America goes to the polls today to elect a new president.

Here in Ireland, we watched with envy four years ago, as the electorate over there went into their ultra-modern, state of the art polling booths and operated computerised screens to vote for their man. Here at home we were still living in the dark ages with our pencils and our bits of paper and our antiquated PR system and political speechmaking outside the chapel gates of a Sunday after Mass.

We watched in awe as the most powerful nation on earth showed us how a modern election should be conducted.

We watched. And we watched. And we watched. And, three weeks later, we were still watching. And when the result finally came through it appeared that the guy with the most votes came second and the guy with the least votes came first. It was all terribly confusing to a small, backward little country like ours.

We had our own voting machines by this stage, but, following the American experience, we quickly placed them in cold storage for fear that Enda Kenny might be elected Taoiseach!

We have much to be grateful to America for.

Paddy Power reckons that the race is over, and he has already begun paying out. He still goes 1/14 Obama and 13/2 McCain. If McCain does the impossible, and wins, we figure that the new president’s first act will be to bar Paddy from ever entering America again!

Anyway, we wish all parties the very best of luck. And we hereby issue an invitation to either President Obama or President McCain to lead our St Patrick’s Day Parade here in Abbeyfeale next March.

We assume that the official result of the election will have been declared by then.

DINNER DANCE

The Abbeyfeale & District Association in London held their annual dinner dance at St Augustine’s Hall in Hammersmith. Many people from the locality travelled over for the event and a most enjoyable night was had by all. The organizers would like to thank everyone for their generous support.

CHOIR:

The Adult Choir meets every Wednesday night at 8pm in preparation for Christmas. All members are requested to attend, and new members are welcome.

CARDS:

Meenkilly Card Game has resumed and continues each Tuesday night at 9pm. All are welcome.

SANTA

This year why not visit Limerick’s newest outdoor Christmas extravaganza. Santa’s Village opens in Abbeyfeale on November 22nd and runs until December 22nd, in the picturesque setting of Fitzgerald’s Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast and Equestrian Centre, on Abbeyfeale Hill, overlooking the town and surrounding areas. Enquiries 087 2929237

COLLECTION

The annual collection in aid of Milford Hospice will take place at all Masses in Abbeyfeale this coming weekend, November 8- 9.

YOUTH CLUBS

All three clubs meet this weekend. Abbey Rockers St. Ita’s Hall Friday night 8.-9.30pm, Abbey Teens 2 Convent Hall Friday 8-9.30pm, No Name Club Convent Saturday 7.45 – 9.15pm All leaders are asked to attend. Please note that the Rock Concert planned for Friday, November 7 has been deferred to Friday, November 14. Further details next week.

DANCE CLASSES
Classes in waltzing, jiving, quick steps etc continue every Friday night at the Community Centre, New St. from 9.15 to 11pm. Everyone welcome.
RETIREMENT.

The first meeting of the Abbeyfeale Active Retirement Group takes place in St Ita’s Hall on this Wednesday 5^th November at 3pm.

DOG NIGHT

WL102fm are currently selling tickets for their Dog Night on Saturday, November 15 next in association with Abbeyfeale Chernobyl Fund. There will be dancing following racing Tickets at E5 are available at the Farmers’ Market and from volunteer presenters Lorcan Curtin, Dennis Hobson, Rita Kelly Chiroz, Ann O’Halloran and Aoife Daly. A bus will travel on the night picking up passengers in Newcastlewest, The Devon Inn, Templeglantine Cross and the Square Abbeyfeale. Contact Bernadette on 069 66200 to book your seat.

RUGBY;

Abbeyfeale were beaten 24-20 by St Senan’s at The Grove on Sunday.

GAA:

The county minor football final between Fr Casey’s and Killmallock is set to go ahead on next Sunday 9^th November.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd A defeated Broadford 3-1 in the premiership at Riverside Park on Sunday. Abbeyfeale Utd Ladies play Listowel in the Munster Junior Cup final at Riverside Park on next Friday evening at 7.30pm. The game will be played under lights and your support would be most welcome.