Everybody seems to have an opinion about the Lisbon Treaty, but very few would appear to have read it. Of course, you could say the same about that other great Irish literary masterpiece, Ulysses. Academics will tell you it is a broth of a book, but you would wonder how many of them have actually ploughed through it from cover to cover.

Now, as one who has diligently perused both publications, I myself feel eminently qualified in passing judgement on Ulysses and the Lisbon Treaty. And, do you want to know the honest truth? I couldn’t make head nor tail of either of them!

A recent opinion poll has seen the “No” camp surging ahead. Another poll claims that the “Yes” camp have their noses in front. We took a straw poll out on the porch during last Mass on Sunday, and 35% were in favour of the treaty, 33% voted no, and 32% didn’t know. (there were two spoilt votes and one impersonation) If that opinion poll was translated into national figures, the treaty would have been carried by a narrow majority. Where Abbeyfeale leads - the country usually follows.

DeValera used to say that when he wanted to know what the people thought, he only had to look into his own heart. Any politician who wants to test the waters today, could do worse than come to Abbeyfeale and conduct a survey out in the porch during last Mass. Some of the results might surprise him.

And one is reminded of the great contraceptive debate during the late seventies. Feelings were running high, with both the yes and the no brigade vigorously defending their viewpoint. You couldn’t go into a pub or a shop without being drawn into the argument.

Bord na Mona were on strike at the time. Mikey Griffin, God Rest Him, called into the post office on Main Street to draw his pension. They were nearly coming to blows inside as the battle raged. Mikey, a former boxer who fought for the Golden Gloves in America, shook his head in bewilderment at the verbal carnage.

“All that commotion about a few condoms” he said, sorrowfully, “and not a bale of briquettes to be got in town.”

There are something like half a billion people in the EU now, and we are the only country allowed to vote on the Lisbon Treaty. The rest of Europe must be “green” with envy. We carry a massive responsibility. Let us use our vote wisely and well.

Voting takes place on Thursday next, 12^th June. All of the usual voting booths will be in operation between 7am and 10pm.

*There is a massive poster at Joy’s Corner urging people to reject the treaty. You could easily mistake it for an “Ulster Says No!” slogan. Thankfully, those days seem to be behind us.

                                                                        EXAMS;

The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations are underway at present and we wish the best of luck to students from the three post-primary schools in Abbeyfeale who are sitting these exams.

GRANTS;

Cllr Francis Foley has welcomed the announcement of an allocation of €20,000 from the Community, Sports & Cultural Grants Scheme which is being given to the local St Ita’s Hall Committee. These funds will be used for various environmental aspects of the building, including roof repairs, etc. €5,000 has also been allocated to Fr Casey’s GAA Club to help with a feasibility study into further improvements and development works at the club. Cllr Foley welcomes the continued and ongoing support of Limerick County Council in helping with the various projects currently being carried out in Abbeyfeale.

PLAYGROUP:

The Tir na nOg Toddlers Playgroup assemble in the rugby clubhouse on Thursday mornings between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm. All babies and pre-school children with their parents or carers are welcome.

OUTING

: The parish outing this year will be to Galway and Connemara on Wednesday 25^th June. Further details from Peg at 068-31232.

RACES;

The Annual Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Races goes ahead on Sunday 29^th June.

GAA:

Munster SHC quarter-final: Cork 1-13 Tipperary 1-19; Limerick play Clare next with the winners meeting Tipp in the Munster final.
Munster IHC: Cork 0-17 Tipperary 1-21; SHC challenge: Galway 0-20 Limerick 0-18 Leinster SFC quarter-finals: Offaly 1-8 Westmeath 2-11; Dublin 1-22 Louth 0-12; Laois 3-14 Kildare 2-12; Leinster JFC: Dublin 0-11 Kildare 1-6; Ulster SFC quarter-final: Tyrone 2-8 Down 2-8. Ulster MFC quarter-final: Tyrone 0-16 Down 0-14.

Next Sunday Limerick footballers play Cork in the Munster semi-final. Limerick start as rank outsiders and a win against Cork would seem beyond them at this stage .
Fr. Casey’s Intermediate Footballers recorded their third victory in the county league when they defeated Na Piarsaigh 3-09 to 3-08 in The Inch at the weekend.

RUGBY

Ireland battled bravely against the All Blacks last Saturday morning before losing 21-11. They play Australia next Saturday. Greetings to all our exiles in Australia. Don’t forget to give us a wave on the television.