Wales arrive in Croke Park on Saturday intent on beating Ireland and claiming the 2008 Rugby Triple Crown.

If you wrote the above sentence a couple of years ago, the lads in the white coats would be around to collect you immediately – provided the die-hards within the GAA hadn’t gotten to you first!

Princess Ann was in Croke Park for the international against Scotland two weeks ago.. The Royal Presence caused hardly a ripple. However, rumours that she may be invited back to throw in the ball for the All Ireland final in September are well wide of the mark, as Giovanni Trapattori has already been shortlisted for the job. (remember, you read it here first)

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Eddie O’Sullivan and Warren Gatland lock horns for the first time since their somewhat ignoble parting, when Gatland was shown the door and O’Sullivan was appointed Ireland manager.

Gatland had a good record with Ireland. O’Sullivan had an even better one, until the World Cup debacle. The IRFU extended Eddie’s contract before the finals amid rumours that, if Ireland won the World Cup, he would be head-hunted by rival rugby unions and could command a massive fee. He would also be hot favourite to manage the Lions’ Tour. History will record that the IRFU got it spectacularly wrong on all counts.

How sweet it would be for Gatland to return to Ireland with Wales and steal the Triple Crown from under the noses of O’Sullivan and his former employers, the IRFU. Equally, Eddie will be anxious to make amends for the poor world cup showing, while putting one over on his former boss. It all makes for a cracking encounter before a sell-out crowd in Croke Park on Saturday!

Most of Abbeyfeale will be there, as usual. Where DO they get the tickets?

Paddy Power bets; 8/15 Ireland, 6/4 Wales and 20/1 the draw. Triple Crown betting is; 6/4 Wales, 7/2 Ireland, 11/10 no winner.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Preparations are continuing for this year’s Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Monday 17^th March, starting at the convent at 4pm and proceeding to The Square. We hope that as many individual floats as possible will take part, and a prize will be awarded for the most original and best prepared float in the parade. We would ask companies intending to exhibit trucks in the parade, to limit their participation to just one or two trucks per company. Participants are also reminded that they are responsible for extending the insurance of their own particular vehicles and will be required to sign an agreement to that effect before being permitted to join the parade. Most insurance companies will extend cover at no extra cost. It is proposed to organize a shop window display to compliment the parade, and a prize will be awarded for the best and most creative window.

To help defray the costs of the parade, a Church gate collection will take place before Masses on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th March and your support would be appreciated.

Check local notes each week for further details, or contact any of the following; Cllr Francis Foley (087-6391305) Cllr Liam Galvin (087-9850435 Michael O’Kelly (086-2223572) Sean Broderick (068-31213) Kathleen Collins (087-6253154) John O’Sullivan (068-31898) Raymond Fennelly (087-6444974)

With your help and support we hope to make this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Abbeyfeale bigger and better than ever. A further meeting of the parade committee will be held in St Ita’ Hall on next Monday 10^th March at 7pm. All are welcome.

FLEADH;

Arrangements are now well in hand for this year’s Fleadh by the Feale. The headline act for this year’s Celebrity Concert on Sunday 4^th May in the Convent Hall features the well-known Sharon Shannon and her Band. Sharon has won many awards nationally and internationally for her exciting style of traditional music, and was recently listed in the 2008 Meteor award winners. Tickets are now on sale and it is advisable to purchase them early to avoid disappointment. Ticket contacts; Maureen Murphy 086-3265762, Dearbhla Condon Ahern 087-6874035, John O’Sullivan 086-3165848, Celine McNally 087-7697672, Slice of Life, and Abbey Stone & Tile Centre.

PLAY:

Abbeyfeale Drama Group’s production of The Field completes its run at the GAA Pavilion with two final performances on next Thursday 6^th and Saturday 8^th March. The play is directed by Joan O’Connell who also plays the part of Mrs Butler. Richard Prendiville excels in the lead role of the Bull McCabe, while there are also fine performances from Dick Woulfe (The Bird) and Angeline O’Donnell (Mamie Flanagan.) The curtain goes up at 8pm each night.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd A defeated Old Mill 6-3 at Riverside Park on Saturday evening. in the quarter-final of the league cup. Abbeyfeale Utd B defeated Newcastlewest B 2-0 in division 1.

RUGBY

Abbeyfeale defeated Ballincollig 17-15 at The Grove on Sunday to complete their league campaign on a winning note. Despite a season beset with difficulties the Fealesiders have managed to finish in the top half of the table and, with with a little more luck, might even have been competing for league honours over the closing games.

Well done to all concerned, and here’s looking forward to next season!