THE third annual Abbeyfeale Rag Meeting was held in Dromtrasna at the weekend, and the large attendance was treated to some great racing and exciting finishes in glorious weather conditions. There was €3,800 in prize money on offer, and specially commissioned trohies were presented to the winners of the various stakes. The tug of war, sheaf tossing, terrier racing, etc. attracted huge attention, and the organizing committee are to be congratulated for putting on such a varied programme of events. Proceeds from the meeting were donated to Abbeyfeale under age rugby. (See pics in MSN section)

FLEADH; The next Bank Holiday will be at the beginning of May and hopefully the weather will be as good as it was for Easter which will enhance the outdoor entertainment programme which is in place for this year’s Fleadh by the Feale. The outdoor entertainment starts on Friday 4^th May at 8pm with the very popular Traditional Busking Competition in the various age categories. On Sunday 5^th May at 8.30 pm entertainment in The Square will include the traditional groups Crede and the Templeglantine Comhaltas. Sunday afternoon outdoor entertainment begins at 3pm with a group of very talented young ladies from Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas who have just launched their first CD called Maids of Erin. This will be followed with a performance from Killeedy Comhaltas Group. Outdoor entertainment will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the All Ireland Junior Bone Competition.

On Monday 7^th May another full programme of outdoor entertainment will commence at 7.30 pm with a performance from Scoil Mhathair De who have delighted the audiences each year with their fine display of music, song and dance. This will be followed by Tournafulla Comhaltas Group, and the final event on the Monday night will be the Senior All Ireland Bone Playing Competition which always attracts a large crowd to The Square, bringing the festival to a grand finale. The standard of traditional entertainment on the open-air stage each year is very high, and so it is hoped that large numbers will turn out to support the many talented musicians, singers and dancers that will perform in this 2007 Fleadh by the Feale.

EXHIBITION; Karen Playford is currently holding an exhibition of photographs at Abbeyfeale Library. The exhibition covers a wide range of pictures including landscapes wildlife, portraits, etc. The exhibition runs for two weeks.

SCHOOLS; All the schools of the parish reopened on Monday following the Easter break.

SOCCER; Abbeyfeale Utd A defeated Foynes 1-0 in the quarter final of the league cup. John Kelliher was the scorer. Abbeyfeale Utd B defeated Granagh Utd 2-1 in the league.

RUGBY: Abbeyfeale RFC have been awarded a grant of €5,000 under the Government Sports Capitol Programme.

GAA: In the Junior A football league Fr Casey’s defeated Cappagh by 2-12 to 3-6.