Notices | Abbeyfeale Parish | Parish News & Information| Mass Times & Death Notices | Diocese of Limerick - Part 13

Notices

Community notices 30th April

April 30th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.  Aristotle.
DEATHS:  Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Ita Corbett, The Belfrey,and to the O’Regan family Ardagh on the death of Sheila.  May they rest in peace.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE:  Only a couple more days until Fleadh by the Feale 2021 kicks off!! All events will be on our Facebook page from Friday, April 30 – Monday, May 3.  Guaranteed to be a jam packed weekend of music, song and dance. Bígí linn!!

Artistes include:  John Forde Jackie Murphy Laura O Donoghue Adrian O Leary Ian Sheehy Muireann Hickey Comhaltas Teampall An Ghleanntáin-Templeglantine Brogan McAuliffe Thomas Ahern Elle Marie O Dwyer Music, Billy McComiskey, Joseph McNulty, Fuinneamh, Máire Ní Chonchúir, James O’Connor, Micheal Broderick, Padraig Enright, Eibhlin Healy, Jackie Healy, Natasha Sheehy, Husband and wife : Mairead Corridan,Gearóid Keating, Darragh Horan, Greta Curtin, Jessie Healy, Singing Sisters: Eibhlín and Catherine Broderick. Liam Broderick, Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy, The Murphy Family, Denis Curtin.

CAMPAIGN TO STOP ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVOUR IN ABBEYFEALE:  Cllr. Liam Galvin is seeking signatures on the following petition:  “ That the Minister for Justice enacts legislation or amends current legislation, as necessary, to put the onus on parents of children under 16 who are gathering /loitering in public areas and engaging in anti-social behaviour, to be responsible for their children and that sanctions be imposed on parents whose children are engaging in such behaviour by means of fines and that these fines would be recovered by means of attachment of earnings, if applicable.”  You can sign on line on Cllr. Galvin’s FB page or the Abbeyfeale Community Group FB page.  You can also contact Cllr. Galvin on 087 9850435.

CONGRATULATIONS:   Sr. Agnes Fitzgerald, Sr. Consillo’s sister and a native of Brosna, was awarded Person of the Month in Limerick, she has spent 39 years working in Cuan Mhuire.

DEGREE: Pre-Degree course for adults, closing date May 31, details from University of Limerick.

ACTIVE RETIRED; We are inviting expressions of interest from all Active Retired Groups to host an event/ activity for older members of your community during the month of May. All event organisers must ensure that their event is on-line, or alternatively events must be adhering to the public health guidelines that may be in place at the time.

https://www.sdcc.ie/en/news/bealtaine-festival-may-2021.html

COOKING: Certificate in Culinary Arts (Food Preparation and Cooking) starts on Monday, May 10. The course is fully funded, so no fees are payable. It runs for 20 weeks full time and aims to develop a range of basic food prep, cooking and culinary arts skills. Each learner will be based in an industry standard production kitchen at Kerry College’s Clash Road Campus and will have their own workstation. Apply here now: https://kerrycollege.ie/full-time-courses/food-preparation-and-cooking-culinary-arts-tralee/

SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS:  West Limerick Mental Health Association are always searching for volunteers and they say “Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organization and our community. Without the dedication of volunteers, many projects offered by our local branch would not be possible. We truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy to further our mission.  Volunteering is at the core of our organization. It is about giving, contributing and helping other individuals and the community at large; it is working with others to making a meaningful contribution to a better community.Give the gift of yourself, your time, your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering. You are always welcome. Contact : [email protected]

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

“LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD” UPDATED!:  An updated version of “Abbeyfeale. Last One For The Road” by Raymond Fennelly has just been released. (although some may claim that it probably escaped!).  Over twenty new stories, articles and illustrations have been added to the original publication which was first launched in 2016. The book is not on sale locally due to covid restrictions. The late Ann Lyons, The Square, would usually be the first to stock it in normal times. Ann was a great supporter of local writers and artists and is sadly missed. May she Rest In Peace.).  However, copies are available on line from Amazon US and Amazon DE. (It may not be for sale on Amazon UK at present due to Brexit.)  Hopefully “Abbeyfeale. Last One For The Road” will prove to be a gentle distraction during these difficult times.

CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions:  Thursday 10am Ann Romain. Sean O’Mahony, Caherhayes 8th Anniversary.  Friday 10am Deceased members of the Hughes & McEnnis Families.  No Saturday morning 6.30pm Mai & Tade Collins, Ballaugh.  Sunday 10am Mary & James Scully, Mountmahon.  Denis & Ellen Collins Purt and deceased members of the Geary family. 12noonStasia & John McGill and deceased family members. Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. .    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order.  Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6.  Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO:  Community Radio is very distinct from Local Commercial radio, providing access for rarely heard voices, diversity in programming including music, and acting as a means of community expression. As part of its licence a  very strictly enforced rule is that no more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources and at least 25% must come from the community they serve.  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square,  Moss the Farmers’ and also in the Siopa Nua. I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: A gentleman received a phone call this morning and said that he should have known by the number – it had a 0032 International prefix –“ but in my defence, it was early and I wasn’t fully functioning. The caller, a middle Eastern gentleman, purported to be from an overwatch group for Ireland’s internet service providers including Eir, Sky Virgin media.  He didn’t ask for any of my personal details or logins or passwords. He asked me to perform a speedtest on my pc. I used Speedtest by Ookla and he asked for the results. He then asked me to go to Teamviewer.com and at the bottom of the page click ‘download me’. This is a very professional looking website. When the download was complete alarm bells started ringing. It was an application that would have given him ‘Remote Control’ or remote access of my pc.

At this point I rang my service provider and they assured me it was a scam. Virgin media have taken note of it, the phone he used, the process he went through and will report it throughout their organisation. I am computer savvy, I’m usually up-to-speed and diligent with what I do or don’t open with regard to emails AND I was still caught out.

Gardaí are advising people to beware of Romance Scams. Victims of the scam believe they have met their perfect match online, but the other person is in fact a scammer using a fake profile to build the relationship. They slowly gain the victim’s trust with a view to eventually asking them for money. One Irish woman was showered with expensive gifts, including scarves and perfumes, before she was asked to invest in her suitor’s business. Over a thirteen (13) month period, the woman gave the romance fraudster €48,000. The woman initially delayed reporting the fraud to Gardaí as she was married.  The extent of the scam is not fully known because many of the victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud to Gardaí.  Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau warns: “Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using the following excuses:  to cover the cost of travelling to see the victim; for emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member — typically a child; a business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably.  In the beginning, the amount of money requested will often be small but increases as the scammer becomes more successful in building the ‘relationship’ and tricking the victim.”  Recently, a romance fraudster in the west of Ireland was found guilty of taking nearly €19,000 from a victim. The perpetrator obtained money through deception over a five (5) month period after meeting the victim through a dating website. An Garda Síochána works closely with Europol to disrupt the activities of romance scammers, particularly organised crime gangs that engage in this type of criminality. Dating websites are often monitored for criminality.  Romance Fraudsters will:  Try to move communications away from dating websites. They suggest that you move to instant messaging, text or phone calls instead.  Ask a lot of personal questions.  Avoid answering personal questions about themselves. The details that they do tell you seem made up or do not reflect reality. For instance, they may say that they’re university educated, but their spelling and grammar is poor.  Try to establish a bond quickly. For example, they may give you an endearing pet name e.g. baby, darling, etc.  Ask for financial help. They may tell you about money problems in the hope that you’ll offer to help. Never meet you in person. They will present obstacles and may go as far as making arrangements and cancelling them at the last minute. They may promise to want to see you but offer excuses which delay this, such as financial troubles. What you can do:  Use trusted dating websites. Do not share personal details.
Do not send or receive money. Think twice before using your webcam. Trust your instincts.
Are you a victim?  If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any Garda Station and report the crime.  Please be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence. Red C research has discovered that 55% of Irish people have received a fraudulent text, email or call.  Do not answer if you don’t recognise the number and do not click on a link and definitely do not give your Pin Number.  Another thing is do not post details on FB like your mother’s maiden name or what type of a car did you drive in your youth because questions such as these are often used as security questions by the bank when you are looking to borrow money.  An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are become prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer. Stick a plaster over the web cam and remove for Zoom meetings etc. Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring.  I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. .

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

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Community notices 9th april 2021

April 8th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY:  The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and ends next Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) April 11.   The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary and Novena Prayers will be said at the 12noon Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to join us online at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie or churchservices.tv/abbeyfeale

AN SIOPA NUA:  Delighted to see queues forming on the Main St. all weekend to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s.  It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’ behind the shop counter.  The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnells down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, icecream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine.  We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always. she has the welcome mat out for everyone.

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

EASTER THE FEAST OF HOPE:  Martin Luther King Jr. said of Easter, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.  “The signs of spring are all around us. It is a season of hope and optimism. Springtime brings new life renewal, growth, and hope.  In his Easter message, Bishop Brendan Leahy says that “Easter is hope, and the great way to fan the flames of hope in our lives is to put aside, as much as we can, our own worries and go out to love one another. Every time we do an act of love for someone, we give them a reason to hope” We have great hope in the risen Christ. He is with us to encourage us, to strengthen us, enabling us to persevere through these difficult days. Easter is the ultimate message of hope as we struggle in this period of uncertainty. We also find hope in the goodness of the people around us. We are grateful to all who have willingly gone out to serve the community, especially the sick, those living alone and the vulnerable. “Every time we do an act of love for someone we give them a reason to hope.” When the Pandemic ends, as it surely will, we should let the extraordinary acts of kindness experienced during the lockdown period become the normal practice in our lives. In that way hope will live on in our lives. The Easter Message has its origin in the dark days of Jesus’ suffering and then blossoms into the Good News of resurrection. Our hope is firm; it is based in Jesus Christ and in the goodness of humanity. Let us bring this message of hope to everyone we meet this Easter week. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, that is our special gift to all who feel despondent at this time. Fr Dan and I are grateful for the encouragement and support we receive from so many parishioners. Sincere thanks for your continued financial support. We wish you and your families our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter. Fr Tony Mullins.  Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Sean Enright, Upper Purt. Friday 10am Denise Sheehan, Brosna/ Kildimo.  Saturday 6.30pm Patrick Lane and deceased family members. Phyllis Cotter, Purt.  Sunday10am Tom & Patrick Mc Carthy, Caherhayes . 12noon Johnny & Maureen Joy, The Square and their parents.   Dan Murphy, Main Street and Killarney Road. Monday7pm Austin Daly, The Grove 3rd Anniversary.  Parish Finance:  Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. .    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year!  See our Facebook page for registration details.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

WELL DONE:  A huge thank you is due to all the people who worked so hard to prepare the church for the online Easter ceremonies from Ann and Maurice O’Meara the church clerks ably assisted by Bridie Scully Collins, to Riona and her cantors who provided the musical accompaniment, to the readers and of course to Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan who presided over the Holy Week events.  It was the next best thing to be able to tune in each day on church services.tv/Abbeyfeale or www. abbeyfealeparish.ie

BATS IN SPRINGTIME:  Spring has arrived and our resident bats are coming out of hibernation and beginning to feed again along the hedges, ditches and woodland areas. Bats are mammals, just like us, not rodents. The female has just one pup per year and a bat lives to be 7 years on average. We have 4 species of bat regularly seen in Abbeyfeale and in the surrounding area. Abbeyfeale Town Park is an ideal place in which to see bats. Irish bats eat only insects and one bat can eat 3000 insects per night. Remember that a bat can only feed at night and only if the temperature is moderate (there are no insects on cold nights). Also nights that are very wet or windy are hungry nights for bats, so a bat needs to eat well on every available night. In 2020 one colony of bats numbering 76 was monitored in Abbeyfeale Town Park and they would consume 1,500000 midges per week. To help our bats along, Abbeyfeale Community Council, under the chairmanship of Maurice O’Connell, has secured a supply of bat boxes. These boxes are placed on trees and give shelter and resting places to bats. Many of these bat boxes will be erected in Abbeyfeale Town Park and we also have some for distribution in the local area. Remember that the presence of bats is a great indicator of a healthy environment. Bats will only live where there is access to clean water, a good variety of plants and no pesticides in use, so if you are sharing your environment with bats, you are living in a healthy place.  If you would like a bat box for the bats in your area please contact Maurice (086 163 1639) or James (087 2500 929) and we will be delighted to help.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order.  Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES:  Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6.  Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.

FREE ONLINE START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: If you are thinking of starting your own business or if you have recently become self-employed, join our free four part Start Your Own Business Training starting Wednesday, April 14. For further information or to book your place, please contact Brenda Heath at [email protected]

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO:  Community Radio is very distinct from Local Commercial radio, providing access for rarely heard voices, diversity in programming including music, and acting as a means of community expression. As part of its licence a  very strictly enforced rule is that no more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources and at least 25% must come from the community they serve.  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square and Moss the Farmers’ and I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

PADRE PIO:  The Padre Pio Devotions in Castleisland led by Fr. Mossie Brick on Tuesday,  April 20 at 7.30pm. Witness will be given by Mike O’Mahony. A journey from Alcohol 24/7 to a pathway of recovery and living for one day at a time. Watch on church services.tv/ Castleisland.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Red C research has discovered that 55% of Irish people have received a fraudulent text, email or call.  Do not answer if you don’t recognise  the number and do not click on a link and definitely do not give your Pin Number.  Another thing is do not post details on FB like your mother’s maiden name or what type of a car did you drive in your youth because questions such as these are often used as security questions by the bank when you are looking to borrow money.  An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are become prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Romance scams have also become very prevalent in the age of Tinder where relationships are built up on social media and eventually he or it could be a she will look for a loan in order to come and visit you – God be with the days of Tobin’s Hall when all he’d want was the convey.    Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring.  I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. .

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

PROLOGUE:  It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY:  The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and ends next Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) April 11.   The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary and Novena Prayers will be said at the 12noon Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to join us online at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie or churchservices.tv/abbeyfeale

AN SIOPA NUA:  Delighted to see queues forming on the Main St. all weekend to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s.  It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’ behind the shop counter.  The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnells down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, icecream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine.  We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always. she has the welcome mat out for everyone.

CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.

EASTER THE FEAST OF HOPE:  Martin Luther King Jr. said of Easter, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.  “The signs of spring are all around us. It is a season of hope and optimism. Springtime brings new life renewal, growth, and hope.  In his Easter message, Bishop Brendan Leahy says that “Easter is hope, and the great way to fan the flames of hope in our lives is to put aside, as much as we can, our own worries and go out to love one another. Every time we do an act of love for someone, we give them a reason to hope” We have great hope in the risen Christ. He is with us to encourage us, to strengthen us, enabling us to persevere through these difficult days. Easter is the ultimate message of hope as we struggle in this period of uncertainty. We also find hope in the goodness of the people around us. We are grateful to all who have willingly gone out to serve the community, especially the sick, those living alone and the vulnerable. “Every time we do an act of love for someone we give them a reason to hope.” When the Pandemic ends, as it surely will, we should let the extraordinary acts of kindness experienced during the lockdown period become the normal practice in our lives. In that way hope will live on in our lives. The Easter Message has its origin in the dark days of Jesus’ suffering and then blossoms into the Good News of resurrection. Our hope is firm; it is based in Jesus Christ and in the goodness of humanity. Let us bring this message of hope to everyone we meet this Easter week. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, that is our special gift to all who feel despondent at this time. Fr Dan and I are grateful for the encouragement and support we receive from so many parishioners. Sincere thanks for your continued financial support. We wish you and your families our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter. Fr Tony Mullins.  Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Sean Enright, Upper Purt. Friday 10am Denise Sheehan, Brosna/ Kildimo.  Saturday 6.30pm Patrick Lane and deceased family members. Phyllis Cotter, Purt.  Sunday10am Tom & Patrick Mc Carthy, Caherhayes . 12noon Johnny & Maureen Joy, The Square and their parents.   Dan Murphy, Main Street and Killarney Road. Monday7pm Austin Daly, The Grove 3rd Anniversary.  Parish Finance:  Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. .    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year!  See our Facebook page for registration details.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

WELL DONE:  A huge thank you is due to all the people who worked so hard to prepare the church for the online Easter ceremonies from Ann and Maurice O’Meara the church clerks ably assisted by Bridie Scully Collins, to Riona and her cantors who provided the musical accompaniment, to the readers and of course to Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan who presided over the Holy Week events.  It was the next best thing to be able to tune in each day on church services.tv/Abbeyfeale or www. abbeyfealeparish.ie

BATS IN SPRINGTIME:  Spring has arrived and our resident bats are coming out of hibernation and beginning to feed again along the hedges, ditches and woodland areas. Bats are mammals, just like us, not rodents. The female has just one pup per year and a bat lives to be 7 years on average. We have 4 species of bat regularly seen in Abbeyfeale and in the surrounding area. Abbeyfeale Town Park is an ideal place in which to see bats. Irish bats eat only insects and one bat can eat 3000 insects per night. Remember that a bat can only feed at night and only if the temperature is moderate (there are no insects on cold nights). Also nights that are very wet or windy are hungry nights for bats, so a bat needs to eat well on every available night. In 2020 one colony of bats numbering 76 was monitored in Abbeyfeale Town Park and they would consume 1,500000 midges per week. To help our bats along, Abbeyfeale Community Council, under the chairmanship of Maurice O’Connell, has secured a supply of bat boxes. These boxes are placed on trees and give shelter and resting places to bats. Many of these bat boxes will be erected in Abbeyfeale Town Park and we also have some for distribution in the local area. Remember that the presence of bats is a great indicator of a healthy environment. Bats will only live where there is access to clean water, a good variety of plants and no pesticides in use, so if you are sharing your environment with bats, you are living in a healthy place.  If you would like a bat box for the bats in your area please contact Maurice (086 163 1639) or James (087 2500 929) and we will be delighted to help.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order.  Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES:  Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6.  Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.

FREE ONLINE START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: If you are thinking of starting your own business or if you have recently become self-employed, join our free four part Start Your Own Business Training starting Wednesday, April 14. For further information or to book your place, please contact Brenda Heath at [email protected]

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO:  Community Radio is very distinct from Local Commercial radio, providing access for rarely heard voices, diversity in programming including music, and acting as a means of community expression. As part of its licence a  very strictly enforced rule is that no more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources and at least 25% must come from the community they serve.  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square and Moss the Farmers’ and I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket.  You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

PADRE PIO:  The Padre Pio Devotions in Castleisland led by Fr. Mossie Brick on Tuesday,  April 20 at 7.30pm. Witness will be given by Mike O’Mahony. A journey from Alcohol 24/7 to a pathway of recovery and living for one day at a time. Watch on church services.tv/ Castleisland.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Red C research has discovered that 55% of Irish people have received a fraudulent text, email or call.  Do not answer if you don’t recognise  the number and do not click on a link and definitely do not give your Pin Number.  Another thing is do not post details on FB like your mother’s maiden name or what type of a car did you drive in your youth because questions such as these are often used as security questions by the bank when you are looking to borrow money.  An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are become prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Romance scams have also become very prevalent in the age of Tinder where relationships are built up on social media and eventually he or it could be a she will look for a loan in order to come and visit you – God be with the days of Tobin’s Hall when all he’d want was the convey.    Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring.  I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. .

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

Posted in Community Notices, Notices | Comments Off

Community notices 4th April 2021

April 2nd, 2021

PROLOGUE; Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what is called experience.

DEATH:  Sincere sympathy is offered to Eileen and sons on the death of Billy Finnegan, Mountcollins.  May he rest in peace.

BLESSING OF EASTER BASKETS: The annual blessing of Easter Baskets which is a tradition in the Polish community takes place on Holy Saturday, April 3 at the Grotto side of the Car Park at 12 noon. Families are asked to remain in their cars and Fr. Tony will go to each car.

TROCAIRE:  The Trocaire Lenten campaign provides us with an opportunity to reach out in support to those who are most in need in the world, enabling us to fulfil one of our Lenten observances to help the poor. Abbeyfeale has a great tradition of supporting Trocaire and Fr. Tony says  “I know you will be generous in your donations to this year’s campaign”. Trócaire chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said that “Lent is the engine that keeps our programmes going throughout the year. The public in Ireland always rally behind our campaign. While this year will be different, we hope the public will continue to support our life-saving work overseas.” While boxes are still available to be picked-up at churches nationwide, there are up to 50 per cent fewer boxes in circulation. Trocaire Boxes in Abbeyfeale parish can be handed in on Good Friday between 4pm to 7pm. We suggest that where possible that people make their donation in notes rather than coin. If you are writing a cheque make it payable to Trocaire or make your donation directly to Trocaire.

HOLY WEEK 2021:   Unfortunately, due to the ongoing restrictions it is not possible to have parishioners attend the ceremonies. We will continue to broadcast all our ceremonies online. Despite the restrictions we encourage parishioners to link into the various ceremonies. We have done a great deal of preparation to make these liturgies as meaningful as possible. We invite you and your family to join us through the internet service. The schedule is also up on our parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie and throughout Holy Week we will remind people through Facebook each day of what is happening and at what time. This year the diocese is putting on a number of ceremonies online and we have included the dates, times and links. We invite you in whatever way possible to keep this week sacred. We are all busy in our own lives with so many things to do and so many things to worry about. Perhaps this week we can take some time to reflect on our faith and the significant role in plays in our lives. These days we hear much talk about wellbeing. For people of faith the greatest source of wellbeing is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  Sacred Space:  We encourage parishioners to create a sacred space in your homes during Holy Week. This could be located on a little table, or a window ledge. In your sacred space place, a white cloth, some palm, a little dish of water, a small towel, a crucifix and a candle. These are the sacred symbols of Holy Week. They will help you to focus on the various ceremonies as we journey together.  Mass Intentions:  Wednesday 10am Kathleen Clarke nee Kelly Knocknasna.  Thursday 7pm Mass of the Last Supper, Birthday Remembrance for Ann Romaine. Good Friday Day of Fast and Abstinence 3pm Passion of the Cross.  8pm Stations of the Cross.    The main Church building will be open on Good Friday after the 3.00pm ceremony to allow parishioners to venerate the Cross. This year because of the restrictions parishioners can venerate the Cross by making a reverent bow before the Cross, spend a little time in prayer and then return home. The Church will be open from 4.00p.m. to 7.00p.m. Parishioners visiting the Church are advised to observe social distancing at all times.  .No Saturday morning Mass Holy Saturday 8pm Easter Ceremonies. The main Church building will be open on Good Friday after the 3.00pm ceremony to allow parishioners to venerate the Cross. This year because of the restrictions parishioners can venerate the Cross by making a reverent bow before the Cross, spend a little time in prayer and then return home. The Church will be open from 4.00 – 7.00p.m. Parishioners visiting the Church are advised to observe social distancing at all times. Easter Sunday  10am Bridie Nally nee Harnett Brooklyn, NY 1st Anniversary James Nally and deceased family members Dromtrasna O’Brien.  12 noon Bridget Foley.  Hannah and John O’Doonoghue, Knocknasna.   Parish Finance:  Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. .    Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.

VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. We are thrilled to have Billy tutoring with us this year all the way from Maryland, America! This is such a wonderful opportunity for any accordion players out there. We strongly advise that you register ASAP as spaces are filling up quickly.  See our Facebook page for registration details.

WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:  WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public.  Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.

BATS IN SPRINGTIME:  Spring has arrived and our resident bats are coming out of hibernation and beginning to feed again along the hedges, ditches and woodland areas. Bats are mammals, just like us, not rodents. The female has just one pup per year and a bat lives to be 7 years on average. We have 4 species of bat regularly seen in Abbeyfeale and in the surrounding area. Abbeyfeale Town Park is an ideal place in which to see bats. Irish bats eat only insects and one bat can eat 3000 insects per night. Remember that a bat can only feed at night and only if the temperature is moderate (there are no insects on cold nights). Also nights that are very wet or windy are hungry nights for bats, so a bat needs to eat well on every available night. In 2020 one colony of bats numbering 76 was monitored in Abbeyfeale Town Park and they would consume 1,500000 midges per week. To help our bats along, Abbeyfeale Community Council, under the chairmanship of Maurice O’Connell, has secured a supply of bat boxes. These boxes are placed on trees and give shelter and resting places to bats. Many of these bat boxes will be erected in Abbeyfeale Town Park and we also have some for distribution in the local area. Remember that the presence of bats is a great indicator of a healthy environment. Bats will only live where there is access to clean water, a good variety of plants and no pesticides in use, so if you are sharing your environment with bats, you are living in a healthy place.  If you would like a bat box for the bats in your area please contact Maurice (086 163 1639) or James (087 2500 929) and we will be delighted to help.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order from their special Easter Menu.   Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES:  Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]

CLEAN-UP; Team Limerick (TLC) clean up year 6 will go ahead this Good Friday April 2. It was not held in 2020 due to Covid-19, and our communities show all the signs. The event will have to be Covid compliant as we could still be in Level 5. Individuals and groups are asked to register for the clean-up by logging on to www. teamlimerickcleanup.ie More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

DANGER: Pre-schoolers who use electronic media regularly are more likely to have social issues, according to recent reports.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021:  You can join us at Sunrise – Saturday, May 8.

Sadly this year again we can’t come together as a community and walk together, but we can still join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, and bike or simply share your sunrise moment. While we know the majority of people will want to rise on the morning of May 8, you can still wear your yellow t-shirt and do your own walk or challenge at any time that suits you. We know that the yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt is very important to a lot of people, with many wearing it as a badge of honour. T-shirts are available this year as part of the registration, but if you have an old Darkness into Light t-shirt we would love if you could reuse it. This keeps our running costs down and is kinder to our planet.  Our Early Bird tickets are in place until March 31 : Adult – 18+: Early Bird €21; Standard €26.  Concession – Early Bird €16; Standard €21.  Child – Early Bird €5; Standard €5. Baby/Toddler – €0; Standard €0.  Family (max 2 adults + 5 children €52; Standard €6

Or can Take the Challenge.  Raise vital funds for suicide prevention.  Create your very own Darkness Into Light Challenge – whether you choose to organize a 10k hike, run a marathon, skydive or sea dive, your fundraising will support lifesaving suicide prevention services. All funds raised through donations and fundraising will go back into funding the services that Pieta provides, free of charge to those who need them most.  Sign up to Darkness Into light before March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a year’s free electricity from our proud partner Electric Ireland.  A big thank you to all at Electric Ireland for this amazing prize and their continued support of Darkness Into Light.  Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to sign up.

FREE ONLINE START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: If you are thinking of starting your own business or if you have recently become self-employed, join our free four part Start Your Own Business Training starting Wednesday, April 14. For further information or to book your place, please contact Brenda Heath at [email protected]

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO:  Community Radio is very distinct from Local Commercial radio, providing access for rarely heard voices, diversity in programming including music, and acting as a means of community expression. No more than 50% of revenue can come from commercial sources.  WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute.  Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square and Moss the Farmers’.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC:  As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on  https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT:  Red C research has discovered that 55% of Irish people have received a fraudulent text, email or call.  Do not answer if you don’t recognise  the number and do not click on a link and definitely do not give your Pin Number.  Another thing is do not post details on FB like your mother’s maiden name or what type of a car did you drive in your youth because questions such as these are often used as security questions by the bank when you are looking to borrow money.  An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are become prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Romance scams have also become very prevalent in the age of Tinder where relationships are built up on social media and eventually he or it could be a she will look for a loan in order to come and visit you – God be with the days of Tobin’s Hall when all he’d want was the convey.    Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring.  I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. .

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

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community notices 12th March 2021

March 12th, 2021

PROLOGUE:  The person who falls and gets up is much stronger than the one who never fell.

DEATHS. Sincere sympathy to the O’Sullivan family, Mountcollins on the death of Brett Audsley and the O’Connell family on the death of Peg Doody O’Connell, New St.  May they rest in peace.

GLIN CASTLE TO GO GREEN:.  ‘St Patrick’s Festival 2021 will be marked virtually with an online programme celebrating Limerick’s ‘Edge and Embrace. Limerick Tourism, Culture and Arts Department are working in partnership with Failte Ireland to light up buildings across Limerick City and County from Saturday, March 13 – 20 inclusive, to celebrate St Patrick’s Day’. Despite the pandemic, the show goes on, online on St Patrick’s Festival TV (SPF TV) at stpatricksfestival.ie from March 12 – 17, offering more than 100 events.

CLOSURE OF ABBEYFEALE BRANCH OF BANK OF IRELAND:  Fintan Quirke, the last Porter in the Bank of Ireland was in touch to say that the bank arrived in Abbeyfeale in 1876 and was known then as The National Bank.  The first Porter to work there was Mr. Wrenn from New Street whose son Lornie became the Garda Commissioner in the late 70’s and was involved in several high profile cases.   Fintan also told me that in the early years of the 20th. Century the bank had two sub offices in Athea and Brosna and travelled out to them by pony and trap carrying the cash box on the floor of the trap!  Different times indeed.

EDUCATION: Kerry College will take part in a ‘Career Path Expo’ on Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11 from 3pm to 8pm. Career Path Expo is a free, online, virtual and interactive.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm. The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.

WANTED:   Trainers & Mentors Wanted: Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is looking to form a panel of experts to support the delivery of SICAP activities. For Expression of Interest Form please visit www.wlr.ie/vacancies/ or contact SICAP Co-ordinator, Dearbhla Conlon Ahern on [email protected]

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

RETAIL SUPPORT TRAINING PROGRAMME: West Limerick Resources along with the Local Enterprise Office are offering this FREE Online Training to Retailers in the West Limerick area, presented by Ireland’s leading consultant in the artisan food manufacturing and retail sectors, James Burke. There will be two workshops. Workshop 1 – Driving Aggressive Sales Growth will be held on Monday, March 22 from 9.00 to 1.00pm and Workshop 2 – Driving Online Sales will be held on Monday, March 29 from 11.00am to 1.00pm.  All participants will be offered a free business assessment as part of the training. Please note this training is limited to 10 participants. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week.  Special menu available for Mothers’ Day. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  During Lent there will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday evening from 6-7pm and on Thursday mornings after the 10am Mass until 12 noon.   St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.  Stations of the Cross every Friday at 9.30am.  Mass Intentions:  Intentions for the week.  Thursday10am Lisa Doran No Saturday morning Mass.  6.30pm Pa Colbert, Killarney Road Billy & Joan Colbert , Killarney Road.  Mary Clancy, New Street Month Mind.  Sunday 10am Ned & Peg Leahy, The Millstream their son Emmet and Daughter Ita Kelly.  Sean & Margaret and Lukeen Scannell The Hill.12noon Kitty Fitzgerald, The Railway Bar.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: An Garda Síochána is asking the public to be aware of the rise in investment fraud scams. Unfortunately such scams are becoming more prevalent, particularly during the pandemic due to increased online traffic and targeting of the general public by criminals using ever increasingly sophisticated means.  An investment fraud scam is a fraud where criminals pose as investment managers, promise quick and high rates of return, and simply steal your money. The fraudster uses various investment schemes such as in rare metals, overseas property, and alternative energy schemes such as carbon credits and forestry. Promises are made of fast, enormous returns, once in a lifetime opportunities and can be seen to be endorsed by reputable business people or celebrities but this is without their knowledge.  How to avoid Investment Fraud scams:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.  Do your own research and be wary of wild claims.  Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.  Check the various registers on the Central Bank of Ireland’s website.  Use regulated investment firms where possible (Virtual assets are not currently regulated in Ireland).  Do not respond to unsolicited approaches or cold-calls.  Don’t click on links for websites that you don’t know.  NEVER EVER disclose your bank account passwords or codes.  NEVER allow anyone remote access to your computer.  Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on www.garda.ieand www.fraudSMART.ie Abbeyfeale Gardai can be reached on 068 30010.  If the phone is unattended it will be patched through to NCW.  Contact will then be made with the Abbeyfeale Gardai.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring.  I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

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community Notices 3rd March 2021

March 3rd, 2021

PROLOGUE:  We have two ears and one mouth so we should listen more than we say.  Zeno of Citium.

DEATHS. Sincere sympathy to the families of the late Brenda Aherne Woulfe,  Church St. and Peg McEnery nee Collins, Knocknagoshel.  May they rest in peace.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact [email protected] or 069 66294.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Well done to the Stryker family on the big spread they got in the Farmers Journal  Machinery Section of February 27.  It is great to see a thriving business in Abbeyfeale employing up to 6 people.  Their garage is based in Kinclonlea Upper and they specialize in Defender Land Rovers.

THE END OF AN ERA:  Ann Lyons’s sweet shop and small grocery, The Square, Abbeyfeale which opened for business approximately 41 years ago closed on Saturday, February 27.  Christmas week 2020 had brought the shocking news that Ann Lyons was dead – Ann whose sweet shop in the Square was an institution, shelves laden with jars of sweets, stacked boxes of penny sweets at eye level, sweet cakes and buns ,  Brennans loaves, tins of custard, jellies, soups, Limerick ham, Charleville cheese in the fridge, rubber gloves, dish clothes, scrubbing brushes and much much more.    The counter covered in Split the Bucket, C.D’s, sporting books, parish magazines, tickets for socials, parish outings, afternoon tea dances, fundraisers, raffle tickets and all the minutiae it takes to keep a community going.  Ann might have been confined to a wheelchair but she was always there to help out her church and her community no matter how often she was asked.  Ann’s support of WL102fm from it went on air first in 2005 to her death was extraordinary and she was very proud of the involvement of her nephew Liam Aherne who was one of its first sports commentators and who has now moved on to work with RTE.    Her shop was a Mecca for the thousands of children who passed through her doors over the past 40 years coming from school or in town on Saturday for the weekly shopping or attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the Fleadh by the Feale, the Gathering, Santa’s arrival in town, and all the other going’s on down the years. A trip to town was no good without a call to Ann and communions, confirmations, sporting achievements were all celebrated there.   Thirty six years ago Mary Flynn from Meenaline finished her Leaving Cert and took a summer job with Ann, she quickly became indispensible helping Ann with the ordering, packing shelves, serving customers and all the myriad of jobs that running a small shop entail.  Mary and Ann made for a formidable twosome – there was the welcome of the world for every customer and it didn’t matter whether you were coming to spend your pocket money or do your weekly shop, Ann and Mary knew your name and what class you were in or if you had moved on to college or to work or to quote Rosemary Fonseca who came to live in Abbeyfeale some years ago.    “Ann Lyons’ … We knew not well

a well-known landmark within the town

And as we came from lands afar

you both welcomed us with a smile

when we landed within the square

A well-known place for folks, young and old

buying candies from the jars

shelves well stocked within the store

When we met in the street

The lady in the chair

a beam that shone so bright

Upon this sweet and bountiful day

Both ………… ‘Ann and Mary’,

would take their time to speak  to

A blow-in upon that day

Thank you for the time you took

to welcome us to the town

The times we took to step inside

You beckoned us with a smile

that made our day

It was so sad to hear

That she was laid to rest

Upon the day

The lady within the chair.

We thank you both for the wondrous times

That children had, both the young and the old

in passing time

rambling from school to home

visiting the landmark within the midst

T’is sad to hear – A landmark so dear

within the square is passing through

Hearing stories, through the vine

Will close …….. this one last time

A landmark within the town

That we now know so well

(On hearing that this shop and the people involved, has been in the town

for over 41 years) To Mary and Ann (Rip)

Mary continued to run the shop after Ann’s death but unfortunately its days were numbered and it finally closed on Saturday, February 27. Thank you to Ann’s family who gave away much of the stock of her shop to her customers.  The love and esteem that Mary was held in was evidenced by the queues that lined the Square on Friday and Saturday from early morning to dusk with children carrying bouquets of flowers and gifts to give to the lady who always had the smile and who called them by their name no matter their age. We wish Mary great success as she begins the next chapter in her life.

Recently returned emigrant Pat Fitzgerald from the Railway put pen to paper about his memories of childhood forays to Ann Lyons’s sweet shop.

-

Ann Lyons’s Sweet Shop

There was a million things going on in the square

After school in the 80′s when Florry used cut our hair

Myself and my best friend, a pound in the hand

We’d get 10p back and sweets to ‘bate’ the band

The BMX 20 would get tossed to the floor

We often nearly carried the two jambs off the door

To that magical world

Of sweets, crisps, lollipops

T’was a magical world

Was Ann ‘Lyons’s sweet shop.

We’d pick up fifty things and put back forty nine

Sure part of the joy was changing our mind

There was black jacks and golfballs, penny drinks and bulleyes

The fat frog, the banshee bones and some new fangled surprise.

The cadbury cream egg if you had financial power

But our ten p in there lasted surely an hour.

And then up to the counter to spill out our treasure

A few sweets from the jar just to add to the pleasure. Smiles and thanks from Mary, lovely Ann in her chair

Believe it or not we were walking on air!

What did you get we would eagerly ask?

If you had done better twas your moment to bask.

Will you swop this for that?

Or break me a bit off

You’re getting none of my cola bottles will you ever feck off!!

We would line up our treats and decide what to eat first.

‘Did you get anything at all in there to quench the thirst?’

‘Never mind.. Sure tis fine.. This moment is gold’.

I’ll remember this happiness when I’m grey and old

We stuffed our little faces and home to mam we’d run

“You went to Ann ‘Lyons’s, I can tell by your tongue”

‘We didn’t, I swear’, we would bluff for a while

She didn’t really care I could tell by her smile.

Well Ann ‘Lyons’s continued throughout our lives

Secondary school, immigration

Anne ‘Lyons’s survived

But now that I hear it will no longer be there

I just long for the square

And after school in the 80′s when Florry used cut our hair.  Pat Fitzgerald, Railway Road.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm. The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.

ON-LINE LENTEN ADORATION: Adoration Initiative for Lent and commit to that hour, text Fidelma at 086 –2603421 the following information: https://eucharisticadoration.ie/adoration-initiative-for-lent/

URGENT MESSAGE RE; PHONE SCAM: People have been receiving calls from Tel:  +375602605281, Tel: +37127913091, Tel: +37178565072, Tel: +56322553736, Tel: +37052529259, Tel: +255901130460 or any number starting from +371 +375 +381.

These guys only ring once and hang up.   If you call back, they can copy your contact list in 3sec and if you have a bank or credit card details on your phone, they can copy that too…

+375 code is for Belarus . +371 code is for Lativa. +381 Serbia. +563 Valparaiso.

+370 Vilnius. +255 Tanzania.  Don’t answer or Call back.  Also, Don’t Press #90 or #09

on your Mobile when asked by any caller.   It’s a new trick which is use to access your SIM card, make calls at your expense and frame you as a criminal.

SELLING ONLINE:  Moving Your Business Online: This free course will provide you with all the information required to create a business plan for moving online with your business and is running on Monday, February 22, from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Delivered by Talent Pool and supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Local Enterprise Office, it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the Limerick area. This training will be carried out through Zoom and pre-booking is essential. In relation to one-to-one, group meetings and the current situation regarding Coronavirus, please see Notice to Public above. For further information and to book your place, please contact Aimee Grigg at West Limerick Resources on 069 66295 or email [email protected]

CONGRATULATIONS PADDY:  Up and coming apprentice jockey Paddy Harnett from Ballaugh, son of Adrian and Louise,  gave trainer John Geoghegan his second winner of the week in Dundalk on Monday evening after coming first in an eight-furlong handicap.  Well

WANTED:   Trainers & Mentors Wanted: Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is looking to form a panel of experts to support the delivery of SICAP activities. For Expression of Interest Form please visit www.wlr.ie/vacancies/ or contact SICAP Co-ordinator, Dearbhla Conlon Ahern on [email protected]

JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE:  We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel.  Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St.  is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.

CHURCH CLOSURE:  Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Due to current restrictions around Covid-19 parishioners are not allowed to attend Mass inside the Church Building but you are more than welcome to attend Mass in the Church Car Park in the comfort of your own car and listen to Mass on the Car Park Radio on 107fm.  Due to current restrictions only 6 people are allowed to attend weddings and 10 to attend funerals.  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer.  Reader’s lists and Missal are available from the sacristy.  St Anthony Novena take place each Monday evening during the 7pm Mass.  Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each Friday morning at 10am Mass.  Stations of the Cross every Friday at 9.30am.  Mass Intentions:  No Saturday morning Mass 6.30pm John Joe Lane, Ballaugh Months Mind.  Mary O’ Connor. Knockbrack Anniversary.  Sunday 10am Michael and Teresa Devine.  Johnny and Eily Lane, New St. 12 noon Ted Mulcahy, Dromtrasna 19th anniversary.  Johnny Lane, New Street.

ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Gardai are asking people to let them know when people call selling goods or offering services on 068 30010.  Try and make a note of their general description ie height, accent, hair colour, tattoos etc.  Write down the vehicle reg. colour and make.  We are all being asked to make only essential trips to the shops, chemist etc. for the next few weeks to help break the cycle of Covid.   If you need messages collected contact our local Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will organise someone to do them for you.  When 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.  There may be some confusion over the word free -  the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation..  Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly.    Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.

.HELPLINES:  Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer.  Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.  A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588.    Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm.   24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504.  Limerick Social Services:  061-314111.    AA    061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019.  Accord NCW 069/61000.   Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331.   Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203    068/ 31262    068/51984    St Vincent De Paul    Tel 087/1213560.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213.  ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.  The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS:  If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on [email protected]

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