Patrickswell

Patrickswell news for w/e January 27th

2012-01-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend January 28-29, The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. 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 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.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations every week, and donor clinics will be held in the following locations in the coming week. The Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy on Tuesday January 31, and Wednesday February 1 from 6 to 9pm, and Pallasgreen Community Centre on Thursday Febrary 2, 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: Would all members please note that the first meeting of 2012 will be held in the Cu Chulainn this coming Tuesday, January 31, commencing at 8pm.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Patrickswell Community Council are holding their AGM on Tuesday February 7 at 8pm in the Community Resource Centre. All are welcome to attend.

RESOURCE CENTRE: The Parent and Toddler Group, and the Crafty Corner Group are back following the Christmas-New year break. The Parent and Toddler group meets every Thursday morning from 9.30 - 11.00am, and the Crafty Corner group every Wednesday afternoon from 2 - 3.30pm. Both groups are very enjoyable for those attending, learning knitting/crochet etc. at crafts on Wednesdays, and enjoying the fun while gaining support from the group leader and other parents of babies and toddlers on Thursday mornings. Both activities cost €2 per person, and all are welcome to attend at any time.

TABLE QUIZ: Patrickswell National School Parents Association are holding a Table Quiz this Friday January 27 at 8.30pm in the Cu Chulainn. Come along for the quiz, the chat and the fun. Excellent spot prizes. Cost per table of four, twenty euro. All funds raised on the night are towards the cost of new PE and science equipment for the school. Thank you for your continued support.

WORK ACCESS: Have you ever needed extra support in the workplace? Have you ever struggled to complete a task on time? Would it help if you had someone to support you with your job? Work Access Ltd is an employment service that seeks to support people to gain and maintain employment in the open labour market.

The service is available to everyone with a disability including those with mental health difficulties within the Limerick city and county area. It is a free service to both employees and employers and is funded by FÀS under the National Development Programme. Contact Michelle Barrett or Harry Bugler,1st Floor, Pillar House, Little Ellen Street, Limerick, Tel: 061/493095, or info@workaccess.org

HONEYFITZ THEATRE: The launch of the book “Poetic Humour”, written by The Whitehouse, Limerick Poets and produced by Christy O'Donnell and John Carew, will take place in the Honeyfitz theatre in Lough Gur on Friday February 3 at 8pm, in aid of the Cliona Ring Foundation. There is free entry and free wine reception on the night with a very special guest appearance you will not want to miss. This is a night supporting a very worthwhile cause. Copies of the book will be available for sale on the night, at a cost of €10. For a great night with good fun and poetic humour be there on February 3 at 8pm sharp. More details available at www.loughgur.com www.whitehouselimerick.com, and www.clionaringfoundation.com

SAMARITANS: Limerick Samaritans are seeking volunteers, and are holding an Open Night at 20 Barrington Street, this Monday January 30 at 7-30pm. If you are interested in becoming a Samaritan volunteer, or would like more information on the services they provide, this event would be of interest to you.

LOUGH GUR BIRD WATCH: The next meeting of the Limerick branch of Birdwatch Ireland, will be held this coming Saturday, January 28, commencing at 11am at Lough Gur car park. This is an important wintering location for many species including tufted duck, grebe, wigeon, teal and pochard. Suitable clothing is recommended, especially strong walking shoes, plus binoculars, but no dogs please.

RED CROSS: The Limerick branch of the Irish Red Cross is looking for new volunteers to join any of their ten branches across the city and county. An Open Night is being held this Thursday, January 26 at the Red Cross Hall in Henry Street for those interested in the work of the Red Cross, which includes First Aid Training and Community Defibrillation Groups. Drivers over the age of twentyfive with a full B or D1 licence are also sought for the ambulance and minibus fleet. For further information, please ring the Red Cross Hall between 9am and 12noon on 061-468417.

Patrickswell news for w/e January 20th

2012-01-20T02:38:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend January 21-22, The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30am Monday to Friday. 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 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

ANNIVERSARY MASS: The anniversary mass for Christy Hanrahan late of Killonahan, took place last Sunday in Manister church, and was well attended by friends and neighbours. Christy, brother of Kitty, passed away on January18, 2009. May he rest in peace.

RENOVATIONS: The church Crying Room and Meeting Room are currently out of use, while renovations take place, with apologies for any inconvenience caused.

CRIB DONATIONS: The total amount donated at the crib during the Christmas Season came to one thousand, two hundred and twenty five euro, which has been forwarded to Sr. Brid Counihan for her work with poor children in Brazil. She sends sincere thanks for your generosity.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be holding donor clinics at the Southcourt Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, on Tuesday January 24 from 5 to 8pm, and at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, on Wednesday January 25 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 clinics in Castletroy the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

CROOM COMMUNITY CENTRE: Slots are still available for booking for indoor sporting activities including soccer, hurling, basketball, badminton etc. Contact 061397412, croomcommunitycentre@gmail.com or on facebook, croom community centre.

GRANAGH PLAYERS: This year’s performance is “Tarry Flynn” by Patrick Kavanagh. It will be staged in Granagh Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday February 21 and 22, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 27, 28 and 29, at 8pm. Admission will be Adults €10, Teens €5 and U12’s Free. The play combines narration, song, dance, poetry, prayer and a selection of farm animals,(not actual), and is a story of unrequited love with many comic interludes.We can guarantee a great show, lots of laughs and a cuppa before you go home.

ON LINE TRAINING: West Limerick Resources will be offering a free training programme to community groups who would like to develop their own low cost-no cost website. The group training initiative will show groups how to develop and maintain their own website using the free on-line resource – Wordpress. While potential participants will not require any specific web programming knowledge or experience, they must have a sound basic knowledge of computers and be comfortable in the use of the internet, email and simple applications such as Word. Venue and dates to be confirmed. Those interested in taking part are asked to contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or emailsrowley@wlr.ie to register. Limit two participants per community group.

BLACKWALK DRAMA GROUP: The Blackwalk Players Drama Group based in Mungret, draws its membership from neighbouring parishes, and welcomes new members. Help is always needed on and off stage, including set and stage construction, painting, prompting, costume and make up, and advertising. A play is planned in the near future. Local contacts include Julie Darcy, John Doolin, Claire Fitzgibbon, Ger Synott and Edmond Power.

Patrickswell news for w/e January 13th.

2012-01-13T01:41:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend January 14-15, The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan.Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30am Monday to Friday. 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 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

PILGRIMAGE: Following on from the success of the trip to the Holy land at the end of last year, Joan O’Brien and Dan O’Riordan are organising a ten day pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje. The itinerary includes three nights in San Giovani, and four nights in Medjugorje. Flying out from Dublin to Naples on June 11, and returning from Dubrovnic to Dublin on June 20, the cost will be 829Euro. For further information please contact Joan on 087-9688233 or 061-320947, or Dan on 061- 397460.

WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE: Shape up after Christmas with a fun twelve week weight loss challenge, which starts in Milford National School Staff Room, on Tuesday January 24 from 8 to 9pm. Discover the new you, with friendly advice, help and encouragement, following a proven method. Information will be available on healthy eating, long term health issues and lifestyle changes. Cash prizes to the biggest losers. Phone Anna to book your place on 087 7917630.

ZUMBA FITNESS: Local Zumba classes have recommenced in the following locations after the Christmas recess. Adare Village Hall, Tuesdays from 9-30 to10-30am, Patrickswell GAA Hall on Tuesdays from 8-9pm, and Ballingarry Village Hall on Wednesdays from 8-30 to 9-30pm.

No experience necessary. For further details please contact Cathriona on 087 3261989.

RESOURCE CENTRE: The Resource Centre is fully up and running after the Christmas break. All information and advice services are available, and all weekly activities including the Parent and Toddler Group, the 45 drive and the Crafty Corner Group are back on schedule. For more information please call in, email patrickswellcrc@gmail.com or Tel 061-320303.

COMMUNITY GAMES: Crecora-Patrickswell Community Games will be holding information and registration nights in both Crecora and Patrickswell over the next week. The first will be held in the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre this Thursday January 12 from 7 to 8pm. The second will be held in the Crecora Community Centre on Monday January 16 from 7 to 8pm. Registration fees have been reduced this year and are €10 per individual and €20 for a family. Last year Crecora -Patrickswell competed in the following events, Chess, Indoor Soccer, Primary School Quiz, Art, Handwriting, Talent, Soccer, Hurling, Futsal, Cross Country and Track Athletics, Camogie, Tag Rugby, Pitch and Putt and Swimming and also hosted our own Athletics Day. The aim of Community Games is to allow children of all abilities an opportunity to get involved in many different activities. Come along to one of the registration nights if you would like to find out more about what the Community Games has to offer. Details will also be circulated through the National Schools in Crecora and Patrickswell.

Patrickswell notes for December 24th

2011-12-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES - CHRISTMAS MASSES: Listed readers for this weekend December 24-25, The Nativity of Our Lord, are as follows, Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 9pm, Michael Woulfe, Christmas Day at 10am Niall Sheehy, Christmas Day at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Christmas Eve at 9pm, Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Christmas Day at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Christmas Day at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. There will be no weekly prayer meeting on Monday December 26. 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 tomuirisoc@eircom.net Confessions will be heard this Saturday in Ballybrown from 11 to 11-30am, and in Patrickswell from 11-45am until 12-30pm.

CHURCH NOTICES – NEW YEAR MASSES: Listed readers for the weekend of Saturday December 31, and Sunday January 1 2012, The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 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, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. There will be no weekly prayer meeting on Monday January 2.

JANUARY READERS: Listed readers for the month of January are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan.
ENVELOPES: New packs of envelopes for 2012 are now available, and those who assist with the distribution are asked to collect them from the sacristy.
BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service urgently requires your donations after Christmas, and donor clinics are being held at the following locations,
Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road on Tuesday December 27 from 2 to 5pm, South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, on Wednesday December 28 from 2 to 5pm, and the
Community Centre, Askeaton on Thursday December 29 also from 2 to 5pm.
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 also be a donor clinic in Cappamore Community Centre, on Tuesday January 3 2012, from 6 to 9pm. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.
CREDIT UNION: The offices of MPCC Credit Union will be open as normal until Thursday December 22. On Friday, December 23, our offices will be open as follows, Dooradoyle 10am to 7pm, Patrickswell 2 to 7pm, and Ballybrown 7 to 8pm. From December 24 - 29 inclusive, all offices will remain closed. Friday December 30, Dooradoyle 10am to 5pm, Patrickswell 2 to 7pm and Ballybrown 7 to 8pm. Saturday, December 31, Dooradoyle 10am to12 noon. Normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday January 3, except for the Mungret office, which will continue to remain closed for renovations, and thankyou for your patience. We are looking forward to reopening again in Mungret in mid to late January.The Board of Directors, Management and Staff would like to wish all members and their families a very peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.
NEWS YEAR’S DAY WALK:
Knockfierna Heritage Society will hold its annual walk to Knockfierna Hill on New Year’s Day, leaving the Rambling House at 2pm. Appropriate outdoor wear recommended. For further details contact Pat O’Donovan 087 9977340 or Marion Hanley 087 9741387.
COMMUNITY PLAYSCHOOL: We would like to wish all our supporters and our wonderful hard working committee, a very happy Christmas and a great new year.
TIDY TOWNS: Many thanks to anyone, aforementioned or unmentioned, sung or unsung, who may have contributed or assisted in any way to our work throughout another successful year. We are extremely grateful for that, and especially the financial support we receive from all sections of the community, without which we could not continue. Our continued success in the Limerick in Bloom competition bears testament to that support, as well many people’s efforts in adding to the festive appearance of the village, with the provision of a festive tree and lights in the grounds at the shrine. So to bring the year to a close it just remains to wish everyone in Patrickswell, a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and also a prosperous and healthy new year, and to be able to cope with and enjoy whatever 2012 brings. God bless you all. Ar na Nollag an-sásta agus síochánta, agus chomh maith le bliain rathúil agus sláintiúil nua. Dia libh go léir.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Many people have made super efforts this year with their external Christmas lights and decorations, not only brightening up their own house fronts and gardens, but adding a real festive flair to the village in general. Business premises and the Resource Centre have also added to the illuminations. If there were any prizes though, surely Noel Bourke’s winter wonderland on the Clarina Road just as you turn off at the Dark Horse would win hands down. Noel has not only installed an incredible kaleidoscope of seasonal colour, but has added a musical accompaniment, which makes for a very pleasant and eye catching Christmas scene, and is well worth a visit if you have not already had the opportunity. Well done Noel, we can only aspire to your creativity.
FRIDAY CLUB: Members of the Friday Club are grateful to all who supported their Christmas Coffee Morning and Cake Sale last week. Evelyn Doran has a list of prize winners in the raffle. The club would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a bright and healthy New Year.

Patrickswell news for w/e December 16th.

2011-12-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend December 17-18, The Fourth Sunday in Advent Year B are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Michael Woulfe, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy.Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. 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 handed into the sacristy by 9-30am on Friday or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed tomuirisoc@eircom.net

There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Prayer Room this Saturday, Saturday from 9am until 12noon.

REMEMBRANCE TREE: The Christmas remembrance tree is now in place in the church near the door at the entrance to the sacristy, for all those who wish to remember their loved ones who have died or who will be away from home for Christmas. Simply write their names on the tags provided and hang them on the tree.

TIDY TOWNS: The festive tree at the shrine is now lit for the Christmas period, and we would like to thank all who were involved in the preparation and installation. Special thanks to John Fitzgerald at Fitzgerald’s Electrical for generously discounting a new string of cable and bulbs, there are now approximately three hundred bulbs in total on the tree. Mossie Carmody, Vince Doherty, Jimmy Mulqueen, Liam Foley and Seamus Enright spent a good few hours fitting the new bulbs and replacing ones in the previous string. John Enright also assisted to get the lights on the tree, which we estimate is somewhere in the region of forty feet tall. Vince and his grandson Sean O’Driscoll then spent the course of a few days getting the cabling, plugs, fuses and timer sorted. To limit the costs involved in the power consumption, the lights are only on from 5 pm until 1am. Many thanks to you all for your efforts in adding to the festive appearance of the village, the tree is impressive and we have received many favourable comments about it.

GOLFING SOCIETY: Congratulations to the following members, who were winners of our competitions during 2011. March, Adare, Padraig Mann 36 points,
April, Castleisland, Frankie Nolan 39, May,Roscrea, Padraig Mann 42, Cahir, July,
Kieran Darcy 44,Woodstock, July, Ger Considine 39, Benny Nolan’s President’s Prize, August, Adare, Brian Geoghan 41, Charleville, September, Dessie Foley 36,
and Tony O’Neill’s Captain’s Prize, October, Brian Murray 37.
Congratulations also to Terence Murray who has been elected as Captain of Adare Manor Golf Club for 2012. Terence is the second member from the Society to hold this high office, Kieran Carroll being the first in 2010.Terence hosted his official drive in last Sunday. We wish him the best of luck from all in the society for his year ahead in office. Well done to all our members who had success in their various clubs in 2011. Patrickswell Golf Society wishes a very happy and holy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all members, sponsors, supporters and their families. Our A.G.M. will be held early in the New Year. Watch these notes for further information. Looking forward to seeing you all on the fairways of Ireland in 2012.

COMMUNITY PLAYSCHOOL: All who use and organise the Community Playschool, wish to acknowledge the support and generosity of all who supported the coffee morning and cake sale last weekend.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR NOTES: Would all contributors please note that there will be no community notes for the issue dated December 31. The first notes for 2012 will be in the issue dated January 7, and all items will need to be submitted by Monday January 2. Many thanks to all groups, clubs and organisations for helping to keep the community informed throughout the year

COFFEE MORNING: The Friday Club invites you to a Christmas Coffee Morning and Cake Sale, this Friday, December 16 in the Resource Centre. The usual array of mouth watering home baking will be available, and there will also be a raffle, lucky dip and bric-a-brac stalls.

DIOCESAN CAROL SERVICE: Entitled “A journey of hope”, the Diocesan Carol Service will take place in St.John’s Cathedral this Friday December 16 at 8 pm. The concert will tell the story of the Birth of Christ in word and song and will feature a number of priests from the diocese, as well as local musicians, choirs and singers. Tickets are 10euro each, and are available from St. John’s Cathedral, the Pastoral Centre, or at the door on the night.

HEALING RETREAT: The Maranatha Healing Ministry invites you to St.Paul’s church, Dooradoyle on Sunday December 18 from 2-30 until 7-30pm. There will be a healing mass, prayers and worship, eucharistic adoration and music by the Maranatha Gospel Choir. All are welcome.

LIVE CRIB: the Live Crib, which depicts the Nativity scene in Bethlehem, will take place in Adare this Sunday, December 18 from 2 to 5pm.

CAROL CONCERT: Patrickswell National School children will be singing Christmas carols in the church on the evening of Monday December 19. Please come along and join in this festive event.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE: A Penitential Service will take place in Raheen Church this Monday December 19 at 7-30pm, where priests will be available to hear confessions.

Patrickswell news for w/e December 9th.

2011-12-08T08:27:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend December 10-11, The Third Sunday in Advent Year B 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, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. 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 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 During the Saturdays of Advent, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Prayer Room, from 9am until 12noon.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service especially requires A and B donations this week, and donor clinics are being held at the Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell, on Monday December 12 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Kilmurry Lodge
Hotel, Castletroy, on Tuesday December 13 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

HUMAN RIGHTS: This Saturday, December 10 is celebrated annually across the world as Human Rights Day. The date was chosen to honour the adoption and proclamation by the United Nations in December 1948, of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights, which was the first time that human rights were announced to the world. As this document holds the world record as the most translated document with more than 360 language versions available, organizations around the world focus on helping people everywhere to learn about their rights. In 2006 the UN Commissioner for Human Rights made the following statement, “Today, poverty prevails as the gravest human rights challenge in the world. Combating poverty, deprivation and exclusion is not a matter of charity, and it does not depend on how rich a country is. By tackling poverty as a matter of human rights obligation, the world will have a better chance of abolishing this scourge in our lifetime. Poverty eradication is an achievable goal.” Has anything been achieved since then?

MILFORD: The annual Light up a Memory ceremony takes place at Milford Care Centre this coming Sunday, December 11 at 6pm. The fund raising team invites everyone to attend for carol singing prior to the illumination of the tree, which will be followed by refreshments. The original Memory Tree in the grounds of the centre was recently felled due to natural decay, so an alternative tree located at the main entrance will now take its place. Lights can be sponsored for E5 each, and the tree will remain illuminated throughout the festive season until January 8, when a mass will be celebrated at 6pm as the lights are switched off. Contact Milford at 485859 or 485860 to place an order or to receive an order form.

TIDY TOWNS: Our last meeting of the year before the Christmas break was held on November 29, with more ideas for planting and other improvements for next year still being thrown around for discussion. Members also acknowledged the recent donation, which was received from the Community Council. Prior to the main focus, which was the arrangements for our Christmas night out, some members expressed their sadness and absolute disappointment, regarding the removal of some of the stones which had been laid only a few weeks previous, to provide a hard standing at the entrance to the lis ard. This contemptible activity flies in the face of all that we are trying to achieve to improve our surroundings to everyone’s benefit. On a more positive note, Friday of last week saw the arrival of pallet loads of kerbing stones at the area adjacent to the entrance to Shannon Development. We were absolutely delighted to discover that by early on Saturday afternoon, they had already been laid up as far as the entrance to the lis ard. This was the third piece of a jig-saw, which has brought long awaited completion to another project of ours, to add to the refurbishment of the wall, and the aforementioned recent provision of a parking and unloading area for vehicles. We would like to thank most sincerely, County Councillor Leonard Enright, and Dermot Lamb of the Croom Area Office for their efforts on our behalf, and for instigating another improvement to the village and the area in general. Finally, with Christmas only a few weeks away, we will be performing a lighting up ceremony of our festive tree at the shrine, this Friday, December 9 at 7-30pm. The school children have been especially invited, and will make their own contribution with festive music and song.

Rumour has it that Santa Clause will also be joining in the fun.

CHRISTMAS GREYHOUNDS: Successes for local owners brought an additional air of celebration, and financial reward for some of the patrons at the recently well attended Greyhound Benefit Night, which was hosted by the Community Council, as a fund raiser for the Community Development Fund. The first race was won by Holeinthewall owned by the dynamic trio of Louise Foley, Gloria O’Donnell and Niamh Geoghan, with race three being won by Ger Kearney’s Star Addition. Congratulations to you all, may your successes continue, and congratulations also to the winners of the well sponsored raffle prizes which were on offer.

Patrickswell news fo w/e r December 2nd.

2011-12-02T01:10:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend December 3-4, The Second Sunday in Advent Year B 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, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. This Friday, December 2 is First Friday and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them on Friday, please hand in their names 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 During the Saturdays of Advent, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Prayer Room, from 9am until 12noon.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service especially requires O+ donations this week, and donor clinics are being held at the Pastoral Resource Centre, Kilmallock, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 6 and 7 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, on Thursday December 8, 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 clinics in Castleconnell and Castletroy the week commencing December 12. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: Many thanks for your support and generosity at last weekend’s church gate collection, which was in aid of the Redemptorists’ Annual Christmas Poor Campaign.

VOLUNTEERING: If you have been thinking of volunteering, want an opportunity to make a difference, to feel needed and be enriched by the experience, why not come along to a Brothers of Charity Services, Limerick, information session and open day, for people interested in volunteering with the organisation in the Training Room, Lakeview, Bawnmore, Limerick between 10.00 a.m. and 12.30 on Tuesday, December 6. You will find you have skills and interests, which you can share to enhance the lives of adults with a learning disability in our services. If you are a walker, a listener, have a sense of fun, enjoy going to the cinema and are willing to partake in individual or group activities, come along and over a cup of tea or coffee you’ll be glad you took that first step. If you have any enquiries on this information session and open day, please feel free to ring Sean Gallagher, Volunteer Co-ordinator with the Brothers of Charity Services, Limerick at 061 487086 or 087 9817956.

CREDIT UNION: The Board of Directors of MPCC Credit Union would like to remind all members that the A.G.M. takes place on Tuesday, December 6 at 8pm, in Mungret-St. Paul’s GAA Club in Mungret. All members are invited and encouraged to attend, as you have the right to know about the Credit Union. Your questions and suggestions are therefore important and always welcome. Refreshments will be served and a draw for members in attendance will take place on the night.

GREYHOUND BUS: A bus will be available from Main Street, Patrickswell, for the Christmas Greyhound Racing Night at the Greyhound Stadium, Dock Road, this Friday December 2. It will leave the village at 7pm, with the return time to be arranged with the driver. The return fare is €5 per person, and to book a seat, contact the Resource Centre on 061-320303.

COFFEE AND CAKES: A Coffee Morning and Cake Sale, in aid of Patrickswell Community Playschool, will be held this Sunday, December 4, in the Cu Chulainn, commencing at 12-30pm, and your support would be greatly appreciated by all who use and run this community facility.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REGION INITIATIVE LAUNCH:

Duncan Stewart is to officially launch The West Limerick Sustainable Energy Region Initiative this Saturday, December 3, at 3pm in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West. This is National Pilot Initiative led by West Limerick Resources in co-operation with SEAI, to develop West Limerick into a Sustainable Energy Region. Speakers: Duncan Stewart, TV presenter on ECO EYE, Seamus Hoyne, LIT and Project Manager European SERVE Project, Pat Stephens, Limerick Clare Energy Agency, Tim Coffey, West Limerick Resources. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For further information, please contact Tim Coffey, Renewable Energy Development Officer, West Limerick Resources. Tel: 069 66296 or email tcoffey@wlr.ie

RAINBOWS PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMME:

The Rainbows Peer Support Programme for children grieving loss or separation has a number of places available for the following age group 6 to 10 years. This programme is planned to begin in January 2012 in Abbeyfeale. The response to the autumn session has resulted in a programme for the 10 - 12 age group being currently rolled out in Newcastle West. For further information, contact Dearbhla or Mary on 068 32444. Application forms available in West Limerick Resources in the Square Abbeyfeale.

WORLD DAYS: Saturday December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It aims to increase the understanding of the issues around disabilities, and to draw attention to and re-affirm the rights of people who live with disabilities, including their dignity and well- being. It also aims to increase the awareness of the gains for everybody if disabled persons are integrated into all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Patrickswell news for w/e November 25th

2011-11-25T02:45:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend November 26-27, The First Sunday in Advent, Year B, 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, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am mass on Sunday. 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

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, next Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29 and 30, from 6 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. There will be donor clinics in Kilmallock and Adare the week commencing December 5. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: Our final meeting of the year will be held this coming Tuesday, November 29, in the Cu Chulainn, commencing at 8pm, and all members are requested to attend.

COLLECTION: There will be a church gate collection at all masses this weekend,

in aid of the Redemptorists’ Annual Christmas Poor Campaign, for which you are asked to be as generous as possible.

“TEX”: The untimely passing of Jimmy O’Neill of Main Street, Patrickswell, only four weeks after the diagnosis of a serious illness, has come as a huge shock to his family, work colleagues at Grassland Fertilizers, Dock Road, and his many friends in Patrickswell. Known affectionately to many as “Tex”, Jimmy will be fondly remembered for the myriad human qualities he had, not least his wonderful singing voice and razor sharp wit, but above all, the fact that he was a gentle and sincere man in all aspects, indeed one of life’s very rare true gentlemen. He faced his illness with immense dignity and his trademark humour to the very end. Referring to the nickname Tex, his younger brother Charles finished his tribute to Jimmy thus, “Adios amigo, happy trails”.

COMMUNITY GAMES: The AGM of Crecora - Patrickswell Community Games was held recently and the following officers were elected for 2011-12. Chairman Noel Kennedy, Secretary Mike Heffernan, Treasurer Tom Moore, Assistant Treasurer Donal Duff, Assistant Secretary Anne O’Neill, PRO John Power. Committee, Mark Leahy, Anne Culhane, Ger Egan, Kieran Burke, Paddy O’Neill. The new season will be getting underway soon with the schools quiz and U15 Indoor Soccer for Boys and Girls. Anybody wishing to know what Community Games has to offer in the Crecora Patrickswell area should contact 086-1589256.

HONEYFITZ THEATRE: Dynamite Lyts is a youth theatre set up for 9-13 year olds, and rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 5 to 6-15pm at the Honey Fitz Theatre, Lough Gur. Dynamite Lyts will be staging their production of Kim Esop Wylie's "The Dullville Mystery" on Saturday and Sunday November 26 and 27 at 8pm. Dullsville is a town on the brink of terminal boredom. But when a crime of teenage angst explodes, the town is catapulted into an epic whodunit. Admission is €5 for adults and €3 for children. For bookings please contact the Honey Fitz Theatre on 061 385386 and 087 285 2022 or at the door on the night.

ALZHEIMER FUND RAISING: A gala concert in aid of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is being held at the University Concert Hall this coming Monday, November 28 at 8pm, admission 20Euro. A fund raising morning is being held at the Alzheimer Day Centre in Adare from 11am until 4pm, on Sunday December 4, which will include the usual stalls selling clothes, nearly new, bric-a-brac, cakes and books, and more.

CHRISTMAS GREYHOUNDS: Patrickswell Community Council is holding a fundraising greyhound race night, next Friday December 2, at the Limerick Greyhound Track. Tickets are €10 each which are available from any member of the Community Council, or from the Resource Centre. All proceeds will go towards the community development fund, which in time will provide a community centre for our village, and your support would be greatly appreciated. For further information contact the Resource Centre on 061-320303.

CRAFTY CORNER: We are going back to some of the craft skills, which we learned as children, such as sewing, knitting, and crochet. A weekly group, which we are calling Crafty Corner, will begin on Wednesday November 30 from 3-30 to 5pm. As the group is formed, we will have members of the group who are very experienced in some of the skills and will teach others, and we will have people attending who have none of the skills but want to learn something new, everyone is welcome. Why not join, there will be a cuppa and chat included. For further information contact Teresa at the Resource Centre on 061-320303.

CONGRATULATIONS: Patrickswell National School Parents’ Association would like to offer its congratulations to the boys’ team that won the Under 13 Schools’ Football final in the Gaelic Grounds recently, and also the girls’ team that also reached the Under 13 Schools’ Football final but unfortunately was not successful on this occasion. The following week, Patrice Lynch, Leah O’Carroll and Savannah Harty represented the school on the winning City Team of the Football Larkin Shield, and Josh Considine, Jason Gillian and Daniel Feasy were school representatives on the winning City Team of the Football Sarsfield Cup. Well done to all involved.

Patrickswell news for w/e November 18th.

2011-11-17T04:59:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend November 19-20, The Last Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Eimear Foley, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Joanne Tierney. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am mass on Sunday. 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 . Cemetery prayers will take place this Sunday after 12 o’clock mass.

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The fiftieth International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin next year, with the opening ceremony being celebrated on Sunday June 10, the Feast of Corpus Christi. The congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles to assist with the running of the event. If anyone is interested in getting involved, visit the website at www.iec2012.ie/volunteer.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the following locations in the coming week; Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastlewest on Monday and Tuesday November 21 and 22 from 6 to 9pm, and at St. John's Pavilion, Mulgrave Street, on Wednesday November 23 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. There will be donor clinics in Castletroy the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: The judges’ comments from the Limerick in Bloom competition are as follows; Superb roundabout with high display of flowers and grassed area, flower bed adjacent to roundabout is excellent, and provides a great introduction to the village. Grotto is very well presented, rich in landscaping, excellent displays across from the church, and raised up landscaping at entrance to Shannon Development. Marian Park Housing Estate is very well presented and colourful. School would benefit from some planting. These remarks are intended to assist us with our efforts and application next year. We were blessed with fine weather the last two weekends, which enabled us to carry out a few end of season jobs. The remaining flowers from the pots and tubs inside and outside of the shrine were removed and daffodil bulbs planted in their place. The planters on the roundabout, and the raised beds at the entrance to Shannon Development, are awaiting the arrival of winter flowering pansies and violas. The shrubs at the top end of the village opposite Lucey’s were trimmed and shaped, and the rose bed was also pruned. New daffodil bulbs ready for spring flowering have also been planted around the rose bed and in the grass triangle near the church.

HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARY: Special guest, Kevin Barry, will address a meeting at the Rathkeale House Hotel this Thursday November 17at 8.30pm which should prove to be a most interesting evening followed by music, song, story and the usual cup of tea. Proceeds are in aid of Knockfierna Historical Society and Rathkeale Town Action Group. All are welcome. For further details contact Pat O’Donovan 087 9977340 or Marion Hanley 087 9741387 or any member of RTAG. Admission is €5.

SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Patrickswell National School Parents’ Association would like to thank you for your support at the Church Gate collection last weekend.

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS: West Limerick Resources will be offering a short seminar on Employment Law for Community Groups in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West on Thursday November 24from 6.30-9.30pm.Delivered by Canavan Byrne, the seminar will cover a wide range of issues which community employers should be aware of in relation to personnel management, contracts and terms of employment. Admission free. Supported by West Limerick Resource under the Local and Community Development Programme. For further information contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie

COMMUNITY WORK PLACEMENT SCHEME: West Limerick Resources is now accepting applications from community organisations who wish to be considered for inclusion in the TUS initiative, which is a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. Participants will work for 19½ hours a week and the placement lasts 12 months. The organisations must provide good quality work opportunities that are of benefit to the community,

and there is a possibility that the scheme could be available in Patrickswell, if sufficient interest from community groups is forthcoming. It maybe possible for two or three groups to come together to provide enough work for the scheme to go ahead. Organisations with a proposed work placement should submit an expression of interest form including a detailed proposal on type of work along with the number of participants required. Tel: 069 77752/77753. Email: tus@wlr.ie . For more information see: www.wlr.ie/tus-programme

ARD SCOIL MHUIRE: Ard Scoil Mhuire FCJ will close next summer, and a booklet is being produced. The committee would welcome articles, memories etc. from past pupils and staff associated with the school over the years. Articles to be submitted before December 31 2011. Contact asmcommemorationcommittee@gmail.com or

K.Casey 390150 / 0863255958 or E.Hickey 382474 / 0872892606

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: The Parent and Toddler group meets on Thursday morning from 9:30 – 11:00am in the Resource House. Open to parents and pre-school children, the mornings include tea, coffee and a chat for parents, and play and nursery rhymes for the children. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 06962298 or call in on Thursday morning.

Patrickswell news for w/e November 11th

2011-11-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend November 12-13, The Thirty-Third 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, Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am mass for the remaining Sundays in November. 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 tomuirisoc@eircom.net

CEMETERY PRAYERS: Cemetery prayers will take place this Sunday November 13 in Kilkeedy after 11am mass in Ballybrown, and Sunday November 20 in Patrickswell after 12 o’clock mass.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the following locations in the coming week; Scoil Ide, Corbally on Monday November 14 from 6 to 9pm, the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, on Tuesday November 15 from 6 to 9pm, and at Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, on Thurday November 17 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 clinics in Newcastlewest and Mulgrave Street the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: As previously reported, the winners of this year’s Limerick in Bloom Competition in which there were fortysix entries, have been announced, and the judges comments which were received this week for Patrickswell are as follows; Superb roundabout with high display of flowers and grassed area, flower bed adjacent to roundabout is excellent, and provides a great introduction to the village. Grotto is very well presented, rich in landscaping, excellent displays across from the church, and raised up landscaping at entrance to Shannon Development. Marian Park Housing Estate is very well presented and colourful. School would benefit from some planting. These remarks are intended to assist us with our efforts and application next year. We were blessed with fine weather at the weekend, which enabled us to carry out a few end of season jobs. The remaining flowers from the pots and tubs inside and outside of the shrine were removed, as were the planters on the roundabout, and the raised beds at the entrance to Shannon Development. The shrubs at the top end of the village opposite Lucey’s were trimmed and shaped, and the rose bed was also pruned. New daffodil bulbs ready for spring flowering have also been planted at various locations. There are one or two more jobs outstanding, which we would like to clear up in the coming week, including the shrubbery adjacent to Centra, the hedging at the bus stop, and the shrubbery on the Limerick side of the roundabout.

GREYHOUND RACE NIGHT: Patrickswell Community Council is holding a fundraising greyhound race night on Friday December 2 at the Limerick Greyhound Track. Tickets are €10 each, and in the coming weeks, members of the Community Council will be calling to your doors selling tickets for the event. Tickets will also be available from the Resource Centre. All proceeds will go towards the community development fund, which in time will provide a community centre for our village, and your support is greatly appreciated. For further information contact the Resource Centre on 061-320303.

THANK YOU: Limerick Lions Club would like to thank the parishioners of Patrickswell and Ballybrown for their very generous response to the collection of discarded spectacles and are still open to receiving more. One hundred and fifty pairs were received and these will be recycled for use in the Third World.

FLOWER AND GARDEN CLUB: Maigue Flower and Garden Club are holding their Christmas Gala afternoon at the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, this Sunday November 13 at 3pm with floral artists Geraldine Foley and Mary Joe Murphy.

HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARY: Due to the forthcoming hundredth anniversary of the 1916/1922 era interest is increasing in this period of our history. Special guest Kevin Barry from Co. Carlow, nephew of Kevin Barry the 18 year old medical student who was hung in Mountjoy Jail Nov 1^st. 1920 will be guest speaker at Rathkeale House Hotel Thursday night Nov 17^th. 8.30pm. On a previous visit to the Rambling House in Knockfierna some year’s back Kevin had with him letters written by Kevin Barry on the eve of his hanging and also the prayer book which he signed prior to walking to the gallows. This should prove to be a most interesting evening followed by music, song, story and the usual cup of tea. Proceeds in aid of Knockfierna Historical Society and Rathkeale Town Action Group. All are welcome. For further details contact Pat O’Donovan 087 9977340 or Marion Hanley 087 9741387 or any member of RTAG. Adm. €5.

SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Patrickswell National School Parents’ Association will hold their annual Church Gate collection this weekend, Saturday and Sunday November 12 and 13. Our fund raising events this year will be towards the cost of replacing PE equipment, and for new science equipment. Thank you for your support.

ZUMBA CLASSES: A five week series of Zumba classes will start in Patrickswell GAA Hall on Monday November14. Starting at 11am, the classes are free for anyone in receipt of Social Welfare payments and are supported by County Limerick Local Sports Partnership and West Limerick Resources. To book a place, contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 06966298 or text 0872298204.

COMPUTER CLASSES: Volunteer - led beginners computer classes are being offered in Patrickswell Resource House. Classes will run for 6 weeks, 1 hour per week, and are free to those in receipt of Social Welfare payments including pension. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 069 66298 to book a place.

Patrickswell news for w/e November 4th

2011-11-03T12:34:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend November 5-6, The Thirty-Second 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, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. This Friday, November 4 is First Friday and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them on Friday, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. There will also be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am mass each Sunday in November. The rota for eucharistic ministers to the end of December has been distributed by email, and copies are also available from the sacristy.

CEMETERY PRAYERS: The arrangements for cemetery prayers are as follows; this Sunday, November 6 in Clounanna after 12 o’clock mass, Sunday November 13 in Kilkeedy after 11am mass, and Sunday November 20 in Patrickswell after 12 o’clock mass.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: 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

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at the Southcourt Hotel, Raheen Roundabout next Wednesday, November 9, 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. There will be donor clinics in Corbally, Caherdavin and Dromcollogher the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: The winners of this year’s Limerick in Bloom Competition were announced at the award ceremony in the council chamber of County Hall last Wednesday evening. We are delighted to announce that Patrickswell was awarded second place out nine entries in the category for populations over seven hundred. Many thanks obviously too numerous to mention, to all who helped in any way, during the year, in bringing that accolade to the community. Our final project for the year was brought to fruition last week, with the completion of a hard standing to facilitate the vehicles using the gate at the entrance to the lis ard. Many thanks to Michael McSweeney and Tony Quinn for their assistance in bringing about another improvement to a satisfactory conclusion.

GAA: On Thursday November 24, the club will host a play called "The Pitch." Written by Academy award winning screenwriter Shane Connaughton. Tickets for this event will cost €10 and are available from any club committee member.

GOLF SOCIETY: The curtain came down on our Society golfing season last Saturday with Tony O’Neill’s Captain’s prize being held in Waterford Castle Golf Club. Tony has had a very successful year as captain with big attendances at every outing during the year. Even though the weather turned very nasty on the day it didn’t dampen the spirits of the very good attendance once again that turned out for the competition. A special word of thanks to the Nolan brothers, Benny and Frankie, for their very generous sponsorship on the day and also thanks to Mick Naughton for his sponsorship of the bus for the day. Congratulations to Brian Murray on his triumph on the day, as this was his second year in a row winning the Captain’s Prize.
The results were as follows,1st Brian Murray 37points (b9), 2nd Kieran Darcy 37points, 3rd Gerry Molyneaux 33points, Gross Timmie Sheehan, 5th Jimmy Mc.Carthy 32points, 6th Padraig Mann 32points,7th Dessie Foley 32points, 8th Liam Quinlan 31points, 9th Cian Harrington 31points,10th Gerry Murray 32points.
The Golfer of the Year prize was won by Padraig Mann. This prize is given to the most consistent golfer over all the years’outings. Well do Pa. Once again we would like to thank all our sponsors over the year. The society realises that in the present financial climate all businesses are finding it tough going, and you are fully deserving of all our support in your commercial ventures. Well done to all our members who turned out in such great numbers in all the outings throughout the year. Looking forward to seeing you all in 2012.

BOXERCISE: Boxercise classes take place every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm in Mungret GAA hall. All are welcome. Contact John On 087-9115411 for more information.

UNISLIM: A Unislim class takes place in the GAA hall, on Wednesdays from 6-15 to 7-15pm. Contact Lynda O’Mahoney on 087-9934489.

ROAD SAFETY: Now that the evenings get darker earlier, after the clocks going back an hour, it is important for walkers and cyclists to make themselves visible to other road users at all times. Walkers are urged to wear high visibility coats or jackets and carry a torch. Cyclists should make sure their front and rear lights are in working order, and also wear high visibility clothing. Equally, drivers should be on their guard for cyclists and walkers.

TUS: A community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people is now available, and there is a possibility that the scheme could be available in Patrickswell, if sufficient interest from community groups is forthcoming. It maybe possible for two or three groups to come together to provide enough work for the scheme to go ahead. More information is available from Mike McSweeney, chairperson of the community council.

Patrickswell news for w/ October 28th

2011-10-27T06:34:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend October 29-30, The Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm James McCarthy, Sunday at 10am Ann Higgins, Sunday at 12noon Frances Lynch. Eucharistic Ministers,Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Listed readers for the month of November are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Eimear Foley, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Joanne Tierney.

ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS: Tuesday November 1 is the Feast of All Saints, and a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be at 7pm on Monday at 10am on Tuesday. Wednesday November 2 is the Feast of All Souls, the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed with masses at 9-30am and 7pm.

SUMMERTIME ENDS

An extra hour in bed for us all this weekend as summertime officially ends in the early hours of Sunday morning. You are reminded to put all your timepieces, chronometers, and clockwork and digital apparatus back by one hour before you retire on Saturday.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at Ceol Corbrai Hall, Glin, on Tuesday November 1 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 a donor clinic in Raheen the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: We were overwhelmed by the response to our table quiz last Friday, which will surely be remembered as a quiz night with a difference, for several reasons. There were twentyone tables in attendance, keenly answering a range of questions compiled by Ciaran Crowe, with the illustrious P.J.O’Grady once again as the indefatigable question master, keeping the show on the road, and injecting proceedings with his own brand of humour and comments. Anne Ronan kept a cool head collating all the scores. P.J. was given a well deserved standing ovation on his recent retirement, after thirty eight years in the Ambulance Service. Proceedings were also interrupted by Liam Foley’s family who were waiting in the wings to surprise him with happy sixtieth birthday greetings, complete with a celebratory cake and candles. There was no truth in the rumour that the fire brigade were on standby outside. Christy Murphy very generously sponsored cash prizes for the winning team, and due to the generosity of the business community in Patrickswell, and other friends and supporters, we were able to present prizes for the quiz to four placings, a rare occurrence. There was also a fantastic range of generously donated spot prizes on offer. When order was finally restored, after the interruptions, Liam’s birthday celebrations continued into the early hours, with music, singing and dancing aplenty. It was indeed a quiz night with a difference. We would like to thank just everybody and anybody who contributed in any and every way, to make it such a successful and enjoyable occasion.

RESOURCE CENTRE: The Resource Centre continues to be a thriving hub of activity every week, providing its normal range of activities and services to the community. A number of additional classes are scheduled to be added as of next month, which are sure to generate a lot of interest. On Mondays, a seven week course entitled, Recession Busting Christmas Cooking, will take place from 7-30 to 9-30 pm, which will teach creative cooking on a budget. A flower arranging class begins on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm, which will give participants the opportunity to create their own beautiful flower displays. Then on Wednesday November 9, a three week daytime computer class begins, which will cover Skype, online banking and social media. For further information on any of the courses contact Teresa at the Resource Centre on 061-320303 or e-mail patrickswellcrc@gmail.com

CONOR MURRAY: There were lively and good natured scenes at the Dark Horse last Thursday night, where a reception hosted by Patrickswell Community Council, was held to honour local sportsman Conor Murray, on his return from the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Presentations were made to Conor on behalf of the community by Michael McSweeney, chairperson of the Community Council, who congratulated Conor on his achievement, and for the honour he has brought to his parish representing his country in such a prestigious competition, at such an early stage in his rugby career. Conor then agreed to have photographs taken with all in attendance, as a memento of the occasion.

RAMBLING HOUSE: The Knockfierna Rambling House comes to the Ballintemple Inn, Newcastlewest this Friday October 28 at 8.30pm. All are welcome for a night of music, song and story not to be missed, and admission is 5euro. Details from Pat O’Donovan, 087 9977340.

LOUGH GUR: Don't miss this weekend’s mix of traditional music, storytelling and folklore in Lough Gur. Events include Rambling House unique blend of traditional music, Miriam Lambert puppeteer, Paul Malone comedian and musician, Little John Nee and guests, Sean Tyrell, John Carew, poet, County Limerick Youth Theatre open Mic and Lough Gur amateur dramatic society performing ‘Wedding night blues’….a hilarious one act by Jimmy Keary. Other events include a mystery bus tour, stories and folklore in the Heritage Centre and a guided walk of Lough Gur. There are also gardening classes with Marie Tuttle based in the Honeyfitz Theatre, Lough Gur, on Thursdays from 10am – 12.30 up until December 8. An arts and crafts workshop will be held on Saturday November 19 from11am until 1pm which is suitable for children aged four and upwards. A fun and creative morning including making your own greeting cards and painting, for 5euro per child. Contact 087 285 2022 and 061 385386 and website www.loughgur.com for more details.

Patrickswell news for w/e October 21st.

2011-10-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend October 22-23, The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm James McCarthy, Sunday at 10am Ann Higgins, Sunday at 12noon Frances Lynch. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

MISSIONS SUNDAY: This Sunday is Missions Sunday, when our help is needed both by prayer and financially to support spiritually and practically those communities less fortunate than ourselves, and to express our unity with Christian communities everywhere, “Together in faith”.

GOLF SOCIETY: The Golfer of the Year title race is very close, with just nine points separating the top four. The title will be decided at the Captain’s Prize competition, which will be held in Waterford Castle Golf Club this Saturday October 22.The top four players involved are; Padraig Mann on 182, Frankie Nolan180, Ger Considine 178, and Liam Quinlan 173. In order to win the Golfer of the Year, members must play in the Captain’s Prize. There will be a free bus running in conjunction with the Captain’s Prize on Saturday, and will be leaving the Cu Chulainn at 7am sharp. Seats are limited so please contact Kieran Darcy if you want to travel on the bus. Early booking is advisable. In Saturday’s competition, there will be the usual array of prizes and also some novelty prizes. One of the novelty prizes will be for the “ Best Turned out Golfer”, so all you “fashionistas” get your sartorial elegance sorted to be in with a chance to win this valuable prize.

TIDY TOWNS: We are looking forward to our table quiz, which takes place this Friday, commencing at 9pm in the Cu Chulainn. This is always an enjoyable and entertaining occasion, and your continued support would be graciously appreciated. Christmas cards with the photograph of the shrine will also be available to purchase on the night. Members had hoped to have the results of the Limerick in Bloom competition in time for quiz night, but they will not be known until next week, when they are announced at the award ceremony in the council chamber at County Hall on Wednesday October 26 at 7pm. We will inform you of the outcome in the weekly newsletter the following weekend.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, this coming Monday, October 24 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 a donor clinic in Glin the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

ART COMPETITION: MPCC Credit Union is delighted to announce the 2011 Credit Union art competition. All budding local artists are invited to submit entries for this year's Credit Union National Art Competition illustrating the theme “Ireland through my eyes”. Now in its 28th yea, the competition attracts up to 50,000 entries through 300 credit unions nationwide and caters for all ages with categories ranging from under 7 to over 18 years of age. MPCC Credit Union is inviting anybody in the locality with an interest in art to enter. Entry forms are available in the following local schools, Patrickswell N.S, St. Paul’s N.S, Ballybrown N.S, Crecora N.S, Educate Together Mungret, St. Nessan’s N.S and Crescent College Comprehensive. Closing date for entries is Friday, November 4. Entry forms are also available in the offices of MPCC Credit Union. Please contact MPCC Credit Union at 061 424555 for details. Further information is also available on www.creditunionart.ie

COMPUTER CLASSES: Volunteer-led beginners computer classes are being offered in Patrickswell Resource House. Classes will run for 6 weeks, 1 hour per week and are free to those in receipt of social welfare payments including pension. Contact Irene, in West Limerick Resources at 069 66298 to book a place.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: The Rural Development Programme, also known as LEADER, is designed to target resources to support improvements to the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy. Funding is available for a wide range of community enhancement and enterprise development projects and supports. For more information visit: http://www.wlr.ie/rural-development-programme or call 069 62222.

BOXERCISE: Boxercise classes take place every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm in Mungret GAA hall. All are welcome. Contact John On 087-9115411 for more information.

UNISLIM: A Unislim class takes place in the GAA hall, on Wednesdays from 6-15 to 7-15pm. Contact Lynda O’Mahoney on 087-9934489.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS: The Irish Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to drive patients to and from hospital. Information sessions are being held in the Absolute Hotel, on Tuesday November 8 at 11-30am and 1pm.To register call Gail on 01-2310566, or email gflinter@irishcancer.ie

Patrickswell news for w/e October 7th.

2011-10-04T05:02:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend October 8-9, The Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm James McCarthy, Sunday at 10am Ann Higgins, Sunday at 12noon Frances Lynch. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. This Friday, October 7 is First Friday and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Community Centre, Caherconlish, on Monday October 10 from 6 to 9pm, and at the South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, on Wednesday October 12, 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. There will be donor clinics in Castletroy the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: Patrickswell Parent and Toddler Group meets every Thursday morning from 9.30am - 11.00am in Patrickswell Community Resource Centre. It is a great opportunity for parents to relax, enjoy a cuppa, and chat to other parents while their child enjoys fun and games with children of their own age. The group is open to pre-school children and their parents, and new members are very welcome at any time. For information contact Irene 069-66298.

CRAFTY CORNER: If you are interested in forming a Crafty Corner Group in Patrickswell to share skills including knitting, sewing, embroidery, crochet and other skills which can be used in the home, or if you would like the enjoyment of a craft making class, then it is hoped that an informal group would meet once per week on an ongoing basis and learn from each other. For details please contact Teresa in the Community Resource Centre on 061-320303, or e-mailpatrickswellcrc@gmail.com.

HORSE SPORT INFORMATION EVENING: West Limerick Resources will host an information evening for those currently, or interested in becoming, involved in the Horse Sport Sector, but not including the horse racing sector. Providing information on the funding and supports available, speakers on the night will include representatives from West Limerick Resources, Horse Sport Ireland and Teagasc. Representatives of Shannon Development will also be present. Venue: The Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West. Date: Thursday, October 6 at 7.30pm. Admission Free. All are Welcome. Contact: Morgan Boohan on 069 66290 or email mboohan@wlr.ie

OBITUARY: The death is sadly announced of John Bourke, formerly of Rathmore and Kilderry, Crecora, last remaining brother of May Mullane of Killonahan, Patrickswell. John and his brother Frank, deceased, and their sisters, Alice, deceased, Kitty and Teresa, all emigrated to England in 1954, on the day that May’s daughter Mary was born. For many years he enjoyed his holidays back to his home country, visiting sometimes twice a year, and in particular would always pay a visit to their father Jim Bourke’s grave in Croom, and to Dempsey’s bar in Meanus for a pint of plain and a small one. It was only in recent years that he had to give up driving due to the onset of ill health, and then his younger son Sean took over the driving, for the holidays to continue, from which John derived so much pleasure and enjoyment. Whenever he visited Killonahan, he would always walk to the top of the hill, and breathe in deep lungs full of air, with the comment, “ This air is like wine, you don’t get air like this where I am in England”. It was as if he was taking enough air in to last him until his next visit. His most recent visit, which was in June of this year, was unfortunately to be his last. He is survived by his devoted wife Winnie, nee Kelly of Monaghan, sons Noel and Sean, daughter Bernadette, and remaining sisters, and an extended family of loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bealtaine chuid eile dá anam i síocháin. Bás fhágann croí aching féidir aon duine a leigheas, duilleoga grá cuimhne féidir aon duine a ghoid.

TIDY TOWNS: We are happy to report that the remaining beds and containers are still providing a welcome show of colour, even as October is now upon us, and another year of activity draws to a close. There may be an opportunity later to cut the grass for the last time, and also to trim shrubs and hedges. We also wait with eager anticipation for the announcement of when the Limerick in Bloom awards will take place. Finally we would like to invite everyone to our annual table quiz, which will take place on Friday October 21^st, in the Cu Chulainn, commencing at 9pm. A table of four is still only 20euro, which is great value for what is always an enjoyable and fun filled evening. We look forward to seeing you there.

BOXERCISE: Boxercise classes take place every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm in Mungret GAA hall. All are welcome. Contact John On 087-9115411 for more information.

WORLD HOSPICE DAY: This Saturday, October 8, is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The theme for World Day 2011 is, "Many diseases, many lives, many voices - palliative care for non-communicable conditions". The day celebrates and supports hospice and palliative care around the world, and will focus on how people living with conditions which are not infectious can benefit from palliative care.

As well as as a vision to increase the availability of hospice and palliative care throughout the world, it also aims to raise awareness and understanding of the various needs, including medical, social, practical, and spiritual, of people living with a life limiting illness and their families.

Patrickswell news for w/e September 30th.

2011-09-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend October 1-2, The Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm James McCarthy, Sunday at 10am Ann Higgins, Sunday at 12noon Frances Lynch. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

HOLY LAND: Members of the Prayer Group embark on their long awaited pilgrimage to the Holy Land this weekend, and all good wishes go with them for a safe journey, and for an enjoyable and memorable time together. May they find it a truly rewarding and spiritually uplifting experience.

COLLECTION: Many thanks for your contributions to last weekend’s church gate collection. The total raised for the Brothers of Charity Services was 630Euro.

PHILOMENA O’BRIEN R.I.P: There was a large attendance at the removal of the remains of Philomena O’Brien on Friday evening, and again at her funeral mass in Patrickswell Church on Saturday. Known to all and sundry as Philly, she was the Parish Clerk in Patrickswell Church for the past twentythree years, and she carried out her duties there conscientiously and with great dedication during that period of time. She travelled up and down to church on her bicycle in all sorts of weather, making sure that the church was open and ready for whatever was happening, a wedding, funeral, baptism, parish mission, daily or Sunday masses. Philly could always be relied on to be there, and her death is a great loss to the parish, but first and foremost to her family of course. We offer our sympathy to her husband Matty, her sons Mike, Matthew and Terence, daughters Bridget and Catherine, her sisters Mary and Theresa, and all her extended family. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis agus leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aici.

HARVEST FAIR: The Harvest Fair, which was deferred last weekend as a mark of respect to the late Philly O’Brien, will now take place this Sunday, October 2, in the grassed area of Marian Park, from 2-6pm. There will be a variety of stalls, a barbecue, and children’s entertainment. If anyone has any items or goods to donate for any of the stalls including home baking, home made preserves, books, plants, or garden produce, it would be greatly appreciated. It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family, and everyone is cordially invited to attend. All support will be greatly appreciated. If anyone is interested in booking a stall, or for further information, please contact Teresa at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre on 061-320303, or e-mail patrickswellcrc@gmail.com

SCRAP STURDAY: The free collection and disposal service for all your unwanted scrap, which is being operated by the GAA as a fund raiser for the club, takes place this Saturday October 1. The collection will operate from the car park at the clubhouse from 9am until 5pm.

BOXERCISE: Boxercise classes take place every Wednesday evening from 7-8 pm in Mungret GAA Hall. The first class is free. For more information contact John on 087-9115411.

GOLF SOCIETY: We held our penultimate outing in Charleville last weekend, and once again Mother Nature was very kind to us with some lovely sunshine. Our turnout was very good with 44 members taking part. No doubt all of these players had one eye on our upcoming Captain’s Prize, which will be held in Waterford Castle Golf Club on Saturday October 22. The scoring was very tight as will be seen from the results. A special word of thanks to Gerry Ryan, on securing the sponsorship for the day from Tara Oil Limerick. The results of the outing were as follows;
1^st Dessie Foley 36points(B3), 2^nd Ger Considine 36points(B9), 3^rd Liam Quinlan 36points(B9), 4^th Kieran Carroll 36points, 5^th Gerry McDermott 35points (B9), 6^th Jimmy McCarthy 35points. Front 9 Dara Shanahan 18points, Back 9 Daire Bucke 19points. As places on the Time Sheet for the Captain’s Prize will be limited, it is very important to respond quickly to the text you will receive from our Secretary, Gerry Molyneaux.

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION: Those wishing to learn how to access services for those with Learning Difficulties and Special Educational Needs are invited to drop into an information evening that will take place in the Newcastle West Community Centre, on Thursday October 6from 2-8pm. Featuring a range of locally based services and voluntary support groups, it is open to parents, guardians, teachers and students who have an interest in special educational needs. Children are welcome to attend, as entertainment will be available at the event. For further information contact Theresa on 069 79113.

GET FIT DANCE CLASSES: Get Fit Dance classes have started in Patrickswell GAA Hall on Mondays, and will run for 8 weeks from 8-9 pm. Free to those in receipt of social welfare payments, these classes are supported by County Limerick Local Sports Partnership & West Limerick Resources. To book a place, phone or text Irene on 0872298204.

BASIC COMPUTER CLASSES: Basic computer classes will be offered to people in receipt of Social Welfare payments starting this September. Taught by volunteer tutors and running over six week courses for 1½ hours per week in Patrickswell, this initiative aims to help people increase their confidence and ability to use computers and the internet. Participants will only be asked to pay a nominal charge to cover venue hire. For further information or to book a place contact Irene at West Limerick Resources at 069 66298.

Patrickswell news for w/e September 23rd

2011-09-21T08:53:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend September 24-25, The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 10am Joe Tierney, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell.

Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Readers for the month of October are as follows, Saturday at 7pm James McCarthy, Sunday at 10am Ann Higgins, Sunday at 12noon Frances Lynch. The new rota for Eucharistic Ministers to the end of October, is now available from the sacristy.

COLLECTION: There will be a church gate collection at all masses this weekend in aid of the Brothers of Charity Services.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the

Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy on Tuesday September 27 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Community Centre, Askeaton, on Wednesday September 28 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: The extreme gale force conditions of last week, forced us to remove the hanging baskets, and clear the wall at the roundabout somewhat earlier than anticipated. This was primarily as a matter of safety, but some had indeed taken a real battering and were beyond recovery. It was a pity really because there was still some great colour in them. However, the containers and beds are still doing quite well. There will be meeting in the Cu Chulainn this Tuesday, September 27^thcommencing at 8pm, and all are asked to attend.

HARVEST FAIR: The Harvest Fair, which is in aid of the Patrickswell Community Development Fund takes place this Sunday September 25 from 2 to 6pm in the grassed area in Marian Park. There will be a variety of stalls including home baking and home made preserves, books, plants, and craft items. There will also be children's entertainment, a barbeque, and much, much more. It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family, and everyone is cordially invited to attend. All support will be greatly appreciated. If anyone is interested in booking a stall, or for further information, please contact Teresa at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre on 061-320303, or e-mail patrickswellcrc@gmail.com.

SCRAP STURDAY: There is only one week left for you to clean up your home, farmyard or business premises, and bring all your unwanted scrap to Patrickswell GAA grounds on Saturday October 1 for the free collection and disposal service which is operating on that day, to raise funds for the club. For health and safety reasons, and to comply with various statutory regulations, some items cannot be accepted. Posters and leaflets with a full list of acceptable and non acceptable items have been distributed locally, together with a list of club members who can be contacted to arrange collection if necessary. The collection will operate from the car park at the clubhouse from 9am until 5pm.

CREDIT UNION:

The Board of MPCC Credit Union wish to advise all members that the Mungret office will be closing for renovations from 12 noon on September 24 until further notice. During this period the offices in Dooradoyle, Patrickswell & Ballybrown/Clarina will be open as normal. Details of these opening hours and contact details can be found on the credit union’s website www.mpcccreditunion.ie or its Facebook Page. You can also phone MPCC on 061 424555 for further details. The Patrickswell office will be open as normal on Friday afternoons from 2 – 7pm. It is anticipated that the closure will last approximately three months but it will be well worth the wait when the fully refurbished and modernised office re-opens in Mungret. The Board of Directors wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused to its members.

WOMEN’S MINI MARATHON: This year’s Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon is being run on Sunday October 16, commencing at 2pm. The eight kilometre or five mile course will again be around the campus of the University of Limerick. The event, which has been Limerick based since 1998, is a fantastic opportunity for participants to raise money for their chosen charity. An entry in the region of four thousand is again anticipated from all over Ireland. On line entry is now available atwww.limerickmarathon .com The entry fee is again €15 up until October 2, and €20 for late entries thereafter. Entry forms are also available from the Limerick Leader offices at 54 O’Connell Street, or Limerick Live 95fm at Radio House, Dock Road. County Limerick Local Sports Partnership is offering training at various locations across the county, visit their website at www.cllsp.ie. Information is also available

on the Limerick Mini Marathon Facebook page.

WORLD DAYS: Next Monday, September 26 is the European Day of Languages, promoted to encourage people to take up a new language, and understand the cultural diversities which exist. There are around two hundred and twenty five languages alone in Europe, which is roughly three per cent of the world’s total. As far as foreign language studies are concerned, English is currently the most popular foreign language in Europe, followed by German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian. Tuesday September 27 is given over to the celebration of World Tourism by the United Nations to raise awareness on the role of tourism, and how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. Wednesday September 28 is World Rabies Day, and takes place each year on the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, who was instrumental in developing the first efficacious rabies vaccine. World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on humans and animals, provide information and advice on how to prevent the disease, and how individuals and organizations can help eliminate the main global sources.

Patrickswell news for w/e September 16th.

2011-09-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend September 17-18, The Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 10am Joe Tierney, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Fr. Casey G.A.A. Pavillion, Abbeyfeale on Monday and Tuesday September 19 and 20 from 6 to 9pm, the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, Caherdavin, on Wednesday September 21 from 6 to 9pm, and the Community Centre, Pallasgreen, on Thursday September 22 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 clinics in Castletroy and Askeaton the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

COLLECTION: The church gate collection in aid of the Brothers of Charity Services, will be held next weekend, September 24/25, and not this weekend as previously publicised. Apologies for the error.

HARVEST FAIR: The Harvest Fair, which is in aid of the Patrickswell Community Development Fund will take place on Sunday September 25 from 2 to 6pm in the grassed area in Marian Park. There will be a variety of stalls including home baking and home made preserves, books, plants, and craft items. Donation of items for any of these stalls will be gratefully received, and can be left at the Resource House during the week. There will also be children's entertainment, a barbeque, and much, much more. It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family, and everyone is cordially invited to attend. All support will be greatly appreciated. If anyone is interested in booking a stall, or for further information, please contact Teresa at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre on 061-320303, or e-mail patrickswellcrc@gmail.com.

45 DRIVE: The weekly Progressive 45 Drive has re-commenced on Thursdays at 9pm sharp, in the Community Resource Centre, and all are welcome.

COFFEE MORNING: The coffee morning which was jointly hosted by the Friday Club, and the Active Retirement Association in aid of the famine victims of Somalia, was extremely well supported, and representatives of both organisations wish to convey their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their generosity and patronage. It was a very enjoyable social occasion with plenty of chat over a cup of tea or coffee, and an abundance of delicious homemade fare on offer to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Together with donations received, the event raised in excess of E1600, which is a magnificent result, and sincere thanks to all for supporting the event.

SCRAP STURDAY: There are only two weekends remaining for you to clean up your home, farmyard or business premises, and bring all your unwanted scrap to Patrickswell GAA grounds on Saturday October 1 for the free collection and disposal service which is operating on that day, to raise funds for the club. For health and safety reasons, and to comply with various statutory regulations, some items cannot be accepted. Posters and leaflets with a full list of acceptable and non acceptable items have been distributed locally, together with a list of club members who can be contacted to arrange collection if necessary. The collection will operate from the car park at the clubhouse from 9am until 5pm.

WORLD PEACE DAY: The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, occurs annually on September 21, and is dedicated to peace, and specifically the absence of war, and first took place in 1981. To inaugurate the day, the Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters in New York City. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the United Nations Association of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."Some people also recognise the day by wearing white peace dove emblems. The significance of the day is even more poignant in the wake of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 atrocities.
NEW SLIMMING CLASS: A Unislim class has commenced in Patrickswell on Wednesday evenings from 630 unti 730pm in the GAA Hall. There is no joining fee, just pay weekly. All are welcome. Contact Lynda on 07- 993449.
ALZHEIMER’S DAY: World Alzheimer’s day takes place on Wednesday September 21, to raise awareness of the condition, and to promote support for sufferers and their carers. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning, and at the moment, is progressive and irreversible. The theme for the day is “Faces of dementia”. The emblem of the Irish Alzheimer’s Society is the forget-me-not, accompanied by the slogan, “remember those who cannot”. The National Help Line is 1-00- 341341. The Mid West Regional Office is at George’s Quay, Tel 061- 312605, and there is a Day Care Centre and Support Group at Kilmurry Court, Garryowen, Tel 061- 313456.

COMMITTEE SKILLS TRAINING: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with County Limerick’s VEC Community Education Programme will offer Committee Skills Training to eight community groups in the West Limerick area on a pilot basis this September. This interactive training initiative will build on existing knowledge and experience and cover topics such as Best Practice and Good Governance for Community Groups, Positive Teamwork, Setting and Achieving Goals and Effective Leadership and Problem Solving. Training will be delivered over four weeks, one night per week (2.5hrs per night) with the option of an additional one-off training session for each participating group in their local community, focusing on a particular topic or issue identified by the group. The course starts on Tuesday September 27, and limited places are available. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie

Patrickswell news for w/e September 9th

2011-09-09T02:24:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend September 10-11, The Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 10am Joe Tierney, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. A loop system has been installed in the church to assist those who are hard of hearing. Parts of the new Roman Missal will be introduced at all masses this weekend.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTIONS: Many thanks for your generous donations to last weekend’s church gate collection, which was in aid of the Disabled Drivers Association. There will be a collection next weekend in aid of the Brothers of Charity Services, and your continued generous support would be greatly appreciated.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at Scoil Dean Cussen in Bruff, on Wednesday September 14 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 clinics in Abbeyfeale and Caherdavin, the week commencing September 19. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: Our first meeting since March was held on Tuesday August 30, and very well attended. There was general agreement that the floral displays, beds, baskets and containers this year were the best for some time. They are still providing a welcome burst of colour throughout the village, which hopefully will continue for some time yet, even though the autumnal harbingers are already present with foliage changing colour, a change in temperatures generally, and the nights closing in. The recent sponsorship from MPCC Credit Union has been a great lift, and was the subject of much conversation, with all in agreement that it was a wonderful gesture, and for the work and success of the group to be recognised in such a way. Ideas were forthcoming for a winter planting scheme, and there was no shortage of ideas either for next year. We will be holding our annual table quiz sometime in October, and look forward to your continued support.

PARENTS AND TODDLERS: The Parent and Toddler Group is restarting on Thursday September 8 at 9.30am in the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre, and will meet every Thursday from 9.30am - 11.00am. The group is open to pre-school children and their parents, and new members are very welcome at any time. For information contact Irene 069-66298.

COMPUTER CLASSES: A six week course of computer classes for beginners will commence at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre on Tuesday September 13 at 3pm. The cost is €10 for those in receipt of social welfare payments, including Pension, Job Seekers Benefit/Allowance, Disability Benefit, Carers Benefit and Lone Parents). The sessions will be taught by volunteer computer tutors and classes will be provided on a maximum ratio of one tutor to three students. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources to book your place 069-66298.

ARTS AND CRAFTS:

A day time arts and crafts course will commence at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre in Mid-September. Dates have yet to be confirmed, for further information contact Teresa 061-320303.

HARVEST FAIR: A Harvest Fair will take place on Sunday September 25 from 2 to 6pm in the grassed area in Marian Park. There will be stalls selling different items such as; cakes, books and plants, and there will be children's entertainment, a barbeque, and much, much more. It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family, and all proceeds are in aid of the Patrickswell Community Development Fund. If anyone is interested in booking a stall or require any further information, contact Teresa at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre on 061-320303, or e-mail patrickswellcrc@gmail.com.

ATTENTION ALL SLIMMERS: A new Unislim class has commenced in Patrickswell GAA Hall, on Wednesdays from 630 to 730pm. There is no joining fee, just pay weekly. All are welcome. Contact Lynda, 087-9934489.

ART CLASSES: Art classes resume with Bobby Ryan in the Honeyfitz Theatre, Lough Gur on Monday September 26 for beginners, and Wednesday September 28 for more experienced artists. The course is for eight weeks. All welcome. Contact 087 2852022 for more details. www.loughgur.com

ZUMBA: Zumba classes have started again in Patrickswell GAA Hall on Tuesdays from 8 to 9pm. For the uninitiated, Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system. For further information please contact Cathriona Murphy on 087 3261989.

COFFEE MORNING: Ireland’s biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Hospice Services is taking place next Thursday, September 15, with Milford Hospice and Care Centre being the beneficiary for the Mid West Region. If you would like to organise a coffee morning in your place of work for example, or with friends and neighbours at home, it is very simple. To register for Coffee Morning, simply download the Coffee Morning Registration Form alternatively e-mail: coffeemorning@milfordcarecentre.ie or telephone the Fundraising Team at 061 485 758. The national target is to raise €2 million.

SHOW RESULTS: The artistic flair, culinary skills and gardening expertise of the locality continues to flourish, with several entrants featuring among the prize winners in various competitions at Limerick Show. In the Horticultural Section, Maire Tully’s sweet peas gained her a second, and Liz Wheeler was placed third for a pot plant in flower and a window box. Patsy Quinn had a second and a very highly commended in the decorative section, and Michael O’Mara gained a second for his courgettes. Marie Wheeler was very highly commended and also had a first in the decorative section, and she was also the winner of the Ballinacurra Cup. In the Craft Section, Eileen O’Brien was placed second for her painted plate, and Deanne O’Brien was placed second in one of the photography classes. Maura Tully’s tea scones gained her a first in the Adult Cookery Section, followed by a second for her pot of blackcurrant jam. Congratulations to you all.

Patrickswell news for w/e August 26th

2011-08-26T06:09:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend August 27-28, The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Michael Punch. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Listed readers for the month of September are as follows; Saturday at 7pm Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 10am Joe Tierney, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter for the first weekend in September should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am on Friday September 2 or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net

CEMETERY MASS: There was a large attendance at the mass for the deceased of the parish, which took place in very pleasant weather conditions in Patrickswell cemetery last Tuesday, August 16. The graveyard committee would like to thank everyone for the generous response to the collection for the upkeep and maintenance.

The annual mass for the deceased of the parish will take place in Kilkeedy this Monday August 29, commencing at 7-30pm.

TRÓCAIRE: The collection, which took place on the weekend of August 13/14 for the famine emergency in Somalia, amounted to 3,400Euro, which has been forwarded to Trócaire. You are thanked most sincerely for your sincere and generous response to the appeal.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare this Tuesday August 30 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 a donor clinic in Raheen the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

COLLECTION: There will be a church gate collection at all masses this weekend in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, for which you are asked to be as generous as possible.

LOUGH GUR: As part of Heritage Week celebrations, there will be free admission to the Heritage Centre at Lough Gur this Sunday August 28. It houses a number of display cases telling the story of the manufacture and use of flint and bronze material and their eventual deposition in the area as well as their recovery, whether as a result of scientific excavation or random finds. The tour includes an audio of the history and background to Lough Gur. There are replicas of Stone Age pottery as well as other artefacts depicting the lifestyles of the first inhabitants of Lough Gur. More details are available at www.loughgur.com

RAMBLING HOUSE: There will be a walk to Knockfierna Hill from the Rambling House, this Sunday August 28, commencing at 5pm, followed by a night of music, song and story at the Rambling House and all are welcome.

MEASLES IMMUNISATION: The HSE National Immunisation Office is urging parents to make sure that their children are fully vaccinated against measles following a large pan national outbreak of the disease in Europe. Measles is a highly infectious and dangerous illness, which spreads very easily, particularly in homes, crèches, playgroups, camps, schools and universities. So far, 110 cases of measles have been reported in Ireland since January 2011. Parents should speak with their GP and get the vaccine for their child if needed. The vaccine is free.

SPRINGBOARD INITIATIVE: The Springboard initiative is designed to provide 6,000 new places on higher education programmes for unemployed people. Targeted at those who were previously working but lost their jobs or were made redundant and who, with some up-skilling, could fill current or future job shortages, the initiative will allow those who undertake the courses to retain their benefits and if they find a job, they will still be permitted and encouraged to finish their course. A total of 34 institutions in both the public and private sector will offer programmes ranging from Certificate to Masters Level. Potential students can online though Bluebrick.ie. Subject to eligibility for these courses, participants will not have to pay fees. Applications for most courses close on or around August 31^st.

LIMERICK SHOW: All roads lead to Limerick Racecourse, Greenmount, Patrickswell, this weekend, Saturday and Sunday for Munster’s largest agricultural show. Some new and interesting attractions including an ice skating rink, reptiles and a flea circus will be making their debut at the show, together with the usual domestic classes for animals, home produce and arts and crafts. Good luck to all local competitors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: May Mullane of Killonahan, recently celebrated her eightieth birthday, and would like to thanks all friends and neighbours for the visits, cards and best wishes which she received on her special day.

Patrickswell news for w/e August 19th

2011-08-19T01:04:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend August 20-21, The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Michael Punch. Eucharistic Ministers,Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: Publication of the weekly newsletter will recommence in September.

CEMETERY MASS: The annual mass for the deceased of the parish will take place in Kilkeedy on Monday August 29, commencing at 7-30pm.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic will be held in Adare on Tuesday August 30. 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.

GOLF SOCEITY: Our next outing, which is Benny Nolan’s President’s Prize, will now take place in Adare golf club this Sunday August 21 from 10am to 12noon, and not in Galway Bay golf club as originally planned.

TIDY TOWNS: With the village a mass of colour from end to end, and many comments about how well the village is looking in general, we were horrified and certainly very disappointed to discover that one of the begonia beds at McSweeney’s wall had become the target of mindless vandalism at the weekend. Person or persons unknown had taken a bamboo stick, which was found nearby, beaten all the heads off the blooms, and left them scattered around. Such wanton destruction and sick mentality defies description. Gardai were notified, and are aware of the situation. If anyone notices any suspicious activity in or around the village at any time, please notify Patrickswell or Roxborough garda station. Would all members please note that there will be meeting on Tuesday August 30, in the Cu Chulainn, commencing at 8pm.

LOUGH GUR: Lough Gur Development has recently taken over the management of the Heritage Centre at Lough Gur. This has been possible with the co-operation and assistance of Limerick County Council, Shannon Development, Shannon Heritage, Ballyhoura Development Ltd, Development Co-Op Staff, and the local community.

To mark this achievement, and to coincide with the start of National Heritage week, Lough Gur Development would like to welcome everyone to an official re launch of the Heritage Centre by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan on Saturday 20^th August 2011 at 6.30pm.

HERITAGE WEEK: Promoted and coordinated by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week is underway with a host of attractions up and down the country. A bat walk is taking place at Curraghchase this Sunday, commencing from the car park. The event is free, but booking is essential by ringing 01-8602839. Partial wheelchair access is available, and car parking, and children must accompanied by an adult. The Hunt Museum and the Georgian House in Limerick city will be taking part, and for those interested in coastal and maritime matters, the newly restored Loop Head lighthouse in West Clare is hosting an open day. Pick up a copy of the free National Heritage Week Event Guide, which is available in Libraries, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, OPW sites and Heritage Centres nationwide. There’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week. From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free.

ABINGTON CHURCH: Abington Church, Murroe is open to visitors for the last time this Sunday August 21 from 2 to 4pm. Historical information on display. Refreshments served. If you are in the Murroe area on Sunday afternoon, do visit this unique, highly decorative and recently restored church.

METEORITE: A piece of Patrickswell’s history was under the spotlight, and the hammer this week, when part of the meteorite which crashed onto land at Scagh, on September 10,1813, was up for auction in Scotland. The item was of great interest as it is quite rare for meteorites to be recovered in Ireland.

FINGERPOST SIGNS: Local businesses wishing to use fingerpost signage to advertise goods and services during these difficult trading times, can now do so with the cost of the licence fee reduced to 50Euro. Local commercial events like wedding fairs and trade shows can also erect temporary signage to advertise.

FARM OPEN DAY: Rigney’s farm at Curraghchase is hosting an open day this Sunday, which will feature their animals, good food and a wealth of all things rural. A master farrier will give a demonstration of his craft, there will be sugan chair and basket making, beekeeping, vegetable growing and soda bread making. A display of reaping, binding, and threshing will happily proceed, alongside a collection of vintage tractors. Lovers of good and real food will be treated to a barbecue of beef, wild boar and sausages. A booklet entitled Slow Food Celebration, will also be on sale to raise funds for Pieta House in Limerick, which offers support to those who are at risk of suicide and self harm. The event runs from 12-30 until 5pm, and costs only 5Euro. Children are free but must be accompanied.

Patrickswell news for w/e August 12th.

2011-08-15T02:36:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend August 13-14, The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Michael Punch. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during the month of August.

CEMETERY MASS:

A reminder that the annual masses for the deceased of the parish will take place in Patrickswell this Tuesday August 16, and at Kilkeedy on Monday August 29, both commencing at 7-30pm.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION: This Monday, August 15 is the Feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It commemorates her death and her bodily assumption into Heaven, "Having completed the course of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”, and is the most important of all Marian feasts. It also became known as Pattern Day, pattern being a derivative of pátrún in Irish, or patron in English. The day was celebrated in practically every parish in Ireland from the middle ages to the mid nineteenth century, and was associated with holy wells. The people would walk around the well a certain number of times while saying special prayers, and drinking the water as well as bathing in it because of its curative powers. As well as the religious aspect, Pattern Days became noted for rowdy amusements, and the clergy in 1660 tried to keep matters under control by announcing the following decree: "Dancing, flute-playing, bands of music, riotous revels and other abuses in visiting wells and other holy places are forbidden...."

COLLECTION: The church gate collection this weekend, is for the emergency aid work, which is being carried out by Trocaire to relieve the terrible suffering of the millions of people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, who are desperate for food, water and basic health care. You are urged to please dig deep and be as generous as you can to assist a cause, which has been described as the worst humanitarian disaster of the century.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout on Monday August 15 from 5 to pm, and at Cappamore Community Centre, on Tuesday August 16 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 a donor clinic in Adare the following week. The clinic which was scheduled for Caherdavin on August 15, has been cancelled. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

GOLF SOCEITY: Congratulations to Brian Murray who had a hole in one in Adare Manor golf club on the sixth hole last weekend in a four ball competition. Ger Considine and his partner won the same competition with a great score of 47points. Will members please note that there is a change of time and venue for our next outing which is Benny Nolan’s President’s Prize. The outing will now take place in Adare golf club on Sunday August 21 from 10am to 12noon, and not in Galway Bay golf club as originally planned.

CREDIT UNION: Hard to believe it’s still summer but thoughts have already turned to the upcoming exam results and the back to school routine. With this in mind, MPCC Credit Union is pleased to announce its new Educational Loan.Borrowing money to finance your education or training is an everyday part of life. Fortunately your local Credit Union makes it that bit easier for you. Whether it's to pay for school uniforms or books in Primary or Secondary school or the increased expenses and fees associated with Third Level Education, this new loan, available for members and their families, is one of the most competitive Educational loans available anywhere. It also covers the purchase of PCs, laptops and educational software. In the current economic climate more and more people are upskilling themselves and this discounted loan rate is also available to members who are taking part in Adult Education or further studies to assist them with these costs. This low interest loan is just another one of the benefits in being a member of your local community based credit union.

Please contact any of our offices for further details, or www.mpcccreditunion.ie. Best of luck to all our members currently awaiting their exam results.

CAKE STALL: Bernadette Behan of Tervoe, Clarina, is running the cake stall

at the Milford Care Centre Annual Fair on Sunday August 21, and is appealing to all you wonderful cooks and bakers out there for donations of cakes, bread, and buns for the stall. If any one wishes to donate any items of home baking, please contact her on 087 8162774.

WEDDING: Crecora church was the venue on Friday July 22, for the happy and joyful occasion of the marriage of Aoife Geoghegan, daughter of Mary and Donal Geoghegan of Faha, Patrickswell, and Morgan Moloney, son of Mary and John Moloney, North Circular Road, Limerick. The groom was assisted by his two brothers, Simon and Barry and also Aoife's brother Brian. The bride was assisted by her sister Niamh, her friend Caroline Conway and Morgan's sister Eleanor. The reception was held at the Bunratty Castle Hotel, and was attended by family and friends from near and far and was much enjoyed by all. Aoife and Morgan, the new Mr and Mrs Maloney, are wished all the very best in their new life together.

SCRAP SATURDAY: Patrickswell GAA club is organising a scrap metal collection day for Saturday October 1, which will be an opportunity to get rid of unused or obsolete items in an environmentally friendly way. Further details will be announced closer to the date.

MUNSTER CHAMPIONS: In a thrilling encounter at the Gaelic Grounds last Wednesday evening, the Limerick U21 hurling team gave an impressive all round team performance, when they defeated Cork by 4-20 to 1-27, after extra time, to become Munster U21 champions. Congratulations to all concerned with their success, including Patrickswell’s own Mark Carmody and Seán O’Brien who have again brought great credit and pride to their club, parish and county. Many seasoned followers of the game have described the performance as absolutely brilliant.

HAPPY LEFTHANDERS’ DAY: Seven to ten percent of the population are lefthanded, and Saturday August 13 celebrates their uniqueness and difference. International Lefthanders Day was first observed in 1976, and is designated to promote awareness of the inconveniences facing left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world. If you are left-handed, you know that living in a world designed for right-handed people can be quite difficult. Things like opening doors, writing in spiral notebooks, and using a computer mouse leaves you feeling awkward and frustrated. Left-Handers' Day is designed just for you in celebration of your sinistrality. There's even a Left-Handers' Club where you can join forces with thousands of other left-handed people, who are all in the esteemed company of Leonardo da Vinci, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, and Barack Obama, to name but a few.

Patrickswell news for w/e 5th August.

2011-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend August 6-7, The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Michael Punch. Eucharistic Ministers,Saturday at 7pm, Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday.

This Friday, August 5 is First Friday and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during the month of August.

CEMETERY MASS:

A reminder that the annual masses for the deceased of the parish will take place in Clounanna this Tuesday August 9, and in Patrickswell on Tuesday August 16, commencing at 7-30pm.

COLLECTION:

There will be a church gate collection at all masses next weekend, August 13-14, for the emergency aid work, which is being carried out to relieve the terrible suffering of the millions of people in Somalia, and other areas of the Horn of Africa, who are desperate for food, water and basic health care. You are urged to please dig deep and be as generous as you can to assist a cause, which has been described as the worst humanitarian disaster of the century.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, on Monday August 8 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Pastoral Resource Centre, Kilmallock, on Tuesday and Wednesday August 9-10, 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 clinics in Raheen and Cappamore the following week. The clinic, which was scheduled for Caherdavin on August 15, has been cancelled. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

YOUNG FINE GAEL:

The Launch of Young Fine Gael for the Constituency of Limerick will take place on Friday August 5 in the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare at 7.30pm.

Anyone from Patrickswell, aged between fifteen and thirty who are interested in politics and meeting other young people will be very welcome on the night. Local and national politicians will attend the launch.

TRACTOR AND CAR RUN:

Charleville and District Vintage, Veteran, and Classic Club are holding a tractor and car run this Sunday August 7. If anyone is interested in taking part, meet at Colmanswell Community Centre at 10-15am. The run will then commence at 11-30am, and proceed to the Vintage Rally in Kilmeedy.

HERITAGE WEEK:

National Heritage Week is being promoted by the Heritage Council, from August 20-28. Copies of the free National Heritage Week Event Guide are now available in Libraries, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, OPW sites and Heritage Centres nationwide.

SUMMER SHOWS AND FAIRS:

There is a change to this year’s local show scene in that Cappamore Show, the fifty seventh, is moving from its traditional Wednesday slot, to Saturday August 20. Famed for being granted fine weather since it was moved to a weekday from a Sunday many years ago, the show promises its usual wealth of displays and competitions, as well as some new attractions, including representatives from the Garda Mounted Division. The following day, Sunday August 21 will see the staging of the twenty sixth annual Harvest Fair in aid of Milford Hospice, which is again being held at the Unigolf Complex in Castletroy. Traditionally, thousands of Limerick people flock to attend this major fund raising event which will feature the usual range of various stalls and attractions including Vintage Car Display, Kiddies Corner, Bottle Stall, Clothes Stall, Bric-a-brac, Flowers and Plants and many others. There will be a great carnival atmosphere with tea stalls, music, barbecue and games, which will all make for a great family day out. Last year, in excess of one hundred and fifty thousand euro was raised. Then on the weekend of August 27-28, Limerick Show, Munster’s largest agricultural show, will take place at Limerick Racecourse, Greenmount, Patrickswell. Many local people will be heading to Cappamore and Limerick either as competitors or exhibitors and will be hoping for success in the various competitions, for their culinary skills, arts and crafts, horticulture and animal classes. Young Vicky Ryan of Patrickswell has already notched up one victory, by being placed first in the Side Saddle Class at the South East Clare Show at Bridgetown last weekend. Well done Vicky. Good luck to all who are entering this year’s competitions. All information regarding Limerick Show is available at www.limerickshow.com

Lets hope that all events will be blessed with fine weather.

WORLD YOUTH DAY:

Next Friday, August 12, is recognised as World Youth Day. It began in the early nineteen eighties with an invitation from John Paul II inviting young people to attend an International Jubilee of Youth in St. Peter’s Square. This event has grown to be the single largest, international gathering of young people the world has ever seen. WYD attracts pilgrims from some 200 nations who gather to celebrate their faith in the Catholic Church. World Youth Day 2011 will be hosted in Madrid, Spain. The theme for WYD 2011 is “Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” (Col 2:7). The 2011 theme celebrates the strength the Church has when its members are firmly connected to Jesus Christ. Another goal of International Youth Day is to unite and celebrate youth worldwide. This year will commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the first International Youth Year in 1985, when the theme was Participation, Development and Peace.

Patrickswell news for w/e July 29th

2011-07-29T02:24:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend July 30-31, The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Ellen Foley, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Listed readers for the month of August are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Michael Punch.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during the month of August.

CEMETERY MASS:

The annual masses for the deceased of the parish will take place in Clounanna on Tuesday August 9, and in Patrickswell on Tuesday August 16, commencing at 7-30pm.

COLLECTION: Many thanks for your generosity to the church gate collection last weekend, which was in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association. The total raised was E650. Sincere thanks also to the collectors.

LOUGH GUR: Lough Gur Guides and Red Viking tours have teamed up to bring you a magical tour of Lough Gur. Commencing on Sunday August 7 from Bank Centre, or join your guide at 11am at the Heritage centre at Lough Gur. Red Viking tours departs Bank Centre, Limerick on Sunday mornings at 10.15am, this half day tour begins with a trip through the countryside passing by Ballyneety, Rockstown Castle and Herberstown. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Lough Gur and see the wonderful sites such as The Spectacle’, Carrigcrothera, Bourchiers castle, Bolin Island, Crannóg, the Wishing Seat and the Lime Kiln. Take time to wander through the visitor centre with their many wonderful exhibits and audio tour of this enchanted area. Depart and move towards Grange to stop and see the Giants Grave and the famous Grange Stone Circle. www.loughgur.com 087 285 2022

Bookings from Limerick city: 061 353033 or www.redvikingtours.com

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and a donor clinic is being held at Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, on Thursday August 4 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 clinics in Castletroy and Kilmallock the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT: The Rural Development Group, also known as Leader, is designed to target resources to improve the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy. Support is available for both community projects and enterprise development. West Limerick Resources has recently appointed two new staff members under the Rural Development Programme. The programme, which runs until the end of 2013 offers a range of support to both community projects and enterprise development. Tim Coffey is the new Renewable Energy Development Officer, whose role is to give advice, support and facilitate renewable energy and sustainability projects in West Limerick. Tim is an engineer and has experience in the areas of wind, solar, ocean and bio-energy. He can also give guidance and support to feasibility studies and energy management projects.

Morgan Boohan is the new Enterprise and Project Officer, and is responsible for providing support and guidance to small businesses located in the West Limerick area. West Limerick Resources is also offering mentoring support to existing businesses who wish to explore all areas of their business including new product development, reducing overheads, business diversification or expansion. Business mentoring and training will be provided by experienced and professional business advisers at a rate of 80% of costs and is open to all business types with the exception of mainstream retail and mainstream farming. Interested individuals are however advised to contact Eleanor McLoughlin at West Limerick Resources on 069 66299 or email emcloughlin@wlr.ie to confirm eligibility. Support is also available for eligible training projects and technical assistance. For more information on the programmes or the supports available please contact one of the Project Officers, or visit the website, www.wlr.ie

ABINGTON CHURCH: Abington Church, Murroe is open to visitors each Sunday up to August 21 next from 2 to 4pm. Historical information on display. Refreshments served. If you are in the Murroe area on a Sunday afternoon, do visit this unique, highly decorative and recently restored church.

FESTIVAL OF LUGHNASA: This Sunday, July 31, Ireland's oldest festival, “The Festival of Lughnasa” will be held at Knockfierna. A guided tour of Knockfierna hill will start from the Rambling House at 2.30pm followed by an evening of story and song at the Rambling House. All are welcome. For further details contact Pat O'Donovan 087 9977340 or Marion Hanley 087 9741387.

Patrickswell news for w/e July 22nd

2011-07-21T08:14:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend July 23-24, The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Ellen Foley, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during July and August.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at Scoil Mhuire and Ide, Newcastlewest, on Monday and Tuesday July 25-26 from 6 to 9pm, St.John’s Pavilion, Mulgrave Street, Limerick, on Wednesday July 27 from 5 to 8pm, and at Ceol Corbrai Hall, Glyn, on Thursday July 2 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 a donor clinic in Croom the following week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: The troops were out at cockcrow on Monday morning of last week, picking litter prior to the arrival of the Limerick in Bloom judges, had they been already or had they not? Who knows, but we were ready for them. We use the word troops, because as every one knows, the war against litter is never won. It is an ongoing battle, not just for us in Patrickswell, but in every parish, village, town and city in Ireland. It would be a travesty, for any organisation, no matter how big or small, after investing so much time, effort, and hard fought for financial resources, if any competition was won or lost on the appearance of a carelessly or deliberately disgarded cigarette packet, sweet wrapper or takeaway container, no matter who was responsible for it. We covered the area from the Limerick side of the roundabout from Mrs O’Brien’s house, up to the bridge on the Croom Road, ensuring that even the approaches to the village would present a cared for appearance to the judges. Considering that a clean up had taken place the previous Friday, the amount of litter gathered from just these few areas in the course of a few hours, could only lead to the conclusion, that the passing motorist has a lot to answer for.

The recently sown grass adjacent to the new tiered bed and wall has established itself well, is a fine shade of green and has had its first trim. The wet weather of late has reduced the labour of the watering crews, but thankfully the hanging baskets survived the windy conditions of last weekend.

GOLF SOCIETY: The office of Vice Captaincy seems to be sitting well on the shoulders of Ger Considine as he took on all comers to win our July outing, which was held last Saturday at Woodstock Golf Club in Ennis. This course was a fine test of golf with a swirling wind and some tough pin positions being the order of the day. The weather was very kind to us with a mild day and just a few squally showers. All the long days and nights of hard practice have finally paid off for Ger, as this is his first win of his society golfing career. The results were as follows, 1st Ger Considine 39points, 2nd Liam Quinlan 36points, 3rd Brian Geoghan 34points, 4th Natal O’Grady 34points, 5th Gerry Mc.Dermott 34points, 6th Seamus Enright 33points.

Front 9 Keith Murray, Back 9 Donal Geoghan. The next outing will be the first of our two majors with our President’s Prize being held in Galway Bay Golf Club on Saturday August 20, with tee off times from 10-30am until 12noon. Our President Benny Nolan is looking forward to seeing you all there. Patrickswell golfers are keeping up the good form of late on the club competition scene with Mike Fitzgerald winning the Abbey Challenge trophy in Adare Manor Golf Club with a fine score of 61 net. Ian Kelleher was second with a score of 63 net.

FINE GAEL: Apologies for the omission of this item in last week’s edition, which for some reason found its way into the Crecora notes. The local Fine Gael Organisation would like to thank all those who contributed to their Annual Church Gate Collection, on the weekend of July 9-10. Your support is very much appreciated.

SCHOOLS PHOTOGRAHY COMPETITION: West Limerick Tourism in conjunction with Super-Valu, is currently running a schools photography competition for students of secondary schools based in the West Limerick area. There are five entry categories, History and Heritage, Landscape, Natural and Built, Music and Culture, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Tidy Towns and Villages. Maximum of two entries per category per student allowed. Overall prize of an iPad with category prizes of an iPod Nano and Schools Prize also on offer. Entry to the competition is free. Please note that all entry forms and photographs will be collected through the schools in September. Terms and conditions apply. For more information and entry form see:http://www.wlr.ie/schools-photography-competition/

NEWCASTLE WEST JOBSEEKERS GROUP: The Newcastle West Jobseekers group was set up over six months ago to provide peer support to people who are burnt out from the whole job seeking process. Over the past few months the members have taken part in horticulture and personal development classes. Over the summer months, a fitness “Bootcamp” is planned as well as a day trip to a local organic smallholding. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Finn Fitzgerald from West Limerick Resources on 069 6131 or 087 759 1951

Patrickswell neWs for W/E July 15th

2011-07-15T05:15:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend July 16-17, The Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Ellen Foley, 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, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. The rota for Eucharistic Ministers to the end of August is available from the sacristy.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during July and August.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher on Monday July 18 from 6 to 9pm, the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road on Wednesday July 20 from 6 to 9pm, and at Scoil Ide, Corbally, on Thursday July 21, 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 clinics in Newcastlewest and Mulgrave Street the week commencing July 25. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

TIDY TOWNS: It was a busy week for all in preparation for the judging of the Limerick in Bloom Competition, which was due to go ahead either on Friday last, or Monday and Tuesday of this week. Hanging baskets were dead headed and turned, litter was targeted, beds weeded, and pavements and kerbs swept. On Monday of last week, the triangle of grass nearest the church, among others, was edged, much to the delight of Fr. Collins, who when passing on his afternoon perambulations, commented that it was very encouraging to see grown men on their knees at that hour of the day. John Leddin also contributed to tidying up the church approach, by removing the wire fencing at the edge of his plot, and replacing it with a fine timber railing. At the other end of the village, Tom Murphy was also generously giving of his time, by cleaning off the wall at the shrine, both inside and out. John O’Shea has been busy keeping the grass at the shrine in good order, and trimming around the pots. Well done to Josephine Kilcoyne for her superb floral display at the Dark Horse, and also the staff at the Resource Centre for their very colourful array of hanging baskets and window boxes. Whatever the results of the competition, which won’t be known until later in the year, everyone’s efforts are greatly appreciated.

ST. PAT’S REUNION: St.Patrick’s soccer club Patrickswell recently celebrated its fortieth birthday with a very enjoyable reunion of members both past and present in the Cu Chulainn Bar. Special guests on the night were some of the founding members namely Mick Bourke, Tom Murphy, Val Gillane, Gerry Darcy, James Shinnors, and representing her father Larry McGuire was Patrica Barry. These people along with several more who came along in subsequent years kept soccer alive through thick and thin, sometimes under some very severe constraints put in front of them. Both old stories and new were shared on the night. A special presentation was made to the founder members on the night. Music was supplied by our new local sensational band, Bad Penny, featuring Paul Carroll, Charles Daly and John Carroll. A very successful raffle was held on the night, the proceeds of which will go to the under age section of the club and also towards the Old Folks Party which will be held later on in the year. Many thanks to all the ticket sellers. A special word of thanks to all our sponsors for the celebration evening. The organising committee of Joe Lynch, Liam O’Carroll and Kieran Darcy would like to thank all who helped to make the night a very enjoyable one. Here’s to the next forty years.

HARP FESTIVAL: The Connellan Harp Festival takes place at the Honeyfitz Theatre, Lough Gur, on Tuesday next, July 19, commencing at 8pm, with the director of the Irish Harp Orchestra, Janet Harbinson. Tickets are E10, and more details are available on 087-2852022, or www.loughgur.com

VOLUNTEER COMPUTER TUTORS SOUGHT: Volunteers over eighteen years of age, are required to provide basic email and internet training to both over 65’s and others with no computer experience, in a number of West Limerick locations for an hour and a half per week over a four week period per group. It is expected that these classes will begin in September. Training will be provided beforehand so tutors will know what to expect. Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications but must have a working knowledge of computers. Training material will be supplied and each tutor will be limited to a maximum of three students at a time, ensuring that individual learners get plenty of personal attention. If you are a confident computer user and have a few hours to spare, you can contact Irene at West Limerick Resources on 069 on 069 66298 or email iocallaghan@wlr.ie
NEWCASTLE WEST JOBSEEKERS GROUP: The Newcastle West Jobseekers group was set-up over six months ago, to provide peer support to people who are burnt-out from the whole job-seeking process. Over the past few months the members have taken part in horticulture and in personal development classes. Over the summer months, a fitness “Bootcamp” is planned as well as a day trip to a local organic small-holding. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Finn Fitzgerald from West Limerick Resources on 069 6131 or 087 759 1951
GOLF SOCIETY: Our next outing will be held this Saturday, July 16, at Woodstock Golf Club, Ennis, with tee-off times from 10 to 11-30am.

Patrickswell news for w/e July 8th.

2011-07-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend July 9-10, The Fifteenth Sunday in ordinary Time, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Ellen Foley, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome. Welcome back to Fr.Collins from his recent trip with the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. He was happy to confirm that the reported bomb scare, which greeted them on their arrival, was nothing to get too excited about. The only inconvenience caused was to have to claim their baggage out on the tarmac, and thank God it wasn’t raining.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during July and August.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE:

Arrangements are being made by the Patrickswell Prayer Group, for a trip to the National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, on Sunday September 11. The cost will be 30euro per person for return bus, a mini-breakfast en-route and a two course dinner on the return journey. There are also two vacancies for the trip to the Holy Land, which is taking place in October. Contact Joan O’Brien 320947, Dan Riordan 397460 or Ann Reidy 355684 for more details.

TIDY TOWNS:

The recent spell of fine weather has given a boost to the hanging baskets and flower beds, which all appear to have come on in a flourish during the last week, in time for the judging of the Limerick in Bloom Competition due to take place either at the end of this week or the beginning of next. As part of the judging procedure, photographs will be taken prior to the judges’ arrival, and members have been busy all week, taking advantage of the fine weather, to ensure that the village will be looking its finest whenever the judging takes place. So many people have become involved in so many ways this year, generously lending equipment and giving of their time in a very practical way and making sure their own areas are up to scratch, for which we are extremely grateful. Even after the judging we will continue on with our efforts, and hope that the colourful displays and general appearance of the village will give a lot of pleasure to residents and visitors alike, for the rest of the summer and beyond.

CREDIT UNION:

Despite the Government's Car Scrappage Scheme coming to an end, MPCC Credit Union continues to offer its members motor loan rates at an exceptionally low rate of 6.7% APR and are actively lending. You may have decided not to change your car this year but how would you like to make your current car look like new again? The answer is simple. During the month of July, MPCC Credit Union is offering all its members the opportunity to enter a weekly draw for a luxury car valet at Punches Cross Car Wash and Valet Centre. All members who carry out a transaction on their account will automatically be entered into that week's draw. This draw is another benefit of being a member of your local credit union.

CHARITY CEILI:

A charity ceili to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society is being held at Fr.Casey’s GAA Hall Abbeyfeale on Saturday August 6 from 9-30pm until 1am. Dancing will be to the Striolan Ceili Band. Teas will be served, and there will be

spot prizes galore. Contact Teresa 0879427259, or Deirdre 0861630201 for further details.

BLOOD DONORS:

The donor clinic, which was due to be held in Raheen on Thursday July 14, has been cancelled.Donor clinics are being held in Dromcollogher, Caherdavin and Corbally the week commencing Monday July 18.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, as the IBTS requires three thousand donations every week. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

ARTS AND CRAFTS:

The second of the Arts and Crafts Summer Camps for children aged four to ten years, takes place from Monday to Friday July 11 to 15 at the Community Resource Centre, from 10-30am until 2pm each day. Activities will include, painting, printing, sculpture, modelling and games. All materials will be provided, and the cost will be 90euro per child, with reductions for enrolling more than one child. Call 087- 951140 for more details.

Patrickswell news for w/e July 1st

2011-06-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES: Listed readers for this weekend July 2-3, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Ellen Foley, Sunday at 10am Niall Sheehy, Sunday at 12noon Julie Darcy. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria 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. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. This Friday, July 1 is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and also First Friday. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place at 8 pm on Monday and all are welcome.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: There will be no publication of the weekly newsletter during July and August.

GOLF SOCIETY: As nearly always happens in our June outing, which this year was held in Cahir Golf Club, the turnout was down on previous outings with several members taking holidays. Never the less, even though the turnout of players may have been small, the quality of the field was by no means diminished with some very good scores coming in. The course recovered magnificently after a deluge of rain just twenty four hours earlier. Great credit is due to the ground staff at Cahir for getting the course in a playable condition, despite the vagaries of our so called summer. The results were as follows, 1st Kieran Darcy 44points, 2nd Dara Shanahan 41points, 3rd Padraig Mann 40 points, 4th Damien Gillane 38 points, 5th Timmie O’Neill 36 points, 6th Kieran Carroll 34 points, Front 9 Liam Quinlan 19 points, Back 9 Mark Leahy 20 points. A special word of thanks goes to Paddy Shanahan and his family for their very kind sponsorship on the day. Eamonn Kelleher who recently won the Kennelly Cup at Adare Manor Golf Club, kept up his good form when he had what we are all striving for, a hole in one on the 6th par three hole, again in Adare, and in so doing, helped him and his partner Timmy Sheehan to qualify for the knock out stages of the four ball match play competition. Our next outing will be at Woodstock on Saturday July 16.

TIDY TOWNS: Our last major project of the year finally came to fruition this week with the completion of the area adjacent to the new tiered flower bed at the entrance to Shannon Development, or the entrance to the graveyard as some people prefer to call it. Many, many man hours have gone into it over the course of many weeks, hampered by the weather on numerous occasions, using machinery and manual labour, all generously given freely, under the watchful eye of Mossie Carmody, whose motto is, as if anyone needs reminding, “ let’s do it once, and let’s do it right”. We are hopeful that it will remain intact and add to the overall presentation of the village in time for the Limerick in Bloom judging, which is scheduled to take place between July 8 and 12. In the mean time we can now attend to the more mundane tasks of strimming, weeding, sweeping, keeping litter to a minimum and generally tidying up any nooks and crannies, and all other areas, which will add to the attention to detail which the judges will be looking for on their arrival. Please help by keeping your own immediate areas spick and span, and by picking up any litter you may come across in your travels around the village and its environs.

BLOOD DONORS: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Community Centre, Caherconlish, on Monday July 4 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, on Tuesday July 5 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 clinic in Raheen on July 14. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

BACK TO SCHOOL: With some schools only recently closed for the summer break, and the remainder about to, the Department of Social Protection is already publicising the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. The system is different from previous years, in that the majority of payments will be made automatically, and is as follows; E200 for each eligible child aged from 2- 11 years, E305 for each eligible child from 12-17 years, and also E305 for each eligible child from 18-22 years who is in full time education. Payments will be made from the end of June, and it is not necessary to complete an application form, unless you do not get a letter by the end of June. It will then be a requirement to complete an application form which will be available by texting FORM BTSCFA, followed by your name and address to 51909. More information is available from the following sources; www.welfare.ie local Social Welfare Office or Citizens’ Information Centre or LoCall 190 662244.

YOUTH DANCE: A creative dance experience for young people aged twelve years and upwards, is taking place in Croom this July. A special summer dance experience for anyone interested in dance and creative movement, which involves physical fun, creative methods including painting, imagination, self- expression and team- work.
The schedule for the course is Tuesday July 5 from10am to 1pm, Thursday July 7 from 10am to1pm and Friday July 8 from10am to 12noon. Participants should be available for all sessions, and there is the possibility of a performance opportunity following the sessions. The cost of the three sessions, which will be held in the Scouts Den, Bruff Rd, Croom, is E10. Lisa Cahill will lead the sessions, and she can be contacted at 08lisacahilldance@gmail.com or phone, or text 086 4085877.

WORK ACCESS: Work Access Ltd. is a free and professional service that supports job seekers with an injury, illness or disability into employment. The service is available to everyone with a disability including those with mental health difficulties, within the Limerick city and county area. For more information please contact Work Access Ltd, First Floor, Pillar House, Little Ellen St, Limerick. Tel 061 493095, or www.workaccess.org

Patrickswell news for w/e June 17th

2011-06-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend June 18-19, The Feast of The Most Holy Trinity, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Seamus Enright, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Ann Higgins. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. Please note that because of the Solemn Novena, there will be no weekly prayer meeting on Monday June 20. The final talk of the Life in the Spirit seminars, is this Thursday, June 16 commencing at 8pm.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am each Friday, or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net

PARISH CLERK:

The Parish Clerk wishes to thank you for your generosity to the church gate collection last weekend.

KILTEGAN FATHERS:

Fr.Con Cronin wishes to thank those who supported the appeal by joining the Mission Circle, and also for the contribution of E1920 to support the work of the society.

SACRED SPACE:

West Limerick 102fm broadcasts a weekly programme on Sunday mornings from 10 until 11, which includes inspirational music, chat, interviews, local events, reflections, and a gospel reading of the day. The show is presented by John Keily with panellists and invited guests, and is repeated on Thursday from 10-30 to 11-30 pm.

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS:

Application forms are available from the school office for the admission of pupils to any of the classes. This may be of interest to those who may have moved to the locality recently. The school can be contacted by mail or phone, 061-355057.

BLOOD DONORS:

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, on Monday June 20 from 6 to 9pm, the Southcourt Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, on Tuesday June 21 from 5 to 9pm, and at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, on Thursday June 23 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

REFUGEES:

Next Monday June 20 is World Refugee Day, and is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world, and to draw the public's attention to the millions of refugees worldwide who are forced to flee their homes.

WORLD MUSIC DAY:

World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21, recognising that music is the soul of every human being, and to make propaganda of music in all its forms and various manners. Novice and expert musicians the world over, are encouraged and motivated to give live and impromptu performances of their musical ability in the streets. Known originally as Fete de la Musique, the event first took place in England in the early eighties.

SUMMER SOLSTICE:

The Lough Gur Summer Solstice festival commences this Thursday June 16, and continues until Tuesday June 21. It all kicks off with a fun table quiz in Reardons at 9-30pm, and the rest of the programme is as follows,
Friday at 8pm Summer Solstice Show in Honey Fitz featuring local talent. Saturday at 11.30, Geoff Hunt pond life workshop at lakefront suitable for 6 to12 year olds, bring wellies and a fishing net.
Saturday also at 11.30 a Zumba workout with Jean Troy at lakefront.
Saturday at 4pm, Willie Carroll skittles tournament for teams of four in aid of Cliona Ring Foundation at Reardons. Saturday at 7pm, the unveiling of plaque to Sissy O'Brien of "The Farm by Lough Gur" fame in Bruff churchyard.
Sunday, a family fun day by the lake, adults €5, and children €2 - all activities free thereafter which will include bouncy castles, a craft market, farm animals, Norman Re-enactments and lots more. Tuesday 21, a long walk for a long day, 7.30pm at lakefront, approx 10km walk over 4 hills around Lough Gur with teas and sandwiches in Reardons after. There will be live music in Reardons on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. More details on www.loughgur.com

BILBOA 10K:

The Ger Mullane Memorial Road Race at Bilboa, Cappamore, takes place this Friday, June 17. The walk will commence at 7:30pm, and the race at 8pm. Registration on the night before each event. Contact John Berkery on 086-2064145.

Patrickswell news for w/e June 10th

2011-06-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend June 11-12, The Feast of Pentecost, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Seamus Enright, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Ann Higgins. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria Bucke, Sunday at 10am, Kathleen Enright, Sam Milburn, Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 12noon, Michael McDermott, Eileen O’Shea, Louise Carey.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

PARISH CLERK:

The collection for the Parish Clerk will be taken up at all masses this weekend, and your generosity is asked in recognition of all the work undertaken by her week by week throughout the year.

SOLEMN NOVENA:

The Limerick Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, commences at Mount St. Alphonsus on Friday June 17 until Saturday June 25. Representatives from the Redemptorist Community were in attendance at all masses last weekend to invite and encourage participation in this annual celebration of prayer and devotion. This year’s theme is, “Eucharist- Food For Life” Leaflets are available with details of times, support services and special events during the nine day festival, and also at www.novena.ie

SUNFLOWERS:

National Sunflower Day is celebrating its twenty first anniversary this Friday and Saturday June 10 and 11, in support of the Irish Hospice Foundation. All money raised locally will be for Milford Hospice. Volunteers are required to assist with the fund raising, and promoting awareness. Sunflowers will be available in numerous locations throughout the city and county. Fundraising plays an important ongoing role in the financing of current and developing Palliative Care Services provided by Milford Care Centre throughout Counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary.

If you can spare a couple of hours of your time to collect for Sunflowers 2011, we would be delighted to hear from you. For more information contact Milford on 061- 485860 / 485800, or e-mail: fundraising@milfordcarecentre.ie

SOCCER CLUB:

Notice to all members of St. Patricks soccer club Patrickswell both present and past. The club will be celebrating its fortieth birthday this year. To honour this occasion there will be a reunion of all members, which will be held in the Cu Chulainn bar on Saturday June 25 starting at 9pm. Anyone who has ever played for the club or managed or worked on the committee over these forty years are more than welcome to attend the party on the night. There will be music and craic, plus old and new stories to be shared. If anyone has any old pictures or any old material that is in connection with the club over the last 40 years, the organising committee would be grateful if you would forward it to them with the guarantee that all material will be returned to you without fail.
Also on the night there will be a raffle, the proceeds of which will go towards the old folks party which will be held later on in the year. For any further information contact Joe Lynch, Liam O’Carroll, Kieran Darcy or Timmie Sheehan.

BLOOD:

World Blood Donor Day is being celebrated on June 14, the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the creator of the ABO blood group system, for which he won the Nobel Prize. The first celebration was held in 2005. One of the main goals of the World Blood Donor Day is to ensure the availability of safe blood and blood products, and to raise awareness and thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is, "More blood. More life." This theme reinforces the urgent need for more people all over the world to become life savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held in Caherdavin, Raheen and Castletroy during the week commencing June 20. You can visit any blood donor clinic as long as ninety days have elapsed since you last gave blood. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or the Blood Transfusion website.

GOLF SOCIETY:

Patrickswell Golfers have hit the limelight in recent weeks, playing in various competions in Adare, with Eamonn Kelleher winning his first major cup, namely the Kennelly Cup with a fine score of 42 points. In second place was Brian Geoghen with 41points. In the Rathkeale Cup, Pa Carey (Jnr.) was in the prizes with 38points. In the Tuesday singles Paul Darcy won a prize with 38points. Our next outing will be in Cahir on Saturday June 25.

TIDY TOWNS:

The Community Resource Centre was first out of the traps this year with a fine array of window boxes and hanging baskets on display, closely followed by the Dark Horse and Helen McDermott’s Food store. The Dark Horse was commended for its display in last year’s competition. We are very pleased to see these additions to our own planting, and hope that other premises will follow suit in time for the Limerick in Bloom Competition, which will be judged from mid July to mid August. Our own planting is now complete, and the weekly watering rota is in operation. If anyone would like to offer a few hours a week to assist with this very important job, we would be delighted to hear from them. Since the completion of the planting, we have been asked on numerous occasions if the council provides us with the plants, over fifteen hundred this year alone. We would like to take this opportunity to point out that although we are a working group of the community council, we are self sufficient in terms of fund raising and purchasing requirements. Our existence is reliant solely on our own fund raising efforts, which take the form of our annual church gate collection in April, and a table quiz in October, which are always well supported. The local business community is, and always has been supportive in sponsoring spot prizes for this particular event, and we are very appreciative of them for that. We also receive various small donations from well wishers from time to time, for which we are extremely grateful of course, but receive no grant aid or sponsorship, or practical help from any other organisation including the county council, as Patrickswell does not have Heritage or Tourist status. The founding members of the group, ie, the chair person and the twelve original ladies are still together after eleven years, although our numbers have increased gradually over the last few years, with another four ladies joining our ranks, together with six or seven fellas, which has enabled us to undertake more of the physical type of work all aimed at improving our surroundings, and hopefully improving the quality of life in Patrickswell. All members send their very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Marie Foley after her recent surgery.

Patrickswell news for w/e June 3rd

2011-06-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend June 4-5, The Ascension of The Lord, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Seamus Enright, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Ann Higgins. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright.

Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. This Friday June 3, is First Friday, and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. There will be no weekly prayer meetings for the duration of the Life in the Spirit seminars, the fifth of which is this Thursday, June 2 commencing at 8pm.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY:

This year's World Communications Day, the forty fifth, falls on Sunday 5 June 2011. The theme which is chosen by the pope is Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age. The pope continues to remind us that "virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives."

BLOOD DONORS:

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the Fr. Casey G.A.A. Pavillion, Abbeyfeale
on Tuesday and Wednesday June 7 and 8 from 6 to 9pm, and at Askeaton Community Centre on Thursday June 9 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:

This Sunday June 5 is World Environment Day, which has been promoted by the United Nations since 1973 to stimulate awareness of the environment. This year’s theme is, Forests- Nature at your service. Forests cover one third of the earth’s land mass, 1.6 billion people worldwide depend on forests for their livelihoods, and they play a key role in the battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere and storing carbon dioxide.

SET CEILI:

In conjunction with the Limerick County fleadh, the Lough Gur Ramblers are running a set ceili in the Community Hall, Hospital this Sunday night

June 5 with music by Taylor’s Cross. Dancing will be from 9pm to 12midnight, and all proceeds are in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Teas will be served.

AN POST RÁS:

Main Street was a hive of activity and excitement last Tuesday morning for the much anticipated Stage three of this year’s An Post Rás, an annual eight day stage cycling race which takes place around Ireland. The Rás has a worldwide reputation of being one of the more challenging tours in the elite international calendar. Many turned out to see the cyclists passing through en-route from Kilrush to Castleisland, which also included a sprint at Patrickswell Post Office. Luckily the weather stayed fine for the occasion. The following day’s route was from Castleisland to Castletownbere, and local hurler Barry Foley joined other inter-county footballers and hurlers for a major new cycling challenge called RACE THE RÁS. The object of their participation is to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Charity and Goal. Barry would like to thank everyone who sponsored him, especially Duggans and all the Patrickswell businesses, and family and friends for their generosity.

TIDY TOWNS:

We were very pleased to take on another recruit last week in the form of Alan Bunworth from Sycamore Heights, who joined us on Tuesday for our weekly work night, and he is very welcome too. It has been a busy and hectic week, with the area adjacent to the bus stop being weeded, levelled and seeded, and the area adjacent to the railings at the roundabout has also been reseeded. Other areas were weeded and containers prepared. On Friday the plants arrived, and the planting team swung into operation. Baskets were planted, plus the roundabout at Marian Park working away until six o’clock. At nine o’clock on Saturday morning a fleet of vehicles brought plants to the wall at the roundabout, and distributed bags of compost to various other locations, and by ten thirty all planting was complete and baskets hung. Over one thousand five hundred plants found new homes during the course of the two days. Thanks to everyone for their commitment and enthusiasm. We also sent off our application form for the Limerick in Bloom competition this week.

Patrckswell news for w/e May 27th

2011-05-25T10:03:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend May 28-29, The Sixth Sunday of Easter, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Michael Wolfe, Sunday at 10am Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis.

Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. There will be no weekly prayer meetings for the duration of the Life in the Spirit seminars, the fourth of which is this Thursday, May 26 commencing at 8pm. Listed readers for the month of June are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Seamus Enright, Sunday at 10am Sam Milburn, Sunday at 12noon Ann Higgins.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

BLOOD DONORS:

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week, and donor clinics are being held at the South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, on Tuesday May 31 from 5 to 8pm, the Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell on Wednesday June 1 from 6 to 9pm, and at the Community Centre, Knockainey, on Thursday June 2 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website. There will be clinics in Abbeyfeale and Askeaton the following week.

GOLF SOCIETY:

Our Roscrea outing turned out to be a real family affair with the father and son team of Pat Mann and his son Padraig finishing first and third respectively.
We had another great turnout of 51 members and the course was in great condition. A special word of thanks to Ger and Lar Considine for their very generous sponsorship of the outing and to cap his day Ger went on to finish second. The results were as follows, 1^st Padraig Mann 42 points, 2^nd Ger Considine 37 points, 3rd Pat Mann 37 points, 4th Stephen McDermott 36 points, 5th Liam Quinlan 36 points, 6^th Frankie Nolan 36 points. Front 9, Pat Barry, Back 9 Cian Harrington.
We introduced a Twos competition for this outing where the Jackpot can be won or shared if anyone has two at a par 4 or par 3. The winners on the day were Mick Barry and John McDermott. We hope to continue this sweep for the remaining outings.
Well done to Alan and Brian Murray who were top qualifiers in the foursomes competition in Adare recently and so go on to the matchplay stages. Not to be outdone by his sons, their father Terence qualified with his partner Seamus Enright also for the matchplay stages. Best of luck to one and all in the upcoming matches.
Our condolences go to Richie and Mary Bennis on the death of Mary’s mother and to the O’Dea family on the death of their father John. The remaining outings for the year are as follows; Saturday June 25 Cahir, Saturday July16 Woodstock, Saturday August 20Galway Bay, Saturday September 25 Charleville, Saturday October 22 Waterford Castle, (Captain’s Prize).We hope to see you all at these outings.

THE LATE JOHN O’DEA. R.I.P:

It was with great sadness that the community learned of the passing of John O’Dea of Barnakyle. John, who reached the milestone of becoming an octogenarian last year, was well known and well respected far and wide, but will be remembered most of all for his generosity and commitment in providing Patrickswell with the Shrine to Our Lady. In 1963 he became ill with T.B. He made a pact with his Lord and Master, that if he allowed him to recover from the disease, then John would repay the Lord’s kindness. John did recover, and a while later he was fortunate enough to win some money in a competition, the princely sum of two hundred pounds, to which he added some money of his own, and together with neighbours and like minded parishioners, they then set about constructing the shrine. Twelve months later, or a little longer, the shrine was consecrated and opened in October 1964. A few years ago, John had a photograph taken of the shrine, complete with hanging baskets, flowering tubs and well kept lawns. He was so proud of this photograph, he had it made at his own expense, into a Christmas Card, actually a thousand, which he donated to the Tidy Towns group to assist them in the upkeep of the village. The community offers its sympathy to John’s immediate and extended family. Large numbers attended the removal and the burial, which took place at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Crecora. Go raibh an Tiarna é luach saothair as a fhlaithiúlacht agus feabhas, agus féadfaidh imigh a anam agus anamacha na dílis an chuid eile ar fad i síocháin.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP:

Our fourth Alzheimer’s Tea Day on May 5 was another resounding success. A total of €1,080.34 will be presented to the Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre in Adare as well as a total of €200 worth of tickets sold which went to the Alzheimer’s office in Dublin for the national draw in June. A huge thank you again to all our members who organised the day and gave their time so generously. Thank you also to everyone who baked cakes, tarts, scones, and made jams and chutneys, and also all those who contributed to the lucky dip which did well on the day. A special thank you to John at the Cu Chulainn for the venue, we really do appreciate the Cu Chulainn’s most generous help every year. To all the village businesses who sponsored us again this year, from the tea and coffee to spot prizes for the draw, we appreciate your generosity especially in these recessionary times, and to all those who helped out in any way and especially those who came along and supported us on the day with gifts and donations. A special thanks also to Noreen O’Grady who generously gave her time to take blood pressures which resulted in one or two referrals being made to GPs. The day was a great success and a sign of real community spirit. Once again a huge thank you to one and all, without your help we could not be so successful.

PEACEKEEPERS:

This Sunday, May 29 is recognised around the world as International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It is a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. There are also observances around the world, often countries will honor their own peacekeepers abroad, but the UN also organizes festivals, discussion forums, and memorials in cooperation with local and national groups.

NO TOBACCO DAY:

Tuesday May 31 is observed as World No Tobacco Day. It is intended to encourage a 24 hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. The day is further intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to 5.4 million deaths worldwide annually. Ash trays with fresh flowers are a common symbol of World No Tobacco Day.

CHILDREN:

International Children's Day is celebrated on Wednesday June 1, and is simply a day to honour children and minors.

Patrickswell news for w/e May 20th

2011-05-19T09:49:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend May 21-22, The Most Holy Trinity, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Michael Wolfe, Sunday at 10am Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Michael Houlihan, John Collopy, Maria Bucke, Sunday at 10am, Kathleen Enright, Sam Milburn, Joanne Tierney, Sunday at 12noon, Michael McDermott, Eileen O’Shea, Louise Carey.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

BLOOD DONORS:

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood every week and a donor clinic is being held at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, next Wednesday May 25 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website. There will be clinics in Raheen and Castleconnell the following week.

TIDY TOWNS:

Our preparations for this year’s planting moved up a gear this week, and there were no less than fifteen of us out last Tuesday night. Although heavy showers were quite persistent, many hands made light work and sixty two grow bags were placed on the wall and cut open ready for planting. The beds and containers on the roundabout were prepared, and also the bed at Marian Park roundabout. Two mowers and two strimmers were also in action. We are always looking for extra help and this year we are delighted to welcome to our ranks Des Fitz, more familiar as the church organist. Not a gardener by his own admission but his contribution is very welcome and very much appreciated. As well as leading the church choir, Des has shown his versatility and is also well able to knock a fine tune out of the strimmer. The new tiered beds at the entrance to Shannon Development are almost complete thanks to Mossie and Richie. Mossie has also put in many hours transferring top soil to various planting areas, ably assisted by John Riordan. Vince Doherty has also been involved bringing soil to the area at the roundabout. Every little job makes a big difference. On Saturday evening we were horrified to learn that vandals had taken the hose from behind the wall at the roundabout, stretched it across the road and tied it to one of the road signs, causing major disruption to traffic. This was clearly a stupid and dangerous act which could have resulted in a serious accident or even fatalities. Not content with that, the vandals then turned their attention to the grow bags on the wall, and threw off several, emptying the contents onto the ground.

Gardai were called and responded, while members were replacing the bags, but within half an hour, the culprits returned to repeat their mindless vandalism. Unconfirmed reports suggest that three female juvenile delinquents were involved in the incidents which is a worrying development, and one which we hope will not be repeated.

GET FIT:

A Dance and Fitness Class is taking place in Patrickswell GAA Hall on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:30am. This is a free course for those in receipt of Social Welfare payments including Lone Parents Allowance, Unemployment Benefit and Family Income Supplement. To book a place call Irene at West Limerick Resources on 069 66298.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION:

If you Love where you Live and have an eye for a good photograph why not enter the An Taisce-Alupro Ireland "Love Where You Live" Photography Competition 2011.

The aim of the Love where you Live Photography Competition is to encourage people to look with fresh eyes at their local environment. Have you a photograph that shows how much you love where you live and captures how much your local area means to you? A photograph that candidly captures the sense of purpose and success of your local community, or a photograph of the positive interaction of the people on your street or area or a photograph that hints at unique aspects of your area and why you love where you live. Then why not enter the An Taisce-Alupro Ireland Love Where You Live Photography Competition now? There are three categories in the "Love Where You Live" Photography Competition 2011. Category 1 is for photographers under 18 years of age on the closing date of the competition (30/6/2011). Category 2 is for adult photographers over 18 years of age on the closing date of the competition. Category 3 is for schools. Entries in this category should be made in the form of a collage of pupils’ photos. Individual pupils can also participate in Category 1.The competition has a total prize fund of 2,250 euros.

To find out how to enter the competition and for rules and conditions of entry log onto www.lovewhereyoulive.ie, www.aluproireland.ie or www.antaisce.org.

EDDIE MURPHY MEMORIAL RUN:

A 10K Memorial Run and a 5K Charity Jog will commence at The Idler Bar, Knockane, Pallasgreen this Sunday May 22 at 3pm, with registration from 1-3pm.

Entry fee is €10 with Juniors (U16) €5.The GAA Community Sports Day will be held in The GAA Field, Knockane commencing at 12noon. There are no changing facilities but a bag drop will be in operation. A post run barbeque will be held in conjunction with Knockane GAA Sports Day. Prizes, which have all been donated by local businesses, will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd, and Parish, Junior and Lady competitors. If you wish to take part you can register on line at www.runireland.ie or on the day. More information is available from patrickjq@eircom.net – 0872588980 or Facebook Pallasgreen Templebredon Development Association.

Eddie was a native of Knockane, Pallasgreen and a seasoned runner and Marathon competitor. He took ill after the Galway Ultra Marathon last month.

Patrickswell news for w/e May 13th

2011-05-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend May14-15, The Fourth Sunday of Easter, and Vocations Sunday are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Michael Wolfe, Sunday at 10am Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Christy Murphy, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, PJ O’Grady. Sunday at 12noon, Pat Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am mass to encourage prayer for vocations. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. There will be no weekly prayer meetings for the duration of the Life in the Spirit seminars, the second of which is this Thursday, May 12 commencing at 8pm.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

VOCATIONS:

This Sunday May 15 is Vocations Sunday and St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will hold a three hour Vigil of Prayer for Vocations in St. Nessan’s Church, Raheen, on Saturday May 14. The vigil will commence with Concelebrated Mass at 7-30pm and conclude with Benediction at 10-30pm.You are invited to participate for all or any part of the session.

ROSARY:

The Rosary will be recited at the shrine this Friday May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commencing at 7-30pm, and an open invitation is extended to all.

FIRST COMMUNION:

Congratulations to the teachers of Patrickswell NS and parents in the preparation of all those who took part in their First Holy Communion ceremony last Saturday.

MISSIONARY APPEAL:

Next weekend May 21-22 the St.Patrick Fathers, Kiltegan will make an appeal for their missionary society.

CUAN MHUIRE COLLECTION:

Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire, Bruree, will be holding her annual churchgate collection at all masses this weekend, May 14-15, and will greatly appreciate your support.

TIDY TOWNS:

We discovered last week that four of the shaped shrubs in the bed adjacent to the wall at the roundabout, had become victims of the severe winter weather, and had to be removed. It was decided to replace them with lavender plants which hopefully wont take too long to establish, and will require less maintenance in the future. Our main focus this week will be to prepare the wall at the roundabout for planting which will require no less than sixty two grow bags.

FAMILIES:

This Sunday May 15 is promoted by the United Nations as International Day of Families, and has been observed since 1995. This year’s theme is, “Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion”, and the main aim of the day is to celebrate the importance of families, people, societies and cultures around the world.

The symbol of the International Day of Families consists of a solid green circle with an image in red. The image consists of elements of simple drawings of a heart and a house. This indicates that families are the centre of society and provide a stable and supporting home for people of all ages.

WTISD:

Tuesday May 17 is World Telecommunication and Information Society day, the purpose of which is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

The day marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in1865, and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

Half the world’s population resides in rural districts and far flung communities, three billion people who represent the poorer, less educated, and more deprived cousins of our urban citizens. This year’s theme, “Better life in rural communities with ICTs”, is aimed at meeting the Millennium Development Goals to provide enhanced opportunities to generate income and combat poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy.
GOLF SOCIETY:

Our next outing is this Saturday May 14 at Roscrea with tee-off times from 11am until 12-30pm.

Patrickswell news for w/e May 6th

2011-05-05T05:44:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:
Listed readers for this weekend May7-8, The Third Sunday of Easter, and for the remainder of the month are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Michael Wolfe, Sunday at 10am Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon Angela O’Donnell, with apologies for the error in last week’s notes. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. This Friday May 6, is First Friday, and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. The new rota for Eucharistic Ministers to the end of June is now available from the sacristy.
PARISH NEWSLETTER:
Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am each Friday, or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
The First Holy Communion Ceremony for the pupils of Patrickswell NS will take place this Saturday May 7 at 11am.

PILGRIMAGE:

The pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which is being organised by Patrickswell Prayer Group is almost fully subscribed. Fr. O’Brien from Croom is accompanying the trip, which departs from Shannon on October 1. For further information contact Joan O’Brien 320947, 087-9688233, or Dan O’Riordan 397460.
SEMINARS:
The Life in the Spirit Seminars commence this Thursday May 5 in Patrickswell Church at 8pm, and continuing for seven consecutive Thursdays. Find New Hope in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, whether it’s personal, family, social or spiritual challenges. Each night there will be a speaker who will share their life experiences and journey of faith. Please note that there will be no weekly Monday Prayer Meetings for the duration of the seminars.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL:
Patrickswell Community Council is now made up of the following members; Chairperson Michael McSweeney, Vice Chairperson Liam Shinnors, Secretary Mary O’Brien, Asst. Secretary Kathryn Tierney, Treasurers James Shinnors and Tony Quinn, Education &Training Ann Gill, Planning Nelius Hayes, PRO Jim Buckley
Asst PRO Michael Ahern. The following are committee members: Michael McSweeney, Liam Shinnors, Mary O’Brien, James Shinnors, Tony Quinn, Ann Gill,
Nelius Hayes, Mike McNamara, Edward Hayes, Fergus Kilcoyne, Sally Walsh, Evelyn Doran, Louise Foley, Mary O’Shaughnessy, Dan O’Riordan, Kathryn Tierney and Dave Hodkinson. New members recently welcomed to the council are; Michael Ahern, Patricia Barry, John Leddin, Michael Scanlon, Jim Buckley, Joe McNamara, Bernard O’Riordan and John McDermott.

TIDY TOWNS

At the April meeting our summer planting scheme was discussed and finalised, and a very extensive shopping list was drawn up. The county council contractors have made a start to the grass cutting which we were glad to see. It will take a few more cuts before things are properly under control. We have been very pleased to receive offers of help in various areas especially from young Alan Fitzhenry from Sycamore Heights, who was out with mower and strimmer immediately after the council had finished, and worked hard over the course of a few days making the entrance to Sycamore looking tidy and cared for. Thank you Alan, hopefully your example may inspire others. Mossie Carmody and Richie Bennis have started on their main project for the year which is to refurbish the planting area at the entrance to Shannon Development. We would like to thank Christy Riley who helped by bringing the necessary materials for that job. We are still receiving donations from those who missed our church gate collection, for which we are very grateful.

BLOOD DONORS:
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood this week, and donor clinics will be held at the following locations, Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick on Monday May 9 from 6 to 9pm, and the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, on Tuesday May 10 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website. There will be a donor clinic in St.John,s Pavilion, Mulgrave St. the following week.
RED CROSS:
Each year, on 8 May, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement marks World Red Cross Red Crescent Day by highlighting the role of its staff and volunteers in saving lives and assisting vulnerable communities around the world. The day is extremely significant for the Red Cross, as it is the birthday of founder Henri Dunant. This year’s theme is, “Together for Humanity”.
HAPPY HEART:
The Irish Heart Foundation is promoting its Happy Heart Weekend on May 12, 13 and 14. All funds raised will be directed into a new life saving Heart Attack Awareness campaign.

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES TRAINING:

West Limerick Resources will host a Tidy Towns training session on the Wildlife and Natural Amenities Category on Monday May 9 in Newcastle West. Open to new and existing Tidy Towns groups, community councils, development associations and interested individuals in the West Limerick area, this free event aims to provide practical training in how to develop simple but effective projects. The evening will combine a short nature walk with local heritage specialist Geoff Hunt, training on how to carry out wildlife surveys from the Irish Wildlife Trust and specific training on the Tidy Towns category from adjudicator and wildlife expert Eanna Ni Lamhna. Wildlife walk will begin in the Demesne (meet at community centre) at 7.30pm followed by group training in the Courtney Lodge at 8.30pm. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie
COMMUNITY GAMES:
Please note the date of May 8 in your diaries, as this is the date for the Annual Crecora-Patrickswell area Community Games Athletics day at Crecora GAA pitch. Competition starts at 3pm, with Registrations accepted from 2.15pm. There will be races over various distances from 60m to 1500m, with competitions also for toddlers and adults. Please note that running spikes are not allowed in this competition. Entrance fee is just €2 per child, and the winners in all events will go on to represent Crecora-Patrickswell area Community Games in the county finals in Mungret at the end of June. Further Details: Noel Kennedy 086-1589256 / Mike Heffernan 087-6479559.

Patrickswell news for w/e April 15th

2011-04-14T09:47:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend April 16-17, Passion or Palm Sunday, are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Eileen O’Beirne, Sunday at 10am James McCarthy, Sunday at 12noon Joe Tierney. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll, Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Mary Enright, Michael Punch, Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry , Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you.

Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday after the 10am mass until the 12noon mass and also from 9am until 12noon on Saturday. Eucharistic Ministers for the 7pm mass on Holy Thursday, April 21 are, Mary Enright, Rose Kelliher and Christy Murphy.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

BLOOD DONORS:

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood this week, and donor clinics will be held at the following locations, Scoil Ide, Corbally
Monday April 18 from 6 to 9pm, Community Centre, Manister, Co. Limerick Tuesday April 19 from 6 to 9pm, St. John's Pavilion Wednesday April 20, from
5 to 8pm, and Foynes Community Centre, Thursday April 21, 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or their website. There will be clinics in Castletroy the following week.

ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS:

Eventually, after thirty five years of dedication, and a never give up attitude, Mary Shinnors has finally been rewarded for her enthusiastic commitment, and involvement with local dancing as the Patrickswell Set Dancers were crowned All Ireland Champions in the Senior Scor Finals in Killarney at the weekend. During those years, Patrickswell were in second place no less than nineteen times. A huge crowd of supporters were in attendance at the INEC to witness the championship performance, and in a matter of seconds of the result being announced, text messages were flying to relay the news to all back home, which was received with great joy and excitement. Muirne Bennis was also instrumental in the preparation of the team of, John McDermott, Dessie Foley, David Enright, Michael Shinnors, Sarah Foley, Aedin Foley, Gloria O’Donnell and Paula Griffin. On arriving back at the Cu Chulainn, where celebrations had already commenced, a reception committee gave the champions a resounding welcome. Needless to say, festivities are ongoing.

TIDY TOWNS:

Our Spring Clean went ahead as planned last Tuesday, with fine weather in our favour. We would like to thank Trisha, Kathryn and Stephanie who responded to our appeal for volunteers to assist, and we had sufficient numbers to split into two teams and the Clarina Road and Croom Road were targeted. In just over an hour, sixteen bags of other people’s rubbish had been collected. It was perfect timing, as in less than an hour after we had finished the heavens opened and there was a terrific downpour. We also enjoyed fine weather at the weekend for our annual church gate collection, and are grateful for your generous response. The total raised was just over E1000, for which we thank you most sincerely. We also take this opportunity to congratulate Marie and Liam Foley who had three family members in the victorious All Ireland Set Dancing team, son Dessie, daughter-in-law Aedin, and daughter Sarah.

CREDIT UNION:

The offices of MPCC Credit Union will be open as follows over Easter. Thursday April 21: Patrickswell 2pm – 7pm, Dooradoyle 10am – 7pm and Mungret 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. All offices will be closed on Good Friday April 22. Saturday April 23: Dooradoyle and Mungret, 10am – 12 noon. All offices will be closed on Easter Monday April 25. Normal opening hours resume on Tuesday, April 6. The Board of Directors and staff wish all members a very happy Easter.

Congratulations to the under-13 team from Crecora National School who performed so well in the recent National Final of the Credit Unions School Quiz, which took place in the RDS in Dublin. The team of Eoin Moore, Cian Leahy and Thomas Keating representing MPCC Credit Union finished fifth overall in their category, only four points behind the overall winners. Over 25,000 school children under the age of 13 began the competition in over 300 venues throughout the 32 counties of Ireland making it one of the most popular and successful promotions undertaken by the credit union movement, therefore it was a great achievement for the boys to have made it through to the national final after winning both their local and regional heats and to have come so close to scooping the national title.

ZUMBA CLASSES:

Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system. A Zumba class combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body, and the dance movements are easy-to-follow steps targeting various body areas especially the heart. A Zumba class creates a party-like atmosphere that provides a non-intimidating opportunity for non-dancers and veterans alike to exercise in a healthy, fun and open environment, great for both body and mind. Cathriona Murphy will be starting a class in Patrickswell on Tuesday April 19 from 8 to 9pm in the GAA Hall. Tel. 087 2666060 or email cathriona.murphy@gmail.com

DAYLIGHT ROBBERIES:

There has been a spate of incidents recently, in which criminals are targeting rural and isolated premises to steal property and belongings. While this in itself is nothing new, the incidents are taking place during day light hours, and also in some cases while the owners are still on the premises. This is a frightening aspect for anyone, but more so for elderly people living on their own or in isolated areas. Gardai are continually issuing warnings and advice, and neighbours are asked to be particularly vigilant, to look out for each other, and to report unfamiliar vehicles or people acting suspiciously.

GOLF SOCIETY:

Our next outing of the season is this Saturday, April 16, at Castleisland, with tee-off times from 10 to 11-30.

Patrickswell news for w/e April 1

2011-03-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES:

Listed readers for this weekend April 2-3, The Fourth Sunday of Lent, and for the remainder of the month are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Eileen O’Beirne, Sunday at 10am James McCarthy, Sunday at 12noon Joe Tierney. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. This Friday April 1, is First Friday, and there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9-30 am mass until 11am. Communion will be distributed to the sick. If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound who would like communion brought to them, please hand in their names to the sacristy. Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will take place before the 7pm mass on Saturday. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Sunday in Lent after the 10am mass until the 12noon mass and also from 9am until 12noon on Saturdays.

PARISH NEWSLETTER:

Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am each Friday, or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net

RAHEEN YOUTH MINISTRY:

Raheen Youth Ministry are having a table quiz this Friday April 1 at 9pm in Mungret GAA hall. This table quiz is raising money for the young people of Raheen and surrounding areas going to Lourdes and World Youth Day. Table of 4 costs €40. There will also be a raffle on the night. Everyone welcome."

FINE GAEL AGM:

The Annual General Meeting of the Willie O' Brien Fine Gael Branch will take place on Monday night April 4 in the Dark Horse, Patrickswell at 9pm. This branch includes the Patrickswell, Clarina and Crecora Areas. Public Representatives will attend on the night and new members are very welcome.

PATRICKSWELL NATIONAL SCHOOL:

Applications for enrolment in next September's Junior Infants class in Patrickswell N.S. are now being accepted. Application Forms are available from the School Office. The contact address is: Patrickswell N.S., Patrickswell, Co. Limerick (061-355057). There are a limited number of places available in some of the older classes for September 2011.Early booking is advisable.

SCOR:
Hearty congratulations to the GAA Set Dancers who brought great honour to the club and parish by winning the Munster Senior Scor title in Templemore. The winning team of John McDermott, Des Foley, David Enright, Michael Shinnors, Sarah Foley, Aedin Foley, Gloria O’Donnell and Paula Griffin take with them everyone’s good wishes as they compete in the All Ireland Finals in Killarney next Saturday April 9. The Figure Dancers are also to be congratulated on achieving second place in their category.

FOUR PEAKS CHALLENGE:

The Limerick branch of Focus Ireland, the housing and homeless charity, is looking for local people to take part in a forty eight hour adventure, challenging them to climb the highest mountain peak in each of the four provinces of Ireland. The event takes place from June 10-12, and its aim is to raise funds to tackle homelessness and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Teams will consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of five, plus at least two drivers to share the transport requirements. Focus Ireland’s services are in great demand as young people and families struggle to keep a roof over their heads. If you are interested in rising to the challenge please contact www.focusireland.ie

MID-WESTERN CANCER FOUNDATION:

The foundation is looking for people to organise fundraising events, to enable it to continue with providing holistic care for patients and to support research in the Mid-West. Please contact 061-210979, Email info@mwcf.ie or www.mwcf.ie for more information.

LIMERICK SHOW:

This year’s show will again be a two day event, taking place at Limerick Racecourse on August 2t and 28.

CENSUS:

From now until Sunday April 10, Census Enumerators will call to all households usually between the hours of 5pm and 10pm.They may call earlier in the day, and anytime up to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. To distinguish themselves from bogus callers who are posing as legitimate enumerators, they will all carry identification cards and be wearing high visibility jackets. Legitimate enumerators are under instruction not to enter any household, and Gardai are warning householders not to be conned by the criminal posers.

AUTISM:

World Autism Awareness Day is being held this year on Saturday April 2. April is Ireland’s Autism Awareness Month when Irish Autism Action, which is a service for families affected by autism, kicks off its Awareness Campaign throughout Ireland.

Its mission is to raise the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by autism.

WORLD HEALTH DAY:

April 7 is celebrated every year as World Health day, sponsored by the World Health Organization. It is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health and public health issues each year. The theme for this year is, “Anti-microbial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow”.

ARDSCOIL RIS:

This Saturday April 2, the final of the All Ireland Colleges Senior A Hurling Championship will be contested by Ardscoil Ris and St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. The match takes place at Semple Stadium, Thurles, and with Patrickswell well represented on the Ardscoil Ris panel, the team is wished the very best of luck in their pursuit of All Ireland glory.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS:

Special Olympics’ collection day, sponsored by eircom will take place on Friday April 15. This is the biggest annual fundraising event in aid of Special Olympics Ireland and we need 3,500 volunteers to help us collect on the day. To get involved and collect in Patrickswell please visit www.specialolympics.ie/collectionday or
INFORMATION EVENING:

Interested parents are invited to attend an information evening at Crecora National School at 6.30p.m.on Monday April 11. The evening will allow prospective parents to visit classrooms, speak to staff informally, view facilities and hear about the daily routines of the school. Parents will also hear from members of the Board of Management and the Parents’ Council. Parents may also visit the school between 11.30 a.m. and 1p.m. on April 12, 13, and 14. For more information, please contact us at 061- 355228 or email your query to crecorans@eircom.net. We look forward to welcoming you.

Patrickswell news for w/e March 25th

2011-03-24T09:19:00.001-07:00

CHURCH NOTICES

Listed readers for this weekend, March 26-27, The Third Sunday of Lent are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Mary Collins, Mary Bennis, Breda Carroll. Sunday at 10am, Michael O’Mara, Michael Punch, Sam Milburn. Sunday at 12noon, Seamus Enright, Patricia Barry, Rory Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Sunday in Lent after the 10am mass until the 12noon mass and also from 9am until 12noon on Saturdays.

PARISH NEWSLETTER

TRÓCAIRE

This year’s Trócaire Box carries a picture of a little girl called Digna who lives in poverty and fear with her family in Northern Honduras. Your contributions will help to lift this family and community out of poverty. For almost forty years the Lenten Campaign has allowed Trócaire to operate in more than twenty seven countries around the world, helping poor people to break out of poverty, and to tackle oppression and injustice.

BLOOD DONORS

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires three thousand donations of blood this week, and a donor clinic will be held at Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher on Monday March 28 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. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137.

ORGAN DONOR WEEK

This year’s Organ Donor Awareness Week Campaign runs from April 2 –9. It is organized by the Irish Kidney Association and is supported by the Irish Donor Network. The annual life saving awareness campaign aims to highlight to the general public the plight of people with organ failure and the ongoing need for organ donation for transplantation encouraging more people to make an informed decision to carry an organ donor card and to donate their organs in the event of their untimely death. The symbol of transplantation is the forget-me-not flower, and emblems will be available for sale at shopping centres and other locations during the week, with all proceeds going to the support programme of the IKA. Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association LoCall 1890 543639 or the website www.ika.ie

EARTH HOUR

The “global phenomenon” known as Earth Hour is scheduled to take place this Saturday March 26 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. Earth Hour is an event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in which individuals, businesses and governments are asked to turn off their non-essential lights and appliances for one hour. The mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

CLOCKS GO FORWARD

One hour less in bed for everyone at the weekend as this Sunday marks the start of Summertime, and all clocks, watches and timepieces will need to be put forward one hour before you retire on Saturday.

TIDY TOWNS

Our next meeting will be held this coming Tuesday March 29 in the Cu Chulainn at 8pm. April is National Spring Clean Month and we have registered with An Taisce to be part of Ireland’s biggest anti-litter campaign. We will be tackling the usual areas which are the cause of most concern, and weather permitting our campaign will get underway the following Tuesday which is April 5. If anyone would like to join us for the litter pick or indeed help us in any way during the year we would be glad to hear from you.

CARERS ASSOCIATION

The second National Dog Walk to raise funds for the Carers Association is being held on Easter Monday April 26. The Limerick walk of five kilometres takes approximately two hours, and is being supported by the Petmania store at the Jetland Centre, Ennis Road, from where the walk will commence and finish. The registration fee is five euro for one dog or ten euro for a family. The association exists to support carers who are currently feeling the brunt of cuts made in all directions. Donations in lieu of the walk can be made directly to the Carers Association. To register and for more information visit www.carersireland .com or call 1800-240724.

GOLF SOCIETY

Our first outing took place in Adare Golf club on Sunday March 13. March being a month of much mixed weather, this one didn’t disappoint as we had a two hour delay because of frost, but the day turned out to be cold but dry for the occasion. The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of all the members, 62 in all which is a record for our first outing. This augurs well for the turnouts for the rest of the year.
The results were as follows, 1^st Padraig Mann 36pts, 2nd Alan Purcell 34pts(B9), 3rd Ger Considine 34pts, 4th Pat Barry 33pts (B9), 5th Brian Geoghan 33pts, 6th Gary Kirby 32pts, Front 9 Seamus Enright, Back 9Liam Quinlan.
The following are the remaining fixtures and venues for 2011. Saturday April 16 Castleisland, Saturday May14 Roscrea, Saturday June 25 Cahir, Saturday July 16 Woodstock, Saturday August 20 Galway Bay, Saturday September25 Charleville,
Saturday October 22 Waterford Castle(Captain’s Prize). We hope to see you all at these outings.

ARDSCOIL RIS

Many congratulations to the Ardscoil Ris hurlers who ran out fine winners

against Castlecomer in Templemore on Saturday in the All Ireland Colleges SHC Semi-Final, 2-16 to 6points. The side includes a contingent of Patrickswell players, who also featured in last year’s team. There was radio coverage of the game although not a full commentary, and Mark Carmody was described as working like a tiger, and making some great scores. We wish them all the very best of luck in their All Ireland Final in Thurles on Saturday week April 2.

Patrickswell notes 8th March 2011

2011-03-08T09:06:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES

Listed readers for this weekend, March12-13, The First Sunday of Lent are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan. Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm, Eileen O’Byrne, Rita Madigan, Joe Tierney. Sunday at 10am, Noreen Murray, Eileen Nally, P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon, Patrick Kirby, Noreen Quinn, Birdie Enright. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Sunday in Lent after the 10am mass.

ST. PATRICKK’S DAY MASSES

Masses for St.Patrick’s Day will be celebrated at the following times, Vigil Mass Wednesday March 16 at 7pm, Eucharistic Ministers, Rose Kelliher, Sam Milburn, Maria Bucke. Thursday March 17, morning mass at 10am, Eucharistic Ministers, Eileen Nally, Mary Enright, Joanne Tierney.

PARISH NEWSLETTER

TROCAIRE

The annual Trocaire Lenten campaign was launched on Saturday, and is centred this year on the community of La Conflianza in Honduras. The name means “trust”, and that is what their community is built on. They work together to support one another, even though they live in poverty and have no access to life’s basics such as adequate nutrition, health, education and land. Trocaire boxes are now available, and your contributions will help to lift this community out of poverty. In the last four decades
Irish people have collected €250m through the Trocaire campaigns, which director Justin Kilcullen said was an extraordinary tribute to the generosity of Irish people.
He said the money allowed Trocaire to operate in more than twenty seven countries around the world, helping poor people to break out of poverty, and to tackle oppression and injustice.

GAA

The annual church gate collection for Patrickswell GAA will be taken up at all masses this weekend, and your generous support would be gratefully appreciated. A table quiz is also scheduled for Thursday April 7, in the Cu Chulainn commencing at 8pm.

TIDY TOWNS

The deadline for General Election candidates to take down their posters has expired, and any which remain, are now in breach of the Litter Pollutions Act. This also includes the poster ties. Thankfully all posters appear to have been removed from the locality, but some cable ties remain. Lets hope that the successful candidates have more integrity than their agents who left the ties behind them. The recent spell of fine Spring weather enabled the completion of another minor project, the transplanting of a tree from the green area near the roundabout to the verge adjacent to the wall at the shrine. Thanks to Mossie Carmody and Richie Bennis for their endeavours, and to Pat Fitzgerald for his assistance. The four flower containers can now be removed, as they were frost damaged during the winter. National Spring Clean month commences on April 1 promoted by An Taisce and the local authority. It is Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign, and we will be out in force to tackle litter blackspots as in previous years, and this will mark the start of our programme for the year.

WORLD DAYS

Next Tuesday, March 15, is promoted as World Consumer Rights Day, which dates back to March 15, 1963, when President John F Kennedy gave an address to the US Congress in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights. He was the first world leader to do so, and the consumer movement now marks March 15 every year as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights. This year’s theme is “Consumers for Fair Financial Services”, as it feels that consumers have been getting a bad deal on financial services for too long. More information about WCRD is available on the Consumer International website.

GOLF SOCIETY

Our golfing season gets underway this Sunday, March 13, at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, from 9am -11am. This will be preceeded by the Captain and President’s Drive In.

HEAD SHAVE

Charles (Charlie) O’Neill, former illustrious barman at the Cu Chulainn, recently took up the TodayFM challenge to Shave or Dye in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Not one to take a challenge lightly, Charlie was one of 317 volunteers from around the country who offered their heads for shaving, and in so doing created a new World Record for the most heads shaved in the same place in one hour only. A team of twenty barbers started at 7am on February 18 at the Style Club in Dublin, as men and women from the four corners arrived ready to sacrifice their hair all for a good cause. To date nearly half a million euro has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society and Charlie’s contribution came to and he would like to thank all those who sponsored him. Well done Charlie. Any one else for a short back and shine?

RESOURCE CENTRE

A free course on Skin Care, Make Up and Healthy Eating is available for those in receipt of Social Welfare Payments at the Resource Centre on Monday evenings from 7-30 until 9-30pm, places can be booked by ringing Irene on 069-66298. The weekly 45Drive takes place every Thursday commencing at 9pm sharp, and everbody is welcome. Information Services at the centre include all HSE and Social Welfare forms. The FAS Jobs Board is updated daily, and a photocopying and typing service is also available. The Citizens’ Information Service also holds weekly consultations every Tuesday from 12noon until 1pm. Professional staff deliver a free, confidential and impartial service, and no appointment is necessary. Computer and Internet access is available for over eighteens costing 1Euro for thirty minutes, and 2 Euro for a full hour.

FRIDAY CLUB

An eight week Aroma Therapy Course has been secured by the Friday Club as part of the VEC Community Education Programme. It is available to all Senior Citizens in the area, and runs from 2 to 4pm, which is the normal time for the club’s weekly get together. New members are always welcome to join, to meet up for a friendly chat and cuppa, and to keep in touch with other members of the community.

Patrickswell news for w/e February 25th.

2011-02-22T01:03:00.001-08:00

CHURCH NOTICES

Listed readers for this weekend, February 26-27, The Eighth 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, M.Houlihan, J.Collopy, M.Bucke. Sunday at 10am, K.Enright, R.Kelliher. Sunday at 12noon M.McDermott, E.O’Shea, R.Fitzgerald. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at the usual time of 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place on Monday at 8pm and all are welcome. Listed readers for the month of March are as follows, Saturday at 7pm Doireann Foley, Sunday at 10am P.J.O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon Dan Riordan.

PARISH NEWSLETTER

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

The meeting last Tuesday for Eucharistic Ministers was well attended by both the current panel, plus five parishioners who have recently undergone a training course to become Eucharistic Ministers. Fr.Muiris O’Connor being unable to attend, the new recruits were introduced by Marie Bucke and Rose Kelleher, and they were warmly welcomed by the current panel. Their training has taken place at St.Pauls, together with other parishioners from the Pastoral Area. They will be included in the new rota which will commence the first weekend in March. All current ministers are looking forward to working with them, and assure them of every assistance as they embark on this very important part of the lay ministry within the church.

COLLECTION

The organisers of the church gate collection last weekend would like to thank you for your contributions which were for St. Vincent’s Centre, Lisnagry. The annual collection in aid of Milford Hospice will be taken up at all masses this weekend, and your generosity would again be greatly appreciated.

MEETING

Following the various revelations of the last number of years, and as part of our healing journey the Pastoral Area is organising a meeting for priests and parishioners on Monday March 7 from 8 to 9-30pm in St. Paul’s NS, Dooradoyle. This will provide an opportunity for those who would like to listen to each other, to speak about the difficulties of the last few years, and to consider how to move forward together. The meeting is open to all six parishes and the planning group is requesting that you confirm your attendance in advance by giving your name to Fr.Muiris O’Connor by February 28, in order to have some idea of numbers who will be attending.

COMPUTER COURSE

A six week computer course begins on Wednesday March 2 at the Patrickswell Community Resource Centre. The class will take place from 10am - 12noon, and the cost will be €20 for the course. Places are limited, for more information call into the Resource Centre, or call Teresa on 061-320303.

PILGRIMAGE

A ten day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with spiritual directors, is being organised by Patrickswell prayer Group, from October 1-10 flying directly from Shannon. The cost will be E1145 PPS, which includes half board accommodation and all taxes. For further information contact Joan O’Brien 320947, 087-9688233, or Dan O’Riordan 397460.

GOLF SOCIETY

At our recent well-attended A.G.M. we got the ball rolling for the upcoming year on the golfing circuit. First business was the Treasurer’s Report and in this, Seamus Enright gave a very detailed account of the finances for the past year. Secretary Gerry Molyneaux outlined what happened on the golf courses in 2010 and outlined where we will be playing for 2011.Officers elected for the coming year were as follows, Captain Tony O’Neill,Vice Captain Ger Considine, Secretary Gerry Molyneaux, Treasurer Seamus Enright, Handicap Secretary Gary Kirby, P.R.O.Kieran Darcy.
Committee: Michael Woulfe, Mick Naughton, Liam Quinlan, Tom Dundon, Jimmy O’Rahilly, Frankie Nolan, Mick Barry, Lar Considine, Tony Hurley, and Gerry Ryan.
Membership Fees can be given to any of the above. In order to win the Captain’s Prize this year each member must have played in at least three previous outings.
Also, in order to win the Golfer of the Year competition, a member must hand in six out of eight scorecards one of which has to be the Captain’s Prize scorecard.
The following are the dates and venues to put in your diary for 2011.
Sunday March 13, Adare Golf Resort, 9am -11am. Saturday April 16 Castleisland, 10am-11.30am. Saturday May 14 Roscrea, 11am- 12.30pm. Saturday June 25 Cahir,10am.- 11.30am. Saturday July 16 Woodstock 10am-11.30am. Saturday August 20 Galway Bay 10.30am-12.00noon. Saturday September 25 Charleville 10am.- 11.30. Saturday October 22 Waterford Castle 10am-12.00noon (Captain’s Prize).We hope to see you all at these outings and hope you enjoy them and the best of luck to all members in the up coming golfing year.

ARTHRITIS

The Limerick branch of Arthritis Ireland is holding an afternoon tea dance in Mungret GAA Clubhouse this Sunday February 27 from 3 to 6pm. Seamus Sheehy will be providing the music, and there will also be spot prizes. All proceeds will be used by the branch to help provide information and support to sufferers and their families in the area. A sponsored walking challenge entitle ”Get Your Joints in Motion” will take place on Saturday May 7. It is for people with arthritis, in aid of people with arthritis. Three quarters of a million people, men, women and children live with the disease in Ireland, and funds raised from the walk will be used to improve their lives. If you are interested in walking call Louise on 01-6470209 or email jointsinmotion@arthritisireland.ie to register.

COURSING

The Irish Cup, the last coursing meeting of the season, takes place at the racecourse in Greenmount, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 25,26 and 27.