Dick Tuck was an American political consultant and campaign strategist during the Richard Nixon’s era. He was also a bit of a joker. He ran for the Californian State Senate in 1964 and opened his campaign with a press conference at Forest Lawn Cemetery, claiming that the departed should not be denied their voting rights,

As the ballot totals piled against him on election night, he was asked for his reaction. Referring back to his cemetery speech, Tuck quipped, “Just wait until the dead vote comes in!”

When defeat finally became inevitable, Tuck made the now notorious statement, “The people have spoken - the bastards!”

Brian Cowen, Enda Kenny & Co must have silently echoed those sentiments last Friday morning as it became obvious that the people had again spoken, and rejected the Lisbon Treaty by a hefty majority.

Politicians, by their very nature, imagine that they run the country, and they hate to see us “common people” interfering with their carefully laid plans.

The Lisbon Treaty debacle was a sharp rap on the knuckles for all of our political representatives. We have a young, intelligent and highly educated population (all that free schooling is paying off) and they are beginning to vote on issues rather than along traditional party lines.

The message to our politicians is clear. “Must do better in future - or else”

The people have indeed spoken - let us hope that the bastards are listening!

BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Congratulations to Rita Foley, St Ita’s Road, who celebrated her birthday last weekend. Rita partied with family, friends and neighbours at an enjoyable function in Leen’s Hotel on Saturday night. Highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the surprise arrival of son, Timmy, all the way from New York, to join in the festivities. It was a most joyous occasion and we hope to include some pics when we finally get them. (Are you reading this, Timmy?)

SCHOOL FAIR

The annual school fair and jumble sale at St Mary’s Boys National School takes place on this Friday 20^th June starting at 10 am. Everyone welcome.

ICE CREAM:

Marion Roche would like to thank everyone who supported the Ice Cream Party held in Meenkilly NS in aid of Down’s Syndrome. A sum of €1,000 was raised.

ABBEYFEALE RACES

The 3rd. Annual Horse and Pony Races take place at Relihans Inch , Kilcarra on Sunday June 29th. with the first race of 9 kicking off at 1.30pm. There will be a marquee on the grounds with a full bar service, food and televisions to watch the Irish Derby from the Curragh. There will be bouncing castles and pony rides for the children so a great day out for all the family with proceeds from the day going to among others; Grow, NCW and the Nano Nagle School, Listowel.

ICA:

The annual ICA outing takes place on Wednesday 2^nd July to Kilkenny.

LOUGH DERG;

The next pilgrimage is on Tuesday 1^st July, returning on Thursday 3^rd July. Details from Abbey Coaches at 068-31232.

COMPUTER CAMP

A Computer Summer Camp will take place in Teach Na Feile in Abbeyfeale on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of July 2008. Classes for 7yr olds to 10yr olds from 10am to 12.30pm and 10 to 13yr olds from 1.30pm to 4.00pm. For more details please contact Mobile IT on 063 90952 between 9.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

GAA

There was heartbreak for the Limerick senior footballers at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday when two goals conceded in the final minute denied them a famous victory against Cork and a place in the Munster Final.

Limerick were 5/1 outsiders going into this encounter but played sparkling football throughout and, when they scored three unanswered points in the closing minutes to lead by 0-12 to 0-09, it looked as if they were heading for a mouth-watering clash with All- Ireland Champions, Kerry, in Killarney. However, two moments of indecision in an otherwise impregnable defence robbed them of the win they so thoroughly deserved.

They now go in to the qualifiers where, hopefully, they may yet get a bit of a run in the championship and, who knows, maybe reach croke Park.

Well done to Padraig Browne, Micky Ned and all of the team and mentors on restoring a bit of pride to Limerick football.

GAA Results
Hurling
Leinster SHC semi-finals: Dublin 0-19 Wexford 2-13; Kilkenny 2-24, Offaly 0-12. Ulster SHC final: Antrim 3-19 ,Down 2-15. Ulster MHC final: Antrim 3-18, Down 0-5.
Football
Kehoe Cup final: Meath 1-20, Carlow 0-17. Ulster SFC quarter-final: Cavan 0-13, Armagh 0-17; Quarter-final replay: Down 1-19, Tyrone 0-21. Connacht SFC semi-final: Galway 2-14, Leitrim 1-13. Munster SFC semi-final: Kerry 1-14, Clare 0-5; Limerick 0-12, Cork 2-9. Munster JFC semi-finals: Kerry 2-9, Clare 1-7; Limerick 1-7, Cork 1-10;
*Limerick hurlers play Clare in the Munster semi-final next Sunday.