by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today”.
A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FR. TIM GALVIN: On Saturday, February 10 following the 6.30pm Mass which will be offered to mark his 1st anniversary, Fran Leahy originally from New St. and who volunteered with Fr. Tim in 2015 and 2016 as well as returning again in 2023 will present a slide show showing some of the work that was enabled by the donations he received from home. It will take place at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre and tea and biscuits will be served. Everyone is welcome.
ALERT: Limerick City and County Council advise Road Users and Businesses that Water main Replacement and Road Pavement Works will take place from the Church of Assumption in Abbeyfeale to Mount Mahon from Monday 29th of January – Friday 29th of March .
CANDLEMAS DAY: Friday 2nd February is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day of special prayer for all in Consecrated Life. On this day known also as ‘Candlemas Day,’ we bless candles for use in the Church and at home. We welcome candles for use in the Church. Candles will be blessed at all Mass on that day.
FEAST OF ST. BLAIZE: On Saturday 3rd of February, Priests will be available in the Church from 12noon to 12.30pm to give the traditional Blessing of Throats. All are welcome.
CELEBRATING ST BRIGID IN ATHEA: Parishioners in Athea have organised two special events to mark the Feast of St Brigid. On Wednesday 31st of January (Eve of St Brigid’s) there will be a St Brigid’s Cross making Workshop in the Church at 7.30pm. Materials will be provided. On Sunday 4th of February, the life of St Brigid will be told in mime and song during the 11.00am Sunday Mass. St Brigid’s Crosses will be blessed during the Mass. Parishioners from the Pastoral area of parishes are welcome to attend both events.
GALA CONCERT: A fundraising concert in aid of Tournafulla Community Hall on Saturday, February 10 will star Denis Curtin, Donie Nolan and friends, The Wright Sisters, Willie and John Larkin, Tournafulla Church Choir and the local Wrenboy Group. Tickets are available from The Homestead. Doors open at 8pm.
GETTING MARRIED IN 2024 CHURCH REQUIREMENTS: While a couple need only give three months’ notice of their intention to marry it is common practice for a couple to book the church a long time in advance. It is important to contact the Parish Office to make sure that the church is available on the day you require. Arrange to meet the priest of the parish. The meetings of the couple with their priest are a key part of the preparation process. These meetings are an opportunity for a couple to reflect on what Christian marriage asks of them. The priest will also advise the couple about the various documents that are required before the marriage can take place. A person getting married in the Church will need to get a Certificate of Baptism from the parish in which they were baptised and a Certificate of Confirmation from the parish in which they were confirmed. These documents should be issued no less than six months prior to the date of marriage. Letters of freedom are also required. The priest will explain to the couple how they can obtain these documents. The rules governing freedom to marry in the Catholic Church can be complicated for some individuals. The best advice is for all couples to contact their local priest well in advance to talk through the documentation required. It is advised that all couples planning to get married in the Church should attend a Pre-Marriage course. This should be done shortly after a couple get engaged.
“THE BANSHHEE OF CROKEY HILL” Abbeyfeale Drama Group present “The Banshee of Crokey Hill” by Tommy Marren at the Glórach on Tuesday, February 13, Thursday 15, Saturday 17, Sunday 18 and the following week.
DRAMA AND WELLBEING CLASSES 5-12 YEAR OLDS: Glórach Theatre starting February 3 from 3 – 4.30pm.
SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: Waltzing, jiving etc have started in the Plaza Hall, Listowel on Monday, January 22 for Beginners: 7.00-8.00 pm, Advanced: 8.00-9.00 pm. For bookings, please contact 087 7541631.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: at Plaza Listowel on Monday, February 5, dancing from 3pm to 5.30pm.
BARNAGH TO ABBEYFEALE GREENWAY: John Nelligan sent me this piece from The Independent 2021-07-02 and says” We concur with those sentiments!
After Barnagh, the next stop is Templeglantine, a welcoming village with a shop and hotel. The village is home to Holy Trinity Church, built in 1829 and one of the oldest churches still in use in the region. Just outside Templeglantine is Tullig Wood, a tranquil forest rich in native flora and fauna.
Take a rest underneath the oak and ash trees and watch out for the willow warblers and chiffchaffs that live in their branches. As the summer sets in, the forest is roofed by the leaves of native hardwood trees, like oak, ash, hazel, and birch, as well as imported trees like beech.
The natural surroundings of Tullig Wood soon give way to bustling Abbeyfeale, one of the most culturally unique towns in the region. As part of the Sliabh Luachra tradition, Abbeyfeale is a hub for Irish music and dance, and home to the Glórach Theatre and the annual Fleadh by the Feale festival. As the final town on the Limerick Greenway, it’s a great place to spend the night and take in a trad session at one of the many local pubs.”
BINGO IN MOUNTCOLLINS: A fundraising Mega Bingo with €2,000 in prize money as well as a huge raffle takes place in the Community Centre on Sunday, February 11 at 3pm sharp.
FUNDRAISER FOR ALL WEATHER ASTROTURF PITCH: Abbeyfeale United are hosting a fundraiser based on the show “ I’m a celebrity, get me out of here” and it will be launched on Friday, February 2 in the Cellar Bar from 8 – 10pm. Every one welcome.
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.
KATIE GOING ON TOUR: Written by Therése Prendeville, granddaughter of the great MaryJo whose appearances on stage in Abbeyfeale back in the day are the stuff of legend “Katie” will be in St. John’s on Thursday, April 11, the Schoolyard Theatre, Charleville on Saturday, April 20 and back in the Glórach on Sunday, April 21. I saw this play in the Glórach before Christmas and the very thought of it sends shivers down my spine – the storyline and the acting are just so powerful. Take any chance you get to see it.
COLAISTE IDE DINGLE OPEN DAY: Saturday, February 24 from 10.00am to 3pm. Call 066 915 1211.
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 Thursday, February 1st. 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.
CELEBRATE WITH THE HEALY RAE’S: A dance will be held at The Gleneagle Killarney celebrating 50 years in Politics by the Healy Rae’s on Friday, February 9 at 8.30pm.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES: Three Day Pilgrimage begins Friday, May 31 until Thursday 15th August. https://www.loughderg.org/2024season/
CAMINO: A group from Athea are hoping to do 100km of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago from June 12-19. Average walk 20km per day, please contact Denise on 086-6095716.
ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING: Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Monday, January 29 Turkey Steak or Beef Burger Tuesday, January 30 Bacon and Cabbage or Chicken Fillet. Wednesday, January 31 Shepherd’s Pie or Lamb Chop. Thursday, February 1 Glazed Ham or Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice.. Friday, February 2 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.
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: Wednesday 10am Aoife Collins, Banard. Anniversary. Thursday, February 1Mass celebrating the feast day of St Brigid will be celebrated at 10.00am. The school Choir from Scoil Mháthair Dé will lead the singing at the Mass. St Brigid’s Crosses will be blessed during the Mass. All parishioners are welcome. Friday 10am Purgatorial. Saturday 6.30pm Willie Pa O’Connor. Bridget Rowley 2nd Anniversary. John Daly, Ballybehy/Tullig Month Mind. Sunday10am David Ward, Ballaugh Anniversary. 12noon Thanksgiving Mass. 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.ie 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 stamps and 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.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: ST PIO devotions in Castleisland Church on February 13th 2024 – (Second Tuesday).
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.
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.
DRAMA: Granagh Players will perform ‘The Hucklebuck’ by Jack Reardon, in the Community Centre V35C584 at 8.00pm Friday, February 2, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4. Admission Adults €10, Students €5. Shop & Raffle nightly.
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. 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