by Marian Harnett

PROLUGUE:  “When you know your worth, no one can make you feel worthless.”

.MOUNTCOLLINS CONCERT:   Mountcollins will come alive with music and entertainment on Sunday, August 4 as it hosts a Community Concert from 3pm to 9pm.

SUMMER CAMP IN BROSNA HALL: Arts and Crafts, Fun Games, Messy Play, Music and Dance, Baking, Story time, Imaginative Play Monday, July 29 – Thursday, August 1 from 9.30 to 12.30pm for children from Junior Infants – 4th class.  For bookings and information email [email protected] or ring Sarah 086 8668156.

FAIR DAY IN KENMARE: The annual fair day takes place on Thursday, August 15.

 GOOD NEWS STORY:  Toddy McMahon has re-opened his butcher shop on Convent St.  to the delight of his many customers.  He will be open Tuesday to Friday inclusive from 9-5pm.

BRUACH  NA CARRAIGE ROCKCHAPEL:  Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel will hold their weekly Summer Seisiún, on Tuesday evenings  @8:30pm with guest performances this Tuesday, August 6 from Cailini Cuilinn.    Everybody is welcome to come along and join for some ceol agus craic in Bruach Na Carraige Tuesdays @8.30pm.YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL; will take place from Thursday August 15th to Sunday August 18th at Clongowes Wood College, co. Kildare. For young people aged between 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people. The festival is donation only, free buses available. For information and to register online, go to www,youth2000.ie or phone 016753690.

 CAR BOOT SALE:  Community Centre, NCW Sunday, September 15.

ARD CÚRAM & FUCHSIA CENTRE – AIB Community €1M Fund, Vote for us. The AIB Community €1M Fund is now open. This is an opportunity for charities like Ard Chúram, Listowel, to be in with a chance of receiving funds but we need as many people as possible to VOTE for us. To find out more check out online www.ardcuram.com

ST JOHN’S LISTOWEL:  For the Teenagers we have a Film & Animation Summer Workshop Series from  August 12-16 from 10am to 5pm. Wednesday 24th at 8pm, Bluegrass Concert with Ferguson, Gleeson and Henry; Fri. 26th Theatre- Welcome to Ireland  Meltdown of an Irish Tour Guide, details from, 068 22566.

GLIN Castle: Tours of Glin Castle and Gardens will be held on Sunday August 25, from 12 noon to 6pm.

FAN THE SPARK – is the name of a young adult Catholic Faith Conference (ages 18-40) organised by the Legion of Mary, being held on Sat. August 24th from 9.30am to 5.30pm in De Montfort House, Morning Star Ave, Brunswick St, Dublin 7.  Contact [email protected] for more information.

JOHNNY CASH AND JUNE CARTER TRIBUTE SHOW:  Tinteán Theatre, Saturday, August 10.  Doors open 7pm.  Tickets €30 plus €2 fees.

UNITY GOSPEL CHOIR, LIMERICK:  Always taking on new members.  Choir practice every Tuesday at 7.30pm…  Further information 087 7427098.

TRADITIONAL Irish Ballad Competition, Sean McCarthy Festival; Send entries to: Peggie O’Connell, Irremore, Listowel. Mobile: 087 904 9371. For enquiries, contact Bridget O’Connor at 087 625 0516 or email [email protected]. Join us in celebrating the timeless tradition of Irish ballads!  For more details, visit www.finugeweekend.com

PRAYER FOR SAFE TRAVEL TO ST. CHRISTOPHER:   Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today, in all my travels, along the road’s way. Give your warning sign, if danger is near so that I may stop, while the path is clear. Be at my window, and direct me through when the vision blurs, from out of the blue. Carry me safely, to my destined place, as you carried Christ, in your close embrace. Amen.

SOCIAL DANCING IN DUAGH SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX V31K659:  There’s a lovely floor and a fine crowd in attendance from all over North Kerry every Friday night from 9-11pm, this Friday, it’s dancing to the mellow mellifluous beat of Eddie Lee.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL; will take place from Thursday August 15th to Sunday August 18th at Clongowes Wood College, co. Kildare. For young people aged between 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people. The festival is donation only, free buses available. For information and to register online, go to www,youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753 690.

IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES:  Starting September 9th 6.30 -8.30pm in the Adult Ed College, Mountmahon.  This course is perfect for anyone working in a Healthcare or Childcare setting.  Further information 068 31198.

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.

VIGIL FOR PALESTINE:  Abbeyfeale’s Vigil takes place on Wednesday from 6-7pm in the Square, Abbeyfeale. The weekly Listowel Vigil for Palestine takes place every Tuesday, 6pm – 7pm in The Square, Listowel.  All Welcome.  For information email [email protected]

KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK will take place on Saturday, August 24 leaving St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00am on Saturday the cost pp is €25. Please Contact Sheila at the Parish Office with names and Contact Details 064 6631014 or email; [email protected]

 DUAGH CEMETERY MASS:  Duagh Cemetery Mass will take place in Springmount on Thursday evening July 25 at 8.00 p.m.

PEER SUPPORT: Grow mental health for anyone experiencing mental health issues through group peer support.  Meetings in Croom and 33 Henry Street, Limerick Www.grow.ie

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) Summer Camps and Art Summer Camps will start soon in Listowel. For all boys & girls going into 1st to 6th class this September. All details and online registration at www.designerminds.ie. Give your child the opportunity to explore, create, innovate and learn in a fun and supportive environment

DAN PADDY ANDY FESTIVAL:  Advance booking is now available for two events in this year’s Dan Daddy Andy Festival in Lyreacrompane. The Seán Keane Concert in the Marquee on Friday, August 2 can now be booked on Eventbrite.ie   Seán Keane is a legend and early booking is advised. Singer/songwriters Carl Lundrigan from Newfoundland and Leanne O Shea Hennessy from Tralee will entertain the crowd before Seán comes on stage. Not to be missed.  The Dan Paddy Andy 5K/10K – Walk/Run is on Sunday, August 4 at 11am    T here are trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and medals for all.  Refreshments will be served.  Registration is from 10am or preferably on Eventbrite.ie   The four-day Festival will have the usual complement of bands in the Marquee, including Jack Keogh. A new event this year is a Honda 50 Run so if you have one of those famous motorbikes forgotten at the back of the garage now is a good time to put it back on the road. The Honda 50 man himself, Seamus Moore, will play for the dancers on Saturday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm. More info on all these events from 087 285 3570.

COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMMES:  Community Based Ongoing Programmes

Aqua Aerobics     Mondays  10.am.  West Limerick Sports Complex, Newcastle West.   Registration is essential contact Rachel  061-524973

Weekly Walk :  Join us every Tuesday for walk and chat at 11am. Explore a different venue each week.  Meet at the entrance to the Desmense.  Further information from Maureen  087 9845102.

SEISIUN 24: COMHALTAS SEISIÚN SHOW:  There was a fine crowd in attendance last Thursday night at the Devon Inn and we were highly entertained by local musicians, singers and dancers.  It’s a lovely night out . The trad show of music, song, dance and story gets underway at 8.30pm with doors opening at 8.15pm. The first half consists of a formal show while the second half sometimes includes items from talented members of the audience and sometimes concludes with a Céilí dance. It is always a very enjoyable occasion for both locals and visitors.

 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.

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 and spread the word that they are there.

MAUREEN’S HEADING TO WESTPORT: The group will be staying in the Westport Woods Hotel Westport from Sunday October 6th to Thursday, October 10th full board. The group who will be staying for four nights and five days have complimentary use of the leisure centre.  Touring every day.   Booking now with deposit €100 to confirm booking.  For more information and to book contact  Maureen on 087 9845 102

GLORACH NOTES:  Upcoming events include:  Bingo every Monday night at 8pm.

DANCE THE AFTERNOON AWAY:   Remembering Mary Lynch, Ballygologue park, Listowel, R.I.P. A Fundraising Dance in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation & University Hospital Kerry Palliative Care Unit will take place at Listowel Arms hotel on Sunday, August 18 starting at 3pm. Tickets available at thedoor or in advance from; MJ Carroll’s, Listowel Arms Hotel, Kerry Writers’ Museum Listowel. Call Ann 087-7922954 for more information.

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   www.tellus.ie

SWIFT DOC:  I emailed swift doc a couple of weeks ago because I had been volunteering in the Tourist Office on the Saturday from 11-3pm and while I was there I saw nobody from swift doc even though they advertise that they are available on Saturday and Saturday from 9-6pm. It seems they are short two doctors so are only able to supply cover during the week.   I suggest that if you need to attend an out of hours service that you should stick with Shannondoc and contact them by phone 061 459500/0818 123500 before you travel down.  It is not a walk in service.

SHANNONDOC NCW:  Monday Midnight – 8am, 6pm – midnight.  Tuesday, midnight -8am, 6pm –midnight.  Wednesday, midnight – 8am, 6pm to midnight.  Thursday, midnight – 8am, 6pm to midnight.  Friday, midnight – 8am, 6pm – midnight.  Saturday 24 hours, Sunday 24 hours. Public Holidays 24 hours. The GP out-of-hours is for all ages.  It is by appointment only.  There is no walk in service.  Telephone 061 459500/0818 123500.  Email: info @shannondoc.ie  When you phone the service they will take your details, such as;  name and date of birth, address and phone no., a description of the medical issue, your medical card or GP visit no.  Your call will be referred to a triage nurse.  They will phone you back.  Keep your line free so you do not miss their call.

KAYAK: A big thank you to Listowel Kayak Club for teaming up with us to bring you this women only event. Adult female sessions (18yrs+) Sunday 18th August from 10:00-12:00 pm and Adult female sessions (18yrs +) Sunday 18th August at 12:15-2:15.pm.

.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.

OYSTER FESTIVAL, Ballylongford  August Bank Holiday weekend., Friday, August 2nd – 5th.

HORSE FAIR in Knocknagoshel will take place on Friday, August 16.

LARTIGUE monorail and museum is open on the John B Keane road in Listowel seven days a week between 1pm-4pm. Phone 068 24393 for further information.

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, August 3-they have new stalls and thank you for your support.

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 but finishes up for July and August.  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.

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

 ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING:  Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone.  Collect from the Centre or have it delivered.     Monday, July 29 Chicken with Black Pudding or Pork Chop.                                                                                                       Tuesday, July 30.  Roast Beef or Chicken Tenders.   Wednesday, July 31 Sweet and Sour Chicken or Lamb Chop.   Thursday August 1 Toddy’s Homemade Sausages or Lasagne.   Friday, August 2 Fish 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.

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.

 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.

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.

To book a Mass intention contact the sacristy during mass times.

 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.   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.   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 continued support is very much appreciated.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Fraud is everywhere, we are all at risk of losing our money every day.  Last year, across Ireland, people had €98.6 million stolen from their bank accounts, an increase of over 16% when compared to 2022, according to Fraud Smart and the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland.  Criminals transfer the stolen money through bank accounts to conceal their crime.  They can trick anyone into using their accounts.  Without access to your account, criminals will not be successful.  Being a money mule is a criminal offence.  They may approach you online, in person, on social medial or through fake job adverts asking to move money through your accounts.  They may tell you that you can keep some of the money as payment.  They may even ask you to open a bank account in your name for them to use.  This is a crime and by taking part even if you don’t where the money has come from or is going to, you are becoming a money mule.  This may result in your bank account being closed or a criminal conviction for money laundering.  Remember: Treat promises that you’ll receive money with suspicion.  Don’t allow money to be moved through your bank account.  Don’t open a bank account in your name for anyone.  Check that advertised jobs are legitimate.  Don’t accept friend request on social media from someone you don’t know.   Always keep your login details and cards in your possession.  Don’t let anyone use your account to accept or send payments.  Parents be aware:  Teenagers and young adults are often targeted by criminals who may be attracted by the promise of quick cash.   Protect your smartphone – be streetwise.    Dial *#06# and save a screenshot of your IMEI number.  Email the image to yourself.  Keep your phone locked and enable the PIN security and phone finder features.  Keep your phone out of view.  Don’t text or call while on the street.  With the weather improving be very careful of rip tides:  Swim between the red and yellow flags.  If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to the beach – if you can’t do this raise your arm and the lifeguard will come to assist you.  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 oncoming 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 .Annette  Collins.