by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: Useless fact – The inventor of Vaseline used to eat a spoonful of it every day!
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of Mary (Moll) Healy Killarney Road whose funeral took placed on Thursday. To the family of Betty Galvin, Hillary Close, Sheskin/Ballaugh whose funeral took place on Friday. To the family of Norma Healy, Dromtrasna South whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace.
TRÓCAIRE LENTEN CAMPAIGN 2024:[ This year’s Trócaire campaign focuses on Malawi and on the work being done to support and empower local people and communities. We hear the story of Malita and her family, who are on the front of the Trócaire box this year. Malita and her family must make a one-hour trip up to five times a day to collect water. Malita is facing the effects of the climate crisis on a daily basis. When you listen to the people of this region, you hear the very real ways in which climate change is affecting their daily lives. You hear that the climate is less predictable now and that the lack of trees on the mountain and the land makes them vulnerable to crop failure and contaminated water. Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world and has been badly affected by climate change. The people of Malita’s village, and others like them, are not the ones who have caused this situation – but they are paying the highest price. Please support Trócaire in helping communities develop sustainable access to clean, safe and reliable water supplies.
GLÓRACH THEATRE: Bingo every Monday 8pm. “The Banshee of Crokey Hill” by the Abbeyfeale Drama Group on February 22, 24 and 25. Doors open 7pm, Curtain 8pm. Booking 0871383940. Seats selling out fast.
ABBEYSIDE PLAYERS: “God rest his soul” A comedy by John Hank Regan in Rockchapel Community Centre on Saturday, February 24. Doors open 7.15pm. Curtain 8pm. Ticket Line 086 3102783.
FUNDRAISER FOR CAROL LISTON O’CONNOR AND FAMILY: Susan Browne Singers, Liam O’Connor Show with Brian Kennedy Devon Inn Friday, April 12. Doors open 8pm, Admission €25. Check availability with Devon Inn 069 84007 before travelling.
NEWCASTLEWEST REPAIR CAFE: Opening shortly, further information Andi at [email protected]
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: 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.
WELLNESS AND ADDICTION: St Kieran’s GAA Club host a free presentation on Addiction and Mental Health by Ciaran Carey at Ardagh Parish Hall on Friday February 23 at 7.30pm.
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; There’s a fine crowd and a lovely floor in North Kerry’s newest dance venue every Friday night from 9-11pm. Millstreet’s Norah Hickey is on stage 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 advice 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, if you can leave plenty of time to get through town.
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 BANSHEE OF CROKEY HILL” Abbeyfeale Drama Group present “The Banshee of Crokey Hill” by Tommy Marren at the Glórach on Thursday February 22, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25. Book on 087 1383940 and don’t delay – it’s a runaway success and you’ll be very sorry to miss out on a stellar performance with Mary Murphy, Joan O’Connell, Brian O’Connell, Seamus Lane and Tom Madigan playing out of their skins and the icing on the cake – a cameo appearance by Abbeyfeale’s favourite Dick Woulfe.
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.
RAMBLING HOUSE: 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.
SHORT STORY COMPETITION: 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 19 Lamb chop or Turkey Burger. Tuesday, February 20 Roast Beef or Chicken Fillet. Wednesday, February 21 Chicken Curry or Pork Chop. Thursday, February 22 Shepherd’s Pie or Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice. Friday, February 23 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.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH: A meeting of all parties involved in the Castleisland parish will be held in the River Island Hotel on Wednesday, February 21st at 8pm. Discussions will centre around the following questions:
- Without the presence of a priest to lead and coordinate, what aspects of parish life could we, the laity, take responsibility for and organise ourselves?
- Where do we see scope for cooperation with neighbouring parishes in our pastoral area?
- Given what Bishop Ray has said about reducing numbers and increasing age, what do we want to say to priests?
PLAY “A Tomb with a View” written by Norman Robbins will be staged in Ballyhahill Hall on four nights in April – 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th..
CAREGIVERS COURSE: Recovery Haven Kerry (Cancer Support House) will be hosting a 6 week ONLINE Building Better Caregivers Course commencing March 5th with an introductory session on February 27th. This course aims to support you as you are supporting someone with cancer. Please contact reception 066 7192122.
FESTIVAL: Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival Writing Competitions 2024. Closing Date: 29/02/2024, 5 p.m. 1. The James Award: Poetry (50 lines max) or Prose (2,500 words max), for writers 75 years young and above. 2. The Jer Lynch Poetry Award: Poetry (50 lines max); 3. Quiet Man Maurice Walsh Award: Short Story (2,500 words max); 4. Duais Phádraig Liath Ó Conchubhair: Dán (50 línte ar a mhéad) no Gearrscéal (2,500 focal ar a mhéad) as Gaeilge. Entry Fee: Adults, €10 for up to two entries in any combination. Pay via PayPal please on ballydbardfest.com or by cheque if posting. Phone Karen on 087 630 3308 if you need help. Prizes: James Award $200; Adults 1st. €150, 2nd. €100 and 3rd. €50 in each category. Email your entries to [email protected] or post to: Noelle Hegarty, Secretary BBF, Loughanes, Lisselton, Listowel.
JANICE CARRIG MINSTRY: Holy Spirit Prayer Meeting last Sunday of each month at the Desmond Complex at 3pm. Everyone welcome. The world is so in need of prayers.
‘ROADSIDE’: A comedy in three acts by the Spike Players, Knocknagoshel in St. Ita’s Parish Hall in St. Ita’s Parish Hall, Raheenagh Eircode V42 ET85 Friday, March 8 . Doors open 7pm, Curtain 8pm. Admission €10. Reserve tickets 086 1649099.
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 Brenda Woulfe, Church Street Anniversary. Denis Murphy, The Hill Anniversary. Sunday10am. 12 noon Tom & Mary Flynn and deceased relatives. 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. The following are suggested as ways of fulfilling Friday penance: Abstaining from meat or some other food;
Abstaining from alcoholic drink or smoking; Making a special effort at involvement in family prayer; Making a special effort to participate in Mass on Fridays; Visiting the Blessed Sacrament; Making the Stations of the Cross; Fasting from all food for a longer period than usual and perhaps giving what is saved to the needy; Helping the poor, sick, old or lonely. Lent is a time where you can make space to pray, read the bible and reflect on God’s Love. Forms of Friday Penance during Lent The following are suggested as ways of fulfilling Friday penance: Abstaining from meat or some other food; Abstaining from alcoholic drink or smoking; Making a special effort at involvement in family prayer; Making a special effort to participate in Mass on Fridays; Visiting the Blessed Sacrament; Making the Stations of the Cross; Fasting from all food for a longer period than usual and perhaps giving what is saved to the needy; Helping the poor, sick, old or lonely. 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.
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.
MAYNOOTH: Evangelium Ireland will host its next Apologetics Conference for young Catholics at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth on Saturday, March 16. Talks & workshops include: The Gift of the Priesthood, Intro to the Theology of Joseph Ratzinger, Christian Marriage, Female Authors of the Catholic Revival, Christian Metaphysics, St Patrick. Mass will also be celebrated. Cost €38 including lunch, refreshments and evening social. View full programme/to register visit www.evangelium.ie or search ‘Evangelium Ireland’ on Eventbrite. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn and pray with other young Catholics!
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. Group Leader: Maura Harksen. Spiritual Director: Fr. Francis Nolan, 11th September for 7 nights. Return flights from Cork to Dubrovnik, 7 nights in Hotel Dubrovnik. Breakfast & Dinner each day. Full Religious Programme. €879, per person sharing. Optional: Travel insurance and single supplement. Joe Walsh guides and representative throughout. For details & bookings contact: Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen (Tralee) on 087 151 7696 or 066 7127143.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Log onto Hi Digital – the step by step course to learn some digital skills and it’s free. Ring them on 1800203030. Whatever you do don’t click on any links that are texted to you. 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