Archive for January, 2025

News – 28/1/25

The Jim Dunn Mural at Batt’s Corner

MURAL  REMOVAL

The Mural, between Batt’s pub and Mullane’s house, which was painted by Jim Dunn, is coming down this weekend. It was commissioned by Athea Tidy Towns some years ago to covered up a vacant site that was an eyesore at the time. The site is now being developed so a new home is being sought for a piece of art that has been a focal point in the village. It depicts scenes and people from the area and has been praised highly by many visitors who were fascinated by the style and the detail in the work of art. It will go into storage for the moment until a new site is found but it feels like an end of an era.

Draws Postponed

The weekly Community Council and Athea United draws were not held as usual last night. Last week saw the whole area deprived of power due to the severe storm and the village was practically closed so sellers had no way of meeting their regular customers. Some tickets were sold and these will be entered into next Monday night’s draws.

Best of luck to everyone

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

What a month of January!  First we had the big snowfall followed by floods and then the storm that beat all storms that practically brought the whole country to its knees. Thousands of people are still without power which means they may have no heating, water or working phones.  We got off relatively lightly around here, in comparison to some western counties, but it brought hardship to many living in isolation. On a personal note, I won’t forget it. While clearing away the snow I damaged my back and was out of action for a few days, then, when the storm came, I got the flu so I was flattened again. On the power front, I was lucky enough to have the use of a generator. During the first outages in the snowfall I couldn’t get it from the shed to the power point connection because there was too much snow in the way but I was more prepared the second time around and for a few days it was a Godsend. It is a fairly big one but I had enough power so that I could use everything including kettles, heating etc. If there are lessons to be learned from all this, one must surely be that we can no longer afford to put all our eggs in one basket. Being “green” is commendable but we should have an alternative source of power or heat, even if it was just the use of an open fire.  I know the powers that be want us all to forget about fossil fuels but what great harm would be done if they were used only in cases of emergency . A turf fire and a gas ring would go a long way to survival in the absence of electricity. Common sense must prevail.

It looks like Trump has started as he means to go on with hundreds of immigrants rounded up and deported. There is a certain amount of hypocrisy attached to this as most of the ruling classes in the USA employ maids and gardeners etc who are also undocumented. You won’t see the police going after them, no they will go after the low hanging fruit in the poorer areas. There are thousands of undocumented Irish in the country who must be looking over their shoulders at the moment They may very well be next. What short memories modern Americans have. They forget that everyone in America, except the Red Indians, are descended from immigrants or people who were brought in as slaves. The Irish were a big part of this movement particularly after the famine. There is a song called “Grandfather’s Immigrant  Eyes” and the following few lines indicate what it was like coming through Ellis Island  at the time:

 

They were standing in line just like cattle
Poked and sorted and shoved
Some were one desk away from freedom
Some were torn from someone they love
Through this sprawling Tower of Babel
Came a young man, confused and alone
Determined and bound for America
And carrying all that he owned

Sometimes when I looked in my grandfather’s immigrant eyes
I saw that day reflected and couldn’t hold my feelings inside
I saw started with nothing and working hard all of his life
“So don’t take it for granted” said grandfather’s immigrant eyes.

 

They came ashore with what they stood up in and worked really hard on the railways, mines etc.  Their children got better employment, especially in the police force and fire departments. Their offspring were the first to get  proper education and, decade by decade, they prospered and became part of the richest country in the world, some of them going on to become presidents of the USA. Now they want to deny less well off foreign nationals the same opportunities their forefathers got. Of course you can’t have open borders but most wealthy countries depend on immigrants to do the jobs they don’t want to do. Where would the service industries, factories etc be if the borders were entirely closed. Control the borders by all means but, if somebody is already living and working in the country, paying taxes and contributing to the state, give them legality and the opportunity to better themselves. The bigots and “Proud Boys” will be delighted with what is happening but , the way Trump is going about getting revenge on his opponents makes him more like a tin pot dictator than the President of the leading country in the “free world”  I was shocked to hear that he had withdrawn security details from some former officials whose lives had been threatened including Dr. Anthony Fauci who was the medical adviser to the government during Covid pandemic and was threatened with death on many occasions by those who believed the conspiracy theories that Covid didn’t exist and that the vaccine would allow us to be controlled bu foreign powers. The opposite of course is true and Dr. Fauci  saved thousands and thousands of lives despite the attempts of people like Trump to stop him. While it was bad enough to take away his security detail, it was worse for Trump to say that it wouldn’t bother him if the good doctor got hurt.  These are not the words or actions of a decent politician who should be a president for all the people, not just those who share his extreme views.  I am glad that I do not live in his jurisdiction and I fear there is much worse to come. God help America.

Church Notices

Parish Pastoral Unit (Athea/ Abbeyfeale/ Mountcollins/ Templeglantine/ Tournafulla).

Fr. Tom Mangan 087-2348226, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Dan Lane 087 2621911.

Masses this week- Tuesday morning 9.30am, Friday evening 7pm and Sunday 11am.

Eucharistic Adoration and the Devine Mercy Chaplet every Tuesday morning after mass.

Feast of St. Brigid (Feb 1st.) We will hold our St. Brigid’s Cross workshop in the church on Wednesday evening Jan 29th at 7.30pm. Materials will be provided for you to make your own cross and a cuppa tea/coffee will be served afterwards. Crosses will be blessed on the night.

Candlemas Day is next Sunday Feb 2nd. If you wish to have some candles blessed for your home please bring along to mass on Sunday morning and give to the sacristan beforehand. Candles will also be available from the sacristy after mass to purchase at 50c each.

The Feast of Saint Blaise is on bank holiday Monday Feb 3rd – blessing of the throats will take place after mass on Sunday morning and Tuesday morning.

Mass Intentions: Sunday Feb 2nd Mary Pallas (1st Anniversary). Jimmy O Sullivan. Alice O’Sullivan. Patie Enright and his parents Denis & Hannah and sister Nora.

To book a Mass intention contact the sacristy after mass or contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

All masses are streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/athea

Baptisms take place on the fourth weekend of the month. Parents who wish to baptise their child in the next few months should contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

Parish Administration: Tues-Fri 11am-1pm. call Siobhan on 087-3331459, outside of these hours send a text or email [email protected]

Facebook:  Athea Parish Church Community

NEW ABBEYFEALE BOOK LAUNCHED.

Local writer, Raymond Fennelly, has published a new book entitled

“Abbeyfeale In Print. What The Papers Said.”

The book takes a nostalgic journey back in time and delves in to old newspaper accounts of the happenings in Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas up to and including the early decades of the 19th and 20th century. It contains accounts of fairs, frolics, court cases, greedy landlords, battling tenants, rebel risings, great victories, bitter defeats, and memorable sporting and social occasions, all written by people who either lived through these events or received first-hand information from those who had gone before.

Pride of place must be given to local writer and correspondent, the late J. D. Harnett, whose “Historic Sketches of Abbeyfeale” provide a remarkable treasure trove of people, places and times, faithfully recorded and set down for future generations such as ours.

The late James Collins T.D. was Adjutant of the West Limerick Brigade during the War Of Independence and played an active role in the fight for Irish freedom. Following a request from the Bureau Of Military History in 1955, he gave a written submission detailing activities that took place locally during that period, and which has been reproduced in full here.

Father Casey’s Monument stands proudly in The Square. Memories of his heroic efforts against the many injustices inflicted on the people are still fondly recalled, and are reflected on the pages of the various newspapers down through the times.

This collection has been randomly selected. Hopefully, in future years, a more thorough investigation will be carried out and further historic gems revealed.

“Abbeyfeale In Print” is now available in An Siopa Milseán on Main Street. It can also be ordered online from Amazon or borrowed from the local library. Any profits will be donated to charity.

 

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By Carrig Side – 28/1/25

by Tom Aherne

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday January 20.The numbers drawn were 9,14,16,26, and  there was no  winner of the €5,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each: Maria Woulfe, Dunganville, Joan O’Connor Glenville, James Brouder Ballinabearna, Jody Woulfe Ardagh, Sean O’Sullivan Skehanagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €5,300. People can play online using club force on the club’s Facebook page, with 6pm on Monday evening the deadline. The tickets are also on sale at the usual outlets, and all support will be appreciated.  Both organisations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

 

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Philip Culhane Glin, who won €215 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 double week draw,  held on Friday January 24. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry,  and from the radio station.  All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

 

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 (Tommy Dillane) away to Glin Rovers in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday January 19. Carrig Celtic defeated Glantine/Mountcollins United 2-1 at home in Division 2 with goal scorers Ray Brouder and Sean Long. Kilcolman Rovers won 2-1 at home to Dromore United B with goals from Mike O’Sullivan. In the Premier Division of the ladies’ league Kilcolman Rovers defeated Breska Rovers 1-0 away with Sinead Kelly on target. Creeves Celtic drew 0-0 away with Glantine in Division 1.

 

FOYNES SAILING: Patricia Mc Cormack from Glenville, Ardagh is the present Commodore of Foynes Yacht Club. Congratulations and best wishes in her role into the future.

 

GAELIC GAMES: The county Limerick  football  and hurling championship draws for 2025 were made on Tuesday January 21. The same format as in previous years with 12 teams contesting in two groups of 6 teams who will play each other. The top three teams in each group will progress to the knockout stages. In senior football St Kieran’s are in group 2 with  Mungret St Paul’s, Newcastle West, Kildimo/Pallaskenry, Ballylanders and Galtee Gaels. In junior A football they are in group 2 with Camogue Rovers, Monaleen, Hospital/Herbertstown, Fedamore and St Patrick’s. In the intermediate hurling championship St Kieran’s are in group 2 with Na Piarsaigh, Feohanagh, Murroe -Boher, Pallasgreen and Knockainey.

 

MEMBERSHIP RATES:  St Kieran’s GAA Club membership  rates for 2025 are, Limerick Development Draw only € 100. Adult social non-playing  member € 40, and plus Limerick draw € 130. Senior adult player including Astro turf levy € 100 and plus Limerick draw € 190. Family membership ( includes one parent/guardian and all children under 18) € 120 plus Limerick Draw € 200. Under 21 and Student membership ( over 18, including Astroturf levy) € 80. Single Juvenile Membership (GAA and Camogie player € 50. The rates are the same as last year and can be paid now and the deadline is March 31.

 

ARDAGH WALK: In partnership with Ireland’s Lights Up the Irish Life Every Step Counts Challenge St Kieran’s  GAA Club are participating each Wednesday evening at 7pm sharp. The walk will be around the new field and Astro pitch, and all are welcome.

 

ART EXHIBITION:  Rathkeale Together Woman’s Art Group, invite you to join them for an inspiring evening of powerful  artwork, conversation and celebration of identity in the form of their art on Friday January 31, from 5pm, at the Carriage House at the start of the Greenway Rathkeale (V944H30). Also, a wine reception and light refreshments served. Titled Canvas of Friendship Weaving Women’s Stories it promises to be a great evening, and all are welcome.

 

HISTORY TALK: Rathkeale Historical Society continue their winter season of  free talks on Friday January 31, at 8-30pm in the Community Arts Centre, upstairs in Rathkeale Library.  Four local historians will give talks of local interest on this night. Mary Kury ‘Rathkeale links to Churchtown Graveyard Newcastle West’. Patrick Fitzgerald ‘ Curragchase’. Joseph Healy ‘ The Boy in the Glasshouse’. Patrick Coleman ‘ Items donated to the Church  of St Mary Rathkeale on the completion of its building’. Membership of Rathkeale Historical Society for the year is € 10.

 

ROSARY RECITED: The rosary will be recited at St Brigid’s Well Shanagarry Newcastle West on Saturday February 1, at 3pm and all are welcome.

 

TEA DANCING: Social dancing returns to Monagea Hall on Sunday February 2,from 3-6pm. Music by Michael Collins, tea and refreshments served and all are welcome.

 

CAR BOOT SALE: A fundraising car boot sale will be held in Newcastle West Community Centre on Saturday February 15. Contact 069-69584 for all the details.

 

MILFORD WALK: The annual Milford Care Centre 10km walk/run takes place on Sunday February 16. Their fundraising department have all the details and can be contacted at 061-485859 or fundraising @milfordcarecentre.ie

 

RAMBLING HOUSE:  A rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday February 19, at 8.00pm and teas served.  All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend for a great night’s enjoyment.

 

ITAS NIGHT: Ita’s rambling house will be held in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday  February 21, at 8pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend both for a great night’s enjoyment

.

CHURCH DATES 2025: #

The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday May 7, at 10am and in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry at 12 noon. The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday May 10, at 11am.

The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday May 17, at 11am.

The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday May 24, at 10am and in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa at 12 noon.

 

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Kathleens Corner – 28/1/25

by Kathleen Mullane

GOODBYE JANUARY

I’m sure we all at this stage are happy to say goodbye to the month of January. The week of snow and dangerous roads a short while ago with schools all being closed was bad enough we thought however STORM EOWYN really caused havoc all over the country and as I do my few lines here this Monday night the 6 oc news is showing thousands of homes still without electricity and water. Some homes and buildings had their roofs completely destroyed and the owners lucky to be alive on some occasions with trees falling into their bedrooms as they slept.  I suppose the storm came so soon after the snowfall it didn’t give people time to get themselves together.. The worst part, everyone agreed, was the long nights without electricity and waiting for the brightness of the morning to get up. Then one would be so elated when the electricity would flash on  only for it to go off again a short time after. Gas lamps and generators were sold out . Those of us who had open fires and gas hobs etc called ourselves so lucky. However it was so heart-warming to note the kindness of communities and individuals who helped those living alone and those with young children and restaurants that opened their doors and gave water and teas and food to neighbours and families —that’s what community is all about. Hopefully now with February around the corner and the arrival of Spring we are over the worst of it .

This Wednesday night all are welcome to the St Bridgids Cross Workshop which is being held in the church starting at 7 .30pm. Last year was a great success and the children loved making their crosses. Adults were on hand to show those present how to make the crosses and indeed if you can help out on the night it would be great. Teas and coffees will be served .St Brigid’s Day is Feb 1st with Monday being a Bank Holiday in her honour. I’m sure some crosses will be available at 11 o clock mass on Sunday.   Could as many as possible come along to the workshop to make their own crosses as there may not be enough available Sunday.

Sincere Sympathy is extended to Noreen Brouder of Templeathea on the recent passing of her brother Michael J Broderick  at St Itas Hospital in Newcastlewest. He Reposed at Harnett’s Funeral Parlour last Monday night where many came to sympathise with. the family. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Tuesday .May he rest in Peace.     Tom Moran, formerly of Ardagh and Newcastlewest Electrical Maiden St., went to his Eternal Reward at the weekend. His Remains reposed at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Monday evening where many came to sympathise. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Tuesday .Tom was a brother of the late Marie O Connor The Lane. Upper Athea .May he rest in Eternal Peace.

Just read the other day that Irish Authorities had the lowest rate of refusal to applications from asylum seekers in any of the EU’s 28 member states last year. Only 15per cent of applications were refused by Ireland in comparison to 63 per cent rejected by the rest of the E.U. There were a lot of very sad Ukrainians in Ballybunion last week, families who had kids going to school with friendships made, teenagers about to sit exams and parents who had got work locally ,and having been told they were to be moved out of their accommodation in a week or so some being sent to Sligo and different locations its a hard situation .

 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do not spoil what you Have by desiring what you have not, Remember that what you now have was once among the things that you only hoped for .

 

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