' Dull Nov brings the Blast, then the Leaves are whirling Fast. '

CONCERN COLLECTION It is that time of year again when 'Concern' are asking the people of the parish for their support, this weekend, through Frances O'Keeffe, Ballingarry. Over twenty five years ago she worked with the Kurdish people who were fleeing a war in Iraq. Now their plight continues to be one of running to safety yet again. Concern is working with thousands of Kurdish people in Syria, some who have moved up to 9 times trying to protect their families. While she cannot talk openly about their work to ensure the safety of the team, they are providing food, water and shelter to these people. It cannot be done without your support. Everything you give makes a difference and Concern are always grateful for your support of their annual collection. Saturday 9th in Granagh and Sunday 10th at 7pm in Ballingarry.

CHURCH NEWS: Bereavement Mass; Will be celebrated in Granagh on Saturday November 9th at 7.00pm. Bereavement Mass will be celebrated in Ballingarry, Sunday November 10th at 7.00pm so there will be no 10.30am morning mass in Ballingarry next weekend. All welcome, as we gather together as families and community to remember and pray for the happy repose of the souls of our dear departed. Graveyard Rosary; For the month of November, every Sunday, the rosary will be prayed in our graveyards. Shanabotha at 3pm and Granagh at 3.30pm. All welcome to join in. Parish Envelopes; The envelope system is changing this year. Previously every home in the parish received a box which cost in excess of €2,000 and not everybody was using them. Beginning in December boxes will only be delivered to those who have been using them regularly. First Fridays; Every first Friday of the year, the masses in each Church are offered specifically for our departed loved ones.

SOULSCAPES: The very popular Soulscapes evenings are coming up again. Wednesday 6th November at 8pm - The cry of the deer, and illogical noises of the heart - Reflecting on life after a coronary event with Michael Harding. Wednesday 13th November at 8pm – The Story of the Song with Dr. Kathleen Turner. Wednesday 20th November at 8pm - Overcome challenges by minding your mind with Dessie FitzGerald. Wednesday 27th November at 8pm – Celtic Spirituality in Daily Life with John Connell. Tickets €10 per evening.

CRAFT FAIR: Sun 10th; 11am -6pm: Rathkeale Parish Hall: In aid of the Butterfly Club. Pick up some lovely unique Christmas gifts from local Crafters & Artists. Home Baking, Crafts, Pottery, Jewellery and lots more.

CLOTHES COLLECTION: In aid of Granagh Nat. School Parents' Association. Time to have a clear-out before the year end, there are a number of dates in November. Friday 15th; 3-5pm and Saturday 16th; 4-7pm. Again the following weekend, Friday 22nd; 3-5pm and Saturday 23rd; 4-7pm. Drop off point is at the Parochial house. They are accepting - good quality, reusable clothes. Hats & Scarves. Belts & Handbags. Paired shoes. Sheets, Duvet covers, Pillow cases, Curtains and Towels.

JOHNNIE's BRITCHES: Mary Liston is preparing to stage the play ' Johnnie's Britches' by the Limerick born playwright, P.G. O'Dea. A hilarious comedy that has not been seen in this part of the country before. O'Dea was born in 1898 and spent his years teaching in Athlone Vocational school. He had a keen interest in sport, taught gymnastics to the army recruits at Custume Barracks, Athlone, and held many displays and demonstrations in the barracks' grounds. His plays provide a unique insight into Irish rural life during the 40's, 50's, and 60's and are now considered to be true windows into the mind-set of the time. Performance dates - Nov - 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th & 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 8pm nightly.

ABSEILING for CHARITY: Abseil with Angela Collins - Ireland's first female steeplejack takes on the challenge of abseiling Thomond Park on 16th November 2019 to raise much needed funds for the Children's Grief Centre and the Redemptorists Christmas Hamper Appeal. If you would like to take part on the day all you need to do is raise €250 - €50 of this will go towards Nevsail, insurance and costs, balance will go to the charities. For sponsorship cards please contact the Centre - katrina@childrensgriefcentre.ie or telephone (087) 4578030 or (087) 900024.

LIGHT up a MEMORY: Sunday 8th Dec, 6.00pm: The official ceremony to mark the illumination of the Light up a Memory Tree will take place at Milford Care Centre. The Lights will remain illuminated until Sunday 5th January 2020 at 6.00p.m when Mass will be celebrated at Milford Care Centre for all those remembered on the Light up a Memory Tree. If you wish to sponsor a light, you can do so online - www.milfordcarecentre.ie/light-up-a-memory/ . By completing the process online, you can also participate in the online Tribute Book which has become a popular method to let your relatives and friends know that you have sponsored a light in memory of your loved one. You can also purchase Christmas Cards through their online shop.

DIARY: Thur 7th: Goal Mile, 10am in U.L. Tue 12th: Yoga in Granagh Hall. 7.30pm. Wed 13th: Yoga in Bruff (Carebright), 9.15am & 7pm. Fri 15th: Seniors Camogie Quiz, Rock Bar, 9pm. Tue 12 - 16th: 'Translations' by B. Friel at LimeTree Theatre. Thur 21st: Give Blood, Southcourt Hotel, 5-8pm