function displayMessage ():Void {
	trace("Display this message");
	countInterval++;
	if(countInterval >= 10){
		clearInterval(nInterval);
		trace("interval cleared");
	}
}

var countInterval:Number = 0;
var nInterval:Number = setInterval(displayMessage, 1000);

This will run the message function until countInterval equals 10, then it will stop. Could be used in various animations.

Basic Usage of setInterval

animation

ActionScript