All roads lead to Abbeyfeale this bank holiday weekend for the annual Fleadh by the Feale traditional festival. Large crowds of traditional music followers are expected to converge on the town, with many making a return visit to the festival. It all starts this Thursday 3^rd May and runs for five days, finishing on the bank holiday Monday night with the senior All Ireland Bone Playing competition. The full programme of events is aimed to cater for all ages. The town will be filled with the sound of music, and hopefully the many visitors will go home with fond memories of Abbeyfeale and the 2007 Fleadh by the Feale. Tickets are still available for the Celebrity Concert featuring the renowned traditional group, Lunasa,. They can be obtained at Abbey Stone & tile Centre, Main Street or by contacting Maureen at 086-3265762 or Dearbhla at 087-6874035.

The All Ireland Bone Playing competition on Monday evening is expected to attract a large crowd to The Square, and competitors are coming from as far away as the USA, Britain and even South Africa!

Last year, the senior title went to America when Steve Browne from Massachusetts beat all comers to become All Ireland champion. This year, he will be back to defend his title against stiff opposition both from local players and from a large overseas contingent. It is all hotting up nicely, and expect fireworks in The Square on Monday evening!

There will also be great craic in the bars over the weekend. Most publicans have booked traditional music sessions for various times each day, and the cream of local and national talent will be on display.

There will also be impromptu sessions on the streets and, with good weather forecast, it should add a continental feel to the occasion.

Of course, the highlight of the weekend for many will be the concert at the Convent Hall on Sunday night with Lunasa. Most people will have heard them on radio but to really appreciate just how good they are, you need to hear them live. They are truly excellent. They have won numerous awards and nominations including a Meteor nomination in 2004 and a BBC Folk Album of the Year Award nomination the same year, while their 1999 album, Otherworlds, won Traditional Album of the Year Awards both in Ireland and the USA.

It has the makings of a memorable concert and one not to be missed!

With good weather, good music and great craic, Fleadh by the Feale promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. We extend a very warm welcome and a cead mile failte to our visitors, both locally and from overseas and we look forward to meeting you all here in Abbeyfeale over the bank holiday weekend.

ELECTION;

Well, as we forecast here exclusively, the General Election has been announced for 24^th May. Canvassing has already started in the area and is expected to increase dramatically over the coming weeks. Posters adorn most of our lampposts and public buildings and will provide extra decoration for the town during Fleadh by the Feale. There are also numerous posters on display advertising an upcoming circus in the town. . Let us hope that our overseas visitors do not confuse the two events, although it is difficult at this stage to forecast which will provide the most entertainment. (My money is on the election)

And, speaking of money, the early election betting makes fascinating reading. Favourite at the moment is a Fine Gael/Labour/Greens coalition at 5/4. Next best is a Fianna Fail/Labour coalition at 11/4. Fine Gael/Labour are 6/1, followed by Fine Gael/Labour, and Fianna Fail/PD, both at 7/1. And for those who enjoy a novelty bet you can get a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael coalition at 16/1. Betting for next Taoiseach is Bertie Ahern at 8/11 and Enda Kenny at1/1. Betting in West Limerick is virtually non-existent so far, with two Fianna Fail and one Fine Gael seats looking past the post. Most interest here will be on who will top the poll.

We shall keep a close eye on the betting over the coming weeks and will record any dramatic swings.

Meanwhile the annual Fianna Fail National Collection takes place before all Masses this weekend.

SUPERMARKET;

Tesco Ireland has begun construction work on a new supermarket in Abbeyfeale. The site is close to the handball alley by the fire station. It is expected that the new outlet will be ready for business later this year.

TEA DAY:

Eileen O’Brien is holding a Tea Afternoon in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at Bridge Street, Abbeyfeale on this Thursday 3^rd May from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. All are welcome.

CLASSES:

Dancing Classes have resumed at the Community Centre, New Street and continue each Friday night from 9.15pm to 11pm. Dances taught include the waltz, jive, foxtrot, Siege of Ennis , etc.

GAA;

Fr Casey’s advanced to the final of the County Limerick U/21A football championship with a 2-15 to 1-4 win over Ballylanders. The meet Bruff in the final this weekend.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd A went five points clear at the top of the premiership following a 1-0 win against reigning champions Newcastlewest. David Roche was the scorer. Abbeyfeale Utd B were beaten 3-0 by Old Mill.