The fine weather over the June bank holiday weekend drew large crowds to the area, and the town park, the golf course, the go-karting course, the pony-trekking, the river walks, the Great Southern Trail and all of our many other fine amenities were fully utilised and enjoyed. (although we could badly do with a swimming pool)

Main Street looked like the South of France with people sitting outdoors enjoying a convivial glass of vino and watching the tourists pass by on their way to Ballybunion, Killarney or the three-day Listowel race meeting.

Writers’ Week in Listowel ended at the weekend. It was officially opened by Gabriel Byrne and, by all accounts, a great time was had by all.

It was suggested that, this year, we should perhaps enter some of our own more meaningful meanderings in the literary competitions. We declined to do this, on the grounds that to succeed in Listowel it is necessary to have more than a passing knowledge of both grammar and spelling!

The farmers have also started to take advantage of the dry spell. Land has been very wet up to now, but over the weekend silage operators began to move into action and the cutting and harvesting would now appear to be in full swing.

Meanwhile the countryside around Abbeyfeale looks magnificent. The woodlands and the rolling hills are a deep and verdant green. We wouldn’t cross the road to the Costa del Sol – if only we could guarantee the weather!

 The fine weather has also finally drawn out the election candidates. And,  as polling day fast approaches, batches of them have been spotted congregating in various locations along the highways and byways of our town and parish as they seek out promises of those illusive number one scratchmarks on ballot papers.

Lal Browne bets as follows on the Newcastlewest Electoral Area; Liam Galvin n/o. Patrick O’Donovan n/o. Jerome Scanlon n/o. Michael Collins 1/4. Stephen Goulding 4/5. Francis Foley 1/1. Seamus Ahern 2/1. Ann Lordon 4/1.

There may be an obvious value bet here – but get on fast before Lal scrubs the board!

The Lions have made an uncertain start in South Africa, but more about them next week. And Ireland play Bulgaria on Saturday and must get at least a point to stay in contention for a place in the World Cup Finals also in South Africa.

EXAMS:

Best of luck to all who are starting their Junior and Leaving Cert exams tomorrow.

ELECTION;

The usual polling booths will be in operation for the Local and European Elections which take place on this Friday 5^th June. Voting will commence at 7am and will continue until 10pm.

BED PUSH;

Staff from Tesco, Abbeyfeale will be pushing a bed from the car park at Tesco on Saturday, June 6th to the Car Park at the Courtney Lodge, Newcastlewest in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation. The plan is to leave Abbeyfeale at 10am pushing the bed which is on loan from Kilcarra Nursing Home, and hopefully arrive at 4pm in Newcastlewest. Bernie, the organiser, is appealing for collectors and walkers to help them

on their way, she will supply sponsorship cards and can be contacted on 087 6944842. Walkers will be accompanied by members of Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue and will return by bus following the walk

RACING;

Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Races take place this year at Relaxant’s Inch, Kilcara on Sunday, June 28th next.. This year it is being run in conjunction with Abbeyfeale Youth Clubs who are currently selling tickets for 5 euro each with a first prize of one thousand euro, there will also be numerous other prizes. Tickets can be purchased from any youth club member or any member of the racing committee.

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, Sacristy or any member on the parents council.

SOCCER:

Abbeyfeale Utd A defeated Newcastle Rovers 4-2 in the league.

GAA;

Senior County League. Fr. Casey’s 3-13, Ballysteen 1-03. Best of luck to Padraig Browne, Tomas Cahill and all the Limerick Senior Football team that play Clare in the semi final of the Munster Football Championship next Sunday in Ennis

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