Most excitement last weekend was generated by the appearance of the Shuttle flying low over Abbeyfeale on its way to link up with the International Space Station. A few people stood on Main Street on Friday night clutching pints of Guinness and waving up at the sky.

Meanwhile, several of our veteran golfers have threatened to make a comeback following 60 year old Tom Watson’s exploits at The Open. Expect long delays on local golf courses over the next few weeks.

Limerick hurlers stumbled past Laois in the qualifiers and are pitted against resurgent Dublin at the weekend.

Limerick footballers await the winners of Meath and Longford. Kerry play Antrim.

Galway Races start this weekend. It is all go here!

VISITORS to the area are slowly increasing as we approach the busy holiday period, although their numbers would appear to be down on previous years. Tourist buses continue to pass through the town on their way to Killarney, Dingle, etc. but they seem to be less frequent, and very few of them are stopping.

LONDON; If you are planning a few days in London this August why not pop along to St. Augustine’s Club in Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith on Sunday, August 16 next for the annual Limerick Association Barbeque which takes place from 3-6pm. The Association is celebrating 55 years in existence and are planning a wonderful afternoon of food, music and entertainment all for a very nominal fee of €5. Further information from Rathkeale native John Giltenanon 00 44-7956 855957 or check out the Association’s website on www.treatygaels.com
FIRE BRIGADE; Best wishes for his retirement go to Paddy Reidy, Shanbally who celebrates 35 years of service with the Fire Brigade at a function in the GAA Clubhouse on Saturday night next.
CHERNOBYL: The committee of Abbeyfeale Chernobyl Children’s Fund would like to thank everyone who supported their recent church gate collection, and also the people who stood at the gates. They also welcome the children from Chernobyl who have arrived in Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas in the past week.

TODDLERS; The Tir Na nOg Toddler Group will resume their Tuesday meetings in St. Ita’s Hall in September and in the meantime they continue to meet every Thursday at the Rugby Club.

GOLF; The next outing of Abbeyfeale Golfing Society is to Limerick County Golf Club, Ballyneety on this Saturday, July 25th. Tee-times are from 10.30-12.00. To be included in the draw for tee-times, text your name to 086 2234074 by 6pm on Wednesday 22. There will be a committee meeting on Wednesday in Jim Lane’s at 9pm.The weekend away to Dromoland Castle requires a €60 deposit by August 15 to secure a place.

AC; Shane O Connell, a member of Abbeyfeale A.C. won the U/12 All-Ireland long jump title in Tullamore on Sat the 11th July with a fine jump of 4.67m

GAA; Fr Casey’s were beaten 1-11 to 0-10 by Ballylanders in the senior county championship on Thursday night. The Intermediates were beaten 0-13 to 0-2 by St Patrick’s.

RUGBY; Abbeyfeale RFC celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year and plan to mark the occasion with a dinner dance at the Devon Hotel on Saturday 12^th September.