As aeroplanes once more take to the clear blue skies to rescue passengers stranded in such exotic places as Lanzarote, Rome, Paris and even Lyrocrompane, (that’s a story for another day) spare a thought for the poor, beleaguered denizens of Knocknaboul who are cut off from Abbeyfeale and civilization due to the closure of the Railway Bridge down by the cattle mart.
The bridge has been closed now for several days, and diversions are in place while structural damage is being assessed and repaired by the local county council.
Motorist had been reporting a slight depression in the road over the bridge for the last couple of weeks. However, when this depression developed into a fully-fledged pothole, council engineers were sent in and immediately closed the bride and erected emergency barriers.
Weekend dancers at the Railway Bar are now having to travel the scenic route to indulge in their regular pastime of waltzing and jiving, while the local bridge club has reported a dramatic decline in no-trump bidding and a gradual decrease in games called and contracts made.
The car testing centre is advising motorists called for the test to take a detour around by the doctor’s and in by Buckley’s Cross. However, such is the poor condition of country roads at present that most cars are wrecked by the time that they arrive at the centre and are failing the test at an alarming rate.
Abbeyfeale Utd are reported to be applying to the County Board to see if they can use Fr Casey’s GAA pitch for their home games until such time as the bridge re-opens. (If its good enough for Croke Park, its good enough for The Inch)
Meanwhile, the good citizens of Knocknaboul are unable to frequent their favourite shops and taverns in Abbeyfeale, and are being forced to journey to Athea instead.
As one senior citizen explained it; “’Tis quicker to fly by plane to the Bull Ring in Birmingham now, then it is to travel by road to the Mart in Abbeyfale!”
The bridge is expected to open again shortly.
KNOCK
A night vigil to Knock takes place on Friday, 7th May next. Contact Peg Murphy for further details at 068 31232.
ABBEYFEALE GOLFING SOCIETY
Following our outing to Castleisland Golf Club last Saturday, the results were:
1st Ger Foley (14) 43pts, 2nd Mossie Kelly (15) 40pts, 3rd John D Murphy (19) 38pts, Front 9: Paddy Lane (17) 21pts, Back 9: Maurice O Riordan (11) 20pts, Long Drive: John Haugh, Nearest Pin: Brian Kneasfey. Thanks to our outing sponsor Brendan Mullins. Next outing is our Captain’s Prize Day at Newcastle West Golf Club on Saturday, May 29th.
RAG MEETING
The 6th. Annual Rag Meeting took place in Dromtrasna last Saturday in glorious spring sunshine. It was a real family day out with bouncing castles for the children, tug of war for the teens, terrier racing and tug of war for the adults and 5 Stakes for the 59 dog entry. Dogs came from all over Munster and a great day out was enjoyed by owners, bystanders and animals alike. The proceeds of the day were shared between St. Mary’s Graveyard Committee and Dromtrasna N. S.and the organising committee want to thank all their sponsors, those who took adverts and all those who attended
RACE NIGHT
A race night has been organised in Matt Mc Coy’s bar this Friday night, April 23rd to helpwith the ongoing medical expenses of 3 year old Seamus Kelly from Tournafulla who is suffering from Leukemia. Your support would be welcomed.
WEST LIMERICK RADIO
The car boot sale, held in wonderful sunshine last Sunday was a great success with loads of stalls selling everything from an anchor to a needle. Next sale Sunday, May 16. Programmes to watch out for this week include Pat O’Donovan’s show on Saturday from 3-4pm when he will be talking to the famous singer Tommy Drennan and . Willie O’Regan will be interviewing Mick O’Neill from Adare on Sunday at 6pm, Mick is 90, will be married 70 years in July and is active, hale and hearty.
GAA: Limerick footballers play Waterford in Croke Park on next Saturday evening 24th April at 5pm in the division 4 final. The game is televised live on T na G and a big contingent from Abbeyfeale is expected to travel to Dublin to support local players, Padraig Browne and Eoin Joy and the rest of the lads.
Paddy Power bets 4/9 Limerick, 9/4 Waterford and 15/2 the draw.
This betting may be all wrong. Waterford went through the league unbeaten and won by a point against Limerick. They have been improving gradually over the past couple of seasons and will be no pushover. Limerick will need to be at their very best to create history and take their first piece of national silverware in over 100 years.
Meanwhile, the Limerick minor football team had a very good 3-10 to 2-04 win over Waterford last Wednesday evening in Killmallock. There are three Abbeyfeale members involved with the team. Gerard O’ Connor is the team manager while Shane O’ Connor and Sean O’ Donnell are both in the team. Limerick now have home advantage against Kerry in the Munster semi- final on Wednesday 12th May.
Fixture; Junior A West League. Fr. Caseys V Glin, Thursday 22nd April in Abbeyfeale at 7pm
SOCCER; Abbeyfeale Utd A 0, Ballingarry 0. Abbeyfeale Utd B 5, Athea Utd 0.
Fixtures; Sunday 25th April. Abbeyfeale A V Glin Rovers (H) 11.30. Abbeyfeale B V Newcastle B (H) 2.30.