A gallant Fr Casey’s minor football team went agonizingly close to making it three county titles in a row before losing to Killmallock in a pulsating final played in wet and wintery conditions at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

Abbeyfeale started in whirlewind fashion and had raced into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead after fifteen minutes. They led by 0-6 to 0-1 at the break and seemed to be playing well within themselves.

A Kilmallock point at the start of the second half signalled the start of a determined fight back. Wave after wave of attacks flowed towards the Abbeyfeale goals and only staunch defending prevented an avalanche of scores.

Abbeyfeale still led by 0-7 to 0-5 midway through the second half when the dam was finally breeched and Killmallock got through for two killer goals.

Abbeyfeale refused to drop the heads. Back they came, and when Seanie O’Donnell goaled in the fiftieth minute, we knew we were in for a grand stand finish.

The Fealesiders attacked desperately in the closing minutes, seeking that illusive equalizing point, but it was Kilmallock who broke away and scored to put two points between the sides.

The Fealesiders refused to die. Back they came, and another pointed score left just the minimum between the sides again.

The final moments were played out at a fast and frantic pace, while the excitemet along the sidelines and in the stands reached fever pitch.

Abbeyfeale threw everything into attack, but that levelling point just would not come and, when the referee finally blew for no side, the Abbeyfeale players sunk to their knees in despair.

This was a brave and battling display by the Fealesiders and their performance deserved at least a draw. They will feel bitterly disappointed that the title was not brought back to the Banks of the Feale. But, when the initial pain passes, as inevitably it will, they can look forward to a bright future with many more finals and many more trophies to be played for as they progress up the ranks.

Commiserations on last Sunday but well done to all concerned on a fine footballing season at all levels. The GAA looks strong in Abbeyfeale at present.

(you can find further details at;

http://www.frcaseysgaa.ie

GLORACH

After many months of preparation, the Glórach players will be staging their original production on the story of Bernadette of Lourdes to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the visions at Lourdes. The play will open at the Glórach Theatre on the night of Thursday November 20th, and will run for three consecutive nights, with the possibility of extra performances if demand necessitates them. Not to be missed, tickets can be booked at 0871383940.

LIMERICK ASSOCIATION BIRMINGHAM

Cllr Francis Foley, in his capacity as Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, was a guest of honour at the Limerick Association Birmingham Annual Dinner Dance last weekend. Cllr Foley also visited City Hall for a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chauhdry A Rashid.

CHECK OUT PICS AT:

http://reamond.multiply.com/

FUN DAY

Abbey Heritage Project are holding a Family Fun Day at Fr. Casey’s GAA Grounds on Sunday, November 23 next from 2-5pm. This is a fundraiser with the proceeds being split between the Abbeyfeale Youth Clubs and the Project itself. Among the many attractions on the day there will be a photo session with Barney, a Bouncing Slide, Face Painting and a Jumble Sale. Tea, Coffee and Cakes will be served and admission is just E3.
CHOIR;

The Adult Choir meets every Wednesday night at 8pm in preparation for Christmas. New members welcome.

CONFIRMATION

A meeting of parents of children who will be receiving Confirmation in 2009 will be held at The Convent Hall on Wednesday night at 7.30pm.
CARDS;

Meenkilly Card Game continues each Tuesday night. All are welcome.

DINNER DANCE;

The Abbeyfeale Utd dinner dance takes place in the Devon Inn on next Saturday night 15^th November.

GAA;

Fr Casey’s were beaten 2-6 to 1-8 by Kilmallock in the county minor football final at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd Ladies added the Munster Junior Cup to their All Ireland title with a 3-0 win over Listowel Celtic under lights at Riverside Park on Friday night.

GOLF:

The AGM of Abbeyfeale Golf Club will take place on the 28^th November. The Captain’s Dinner goes ahead at the Devon Inn on Saturday 13^th December.

RUGBY

Ireland play the All Blacks in Croke Park on Saturday. We have never beaten these guys at international level. Maybe our time has come? Paddy Power doesn’t think so. He goes 4/1 Ireland. 1/6 New Zealand. 25/1 draw. (if it is any consolation, Paddy knows even less about rugby than I do – get on Ireland at 4′s!)