Classic Documentary at Writer’s Week
By: Marian Harnett
The Window in Heaven’s Gable – a documentary on The Classic Cinema, the last of the vintage and independent cinemas in Ireland, will screen in the Classic Cinema itself in Listowel at 8:30pm on this Thursday, May 31st. as part of Writer’s Week.
Irish Motor Neuron Research
The proceeds from the screening will be donated to Irish Motor Neuron Research as this is what Kieran Gleeson, the former owner of The Classic died from a couple of years ago.
Local film-maker Ed O’Connor explained the background to why he wanted to make this fascinating documentary:
“Kieran Gleeson was a man who listened to his heart. He loved cinema so much he gave up his accountancy career to buy a derelict cinema in Listowel in the 1980’s. People said he was crazy as this was at a time when cinemas were closing everywhere with the proliferation of home video players.
The Classic Cinema, Listowel
“Most of the picture palaces in towns around Ireland were lost and now only a few family-owned cinemas remain open, one being The Classic Cinema in Listowel.”
“As well as profiling the life of Kieran Gleeson, the film also includes interviews with patrons of the cinema who tell us about their fascination with cinema and their amusing experiences in The Classic.
“Amongst these are film-makers like: PJ Dillon – Game of Thrones, Vikings and Gerard Barrett Glassland, Pilgrim Hill.
Their First Films
“They relate how Kieran premiered their first films, starting them on their film-making journeys.” As a massive film fan himself, O’Connor continued:
“If you like cinema, you’ll love the journey this film will take you on. Now Kieran didn’t lick his interest in cinema from the stones. He was a third-generation cinema owner, his grandfather opening the first cinema in Cappamore, Co. Limerick in a workman’s shed he purchased from Siemens after the completion of the power station in Ardnacrusha.
The Projection Room
Kieran’s father ran the new purpose-built cinema that came afterwards and it was in the projection room here, with the loud clatter of the 35mm projector and the smell of hot celluloid, that the destiny of the young Kieran Gleeson was sown.
A No Budget Feature
The documentary is a no budget feature but it had something money couldn’t buy – communities working together in a fun way to honour what they value. If it takes a village to raise a child, then it took my village of Athea and our local town Listowel to make this film as so many people gave generously of their time, their stories and their fabulous acting talents,” said Ed.
AA Open Meeting
Bank Holiday Monday, June 4 at Duagh N.S. from 8.30pm.
Family Cycle
A cycle to introduce families to the benefits of being out in the fresh air, being active, doing a family activity in a social gathering on a free facility is being held on the GST on Sunday, June 4 at 11am to celebrate World Bicycle Day. Entrance at the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale. Distances vary from 5k to 20K so is suitable for all levels of experience and ability. A refreshment stop is being offered at Halla Inse Bán (10k mark) before returning to Abbeyfeale. Register online at www. limericksports.ie
Polkas At The Railway
Learn to dance a polka every Monday evening at the Railway, Abbeyfeale. Classes from 8.30pm. No partner needed.
Eleanor Shanley At The Glórach
Mike Hanrahan will accompany Eleanor Shanley in concert on Friday, June 22 in the intimate surrounds of the Glórach. Bookings 087 1383940.
Afternoon Tea Dancing
The Wednesday Club, Abbeyfeale are holding a Tea Dance in Fr Casey’s clubhouse on Sunday, June 10. Dancing to Paddy Quilligan from 3-6pm. Tickets €5 each. Proceeds being divided between Kerry Hospice and Recovery Haven Cancer Support House. All donations gratefully accepted. Raffle.
Glorach Bingo
Bingo every Monday night at the Glorach at 8.30pm.
Fundraiser For U-14s
A clothes collection will take place until June 4 to raise funds for Fr. Casey’s U-14 football team who represent Limerick in the Feile Peil na N’Óg in Trim Co. Meath at the end of June. If you wish to donate reusable items of clothing, paired shoes, belts, handbags, bed linen, towels and curtains please drop bags to The Railway Bar, Athea Road, Abbeyfeale.
Graveyard Clean-Up
There will be a weekly clean up in the Reilig Idé Graveyard every Tuesday from 7-9pm. More help is always appreciated as the graveyard is quite big. In order to help with this families are encouraged to maintain their own graves and a neglected one if that family is no longer able to. We appreciate any help you can give.
Abbeyfeale Parish Church
The church was opened in June 1968. A part of our Church Jubilee celebrations an exhibition of Parish and Church memorabilia from the mid 1960’s will be put on display on the weekend of June 8-10. We are now looking for items that would bring us back to that era. The Church foundation stone was laid in 1967 and the new Church building was opened on June 23, 1968. We are looking for photographs, publications, recordings, newspaper articles, religious objects. All items will be labelled and returned to the owner at the end of the exhibition.
Volunteers For Adapt
The Domestic Abuse Services needs your help in Abbeyfeale on June 9/10 for the annual church gate collection, which helps to maintain the services for women and their children, provided by ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services. Please contact Deirdre Barrett at 061 412354 if you would like to help.
Parish Office Meetings
Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night at 8pm in the parish Office. Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening at 8pm. A.A. Meet every Wednesday afternoon at 3pm, Friday night at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St. Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.
Musical Summer Camp
The Bruach Na Carraige Summer Camp for children between 6 and 15 years will be from July 16-27. Children attending this camp who have not played music before will learn a few new tunes on the whistle, those already playing will get new tunes, they will learn traditional songs and four or five ceili dances, all mixed with much games and fun.
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