people; to listen tothe people until breathing in the will to which God calls us”.
WEBCAM COLLECTION:  The church webcam installed in 2016 has proved to be an essential service to parishioners, who are unable for one reason or another to attend Mass, or other liturgical services celebrated in the church. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, online church services were watched by thousands of people each day. While we continue to livestream all our church services, we encourage all parishioners where possible to attend Mass in person. Live streaming of our church liturgies is an expensive service, costing just over €2,500 annually. This weekend we are asking parishioners to make a contribution towards the cost of the service. Parishioners attending Mass can put a donation into the collection boxes located at the door of the church as you leave Mass this weekend. If you are viewing on the service you can donate though the parish website on www. abbeyfealeparish.ie  Click on the parish website and you will see the donate button on the right-hand side of the front page of the website. Just follow the instruction and you will be able to make a donation towards the service. Sincere thanks to for your continued generosity to the parish.
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.
ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIEST SOCIETY:The monthly meeting of the society will be held on Tuesday 3rd Oct at 7.30pm in the Parish Office. All are welcome.
VOCATIONS: Monastic Vocations weekend for women at St Benedict’s Priory, Cobh, Co. Cork 28th-29th October. For more information contact Mother Prioress: 0214811354 [email protected]
SOCIAL DANCING:  “Social dancing commencing in the Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex on Friday nights 8:30 to 10:30.   €8 entry fee. Complimentary teas and coffee. Door prize on the night”
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK:   Workshop on Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing. Tuesday, October 10 at 7.30pm in the Limerick Diocesan Centre, Corbally, Limerick. As part of Mental Health Week, the diocese is offering a workshop on Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, in the family, the parish and the wider community.  For further information and to register to attend the workshop, contact the Limerick Diocesan Centre on 061-350000.
PRO LIFE NATIONAL CONFERENCE:  The Pro-Life National Conference, will take place at the RDS Dublin, on Saturday 14th of October beginning at 11.00a.m. The Pro-Life Campaign is a non-denominational human rights organisation, drawing its support from a large cross-section of Irish society. For moreinformation on the organisation and to register for the National Conference, log on to prolifecampaign.ie
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, and 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.
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.  I’ve also been asked to remind cyclists that they should not cycle on the footpaths when they come up town.

MEALS ON WHEELS:  Available from St. Ita’s Day Care, Convent St.  Collect or have delivered.  This week’s menu:  Monday October 2 Chicken Curry on the bone or Pork Chop.    Tuesday, October 3 Roast Beef or Chicken Fillet.    Wednesday, October 4 Toddy’s Homemade Sausages or Sweet and Sour Chicken.   Thursday, October 5 Shepherd’s Pie or Turkey Burger.    Friday, October 6 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  in the Marian Hall Moyvane Monday nights at 8pm.

FASHION SHOW IN THE ROCK:  Rockchapel parents association are hold their annual fundraising fashion show at the Community Centre on Friday, October 6 at 8pm.  Tickets available from Abbey Stone and Tile Centre, Main St.

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 be used 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 .

RAMBLING House in Tarbert on last Saturday of the month.  Listowel the last Thursday of the month.  Knockanure Rambling House first Thursday in the month.  Ita’s Rambling House at the Desmond Complex is on the 3rd. Friday each month.  Knocalucka is on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month.

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.
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.

“Seán Moylan Irish Revolutionary” coming to Bruach na Carraige:
Sunday 8th of October at 8pm sees Newmarket actor Micheal Patric O’ Sullivan bring his renowned production of ‘Seán Moylan Irish Revolutionary’ to Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel.
Having sold out in many theatres to date, this is a show not to be missed.
Tickets are €20. Booking is advised. Please contact 087 2530867 to book your tickets.