by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “For somebody to do well in school, somebody needs to make him go to bed on time and get a good 10 hours sleep. Someone must make him do his homework. Somebody must feed him breakfast in the morning and somebody must make him mind the teacher. If those things are not done, I don’t care how much money you put in the school system, education will not occur”. Walter Edward Williams.
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Emmet Colbert whose funeral took place recently. May he rest in peace. We also offer our sympathies to the Mc Mahon family on the death of Noreen – her ashes were interred on Saturday.
JIVING LESSONS AT THE RAILWAY: Friday nights. 8.30pm. No partner required. Contact Tom 087 9360421.
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: Friends of St Ita’s Hospital Church gate collection will take place at the church gate on Saturday & Sunday 20th & 21st April. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
LAUNCH OF FLEADH BY THE FEALE: On Friday 19th April, the Fleadh by the Feale Committee are proud to present the launch of this year’s Festival at the Cellar Bar, Abbeyfeale. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival and a number of events are planned over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, including two monumental concerts featuring Celtic Steps on Saturday, May 4th and the Mulcahy Family on Sunday, May 5th, as well as the perennial festival favourites that include the All Ireland Bones Playing Championship, various workshops, The Storytelling and the Street Busking to name but a few. So keep this coming Friday free and be sure to drop in for a great night of music and song kicking off at 8.30 pm, and find out more about the numerous events that will be happening during the festival. From all involved with The Fleadh by the Feale Committee, we thank you for your ongoing support, and look forward to seeing you all on Friday evening.
NOREEN BARRY’S PLAYSCHOOL: Noreen is now taking booking for September. Call her on 087 2499797 or visit the school at Teach na Féile New Street from 9 – 12 noon.
COFFEE MORNING FOR MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN: A huge thank you to all who supported, baked, donated, ran the raffle, served the teas last Saturday. Fran Leahy will be travelling shortly and all your donations will go directly to be spend on the late Fr. Tim’s Mission.
FIRST AID RESPONDER (FAR) COURSE: Started Monday, April 15 in NCW. Further information [email protected] or 086 8171759 (after 6pm).
GLÓRACH NOTES: Unanimity is rare amongst audiences but all who had the privilege of seeing Katie on stage last September were astounded at the writing, acting and direction, as well as the accompanying sound and lighting that were excellent also. Written and directed by Thérese Prenderville, Katie tells the story of Tony & Maureen’s grief-stricken journey as they mourn the loss of their only child, Katie. A powerful play that explores grief, love, loss and friendship, it packs a considerable emotional punch. Not to be missed, Katie, presented by the Súgán Theatre Company, plays for one night only at the Glórach Theatre on Sunday, April 21st. Curtains up for the drama at 8 pm, and tickets can be booked at 0871383940 or at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com
MARCH FOR LIFE: Shining a spotlight on Ireland’s abortion law and calling for compassionate support systems for expectant mothers. The March for Life is more than just a demonstration; it’s a collective voice demanding change, unity, and empowerment for women facing challenging choices. Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May, 2:00pm. Marching in Dublin from St. Stephen’s Green to Leinster House. All support welcome.
BIBLE: By popular demand, Pat Higgins and Sean O Mochain are continuing their ‘Journey through the Bible’ for the next six Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm in Athea Library. All are welcome, no experience necessary.
PRAYER FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER: Loving God, we pray to you in good times and also in difficult ones too. We give thanks for the blessings of our countryside. We pray for fine weather for our farmers and all those who work the land. Our prayers are for the land to dry up, so cattle can get out and crops sown. We pray for balance to our seasons and especially now we pray for some sunshine and dry weather. Amen.
INFORMATION EVENT FOR OVER 60’S: Thursday, April 18 from 10.30 -1pm in The Longcourt Hotel, Newcastlewest. Speakers Clare Flynn Mental Health Ireland, Karen Fenessy Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, Michele Gilbourne Solicitor and Anne Goughan Local Link Limerick. Event free but must be booked in advance with Dearbhla on 069 66293.
OPEN DAY AT THE TECH: The college will be open from 10am – 1pm on Wednesday April 17 and again in the evening between 6-8pm. Find out what courses are on offer, meet the staff and register if you find a course you’d like.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS: PRO Lorcan Curtin sends the following: Preparations are well underway for what promises to be a momentous celebration over the May Bank Holiday weekend as the Fleadh by the Feale festival reaches a significant milestone. Now in its 30th year, there will be two major concerts over the weekend, with Celtic Steps; the show taking to the stage at Coláiste Íde agus Iosaif on Saturday 4th May, supported on the night by the School Traditional Band, while on Sunday 5th the internationally renowned Mulcahy Family will be playing at the Glórach Theatre. Tickets available online at eventbrite or in person at the Siopa Milseáin. Check out our Facebook page for more information regarding these events and also the wide variety of workshops that we will be running. Another constant has been the Storytelling on Sunday, so plenty of time yet to practice for a song or recitation over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Launch night coming up at the Cellar on Friday 19th April, the countdown begins.
CANCER: The standalone Oncology Unit at University Hospital Kerry projected completion and handover date is 2026.
FEALE CRAFTERS ARE BACK: The Square, Saturday, April 27.
GLIN Castle job; Full & Part Time positions available. Email your C.V. & Cover Letter to [email protected]
LARTIGUE MONORAIL AND MUSEUM: Last train run at 4pm. The Summer Season will recommence on Monday May 1st. Check out the museum too when you visit.
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
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY – Knock – June 1st: The All Ireland Rosary Rally is back this year on Saturday, June 1st in Knock. The day begins with a Marian Conference at 9.30 am in St John’s Centre. Speakers include: Fr Michael Donnelly, Sr Ana Margarita Lanzas SCTJM, and Fr Joseph Maria Deane CFR. Then there will be an opportunity to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland from 11.30 am in St John’s Centre. A well-renowned speaker from Miami called Mother Adela Galindo will deliver the keynote Rosary talk at 1 pm in the Basilica. Then there will be the Stations of the Cross outside at 2 pm, followed by the Rosary Procession. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant of the 3 pm Concelebrated Mass which will include Anointing of the Sick. Confessions are available throughout the day, and there will be rosary and scapular-making workshops in the marquee. For more information and to see a list of buses going from around Ireland please visit www.AllIrelandRosaryRally.com
ALONE the organisation that enables older people age at home are looking for Telephone and Visitation Volunteers to support older people in the community. Call 0801 222 024 or see ALONE.ie/Volunteer for more info.’
RALLY: Ireland International Rally of the Lakes will take place from May 3- 5.
VIGIL FOR PALESTINE The weekly Listowel Vigil for Palestine takes place every Tuesday,6pm – 7pm in The Square, Listowel. All Welcome. For information email [email protected]
DESMOND CASTLE NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: The Castle NCW will be open until 05 November. Please note these dates may be subject to change. Please check with site in advance of any planned visit. Open daily 10:00 – 18:00.
MAUREEN’S SPRING BREAK: Staying in the Great Northern 4* Hotel, Bundoran ,four nights, five days.. Would you please note that the times for being picked up have changed :Listowel the Square remains the same 8.30am. Abbeyfeale opposite the Church Bus Stop 8.45am. Newcastle West opposite Longcourt House Hotel bus stop 9.15am. Rathkeale House Hotel 9.40am. Croagh Bus Stop 10am. South Court Hotel Car Park 10.30am. We will be starting our journey picking up in Fitzpatrick’s bus on Sunday 28th April, in the Square Listowel at 8.30am. Abbeyfeale bus stop opposite the church at 8.45am. Newcastle West 9. 15am. bus stop opposite the Longcourt House Hotel, 9.40am Rathkeale House Hotel then onto the South Court car park 10.30a.m. We will be stopping in Galway for breakfast, then onto Knock where there will be some free time. For more information 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.
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. 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 to Noreen Ashe on Friday, April 19. 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.
RAMBLING HOUSE; Listowel on last Thursday of the month and Knockanure on the first Thursday of the month. Clounmacon Rambling house Friday 12th of April.
.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]
ROAD TRAFFIC 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. There’s also talk about a burst pipe so might be safer to drink bottled water.
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.
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/
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.
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. Wednesday, April 17th. Shepherd’s Pie or Lamb Chop. Thursday, April 18 Pork Chop or Sweet and Sour with Rice. Friday, April 19 Fish 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.
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. A prayer meeting will also take place in Scartaglen Church on Sunday, April 21 from 2.30pm. Everyone welcome. Rosary, Divine Mercy, Scripture and healing. 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.
DANCE: Afternoon Tea dance in Ballybunion on 28th of April beginning at 3pm. Social Dancing in Ballybunion every Tuesday night at 7.30pm.
- JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIEST SOCIETY: An hours adoration of the Blessed sacrament will take place after evening Mass on Saturday, April 20, to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
SENIOR LINE: Would you like someone to talk to? SeniorLine is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year 10am-10pm, Freephone 1800 80 4591.
RECOVERY HAVEN: A 6-week course designed to help participants transition from active treatment to living beyond cancer. Begins 23rd April. Contact: 0667192122. The Kerry Choral Union Spring concert in aid of Recovery Haven Kerry (cancer support house) St. Brendan’s Church, Upper Rock St., Tralee Sunday. April 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets €10 from the door & online https://register.enthuse.com/…/KerryChoralUnionSpringCo.
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: Saturday 6.30pm Mary O’Connor, Bridge Street. Barbara McGill, The Hill Months mind. Sean & Diane O’Mahony, Caherhayes. Bessie Meehan , Kilmorna. Sunday 10am Michael O’Hanlon, Collins Park. Kathleen Gleeson, Kilconlea Lower. Gerry O’Connor. Kitty Cotter Main Street Months Mind. 12noon Will Joe & Mary Collins and their sons Billy & Tom the Hill. Padraig & Patsy Cleary, Killarney Road. Monday 7pm Richard Tobin and deceased family members. 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.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES 2024: A pilgrimage to Lough Derg is all about letting go, a time to see one’s daily life as it truly is. The Three Day Pilgrimage provides a kind of breathing space in which people can calmly explore and reflect on where they find themselves in their lives at that moment in time. Part of the spiritual benefits of any pilgrimage is learning to take nothing we have for granted. It is an opportunity to give thanks to God for having the health, the time, and the freedom to do the pilgrimage. It’s a moment to remember one’s loved ones at home and anyone who particularly asked for prayers, and also to say a prayer for fellow pilgrims. Lough Derg is a sacred place apart to bring burdens and leave them behind, to seek healing for wounds and to ask for them to be healed. These are just some of the reasons pilgrims continue to travel to the sacred Island. One Day Retreat. May: Sunday 5th, Monday 6th, Sunday 12th, Tuesday 14th, Saturday 18th, Saturday 25th & Monday 27th. The Three Day Pilgrimage will commence on Thursday 1st June and continue until 15th August (Sunday 13th August is the final day for pilgrims to begin the Three Day Pilgrimage for 2023). Admission €80 | Booking advised | Concessions available for students, seniors and groups. If you have any questions or queries regarding booking, please contact Lough Derg by email: [email protected] or telephone: +353 (0)71 9861518.
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. If you are travelling for medical or cosmetic procedures, you should inform yourself of both the risks and benefits of any procedures and discuss the plans with your medical practitioner before committing to any procedure abroad. If you are having a drink abroad, try to ensure drinks are poured from an original, sealed bottle. Whatever you do don’t click on any links that are texted to you. Keep your security settings or security software up to date on your computer and change your passwords regularly. 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