by Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  “ Instead of buying your children all the things you never had, you should teach them all the things you were never taught.  Material wears out but knowledge stays.”  Bruce Lee.

DEATH:  Father Tom Relihan, late of Kilcara, Foildarrig, Duagh and California. Funeral for Fr.Tom Relihan  took place in California. Fr. Tom celebrated his 100th birthday last May.

Father Thomas J. Relihan, a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for more than 76 years, died on Jan. 6 in Ione. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living priest of the diocese. He celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2023.

LIMERICK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL WEATHER ALERT|:Moderate Advisory Warning for Limerick

Alert message from Met Eireann:
Arctic air will bring winter hazards this coming week. Sharp to severe frosts expected with icy stretches on roads and pavements.  Some sleet or snow will occur at times too, mostly for northern areas.
Event: Advisory   – Valid from: Sun. 14/01 @ 10AM Valid to: Fri. 19/01 @ 12PM.

MISSING FROM ATHEA:  73 year old John Mc Sweeney’s body was found on Sunday, January 14 after being missing from his home in Athea since Saturday, January 6. May he rest in peace.

COFFEE MORNING AT FEALE FIT SATURDAY, JANUARY 27:  A coffee morning will take place at FealeFit from 10am – 12noon to support St. Ita’s Day Care.  Everyone welcome.

PLAY AT THE GLÓRACH:  PRO of the Glórach sent the following:  “The classic play ‘The Trojan Women’ by Euripides, and adapted for these parts by the late, great Brendan Kennelly, will take place at the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, January 20th.  A look at war and the indiscriminate effect it has on women and children, the play is brought to life by the cream of North Kerry acting talent who comprise Memory Lane Theatre Group, Lixnaw, under the expert direction of Padraig Dennehy.  Revisit the Greek Classics that you studied in school or just enjoy an exceptional ensemble cast bring this timeless tome to life.  Curtains up at 8 pm, tickets are €15 and can be booked at 0871383940, on the door or at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com

HAPPY RETIREMENT:  We would like to wish Mairead Moore NT long life and good health following her retirement from Scoil Mhathair Dé.

FRENCH FILM AT THE GLÓRACH: A 2nd report from PRO Lorcan Curtin tells us about the planned screening of a French film at the end of the month:  “Our first film screening of the New Year takes place on Sunday, January 28th with our screening of the French film, ‘Driving Madeline’ by Christian Carion.  A heart-warming film that charts the journey across Paris of taxi driver Charles and the elderly Madeline, who is set to enter a nursing home but has one last glorious look back at her life in the course of the drive across the city.  The film kicks off at 7.30 pm and tickets can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at the door on the night.”

SCRIBBLING FOR CHARITY:  West Limerick author, Pat McLoughlin recently launched his 6th book ‘The Unbreakable Dream’. It was launched by Minister, Patrick O’ Donovan at Longcourt House Hotel in Newcastle West.  The proceeds from the novel will go to Milford Care Centre/Hospice to whom Pat has already presented a cheque for €1250.00.  A few remaining copies of the book are still available at Siopa Milsean.

THE HUNT MUSEUM LAUNCES THE KITE POWER FESTIVAL:  FUN WITH WIND ENERGY:  Inspiring Creativity, Community, Recycling and Clean Energy Advocacy.

  • Kite-Making Workshops reusing Christmas packaging to take place across the County in January
  • Kite Power Festival takes place on Sunday 11thFebruary in Limerick and Shannon, Co Clare.

The Hunt Museum is organising a county and city-wide Kite Power Festival as part of its current exhibition to highlight the power of wind as an energy resource.  The museum is calling on Kite enthusiasts and novices to get creative with recyclable materials and paint the sky of Limerick and Shannon, Co Clare with vibrant kites on 11 February 2024.   The Kite Power Festival takes the Hunt Museum’s Climate Change exhibition “Night’s Candles are Burnt Out: Climate, Culture, Change & Community”, outside its walls and onto the streets and hills of Limerick as it showcases the power of wind through art, culture and a fun community event.  In a visually captivating and eco-friendly manner, this unique family experience, sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group in collaboration with the Limerick.ie Festivals scheme, encourages participants to reuse their Christmas wrapping paper and tinsel and give it new life in the skies powered by the abundant wind in the Mid-West. To help people get involved, Lumen Street Theatre will host a series of Kite Making Workshops across Limerick City and County and in Shannon Town.  Some Men’s Shed groups will also host their own Kite Making days.   Speaking at the launch, Jill Cousins, Director, Hunt Museum said, “We want to continue to engage people emotionally through art and creativity in campaigning for change to renewable energy sources.  The idea behind “Nights Candles are Burnt Out” is the use of culture to develop real understanding of the need to change both personally and nationally.  We want to be able to achieve Climate Action 2021 targets by 2030. By promoting clean energy in a fun and unique way, we hope to inspire individuals and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions.”   Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group said, “We are delighted to sponsor this exciting event that will raise awareness in a fun and engaging way of the power of wind as a clean energy resource. Ireland, and the west coast in particular, has one of the world’s leading wind resources, so raising awareness of the opportunities this brings to our region is really key.  We would encourage everyone, schools, families, community groups to get involved to promote this great initiative”. Prizes will be given in each location for:

  • The best flyer
  • The best use of recycled Christmas packaging and decoration
  • The best artistic design

After the festival, all Kites can be lent to The Hunt Museum for a post Festival exhibition.

 Save the Date – Festival Highlights:

Saturday, January 13: Lumen Workshop in Adare

Saturday, January 20: Lumen Workshop in Kilmallock

Saturday, January 27: Lumen Workshop in Newcastle West

Tuesday, January 30: Lumen Workshop in Limerick Learning Hub

Saturday, February 3: Lumen Workshop in Abbeyfeale

Saturday, February 3: Hunt Museum Kite Making Day

Saturday, February 3: Men’s Shed Kite Making Day

Sunday, February 11: Kite Power Festival across Limerick & Shannon .

TRIP TO THE PANTO:  We will be leaving NCW at 12 noon on Sunday, January 28 for the Matinee 3pm. and picking up in Abbeyfeale at 12.15pm. Tickets for panto are booked, adults €15 and children €10 – no booking fee.  We will be having dinner on the way home in the River Island Hotel. Going to print we have a few seats available, this is a lovely day out for everyone.   For more information and booking contact Maureen  087 9845102.

YOGA CLASSES:  Yoga classes are held in Fr.Casey’s Club house every Monday evening from-8.30pm with Mike Houlihan.

 RECOVERY HAVEN: Kerry Cancer Support House will have a Designer Fashion Showcase event taking place in the Gleneagle INEC Arena on February 1st, 2024. The date – St Brigid’s Day – is particularly poignant for those involved, with the show set to incorporate the extraordinary Irish saint and mark her 1500th anniversary. Renowned fashion designer Colin Horgan will be the star attraction of the event, showcasing several pieces from his new collection, while beloved Ballyheigue designer Don O’Neill – the charity’s newly appointed Patron – will showcase a select few pieces from his fashion archive. The event will be MC’d by legendary RTE broadcaster, Mary Kennedy. Tickets are only €30 and are for sale at Recovery Haven Kerry, 5 Haigs Terrace Tralee or at the Gleneagle INEC box office, they can also be purchased online or by contacting local volunteers Mary McGill or Marion Drummond.  For further information please ring 066 7192122.

ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING:  Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone.  Collect from the Centre or have it delivered.  Monday, January 15 Lamb Chop or Chicken and Black Pudding.  Tuesday, January 16 Chicken Fillet or Bacon and Cabbage.  Wednesday, January 17 Chicken Casserole or Beef Burger.   Thursday, January 18th . Gammon or Braised Steak.  Friday, January 19.  Fish of the Day or Meat Alternative.  Please let us know if you require a Gluten Free option.  Price List Soup €1, Main Meal €7, Half portion €5.  Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes €3.  Dessert €2.  Contact 068 51850.

ST JOHN’S THEATRE, LISTOWEL.  They host the “The Spirit of Johnny Cash” on Saturday January 27th @ 8pm. More from 068 22566.

CHURCH NOTES:  Co 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 087/7740753.   Divine Mercy Meetings will take place every Monday evening after 7 pm Mass.. 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.

Mass Intentions for the coming week: Saturday 6.30pm Eileen Broderick Upper Purt Anniversary. Joan E Leahy, Ballaugh. Lily O’Keeffe St Ita’s Road. Phil & Peg Woulfe, Kilconlea Upper. Maurice O’Connor and Nora O’Connor Knocknasna . Sunday 12noon Ita & Dick Murphy, Knocknasna Dan francis & Ellen O’Connor and their daughters Eileen and Ann Advice Helpline Are open to dealing with your queries Monday to Friday. You can contact between 9:30am and 4:15pm by phone on 0761-07-5780, or by email at [email protected] Aware Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Tel: Freephone 1800 80 48 48 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). Email: [email protected] Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie Email: [email protected] 01 2107906. 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.  Grow Mental Health- Friendly Community based groups for anyone experiencing mental health issue through 12 Step Program of connection, hope, identity by empowering people to nurture their positive wellbeing by supporting personal growth through education, peer support and self-teaching. Based in 33 Henry Street and Croom, several meetings including new meeting on Monday 11-1pm. Contact Michael 086-6063182/Celia 0861526966/Www.grow.ieThe Parish Clerk: The Parish clerks wish to thank you for your generous contributions to the collection last weekend. Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage is back in its full capacity for 2024, bringing a full team of workers and assisted pilgrims. If you know someone (family member, neighbour, friend etc) who would like to travel as part of our assisted pilgrim section please let them know. Further information available from Limerick Diocesan Office on 061-350000.

 ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:  Takes place each Friday in the Sacristy in Duagh Church from 3pm until public rosary at 7pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm.  It also takes place in Abbeyfeale Blessed Sacrament Chapel following Mass in the church at 10am and continues until 7pm.

USED CANDLES:  Thank you  to  each and every one of you who have already sent stampsand collected used candles.  Can I please point out that plastic
ornamental candles are of no use.    Please continue the good work and again many, many thanks.  Please mention to the Sacristan in your church about the used candles, the Christmas Wreath candles are only used for that year and new candles are used next year.   God Bless,Maureen   087 9845102.

TEA DANCE in Asdee Community Centre on Sunday, February 4 from 2.30 – 5.30pm. – Fundraiser in aid of Cenacolo Community, Knock.  A community of people with addiction.  Prizes and Raffle.  Prizes include – Return trip to Medjugorje for 1 person in 2024.  Overnight stay for 2 people & evening meal in Adare Manor.  B. & B. for 2 people at the Woodlands Hotel, Adare.  Raffle will take place at the Tea Dance.

PARKRUN in Listowel takes place every Saturday morning from 9:30am.

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES 2024 1st—8th May 2024 & 18th—25th Sept 2024. Cost €510. For further information contact Tom Collins: 086 8380406.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: With the weather alert active check in on your elderly neighbours.   Don’t share any bank codes.  Hang up on callers wanting to fix your computer.  Don’t make investment decisions – get independent financial advice. Be wary of requests for money from family members – ring them and check it out. Unfortunately, some people send emails pretending to be from the bank.  They are usually looking for security details.  The bank will never ask customers to provide details of debit or credit card details through email or links in an email.  Try to advise young members of your family of the dangers of drug taking; risk of addiction, running up drug debts to dealers, if caught and receive a conviction in the courts foreign travel at risk and we all wanted to spread our wings when we were young – I thought I was great heading off from the East to the West Coast on the Greyhound Bus in 1970 – such an adventure!