by Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way. Martin Luther King Jr.
REQUIEM MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS: A special requiem Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Cathedral at 7pm on Wednesday, April 23 by Bishop Brendan Leahy. The Cathedral is located within walking distance of the Bus Station.
EASTER CEREMONIES: The Church of the Assumption under the leadership of our new Parish Priest Fr. Tom Mangan and with the assistance of our Sacristan’s, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Cleaners, Florists worked so hard during Holy Week to bring our experience of the Saviour’s death and Resurrection to life. Mass of the Lord’s Supper was accompanied by our wonderful children’s choir and the Mass attended by the First Communion Children. Our brilliant senior choir, with their conductor Nimi who has brought such richness to our community since he and his family moved here and our cantors and musicians under the direction of Riona Curtin marked Holy Week with great devotion from the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the Monday all the way through to Easter Sunday which began with the Dawn Mass at 5.30am in Reilig Ide Naofa. The Lost Souls – a misnomer if ever there was one performed at the noon Mass on Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil and the Dawn Mass was the highlight of a hectic week in my estimation and as we sat in front of the altar as the dawn was breaking all that was in my head was how our ancestors travelled up hill and down dale so that they could attend Mass while they were being hunted by the foreign invader. . All the prayers said by those who went before us are surely treasure in heaven keeping us safe in these turbulent times.
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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: Ceremonies commence with confessions followed by novena, Mass, Healing prayers in the Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale at 2.30pm on Sunday, April 27. Novena leaflets are available at the church door. A collection will be taken up with the proceeds to Trocaire.
TOWN PARK DOG SHOW: The annual Town Park Dog Show will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 2pm. Many categories and a huge raffle.
A A:MEETING: An Open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous will take place in Knockanure Community Centre @ 8.30pm on Tuesday April 29th. AA offers a way out of problem drinking. Speakers from both AA and AlAnon. Refreshments afterwards. All are welcome.CHERISH THE LADIES: Celebrity Concert in conjunction with Fleadh by the Feale with support from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef School Band on Sunday, May 4. Doors open 7.30pm, Show 8pm. Tickets €25.
MAUREEN’S OFF AGAIN: “We will be cruising on the Lakes of Killarney Sunday, May 18. Largest Lake Lough Lein and drift through the islands with a backdrop of the beauty and splendour of the Killarney region. Enjoy the comfort of a heated glassed in boat enabling everyone to have a perfect view. Early booking recommended, to avoid disappointment. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.”
DUAGH GRAVEYARD COMMITTEE: The cutting of grass and clean up in Springmount cemetery has commenced on Tuesday evenings since 15th April and every two weeks thereafter.
AWARD: Like Bikes, Abbeyfeale-based company was recently presented with a Green/Sustainability award at the National Enterprise Awards,County Limerick final. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Limerick/
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Christian Foley, Dromtrasna son of Aoife Keogh Rockchapel and Eamon Foley Locomotion Barnagh Hub, on his selection for the Irish U19 rugby squad.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: We have a committee in Abbeyfeale who organise Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel every Friday after the 10am Mass. It will recommence on the First Friday in May.
GLORACH CONCERT: Elle Marie O’Dwyer will headline Saturday night during Fleadh by the Feale at the Glórach Theatre. Tickets at An Siopa Milsean or Fleadh by the Feale website.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: Now entering its 31st year, The Fleadh by the Feale Traditional Music Festival will take place over the May Bank Holiday week. The Gathering Session takes place in the Ramble Inn on Thursday, May 1 followed by the annual Busking Competition on Friday, May 2 starting on the Main St. at 7pm. There will be workshops for Music and Singing Saturday afternoon , Ella Marie O’ Dwyer will highlight the concert in the Glorach on Saturday May 3 and it gets really hectic on Sunday and Monday between the storytelling with Daisy Kearney, the celebrity concert in Scoil Ide agus Iosef , every pub will be packed and that’s not to mention the annual Bones competitions. You’ll have to come to Abbeyfeale to experience the whole weekend.
MUSIC: Seanchaí Songwriters Group at Kerry Writers’ Museum. Calling all songwriters – Whether you’re an experienced lyricist or just starting out, join a welcoming creative space to share ideas, get inspired and refine your craft. Meeting from 7-9pm on the second and last Thursday of the month. For more information call or text Karen on 087 630 3308.
COMMUNITY CHORAL GROUP: Following a very successful initial meeting and great interest, Sing Cois Feile Alive meets on Tuesdays @ 7pm in St. Itas Community Hall. No singing experience is necessary just an open mind, some positivity, and a willingness to learn. This has turned out to be a great social space with people coming from NCW and over the border. Further details are available from Dearbhla @ West Limerick Resources by email to [email protected] or call 087 6750869.
FLOWERS: Let Dandelions Bee. One of the best actions you can take to help pollinators is reduce mowing. This helps local, native wildflowers emerge naturally over time. In March, Dandelions begin blooming. Research shows they are the most important source of nectar and pollen for pollinators on the island of Ireland, so ‘Let Dandelions Bee.’
- CASEY’S MOTHER’S AND OTHERS: Training every Thursday on the pitch at 7.45pm. All welcome.
TRIP TO INISFALLEN: There will be a pilgrimage (Mass and Talk) to Inisfallen Island, Killarney, on 15 May 2025. If you wish to go on this pilgrimage call Tigh na Sagart on 066-9156131. It is essential to book your place.
HISTORY: The next meeting of Tarbert Historical Society will be on Friday 25 April when Patrick Lynch will talk on ‘Irish men who fought and died in the Spanish Civil War 1936- 1939.
NEURODIVERSE PARENTING GROUP-ABBEYFEALE: Thanks to all who attended the first meeting. The group will continue to meet the first Thursday of each month from 7pm – 9pm in St. Ita’s Community Hall, Abbeyfeale. The next three meeting dates are Thursday 3rd of April, Thursday 1st May and Thursday 5th of June. All welcome to join. Further details are available from Sharon on 087 7805961.
ROAD RACING IN ATHEA: The club has applied to Motorcycling Ireland and the Road Racing Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) to run on September 13 and September 14, 2025.
ACCORD CLG: are recruiting experienced practitioners to train in Couple Counselling Therapy. Applications close 30/04/2025. Info:@accord.ie
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE from Cork Airport with Spiritual Director Group Leader Jim Keogh, departing from Cork with Aer Lingus on 4th June 2025.Everyone is welcome! .For further information and full details please contact Jim Keogh 087 2678793 /064 661 8981.
ENROLMENT IN SCOIL MHÁTHAIR DÉ: Enrolment Applications are now being invited from Parents/Guardians wishing to enrol their children in Scoil Mháthair Dé. Application Forms are available by contacting the school office on (068 – 31701) or by calling to the school.
LOUGH DERG Three Day Pilgrimages begins Friday 30th May until Friday
15th August. http://www.loughderg.org/2025.html
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DOOCTOR.IE: A walk in clinic has been set up in Abbeyfeale at weekends Friday – Monday. Call on 0818 010999.
MAUREEN WRITES: “You can drop off used unwanted candles to Top Stitch, 2, Church Street, Newcastle West . Both Candles and used postage stamps can be dropped into the Castleisland Community Museum Monday to Friday 12 noon to 4.30pm.. All used postage stamps can be dropped into a big box under the table in the church porch side entrance. Newcastle West. Please note that the alterations shop ’Fit for you’ opposite the church is now closed and will no longer be doing business so please do not leave bags of goods outside the door. Used and unwanted candles can now be dropped into Top Stich 2, Church Street Newcastlewest, Community Museum in Castleisland will accept food bags of non-perishable food for the people in Ukraine, used unwanted candles can also be left and used postage stamps, candles are melted down and new candles made for the Ukrainian soldiers to use in the trenches to heat a cup of hot chocolate and warm their hands Stamps collected are used to raise money to help 120 young girls in Myanmar who are looked after by the Servite nuns to feed, clothe, put roof over their head and educate them. Conditions there are extremely difficult now that the army have taken control and prevent the young girls attending school.
Y0GA CLASSES: Every Monday in St. Ita’s Day Care from 7-8.30pm with Mike Houlihan 087 2732591.
CALLING ON YOUNG MUSICIANS: You are welcome at the Creative Music Hub every Tuesday evening in St. Ita’s Hall from 4-6pm. Contact Noreen Cotter or email Dearbhla at St. Ita’s [email protected] or call 087 6750869.
- ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE: Meals on Wheels Menu – Available to everyone. Collect from the Centre or have it delivered. Menu this week; Wednesday, April 23 Braised Steak or Chicken and Mushroom Vol au Vent.. Thursday April 24 Roast Pork or Beef Burger. Friday, April 25 Fish or Meat Alternative. Please let the staff know if you require a Gluten Free or Vegetarian Option. Price List; Soup €1, Main Course €9, half portion €6, Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes €4. Dessert €2. Phone 068 51850.
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 “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.
SOCIAL DANCING: Duagh Sports Centre V31K659– every Friday night 9-11pm. Next Friday it’s Alistair Fingleton.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Instructer Brenden Croghan ADCRG 0868109819 Tuesdays at Teach na Feile, New St., Abbeyfeale.
FUNDRAISER FOR MOYVANE CHURCH AND A DONATION TO THE AXEL HORGAN FUND: Unfortunately the Michael English concert had to be cancelled due to the sudden death of his nephew. The concert will now take place on Sunday, May 11. There are still some tickets on sale in Kathleen’s Foodstore, Batt’s in the Square and An Siopa Milsean.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: West Limerick Independent Living are looking for dedicated Personal Assistants to join their team in NCW.
AQUA Dome, re-opening again following a significant closure period. The replacement of the 30-year-old filters, and the planned work to update the air filtration systems in 2025 is costing €850,000. Check the web site www.Aquadome.ie for changes
ACCORD NOW SEEKING MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS: Currently
recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. If you are supportive of marriage in the Catholic Church and have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team that supports couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage then Accord wishes to hear from you! Contact Aisling on 01 505 3112 or by email to[email protected] and for further information see
www.accord.ie..
GROW MENTAL HEALTH Support Group meetings Wednesday nights in the Shanchai Centre, 24 The Square, Listowel. V31 RD93 at 8pm, for more information contact Jerry Cronin 0860271990.
SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Mondays at the Plaza Hall, Listowel. Classes include waltzing, jiving, quick step, line dancing and much more. Beginners 7p.m. – 8p.m. Advanced 9 p.m. For bookings call or text 087-7451631.
SENIOR LINE is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people
open every day of the year 10am-10pm, Freephone 1800 80 4591.
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.
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.
KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA 2025: will take place with a return coach from Kerry via Shannon Airport on Sunday, 11th May and return on Thursday, 15th May. Contact Karen at Barters Travelnet, Cork at 021 – 4851700 or email: [email protected] Spiritual Director: Fr.Noel Spring.
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 AT THE DAYCARE: Classes have started at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre on Tuesday nights.
ROCKCHAPEL NEWS: Card game Wednesday nights at 8.30pm in the Community Centre.
PILGRIMAGE: Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 10 – 17 Sept 2025 Cork to Dubrovnik. Ph 016852244/ email: [email protected]. Further information from Group
Leader Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen 087 1517696. Spiritual Director Fr Francis
Nolan 087 2100 273.
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.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Limerick Youth Service are 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. Training will be provided and if enough people get involved parents will not have to commit to weekly club meetings. Garda vetting is mandatory.
DANCING WITH TIMMY: Set dancing classes with Timmy Woulfe continue 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.
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. It’s a great opportunity for TY students. Free training will be provided.
PLOUGHING Championships in 2025 will take place at Screggan, Tullamore, from 16-18 September.
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. The new choir really enhances our Saturday evening Mass and we have to congratulate Riona Curtin and all the children on the work they put in from 5.30pm every week to have new hymns beautifully sung.
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.
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.
GRINDS AVAILABLE: Maths and all Science Subjects grinds available online or in person – Junior Cycle or Leaving Cert. Contact [email protected]https://youtu.be/vYgotCbbA2Q?feature=shared.
HOLY SPIRIT 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.
Divine Mercy Prayer Meeting every Monday after 7pm Mass. Novena to St. Anthony every Monday during 7pm Mass. Please note the New parish Email is; [email protected] for any correspondence to the parish with the booking of anniversary Masses, parish news etc. Mass Cards, Mass bouquets for all occasions (Easter, Thank you, retirement, Exams, wedding, sympathy, Get well, birthday) are available in the sacristy. Mass intentions: Wednesday 10am Lawrence Cree Birthday Remembrance. Thursday 10am Bridie O’Shea, Convent Road. Saturday 6.30pm Kathleen Kelly, Letterkenny. Bridie and Joe Fitzgerald and deceased family members.Sean and Diane O’Mahony, Caherhayes 11th and 2nd Anniversary. Catherine Higgins, Anniversary. Sunday 10am Denis and Eileen Collins and their son Denis and deceased members of the Geary family.
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: Test your panic alarm once a month and always carry it on your person. It won’t be any use if you hang it on the bannister or keep it in a press. It doesn’t matter if you set it off by accident, that’s what you’re paying for. Wear a high viz jacket every time you go out on the public road. We have a few left over from the Christmas lunch, if you want one, ring 087 6866450. 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
Have a power pack fully charged so that if the power goes out you can charge your mobile phone.
Check that you have a working smoke alarm and a carbon alarm. 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 €66. Please note that this fee 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, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Susan Daly, Catherine Daly, Marian Harnett .Annette Collins.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR NOTES: 087 6866450. [email protected]
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