With just over two weeks to go to the local and European elections, the excitement is plummeting to fever-pitch, and the talk in local bars and shops around the town is all about Man Utd winning the league and Limerick’s prospects against Tipp in the first round of the football championship on Sunday. Anything but politics.

As Basil Fawlty once famously remarked; “Don’t mention the war!”

Prospective candidates are out and about, but appear to be walking on egg shells. Some areas report batches of canvassers from all parties tip-toeing up to front doors and furtively depositing literature in letter-boxes and then fleeing again before any awkward questions can be asked.

As one party hopeful commented, “The country is in enough trouble as it is, without voters giving us more grief.”

But these canvassers are a resilient bunch. They are strong of limb and stern of purpose. They also need to be fleet of foot to evade the multitudes of snarling sheepdogs and unlicensed bulls that are being set upon them as soon as they put a foot inside the gates of irate and hostile voters who are in no mood to take prisoners.

The late John B Keane (God Rest Him) used to tell the following tale, and I am sure that he would not mind us repeating it here.

It concerns a little man from Tarbert who decided to contest a Dail seat in the North Kerry Constituency which, incidentally, we will be all joining at the next General Election. (unless someone has the courage to stage another uprising)

Anyway, our man spent the whole day canvassing but received a very poor response. In the evening he repaired to John B’s pub in Listowel and began to drown his sorrows with a few glasses of Smithwicks.

“Tell me this, John B.” he said, mournfully “Do you think I’ll get in?”

John B knew that his friend had little or no prospect of being elected, but wanted to break it to him gently. He leaned across the counter.

“Mickeen,” he confided “you should be alright – provided you can capture the Jewish vote in Lyrocrompane!”

Watch out for canvassers over the next couple of weeks, and try and nab a few of them if you can, before they become an endangered species.

GOLF

Well done to Shane Lowry on winning the Irish Open at the weekend. Shane struck a blow for us amateur golfers who, down through the years, watched as our professional colleagues accepted cars for holes-in-one and thousands of euros in prize money while we had to make do with glass vases and picture-frames and the odd turkey at Christmas. Shane will probably go on to join the professional ranks now, and more luck to him!

MUSIC

Local musician, Donal Murphy, featured on “The Late Session” with Aine Hennessy on RTE Radio One last Sunday night. Donal’s new album, Happy Hour, is reported to be selling well. He is presently touring in various venues throughout the country.

KNOCK:

The Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sat. 6th June to mark the centenary of the birth of Father Peyton, The Rosary Priest. Further details contact Sean Broderick or Peg Murphy.

PASTORAL:

The Pastoral council are seeking parishioners to help with the following ministries. Liturgy: to help prepare liturgies for different times throughout the year and decorate the church for the liturgical seasons. Names to Seamus Lane or Bridie Collins.
Collector/Stewards: To assist at the collections at the church doors and steward the church on different occasions. Names to Michael Cross and Sean Broderick.

DANCE:

Dance Classes for those who wish to learn to jive, fox trot, quick-step and waltz is are held at the Community Centre, New Street every Friday night from 9.15 to 11pm. Everyone is welcome.
                                                                        WALK;

Dromtrasna National School will hold a fundraising sponsored walk and charity fun day on Sunday, June 7th next. Sponsor cards available from the School, the Sacristy or any member on the parents council

                                                                          SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd A were beaten 5-1 by Newcastlewest in the league cup final.

GOLF;

The next outing of Abbeyfeale Golfing Society is to Newcastlewest Golf Club on Sat 30.5.09. Tee times are from 09.00 – 11.00. To be included in the draw for tee times text your name to 086 2234074 before 6pm Wed 27.5.09. Details of the 2009 weekend away are on our website www.abbeyfealegolfingsociety.com

RUGBY

Leinster play the Leicester Tigers in Edinburgh on Saturday in the Heineken Cup Final. Paddy Power will lay you 1/1 each of two, and we wish Brian O’Driscoll and his men the very best of luck.

GAA

Limerick footballers play Tipperary on Sunday in the first round of the Munster Championship. This time last year, few gave Limerick much of a chance, but they played Cork off the field before conceding two disastrous goals inside the final minute. Very little is expected of them again this year, and defeat against Tipperary will probably signal the end of Micky Ned O’Sullivan’s reign as manager. Paddy Power makes Limerick slight favourites at 10/11 with Tipperary at 11/10. (does he know something that we don’t know?)