The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade drew record crowds to the town on Tuesday afternoon, (press PHOTOS link above) and most people agreed that it was the best and most colourful parade held in Abbeyfeale for many years.

On a beautiful and sunny spring day, the Rathkeale Brass Band led off the parade from the Convent shortly after 4pm. They were followed by St Patrick himself, in the guise of Paddy Finucane, accompanied by the members of St Ita’s Wrenboys.

Crowds thronged both sides of Main Street, cheering and applauding as the parade made its way slowly down towards The Square.

The floats were topical, innovative and humorous. Abbeyfeale & District Search & Rescue were on the trail of an escaped Celtic Tiger. Billy O’Brien’s vintage Morris Minor stalled in front of the reviewing stand and he was forced to jump out and man the starting handle, much to the hilarity of all. Supervalu held a lively session – to beat the recession! Tiger Woods passed by in his golf cart looking for Royal Bogmount. Abbeyfeale Horse & Pony Racing were delighted that Paddy De Plasterer, fresh from his great win at Cheltenham, was an intended runner at their upcoming meeting. Tangles Hair Studio frightened the life out of everyone with their “Hell Raising Hair” pageant. Dan Harnett and his White House staff proclaimed “Yes, we can!” as the dark-suited secret service detail kept a watchful eye. A miniature Wanderly Wagon was greeted with sustained applause. A variety of cartoon and comic characters kept the children enthralled.

All of the local sporting and cultural organizations were well represented in the parade and looked resplendent in their various club colours and uniforms. Many neighbouring parishes also took part and were warmly welcomed. An array of vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors added greatly to the occasion.

The prize for best float could have gone to any one of a dozen entries but, after due deliberation, the nod was narrowly given to Cryle Dry Cleaners.

The quality of window displays was also of a very high standard, and people had obviously made a huge effort again this year. The judges had a tough decision here also, but eventually decided to award the prize to Ann Lyons.

On the reviewing stand in The Square, Michael O’Kelly and Sean Broderick shared the job of MC, and both displayed their customary competence and familiarity with the Irish language while keeping the large crowds well informed of all that was happening. Also on the reviewing stand were T.D.s and councillors from the various political parties along with members of the local clergy and the gardai.

Everyone agreed that the parade was a great success, and the chairman of the parade committee, Cllr Francis Foley, and his hard-working members are to be congratulated on a job well done.

And the committee would like to thank the following; All the people who participated in the parade or decorated their windows and made it such an enjoyable spectacle for everyone. The people who lined the parade route and applauded the various floats as they passed by. Our sponsors, who helped defray the cost of running the parade. All who donated so generously to our recent Church gate collection. Kathleen Collins of Jack Foley’s bar who provided food and refreshments. Fealesbridge Co-op for the use of their trailer. Feale Valley Plant Hire for their advertising space. The local gardai who controlled the traffic and facilitated the smooth running of the parade. All those who assisted with transport, moving chairs, setting up the stand, etc. Your help was greatly appreciated.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

(More news and Rugby Grand Slam preview to follow – when we sober up!)

IRELAND’S CALL!

Most of the town will shut down for eighty minutes next Saturday afternoon as a nation holds its breath while Ireland attempt to bridge a sixty one year gap by winning the Grand Slam of Rugby for the first time since 1948.

As Con Houlihan might say, it would be a bad time for a cow to fall into a drain, or the thatched roof of the little tigeen to go on fire. Worries about economic woes will be put on temporary hold and, if Brian Cowen had any sense, he would quietly slip the budget through while the country is otherwise engaged. (Brian, of course, is more of a hurling man, as is evident from that blatant hospital pass that he took and dropped from Bertie earlier this year.)

A huge Abbeyfeale contingent is already en-route to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Where DO they get the tickets – and the money?

Meanwhile, local taverns are stocking up with Guinness and Tayto Crisps, which is the new staple diet of all modern rugby aficionados. God be with the good old days when the try was worth three points and it was the hip flask and the wafer sandwiches at half time.

Ireland’s task is a difficult one. Paddy Power makes Wales slight favourites at 4/5 to win the game, with Ireland at 11/10. These odds could very well change before kick-off as many fans are expected to have a punt on the men in green and, of course, a win guarantees them the Grand Slam, the Championship and the Triple Crown. Wales can still retain the Championship if they win by at least thirteen points, and they are also in contention for the Triple Crown.

It all adds up to an intriguing encounter. Kick-off is at 5.30 pm. Miss it at your peril!

COME ON IRELAND!

FLEADH

One of the most popular events of Fleadh By The Feale is the Traditional Busking Competition which will be held on Friday 1^st May. Due to the large number of groups performing last year another age category has been added to this year’s programme. The age groups are U/9, U/11, U/13, U/15 and Senior. (age taken from 1/1/09) Groups must have a minimum of three and a maximum of six people. So all you young, and not so young buskers start getting your groups together and practising for this event. Tickets are now on sale for the Four Men and a Dog Concert on May 3^rd. Contact Dearbhla 087-6874035, Maureen 086-3265762, Celine 087-7697672, John 086-3165848, Abbey Stone & Tile 068-31109, and Slice of Life 068-32655.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE

Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse is the venue for the first fundraising Afternoon Tea Dance of the year on Sunday, March 29 from 3pm – 6pm. Admission is just €8, dancing to The West Limerick 102 Radio Roadshow. Raffle for a hamper sponsored by the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market. Tickets on sale from the Radio Station, Pat Buckley’s Templeglantine, Batt Harnett’s the Square and Ann Lyons, The Square

THE CURSE OF JOSEY WARD
This play by the Athea Players will run at the Con Colbert Hall on March 18,19,22, 26, 28 and 29 at 8pm sharp. Not to be missed!

CEILI
A ceili with music by Taylors Cross ceili band will be held at the GAA Clubhouse in Abbeyfeale on Saturday, March 28 next. Doors open 9pm.

GOLF

The next outing of Abbeyfeale Golfing Society is to Shannon Golf Club on Sat.21 March. Tee-times are from 09.50 – 11.50. Text your name to 086 – 2234074 before 6pm 18.03.2009. Committee meeting Wed.18th in Jim Lanes at 9.30pm.

RUGBY

Abbeyfeale Golden Oldies defeated Garryowen 27-10 at The Grove on Sunday before a large crowd. The game was organized to raise funds for the recently injured Stuart Mangan of Fermoy.

GAA

Limerick footballers were beaten 0-10 to 0-9 by Tipperary in the league last Sunday. They play Down in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday and a win here is vital if they are at avoid relegation. The hurlers travel west play Galway.

SOCCER

Abbeyfeale Utd 1, St Ita’s 2. (Cup) Abbeyfeale Youths 4, Askeaton 3.

GAA

Fr Casey’s play Newcastlewest in the West U/21 championship at The Inch on this Saturday at 4pm