Youth Drama.

Ballyduff Youth Drama are very busy at the moment rehearsing for their yearly production which this year is “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. The show will run in Ballyduff Community Centre on February 26th and 27th with a matinee performance on the 28th. Tickets cost just €10 and can be booked by call or text on 087-6493657. The children have been working very hard preparing for this show and would really appreciate your support.
The members and leaders of Ballyduff Youth Drama have asked me to say a huge thank you to all who attended their recent benefit night and all who bought raffle tickets from them outside Centra last week. They appreciate your generosity and are delighted to announce the winners of the lovely hampers and flowers. The winners were Sarah Fitzpatrick, Ballyduff West, Sheila Shanahan, Amberhill, Ned Kelly, Oldcourt and Julie Laffan, Carriganure.

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group will hold their next meeting on Friday February 19th at 7pm in the meeting rooms at The Kilmeaden Village Centre. The purpose of this meeting is to kickstart plans for Easter and the Spring. All are welcome to come along to this meeting and no committment to do manual work is needed. Any volunteers or donations would be greatly appreciated.

Slim-Spiration.

It is great travelling around the parish to meet so many people walking or running. Some travel alone while others go in a group but whatever your level of fitness you receive the same support. We are delighted with the number of people who are still attending our Monday night Weigh-in and group walks. You are all doing so well and should be very proud of yourself. We are now in our fifth week and keeping each other motivated is of utmost importance. I hear people speak every week about the improvements to their health etc and so that alone makes all this worthwhile. Thank you to the people we meet while we are out walking who give us a honk of the horn or a little cheer out the window, it is really appreciated.

Spring Stations.

Time is certainly flying by and can you imagine it is already time for the Spring stations to start. Each station mass is offered for the good health of all the people of that area. On Thursday February 18th the mass for Carrickphilip, Knockaderry and Carriganure Upper mass will be in the home of Martha and John Fitzgerald at 8pm and on Friday February 19th the mass for Kildermody, Ross, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm.

Golden Days.

Have decided to use these notes for my own advantage this week. I would like to send heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my parents Noel and Nancy O Sullivan who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married by Fr. Fitzgerald in Ballyduff on February 12th 1966 and remain one of the most successful Ballyduff and Portlaw alliances to date. They have spent these fifty years in the family home in Matthews Cross surrounded by wonderful neighbours over the years. On behalf of my two sisters Mary and Theresa and my brothers John and Neil and of their grandchildren Jessica, Amy, Freya, Ava, Adam, Eli and Lily we wish them every good health and many more years of happiness.

Community Alert.

The next meeting of the High Road/Ballyduff community alert group will be on Monday February 22nd in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome to come along.
This group will host a fundraising table quiz on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp in O Donnachas. Quizmaster will be Dermot Molloy and a table of 4 will cost €20. There will be many spot prizes on the night so come along and have fun.

GAA Lotto.

The local GAA lotto draw took place recently and the numbers drawn were 13, 15, 18, and 20. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Tony Larkin, Margaret Power and Helen Conlan. The next draw will take place on February 14th in O Donnachas and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €2,300. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 so choose those 4 numbers carefully.

Grandparents Day.

Wednesday February 3rd was Grandparents Day and the pupils of our local national school marked the occasion by inviting their grandparents to a special mass in our church which Fr. O Byrne offered for all the grandparents present. As part of the offertory procession the children brought forward a candle in memory of those grandparents who are no longer with us. The children took part in all the readings, prayers of the faithful and the bringing up of the gifts and also sung some beautiful hymns for us throughout the mass. After the mass everyone was invited over to the school for some tea and biscuits and this was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This really was a lovely morning and I congratulate the children on their display of love and respect for their grandparents.

1916 News.

You may have read my notes last week and if you did you will have noticed that I carried a list of all the people who were baptised in our church in 1916. This list was compiled by Fr.O Byrne so I sent him off on a mission to find out how many weddings there were that year so have a look and see if any of your ancesters are mentioned? There were just 3 weddings:

Charles Stephenson(Fairbrook) married Ann Stephenson(Ballyduff)

Laurence Foley(Dunhill) married Catherine Power(Carrigphilip)

Robert Power(Clonea) married Margaret Power(Ardeenlone).

Do you have an interesting 1916 story to tell?

Music Lessons.

Is it on your bucket list to learn to play an instrument well here’s your chance .A music student studing music in WIT would like to run music lessons in Ballyduff Community Centre and so if you would like to learn the bodhran, guitar, banjo or mandolin please contact 083-1614523. These music classes are open to adults and children and are a wonderful opportunity for people to learn a new skill. Music is the perfect medicine for body and soul so you’re on a winner straight away.

Tickets On Sale.

A reminder that Ballyduff Youth Drama will present this years production, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” on Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th at 8pm and at 3pm on Sunday February 28th in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets cost just €10 and are available by call or text to Helen on 087-6493657. This group always treat us to a wonderful show so come along and support their hard work.

Table Quiz.

Have you picked your team yet? The High Road/Ballyduff community text alert group will host a fundraising table quiz in O Donnachas on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp. Quizmaster will be Dermot Molloy and a team of 4 will cost €20. You will also have the chance to win some lovely spot prizes. This is the groups main fundraiser for the year so please support if possible.
The next meeting of this group will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm on Monday February 22nd. All are welcome to attend. I must congratulate them on their text alert scheme, it really is a brilliant scheme and keeps us all alert to unusual activity in our areas.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge group are as follows:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Joan Whelan and Michael O Donovan.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Margaret Power.
4th: William and Ann Tobin.

Date For The Diary.

I know many of you have very busy social diaries so I am giving you plenty of notice for a fun table quiz because I know that like me you enjoy a good quiz. The High Road/Ballyduff Community Text Alert group will host a fundraising table quiz on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp in O Donnachas. Quizmaster on the night will be Dermot Molloy and a team of 4 will cost €20. There will be lots of lovely spot prizes on the night. This is the groups’ main fundraiser for the year so please support if you can. Pick your team carefully and you have a nice bit of time now to get them to knuckle down to that studying!!

SLIM-SPIRATION.

I am delighted to report that our local Slim-Spiration group is going from strength to strength. Fitter and healthier lifestyles are to be seen everywhere, new friendships have been formed and the group walks are proving to be very popular and successful. As a member myself I cannot praise it enough, not only am I beginning to feel the health benefits but the encouragement and support we all receive from each other is completely priceless. We are very lucky to be receiving lots of nutrition and excercise tips from Jemma Kehoe, Sandra O Keeffe, Jason King and Cian Foley.Continued success to all the members and remember that little changes and taking things step by step is the key to a healthier you.

The Beauty Of Music.

Music as you know brings a lot of happiness to many people and there is nothing nicer than being able to play an instrument. Is this something you have regretted not doing well now is your chance. Music classes for the bodhran, guitar, banjo and mandolin will be given by a WIT music student in Ballyduff Community Centre. These classes are open to both children and adults and will take place whichever evening suits people best. To express your interest please contact 083-1614523.

Panto Time.
Our neighbours in Portlaw are very busy rehearsing for their annual Pantomime. This year they will stage Hansel and Gretel and Hansel will be played by our own local talent Darren Butler of Gortaclode. The Panto will run for 3 nights from Thursday February 4th and a matinee on Sunday 7th. To book your ticket please call 086-0519210. We wish all the cast and crew every success and look forward to seeing the show.

A New Little Man.

We send heartiest congratulations to Kelley Simpson and her partner Ian on the birth of their beautiful baby son Callum. Baby Callum arrived a little earlier than expected but not to worry big brother Bradley is ready to teach him all he needs to know. I know that grandparents Philip and Tina Simpson, Ballyduff West are delighted with his safe arrival and will be looking forward to spending many precious moments with their two grandsons.

Ballyduff Youth Drama.

Ballyduff Youth Drama group are very busy rehearsing for their performance of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” which will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th at 8pm and a matinee performance on Sunday 28th at 3pm. Tickets cost just €10 and are available by calling or texting Helen on 087-6493657 or tickets will be on sale from 6pm to 7pm on Mondays 1st, 8th and 15th of February. I happened to be up in the hall a couple of nights while this group were practicing and managed to catch some sneeky looks and may I say you are in for a real treat so get your ticket.

Benefit Night.

You have just read about Ballyduff Youth Dramas group production and as I am sure you all know these productions take money to put on. This group is run by three parents who give their time and talent freely and voluntarily and so the group is reliant on the generosity of the public. They have arranged a fun benefit night to raise funds for their production.” Wax The Boys” will take place on Saturday February 6th at 8pm in The Sweep followed by disco and D.J. This strictly over 18’s event will see some willing guys get some waxing done well I say willing some of them may appear to be tied down but don’t worry they will be fine. Please support this very worthwhile event and help this wonderful group who give children a belief in themselves and builds their confidence.

Remembering 1916

You will hear lots at the moment about the 100th anniversary of 1916 and Fr. Mick decided he would look at the baptismal records to see who was baptised here in Ballyduff in 1916. Take a look at the names and see if any of your relatives are there, I found my grandaunt Kitty Power, Whelansbridge whom many of you will remember from the Post Office for many years.
Thomas Mackey, Ballygarron.
Dennis Murray, Carrigphilip.
John Hennessy, Lisahane.
Thomas Galvin, Ardeenlone.
James Fitzgerald, Kilmeaden.
John Doyle, Lisahane.
Catherine Power, Whelansbridge.
Michael Sheehan, Ballygarron.
Laurance Power, Kilmagemogue.
Johanna Skehan, Carrigadustra.
Mary Fitzgerald Ballyduff East.
Michael Kiely, Fairbrook.
Mary Stephenson, Newtown.
Patrick Tibbs, Tigroe.
Robert Fleming, Blacknock.
Nicholas Cummins, Carriphilip.
Johanna Keane, Ross.
Mary Aulsberry, Kilmeaden.
Ann Brien, Ferrybank.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw club are as follows:
1st: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
2nd: Genelia Rowley and Nan Murphy.
3rd: Anna Ryan and Celia Nugent.
4th: Mary Shanahan and Pauline Fanning.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of our local GAA lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 1,2,6 and 8. There were three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night and they were Jamsie Power, Martin O Leary and Tommy Power. The next draw will take place on January 31st in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €2,150. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 so pick your 4 numbers and maybe you could be the lucky one.

Recent Death.

We send our heartfelt sympathy to Caroline O Donnell, Ballygarron on the recent death of her beloved father, Anthony Hayes, Garranbane, Dungarvan. Anthonys funeral mass was celebrated in Saint Laurences church, Ballinroad and following the mass he was buried in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that he may now rest in peace and that the Lord will help Caroline and her family in their time of grief.

Slim-Spiration

Kilmeadens Slim-Spiration challenge 2016 has really taken off with more people registering and joining this week. We have had great feedback from the members who are really enjoying being part of a group where you receive motivation and encouragement from everyone involved. The group walks are proving very popular and have seen great crowds turning up no matter what the weather. We are very lucky to have secured the services of Jemma Kehoe, Sandra O Keeffe and Jason King for nutrional advice and motivation and excercise advice. We will also be visited in a couple of weeks by Butlerstown man Cian Foley who overcame his own weight and fitness problems and is currently the World Kettlebell champion. His story is fasinating and I know people will enjoy hearing him speak.
Continued good luck to the 80+ members of Slim-Spiration and congratulations on deciding to work at a fitter and healthier lifestyle. Change is not easy but by taking it step by step and making little changes at a time I know we will succeed especially when we are in it together.

Contact Notes.

Don’t forget if you want to get some notices or news to people please contact myself Linda Spillane by Thursday of each week. You can get me on 087-9838392 or spillanelinda@eircom.net and I will delighted to include it in the local notes for you. Talk to you soon.

Recent Death.

We extend our deepest sympathy to William Harrington, Ballyduff Hill on the recent death of his beloved mother, Phil Harrington(nee Cuddihy). Phil resided in Carrigrue, Ballinaneashagh and her death was an unexpected shock for all her family. Her funeral mass took place in St. Pauls church followed by private cremation. I can’t say that I had the pleasure of knowing Phil but anybody I have spoken to have spoken of a real lady who loved her family and loved meeting up with her family and friends. We pray that her family will find comfort in these memories in the days ahead. May she rest in peace.

Bridge News.

The results of the game played on January 11^th are as follows:

1^st: Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.
2^nd: Joan Hartery and Kathleen Collins.
3^rd: Ann Cox and Patsy Roche.
4^th: Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.

Nollaig na mBan.

On Saturday January 9^th the ladies of our parish gathered in our local parish hall to celebrate the tradition of womens christmas The hall was decorated beautifully and the atmosphere was set straight away as you walked in.Gentlemen from the parish offered the ladies warm glass of mulled wine while they mingled and chatted. We ladies of the parish were then treated to a delicious 3 course dinner prepared and cooked by local chef Eamonn Reade helped by his daughter Shauna. A big well done to all our waiters who did a terrific job and I hear that many of them are still sporting lovely soft hands from all the wash up. The night carried on with some fun party games and then DJ Ricky had us dancing for the night.

This event was once again a huge success and a big thank you must go to our chef Eamonn and all our waiters who really entered into the spirit of things. Thank you also to Ricky O Brien who was our DJ for the night. A very big thank you must go to all the ladies who bought tickets for this event and made it the great success it was. Almost €3,500 was raised for our local community centre.

I had the honour of being involved with the committee who organised this event and may I say it is a pleasure to work on such a passionate and dedicated committee. As you can imagine there is which goes on behind the scenes for a night like this and these ladies just got on with the challenge. Roll on next year!

 Slim-Spiration.

Kilmeadens weight loss and fitness challenge began on Monday January 11^th and we were overwhelmed by the response as we registered 69 people with more to join next week. It was lovely to see so many coming together to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Throughout the 8 week programme will shall benefit from the knowledge of nutrionists, dieticians, excercise experts etc. Group walks are also organised during the week and crowds of between 40 and 50 people have been turning up for those. This is a wonderful example of community coming together to help each other.

Hall News.

I often hear people complaining that they have too many plates,mugs, cutlery etc in the press. If you would like to donate some of these which are of good quality to your local community centre then please contact myself Linda Spillane or Isabel O Neill and we will take them in for you. These will be used for catering for funerals etc.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/ Ballyduff Bridge club have kicked off their 2016 season and the results of their game played on January 4th 2016 are as follows:
1st: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy.
3rd: Maria Kiersey and Beth Spollen.
4th: Aileen Stephenson and Noreen Tubbritt.

Ballyduff GAA Club.

Ballyduff Lower GAA Club will hold a meeting for all adult players in Ballyduff Community Hall on Saturday January 16th at 6.30pm. This meeting is open to all who are interested in playing hurling and football for the club in the coming year. Come along and lend your talent and committment to your local team.

Slim- Spiration

Kilmeadens fun weight loss challenge, Slim-Spiration has now begun but you can still register for this fun group on this Monday January 18th from 6.45pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This 8 week challenge is ideal for anyone who would like to shift a few pound or get a bit fitter or indeed a bit of both. With the help and motivation we will receive from each other we will have no trouble reaching our goals. The programme which is open to both men and women consists of a weekly weigh in every Monday night which will be down privately by a visitor to our parish. Following the weigh in there will be a short talk from different speakers including dieticians, nutrionists, excercise experts etc. After the talk those who want to can join together for a group walk. There will also be another couple of group walks during the week also. Class cost is €5 per weigh in or you can avail of 8 weeks for the price of 7 which is €35. All proceeds will go to our local hall redevelopment fund. Come and along and join in and let us all help each other.

On The Lookout.

This year Kilmeaden Creamery will celebrate its 100th anniversary and the Kilmeaden advisory centenary committee are currently looking for any old pictures or literature from those times so that they can document the past 100 years. If you have any such information please contact Pat Coady or Gabriel Power at the Countrylife store or any members of the committee.

Back To School.

We welcome all the children and teachers back to school after their Christmas holidays. I know the weather was desperate for the holidays but we are thankful that we were saved from the desperation which other areas suffered from.
We hope that this term is a happy and healthy one for everyone and that each student gives their very best.

Engagement News.

We congratulate local girl Sarah Walsh, Adamstown who has announced her engagement to the love of her life Brian Roche. Sarah is of course deep in rehearsals at the moment for the upcoming production from the Dawn Players Drama Group and so I’m sure when she has that done and dusted she will turn her attention to her next big staring role- The Blushing Bride.

A Baby Girl.

We send our heartiest congratulations to Paul Stephenson and his beautiful wife Edwina on the recent birth of their beautiful baby daughter Elsie. I know grandparents John and Joan and Uncle Ger are absolutely thrilled with the safe arrival as is indeed great granny Aileen Stephenson. We wish them all every happiness and may they treasure all the precious moments.

Golden Couple.

We send very sincere and happy wishes to local couple Michael and Peggy Murphy, Kilmagemogue who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. It is seldom these days that we hear of such an achievement so we wish Michael and Peggy contiued happiness and good health

Let Me Know!

A lot of groups and clubs have now resumed their activities so why not let people know by contacting me Linda Spillane and I will include the etails in the local parish notes for you. You can contact me on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda@eircom .net.
Why not share your good news also prehaps An engagement, a wedding, a birth etc.

Mass Bookings.

In recent weeks we took the bookings for the anniversary masses for the weekend masses during January, February and March and there are still some dates available. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one during these months then please give a ring to Linda on 051-399925 or 087-9838392.

Christmas Thanks.

It was lovely to see such big crowds at the Christmas Eve and Day masses. Fr .Mick welcomed everyone especially those who had travelled home for Christmas. He reminded us to be aware of people around us who for one reason or another were not looking forward to the holiday season. Perhaps they were suffering from a sickness, bereavement, loneliness or other problems. He reminded us that sometimes the nicest gift can be a visit, a phonecall, a simple hug.

During the Christmas Eve mass we were treated to a beautiful nativity play by some local children and this trully displayed the true meaning of Christmas. A huge well done to all the children who performed to perfection and to Joan, Christine and Isabel for arranging and directing it all. Thanks also to Christine who led the singing and James and John for providing such excellent music. Well done also to our local choir who performed beautiful carols throughout the masses on Christmas Eve and Day.

During both masses Fr.Mick said a big thank you to everyone who helps in the church every week of the year and without whom the church would not run so smoothly.

GAA Lotto.
There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 3, 4, 12 and 26. There were six lucky dip winners of €50 each and they were Marie Murphy, Martin Murray, Camille O Connor, Gavin O Rourke, Teresa Veale and Michael Murray. The first lotto draw of 2016 will take place on Sunday January 17th and will have a brilliant jackpot of €2000. What a great way to start the New Year.

Hall News.
The committee of the Ballyduff Community Centre would like to thank all who supported their recent raffle. The winners of the two beautiful hampers were Siobhan Power and Caroline Butler. A fantastic amount of €627 was raised and they tank you sincerely.

Nollaig Na mBan.
We are on the countdown now to the much looked forward to Nollaig na mBan event which will take place on January 9th in Ballyduff Community Centre. On entering the hall the ladies will be welcomed with a mulled wine reception. Local chef Eamonn Reade will prepare dinner for the ladies of the parish and then some very fine gentlemen from the parish will serve it up and whats more they will also do the wash up afterwards. During and after dinner there will be some opportunities to win some spot prizes. Following dinner the ladies will take to the dance floor and dance the night away. Tickets are scarce so ring today. Tickets cost just €25 and are available from Marie on 089-4348844.

Slim-Spiration Challenge.

Have you reached that stage after Christmas where you just want rid of all the temptations of cakes, biscuits,treats etc. Do you want to get fit and active for the New Year but need help and motivation. Our local community centre committee will run Kilmeadens Fun Weight Loss Programme for 8 weeks beginning on Monday January 11th at 7pm. Each Monday night there will be a weigh in conducted by someone not from the parish. Following the weigh in there will be a inspirational and motivational talk from an invited guest. A nutrionist will be on hand to give tips and advice. Then you are invited to join the group for a walk, with other walks organised for other days/nights during the week also. The cost per week will be €5 or pay 8 weeks in advance for the price of 7 to give you that extra motivation. All proceeds will go back into your local community centre redevelopment fund. You can come along and register on Monday January 11th at 7pm or you can pre register by contacting one of the following Breda Jones 087-8548536, Mary Power 087-2913267, Linda Spillane 087-9838392 or Rose Smith 087-7762771.This may be just what you have been looking for I know that personally I am looking forward to the support and encouragement I will receive from others. Join us for fun, fitness and fatloss at Kilmeadens Fun Weight Loss Programme Slim-Spiration Challenge 2016.

It is lovely to travel around our area and seeing so many places looking so nice for Christmas. Well don to everyone on their efforts. A big thank you to Sherlock Foley wo donated a beautiful Christmas tree for the village green in Ballyduff and Arthur and Jordan Curry who settled up all the lights on it. Thank you also to Frank Power who put up a beautiful tree at the Kilmeaden Village Centre. It is lovely to see our area lit up.

Nollaig na mBan.

Nollaig na mBan is a chance fot the ladies of the area to sit back and relax while the men prepare, cook and serve dinner and better still they wash up too. Following the meal, you can then dance the night away and there will be some fun games and lots of lovely spot prizes. This was a brilliant night last year with many people sorry to have missed it, so get your tickets early because they are selling fast. Tickets cost €25 and are available from Marie on 089 – 4348844. Nollaig na mBan will take place on January 9th in Ballyduff Community Centre.

Quiz Success.

Congratulations to the management and staff of O’Donnachas who are well known for supporting charity events. I attended two table quizzes there recently. The first was in aid of the Nadine Cance Appeal and second was for the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. Both were great fun with great crowds showing up. There was a fabulous array of spot prizes for the raffle on both nights. Well done to all who organised both events, they were really enjoyable while raising money for two worthy causes.

Christmas in the Church

A reminder that the Christmas Eve mass will take place at 9 p.m. And will include a beautiful Nativity play performed by some local children. Mass on Christmas Day morning will be at 10 a.m.

The Christmas collection for the support of the priests of the parish will be taken up at both of these masses.

School Concert

We were all treated to a beautiful night of story song and dance as we atteded th annual Christmas concert put on by the pupils of Ballydufff N.S. Pupils from 1st to 6th class put on a show full of joy and hope. Witnessing children like this always brings home the true meaning of Christmas. A huge will don to all the students and of course the teachers and staff who put such tremendous work into these events. We as parents appreciate what they do greatly.

Information Wanted.

Kilmeaden Creamery will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and celebrations are being organised by th Kilmeaden advisory centenary committee. They are currently seeking help from the public. Do you have any old pictures or literature from those times to document the past 100 years. If you have anything you can contact Pat Coady or Gabriel Power at the Kilmeaden Countrylife store or any of the members of the committee.

Christmas Wishes.

As the writher of your local notes. I Linda Spillane would like to wish each and everyone of you and your families a very happy healthy and safe Christnas. I would also like to thank you all for your contributions to these notes throughout the year and for all your lovely comments. I look forward to continuing this work in 2016 and I hope you will continue to send on news to me. Remember you can contact me on 051- 399925, 087- 9838392 or spillanelinda@eircom.net

Two Young Men.

Two well known young men from our parish have celebrated their 90th birthdays in recent days. First up was John Keating from the Lacka Road who even got a mention from the altar at mass on the Sunday and next up was our newly retired sacristan Mossy Millea who will turn 90 on Wednesday. We wish these two fine gentlemen every best wish on their birthdays and good health and happiness in the coming years.

Bridge News.

Our local bridge club held their Christmas party on Sunday December 6th at the Viking hotel and a great night was had by all. The results of the game played were as follows:

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Bertha O Connor.
2nd: Anne Kennedy and Anna Harney.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Mary O Brien
4th: Genelia Rowley and John Fitzpatrick.
5th: Mary Kennedy and Breda Cowman.
6th: Patsy Roche and William Tobin.

Church News.
A reminder that your new pack of yearly collection envelopes are now available at the top of the church on the front seats of the side aisles. Please take yours with you at your earliest convienance.

We all try our hardest to be the best Christians we possibly can be during the year but we are only human and so in spite of our best efforts we sometimes turn our back on God and prayer and our faults and failings creep into our lives. Luckily God is always ready to forgive and during the season of Advent it is important for us to receive forgiveness before the coming of our Lord. This year in our parish the reconciliation servive will take place as part of the usual Sunday morning mass at 10am on Sunday December 20th at 10am.

The Christmas collection for the support of the priests of our parish will be taken up at all the Christmas masses. You can use the envelope in your yearly pack or the special once off envelope which is being delivered to each house in the coming weeks.This money goes into a common fund from which each priest in the diocese is paid a salary.

Tidy Towns.
Our Tidy Towns committee are out spotting houses around the parish displaying some beautiful outdoor Christmas lights so if you would like to nominate your own or a neighbours house please let them know by their facebook page or contact 087-1750370.

Nollaig na mBan.

Last years Nollaig na mBan event was a huge success and this year promises to be the same if not better. If you are thinking of going I advise you to book your ticket early as they are going fast. Tickets cost €25 which includes admission, mulled wine reception, 3 course dinner and entertainment. January 9th is the date and the community hall is the venue. Come along and relax while some fine men from our parish prepare and serve and more importantly wash up. Plenty of spot prizes on the night. To book your ticket please call Marie on 089-4348844.

Quiz Night.

A fun quiz night in aid of the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal will take place on Thursday December 17th at 8.30pm in O Donnachas. Matt Keane will act as quizmaster so get your table of four ready. This is always a great night of fun and laughter so come along and join in.

Carol Service.
On Wednesday December 9th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Church I feel that the Christmas season started for me. Our local choir put on a carol service with soloist Lupita De Bhail and flautist Ger Dowyer. As we ran from our cars through the wind and the rain and through the doors of the church we were suddenly transported to another world. You immediately forgot about the weather outside or what problems you had that day. The porch was adorned with candles and flowers and this theme carried on into the church. These beautiful flower arrangements were made by choir member and church flower arranger Joan Cheasty. They were absolutely stunning and admired by everyone.

The candle light and flowers made our beautiful church look even more stunning. Our choir sang some beautiful carols with lovely harmonies under the direction of Bridget Jordan and also included a solo piece from members Sandra O Keeffe and Stephaine Power. You could hear a pin drop when soloist Lupita De Bhail performed and Ger Dowyer played the flute with such excellence and grace. Music accompaniment throughout the night was provided by Damien O Brien and John Stephenson. I must say I found the night quiet emotional but so uplifting. It was a wonderful way to spend an evening and I could have sat there happily for another few hours.During the service there was a collection in aid of the redevelopment of our community centre and a fantastic amount of €870.43 was raised for which the committee thank you most sincerely. Another great community event, well done everyone.

Anniversary Masses.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of January, February and March then booking of weekend masses for those months will take place after the weekend masses on December 12th and 13th. As you know there is a big demand for masses and so it necessary to share some dates. If you do not want to share the date then you need to state so at the time of booking. If you have a First Anniversary during these months then you are given a mass to yourself on whatever weekend date you want so therefore it is necessary for you to get in touch before the bookings take place. Please contact Linda Spillane on 051-399925 or 087-9838392 and she will look after you.

Christmas Spirit.
We are now starting to hear all the Christmas songs and music on the radio and that Christmas feeling is starting. What better way to welcome the season of Christmas than to sit back and relax listening to some beautiful Christmas carols being sung by Saint Nicholas’s parish choir. They will perform for us on Wednesday December 9th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff church. During the night we will also be treated to the sounds of the very talented soloist Lupita De Bhail and to gifted musician Ger Dower. During a short interval collection buckets will be passed around and all proceeds will go towards the community centre redevelopment fund.

After the concert you are all invited back to the community centre to enjoy some mulled wine, mince pies and refreshments. Please come along and bring a friend.

Launch Success.
Local author Karen Power is certainly riding on the crest of a wave at the moment. Launching two books within a year takes guts, determination and great family support. A fantastic crowd attended the launch of Karens second novel, “On Butterfly Wings”in The Book Centre, Waterford recently and it was lovely to hear Karen speak about what a wonderful year she has had and to hear the excitement and passion in her voice. We wish Karen continued success and thank her for sharing her talent with us.

Table Quizzes.
The Lions Club Hamper Appeal table quiz had to cancelled last week due to bad weather but O Donnachas have rescheduled with WLR’s Matt Keane for Thursday December 17th.

On Thursday December 10th there will be a table quiz for a very worthy cause, The Nadine Cancer Appeal so come along and enjoy a night of fun and laughter. There will also be a raffle during the night with some great prizes on offer. Teams of four are asked to be in position at 8.30pm.

Foroige Youth Cafe.
The Foroige Youth cafe will hold their registration night on Wednesday December 9th in Ballyduff Comunity Centre from 7pm to 8pm. All 12-16 year olds are welcome to come along and have a look around and a chat with the leaders and see if it what they are looking for.

Recent Egagement
There was great excitement amoung the Senior Infants in Ballyduff N.S last week when their teacher Miss Emma Sprice announced her engagement to Michael Mahony. I’m sure Miss Sprice understands fully that she now has to have all the girls and boys in the class as flowergirls and pageboys!! We wish Emma and Michael every happiness in the future and may they have a long and happy life together.

Our Sympathy.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Mary Sheehan, Coolagadden on the recent death of her mother Mrs.Alice Troy, Ballinure, Cashel. Alice leaves behind two sons and seven daughters but leaves them with wonderful memories which we hope will give them comfort in the coming months. Alice was laid to rest on Thursday last in Our Ladys cemetery, Dualla. May she rest in peace.

Tidy Towns.
A reminder to you all that our local Tidy Towns committee are travelling around the area looking for the best display of Christmas lights. There is a lovely prize on offer for the eventual winner. If you want to draw attention to a particular house why not give it a mention on the Tidy Towns facebook page.

Art Classes.
Liza French(nee Giani) is hoping to start some adult art classes in the community centre in the New Year depending on numbers. If this is something you think you may be interested in then please pledge your interest on her facebook page “Lizas Art Classes”.

Special Guest.
The management and staff at Centra in Kilmeaden have told me that have been given great news of a very special visitor coming to their store on Saturday December 12th between 3pm and 5pm. Santa himself will be dropping in for a chat with some of the children of the area and so ye are all invited to come along.