by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “ O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May, O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Danny Murphy, Knockbrack whose funeral took place on Saturday. May he rest in peace.
PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE AT HOLYCROSS ABBEY: A bus will leave from NCW on Sunday, May 26 at 9am. Contact Pat Dalton on 069 62306.
GLORACH NOTES: Upcoming events include: Bingo every Monday night at 8pm, PJ. Murrihy in concert on Friday May 17 at 8pm and A Tomb with a View – a comedy thriller performed by the The Abha Bhán Players on Saturday, May 25. Book on 087 1383940 to avoid disappointment.
SET DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Timmy Woulfe has started a set dancing class for adult beginners in The Library, Athea on Monday nights at 8pm. Contact him for further information on 087 9451247.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE; come join us for an afternoon of prayer and come to know more about our Lady’s image on the Tilma, at the Parish Centre at Church of the Resurrection, Park Road, Killarney on Sunday, May19 at 3.00pm. All Welcome.
ANNUAL DOG SHOW: The annual Dog Show takes place in the Town Park on Sunday May 19th at 2pm. Your support will be very welcome.
SWIFT DOC: A new minor injury medical clinic has opened at the Work Hub on Main St. Contact the clinic on 818009911 Monday-Friday 6-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 9-6pm. They do not accept medical cards and will write a report to your own doctor after your consultation.
VINTAGE RALLY AND FAIR: Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre Vintage Rally & Fair Sunday, May 19th.
THANK YOU FROM FRAN LEAHY: Fran would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to the recent coffee morning, those who supported it and those who were unable to attend and sent donations, those who provided home baking and spot prizes for the raffle which Susan Daly and Eileen Nelligan held during the morning. A special thank you to the staff of St. Ita’s Day Care who came in on their day off and who served the teas and coffee’s. The total collected and forwarded to St. Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) was €6,351.55. Fran will be travelling out at her own expense to the late Fr. Tim’s Mission in South Sudan at the end of May and plans to work in the schools he established for six months. She’ll send updates on how the money will be spend and I’ll keep you posted.
JIVING LESSONS AT THE RAILWAY: Friday nights. 8.30pm. No partner required. Contact Tom 087 9360421.
NOREEN BARRY’S PLAYSCHOOL: Noreen is now taking bookings for September. Call her on 087 2499797 or visit the school at Teach na Féile New Street from 9 – 12 noon.
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.
LITTLE BUDDIES PRE SCHOOL: Will be opening in September 2024 in Scoil Mháthair Dé. The Pre-School will be run by Clara Daly and Nora Scannell. Please contact Clara on 085-7569865 for enrolment or any further details.
SCOIL MHÁTHAIR DÉ: Enrolment Applications are now being invited from Parents/Guardians wishing to enrol their children in Scoil Mháthair Dé, Abbeyfeale. Application Forms are available by contacting the school office on (068 – 31701) or by calling to the school.
MESSAGE FROM PEG PRENDEVILLE: “Due to popular demand and after a very successful four nights in Ballyhahill The Abha Bhán Players will stage A Tomb with a View in the Glorach in Abbeyfeale on Saturday May 25 at 8 pm. Book now to avoid disappointment by ringing 087/ 1383940. Admission €15. Raffle on the night. It is great to hear that there are still more people who wish to see this production. In fact there are some who want to see it a second time.”
PRAYER FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER: The Lord says ask and you shall receive so we continue to pray even as the weather improves and in Thanksgiving too for the lovely month of May: “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.
FEALE CRAFTERS ARE BACK: The Square, Saturday, May 25, they have new stalls and thank you for your support.
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 has recommenced since May 1st. Check out the museum too when you visit. Further information 068 24393.
MAUREEN IS OFF AGAIN: “We will be going to the Ring of Kerry on Sunday 26th May, and picking up people first of all in The Square, Listowel in Fitzpatrick’s bus at 9am then onto Abbeyfeale to the bus stop opposite the Church at 9.15am. and Newcastle West at 9.30am. opposite the Longcourt House Hotel bus stop ( is it an airplane she’s hiring!) .. We will be stopping en route for refreshments, on the homeward journey we will be calling to the River Island Hotel for Dinner, Desert, Tea & Coffee .To avoid disappointment call Maureen 087 9845102 all bookings must be confirmed with payment.
Make a note in your Diary we will be having our second Weekend break this year in the Westport Woods Hotel & Spa Leisure Centre from Sunday 6th Oct to Thursday 10th October. 2024.
GROW MENTAL HEALTH GROUP meets in Seanchaí Centre, Listowel every Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm. No referrals necessary. Just come along or telephone Jerry at 086-0271990.
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.’
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. Further information 06977408.
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.
WILD ENCOUNTERS AND MINI ZOO: Be sure and plan an outing down the Ardagh side in Coolyroe to visit the Mini Zoo. Open Monday – Wednesday and at weekends. Book your visit on 061 974951.
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, May 17 to Noreen Nash. 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, May 10. . Ita’s Rambling House at the Desmond Complex is on the 3rd. Friday each month. Knocalucka is on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month. Josie’s Brosna 2nd Thursday of the month.
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]HEALTH: A Free Health Awareness Event for Older People on Wednesday 15 May in the Rose Hotel, Tralee from 10 am to 2pm. Information talks from Geriatrician, Dietician, Pharmacist , Physiotherapists. For further information please call 066 7104830. Unfortunately neither Bus Eireann nor the Green Bus to Tralee arrive in time for this event.
ROAD TRAFFIC ALERT: Many of the businesses are badly hit by the lines of traffic through town and no obvious parking places so please keep shopping in Abbeyfeale.
DEMENTIA INCLUSIVE LISTOWEL are holding a Memory Wellness and Dementia Awareness Event in Listowel Arms Hotel from 6.30pm – 9pm on Thursday, 16th May. This is a free event to promote the importance of memory wellness and will include an input from Consultant neurologist Dr. Antoinette O’Connor from Tallaght University Hospital. Her research has focused on investigating accessible biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, with a particular focus on early disease detection. This will be followed by a panel discussion . There will also be some information Stands open at 6.30pm. Places are limited. Booking is essential. To book please log onto https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/memory -wellness-information-event-tickets-860788982017 Or call/email Deirdre on 087-1880808 / [email protected]
DUAGH SPORTS & LEISURE COMPLEX: A weekend of music takes place in the Complex on Friday 24th May and Saturday May 25th. The Tina Turner Tribute Act with Rebecca O’Connor takes centre stage with her tribute to the legendary songstress. Tickets – €30. On Saturday, May 25th, rising star Jack Keogh and The Kilkenny’s will be catering to those who enjoy Country and Folk. Tickets – €25. There is also a Weekend Ticket option for €50. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member or ring 087 2684540 or log onto Eventbrite.ie
FUNDRAISERS: Used Postage Stamps and used unwanted candles in addition to being dropped into Top Stitch, Church St. Newcastle West and in the box under the table in the church at the Sacristy entrance can also be dropped into the River Island Hotel, Castleisland, Sparks of Joy Charity Shop Tralee, Fitzpatrick’s coach hire Listowel, Central Clothes Shop in Kanturk and the Post Office Newmarket. Thank you sincerely to everyone for sending and dropping off stamps and candles. A big thank you to all of those people accepting these items for us . This month the Servite Sisters are celebrating 100 years of their presence in Mynanmar (Burma). We thank God for the wonderful work that they are doing in very difficult times under the military regime since the coup in 2021. Banks have been taken over by the military and the schools are shut so the sisters continue to educate, feed and shelter the young girls in their care. This would not be possible only for the wonderful help, donations, min marathons, coin jar collection and of course your help with the stamps.
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 for 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.
CARDS: There is a weekly Card Game at Athea GAA Clubhouse on Tuesday evenings from 8pm – 10.30pm. All welcome, come along & bring a friend.
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. Contact Celia 086-1526966/ Danielle 086-1588626/Www.grow.ie
CHILDREN’S CHOIR: All children are welcome, and if parents have not yet been in contact, interested parents and grandparents should contact Noreen Cotter, Riona Curtin, Fr Willie and Fr Tony.
YOGA CLASSES: Yoga classes are held in Fr. Casey’s Club house every Monday evening from7-8.30pm with Mike Houlihan 0872732591. Finishing up at the end of June and back again early September.
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/
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, May 13 Chicken Maryland or Pasta Carbonara. Tuesday, May 14 Bacon and Cabbage or
Chicken Curry and Rice. Wednesday, May 15 Pork Chop or Turkey Burger. Thursday May 16 Chicken and Mushroom Vol au Vent or Braised Steak. Friday, May 17 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.
JANICE CARRIG MINSTRY: Holy Spirit Prayer Meeting last Sunday of each month at the Desmond Complex at 3pm. Everyone welcome. Rosary, Divine Mercy, Scripture and healing. The world is so in need of prayers.
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: Social Dancing in Ballybunion every Tuesday night at 7.30pm.
SENIOR LINE: Would you like someone to talk to? Senior Line is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year 10am-10pm, Freephone 1800 80 4591.
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: Wednesday 10am Thanksgiving Mass. Saturday 6.30pm Pat & Bridget & Jeremiah & Dan Joe Murphy Banard. Dick Fitzgerald, Dromtrasna. Tom & Tess Collins, Convent Street . Tady Finnucane 2nd Anniversary . Tom Collins Ballylongford & New York. Mags Dempsey Colbert, Killarney Road. Pa Colbert. Sunday10am Louis McEnery, Dromtrasna Collins . James Collins Dromtrasna . 12noon Jack Scannell, St Ita’s Terrace. Nora Moloney, Knocknasna 20th Anniversary. Willie & Rita Hernon. Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) “Have you ever dreamed of walking the Camino. Join the MSC Missions as we walk the shaded lanes and valleys of the Camino Ingles walking from Ferrol to Santiago in Northern Spain from July 29 – August 5. The temperature in this part of northern Spain in July is perfect for walking, like a balmy summer day in Ireland. For more details of this fundraising pilgrimage ring Mary at 021 454 6691 or email mary.morrish@mscmissions 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 First Holy Communion Congratulations to the children of second class in Dromtrasna, Meenkilly and Knocknasna schools who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday. Congratulations to their parents and teachers who prepared the children for the sacraments. Thanks to all who prepared the church for the Masses. Sincere thanks to our organists and cantors who led the singing. On Saturday 18th May the children from Scoil Mháthair Dé and St Mary’s Boys schools will received their First Holy Communion. Parishioners need to take note that the car park will close on Friday the 17th May at 8.00pm and open on Saturday at 10.30am. Clerks collection will take place next weekend 18th /19th May. Envelopes are available in your box of envelopes or use any envelope marked clerks and place in the offertory basket. Thank you for your continued support. Parish Envelopes The collection envelopes for our parish were delivered in January. If there is anybody who wishes to use the envelopes system and did not receive a box please contact Anne 0868661651 at the office or the church. 068/51915. If you are new to the parish or would like to receive a box contact Anne also. Sincere thanks to all who continue to contribute to the Weekly Offertory Collection and to the recent Easter Dues Collection. Your ongoing support and generosity is very much appreciated. Trocaire collection – Anyone who has not yet returned your box or donation might do so during the week. The amount collected will be published next week. Prayer for the Synod Adsumus Sancte Spiritus Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 – 4 April 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. For the Synod 2021-2023, we propose to use this simplified version, so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray more easily. We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time”.
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. Contact Celia 086-1526966/ Danielle 086-1588626/Www.grow.ie
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 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.
PARKRUN in Listowel takes place every Saturday morning from 9:30am.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES: 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: Seminar for Over 50’s Galway on Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23 from 10-4pm at the Salthill Hotel. Email info @slp.ie for further information and for free admission. Bus Eireann leaves every morning at 7am and meets the Galway Bus at the Bus Station. Log onto Hi Digital – the step by step course to learn some digital skills and it’s free. Ring them on 1800203030. There are classes available at the Adult Education Centre to learn how to use smart phones and also in beginners computers. Ring 068 31198 to register for the classes beginning again in September. If you are travelling abroad 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. If I had they would have had access to my bank details. 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