Renowned singer, Finbar Wright will perform in the Church of the Assumption in Abbeyfeale on Friday 1^st February.

Born in Kinsale, Finbar studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1978 at the age of 21- the youngest ever man to be ordained, He was chosen to be deacon at the Pope’s Mass in Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 and read the Gospel to an audience of over one million people. He began formal vocal studies five years later and attended the Cork School of Music

He won all the major singing awards at the Feis Ceoil, and went on to study under various musical teachers, most notably Dr. Veronica Dunne in Dublin with whom he continues to study whenever possible.

In 1989 Finbar left the priesthood and began his public music career. He has hosted his own highly rated television series, “Music of the Night”, for RTÉ and undertaken major concert tours of Canada, USA and Australia. He has recorded six solo albums, all of which hit gold and four of which hit platinum. He has also won the title of Ireland’s “Best Male Entertainer” in two consecutive years. He has recorded several albums with the Irish Tenors.

The organizers of the concert in Abbeyfeale have asked us to include the following in our notes, and we are delighted to do so;

“Welcome Spring” celebration in the Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale

After this murky spell of weather Abbeyfeale are really looking forward to ‘Welcoming Spring’ with Finbar Wright in their Parish Church. Each spring a celebration of new life with a song in the heart has taken place. Already the people are booking their places in the newly refurnished Church seats to lift their hearts.

It’s a bit like Raftery Con Curtin one of the organisers said

” Anois teacht an Earraigh Beidh an lá ag dul chún síneadh

tar-eis na féile Bríde. Ardeoidh mé mo sheol”

Now the spring is coming and the days are getting long.

after St Brigit’s Day Feb. 1^st we lift our sails.

Finbar Wright will help us to do just that this year with his magnificent voice. Abbeyfeale is one of his only three appearances in Ireland this spring. Already one of his fans has booked her bed in Leens Hotel, flying in for the celebration from Connecticut U.S.A.

Finbar had been eagerly looking forward to this date as he outlined enthusiastically in his interview with Marian Harnett on West Limerick 102 FM from the States.

Abbeyfeale can be very proud of their refurbished Church. The heating, lighting and painting have now been completed. Wheelchair accessibility with an automatic sliding door has been installed and the seats must be the most comfortable in the deanery with both kneelers and seats fully cushioned.

Some of the proceeds of the celebration this year will help eight young people to travel to Sydney for the World Youth Week to meet the Holy Father Pope Benedict’s XIV. It is a pity it is so far away this year as four years ago it was in Cologne and a great crowd travelled since it was more accessible said Kate Murphy youth clubs secretary.

Tickets for Finbar Wright can be had at the usual outlets in Abbeyfeale or by contacting Con Daly Tel. 085/7568809 who will direct you to your nearest outlet.

Con has been associated with music in Abbeyfeale since the Male Voice Choir and tells us that Finbar Wright is the only artist singing at the celebration this year.

The subscription is €30 with doors open @ 7.15pm on Feb. 1^st for what is shaping up to be a truly memorable evening of Lá le Bride

RED ARMY MARCH ON!

It was another night of high drama in Thomond Park on Saturday as Munster booked their place in the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup with a 19-3 win over Wasps in the rain. They are away to Gloucester in their next match

Heineken Cup action is now suspended until April, so we will reserve further comment until then. Munster are second favourites to win the trophy at 4/1. Toulouse are favourites at 2/1 and Gloucester are 9/2

WRENBOYS

Paddy Finucane and the local Wrenboys wish to thank everyone who helped raise €3,500 on St Stephen’s Day last. A sum of €1,000 has been donated to Fr Tim Galvin and the remainder goes as always to Fr John Moloney.

AWARD;

Niamh O’Connor, a third year student at Abbeyfeale Vocational School, received an award at this year’s BT Young Scientist Competition in Dublin.

GOLF;

Abbeyfeale Golfing Society held their AGM in Leen’s Hotel last Friday and the following officers were elected; Captain – Paddy Lane. Secretary – Geoffrey Fitzgerald. Treasurer – Eamon Scannell. Comp. Sec. – John Haugh. All outgoing committee members were re-elected. The first outing is to O’Mahony’s Point, Killarney on Saturday 23^rd February. Anyone wishing to join should contact Geoffrey Fitzgerald on 087-6974475.

GAA:

Fr Casey’s will hold their annual social in the clubhouse on Saturday 9^th February with music by Joe O’Keefe. Meanwhile, while all the attention has been focused on the Munster rugby team, Limerick senior footballers have stolen quietly into the final of the McGrath Cup where they will meet Clare. Micky Ned’s charges have been keeping a very low profile on the lead-up to the start of the National League. We shall keep a close eye on them.

RUGBY:

Abbeyfeale RFC will hold a Race Night at Tralee Greyhound Track on Saturday 19^th April.