by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: “Never measure your life by possessions. Measure it by the hearts you’ve touched, the smiles you created and the love you shared.” Anon.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathies to the families of the late Joe Weir, Collins Park and formerly of Clara, Co. Offaly and the family of the late Eileen Dowling, nee Browne late of Abbeyfeale and Castleisland. May they both rest in peace.
WELL DONE AND CONGRATULATIONS: Outgoing Cllr. Liam Galvin,John Sheahan, Tom Ruddle, Francis Foley, Michael Collins and Jerome Scanlon have all retained their seats on Limerick Co. Council following the election count in the Racecourse last weekend.
CALLING ALL RESIDENTS/ VISITORS: Hub Planning in association with SICAP and Tusla are carrying out a survey on the needs within Abbeyfeale. Take their quick survey and let them know what services/supports you want to see for yourself/your family in Abbeyfeale so that hopefully we can build a stronger, more supportive community here in Abbeyfeale. Full details on the West Limerick Resources Facebook page. Further details from Dearbhla 069 62222 [email protected].
NOONAN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Huge congratulations to Tony and Hannah Noonan who raised €29,536 over Christmas 2023 with their winter wonderland in Tullig. They presented cheques last Thursday at The Longcourt Hotel NCW to Recovery Haven, Tralee, Milford Care Centre, Limerick Suicide Watch, Sli Eile, Churchtown and also made a donation to the Carol Liston O’Connor fund. Tony and Hannah say thanks to all who donated. Don’t get a shock if you’re passing the road and see Santa up on the pier – preparations for 2024 could be already in train.
DAN SHINE AND FRIENDS: The group took over Paddy Molly’s Pub and played a blinder on Sunday evening at The first ever Gathering in The Rock.
PRAYER FOR STUDENTS DOING EXAMS THIS WEEK: Let us pray for all students beginning exams on Wednesday. Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on these students: help them to remain calm, to attend carefully to the questions asked, to think clearly, to remember accurately, and to express themselves well. Grant that they may reflect on the best of the work they have done and the best of the teaching they have received. Accept their best efforts in these examinations and in the great test of life on earth. May your love be upon them, O Lord, as they place all their trust in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- BRIGIT’S CELTIC GARDENS: “How would you like to be taken on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology? These Award Winning Gardens are set within 11 acres of natural woodland and wild flower meadows in addition to the Celtic Gardens there is a nature retail, an ancient ringfort (Fair Fort) thatched round house and a calendar sun dial the largest in Ireland. You will learn all about St. Brigit and the Celtic festivals Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaihuune and Lughnasadh. The seasonal cycle mirrors the cycle of life from conception to old age and death. Our pollinators are well provided for, it is heaven for them. You will have come yourself to experience all of this and more. On the way home we will call to Seven Plates where everyone can choose their own dinner. Fitzpatrick’s bus will be collecting passengers in Listowel the Square at 9am. The Abbeyfeale bus stop is opposite the church 9.15am. Devon Inn 9.20am. NCW bus stop opposite Longcourt House Hotel 9.30a.m. then en route Rathkeale, Adare and the South Court Hotel car park.10am ish. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102”
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ABBEYFEALE TOURIST OFFICE: It has reopened for June, July and August in the renamed Old Bank on Main Street. Open from 11-2pm Monday – Saturday. Over 20 volunteers are covering the hours from Monday to Saturday and they would be delighted if you called in to say hello.
USED STAMPS: Frances and Aiden, two wonderful people who are in Dublin where we send all the used stamps. They have given an update on the situation in Myanmar, They are struggling- since that conversation unrest has broken out against the military coup that was enforced since 2021. Now the young men are being rounded up 18-35 years and conscripted into the army so life has become more difficult for the people and their poor families.
Frances is doing a Mini Marathon on the Bank Holiday to help raise funds and of course your help with the stamps is just wonderful, we had some really old stamps they are going to get them valued and see if they can get some extra cash. Any money raised is sent via their own people directly to the Servite Nuns for the care of the children in St. Mary.s home. They can’t thank you enough and they are so appreciative of any help. Used stamps can be dropped into the porch in the church in NCW. God Bless and many thanks. Maureen 087 9845102..
MAUREEN’S ON A ROLL: “We have a lot of people who enjoyed our Spring Break in Donegal last April putting their name down for another great break. Bed, breakfast and choice of menu dinner each day. Complimentary use of the Leisure Centre and after dinner we will have dancing to music that will have everyone out on the floor.
Each day after breakfast we will be out touring taking in the beauty of Westport and visiting some very interesting places. For more information and booking don’t hesitate contact Maureen 087 9845102”.
GLORACH NOTES: Upcoming events include: Bingo every Monday night at 8pm.
ABBEYFEALE WOMEN’S SHED: Abbeyfeale Women’s Shed are hoping to open soon. For further details contact Margaret (secretary) on (087)2440786
AN AIRBOURNE SURVEY: The Tellus survey, is a national program working on behalf of Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) gathering geochemical and geophysical data across Ireland. The Tellus team will shortly commence an airborne survey to gather geophysical data across counties Kerry, north-west Cork, and neighbouring Limerick. Given the aircraft will fly at a low altitude of 60 metres over rural areas and may startle sensitive livestock, we are keen to inform and engage with as many organisations as possible to help raise awareness of the survey activity. To know more about the Tellus programme, please visit the www.tellus.ie
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.
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.
ESTUARY SWIM: Limerick based charity St. Gabriel’s Foundation is delighted to be the nominated charity of the Glin Estuary Swim this July. Swimmers will take on the Shannon and swim from Coleman’s Castle, Labasheeda, to Glin Pier on Saturday July 13th. Swimmers can register their interest and get a sponsorship card from Swim Organiser Maria Geoghegan by emailing [email protected].
ATHEA Good 2 Go Programme continues on Fridays from 10.30am at Con Colbert Hall, join a leader led group physical activity sessions for Adults aged 55+ followed by cuppa & chat. For further information contact 087 6103840.
.SUMMER MARKET: Ballybunion Market opened on Saturday 1st June until Saturday 31st August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Huge variety of crafts, food gifts each week with 25 vendors to choose from.
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.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE HOME OF THE HARNETTS: Deacon Anthony Hartnett was ordained a priest in Letterkenny last Sunday. We wish him every blessing.
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
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 recent good 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.
FEALE CRAFTERS ARE BACK: The Square, Saturday, June 22 -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.
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.
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.
DANCE CLASSES: Every Tuesday night in June in McHale’s Function Rooms in Causeway with tutor Norella Mary Molyneaux.
DRAWING AND NATURE WORKSHOP with Lisa Fingleton in Ballybunion Library on Saturday 15th June from 10 to 1 p.m. for ages 3 – 13. Phone 068 27615/[email protected] to book.
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 this coming weekend to Mike Condon. Admission €10…
RATHFREEDAGH GARDEN FETE: Sunday, July 7th.
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; Some of these may close for the summer so check before travelling. Listowel on last Thursday of the month and Knockanure on the first Thursday of the month.. 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. Ballyhahill 3rd Wednesday in the Community Centre. John Barrett’s Bar, Glin 4th Tuesday. Tarbert last Saturday of the month at the Community Centre.
BOOK LAUNCH: Colm Tobin will launch his latest book ‘Long Island’ at the Blasket Centre, Dingle on Saturday July 20 at 7pm.
KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK : Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Muckross House with an Open Day on Friday, June 14.
BUS TO LOUGH DERG: Fitzpatrick’s of Listowel are running a bus from June 26-28 to Lough Derg. Contact 087 3249822.
MAUREEN’S FUNDRAISERS: Thank you to everyone who has sent used stamps and used and unwanted candles. I have another three black bags to send away, thanks to each and everyone of you, please keep up the good work, it is very much appreciated. God Bless Maureen 087 9845102
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.
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: Halla Mór, Knockaderry V42 HN73 from 10-12pm every second Monday starting Monday, May 27.
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. The choir sang at Mass last Saturday evening and the feedback was extremely positive.
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.
ARTS AND CRAFTS SUMMER CAMP: Twenty hours of sculpture, painting, drawing and mixed media for children aged 7-12 years from 11-3pm July 8 -12 Teach na Feile, New St., Abbeyfeale. Book now Norma 087 1027327.
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/
ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING: Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Monday, June 10 Pork Chop or Spaghetti Bolognese. Tuesday, June 11 Roast Beef or Chicken Stirfry. Wednesday, June 12 Lasagne or Chicken stuffed with Black Pudding and wrapped in Bacon. Thursday June 13 Braised Steak or Chicken Curry with Rice. Friday, June 14 Fish Pie or Meat Alternative. Please let us know if you require a Gluten Free or Vegetarian 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.
CON CURTIN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024: Friday, June 28 – June 30. Includes Workshops, Fiddle Recital, Busking in the Square, Set Ceili and a Book launch, More information on www.concurtinmusicfestival.com
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.
FIRST SAINT OF THE MILLENIAL: Carlo Acuits an Italian teenager who was informally known as “God’s Influencer” for using his computer skills to spread the Catholic faith is set to become the first saint of the millennial generation, the Vatican announced on Thursday. Carlo Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. Born in London, he grew up in Milan where he managed the website for his parish and later a Vatican-based academy. He also used his computer skills to create an online database of Eucharistic miracles around the world. The teenager was beatified — the first step toward sainthood — in 2020 after one miracle was attributed to him. In that miracle, Acutis is credited with healing a Brazilian child of a congenital disease affecting his pancreas. On Thursday, Pope Francis attributed a second miracle to Carlo during a meeting with the head of the Vatican’s saint-making department, Cardinal Marcello Semararo. The second miracle involved the healing of a university student in Florence who had a brain bleed after suffering head trauma. The attribution of a second miracle means Carlo Acutis can be elevated to sainthood, but the Vatican did not say when this would happen. Carlo died in Monza, Italy. His body was moved to Assisi a year after his death and is on full display alongside other relics linked to him. He was also named a patron of last year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon because of his “important role in evangelization through the internet,
“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:
NOVENA TO ST. ANTHONY 4TH – 13TH JUNE 2024
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of souls, your love for God and charity for your neighbour made you worthy when on earth to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought I implore of you to obtain for me my request……O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition in the ears of the Infant Jesus who loved to be enfolded in your arms and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
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 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. Pastoral Council – the present council has come to the end of its term and Fr. Tony and Fr. Willie have issued a call out for new members. 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”. Online Donations Donate through the Parish Website www.abbeyfealparish.ie You can now make your weekly offering to the parish, through the parish website. Click on to the parish website at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie and you will see a Donate button on the right-hand side on the front page of the website. Just follow the instructions and you will be able to make your donation to the parish collection. Your continues support is very much appreciated.
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
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: 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. Tips for road safety ; Never walk on the public road without a hi viz jacket. Always face on coming traffic. Tips to keep your home secure when you go away on holidays include asking a neighbour to take in your post and putting a car in your drive. 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