by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference” Winston Churchill.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE IN AID OF THE KERRY EMIGRANTS: An afternoon tea dance in aid of the Kerry Emigrants will take place in Tomáisíns, Lisselton on Sunday, February 25 with music by Eddie Lee. Admission €10.
JUNGLE CHALLENGE FUNDRAISER FOR ALL WEATHER PITCH: Children, teenagers and adults of Abbeyfeale have long suffered due to a lack of all-weather pitches and training facilities in the town and oftentimes found themselves driving to other towns and villages in order to train during winter months.
This came at huge effort and also massive cost in terms of money and time to parents.
This year we are hoping to get started on a much needed all weather facility for the town and with that came the idea for the “Jungle Challenge” fundraiser.
This event which will take place in the Devon Inn on the 27th of April is based on the massive hit show “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” and will see 24 very brave local “celebrities” going toe to toe for the title of King or Queen of the Jungle.
Thanks to all so far for your efforts and generosity.
Fundraising Committee
Joe Weir 087 4545434
Maurice O Connor 087 4121153
Sandra Murphy 0872295573
Pat Fitzgerald 0830691062.
GLÓRACH FILM: The Korean/American film ‘Past Lives’ will be our next screening on Sunday, March 10th. Oscar nominated, the film examines the story of Nora and Hae Sung, classmates at primary school in Seoul, who have their deep friendship ended abruptly when Nora’s family emigrates. Two decades later, they meet in New York and over one week address notions of chance and circumstance and the choices people make that create a life. The reviews have been extremely positive, make sure not to miss this one. The film will commence at the same time of 7.30 pm, and tickets can be booked at 0871383940, www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at the door on the evening.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY: The Island of Geese, Tralee is the location for the Youth Mental Health Awareness Day on March 2, facilitated by Kerry County Arts Office and local partners Munster Technological University.
SOCIAL DANCING IN DUAGH SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX; Dancing to Mike Condon Friday, February 16 and Norah Hickey on Friday, February 23. Admission €10.
SPRING BREAK: Maureen Finnegan is off on holidays and she says “Are you interested in a relaxing break and seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland? We have arranged for four nights and five days to stay in the Great Northern 4* Hotel in Bundoran, complimentary use of the Leisure Centre, dancing every night in the Atlantic Ballroom to great music. Bed and Breakfast dinner choice of menu after we return from our very interesting and exciting day trips visiting three different places with three totally different things to do. So don’t forget to pack the swim suit and those comfortable dancing shoes. We will require a deposit of €50 per person to confirm your booking. For more information and booking please contact Maureen 087 9845102”.
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 Some days there is more of a hold up than others.
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 started on February 3 from 3 – 4.30pm and continuing every week.
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.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held in Ballyhahill Hall at 8pm; Marian Hall Moyvane on Monday’s; Con Colbert Hall Athea at 9pm, on Tuesday’s, and Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse Abbeyfeale at 8.30pm on Wednesday’s.
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY: Celebrate with Afternoon Tea in Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel on Wednesday 14th February, from 3pm to 5pm, for an afternoon filled with prosecco, gourmet sandwiches, homemade scones, and a mouth-watering selection of bite-size desserts.
To make this occasion even more special, we will have live entertainment to serenade you!
Tickets are available at just €20 per person. Ticket Office on 068 22212.
CÉILÍ: On Sunday February 18th a set Céilí will be held in Halla Tadhg Gaelach from 3-6pm with music by Star of Munster from Clare. Con Colbert Hall Athea is the venue on Saturday February 24th from 9pm. Music by Uí Bhriain.
VISIT THE RELIC OF ST. BRIGID: Everyone who has booked to go to see St. Brigid’s Relic, also visiting Newbridge Silver must confirm booking with payment on or before Friday 19th February. Breakfast & dinner in Barack Obama Plaza. We will be leaving Kildare at 4pm. to ensure we are in time for dinner which will be booked after breakfast on Sunday morning. For more information contact Maureen 087 9845102 – going to print we a couple of seats available.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita’s Rambling House will be held at the Desmond Complex on Friday February 16, at 8pm. Rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday February 21, at 8.00pm.
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.
PRAYER: The Worldwide Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse takes place in Ireland on Friday 16 February. The Day of Prayer is an initiative of Pope Francis and was first marked in Irish dioceses in 2017. At Mass that day parishes are asked to light a ‘Candle of Atonement’ on the altar. The candle symbolises repentance, light in the darkness, and hope.
WRITERS WEEK CLOSING DATE; This Award is for a work of Literary Fiction by an Irish Author published between the 1st February 2023 and 31st January 2024. Closing date Monday 19th February 2024. Prize: €20,000, several other competitions, their closing date Feb and March, contact https://writersweek.ie/competitions/ The Dingle Lit Short Story Competition, in partnership with Dingle Distillery, is open to all writers on the island of Ireland, writing in either English or Irish. Writers are invited to submit previously unpublished work. Entries will be accepted from Monday December 4th 2023, through to midnight on Thursday, February 29th, 2024. https://dinglelit.ie/shortstory/
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES: Three Day Pilgrimages 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, February 12 Chicken stuffed with black pudding or Beef Burger. Tuesday, February 13 Bacon and Cabbage or Chicken Tenders. Wednesday, February 14 Fish Pie or Lamb Chop. Thursday, February 15 Braised Steak or Toddys Sausages. Friday, February 16 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 Ash Wednesday also Wednesday 7pm Ash Wednesday Thursday 10am Eily O’Connell, Meenkilly Anniversary. Saturday 6.30pm Margaret O’Connor, Knockbrack, Anniversary. Sunday 10am Mary & John Shannon, Main Street Anniversary. 12noon Thanksgiving Mass. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Lent is the forty days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. The number forty is significant as it refers to Jesus’ forty days in the desert prior to beginning his ministry of teaching. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and some other Christian denominations receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead. These ashes are created from the palms used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday Mass. They symbolize penance, which is appropriate as Lent is a season of penance, and remind us of our own mortality. During the Mass, as the priest or lay minister applies the ashes, he says “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Ashes will be distributed at both Masses on Wednesday. This year we encourage you to do something for Lent, your choice. Whatever you chose either to give up certain foods, comforts or luxuries. Reduce social media or television or take something up instead and form a new habit. Lent is a time where you can make space to pray, read the bible and reflect on God’s Love. Divine Mercy Meetings take place every Monday evening at 7.30pm. Adult Choir practice every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. 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. Adoration will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during Lent starting on Ash Wednesday February 14. . You are invited to commit to an hour by writing your name on the chart which is located on the left hand side railing as you face the altar.
ABBEYFEALE FIRE SERVICE RECRUITMENT OPEN NIGHT: Friday, February 16 at 7pm.
VOLUNTEERS – GOD BLESS THEM
Men and Women will be shocked to find
When the Day of Judgment nears;
That there’s a special place in Heaven set aside for volunteers.
Furnished with big recliners, satin couches and footstools.
Where there’s no Committee Chairman,
No group leaders or car pools.
No eager team that needs a coach
No bazaar or no cake sale.
There will be nothing to staple,
Not one thing to fold or mail.
Telephone lists will be outlawed
But a finger snap will bring Cool drinks and treats fit for a king.
You ask “who’ll serve these privileged few and work for all their worth?
Why, all those who reaped the benefits and not once volunteered on Earth.
Margaret O’Shea.
DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE: A bus will be travelling to the Divine Mercy conference at the RDS on February23/24/25. Contact Paudie 0868630511 or Megan 08301288329 for details.
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.
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: Log onto Hi Digital – the step by step course to learn some digital skills. Ring them on 1800203030. 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