by Marian Harnett
BREAKING NEWS: Three major awards have been announced for Abbeyfeale. The International Green Flag Organisation which judges Public Parks and Community Green Spaces around the world have announced that Abbeyfeale has been awarded no less than 3 International Awards.
- Green Flag Award for Abbeyfeale Town Park which recognises the work of the CE Scheme workers and the Voluntary Management Committee in the upkeep and management of the park. This follows the recent good news that funding has been approved for the upgrading of the children’s playground and the building of a new Astro Turf Area which is due to start in 2025.
- Green Heritage Site Award for the development of the Light on Stone Reflection Space and for the repurposing of the large stones originally used in the building of the old St. Mary’s Church in the 1840’s to be used for seating in that space.
- Green Flag Community Award for the development of Abbeyfeale Biodiversity Park and Training Centre out of what was initially a disused and derelict site and which was helped greatly by the generosity of local individuals and businesses.
ANNUAL MASS: The Annual Mass for all those who died since this time last year will be celebrated on Friday 15th of November at 7.00pm. During Mass a candle will be lit for each person who has died during the past twelve months and a member of their family will be invited to bring the candle to the altar. For those whose relatives died outside of the parish and you wish to remember them on that evening please call into the church and give their name to be added to the list.
COMMUNITY ALERT CHRISTMAS LUNCH: The annual lunch takes place on Sunday, November 24 from 1 -6pm. Lunch served 1.15pm, Talk by Community Garda Tommy Commane and Fire Officer Jerry Lyons. Music by Paddy Qulligan. Tickets €25 from committee members, Pat Buckley’s Shop Templeglantine, Batt in the Square and the Siopa Milsean. They need to be purchased this week in order to have numbers for the caterer.
SHOP LOCAL: Buy as much of your Christmas shopping locally as you can and support local business.
SONGS FROM OUR YOUTH – THE BLACK VELVET BAND: John Nelligan has been researching songs from his youth and sent us the following: The Black velvet band was one of the many “transportation” songs that were composed, consequent upon the vicious sentences handed down by the Courts for crimes as trivial as poaching
or stealing a bread-loaf. There were about 19 categories crimes, that if convicted, warranted transportation – one of which was, reputedly, “Impersonating an Egyptian”! These vicious sentences were a common punishment during the early and middle 1800s and had the effect of ripping apart families and communities throughout all parts of the, then, British Empire. Tales of injustice recognize no boundaries; a fact borne out by the existence
of 98 registered versions of the song throughout the world. Indeed, a version of the song was used at least twice in the TV series “Peaky Blinders”. A modern-day example of this phenomenon is singer-songwriter, John Spillane’s recording of “Palestine Sunbird”, which may go some way towards vindication of the adage that the pen is mightier than the sword – although the voice of world history shouts a much different tale.
As I was walking down Broadway,
Not intending to stay very long.
I met with a frolicsome damsel,
As she came tripping along.
A watch she picked from a pocket,
And slipped it right into my hand,
On the very first day that I met her.
Bad luck to the black velvet band.
Chorus
Her eyes they shone like diamonds,
You’d think she was queen of the land.
With her hair thrown over her shoulders,
Tied up with a black velvet band.
‘Twas in the town of Tralee,
An apprentice to trade I was bound.
With a-plenty of bright amusement,
To see the days go round.
‘Tis misfortune and trouble came over me,
Which caused me to stray from my land.
Far away from my friends and relations,
To follow her black velvet band.
Chorus
Before the judge and the jury,
The both of us had to appear.
And a gentleman swore to the jewellery,
The case against us was clear.
For seven years transportation,
Right unto Van Dieman’s land.
Far away from my friends and relations,
To follow her black velvet band.
Chorus
Oh, all you brave young Irish lads,
A warning take by me.
Beware of the pretty young damsels,
That are knocking around in Tralee.
They’ll treat you to whiskey and porter,
Until you’re unable to stand.
And before you have time to leave them,
You are unto Van Dieman’s Land.
Chorus
EU COUNCIL POSITIVE ACTION PROGRAMME: Each year, the EU Council offers paid traineeships to EU nationals with a disability. Trainees in the positive action programme will receive a monthly grant of 2,065.32 euros net. Traineeships are offering twice a year, with each traineeship lasting five months. For information contact + 32 22813677 traineeships@ consilium. Europa.eu
MAUREEN’S OFF TO THE PANTO: The Killorglin Panto Players are putting on their 61st Pantomime – Rumpelstiltskin and if there are enough people interested we will book tickets for the night of December 26. We will go to the Matinee performance 3pm. and afterwards on the homeward journey we will stop off for dinner. This is a very popular event and many adults love to go, it is a family day out and a lot of the children attend with parents or grandparents – everyone most welcome. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102. Maureen went to the Christmas Markets in Galway last Sunday and I cannot praise her enough for her great organisation which made for a wonderful day out and of course the weather played ball too.
FOUR WINDS AT THE GLÓRACH THEATRE: An excellent night of traditional music awaits when the critically acclaimed group Four Winds come to the venue on Friday, November 22nd. The group will be showcasing material from their new album, entitled ALLTA, as well as a mesmeric mix of traditional tunes on the night. Superb musicians and an extremely tight sound, curtains up at 8 pm and tickets are available at 0871383940 or www.glorachabbeyfeale.com
ADORATION IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL: Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel every Friday after 10am morning Mass until 7pm.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: The annual cake sale with proceeds to the late Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission will take place on Saturday, November 30 at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre from 10- 1pm. Teas and Coffee will be served. Your donations of home baking and jams will be so welcome. We are delighted that Fran Leahy, New Street who has been working with Fr. Blessing (Fr. Tim’s successor) will be home and in attendance to give a short talk about the wonderful work that continues in South Sudan and which is enabled in part by the donations from Abbeyfeale, North Kerry and West Limerick.
BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club meet on Thursday evenings in St. Ita’s Day Centre. New members very welcome. Contact Nora Quirke 087 7615480.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Church Yard will be locked on the evening before a Funeral in the Parish to facilitate parking for families.
WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: WLMHA are hosting a talk by John Lonergan at the Desmond Complex, Newcastlewest V42 WT20 on Thursday, November 21 at 7.30 pm on “ How to be Happy and Content” . Admission is free. John Lonergan is a native of Bansha, Co. Tipperary. He served in the Irish Prison Service for over 42 years. He was Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over 22 years and Governor of the top security prison at Portlaoise for almost 4 years. He retired in June 2010 and later that year his autobiography “The Governor” was published. In 2013 he wrote a book on parenting with the title ‘Parenting – raising your child in Ireland today’, with all royalties going to Barnardos, the children’s charity. Nowadays he delivers talks on a wide range of subjects to communities, voluntary groups, workers and students. He is an active supporter of many charitable organisations. His philosophy is that change, personal or otherwise, cannot be enforced on people, believing that real and meaningful change only comes about through dialogue, consent and agreement. He is convinced that human beings change from the inside out and suggests that the big challenge for all of us is to find the humanity in others and then to nurture it. The more we are in touch with our own humanity the more likely we are to treat others with humanity – show respect to gain respect.
- ITA’S OPEN DAY: The Day Care Centre is open to visitors every Tuesday for tea and scones, bingo, lunch, exercises, singing and dancing and a great social outing. Contact 068 51850.
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS: A Film by Leo Finucane on Friday 15 November at 7.30pm in Clounmacon Community Centre in association with Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel. Filmmaker Leo Finucane presents two unique films, starting with the first-ever screening of Nightmare, a restored 1979 short film with scenes set in Clounmacon. Then, sit back for Rolling Back the Years, capturing memories of twelve children’s school days in 1962 along the Black Ditch—stories of a community that has grown through generations. Admission is €10 and refreshments will be provided. Clounmacon Community Centre, Cloonmacon, Co. Kerry. V31 PF95. CHURCH RADIO: A new Church radio system has been installed in the church which will allow parishioners who are confined to home to listen into Mass and other services. Tune in on 105.900 FM.
BIRTH MOTHERS: 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.
WINTER MARKET: Sunday, December 15 at Fr. Casey’s from 2-6pm. Stalls, Homebaking, Decorations, Toys, Candles and more. Coffee truck. Free entry.
DANCING CLASSES: Learn to Waltz, Jive, Line dancing etc. in The Plaza Hall, Listowel. Beginners from 7-8 pm and Advanced 8 -9.30pm. For more information call 087 7451631.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s for Milford Hospice and the Symptomatic Breast Unit at UHL will take place on Sunday, December 1st. Tickets €10. Raffle. Dancing 3-6pm. Tickets sold for the cancelled dance will be honoured.
LISTOWEL KARATE CLASSES: Kerry Martial Arts School are continuing karate and self-defence classes in Presentation Secondary School Hall on Monday evenings. All ages from 4 to adults welcome at 6pm. Contact 0858403898 for further information or search Kerry Martial Arts School on Facebook.
SOCIAL DANCING CLASS IN FR. CASEY’S: Every Tuesday night from 8pm.
EDDIE LEE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS ON THE ROAD: He will be in Duagh next Friday, November 15 from 9 – 11pm.
BERNARD CASEY NIGHT OF COMEDY: The Railway Bar, Friday November 22 from 9pm. Tickets £20 087 9360421.
ROCKCHAPEL NEWS:
Card game Wednesday nights at 8.30pm in the Community Centre. Bruach Na Carriage Rockchapel welcomes acclaimed fiddle and flute musicians John McEvoy and John Wynne accompanied by Michael McCague – guitar and bouzouki Friday 15th of November @8pm.Tickets €15. For tickets call 087 3236049 and they will also be available in Murphy’s shop Rockchapel.
MASS OF REMEMBRANCE: The annual memorial mass for deceased members of Kerry Ingredients, Listowel will be held in St Michael’s Church, Lixnaw on Wednesday, November 13 at 7.30pm. All welcome.
YOUTH MUSIC CLUB IN ABBEYFEALE: Foroige have set up a club for 3rd and 4th year Secondary School students 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 YOUTH CHESS CLUB: Additional Volunteers are needed to help open a Foróige Youth Chess Club in Abbeyfeale which will run every second week. If you know how to play chess and are 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.
.RELIC OF CARLO ACUTIS: You are invited to join Ballyferriter parish as they welcome the Carlo Acutis relic on Friday, November 22 @ 2pm. The visit of the relic will conclude the following day, Saturday with Mass celebrated by Bishop Ray Browne at 4pm. Further details are available on www.dioceseofkerry.ie
FUNDRAISER FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Church gate collection on 16 and 17 November.
SWITCH ON OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29: ARA coffee morning at Leens Hotel from 10am to 12.30pm with a great raffle with fantastic spot prizes. There will be a Craft fair in the square from 3pm to 6pm. Cantata from Scoil Mhathair De from 5.15pm to 5.45pm followed by the annual visit of Santa and Mrs Claus and the festive tractors and switch-on of lights at 6pm.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Calling all parents of current 1st and 2nd year students to help out for an hour and a half one evening a week to get our youth clubs up and running. Without the help of parents it is not possible to have youth clubs. Contact Noreen Cullinane 087 2353306.
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: “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. They can be contacted through the Abbeyfeale Community page on FB. Coming to you the second Friday of the month Friday 10 am – 2pm. Also the last Saturday of the month from 11am – 3pm.
BIBLE STUDY: Study the Sunday Mass Readings which will prepare your Heart and Mind for Mass by studying the Word of God, will take place in Athea Library on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm
BALLYHAHILL SET DANCING CLASSES: Every Monday night 8-9.30pm in the Hall. Everyone welcome.
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 and have something different to put on their CV – contact 069 66200. Free training will be provided.
GLIN KNIGHTS VISITOR CENTRE: The Centre welcomes visitors from 10 am to 5 pm. Located on Lower Main Street in Glin, adjacent to Glin Library, entry is free for all. Come explore the rich history and legacy of the Knights of Glin.
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: 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.
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.
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. Next Friday it’s dancing to Eddie Lee.
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, Payroll Manual and Computerised, Bookkeeping Computerised and Manual, Upholstery, Furniture Upcycling, Woodturning, Local History and much much more. Phone 06831198 to find out more.
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.
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.
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. New donors are welcome. Please phone 1800 222 111 for an
appointment. They are urgently seeking an additional 2,000 blood donations over the next four weeks;
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.
ST.ITA’S DAY CARE AND SHELTERED HOUSING: Meals on Wheels – Available to Everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Wednesday, November 13 Baked Ham or Braised Steak. Thursday, November 14 Lamb Chop or Pasta Bolognese. Friday, November 15 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. The ladies who lunch had a most enjoyable few hours at the open day on Tuesday, October 8 and thoroughly enjoyed the lunch. We’ll be going again on the second Tuesday in November (the 12th) and anyone is welcome to join us.
GRINDS AVAILABLE: Maths and all Science Subjects grinds available online or in person – Junior Cycle or Leaving Cert. Contact Tiernan 089 4391334 [email protected]
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. Tom Mangan. 087/2348226. 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: Friday 7pm Mass for all who died during the year 2024 Mass intentions for next weekend Saturday 6.30pm Jack Ryan The Orchard Months Mind. Patrick & David O’Connor Caherhayes. Mary & Jack McKenna, Knockbrack Anniversary. Nell & Donal & Patrick Fitzgerald Knockbrack Connie Harnett and Baby Tommy Moran. Joe & Teresa Lyons New Street. Sunday 10am Eileen & Patrick Roche Killarney Road. 12 noon Michael Reidy Meenkilly . Shelia O’Connell Kilconlea Lower Anniversary. Lawrence Cree 2nd Anniversary. Patrick & Kathleen Lane Ballaugh. Nora Canty Fealebridge 11th Anniversary. Deceased members of ARA. First Holy Communion 2025 A meeting of the parents of First Holy Communion children will take place in the Scoil Mháthair Dé on Wednesday, November 13 at 7.30pm. The First preparation Mass will take place at 6.30pm on Saturday evening November 16.
Baptisms Time in the Pastoral Area Abbeyfeale First Saturday of the month @ 5pm Second Sunday of the month @12.45 Athea: November for winter time to the fourth Sunday @12 noon Templeglantine: First Saturday of month @ 4pm Tournafulla: Second Sunday of the month @ 11.45am Mountcollins: Third Sunday of the month. 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. 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: Do you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC lets you access public healthcare in other EU and EEA countries for free, or at a reduced rate. The card lasts for up to 4 years and can be renewed online. https://bit.ly/42UuGWI
Be Winter Ready; Keep warm, eat well and avoid unnecessary travel. Eat regular hot meals, drink plenty of fluids and avoid unnecessary travel. If you’re struggling with electricity and gas bills, you can’t be disconnected during winter: 1-11-2024 -31-3-2025(vulnerable customers). 9-12 2024 -17-1-2025 (all other domestic customers). You are a priority service customer if you register with the CRU as being critically dependent on electrically powered assistive devices. https://bit.ly/3YpFI6g
Before the winter sets in check that you have a working smoke alarm and a carbon alarm. The annual Christmas party takes place in Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, November 24th. Tickets €25 each are on sale from Pat Buckley’s Shop, Batt in the Square and An Siopa Milsean as well as the committee members mentioned below. 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.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR NOTES: 087 6866450. [email protected]