by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done ask a woman! Margaret Thatcher.
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to Maura and family on the death of James Heck Collins, Lower Purt. May he rest in peace.
ANNUAL ST. VINCENT DE PAUL COLLECTION: The annual collection will be taken up next weekend at the church doors.
PAPAL AWARD: Huge congratulations to Dee Dennison who has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal by His Holiness Pope Francis for his services to the celebration of the liturgy and church music in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Abbeyfeale. Dee was director of the Adult Choir for over 40 years since its formation in October 1979 and retired recently. The Papal medal will be presented to Dee at the Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday night next December 7. Mass will begin at 7.00pm. All parishioners are welcome.
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: Just two weeks now to the Celtic Brothers Christmas Concert on Friday 15th of December. The concert will begin at 8.00pm. All proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation St Ita’s Hall, which will be 100 years old in 2028. If you plan to attend the concert you are encouraged to book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale at Siopa Milsean, Batt Harnett’s, Kathleen’s Food store, Supervalue,O’Donoghues’s Spar Shop, Moss Harnett’s Gala Shop and Sheehy’s Hardware. Tickets are also on sale at The Zip Yard, NCW, the Community Shop in Tournafulla and in Watsons, Duagh and Brosna Post office. Tickets can also be booked in the Church Sacristy and by calling 089-2646772. It promises to be a great night of entertainment with many Christmas favourites includedin the show. The funds raised from the concert in Abbeyfeale will go towards the St Ita’s Hall (Hall Ide Naofa), Renovation Fund. The work on the hall began in the second week of September 2023 and it is hope to have it completed by early Spring 2024. The project is being funded by grant aid from the Community Centre Investment Fund, provided by theDepartment of Rural and Community Development and by funds raised locally. €100,000 needs to be raised locally towards the project and we are almost half way towards achieving that goal. 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 COMES TO THE GLÓRACH: Set the date of Saturday, 9th December aside as Mary Coughlan makes her debut at the Glórach Theatre. The famed Galwegian blues singer has a long association with Limerick, including a stint in the Arts College many moons ago, and numerous gigs in the city and county throughout the years. Always honest and soulful in her renditions, Mary will be joined on the night by Ultan Conlon. A gig not to be missed, and maybe a possible early Christmas present. Curtains up at 8 pm, and tickets can be booked at 0871383940 or www.glorachabbeyfeale.com.
ARA COFFEE MORNING|; Abbeyfeale Active Retirment Group will hold a coffee morning in Leens Hotel on Friday, December 8 from 10.30am to 12 noon with all proceeds going to help Light up the town.
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.
Carols and Poetry
CAROLS ANDD POETRY: Mary Culloty O’ Sullivan presents an evening of Carols and Poetry inListowel Arms Hotel on Wednesday, December 6 at 7.30pm. Special Guests North Kerry CommunityChoir. Free Entry.. Donations/ Raffle in aid of Recovery Haven Cancer Support Services.
ABBEYFEALE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: ARA (Abbeyfeale Active Retired Group) will host a Coffee morning at Leens Hotel from 10.30 until 12pm on Friday, December 8 to raise funds for the Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights.
RETREAT: Youth 2000 Ireland” annual Christmas retreat in Dominican College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare December 8-10 for ages 16-35. Talks, music, prayer, Masses, Reconciliation. Free buses from all over the country. Donation only. Register www.youth2000.ie"
PADRE Pio Devotions at Castleisland Church on Tuesday, December 19 at 7.30pm.
TOMMY FLEMING: Ballybunion’s Tintean Theatre will host Tommy Fleming in concert on Saturday, December 9.
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.’
PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST: Voting will end on December 11, – two candidates are to run for the Presidency of IFA. Francie Gorman from Laois and Martin Stapleton from Limerick. Candidates for the Deputy Presidency of IFA. Alice Doyle from Wexford and Pat Murphy from Galway. Mark Connors from Waterford, Francis Foley from Kerry and Conor O’Leary from Cork Central are to run for Munster regional chair. The Election Count will take place on December 12.
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 on Monday,November 20 and every 6 weeks thereafter. For appointments ring 068 51850.
POST: Last Christmas Posting Dates for the USA: Standard Letter Post- December 11th, Express Post- December 11th.
GLIN: The Glin Knights Centre: is now closed until next Spring.
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. 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 James Hughes. Thursday 10am Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7pm. Friday 10am Purgatorial Friday 7pm Mary & Maurice O’Connell Anniversary. Saturday 6.30pm Paddy O’Connor, Caherhayes 5th Anniversary. Bridget Healy Lower Knocknasa Lower and deceased family members. Ramey Leahy, New Street Annivrersary. Willie Leahy, Mountmahon and his son Dermot Leahy. William & Nora Flynn and deceased family members. Deceased members of the ICA. Sunday 10am Paddy , Eily and Mike Barry Anniversary. Hannah Mai Scannell, Dromtrasna Collins. Mikie Scannell Dromtrasna Anniversary. Sunday 12noon Julia Kelly Knocknasna and deceased family members. Frank Foley, St Ita’s Road. Tom Dillane , Kilconlea. Patrick & Kathleen Lane Ballaugh. Willie Lane Ballaugh.Monday 11th at 7pm Thomas O’Connell New Street and deceased family members. Mary Gleeson / Morrissey Ballaugh/Cratloe Anniversary. 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 St Vincent de Paul: The Annual Church Gate Christmas Collection in support of the work of St Vincent de Paul will be held on the weekend of the 9th – 10th of December. All support appreciated. 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.
KNOCK: O’Shea’s of Kerry coach to Knock Shrine Night Vigil for the Feast of Immaculate Conception Thursday, December 7th. Coaches depart Listowel 4.30pm (The Bridge) and Abbeyfeale 4.45pm (The Church). €40p/person. Contact 066-7180123.
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 Beef Stew or Pork Chop. Thursday December 7 Lamb Chop or Toddy’s Homemade Sausages. Friday, Dec 8 Fish Pie 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: Eimhear Flannery 086 8822215 is offering grinds to 5th years and Leaving Certs in Biology and Chemistry.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Forecast is for snow and ice so try and stay indoors once it is dark. 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 and 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.