PROLOGUE: YOU ARE BLESSED: If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.
If you attended a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all. You are so blessed in ways you may never even know. If you are a recipient of a blessing, keep the blessings working by being the source of blessing to other people
Our Lady of Lourdes parish notes.

FINE GAEL ANNUAL COLLECTION: The annual church gate collection will be taken up at all Masses in Abbeyfeale next weekend. Simon Coveney, T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Jimmy Deenihan T.D. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Sean Kelly MEP, Micheal Genster, Managing Director, Kostal Ireland, Denis Buckley, Chairman Kerry Group, Dr. Edmond Harty, Technical Director, Dairymaster are all speakers at The Stability Treaty Vote Yes Campaign Meeting which will take place at the Community Hall, Ballyduff, Tralee on Saturday, May 26 at 9pm. Other speakers will be the Chairmen of Co. Kerry ICMSA, IFA and Macra. All are welcome to this very important meeting.

PRAYER MEETING AND HEALING SERVICE: Janice and Moss Carrig will lead a prayer meeting in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Abbeyfeale on Pentecost Sunday May 27 at 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

2ND. ANNUAL PARISH FETE: The Fete will take place in early July in Fr Casey's GAA Club from 2-6pm. We are looking for people to kindly donate the following items. Cakes, Unwanted gifts, Jewellery Items for auction ( antiques, furniture, ornaments etc.) Bric–a-brac, Books Turf, Timber, groceries etc. Further information 087 9601506.

GLORACH YOUTH THEATRE: Few who attended last summer will ever forget our memorable show, Warm the Curtain. The show was widely praised for the diversity of material presented on stage as well as the smooth and efficient manner in which it was run. The GYT have set themselves a target to surpass the achievements of last years show, so if you or your child are between the ages of 10 and 20, this is a chance to be part of theatrical history. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday 12th June, with a later date to be set for Primary school students. For further enquiries, contact Katie on 085 7753096.

ARA NA FEILE: On Sunday, May 13 some members of the group travelled to Ballybunion for the Bealtaine festival which consisted of an Art exhibition, music, dancing and storytelling. We also renewed our friendship with the Ballybunion Active Retirement Group and reminisced about our recent holiday in Parknasilla.
On Tuesday May 15, we travelled to Dublin where we visited the Art Gallery, the Museum and the Dail where we were given a tour by Patrick Donovan T.D. A great day was had by all. Many thanks to Patrick for his kind hospitality.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 30 @ 2.30pm at the Abbeyfeale Adult Education Centre.

ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: All clubs are in the town park on Friday evening at 7pm - 8.30pm. The registration night for the 1st year youth club is on Friday, May 25 7.30 - 8pm in St. Ita's Hall . Youths must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, a. registration fee of €10 to be paid on the night. There are only 55 places available with the first 55 applications accepted. Child protection training for all youth leaders on Tuesday June 19 from 7.30- 9.30pm.

GLORACH NEWS: The Glorach Theatre Group would like to extend a mile buiochas to everyone who attended our recent production of Anyone could rob a Bank. The production ran for an unprecedented eight nights, drawing huge crowds. The feedback has been fantastic, and there is a real buzz about the place as we plan for our next production.

ABBEYFEALE TIDY TOWNS MEETING: Due to a mix up with times a number of people had left before the meeting in Abbeyfeale regarding the establishment of a Tidy Towns meeting which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday May 15 at the Glorach Theatre. Organisers wish to extend a sincere apology of this error but thank those who turned up. A number of people did however take part in a short town survey with the West Limerick Resources Community Environmental Animator on the evening and feedback was very positive. Those interested in getting involved in the local Tidy Towns efforts are asked to contact Suzanne at West Limerick Resources on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie

ABBEYFEALE JOBSEEKER'S NETWORK: A Jobs Club Facilitator will visit the Network on Thursday, May 31 at 11:00am. He will discuss tried-and-tested job-finding tips. This group is an opportunity to share information and ideas on pathways to work. For more information, please phone 087 329 0483.

ABBEYFEALE ANGLERS: Change of date. The casting tuition scheduled for next Saturday, May 26, is being postponed until Sunday, June 3rd due to a scheduling problem with some of the instructors. The events of the day will be as originally announced. The morning will start at 11am with a demonstration of the different casting methods, using single and double handed rods. This will be followed by personal tuition, a light lunch and ending with fly fishing in the river using the techniques learned on the day. The county Council has presented five rods to the club for the young learners, and the casting instructors will also be bringing further rod outfits for use on the day. Those interested should give their names at 0872213876 or 0872825577 to ensure inclusion on the programme.

ABBEYFEALE ADD/ADHD SUPPOR GROUP: ADD/ADHD Support Group will meet on Wednesday May 30 in St. Ita's Hall Abbeyfeale from 7.30-9.30pm, All welcome. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Contact 087 9382883.

WEST LIMERICK LOCAL HERITAGE AND RURAL RECREATION SEMINAR:
Community and voluntary groups, private sector operators and interested individuals are invited to attend a Rural Recreation and Heritage Seminar in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West on Saturday, May 26th. Doors Open 9.30am. The half day workshop entitled: Accessing Leader Funding for Rural Recreation & Heritage Projects will officially launch West Limerick Resources animation initiative which will see dedicated specialists working on the ground with both small to medium enterprises and community groups in West County Limerick to animate and encourage development of a broad range of countryside recreational and heritage projects under LEADER's Rural Development Programme. Keynote speaker at the event is John McKenna, renowned writer and editor of the Irish Bridgestone

Guide. Admission is free and all are Welcome. Prior registration is not necessary. For more information see www.wlr.ie or contact Suzanne on 069 79114/email srowley@wlr.ie

IS YOUR COMMUNITY READY FOR THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL:
Those who receive their television signal from an aerial must take action before October 24th 2012 or risk their screen going blank when Ireland makes the switch to digital television. The Community Outreach Digital Switchover Programme is now operating across the county and aims to ensure that everyone is prepared for the switch and is specifically targeting older people living alone, those with literacy and other learning difficulties and those with few social networks. The initiative is heavily reliant on the Irish tradition of caring for our neighbours and we are asking communities to look around and help identify those locally who will need a little assistance and make sure that they get it. For further information contact Clint at West Limerick Resources on 069 62222

ABBEYFEALE GOLFING SOCIETY: Golfing Society outing to Castleisland Golf Club this Saturday May 26. Tee times 09.00-11.00. To be included in the draw text your name before 8pm Wednesday May 23 to 087 6632910.

GENEALOGY CLASSES: Due to continuing demand, we plan to run further Genealogy Classes in St. Brendan's College, Killarney. They will commence on Tuesday ,June 5 2012 at 7.30pm. Further information from Catriona Dunlea Irishancestorsdirect .ie

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERING WEEK: This week is Ireland's first National Volunteering Week. The week aims to offer the public routes in to volunteering and highlight that for a day, a few hours or even a few minutes, volunteering can be a great way of connecting with your community and making a difference.
Anna Lee is Chairperson of Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency. For more information on National Volunteering Week and to see how you can get involved, visit www.volunteer.ie.

WEST LIMERICK LOCAL HERITAGE AND RURAL RECREATION SEMINAR:
Community and voluntary groups, private sector operators and interested individuals are invited to attend a Rural Recreation and Heritage Seminar in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West on Saturday, May 26. Doors Open 9.30am. The half day workshop entitled: Accessing Leader Funding for Rural Recreation & Heritage Projects will officially launch West Limerick Resources animation initiative which will see dedicated specialists working on the ground with both small to medium enterprises and community groups in West County Limerick to animate and encourage development of a broad range of countryside recreational and heritage projects under LEADER's Rural Development Programme. Keynote speaker at the event is John McKenna, renowned writer and editor of the Irish Bridgestone Guide. Admission is free and all are Welcome. Prior registration is not necessary. For more information see www.wlr.ie or contact Suzanne on 069 79114/email srowley@wlr.ie

RAMBLING HOUSE: Knockfierna Heritage Society will hold a walk to Knockfierna Hill on Sunday May 27 at 7.30pm. Meet at the newly thatched Rambling House. Enjoy the unspoilt landscape views of the river Shannon, Limerick city, Galtee Mountains, Kerry Hills, Shannon Airport and of course the Golden Vale of Limerick. The abandoned famine cottages and lazy beds (potato ridges) on the hillside abandoned since the famine of 1847. Followed by traditional entertainment at the Rambling House. Persons unable for the walk are welcome at the Rambling House. All are welcome.

LOUGH DERG: The first pilgrimage for the season takes place on June 2-4 followed by a mid week pilgrimage end of June or early July. There will also be a pilgrimage on July 27-29. Contact Peg on 068 31232 to book.

OPEN DAY AT AN TIONAD GLAS: Sunday, June 10 is the annual Summer Open day at the Organic College in Dromcollogher. Come along from 2-5pm to enjoy tours of the garden, meet the hardworking students and staff, visit the new shop with it's selection of herbs, creams, jams, chutneys, tools, fruit and vegetables all freshly harvested.

LEGION OF MARY KNOCK PILGIRMAGE: The annual Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday, June 13. Bookings Sean Broderick or Peg Murphy.

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN: It was a sad day for rural West Limerick when the shop and filling station in Carrickerry closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, May 13.


SAINT PIP PILGRIMAGE: The annual St Pio national pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey near Thurles, will take place on Sunday, May 27. A Coach will depart from The Market Yard, Newcastle West at 9.30am. More details on booking from Nora Enright 087-3664449 or Pat Dalton 069-62306.

ROSARY AT KILLENAGH: The Holy Rosary will be recited at 8pm every Friday evening during May at the Well.

DEATHS: The death has occurred of Margaret (Peg) Finucane, (nee Brosnan) of 7, St. Ita's Tce. Abbeyfeale, wife of the late Tim. Sympathy is extended to her bereaved sons, daughters, brother, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sister-in-law, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The death has also occurred of James Collins of Monawillian, Dromtrasna, Abbeyfeale. Sympathy is extended to his bereaved wife Maire, daughter Caitriona, sons Diarmuid, Seamus and Sean, sister Margaret, grandchildren, in-laws, relatives and friends. Sincere sympathy also to Tony Murphy, Abbey Coaches on the death of his sister Monica in Oxford. Funeral will take place in Oxford and a Memorial Mass for the late Monica will take place in Abbeyfeale at a later date. May they rest in peace.

INTERNET RADIO: Tune in to Joe Harrington's Country Kingdon in its usual Tuesday night slot every Tuesday night, from 8pm to 11pm. www.irishcountrymusicradio.com (broadcasting Country and Irish music 24/7). Also check out our own Ann(O’Keeffe) O’Halloran who has a show on Friday evening.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY : "Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." ~ John Wooden.

WELL DONE: The customers and staff of Ladbrokes, Main St., Abbeyfeale recently presented Pat Dalton and Josie O’Keeffe with a cheque for €1,100 for Milford Hospice.

MIDSUMMER WALK: On Saturday, June 16 the second annual 22 mile [35 Km] Midsummer Walk" will commence from Rathkeale [Palatine Museum 10.30 a.m.] and travel the route of the old railway to Abbeyfeale.
The walk schedule is as follows:
10.30am: Depart Rathkeale[Palatine Museum]:0 miles
12.15pm Ardagh [Old Station]: 5 miles
1pm: Arrive Newcastle West [Old Station,Bishop Court,Town Centre]: 8miles
2pm: Depart Newcastle West after break for lunch
4pm: Barnagh (highest point on the GST): 14miles
5.15pm: picturesque Tullig Wood,Templeglantine: 18miles
5.30pm: Devon Road Station;19 miles
6.30pm: Arrive Abbeyfeale: Refreshments and Presentation of Certificates to those who complete the entire 22miles.
Bus Eireann connections with the walk at Rathkeale are from Limerick (9.35am), Adare(9.55am), Tralee (9am), Listowel(9.30am), Abbeyfeale(9.55am) and Newcastle West (10.15am).
Return Bus Eireann services from Abbeyfeale to Limerick(6.55pm and 7.55pm) and to Tralee(6.40pm and 8.40pm).
Those using their own transport can park at Rathkeale; the GST will provide complimentary return transport to Rathkeale at 7.30 pm.
All who complete the entire route on foot will receive a Certificate on condition that they have registered in writing in advance. The registration fee is €10 per person (irrespective of age) and should reach Liam O' Mahony, 9 Bishop St., Newcastle West, Co. Limerick by Monday, June 11. Last year 36 people completed the 22 miles.
Of course anyone who wishes to walk or cycle a portion of the route is welcome to join in at any stage along the way. Bi linn agus bain taitneamh as an la!
Telephone enquiries re walk to 087 647 1956: e-mail greatsoutherntrail@gmail.com

THE JOURNEY'S ON US: Iarnrod Eireann has launched a new community initiative to support organisations and groups in the voluntary, community, sporting and charity sector.The initiative, entitled “The Journey's On Us”, will provide up to €200,000 worth of group travel to organisations in the sector who apply for the scheme in 2012.
Under the initiative, 100 groups of up to 50 people per group will receive a free return group travel journey from Iarnrod Eireann, across any of the company's services. The travel facilities will be ideal in particular for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.
Further information and terms and conditions are available at www.irishrail.ie/journeys
Iarnrod Eireann Chief Executive Dick Fearn said of the initiative “the role of the railway is to connect communities. Through this exciting new initiative, we will help those who do most to bring communities together, and we anticipate to a strong response from groups in this sector from around the country. We want to hear of the excellent work being done, and how this new initiative can help that work.”
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 17.00 hrs, Friday, May 25.

MOTORCYCLE GRASS TRACK TEMPLEGLANTINE: The day is fast approaching when a little bit of history will be made in the parish of Templeglantine. That day is Sunday, June 3 when for the first time ever in the surrounding region an official round of the motor cross grass track championship race will be held in Billy Riordan's farm in Tullig. Hosting the event is the southern MX club which is a representative of Munster, the club is affiliated to the YMSA which is one of the largest motor cross clubs in the UK. After a lot of persuasion and pleading in the last year by some local riders who are members of the motor cross club officials finally came to inspect the venue and gave us the thumbs up with an agreed a championship race date.
On the day Practice is at 12 and races commence at 1, some of the top riders from all over Munster and also some overseas competitors will battle it out for championship points on various types of machines from Blaster Quads , Quads up to 750 cc, kids automatic motor cross bikes up to the highly tuned 500cc motor cross .
So don’t miss the excitement and come along to a piece of history, admission €5 , kids are free at the gate.
Lots of family entertainment on the day with bouncy castles, face painting , etc and the highlight of the off field activities is an intense local rivalry in the tug of war.

CRAFTY CORNER GROUP: Crafty Corner has changed their meeting time to Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm in the Adult Adult Education Centre, Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale. For further queries, please phone 068 32444.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED: The parish has launched a new website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie.

SUE RYDER CHARITY SHOP: The charity shop under the management of Maria Moloney would appreciate donations of clothing, books, bric-a-brac, toys etc. at it's premises on Main St. A half price book sale starts this Wednesday. Further information on 068 32749.

CONSOLE – LIVING WITH SUICIDE: We are all unique in how we deal with our grief. For some people it will be important to talk to someone soon after the death. For others it may be a longer time before they feel able to talk about it. If you are feeling alone and isolated after losing a loved one to suicide contact Console, 1 Oakville Terrace, New Street, Limerick 061 306792.

SET CEILI: The Ballyduff Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will hold a Set Ceili at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Sunday May 27 commencing at 4.30pm sharp. Music will be provided by reigning All Ireland Ceili Band Champions the Shannon Vale Ceili Band.
Everybody welcome .

NEWS: A major tree-felling operation has been taking place on Abbeyfeale Hill over the past few weeks.

PILGRIMAGE: The West Limerick Medjugorje Prayer Group are organising a pilgrimage to to Medjugorje for one week beginning on Saturday, July 28, 2012. The cost for B/B and evening dinner is €649.00. Contact Mary Keating (069-60375) or Paddy Geary (069-77595).

HARNETT REUNION: Entries for the essay competion including the winning entries will be published in The Harnett Reunion Magazine. The next meeting regarding the organisation of the Reunion will take place on Thursday, May 24 at 9 p.m. in St. Ita's Hall in Abbeyfeale. If anybody has old photographs or stories about the Harnetts, we would be grateful if you would bring them along so we can include them in the booklet being published. Anybody wishing to get involved in the organisation of the reunion is very welcome to attend this meeting. We would welcome the input of those with an interest in genealogy as we have already had several inquiries from oversees wishing to trace relations. There will be a Happy Harnett Day at the Town Park on Sunday, July 22 with loads to do for all members of the family.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: There are still some places left on the diocesan pilgrimage which is very suitable for people travelling who need support. Invalid price is €585.

SUMMER DAY OUT; We have a great day planned for Sunday, June 17, leaving the Courtney Lodge Hotel at 8.30am. We will be taking in Union Hall, Glandore, Leap Village, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Rosscarberry, Bantry - Sheeps peninsula and much more. We will have usual stops at the best hotels for breakfast and dinner. For more information and booking please contact Maureen 087 9845102. 

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