by Marian Harnett

COFFEE MORNING FOR THE LATE FR. TIM GALVIN’S MISSION:  Fran Leahy originally from New St., Abbeyfeale and who has gone out to help in the schools that Fr. Tim set up,  over several years is returning again in May for a 6 month term. She will be covering all her expenses herself but her friends are planning to hold a coffee morning on Saturday, April 13 from 11am – 2pm in St. Ita’s Day Care Centre to raise funds for the running of the schools.  We’d appreciate some home baking and spot prizes for a mega raffle.  Further information from Fran on 087 9473333.WEST LIMERICK SINGING CLUB:  The next Singing Session will take place in The Ramble Inn, Church Street on Friday, April 5 from 9pm.  Everyone welcome.

  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.  Easter Bonnet competition on the day.

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]

OLD CHRISTMAS CARDS: If you have old Christmas  cards you can drop them into the old Weigh House in the Market Yard Tuesday evening from 6pm. to 8pm. you can contact Ann  Brennan  087 934 4103.

CPR AED TRAINING IN ATHEA:  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.

MAUREEN’S SPRING BREAK:  “Because more people want to go on this fantastic break we have booked a bigger bus and more rooms in the Great Northern 4 * Hotel, in Bundoran. Complimentary use of the  Leisure Centre, dancing in the Atlantic Ballroom every night. Each morning a full Irish breakfast and four course choice of dinner menu. We will be going out each morning after breakfast touring you will be taken to a different location and different experience.Fitzpatrick’s bus will be in Listowel at the Square on Sunday 28th April, at 8.30am. on to Abbeyfeale pick up 8.45am. bus stop opposite the church, Newcastle West opposite the Longcourt House Hotel bus stop 9am. then onto the South Court Hotel Car park 9,30am.  Next stop in Galway for breakfast.  For more information and booking please contact Maureen 087 9845102.”

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.

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 Good Friday, March 29 to Noreen Ashe.  Admission €10.

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.

HOSPICE MEMORIAL GOOD FRIDAY WALK/RUN: The Annual Good Friday Listowel Hospice Walk/Run will commence at 10am from St. Patrick’s Hall on 29th March and will go up along the Greenway. Registration takes place from 9.30am with distances of 3k, 5k or 10k to choose from. There will be refreshments in the hall afterwards so even if you don’t feel up to walking, do call in for a cuppa and a chat.   Sponsorship cards are available from Committee Members and JK Sports. Contact Eileen 087 9865275 / Jenny 086 3934134 / Siobhán 087 6464799. Donations can also be made through the Listowel Hospice Instagram or Facebook page

RAMBLING HOUSE; Listowel on last Thursday of the month and Knockanure on the first Thursday of the month.

.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]

DIVINE Mercy Novena: begins on Good Friday and continues until. Divine Mercy Sunday, 7 April 2024.  Leaflets available at the church doors.

ST PIO Prayer Meeting at Castleisland on April 9th 2024 – (Second Tuesday).

LATIN Mass will be offered on Sunday, 31st March, at 12.00 noon at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathass, by Fr. Bernard Healy. More information from [email protected]

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

 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. 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.

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.

YOGA CLASSES:  Yoga classes are held in Fr. Casey’s Club house every Monday evening from7-8.30pm with Mike Houlihan 0872732591.

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 25 Braised Steak or Chicken Goujons.   Tuesday, March 26 Bacon and Cabbage or Chicken Fillet.    Wednesday, March 27 Turkey Steak or Lamb Chop.  Thursday, March 28 Pork Chop or Lasagne. Friday, March 22 Fish or Meat Alternative.  Please8 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.

 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.

Mass of Chrism:  Blessing of Holy Oily during the Chrism Mass St. John’s Cathedral, Limerick.  Holy Thursday, March 28 at 7.30pm followed by Eucharistic Procession to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Confessions in main Church. Adoration follows until 10pm.  Good Friday at 3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion including Veneration of the Cross.  Stations of the Cross 7.30pm .  Holy Saturday Confessions 11 -1pm.  Blessings of Easter Baskets for the Polish Community at 12 noon.  Easter Vigil Mass at 8pm.  Blessing of Paschal Fire and Easter Candle.  Easter Sunday Mass 10am (broadcast on WL102fm) and Mass at 12 noon.  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