The first snows of winter fell in Abbeyfeale on Saturday night, (see MSN Gallery) and Massgoers were treated to a winter wonderland of white as they journeyed into town from the surrounding areas. The snow gave the town a Christmas feel, and the street lights and the carols broadcast over the PA system added to the festive cheer and reminded people of times past when the spirit and tradition of Christmas seemed much simpler, yet more enjoyable.

And some lads are walking around with broad smiles on their faces again, now that the sausages and bacon are back on the menu!

Fellows who were used to the feed of bacon and cabbage for the dinner every day were wasting away from having to eat stuff out of the microwave and the deep fat fryer. And when they went for the few pints, they complained that the porter didn’t taste right either! The body, it would appear, was rejecting the porter due to a lack of nourishment brought on by the scarcity of streaky bacon and Denny’s sausages.

All is now back to normal and the lads are enjoying their few pints and coming home to their regular feed.

And Paddy Power reports some late money for Brendan Shine’s classic; “I’m A Savage For Bacon And Cabbage” to be the Christmas no 1.

CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

We have opened up a Christmas Photo Gallery on our MSN Gallery. If anyone would like to submit their pics you can e-mail them to dromtrasna@hotmail.com and we will be happy to publish them.

CANADIAN GAA

John O’Flynn has been in touch with us from Canada. (see Guest Book) John is secretary of the Canadian GAA and has written a book on the history of the game in that country. His father hails from Kilmeedy and his mother from Duagh, and he has relatives in Abbeyfeale – so we can claim him as one of our own!

Abbeyfeale Rugby Club were supposed to organize a trip to Canada last year but it fell through. Perhaps Fr Casey’s might consider a GAA tour there, sometime in the future?

Anyone interested in buying John’s book can find all the details in our Guest Book section

HEINEKEN CUP

Another memorable night at Thomond Park as Munster tormented their red army of fans before eventually seeing off the challenge of gallant Clermont Auvergne.

Munster trailed 13-11 with five minutes to go and were in real danger of being dumped out of the competition.

However, Marcus Horan finished off a great move when burrowing over in the corner, and Niall Ronan made it safe with a chip and chase to leave it 23-13 at the finish.

And with Sale losing 16-12 to Montauban, Munster now top Pool 1 by two points and are firm favourites to progress.

The next game is against Sale at Thomond Park in the middle of January, and they are away to Montauban in the final pool game.

ROADWORKS

Roadworks are continuing at the Killarney Road this week and some delays are inevitable, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.

CONCERT;

Four Men and a Dog play Dolans Warehouse, Limerick on Monday 29th Dec. 9pm. The band features Dónal Murphy /Abbeyfeale on accordion, Cathal Hayden fiddle, Gerry O Connor banjo, Kevin Doherty guitar/vocals & Gino Lupari bodhran/vocals.

PHIL COULTER

an Evening of Tranquillity in Abbeyfeale Parish Church on Friday 13th February. Ticket 087/9066437

COLLECTION;

Irish Cancer Society wish to thank you for your generosity to their recent collection. The amount collected was €1528.50

ST. ITA’S WRENBOYS
Paddy Finucane, the King of the Wrenboys is appealing for musicians, dancers, singers and especially drivers to join his band of Wrenboys on St. Stephen’s Day as they fundraise for two local Missionaries, Fr. John Moloney and Fr. Tim Galvin. A documentary on St. Ita’s Wrenboys will feature on WL102fm on St. Stephen’s Day morning, exact time to be confirmed later.

LIGHTS

Ann and Kevin Hennessy, have decorated their garden at Knockbrack for the past number of years and invite visitors to leave a donation for The Friends of St. Ita’s .
RUGBY:

The game against Ballincollig was postponed on Sunday due to the weather. Abbeyfeale play Newcastlewest (away) in the second round of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday 21^st December. The Abbeyfeale RFC Christmas Party goes ahead in the clubhouse on this Friday night, 19^th December at 9.30 pm. All are welcome.

SOCCER:

All weekend fixtures were cancelled due to the weather. Abbeyfeale Utd will be holding a soccer charity match in aid of Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin on Saturday the 27th of December at 5pm at Riverside Park Abbeyfeale. The ladies team (All Ireland Champions) will take on the management of our underage & junior teams.

COURSING

Entries close this coming Thursday for the Fr. Casey Memorial Working Members Stake and Jimmy O’ Rourke Parish Stake. A meeting of the Club will be held at St. Ita’s Hall on Thursday night at 8.30pm. All members are asked to attend.