The new community college, Scoil Ide agus Iosef, opened its doors to the general public last Saturday. (See PHOTOS – Latest Photos)

Despite an early-morning downpour, huge crowds availed of this special Open Day and flocked to view the magnificent building which is now the Alma Mater to over 800 students following the closure of the three post-primary schools in the town.

The school has 23 regular classrooms as well as 30 specialist classrooms, a special needs unit, a school library, a canteen, staff and administration areas and other general purpose areas.

There is also a very strong emphasis on sport and recreation. The school has a full-size playing pitch and six hard surface outdoor courts as well as a main indoor sports hall.

The building is eco-friendly and is powered by two on-site wind turbines. Daylight and occupancy-sensors control lighting and ensure that lights are not used unnecessarily. It is naturally ventilated which reduces the need for fans, extractors and other mechanical cooling systems. The place exudes state of the art technology from every pore. “It would remind you of one of them big American Campuses we do see on television.” said one impressed visitor. It was a very apt description.

Abbeyfeale has always placed great value on education, and numerous teachers solicitors, priests, politicians, accountants, academics etc have passed through the various local primary and secondary schools before going on to achieve even greater world-wide successes in their chosen professions.

The addition of this new college together with the newly constructed national school in Dromtrasna and planned major refurbishments to the local boys’ school further enhances the town’s reputation and status in the field of learning.

Perhaps the Celtic Tiger wasn’t entirely wasted after all.

CREDIT UNION

Abbeyfeale Credit Union would like to inform all of its members that, contrary to recent media reports on lending restrictions imposed on some Credit Unions, Abbeyfeale Credit Union is unaffected by these lending restrictions and continues to offer and promote loans to members with the capacity to repay. Abbeyfeale Credit Union’s Balance Sheet is strong and fully compliant with current reserve requirements. This is evident in the fact that the Board of Directors of Abbeyfeale Credit Union will be, as in previous years, proposing the payment of a dividend and a loan interest rebate to members at their A.G.M. on November 28^th.

FANCY DRESS

A Fancy Dress Party will be held in Jack O’Rourke’s bar on this Friday night 28^th October in aid of Breast Cancer Research. Pink will be the dominant colour on the night and all are welcome.

A HARD DAYS NIGHT!

Paul McCartney married Nancy Shevell earlier this month and, following the ceremony, wedding guests were invited back to his pad in St John’s Wood for a few pints and a bit of a sing-song. Police were called at around 1.30 am after neighbours gave out about the loud noise.

The Head of Noise and Licensing at Westminster City Council Andrew Ralph said: “A complaint was received about an address in St John’s Wood. Officers visited and the volume was reduced on request. No further action is being taken.”

Imagine living next door to a Beatle and complaining about the music!

ELECTION

Ireland goes to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) to elect a new president. At this stage it appears to be a two-horse race between Michael D Higgins and Sean Gallagher.

Latest betting; Micheal D Higgins 8/13. Sean Gallagher 6/5. Martin McGuinness 25/1

DEATHS

The death has occurred of Jimmy Sweeney, Dromtrasna Harnett. Sympathy is extended to his bereaved wife Esther, daughter Helena, son Seamus and his partner Fiona, brother Jack, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. R.I.P.

The death has also occurred of Denis (Dinny) Lane of Cahirlane, Abbeyfeale, husband of the late Nora. Sympathy is extended Carmel, James, D.J. and Gearóid; Mary, Pat and family (Carrickerry), sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. R.I.P.

OLD TIME

A reminder that the clocks go back one hour on next Saturday night/Sunday morning.

GOLF

Abbeyfeale Golfing Society outing to Dooks Golf Club this Sat Oct 29th sponsored by Jack O’ Rourkes Bar, Abbeyfeale. Tee-times 10.10-11.30. Team of 3 event. Text your name to 087 6632910 by this Wednesday to be included for a tee time. Committee meeting this Wednesday evening in Jack O Rourke’s at 9pm. Presentation of prizes will be held in Jack O Rourke’s this Saturday night at 9.30pm. As this is our last presentation night of 2011 we would like all members to attend John Geoghegan’s last official engagement as Captain.

RUGBY

New Zealand were crowned rugby world cup champions following a narrow one point win over France in the final. There were wild scenes of celebration in Auckland on Sunday night during which our Abbeyfeale contingent were apparently not found wanting.!

Meanwhile, closer to home Abbeyfeale were beaten 18-15 by Kilorglin in The Grove on Sunday afternoon

SOCCER

Results; Abbeyfeale B (3) Kilcolman Rovers (1) Abbeyfeale Youths Vs Athea Utd (OFF) Abbeyfeale A (1) Glin Rovers (1)

Fixtures; Saturday 29th October; Abbeyfeale Youths Vs Broadford (A) 2.30

Sunday 30th October; Abbeyfeale A Vs Newcastle W (A) 11.30. Abbeyfeale B Vs St. Itas (H) 2.30

GAA

Betting on first test in the compromise rules series in Australia this weekend; Australia 11/10 Ireland 8/11 draw 20/1

Abbeyfeale Minor Footballers clinched their eighth county title with victory over St Kieran’s at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday. The Fealesiders led by a point, 0-4 to 0-3, at half time. The turning point came midway through the second half when a fine individual goal by Shane O’Connor put daylight between the teams. St Kieran’s [...]

Ireland’s world cup odyssey finally came to an end in Eden Park on Saturday morning when they were comprehensively beaten by near-neighbours Wales on a score of 22-10. The men in green can have few excuses. Time, it seems, has finally caught up with many of them. If this game had taken place two years [...]

Excitement surrounding the upcoming Presidential Election has reached fever-pitch, although this frenzy of anticipation is mainly confined to the candidates. The public at large seem strangely apathetic about choosing a new leader. Indeed, it has been suggested that had the vote been held after the interviews on the Late Late Show last Friday night, Jedward [...]

You would miss the early Convent Mass in Abbeyfeale on a Sunday mornings – so you would. It was very handy for those of us who suffered from insomnia or a guilty conscience (or both) A fellow could slip in the side entrance and say his few prayers without anyone knowing his business. The ceremony [...]