Patrickswell news for w/e May 2nd

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, May 3-4, The Third Sunday of Easter Year A, are as follows, Saturday at 6-30pm Dan Riordan and Sunday at 11-30am Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 6-30pm Louise Carey, Breda Carroll and Eileen Nally, Sunday at 11-30am Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis and Rose Kelliher, please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at 9-30am Monday to Friday. Items for inclusion in the weekly newsletter should be with Pauline at the Parish Office by 12noon on Thursdays, Tel 061-353454 or email pwbbparishoffice@gmail.com  A weekly newsletter specifically for children is also now available. Fr. Mike’s contact details are, Tel 061-353711, Mobile 087-1279015, or email mcuss@eircom.net There will be no weekly prayer meeting on Bank Holiday Monday May 5.

FIRST FRIDAY: This Friday, May 2, is First Friday when communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like to receive communion on Friday, please hand their names in to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 6-30pm mass on Saturday.

MINISTERS’ ROTAS: Listed readers for the next two weekends are as follows: Saturday May 10 and 17 at 6-30pm James McCarthy, and Sunday May 11 and 18 at 11-30am Joanne Tierney. Reverting to the sequence of the previous rota, the listed  Eucharistic Ministers for Saturday, May 10 at 6-30pm are; Mary Bennis, Rita Madigan and Christy Murphy, and Sunday at 11-30am Pat Kirby, Noreen Murray and Michael Punch.

BELARUS CONVENT: The sisters of the Saint Elisabeth Convent in Belarus give ongoing spiritual, social and financial assistance to the sick, suffering and homeless in various centres in and around Minsk. They produce beautiful items of art in their own workshops including paintings, embroidery, ceramics, candles and wood carvings, the sale of which funds their work. The sisters will be visiting the parish this week to speak about their history and community service, and will be in Ballybrown on Thursday May 1 and Patrickswell on Friday May 2 at 9-30am mass. A stall displaying the items made at the convent will be set up, and the religious items and souveniers will be for sale, the proceeds of which will be used to support their ongoing charitable work.

TRÓCAIRE: Boxes for the Lenten Campaign should be returned during the next few weeks in order for the money to be forwarded to Trócaire. It would be much appreciated if the small coins could be exchanged into larger denominations beforehand, to facilitate an easier counting procedure. For those who haven’t a box to return, envelopes are available in the church porch if you wish to make a donation.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week, and a clinic will be held at the South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, next Tuesday, May 6, from 5 to 8pm to facilitate that ongoing requirement. You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood, and you are urged to please give regularly. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

ALZHEIMER’S COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning and cake sale will take place on Sunday May 4, in the Cu Chulainn, after 11.30am mass. All proceeds from the event will go to the local Alzheimer's Day Care Centre.

WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES: There will be a Public Meeting on the threat to the future of West Limerick Resources and its supports on Wednesday, May 7 in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West, starting 8pm.  Please attend to learn how changes to the local development sector will affect your community and you. The meeting will outline the government’s proposed changes under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and how these changes threaten the community’s ownership of and involvement in the future delivery of  the local  supports  and  could potentially  lead  to  the  closure  of  West  Limerick Resources.  You can also sign a national on-line petition in support of local development companies, available at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-local-development-companies

FIRE FIGHTERS: International Firefighters’Day (IFFD) will be observed this Sunday, May 4. It was instituted due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a wildfire in Australia. May 4 used to be a traditional Firefighters' Day in many European countries, because it is the day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: If you are over eighteen years old and interested in becoming part of Limerick’s National City of Culture, volunteers are required to assist  in the many events taking  place. Various roles are available in the form of stewards, ushers, and providing information to the festival audiences, ensuring that the events are a fun experience, safe and enjoyable. A limited number of production and performance roles are also up for grabs. Log on to www.limerickcityofculture.ie to apply. Limerick’s Buzzing is also looking for volunteers to take part in a national wildlife survey, to monitor bumblebees and butterflies in the Irish Pollinator Initiative, http://pollinators.biodiversityireland.ie/   The ideal volunteer would be a person who loves nature, is very observant and is always stopping to notice a new flower or listen to the birds. There will be a training day on Thursday May from 10am-3pm at the University of Limerick, and if there is sufficient demand there will be another day of training on a Saturday. Volunteers should contact Veronica Santorum

Co-ordinator of Limerick’s Buzzing Project Tel 063 91576 / 087 264 5952 or

www.limericksbuzzing.ie as soon as possible with their contact details.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Devotees of classical music will be delighted to hear that lunchtime concerts have returned to St.Mary’s Cathedral, on Wednesdays at 1-15pm up until September. The varied programmes will include the cathedral’s own resident organist, music students, solo performances and recitals, all enhanced by the rich acoustic setting which the cathedral offers.

VIGIL FOR LIFE: A bus will be leaving Patrickswell church this Saturday, May 3, at 10-20am to attend the Pro-Life Vigil in Dublin, which is taking  place from 3 to 4pm. To book a seat call Dan on 061-397460.

SUMMER MUSIC: An evening of classical music is being presented at St.Mary’s Cathedral this Sunday May 4 at pm. Admission is available at the door at 10euro per ticket and 5euro concessions.   

Patrickswell news for w/e February 7th

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, February 8-9, The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A are as follows, Saturday at 6-30pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 11-30am Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 6-30pm Mary Bennis, Rita Madigan and Christy Murphy, Sunday at 11-30am Mary Enright, Kathleen Enright and Sam Milburn. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. There will be changes to weekday mass times for the next few weeks, please refer to the weekly Parish Newsletter. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be with Pauline at the Parish Office by 12noon on Thursdays, Tel 061-353454 or email pwbbparishoffice@gmail.com

Fr. Mike’s contact details are, Tel 061-353711, Mobile 087-1279015, or email mcuss@eircom.net

FIRST FRIDAY: This Friday, February 7, is First Friday when communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like to receive communion on Friday, please hand their names in to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 6-30pm mass on Saturday.

MINISTERS’ ROTAS: Listed readers for the following two weekends are as follows, Saturday February 15 and 22 at 6-30pm James McCarthy, and Sunday February 16 and 23 at 11-30am Joanne Tierney. Would Eucharistic Ministers please revert to the sequence of the previous rota, or refer to these notes until a new one is distributed. Your co-operation is appreciated.

POP-UP-SHOP: A pop up shop will be open this Saturday, February 8, next door to the Well Barber. All proceeds from the shop will go to the Laura Lynn Childrens’ Hospice and Cancer Research. All enquiries please contact Denise on 085-1407698.

CLASSES: As well as the proposed computer classes which will be held at the Resource Centre, if anyone is interested in attending art classes in the near future please contact the Resource Centre on 061-320303, as it may be possible to establish a class if there are sufficient numbers.

ALERT SCHEME: After the initial meetings to guage interest in setting up a scheme, a steering committee of twelve has been formed, and the Community Alert Scheme now operates as a subcommittee of the Community Council. Local Gardai and an Inspector, together with representatives from Muintir na Tierna, were also involved with the initiative. Information leaflets and application forms are being distributed house to house, in the hope of signing up as many households as possible. A small cost of 20euro is associated with joining, which will cover the initial set up and purchase and installation of signs, and the text system itself. The system works by members informing the gardai of any suspicious activity in the area, who then contact the text service provider, which in turn alerts all members within the scheme. The immediate benefits of such a scheme are imeasureable, but include crime reduction, a safer community, and improved community relations. Other long term benefits would include providing security advice, radon and carbon monoxide monitoring, and fire safety.  

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED: Kind, responsible families are required to look

after Spanish, French and German teenagers during the summer holidays.  For more information please contact Jane O'Regan 0876576427.

CHARITY RUNS: If your new year resolution of becoming more active and keeping fit has gone of the rails slightly, which happens, do not dismay, as there are numerous fun runs and charity walks in the pipeline to get you back on track. This Sunday, February 9, there is a 10k road race and a 5k fun run at Castleconnell, followed by a 10k road race in Adare on Sunday February 23. Milford Hospice stages a run at UL on Sunday March 16, and then there is the Barrington’s Great Limerick Run on the May Bank Holiday weekend. Details of all events are available on line.  

VALENTINE’S BALL: A Valentine’s Ball is being held at the Woodlands House Hotel on Friday February 21. There will be music in the hotel foyer prior to a four course meal being served with complimentary wine. After dinner, there will be dancing to Limerick band, Final Touch, followed by DJB Disco. A raffle on the tickets will be for a weekend hotel break and numerous other prizes. Tickets are 50euros per person, and all proceeds on the night to go to Milford Hospice and Pieta House.

COMMUNITIES ON LINE:West Limerick Resources will run a final Communities on Line course in Newcastle West each Wednesday from February 19 to April 2 (7.30-10pm). The course will show community groups how to develop their own free website and set up a Facebook page. This is a hands-on course. On completion, groups will have a fully operational website. All participants must have a sound basic knowledge of computers and be comfortable in the use of the internet, email and simple applications such as Word.  Limit 2 people per group.  Registration essential. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie

DRAMA WORKSHOPS: West Limerick Resources will be offering a series of drama workshops across the West Limerick area this spring.  The short courses will include acting, directing for stage and technical skills.  Courses are free of charge and open to anyone living in the West Limerick area.  To apply for a place please contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie

KENRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The first event of this year will take place on Wednesday February 19 at 8.00 pm.  The talk is on Curragh Chase and the appropriate venue will be the Community Centre, Kilcornan.  Our guest speaker is the author of the very popular booklet on Curragh Chase, namely Patrick T Fitzgerald of Adare.  Patrick has been visiting the place since his childhood and has built up a store of knowledge on this subject so dear to his heart.  His talk will include much new material which has not been public up to now.  Members and non-members are invited and welcome.

Patrickswell news for w/e October 25th.

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, October 26-27, The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 6-30pm Angela O’Donnell, Sunday at 11-30am Ann Higgins. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 6-30pm Seamus Enright, Michael Houlihan and Maria Bucke, Sunday at 11-30am Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis and Rose Kelliher, please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Would ministers be aware that only one duty may be undertaken at mass, and the readers’ list now operates on a two weekly cycle. Listed readers for Saturday November 2 and 9 at 6-30pm Dan Riordan, and Sunday November 3 and 10 at 11-30am Julie Darcy. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. Weekday masses in Patrickswell will be at the usual time of 9-30am. Weekend masses in Ballybrown will be at 8pm on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday.

 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Patrickswell Church on Saturdays from 8am until 12noon, and in Ballybrown on Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm.

CHURCHGATE COLLECTION: There will be a church gate collection next weekend, Saturday and Sunday November 2-3, in aid of the Limerick branch of Headways, the support group for people with an acquired brain injury, for which you are asked to be as generous as possible.

SUMMERTIME IS OVER: All good things come to an end, and this weekend in the early hours of Sunday morning to be more precise, this year’s summer time, during which we experienced and enjoyed the best summer weather for a long time, officially expires. Timepieces of all descriptions, clocks, watches, chronometers and digital apparatus will therefore need to be put back one hour before you retire on Saturday night with the annual bonus of an extra hour in bed on Sunday morning.

TIDY TOWNS: There will be a meeting of Patrickswell Tidy Towns this coming Tuesday, October 29, in the Cứ Chulainn, commencing at 8pm. The main item on the agenda will be to finalise the arrangements for the annual table quiz, which is taking place on Friday November 1.

FRIDAY CLUB: During November, the month of Holy Souls, members of the Friday Club will be hosting a series of lunches, similar to those held during Lent. Again the lunches will be a simple affair of homemade soup and bread, and a cup of tea or coffee. There will be no set charge, but patrons can make a voluntary donation, which the club will donate to a charity of its choice. Your support will be appreciated, and everyone will be made very welcome.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT: On Saturday October 12, nineteen members boarded a bus at the early hour of eight o’clock, to commence their day trip to Dublin. With a brief stop at Portlaoise, the group arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin for a guided tour around the official presidential residence. As it was a Saturday, the president does not meet with visiting groups, but we were delighted to be acquainted with his two dogs. Members also saw the presidential Rolls Royce, which is currently off road, but we were informed that it is one of the president’s wishes to restore it to its former glory and use it as a form of transport. Members also visited Farmleigh House, which is the official Irish State guest house for foreign dignitaries. It was formerly one of the Dublin residences of the Guinness family. Lunch in Phoenix Park was followed by a visit to the Garden of Remembrance at Island Bridge. Those who were still standing then availed of some retail therapy at Kildare, where the group also enjoyed dinner together. After a long but very enjoyable day, the bus returned to Patrickswell at 10-30pm.

HATS OFF TO ANN: Local lady Ann Foley from Clounanna has always had a fascination for stylish head wear, and is now concentrating her energy in taking her hobby to the next stage. If any fashion conscious ladies out there would like a custom made hat or fascinator for any upcoming special occasion, Ann would love to hear from you and be given the chance to demonstrate her skills and passion. Ann can be contacted at 061-355490, 087-7593565 or annfoley1971@gmail.com

UNITED NATIONS DAY: Since 1948,Thursday October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day, aimed at highlighting the achievements of the United Nations.

This year’s UN Day focuses on the eight UN Millennium Development Goals, whilst also being involved in many other issues including armed conflict, human rights, and the environment.

CREDIT UNION: The Board of Directors of MPCC Credit Union wish to advise that with effect from Friday, November 1, its Mungret office will close at 5pm on Fridays and not re-open from 6.00 to 7.00pm. Previously, it was the directors who voluntarily provided this additional evening service for members. Unfortunately, under the Credit Union Act of 2012, voluntary assistants of the credit union are no longer eligible to be directors, and the credit union is no longer in a position to offer the extra evening service on Fridays to its members, and apologises for any inconvenience caused. Full details of all opening hours are available on www.mpcccreditunion.ie

SELF HELP AFRICA: A fund-raising coffee morning takes place on Friday, October 25 from 10am – 12 noon in the credit union’s Dooradoyle office. Dave Noble, an employee of MPCC Credit Union, will be taking part in the Tour De Ethiopia in mid-November in aid of Self Help Africa. This trip is to raise awareness and raise funds for the charity. Dave and nine others will cycle over 400 kilometres in very hilly terrain at a high altitude over four days and then run in the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa on November 24. All donations will be gratefully accepted and every cent collected will go directly to Self Help Africa. Details of the Tour De Ethiopia 2013 can be found on Facebook.

Patrickswell news for w/e September 6th

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, September 7-8 The Twentythird Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows;Saturday at 7pm Michael Woulfe, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Marie Bucke, Sunday at 10am, Kathleen Enright, Sam Milburn, Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 12noon, Michael McDermott, Eileen O’Shea, Louise Carey. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. This Friday, September 6 is FirstFriday, when communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like to receive communion on Friday, please hand their names in to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am on Friday or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net.

NEW MASS TIMES: Next weekend September 14-15 heralds the re-arranged mass times for both churches which are as follows, Patrickswell at 6-30pm on Saturday, and 11-30am on Sunday, Ballybrown at 8pm on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday. Weekday masses in Patrickswell will be at the usual time of 9-30am.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Patrickswell Church on Saturdays from 8am until 12noon, and in Ballybrown on Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week, and donor clinics will be held at the following locations in the coming week to facilitate that requirement. The Galbally session will now be held at the Community Centre, Lisvernane, please note new venue, on Monday September 9 from 6 to 9pm, Fr. Casey G.A.A. Pavillion, Abbeyfeale, on Tuesday and Wednesday September 10-11 from 6 to 9pm, and Pallasgreen Community Centre on Thursday September 12 also from6 to 9pm. You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood, and you are urged to please give regularly. There will be donor clinics in Castletroy the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or the Blood Transfusion website.

RIDE AND DRIVE: Those who were waiting at the Cứ Chulainn on Saturday afternoon, to greet and support the Ride and Drive for Limerick Cancer Centre, were not disappointed when the cavalcade of horses, ponies and their riders, all led by a carriage and four, stopped for a well earned refreshment break at the local hostelry,  en-route to the Greyhound Stadium to meet up with a similar group who had started from Ennis earlier. Stirrup cups and light refreshments were served to those who preferred to take advantage of the fine weather and remain in saddle. Local photographers were in their element and took advantage of the many photo opportunities available, including a miniature pony and carriage for children, and several other horse drawn modes of transport, with some drivers in traditional livery. Lighthearted conversation and friendly banter filled the air for the short time of the break, and after horses and riders were fed and watered the cavalcade reassembled and continued on their journey. Richie Bennis rode shotgun in the leading carriage to ensure safe passage to their final destination. All those taking part wore a specially commissioned souvenir t-shirt, and the organisers would like to thank all at the Cứ Chulainn for their generosity in hosting the event, and all who turned up to support it.

SAMARITANS: The Limerick and Tipperary Samaritans are currently recruiting for volunteers to help offer support to callers who are worried, distressed, can’t cope, or feeling suicidal. An information evening is being held at 20, Barrington Street, Limerick, thisMonday, September 9 at 7-30pm. More information is available at ger4sam@hotmail.com

LINE DANCING CLASSES: Line Dancing classes are starting in Kilcornan Community Hall on Monday September 9 from 7 to 8pm. €7 per night. Classes continue each Wednesday night in Patrickswell GAA Hall, 7.30 to 8.15 for beginners, 8.15 to 9pm for experienced dancers.

PARENT AND TODDLERS: The Parent and Toddler Group which is held in the Community Resource Centre is restarting after the summer holidays on Thursday September 12 at 9.30am. It will be held every Thursday from 9.30 to11am, and is open to pre-school children and their parents. New members are always welcome. For any further information contact the Community Resource Centre on 061-320303.

CLIONA’S FOUNDATION: Adare to Survive is a 7.5km military style obstacle course taking place in Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare, Co Limerick on Sunday  September 29. Cliona’s Foundation, which provides financial assistance to the families of critically ill children is the charity partner and participants are invited to endeavour, endure and enjoy a unique physical and mental challenge, individually or as part of a four person team, to raise funds for a charity or club of their choice.  Full details, including registration is on the event website www.adaretosurvive.com

GROW YOUR OWN: Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, formerly County Limerick VEC, is now enrolling for courses FETAC 3, Grow your own Vegetables and FETAC 4, Grow your own Fruit, in West Limerick. Both courses will take place in Ardagh, on Blackhill Organic Farm, and run one day per week from September 2013 to June 2014. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn how to grow a wide range of delicious foods using organic methods with an emphasis on practical skills and an opportunity to gain certification. To apply for a place on the course please contact the course tutor, Marie Tuttle on 0863132969.

KNOCKFIERNA: Knockfierna Heritage Society will hold their annual outing to Cahir Castle, The Swiss Cottage, Rock of Cashel, and Holy Cross Abbey on Sunday September 29.  Previous outings have proved to be most enjoyable occasions.  Mr. Philip Lynch of Kilkenny will be tour guide for the day. Those interested in travelling on this outing please contact Pat O’Donovan Newcastlewest and Rathkeale 087 9977340, Marion Hanley Ballingarry 087 9741387, Mary O’Keeffe 087 6990816.  Cost €20 per person.

VINTAGE RALLY: West Limerick Vintage Club will hold a rally in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, this Sunday, September 8, at the Thatch Bar, Newbridge, Askeaton. Displays of threshing, baling and horse shoeing will run alongside the exhibitions of vintage cars, machinery and tractors. Various stalls, a dog show and a tug-of-war competition will also add to the family fun. Hurling fans will also be accommodated with the provision of screens to televise the All- Ireland Final.

Patrickswell news for w/e August 23rd

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, August 24-25, The Twentyfirst Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows;Saturday at 7pm Michael Woulfe, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis and Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright and Michael Punch, and Sundayat12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry and Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. There will be no weekly Parish Newsletter published until the first weekend in September. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual graveyard mass will be held in Kilkeely this Friday August 23 at 7-30pm. As parking at this location is restricted, all those attending are requested to park at Ballybrown church, and walk to the graveyard.  

 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Patrickswell Church on Saturdays from 8am until 12noon. Exposition in Ballybrown  will recommence on Wednesday September 4.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week, and a donor clinic will be held at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, on Wednesday August 28 from 5 to 8pm, to facilitate that requirement. You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood, and you are urged to please give regularly. There will be a donor clinic in Raheen the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or the Blood Transfusion website.

CLIONA’S CYCLE: Cliona’s Foundation Cycle, now in its 6^th year will take place on Saturday August 31 leaving from the Honeyfitz Theatre, Lough Gur.

With three routes this year including an 8km for family and funsters (fee €25.00), the organisers have appealed to experienced cyclists with a challenging 90km route (fee €30.00)  and a less arduous 40km route (€30.00) for leisure cyclists. Following the cycle there will be a BBQ, face painting, music and bouncy castle to keep the entire family entertained.   Registration online atwww.eventmaster.ie. Sponsorship cards available from Cliona’s Foundation 087-188 7700.

CURRAGHCHASE DANCING: The Kilcornan ‘Platform Dancing Committee’ has chosen next Sunday September 1 for another session outside the gates of Curragh Chase, to be held between 3.00 and 6.00 pm.  As usual Pat O’Connell will be calling the dances and this year to the very popular musician Michael Sexton. The opportunity to involve local balladeers and artists will be given and all for free!  Where would you get it?

LIMERICK SHOW: All roads from the city and county and beyond, lead to the racecourse at Greenmount this weekend, for the two day Limerick Show, Munster’s largest agricultural show. Many local people will be heading there and hoping for success in the various competitions, which are not just for cattle and horses. There will be the usual competitions for arts and crafts, home crafts, photography, horticulture, Bonny Babies, and Best Dressed Ladies. All information regarding Limerick Show is available atwww.limerickshow.com Let’s hope that both days will be blessed with fine weather for the organisers, competitors and patrons alike.

Patrickswell news for w/e August 9.

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, August 10-11, The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows; Saturday at 7pm Michael Woulfe, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney, Sunday at 10am Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon, Patrick Kirby, Rose Kelliher, Rita Madigan. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. There will be no weekly Parish Newsletter published for the months of July and August. The weekly prayer meeting will resume on Monday, August 12. Next Thursday, August 15 is the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary, and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated at 7pm on Wednesday and at 10am on Thursday.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual graveyard masses will be held as follows; Clounanna on Monday August 12 at 7-30pm, Patrickswell onTuesday August 20 at 7-30pm and Kilkeely on Friday August 23 also at 7-30pm.  

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Patrickswell Church on Saturdays from 8am until 12noon. Exposition in Ballybrown on Wednesdays will be discontinued for July and August, and will recommence on Wednesday September 4.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week especially through the summer months, and donor clinics will be held at the following locations to facilitate that requirement; Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, on Monday August 12 from 6 to 9pm, and the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, on Tuesday August 13 from 5 to 8pm.You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood, and you are urged to please give regularly. For more information contact theDonor Information Line on 1850 731137, or the Blood Transfusion website.

TIDY TOWNS: Members were utterly incensed, bitterly disappointed and outraged last week, when it was discovered that two more hanging baskets had been stolen between Tuesday night and Wednesday lunchtime. This follows only two weeks from the previous incident, and we have now lost four. Some members were near to tears that anyone could carry out such a despicable act. It has been hard enough this year to keep on top of  the work this year, with the sewerage scheme coming through the main street, particularly at judging time for Limerick in Bloom. If anyone sees any similar suspicious behaviour, other than the watering crews, please inform the gardai.  

CLIONA’S CYCLE: Cliona’s Foundation Cycle, now in its 6^th year will take place on Saturday August 31 from the Honeyfitz Theatre in Lough Gur, just 20km from Limerick city. With three routes including an 8km for family and funsters, the organisers have appealed to experienced cyclists with a challenging 90km route and a 40km less arduous route for leisure cyclists. Following the cycle there is a BBQ, face painting, music and a bouncy castle to keep the entire family entertained. Cliona’s Foundation has founded it’s own cycling club which is affiliated to Cycling Ireland and is gaining new members each week.  Cliona’s Foundation 6^th Annual Charity Cycle was launched in Limerick last weekend by three well known celebrities who were delighted to be part of the event. David Wallace, Leanne Moore and Joy Neville have carved national and international fame in their own right and have supported Cliona’s Foundation over the years.

Register on line by logging onto www.eventmaster.ie on the day with registration starting at 8.30am in the Honeyfitz Theatre. Family Cycle starts at 9.45am, Experienced Cycle starts at 10am & Leisure Cycle starts at 10.30am. Entry is €30 for the Experienced and Leisure Cycles and €25 for the Family Cycle.  Entry fee includes insurance, BBQ and entertainment on the day. Sponsorship cards are available by contacting Cliona’s Foundation on 061 400640 and or 087 188 7700. Cards with €100 or more raised will be included in a draw for a €500 cycling voucher.

DONKEY DERBY: Barrigone-Robertstown Community Group is holding a Donkey Derby and Dog Show at Barrigone, Askeaton, nextThursday August 15 at 4-30pm. This will be a great family day out, so for further details please contact Eric Fitzsimons on 087-9245100.

CURRAGHCHASE DANCING: The Kilcornan ‘Platform Dancing Committee’ has chosen Sunday September 1 for the next session outside the gates of Curragh Chase, to be held between 3.00 and 6.00 pm.  As usual Pat O’Connell will be calling the dances and this year to the very popular musician Michael Sexton.  The opportunity to involve local balladeers and artists will be given and all for free!  Where would you get it?

CEILI THAKS: Teresa and Deirdre Lenihan would like to say  huge thankyou to all who attended and supported the charity ceili in Knockaderry last Friday  August 2. A total of €1268 was raised for the Irish Cancer Society.

KILDIMO GATHERING: The Kildimo Gathering event takes place over the course of next weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 16,17 and 18. There will be full programme of events commencing on Friday with an Art Exhibition in the library from 4 to 6pm, the Official Opening of  the Gathering with Set Dancing at the crossroads, Old Kildimo at the Seven Sisters Pub from 6 to 7pm,  Tea Time Dancing from 7 to 9-30pm at Seven Sisters with music by Karisma in the lounge, and tea and  refreshments after dancing. Then from 9-30pm until late there will be music and dancing with Tommy Mc Cauley in the front bar.

GROW IT YOURSELF: The inspirational Limerick West GIY goes on the road again and this month will visit Chris Enright's growing area in Morenane, Kilcornan on Thursday August 15 with meeting time for the garden tour for 7pm. Chris has a garden that is just over two years old and has both fruit and vegetable areas, with cabbage, potato and varieties of pumpkin among the many crops sown. He has also sown several varieties of potato and a tasting session of these varieties will take place later in the evening. Chris is an organic grower and is always willing to share his knowledge. All are welcome and as with all GIY meetings there is no charge to join in.   If you plan to attend and need directions please text your name to Chris on 0879918956.

Patrickswell news for w/e July 26th

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend, July 27-28, The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows; Saturday at 7pm Eimear Foley, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Joanne Tierney. Eucharistic Ministers,

Saturday at 7pm Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Marie Bucke, Sunday at 10am, Kathleen Enright, Sam Milburn, Joanne Tierney,Sunday at 12noon, Michael McDermott, Eileen O’Shea, Louise Carey. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. There will be no weekly Parish Newsletter published for the months of July and August. Listed readers for the month of August are as follows; Saturday at 7pmMichael Woulfe, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy.

NEW PARISH PRIEST: Following on from the news of the changes to mass times being implemented in September, comes the news that there will soon be a change in parish personnel. As is the course of normal diocesan procedure, parish priests are moved around periodically, and in October, Fr. Muiris O’Connor will be leaving the combined parish of Patrickswell-Ballybrown, and will be replaced by Fr. Michael Cussen who is currently the parish priest of Fedamore. 

 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Patrickswell Church on Saturdays from 8am until 12noon. Exposition in Ballybrown on Wednesdays will be discontinued for July and August, and will recommence onWednesday September 4.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week, especially during the summer months, and donor clinics will be held at the following locations next week to facilitate that requirement. The Pastoral Resource Centre, Kilmallock, on Monday and Tuesday July 29-30 from 6 to 9pm, Askeaton Community Centre, on Wednesday July 31 from 6 to 9pm, and Manister Community Centre on Thursday August 1, also from 6 to 9pm. You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood, and you are urged to please give regularly. There will be donor a donor clinic in Raheen the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or the Blood Transfusion website.

TIDY TOWNS: There was a flurry of activity last week in the vicinity of the Croom and Adare junction, when it was decided that some of the shrubs in the first bed had exceeded their useful life span, and were no longer needed. Even after trimming they didn’t look the part, and so were removed altogether. The bark mulch, which was also there, had turned to compost and was encouraging weed growth, and that was also removed to expose the weed block material. The whole area was then covered with stone chippings. It was a major task for all concerned, and many thanks to all who put their shoulders to the wheel and helped out, including Christy Riley for his time and effort and the use of his truck. Not only has the area improved, but the workload for future years has been reduced. Matthew Murray very kindly responded to our recent request for someone to look after the roses adjacent to the wall, and has done a fine job in tying them back and training them along the wires, and whatever else was needed. We are very grateful to him for that. Judging for the Limerick in Bloom competition takes place at some stage during the course of the next two weeks, so as well as the watering, and the usual litter patrols, we will be concentrating on making sure that everything is ship shape and ready for inspection.

DONKEY DERBY: The oppressive heat of the previous few days relented on Sunday in time for the staging of the second Donkey Derby and Family Fun Day, which was held at McSweeney’s Farm by Patrickswell Community Council. A lot of effort was put into the preparations for the day, for the patrons to enjoy a wide range of stalls and activities, all geared to raise money for the Community Development Fund. To keep the customers fed and watered, there was plenty to choose from, from a wideranging menu, which included burgers and hotdogs from the barbecue, freshly made pancakes, ice cream, teas, coffee and sandwiches. The ever popular Wheel of Fortune was well subscribed all afternoon, as well as a plant stall, bric-a-brac, book stall, tuck shop, toys and jewellery. The main event of course was the Donkey Derby itself, with thrills and spills galore and other hilarious goings-on to amuse both the punters and riders alike, and maybe the donkeys as well. For those with any energy spare after their exertions on the bouncy castle, there were races for children of all ages.