They say that a good start is half the battle. Limerick afforded Kilkenny an eight point advantage in the first ten minutes of their All Ireland hurling final in Croke Park on Sunday. The Shannonsiders battled bravely for the remaining sixty minutes and even managed to outscore their more illustrious opponents by a point during this period. However, the damage was done in those vital opening minutes.

Earlier on in the day the signs were not good. As we made our way in to 12 o’clock Mass, we noticed that a solitary black magpie was perched menacingly on the chapel gate. We paused, uncertain whether we should pass this harbinger of doom, or skip Mass altogether in the interests of Limerick hurling, and go for a pint instead.

We opted to perform our religious duties and took up our usual positions in the Church porch where a lively theological discussion followed on whether it was morally right to pray for a Limerick win. The general consensus was it mightn’t do much good but it certainly wouldn’t do any harm. And so we prayed like men demented – but our prayers went unanswered. Could God possibly be a closet Kilkenny fan? It would explain a lot.

It was a disappointing day for Limerick fans – but let us be positive. They were up against probably the best hurling team in the world at present, and they went toe to toe with them for over an hour.

This All Ireland final may very well have come twelve months too soon for the men in green. But, with the experience gained from three tough encounters with Tipperary, the sweet revenge against our tormentors of a year ago, Clare, a loss and a win against League and Munster champions Waterford, and Sunday’s clash with the Cats, it will be a far more experienced and street-wise Limerick team that takes the field next year.

It was great to be back in Croke Park again on All Ireland final day. And now that the players and fans have got a taste for the good times there will be no stopping us.

Roll on 2008. The tide is starting to turn on Shannonside. Sporting Limerick is on the march!

WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN!

They came, they saw – they were conquered! Sarnia Saints RFC from Canada visited Abbeyfeale last week as part of their Irish Tour.

And, on Thursday night, they were afforded a lavish welcome reception in Jack O’Rourke’s bar with lashings of food and drink and music and entertainment. Munster’s heroic victory over Biarritz in the Heineken Cup final was replayed on the giant screen – and it gets better all the time!

The president of Sarnia Saints is George O’Mahony who is a grandson of the late Dr George O’Mahony, founder member of Abbeyfeale RFC. The Saints last visited Abbeyfeale twenty five years ago and that trip was organized by George and Billy O’Mahony – sons of Dr George.

On Friday evening, still very much hung over from the previous night’s diversions, the tourists played Abbeyfeale at The Grove and were soundly beaten 24-0. This was followed by a very enjoyable barbeque and disco in the clubhouse, with the Saints proving themselves far more proficient on the dance floor than on the rugby pitch!

Abbeyfeale are now discussing the possibility of touring Canada next year. Arrangements for the tour are in the capable hands of Bill Blair. However, following revelations of recent navigational difficulties on a trip to Donegal, it is feared that Bill’s chances of ever finding Canada are very slim indeed. We could all end up in Timbuktu.

Now wouldn’t THAT be a story to tell the grandchildren!

We hope that Sarnia Saints enjoyed their brief stay in Abbeyfeale, and we look forward to renewing acquaintaces with them in the not too distant future.

SCHOOLS:

All the schools of the parish have reopened following the summer holidays.

FR CASEY:

A series of lectures on the life of Fr William Casey will be held in the Devon Inn during the weekend of 8^th and 9^th September.

KNOCK;

A bus will leave the Church yard for the Night Vigil in Knock on this Friday 7^th September at 5.30 pm. For details phone 068-31232

MISSION:

Fr Tim Galvin has thanked everyone who supported the recent fundraising walk for his Mission in Sudan.

RACES:

Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Racing Committee held a function in Donal & Ann’s bar on Friday night during which they presented cheques to the Friends of St Ita’s and other local charities following their very successful race meeting

GOLF;

Twenty five teams of four took part in the Abbeyfeale RFC Golf Classic at Newcastlewest Golf Club. 1^st prize went to Scott Fitzgerald, Derry O’Connor, David Mullins and Darragh Murphy representing Superbites. 2^nd prize; Kevin Browne and his team from Newcastlewest. 3^rd prize; John Haugh and the Abbeyfeale Utd team. The Ladies Prize went to Elizanna McMahon, Marian Flannery, Catherine Lyons and Patsy Lydon. Nearest the Pin won by Mick Sheehan of the Winners Circle team and the Longest Drive went to Alan Roche of Jack O’Rourke’s team.