IT's ALL ABOUT JOAN:

COMING UP:

May 13-17th, 6pm & 8pm: ''The Rising of the Women''. Joan Sheehy directs an exceptional cast of Limerick performers for this unique production.

The GAFF is delighted to announce the full production of Mike Finn's hilarious re-telling of the story of legendary film director, John Ford's visit to Limerick in 1956 to shoot scenes for his film, The Rising of the Moon. This being his first film since the success of The Quiet Man, the new film was eagerly anticipated and the great man’s arrival in the Treaty City was the cause of great excitement. Amid the glamour and the clamour, two hundred women were recruited from the Labour Exchange as extras. Their job was to portray worried citizens, anxiously reciting the rosary outside King John’s Castle while inside, a condemned rebel awaited execution at the hands of the Black and Tans. Midway through the first day’s shooting, the extras discovered that the buns provided for lunch were stale and that their pay was to be six shillings and eight pence rather than the promised ten bob. There was nothing for it but to strike! While they were at it, they also demanded porter to wash down the buns! Audiences can enjoy this intriguing story, in promenade theatre style, in various locations in St. Mary's, Limerick. The meeting point is Katy Daly's pub, opposite King John's Castle with ensuing scenes taking place in street locations and inside the nearby St. Munchin's Church. Tickets on www.eventbrite.ie

25 June - 05 July. World premiere of 'Wreckquiem', the much-anticipated new play from award-winning playwright, Mike Finn. Directed by Andrew Flynn, Pat Shortt leads an all-star cast, alongside Joan Sheehy, Patrick Ryan, Mark O’Regan and Sade Malone. The story goes, when a developer threatens a much-loved record store, a band of oddballs and misfits must save the day in this heart-warming comedy about hope, friendship and why it’s ok to own eight different versions of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Booking on www.limetreebelltable.ie or ring (061) 953400.

CHURCH NEWS:

Last Sunday, we remembered the month's mind of Kathleen Mulcahy and the anniversaries of Jimmy O'Gorman, Tom & Peig Treacy, Mairead Cagney, Donal Scanlon & deceased members of the Scanlon families. I measc na naofa go mbeidh síad I gcónaí.

Holy Ghost Missions: We had Fr. Pat from the Spiritan Missions, speaking at Mass on Sunday. They work in sixty countries over five continents. Their work is mainly spreading the faith but they are also involved in Education, Pastoral work, Food & Agriculture, Health, supporting Aids victims & Refugees. Fr. Pat worked in Vietnam for many years. It is now a peaceful country but the one thing you do not mention is 'politics'.. There is now a seminary in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). They welcome volunteers of all ages, who might like to spend some time helping in any of the above areas. Of course, financial help is always welcome and Fr. Pat left some envelopes at the back of the Church. You can also donate online at www.idonate.ie/spiritan, if you wish.

Trocaire: A gentle reminder, to return your Boxes as soon as possible.

Book of Condolence: If you would like to sign a book of condolence for Pope Francis, there is one available nearby, in Rockhill Church. You can also do it online at - www.limerick.ie or on www.catholicbishops.ie

WHAT's ON IN THE HALL:

Wed 30th Apr: Ladies Club, 10am. Fashion Rail with Mary from Chic Boutique, Charleville. €5pp.

Wed 30th Apr: ' Deep Rest '. 7.30-8.30pm. Book with Eileen on 086-7953239.

Sat 3rd May: 'Take Time Out'. 2-5pm. Indulge yourself in a mini yoga retreat. Book with Eileen, 086-7953239.

Mon 5th May: 3pm at the Hall. Camogie Club 4K Fun Run/Walk.

Thur 8th May: Last Chair Fitness at 11am. If you want to try it out, contact Teresa 087-2768730.

Sun 11th May: 3pm - 5.30pm. Social Dancing in the Hall, music by Steve Connery.

Wed 14th May: Adult Art Classes. 1-3pm for 7 weeks. Book your spot on 087-0030313.

Bus to Bloom cancelled, as we did not get the required numbers.

FOR THE KIDS:

*Summer Art Camp*: 21st - 24th Jul. 9.30am - 1pm. 5 -12yrs. If interested book via email - orla@orlahickeydesigns.ie

GRANAGH UTD:

Fri 16th May: Golf Classic - Charleville Golf Club. This will be a major fundraiser, to help enhance the club facilities, in particular upgrading the toilets, with the growth in all the juvenile ages and especially for the many girls teams. Team of 3 Scramble, €200, including meal. €100 per tee box. Contact Brendan Ryan for Tee times, 086-7738838. They have a Fantastic Raffle; 1st prize - €2,500 Fitted Wardrobe from Zanwood Designs, Croom. 2nd - €500 voucher for Center Parcs. 3rd - 42" Television plus numerous other prizes, only €10 per ticket. Draw will take place in the Rock Bar, Sat 17th May. If you're not in ........

POETRY DAY:

Thur 1st May: Celebrate Poetry Day Ireland @ 7pm in Newcastle West Library. Poet Michael Dooley, who was born in Bruff, will read a selection of his poems, he will also be joined by members of the local writing group, the Desmond Scribblers. Free event, organised in partnership with the Éigse Michael Hartnett committee.

DID YOU KNOW:

28 Apr,1939 - Pan American's 'Yankee Clipper' lands at Foynes and inaugurates first scheduled airmail service.

29 Apr,1945 - US Army liberates 31,601 people from the Dachau Nazi concentration camp in Germany.

30 Apr,1981 - Garret Fitzgerald replaced Charles Haughey as Taoiseach.

1 May, 2003 - The month of April goes into the record books as one of the warmest for the last 100 years.

2 May,1923 - Birth in Miltown Malbay, of Patrick Hillery, surgeon, politician and former president.

3 May,1903 - Bing Crosby, descendant of Irish immigrants, is born in Washington, as Harry Lillis Crosby.