Santa turned on the Christmas Lights last Sunday evening, giving the town a more festive appearance, although many bemoan the lack of a Christmas Tree in The Square.  The PA system is playing music suitable for the occasion, and shop fronts are also nicely decorated.

News that publicans have decided to freeze the price of drink for twelve months has lifted the gloom somewhat, as the recession slowly begins to bite.

And reports reaching us from the North Pole suggests that Santa’s Little Helpers are back in full production again following a recent union settlement, and that fears of an all-out strike have now receded.

The threatened strike followed months of negotiations between the Amalgamated Union of Elves and Gnomes and some the world’s leading toy manufacturers. The dispute centred around the low pay and harsh conditions being experienced by the Little Helpers in Santa’s Grotto.

It was claimed that, during peak production time between 1st November and the 23^rd December, workers were forced to work twelve hour shifts without proper breaks or facilities, and that they were being paid far less than the required minimum wage.

It was further alleged that, due to the seasonal nature of the work, no provision had been made to look after the Little Helpers during the slack period between January and October.

With the world toy trade set to collapse, markets around the world went into freefall amid fears of a major global recession.

The banks were the first to feel the pinch and appealed to governments to bale them out.

Intense negotiations failed to break the deadlock and, with a threatened picket set to disrupt all Christmas deliveries, it was only the intervention of Santa Clause himself that finally settled the dispute.

The Little Helpers are now happily back at work, having been granted their demands, and it is expected that all deliveries will be made on time..

In an exclusive interview with Abbeyfealeonline, a spokesman from the North Pole said that matters had been settled amicably and that deliveries in the Abbeyfeale area on Christmas Eve would arrive on schedule. He further revealed that a dispute involving the Reindeer Federation had also been settled on favourable terms.

He concluded by wishing everybody in Abbeyfeale a happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year on behalf of Santa and all at the North Pole.

“Santa will see you on Christmas Eve, as usual.” was his parting promise.

SOCIAL;

The Fealesbridge & Headley’s Bridge Co-Op Creamery Ltd goes ahead in the Devon Inn, Templeglantine on this Friday 5^th December. Music is by the Neil O’Connor Band, and dinner will be served at 8.30 pm. There will be the usual spot prizes, etc, and a great night of fun and entertainment is guaranteed!

SOUTH AFRICA BOUND!

Best of luck to Miney Harnett who is in South Africa at the moment building houses as a volunteer with the Niall Melon Township Trust. The group hope to build up to 250 houses in a week for some of the poorer communities in the townships. We trust that Miney will have some unforgettable experiences on this very worthwhile trip, and we look forward to hearing all about them on his return.

TUBRIDY SHOW

Watch out for some Abbeyfeale Ladies who will be in the audience for the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTE next Saturday week 13th December.

ST ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE
The committee of St. Ita’s Day Care Centre wishes to thank all those generous people and groups who supported the centre during the year as well as all those, who made themselves available on Tuesday and Wednesdays providing entertainment at the Centre. The Committee also extends its gratitude to all those, who availed of the facilities of the Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as the residents of the sheltered houses. Many thanks to our Supervisor and Staff for their excellent contribution to the great success of the Centre. The Committee wishes a Happy Christmas and every blessing in the New Year to all concerned with the centre

LIMERICK SET DANCING CLUB
There will be a Ceili in the Convent hall, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, December 7 at 4pm., Music by Brian Boru Ceili Band. The Annual Christmas Social will be held in Fr Caseys GAA Club on Saturday, December 13 at 9pm…tickets limited. They are available from Nora on 069 76327 or other committee members..
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA
The annual Christmas Cale Sale takes place this year on Sunday, December 14 at St. Ita’s Hall from 10.30am to 1.30pm. All donations of home made baking – Christmas Puddings, Cakes, scones, pies, breads etc will be gratefully accepted. New bakers always welcome. The proceeds of this fundraiser will help bring Christmas cheer to the Missions of Fr. Tim Galvin in Sudan, Fr. John Moloney in New Mexico and two Sisters with local connections based in Ethiopia and Nigeria.

PHIL COULTER FOR ABBEYFEALE!
An Evening of Tranquillity’ with Phil Coulter accompanied by his wife, soloist Geraldine Brannigan and a backing quartet will take place at the Church of the Assumption on Friday, February 13, 2009. These tickets would make an ideal Christmas Gift or keep them in reserve for St. Valentine’s Day as a surprise for the love of your life.
Phil’s musical arrangements and lyrics are always beautiful and good for the human spirit. We are looking forward to this Evening of Tranquillity in the Church which will lift up our hearts, be good for the soul and put a new spring in our step for the New Year. Tickets at E30 each or two for E50 are available in a presentation envelope from Edmond O’Donoghues, Convent St, Kathleen’s Quickpick, Main St., Mary Dan G’s, Main St., Ann Lyons, The Square, Mann’s Cost Cutter, Church St., Sean Broderick’s New St. and Moss Harnett’s, Killarney Road.. They can also be purchased in O’Riordan’s Pharmacy, Athea, Pat Buckley’s and the Post Office in Templeglantine and from Mary Lyons’s All Seasons Fashions in Newcastlewest or from 087 9066437. The proceeds of this evening will support parochial, school and youth developments in Abbeyfeale. Seating is unreserved and doors will open at 7pm with the performance commencing at 8pm

FROST:

Some roads were slippery due to heavy frost over the weekend. The county council gritted the main roads and no major hold-ups were reported.

ROADWORKS:

Work on repairing and tarring the Killarney Road are in progress at present and some delays are inevitable.

KNOCK;

A Night Vigil to Knock will take place on Sunday next 7^th December. Full details from Peg at 068-31232.

SOCCER.

Abbeyfeale Utd B were beaten 4-0 by Askeaton

RUGBY

Abbeyfeale recorded their first league win of the season with victory over Mallow at The Grove on Sunday by 29-17.

Ireland are drawn in the same pool as Australia and Italy in the 2011 World Cup