by Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  “It is futile to do with more things that which can be done with fewer.”

BRIDGE RESUMES:  Abbeyfeale Bridge Club resumed on Thursday, September 12 in St. Ita’s Day Centre.  New members very welcome.  Contact Nora Quirke 087 7615480.

  1. TONY IS LEAVING US AND WILL BE SORELY MISSED:  Fr. Tony has left a huge impression on the parish and we are sad to see him move to Clare.  His last Mass in Abbeyfeale will be the 6.30pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, September 21 and we hope to have a bit of a get together in St. Ita’s Day Centre afterwards to which everyone is invited.   Light refreshments will be served.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:   The Church Yard will be locked on the evening before a Funeral in the Parish to facilitate parking for families.

DANCING CLASSES:  Learn to Waltz, Jive, Line dancing etc. in The Plaza Hall, Listowel beginning on Monday, September 30.  Beginners from 7-8 pm and Advanced 8 -9.30pm.  For more information call 087 7451631.

LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE:  The Abbeyfeale branch of the Legion of Mary are running a bus to Knock at 8am on the eve of St. Padre Pio’s anniversary on Sunday, September 22.  The committee;  Bernard Broderick 068 31565, Gerard O’Callaghan 087 2980841, Michael Lane 068 32757 and David Davy 087 0994272 are asking that seats are paid for in advance at a cost of €25 per seat.

SOCIAL DANCING CLASS IN FR. CASEY’S:  Every Tuesday night from 8pm.

NEW YOUTH MUSIC CLUB IN ABBEYFEALE:  Foroige are hoping to set up a club for 3rd and 4th year Secondary School students starting Tuesday, September 17 and every Tuesday 4 -6pm in St. Ita’s Hall.  Registration €10 with a weekly charge of €3.  For more information contact Emma on 086 4134777.

SET DANCING WITH TIMMY:  Set dancing classes with Timmy Woulfe have started in the Marian Hall, Moyvane on Monday nights at 8pm.  Everyone welcome.

ABBEYFEALE MARKET:   Coming to you the second Friday of the month Friday 10 am – 2pm.  Also the last Saturday of the month from 11am – 3pm.

BRIDGE RESUMES:  Abbeyfeale Bridge Club has resumed on Thursday, September 12 in St. Ita’s Day Centre.  New members very welcome.  Contact Nora Quirke 087 7615480.

FASHION SHOW:  Rockchapel Parents Association are holding a Fashion Show on Friday, October 4th at 8pm in the Community Centre, Rockchapel.  Admission €10.

YOUTH CHESS CLUB:  Additional Volunteers are needed to help open a Foróige Youth Chess Club in September in Abbeyfeale which will run every second week.  If you know how to play chess and available to be Garda vetted and can give an hour and a half twice a month then get in touch with Emma Browne Foróige on [email protected] or call her on 086 4134777.

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORE: 10th October ex Dublin. 849 Euro pp Sharing/1024 Euro Single room. Hotel Leone half board seven nights. Deposit 300 non-refundable. Contact: Listowel Travel.

 TREES ON THE LAND:  Trees on the Land is a cross – border initiative working to establish young native trees across the 32 counties of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  We run an annual tree planting event with trees being distributed and planted between December and March each year.  Applications close on October 14.  We provide simple schemes for landowners to access quality native tree mixes each season.  We work with farmers, smallholders, community groups, councils, schools, colleges, sports clubs and many other landowners to coordinate sites to accommodate trees.  Trees on the Land is a charity and not for profit project from the Green Economy Foundation, CECA Myross Wood House, Leap, Co. Cork P81 YI92.  Email info @treesontheland.com

STORYTELLING Festival in Listowel from 19-22 September.

CULTURE Night begins in the Square Listowel on Friday Sept. 20th at 6pm till late.

Featuring Drum Dance Ireland, Balloon Modelling, Rogu Mobius Fire Show, Tralee International Choir, storytellers Shane Ibbs, Maria Gillen, Frances Kennedy & Cillian Brennan, poet Stephen Murphy, with music and song from The Flyshop Blues Band. The Square, Listowel – Free Event.

DROMTRASNA CHALLENGE:  Saturday, October 19.  All proceeds to Milford Hospice .  Register on www. dromtrasna challenge.com

ABBEYFEALE MARKET:  “Abbeyfeale Market is a group of traders and crafters from Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas bring you a wide range of gifts, hand crafted  products, home baking and so much more.  We will be set up in Abbeyfeale Square on every second Friday and the last Saturday of each month.”  They can be contacted through the Abbeyfeale Community page on FB.

POOR CLARES MONASTIC DAY:    Monastic Experience Day for women 18-35. An opportunity to explore and experience Poor Clare life and spirituality. Saturday 21 September 10 am – 5pm in Galway. Contact: [email protected] to book a place. For more information visit: poorclares.ie/monastic-experience-days.

STUDENT ACCOMODATION FRAUD SCAM WARNING FOR 3RD. LEVEL STUDENTS:  Use only recognised letting agencies or deal with people you can trust.  Remember websites can be cloned, check the URL to ensure it’s a real website and take note of the privacy and refund policy sections.  Never transfer money direct, An Garda Síochána recommend using a credit card.

ABBEYFEALE RUGBY CLUB:  The club are looking to provide an option for girls in the Abbeyfeale area to play rugby.  To make a start they plan to train an U14 side for the coming season. Áine Reidy and Mike Nash will coach the team and Áine has also arranged to have a guest coach from Munster Rugby once a month .  A Give it a Try session is also planned for the coming weeks and the dates will be posted on social media.

SEPTEMBER AT THE GLÓRACH:  Exciting times at the Glórach Theatre as we welcome in the Autumn season with a fantastic dramatic production.  While none of us at the Theatre can claim to be infallible, we think we can confidently say that this will be the first time a Tennessee Williams play will take place in the town of Abbeyfeale.  Súgán Theatre group, fresh after the remarkable and deserved success of their production of the poignant Katie, have been rehearsing throughout the summer to bring A Streetcar Named Desire to the Glórach Stage.  This powerful play will take place at the Glórach Theatre on September 20th and 21st.  The impressive set is almost  complete and tickets are moving steadily so make sure to book at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 0871383940.

WL102FM NEW PRESENTERS REQUIRED:  People who are interested in getting involved in radio presentation, sound production, research etc. should take this opportunity to learn a new skill, contact 069 66200.  Free training will be provided.

TEA DANCE IN AID OF RECOVERY HAVEN AND KERRY HOSPICE FOUNDATION:  The annual tea dance for this most deserving charity takes place in Fr. Casey’s GAA complex on Sunday, September 22 from 3-6pm.  Music by Paddy Quilligan.  Admission €10.  Raffle. Mark it down.  No one knows the day they will need these services.

SEANCHAI: Book Launch: Gabriel Fitzmaurice – The Poet & His Work on Saturday 21st September at 2pm, as part of the 6th Listowel International Storytelling Festival;  A Celebration of the Stories of Eamon Kelly’ presented by Pakie O’Callaghan on Saturday 21st September at 8.30pm, as  part of the 6th Listowel International Storytelling Festival; Story Swap at John B’s with Frances Kennedy on Saturday 21st September at 3.30pm, as part of the 6th Listowel International Storytelling Festival.

For more information on all our events go to www.kerrywritersmuseum.com or call our Ticket Office on 068 22212.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO ROME: The Diocese of Limerick is running a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Rome from March 20 -26, 2025. Bishop Leahy will lead the pilgrimage. For further details contact MYRIAM TOURS on 057 –9355050.

 CHILDREN’S CHOIR:   The children’s choir has resumed.   Children can be brought to the Blessed sacrament Chapel at 5.30pm for practice before Mass. It is open to children from 1st to 6th Class. New Members are most welcome. Contact Noreen Cotter 087/4158722

BAPTISMS :  Baptisms in Abbeyfeale are celebrated on the first Saturday of each month at 5.00pm. And on the second Sunday of the month after the 12noon Mass. Contact the Sacristy 068/51915 during Mass Times to book.

WEST LIMERICK SINGING CLUB: The Garry McMahon Traditional Singing Weekend will take place in Abbeyfeale on October 11-14 next.

POSTAGE STAMPS AND CANDLES; We still need these especially the candles. There are homes in Ukraine that have no electricity.  Things are still very bad in Myanmar  so please keep up the good  work  You are all wonderful the  way you continue to collect these items and we are very grateful and thank you all most sincerely.   Maureen  087 9845102.

LISTOWEL RACES:  The races take place this September from 22-28 and the accommodation office is open in the Square above Christy’s well bar, Listowel from  11am until 4pm each day. We are looking for anyone that is letting accommodation for race week or anyone that is looking for accommodation please call into the office or call Maria on 0876652211.

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.

BRUACH NA CARRAIGE:  Tin whistle, concertina and fiddle classes with Caoimhe & Éimhear Flannery will commence Friday, September 20  @5pm.

Traditional singing with Eibhlín Broderick will commence Tuesday, September 24 @7pm.

To register or for further information please contact 087 2530867.

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

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]

COLLEGE OF FET ABBEYFEALE:  Courses available include childcare, local history, computers and much more.  Phone 06831198 to find out more.

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

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.

MUSIC AND SET DANCING SESSION:   During the month of September at the Flag Floor Glensharrold, Carrigkerry the session continues on Tuesday’s from 9pm to 11.30. Music by Donie Nolan and friends, teas are served.

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

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.

SWIFT DOC:  From what I can gather, Swift Doc is no longer operating out of The Old Bank on Main Street..

PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE 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 and for the lovely evenings and daily sunshine.  Amen.

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.  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.

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.  Wednesday, September 11Roast Beef or Chicken Carbonara.   Thursday, September 12 Chicken Casserole or Lamb Chop. Friday, September 13 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.  Mass Intentions:  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. Don’t forget that a young person with a criminal conviction will not get a visa to enter the US, Canada or Australia – a rite of passage denied.   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, apart from all the obvious reasons you could cause an accident by walking out into traffic..  .  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. 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.