by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The 30th Annual Fleadh takes place over next weekend and hopefully the weather will improve again. It’s a packed few days and this is just a flavour of what’s in store. Presentation of Art Posters and entertainment from Scoil Mháthair Dé at 7.30pm on Thursday with Oíche Cheoil agus Caint in Thomas T J’s later. Busking Friday at 7pm and entertainment on the stage in the Square with Athea and Tournafulla Wren Boys at 8.15pm, WL Singing Club in the Ramble Inn at 9pm and Set Dance Ceili in Fr. Casey’s at 9.30pm along with sessions in most of the pubs. Saturday Workshops from 11.30am. Youth Trad Session in Donal and Ann’s 2.30 -4pm. Evening Mass at 6.30pm with Choir, Session on the Gig Rig with Templeglantine Comhaltas Group also at 6.30pm. Celtic Steps in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef at 8pm supported by their brilliant school band. Brosna Ceili Band Reunion in Leens Hotel at 9pm with book launch. Sunday 12 noon Memorial Mass for past committee members. 2pm Family Fun Day in the Square including a Trad Disco with DJ Jeremiah Roche. Afternoon of story telling with Daisy Kearney in St. Ita’s Hall at 3pm. A tribute to founder member Dan Murphy RIP at 4pm in Murphy’s Bar. Winners of the Busking on the Gig Rig at 4pm. The Mulcahy family in concert in the Glórach at 8pm. Monday May 6 Open Bones Workshop in the Hub at 4pm. Fee €10. Ballydonoghue/Lisselton CCE on the Gig Rig in the Square at 6.45pm followed by the Junior Bones at 7.15pm and followed again by The Senior Bones at 8pm. Tuesday May 7 Back to work or retire to the leaba.
SET DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Timmy Woulfe will commence a set dancing class for adult beginners in The Library, Athea on Monday, May 6. Contact him for further information on 087 9451247.
MEETING IN TEACH NA FÉILE NEW STREET: A meeting will be held in Teach na Féile, New Street on Wednesday, May 1 at 6pm. An invitation has been issued to Limerick City and County Council and Abbeyfeale Community Council to attend to meet with Abbeyfeale’s business owners and residents.
ANNUAL DOG SHOW: The Town Park are busy getting ready for the annual dog show on Sunday May 19th at 2pm. Your support will be very welcome.
SWIFT DOC: A new minor injury medical clinic is opening this Wednesday at the Work Hub on Main St. Contact the clinic on 818009911 Monday-Friday 6-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 9-6pm.
FUNDRAISING DANCE: Tony Noonan of Noonan’s Christmas LightS is holding a fundraising dance in the Railway on Friday May 3 with music by Olivia Douglas. All proceeds to the Carol Liston O’Connor fund.
DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that the average age of priests in the Diocese of Limerick is 72? There are 47 priests under the age of 75 in active ministry. There are 41 priests who are over 75 who are retired or retired earlier below that age on health grounds. There are 9 priests serving in the diocese from abroad. No ordination in the diocese in 10 years. There is 1 student for the priesthood in formation for the diocese. There are 60 parishes in the diocese. For information on becoming a priest in the Diocese of Limerick contact Sr. Mara Rose McDonell, O.P. at [email protected]
AN AFTERNOON OF STORYTELLING: The lady with the best memory for telling stories Daisy Kearney will host an afternoon of storytelling at St. Ita’s Hall, Main St. on Sunday, May 5 from 3pm. Admission €5. Tea/Coffee served.
JIVING LESSONS AT THE RAILWAY: Friday nights. 8.30pm. No partner required. Contact Tom 087 9360421.
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.
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: We continue to pray even as the weather improves and in Thanksgiving too “ 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 11.
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. Further information 068 24393.
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. 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.
CONGRATULATIONS: Kevin Prendiville was crowned King of the Jungle Saturday night at the huge fundraiser to raise funds for the astro turf pitch at Abbeyfeale’s soccer club. Kevin’s grandmother is the famous MaryJo who graced the stage back in the day and whose performances are still remembered fondly.
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 3. 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.
RALLY for Life Saturday 6th July at 2pm, at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square in Dublin city Centre.
BARNAGH TO ABBEYFEALE GREENWAY: John Nelligan reminded me of this piece from The Independent 2021-07-02.
“After Barnagh, the next stop is Templeglantine, a welcoming village with a shop and hotel. The village is home to Holy Trinity Church, built in 1829 and one of the oldest churches still in use in the region. Just outside Templeglantine is Tullig Wood, a tranquil forest rich in native flora and fauna.
Take a rest underneath the oak and ash trees and watch out for the willow warblers and chiffchaffs that live in their branches. As the summer sets in, the forest is roofed by the leaves of native hardwood trees, like oak, ash, hazel, and birch, as well as imported trees like beech.
The natural surroundings of Tullig Wood soon give way to bustling Abbeyfeale, one of the most culturally unique towns in the region. As part of the Sliabh Luachra tradition, Abbeyfeale is a hub for Irish music and dance, and home to the Glórach Theatre and the annual Fleadh by the Feale festival. As the final town on the Limerick Greenway, it’s a great place to spend the night and take in a trad session at one of the many local pubs.”
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]
PADRE PIO: ST Pio prayer meeting at Castleisland on May 14th 2024 – (Second Tuesday).
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.
STORYTELLING: Daisy Kearney will host an afternoon of storytelling at St. Ita’s Hall, Main St. Abbeyfeale on Sunday, May 5 from 3pm.
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]
DANCE: Tony Noonan of Noonan’s Christmas Light is holding a fundraising dance in the Railway on Friday May 3 with music by Olivia Douglas. All proceeds to the Carol Liston O’Connor fund.
FUNDRAISERS: Used Postage Stamps and used unwanted candles in addition to being dropped into Top Stitch, Church St. Newcastle West in the box under the table in the church at the Sacristy entrance, River Island Hotel, Castleisland, Sparks of Joy Charity Shop Tralee, Fitzpatrick’s coach hire Listowel, Central Clothes Shop in Kanturk, 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.
BURREN OUTDOOR RETREAT: Saturday May 4th – Monday May 6th. Would you like to come on a guided journey through the Burren with its limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient sacred sites? Let the beauty of the amazing Burren landscape renew you in body and soul. Information: Mary 087 970 1130. Booking: Noirin 087 447 9115.
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.
BRUACH NA CARRAIGE ROCKCHAPEL: Sunday 5th of May @8pm The Glen Theatre Drama Group Banteer bring their production of John B Keane’s play “The Rain at the end of Summer”. Tickets available on ticketstop.ie or at 087 3236049.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR: We are hoping to get a Children’s Church Choir off the ground in the parish. We would like offer to all children in the parish the opportunity to sing and it will be open to páistí from 1st to 6th class. We are trying to keep it as simple as possible so as not to be adding pressure to children, parents or those involved in organising and have it as an enjoyable experience for all. The plan is to sing at a Saturday evening mass once a month. Fr. Tony will organise an information evening for interested parents later this month. We would envisage that the children will be dropped a little earlier than 6.30pm so that they have time to rehearse together. Interested parents and grandparents should contact Noreen Cotter, Riona Curtin, Fr Willie and Fr Tony.
WALK IN NATURE: “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir” Walk in Templeglantine A nature walk led by Fr. Michael Long who is a Kiltegan Priest. On Monday May 6th beginning at 3pm in Templeglantine Hall where the walk will begin to Devon Wood which is about 20 minutes away. People can come from other places along the greenway to join us at the Templeglantine end of the Devon wood where Fr Michael will speak to us. All are welcome.
POOR CLARES: The Poor Clare Sisters in Galway are hosting an online Q&A for young women who would like to know more about the Poor Clare way of life. The event will take place from 7-8:30pm on Wednesday, May 1st For more information contact [email protected]
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/
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES: Three Day Pilgrimages begins Friday, May 31 until Thursday 15th August. https://www.loughderg.org/2024season/
CAMINO: A group from Athea are hoping to do 100km of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago from June 12-19. Average walk 20km per day, please contact Denise on 086-6095716.
ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING: Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Monday, April 29 Chicken on the Bone or Pasta Bolognaise. Tuesday, April 30 Bacon and Cabbage or Beef Stir-fry. Wednesday, May 1 Braised Steak or Sweet and Sour Chicken. Thursday, May 2 Lamb Chop or Chicken Fillet. Ham. Friday, May 3 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.
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: 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: Thursday 10am Ann Romain Clash Anniversary. Intentions for next weekend Saturday 6.30pm Agata Bajek. Sunday 10am Mick (Fox) Harnett, Dromtrasna Collins Anniversary. Lena & Paddy Flynn, Duagh Anniversary. 12noon Dr Michael O’Mahony Canada 1st Anniversary. Hannah O’Donoghue Collins Park Anniversary. 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 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.
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, 2024. Marching in Dublin from St. Stephen’s Green to Leinster House. All support welcome.
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. 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. I very nearly got caught myself last week after receiving an email confirming my anti virus protection from Norton mar ya at an annual rate of $650. There was an American number to use to confirm or cancel and as I have free calls to the US I very nearly rang to cancel. 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