by Marian Harnett
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: This fundraising group was set up by Triona Tobin, Carina Prendeville and Mairead Daly 25 years ago to support Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan. In the years since it was founded donations have also been made to a Sister in Africa and to Fr. John Moloney from St. Ita’s Terrace who for a time worked with refugees on the Californian border with New Mexico. Primarily though, over the years all monies raised were sent to Fr. Tim to help with his mission to educate young Sudanese girls and help them escape from the trap of early marraige. Over the years he has been supported by some local women from the parish who have travelled out to his Mission to teach there. His friends, relations and neighbours have also done a huge amount of fundraising and the money has been channelled through the Abbeyfeale for Africa a/c in the Credit Union which remains open all year round. In the past year since the untimely death of Fr. Tim fundraising has continued apace with the”In the Mood for Music” concert which was held in the Glórach in early October, which as well as showcasing the extraordinarily talented local singers and musicians, managed to raise €2,380 in total, with €1190 of that sum being donated to Abbeyfeale for Africa and the other half to Milford Hospice. Brosna friends also did a big fundraiser and in the last few weeks proceeds of €3,500 from the annual cake sale were added to the monies already in the a/c and we were able to send a cheque for €5,500 to the Kiltegan Fathers to continue Fr. Tim’s work. The committee under the chairmanship of Lorcan Curtin would like to offer a huge thanks to everyone who continues to support Abbeyfeale for Africa.
CHRISTMAS RIBBON CERMONY: The Christmas Ribbon Ceremony in Reilig Ide Naofa Graveyard will take place on Sunday next at 1pm.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Christmas Cantata,
“Nativity Story” in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday 14th December at 7.00 p.m. All Welcome.
ST. ITA’S HALL – UPDATE ON RENOVATION WORK: The renovation work on the hall began in the second week of September and it is hoped to have all the work completed by early Spring 2023. The project is being funded by grant aid from the Community Centre Investment Fund, provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and by funds raised locally. We have a target of fundraising up to €100,000 locally and we are almost halfway towards achieving that goal. St Ita’s Hall has been a community space for almost 100 years. It was officially opened on New Year’s Night 1928. St Ita’s Hall is the only true multipurpose building in the town, available to a diverse range of activities, groups and services. The newly restored building will include a variety of spaces for meetings, counselling facilities, full disability access facilities on both floor levels, with the provision of a lift to the first floor. The newly refurbished building will include a fully equipped sensory room, which will offer space for children and young people with autism and other special needs. The hall will continue to provide a meeting space for all the groups who used the hall before the renovation works began. The new layout of St Ita’s Hall will also provide a hot desk space which will be available to rent for minimum charges. It will have the most up to date broadband speeds along with all the required IT and technical infrastructure. At this stage 70% of the work has been completed.
We want to thank all the various groups and individuals who have fundraised or made individual donations towards the project, so far. We will continue the fundraising campaign into the new year until our goal is achieved. We look forward to meeting you at the Celtic Brothers Fundraising Concert on Friday night. Fr Tony, Fr Willie.
GLÓRACH AGM: Our annual AGM takes place on Thursday, December 14th at the Glórach at 8 pm. All members are welcome.
FILM SHOWING AT THE GLÓRACH: On Sunday 17th we will be screening the 2019 documentary film Gaza. Directed by Irish filmmakers Garry Keane and Andrew McConnell, the film shows how Palestinians try to go about their lives as normal despite living under occupation. Sadly, the film is particularly significant now owing to recent events, and while we do not under any circumstances condone the actions of Hamas, it is very important to tell the stories of normal Palestinians who have suffered terribly. The film is being screened in partnership with Access Film with all proceeds on the night going to Trócaire. Please note the earlier screening time of 7.30 pm, beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne.
BINGO AT THE GLÓRACH: Our final bingo of 2023 will take place on Monday, December 18th, and we will be holding raffles for hampers and various prizes on the night to acknowledge the loyalty and continued support of our patrons.
TIMELY REMINDER: Remember all the local businesses that you’ve asked over the years to donate to local teams, clubs and organisations. They need you to support them now and do your Christmas Shopping locally, give vouchers as gifts, have coffee,eat lunch, dinner or a few drinks in their premises and if possible pay with cash.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Popular singing group Celtic Brothers, formally known as the Willoughby Brothers are returning to Our Lady of the Assumption Church Abbeyfeale, on Friday 15th of December for what promises to be a feast of festive music and song. The brothers from County Wicklow, made their first visit to Abbeyfeale last Christmas and gave a memorable performance of Irish Ballads, popular classics, contemporary songs and Christmas favourites. Their passion for singing and performing, combined with a genuine closeness, stems from a childhood filled with music and singing, a love they have carried with them throughout the years and into their adulthood. Get into the Christmas Spirit. Ticket sales have picked up apace this week, so we advise all those who wish to attend the concert to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.The concert will include all our Christmas favourite songs and carols from ‘White Christmas’ to ‘O Holy Night’. It will be good to get together once again and join in this community celebration in preparation for Christmas. If you are not familiar with the Celtic Brothers, formally known as the Willoughby Brothers, you can get to see them perform at previous concerts by logging on to our parish website www. abbeyfealeparish.ie and click on any of the 4 links listed there of previous concerts. Katie O’Connor and Rebecca Stryker, Church Cantors along with Riona Curtin will also perform at the concert. Doors on Friday night will open at 7.00pm. The concert will begin at 8.00pm. Tickets available at Batt Harnett’s, Moss Harnett’s Gala Shop, O’Donoghue’s Spar Shop, Kathleens Foodstore. Tickets are also on sale at Tournafulla Community Shop and at Watsonsin Duagh, Shop in Athea Post Office in Brosna The Zip Yard in NCW Tickets can also be purchased by calling 089- 2646772. All funds raised from the concert will go towards renovation works in St Ita’s Hall. It is hoped to have these worksfinished in early spring. All support for this important fundraising event is appreciated. If any business or individual would like to help with the costs of staging the Christmas Concert, sponsorship will be very welcome. For more information, contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414 or Fr Willie on 087-2272825. All support will be gratefully received.
MARY COUGHLAN CAME TO THE GLÓRACH: Saturday, 9th December was Mary Coughlan’s debut at the Glórach Theatre and she did, along with her three piece band, play a stormer. It was like she was at home on the new stage built especially to accomodate the four of them and she talked away to both the audience and the band so we settled back into our seats and listened to her powerful voice and to the repartee between the leader of her band Ultan from Loughrea and herself. She also gave a voice to a young upcoming performer who will be heard of yet. Another great night at The Górach.
ARA COFFEE MORNING|; Abbeyfeale Active Retirment Group held a coffee morning in Leens Hotel on Friday, December 8 with proceeds of €850 going to the Christmas Lights to light up the town. Well done Ladies.
DIGITAL LEARNING HUB every Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 in Listowel Library. For more information or booking, please contact Mary Swaine, Kerry ETB ALL Team, 086 7969627.
ABBEYFEALE BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge club is on Thursday nights in the Day Care Centre at 7.30pm. New Members welcome.
ALONE: ‘Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information please contact Caroline on 086-0591399 or via email [email protected] If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.’
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 socialize 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. Chiropody Services have restarted at St Ita’s Day Care Centre . For appointments ring 068 51850.
FERRY: Winter Schedule Ferry Time Change: The winter sailing schedule commenced Sunday, 1st October 2023 with sailings from Killimer every hour on the hour from 7.00am to 7.00pm and sailings from Tarbert every hour on the half hour from 7.30am to 7.30pm. Sunday sailings commence two hours later at 9.00am from Killimer and 9.30am from Tarbert.
SET DANCING IN MONAGAE: Fiona 086 3510774 has two classes in Monagae – Tuesday 8.30pm and Thursdays 9pm.
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.
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. 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. Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel every Friday after morning Mass until 7pm and also on Tuesday morning after Mass to pray for peace. The Meaning and Importance of the Crib; The presence of the poor and the lowly in the nativity scene remind us that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and who ask him to draw near to them. Jesus, ‘gentle and humble in heart’ (Mt 11:29), was born in poverty and led a simple life in order to teach us to recognise what is essential and to act accordingly. The nativity scene clearly teaches that we cannot let ourselves be fooled by wealth and fleeting promises of happiness. From the manger, Jesus proclaims, in a meek yet powerful way, the need for sharing with the poor as the path to a more human and fraternal world in which no one is excluded or marginalised. Pope Francis, Admirabile Signum. Divine Mercy Meeting takes place every Monday evening after the 7pm Mass Confessions on Saturday evenings at 6.00pm and after Mass Thursday before the First Friday. A priest will be available after Mass on weekdays if a parishioner wishes to celebrate the sacrament. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Jack & Margaret Quirke and theirdaughter and son Michael. Thursday 10am Fintan Morris Longford. Saturday 6.30pm Mary Enright, Caherlane 10th Anniversary. John D & Mary Ita Collins and son John and deceased family members. Thomas O’Brien Collins Park 8th Anniversary. Sunday10am John D & Noreen Murphy, Ballaugh. William and Julia Madden Dually. 12noon Jim O’Connell 4 St Itas Road. Rickie Loughnane Anniversary. Eileen & Paddy Cahill and Hannah & Dan O’Neill. Michael Barry Caherlane. Phyl O’Kelly, Killarney Road. Monday 18th Penitential Service and Mass Ann Lyons the Square.
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. Information and Support for Birth Mothers – whose babies were placed for adoption may be found at www.birthinfo.ie or by calling the relevant section of TUSLA at +353 818 445 500 . Prayer for Blessing a Christmas Tree: Lord God, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds.
Let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.
May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Altar Servers: Our Parish here in Abbeyfeale has always had a great tradition of children being involved in the Ministry of Altar Serving. During Covid this Ministry stopped. At this stage we would like to get the Ministry back and would like to invite boys and girls from the Parish who have made their First Holy Communion to consider becoming Altar Servers. Time Commitment – You would be asked to serve at Mass at weekends on one of the following times. Saturday evening at 6.30pm or on Sunday at 10.00am or 12noon. You will be invited to come for some training before you would serve at Mass. Wish to volunteer for this Ministry? If you are interested in your child becoming an Altar Server, you can ask for a form in the Sacristy. At all times our Child Protection Guidelines will be followed for the safety of our young people. If you would like any further information, please contact Anne in the sacristy. Tel 068-51915 or email the parish office at [email protected]
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE: Pilgrimage to Medjugorje Departing from Shannon to Mostar on May 22nd and August 28th 50-euro discount for bookings received before 2nd of February early booking advisable Contact Group Leader John O Brien 086 8586304 Christmas vouchers also available .
KEEP FIT: classes in Athea every Tuesday morning at 11.30am. Details Ring 087 9459971.
GOLDIE LOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Killorglin’s annual panto will be on Sunday 28th January, 2024 Matinee 3pm. If there are sufficient people interested we will book a bus and on the homeward journey we would call to The River Island Hotel for dinner.
Please contact Maureen 087 9845102 for booking and more details.
MASS SCHEDULES FOR THE WINTER; Weekend Mass in Tournafulla is on Saturdays at 7.30pm and in Mountcollins on Sundays at 11am.
PRAYER MEETING IN THE DESMOND COMPLEX: Janice Carraig hosts a prayer meeting on the last Sunday of each month at the Desmond Complex.
ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIEST SOCIETY: The monthly meeting of the society takes place on the first Tuesday of the month in the parish office.
SOCIAL DANCING IN DUAGH: “Social dancing has commenced in the Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex on Friday nights 8:30 – 10:30pm. €8 entry fee. Complimentary teas and coffee. Door prize on the night”.
MEALS ON WHEELS: Available from St. Ita’s Day Care, Convent St. Collect or have delivered. Order before 11am. Phone 068 51850. Monday December 11, Turkey Burger or Braised Steak. Tuesday, December 12 Turkey and Ham or Beef Burger. Wednesday December 13 Shepherd’s Pie or Chicken Fillet. Thursday, December 14 Toddy’s Homemade Sausages or Lamb Chop. Chicken Casserole or Lamb Chop. Friday, December 15 Fish of the Day or Meat Alternative. Price List: Soup 1 euro, Main Course 7 euro, Half portion 5 euro, Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes 3 euro.
DANCING Classes with Timmy Woulfe in the Marian Hall Moyvane Monday nights at 8pm.
PILGRIMAGE To Medjugorje Spiritual Director: Fr. Francis Nolan. 11 – 18 Sept 2024. Return flights from Cork to Dubrovnik. Cost €879. Book and pay before 1 December and save €100 per person. For details & bookings contact: Group Leader – Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen (Tralee),Tel: 066 7127143 or 087 1517696.
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:
COMMUNITY ALERT: Forecast is not too bad for the coming week thank God. Try and check on your neighbours who live alone, just a phone call will be much appreciated. Press your panic button to check that it is in working order before the winter. No matter how many texts you get threatening you with large fines do not click on any links or engage in any way. 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. Whether at home or going out, turn on some lights, use timer switches. Lock all doors and windows and get into the habit of never leaving the house without setting the house alarm. Store keys safely away from windows and letterboxes and never leave one under the mat outside. Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home. 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.