by Maiian Harnett
PROLOGUE: Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat is accepted as a reality. Anon.
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Mary Ita Barry, Clash Road whose funeral took place during the week. May she rest in peace.
A new monthly repair café is starting soon in Newcastle West!
NEWCASTLEWEST REPAIR CAFÉ:As repair cafés are volunteer led, we need your help to kickstart this initiative locally, so please email Andi at [email protected] if you are interested in finding out more about how you can lend a hand, full support will be given.
What is a repair café? Repair Cafés are free meeting places and they’re all about repairing things (together). In the Repair Café, you’ll find tools and materials to help you make any repairs you need. On clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys, et cetera. You’ll also find local expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields.
Visitors bring their broken items from home. Together with the specialists they start making their repairs in the Repair Café. It’s an ongoing learning process to empower people to fix instead of binning items, and fantastic for keeping more household goods in circulation and out of the rubbish tips! If you have nothing to repair, you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Or you can lend a hand with someone else’s repair job. You can also get inspired at the reading table – by leafing through books on repairs and DIY. There are over 2,500 Repair Cafes worldwide, and you can find out more by visiting https://www.repaircafe.org/en/ Taking place on the last Wednesday of the month from March onwards.
FEALE CRAFTERS ARE BACK: The Square, Saturday, March 30.
RALLY: Maurice Collins Memorial Rally on Easter Sunday 31st March, Tractor Run on Saturday and Car Run on Sunday Morning.
POPE’S NEW BOOK: Pope Francis’ autobiographical book entitled “Life. My Story in History,” written with Vatican journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, set to be released on March 19 by HarperCollins.: The book spans over 300 pages and covers all aspects of Pope Francis’s life, from his relationship with his family, especially with his grandparents, their emigration to Argentina in 1929, a “little derailment” during his seminary period, and World War II with its dramatic atomic epilogue.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/podcast/the-young-vatican/2018/10/synod-youth-2018-stay-tuned.html
CREATIVE EASTER CAMPS: Children aged 5-12. Tuesday –Friday, April 2-5 from 10-12 noon. Book on 068 22212. €20 per child. Kerry Writers Museum, Listowel. Brosna Hall Easter Camp: Junior Infants to Fourth Class March Monday 25-Thursday 28 from 9.30 – 12.30pm. Arts and Crafts, Games, Music and Dance, Drama, Storytelling, Sports. Further details from Sarah 086 8668156 [email protected]
CPR AED- Training for Teens has been arranged for the following dates: Thursday 28th March; Thursday 4th April; Thursday 11th April; Thursday 18th April, time 18.00 – 21.30 each night .Venue: Con Colbert Memorial Hall, please contact Helen Brosnan on 087 6103840.
EASTER BASKETBALL CAMP: The camp held in Listowel Community Centre from Monday 25 – Thursday March 28 caters for senior infants to third class from 9.30 – 12.30pm and fourth class to sixth class from 1-4pm. To book email [email protected] or call James on 087 9622263.
ABBEYSIDE PLAYERS: “God rest his soul” A comedy by John Hank Regan is in the Glórach, Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Sunday 24. We all need a laugh these days especially with the weather raining most days since June 17, 2023 and this play will definitely put a smile on your face. Admission €15. Take note Anita Bennis you have a star on your hands. Booking 087 1383940.
DESERT DAY: “Companions on the Journey”; Desert Day in preparation for Holy Week. Silent Retreat with Eucharist & Reconciliation, Saturday 23rd March 2024; 10.30am to 5pm in Limerick Diocesan Centre. Facilitated by Phyllis Moynihan RSM and Ann Mulcahy. Please bring your own packed lunch. Tea/Coffee/Snacks provided. Donation: €20. Booking is essential, contact Phyllis at 087 963 6893 or email: [email protected] to register your place.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage (Thursday 20th to Tuesday 25th June 2024) is back in its full capacity for 2024, bringing a full team of workers and assisted pilgrims. If you would like to be a volunteer helper on the pilgrimage, please contact the organisers of the pilgrimage at the Limerick Diocesan Office on 061-350000.
‘WHY I HAVEN’T MET OPRAH YET? Dee Keogh brings her acclaimed one woman show to Kerry Writers’ Museum on Wednesday March 20th before it premiers in New York. Why I haven’t Met Oprah Yet? is Dee’s journey to meet her idol, the legendary Oprah Winfrey. Dee writes to Oprah regularly in the hope of receiving a positive result. With her Dublin humour, coupled with her unwavering belief that dreams do come true. This show will bring you to the edge of your seat, excite and delight the audience through the highs and lows of pursuing a dream. It will challenge laws of attraction, the power of having a vision, and pursuing a goal. You will come away with new insights and an invitation to trust and to follow your own dreams. Doors open at 7.30 pm, performance at 7.45 pm. Tickets €10, available from the museum box office on 068 22212.
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.
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. A Jungle Challenge Fundraiser with Nora Collins who along with FAI schools coach Pat Fitzgerald is running a Summer camp for U6 – U12’s from Monday, March 25 – Wednesday, March 27 from 10 – 1pm. Registration at the clubhouse on Friday, March 15 from 6-7pm. €30 per child. Contact Nora 087 6568300. Fundraising Committee; Joe Weir 087 4545434, Maurice O Connor 087 4121153, Sandra Murphy 0872295573, Pat Fitzgerald 0830691062.
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.. Dancing on Friday, March 22 to Mike Condon. Admission €10.
‘TURNING MAMMY’: Athea Drama Group’s offering for 2024 is ‘Turning Mammy’ by John McDwyer – it will be on stage in the hall in Athea on Thursday March, 21, 23 and 24. Book 087 6926746. Not suitable for children. You need to book as it is the best laugh you’ll have this Lent and maybe it’s safer to leave Mammy at home as it’s definitely only suitable for pensioners!
BLOOD DONATIONS: 3,000 units needed per week to maintain the national blood supply. Phone 1800222111 for details of local clinics. The hospital requirements are 6% higher than this time last year.
DAFFODIL DAY: Friday, March 22.
SPRING BREAK: A great break that won’t break the Bank. Sunday 28th April, – Thursday 2nd May. Will those who have already given in their name confirm booking with €50 deposit this week. We have a few places available going to print. We will start off our holiday with breakfast in Tuam, Galway then onto Knock, Co. Mayo where we will have a break. Our last break will be in Sligo before arriving at The Great Northern 4 * Hotel, you can relax, go for a walk around the hotel or avail of complimentary use of the Leisure Centre before we have dinner, four course with an excellent choice of menu. After dinner we will go to the Atlantic Ballroom in our hotel where you can enjoy dancing or relaxing listening to the great music being played. After a full Irish Breakfast we will board Fitzpatick’s bus traveling to a different place and doing something different each day. We will be picking up passengers, Listowel the Square, Abbeyfeale bus stop opposite the Church, NCW bus stop opposite Longcourt Hse Hotel, Rathkeale House Hotel, Adare Heritage Centre and the South Court Hotel Limerick. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
FUNDRAISER FOR DROMTRASNA N.S.: Dance to Olivia Douglas at The Devon Inn on April 18. Doors open 8pm. DJ 8.30pm – 9.30pm, Olivia on stage 9.30pm. Tickets €20. Further information 085 1590520.
WOMENS WELL-BEING GROUP THROUGH HORSES: Sunday mornings, Re connecting to yourself, slowing down, ground based, no horse riding, no horse experience needed, Fitzgerald’s Equestrian Centre. Contact Caitriona 085 2642374/[email protected]
RAMBLING HOUSE:
DRAW FOR NEW PEUGEOT: West Limerick Sports Complex hope to purchase a 2 acre site and are running a draw for a new car. Tickets available on 069 77551 or www. wlsc.ie
BIBLE: Lenten Scripture Reflection: A Journey through the Bible, every Wednesday until Wednesday March 27th in the Library, Athea from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Followed by a cuppa and chat. Presented by Pat Higgins 087 2034626 and Sean O Mocháin 087-2321375.
ALERT: Limerick City and County Council advice Road Users and Businesses that Water main Replacement and Road Pavement Works are taking place from the Church of Assumption in Abbeyfeale to Mount Mahon. Some days there is more of a hold up than others, if you can, leave plenty of time to get through town.
DRAMA AND WELLBEING CLASSES 5-12 YEAR OLDS: Glórach Theatre started on February 3 from 3 – 4.30pm and continuing every week.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Pilgrimage to Knock Calling ALL ADORERS of the Blessed Sacrament in Limerick Diocese. The National Eucharistic Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 14th April (weekend after Divine Mercy). Please ring this number 086-0401789 / 087-6497382 to enquire or book a seat. The full bus details are on www.eucharisticadoration.ie
SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: Waltzing, jiving etc. have started in the Plaza Hall, Listowel 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 with Timmy Woulfe on Monday’s; Con Colbert Hall Athea at 9pm, on Tuesday’s, and Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse Abbeyfeale at 8.30pm on Wednesday’s.
ANNUAL ST PIO AND ST PHILOMENA PILGRIMAGE to San Giovanni and Mugnano will take place from 15th –19th July led by Michael O’Connor and Spiritual Director, Fr Sean Jones. For further information and booking please contact Michael 087 2677656 or JWT 01 2410800. The First Class relic of St. Pio is available from Michael or anyone who would like a blessing. Many Healings , Miracles and graces have taken place through the intercession of St. Pio.
VINTAGE RUN: Knockdown Vintage Club Annual Charity Vintage Run takes place on Sunday, March 24. This year the proceeds are in aid of two charities: Mid-Western Cancer Foundation UHL, and Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. (Mid-West Branch).
RADIO MARIA: Radio Maria is a Catholic radio station, available via Saorview on television, – Saorview channel 210. It can also be listened to via their website radiomaria.ie Each day they have Mass, Rosary and other prayers, and Christian music and hymns. Also, discussions and talks on all aspects of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church. It is run by many dedicated people and deserves our support. Tune in and find programmes that you enjoy.
FATIMA KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE: Guided Tour Led by Fr Noel Spring ( Castletownbere), 4* Hotel Fatima, Half Board, 10th—15th of May €979pp. For further information contact Maureen Harty 066 7131328, Barter’s Travelnet: 021 4851700 or kcallaghan.
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.
CHARITY: Mark Fleming Memorial Charity, Cars and Coffee Meet: A cars and coffee meet will take place at the Ferry Car park, Tarbert on Sunday April 21st,ample parking for spectators, with Tarbert Power Station allowing the use of their car park. All proceeds of this event will be for the SADS department in The Mater Hospital.
BOOKS: Ireland Reads; https://www.irelandreads.ie/
YOGA CLASSES: Yoga classes are held in Fr. Casey’s Club house every Monday evening from7-8.30pm with Mike Houlihan 0872732591.
BRUACH NA CARRAIGE, ROCKCHAPEL; Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel are delighted to host Bryan Murphy, singer, musician and story teller this coming Friday 22nd March @8pm. Tickets available on the night or by calling 087 3236049.
JOB: Lifeguards Wanted: Are you interested in working as a Beach Lifeguard? Clare, Fingal and Limerick are currently looking for lifeguards for the 2024 period. You will be responsible for performing rescues, administering first aid and the supervision of activities at the beach amongst other duties. For further information about these roles and many more can be found at https://watersafety.ie/careers/
BELFAST EASTER BREAK: April 1-3 Two nights Dinner,Bed and Breakfast. Call 064 6631095.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES: Three Day Pilgrimages begins Friday, May 31 until Thursday 15th August. https://www.loughderg.org/2024season/
FATIMA: Led by Fr. Noel Spring – Travel Date: 10th – 15th May 2024. 4 Star Hotel Fatima Group Leader Maureen Harty: 066-7131328 Should anybody be interested contact directly at Barters Travelnet, Cork. 021 4851700 or email Karen [email protected]
MARRIAGE: Worldwide marriage encounter weekend will be held in the Focolare Centre Prosperous, Co. Kildare, Friday 26th Apr.-28th Apr.’24. Register online www.marriageencounter.ie
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.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: May Bank Holiday W/E. Tickets at €25 on sale for Celtic Steps The Show Colaiste Ide agus Iosef on Saturday, May 4 and The Mulcahy Family in the Glórach Theatre on Sunday, May 5. Log onto https://linktr.ee/fleadhbythefeale to purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
MESSAGE FROM MAUREEN: A very sincere thank you to everyone who posted stamps, dropped off stamps and candles at the River Island Hotel, Castleisland and Fitzpatrick’s bus hire office. Candles can be dropped off at Fit for you alterations shop opposite the Church corner Boherbue and Sewing shop in Church town just above Hunt’s shop. Again thank you to everyone. God Bless. Maureen 087 9845102.
ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING: Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Monday, March 18 Closed for the Bank Holiday. Tuesday, March 19 Beef Stew or Chicken Fillet. Wednesday, March 20 Bacon and Cabbage or Braised Steak. Thursday, March 21 Toddy’s Homemade Sausages or Chicken Maryland. Friday, March 22 Fish Pie 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.
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..
SPRING CLEAN: nationalspringclean.org – the online resource for An Taisce’s National Spring Clean, Ireland’s nationwide anti-litter campaign which takes place during the whole month of April.
In 2023 , 5,640 groups registered to carry out clean-ups throughout the country – Volunteers who participated in the Spring Clean 2022 collected an estimated 2,600 tonnes of litter.
https://nationalspringclean.org/
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.
RECITAL St. Charles Touring Choir, Illinois, USA, this choir will sing a variety of uplifting choral music under the direction of Mrs. Monica Bertrand and Mr. Michael Molloy in the Cathedral on Wednesday March 27th at 5pm .The concert is free and open to the public.
40 HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD: in St. Brigid’s Chapel, Church of the Resurrection Killarney: Thursday 5th May beginning at 5 p. m. Finishing with Holy Mass on Saturday 23rd May. 0876884124.
ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE CLG SEEKING MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS
If you have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team in supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage Accord wants to hear from you! Successful applicants will receive professional training and will be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally.
Contact Aisling on 01 505 3112 or by email to [email protected]
LARTIGUE: We are delighted to be opening for the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. The Lartigue Monorail & Museum, Listowel will open from Saturday March 30th through to Monday April 1st.The Summer Season will recommence on Monday May 1st.
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.
Lection Divina will take place after Mass on Tuesday Mornings in the Blessed Sacrament Church during Lent. All are welcome. Mass Intentions for the coming week: Wednesday 10am Mary Griffin, Reens Pike Ardagh died recently. Anne Flynn nee McCarthy died recently. Thursday 10am Myles Kehoe. Friday 10am Stephen Siva Birthday remembrance. Saturday 6.30pm Suzanne Hayes, Western Inn 1st Anniversary. Paddy & Kit Donovan and deceased family members. John Brennan and John Brennan Junior Killarney Road. Patrick ( Sonny) O’Sullivan, The Hill Anniversary. Patsy Aeria Anniversary. Sunday 10am Bridie Quirke, Convent Road 1st Anniversary. Ita O’Connell, Kilmanihan, Brosna Anniversary. Mary Healy Caherlane Month Mind. 12noon Paddy & Maryann Walsh and their son Michael Dromtrasna North Anniversary. Some of us become overwhelmed by life’s contradictions. The pain and injustice that they see on every side causes them to lose all faith in God and in life. That could have happened to Jesus. If ever there was a person who had the right to doubt God, and to despair of the human race, and to become cynical about life, that person was Jesus. But through all of His injustice and all of the pain, His faith did not fail. He kept on believing in God, unlike many of us, He kept on believing in people, He kept believing in life. At Calvary, faith won. 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. The Stations of the Cross is a traditional way of praying during Lent. We pray this familiar prayer to be with Jesus Christ as he travels his final journey from condemnation to crucifixion along the Via Dolorosa out of love for and commitment to us and all of God’s creation. We pray and reflect on the Stations of the Cross because we wish to become close to Jesus, who loves each of us so deeply. We walk this journey to get a glimpse at the heart and mind of Jesus Christ, who is alive today and experiencing the Journey of the Cross wherever our sisters and brothers are suffering throughout the world. We give thanks as we walk this journey. The Way of the Cross has brought hope and the possibility of new life into the dark places of our lives. Journeying with Jesus Christ allows us to become aware of where God is walking with us in our lives, and where we are called to be with others on their journey. All are welcome to join in The Stations of the Cross, on Friday mornings during Lent, beginning at 9.30am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Blessed Sacrament Church each weekday during Lent beginning after the 10.00am Mass and continuing until 8pm. If you would like to give some of your time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, we encourage you to write your name on the timetable which is located at the side of the altar in the main church. Make a promise to the Lord that you will do your best to be faithful to the commitment you make. Lection Divina will take place after Mass on Tuesday Mornings in the Blessed Sacrament Church during Lent. All are welcome. Adult Choir practice every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. 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.
RAMBLING house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday March 20, at 8.00pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers welcome. Listowel Rambling House will take place on Thursday March 28th at 8 pm, at Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel.
VINTAGE RUN: Knockdown Vintage Club Annual Charity Vintage Run takes place on Sunday, March 24. This year the proceeds are in aid of two charities: Mid-Western Cancer Foundation UHL, and Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. (Mid-West Branch).
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