There was a huge gathering in Jack O’Rourke’s bar on Sunday night where a surprise party was organized for Helen Cusack who was celebrating twenty one years working behind the bar in this well-known local establishment.

When Helen arrived in from the heights of Knockaboul (or Cratloe West as she more properly likes to call it) all those years ago, many of us seasoned drinkers shook our heads knowingly and said that she would never last.

Well, we certainly got that one wrong! Helen adapted very quickly to bar life and has been part and parcel of Jack O’Rourke’s ever since.

And a measure of her popularity can be gauged by the amount of people who came out to offer their congratulations and support on Sunday night.

And what a night it was! Everyone was given a hot meal and stood complimentary drinks to mark the occasion. Tributes were paid to Helen by Jack and Angela O’Rourke who both thanked her for her long years of dedicated service, and by Denis Murphy who expressed appreciation on behalf of all the customers. Helen was also presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift from the patrons and staff. (See pics in Christmas section MSN GALLERY)

With the formalities over, the chairs were pulled back and everybody took to the floor for a very enjoyable disco.

We congratulate Helen on reaching such an important milestone – and we look forward to the next twenty one years!

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DAY CARE;

The committee of the Day Care Centre wishes to thank all of those generous people and groups who supported the centre during the year, as well as all who made themselves available on the Tuesdays and Wednesdays to provide entertainment, etc. The committee would also like to express its gratitude to all those who availed of the facilities of the centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as the residents of the sheltered housing. Many thanks also to the supervisors and staff for their excellent contributions to the great success of the centre. May we wish a Happy Christmas and every Blessing in the new year to all concerned.

LIGHTS;

The Christmas lights have been switched on in Main Street and they add a distinctive festive feel to the whole area. Abbeyfeale Town Traders have been allocated E3000 by Limerick County Council to help defray the costs of Christmas lighting in the town.

QUIZ;

The Table Quiz in aid of under age teams at the rugby club was well supported last Friday night and the club would like to thank everyone who took part.

BRIDGE;

Abbeyfeale Bridge Club held a recent charity night in aid of Goal, and E500 was raised. The club would like to thank everyone for their generous support.