“The Happy Couple”

We send our warmest congratulations to local Ballyduff Village girl Stephaine Power who became engaged recently to the love of her life Ronan Hogan. I was delighted to hear that Ronan had asked permission firstly from Stephaines father which I think is a lovely respectful thing to do. Ronan you can take it that you are up to the grade because I know Michael(Jnr) Power’s daughters are very precious to him and he wouldn’t allow any joe soap marry them. We wish this lovely couple every happiness in the world and may their future be full of good health, laughter and love.

Carol Concert.

Christmas is approaching fast and there is nothing better than a carol service to get you in that Christmas mood. Our recently formed parish choir with soloist Lupita De Bhail will host a carol concert in Ballyduff Church on Wednesday December 9th at 7.30pm. During the interval there will be a collection taken up with all the proceeds going to the community centre redevelopment fund.

After the concert everyone is invited back to the community centre

for some mulled wine, mince pies and refreshments and all are welcome.

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who recently supported their hamper draw. There were three beautiful hampers on offer and everyone wanted tickets. A fantastic amount of €833.20 was raised and they are very grateful. This money will go a long way in their quest to keep our local area clean and tidy . The three lucky winners of the lovely hampers were Pakie Ryan, Maurice Carlin and Nora Larkin.

Bridge News.

The results of the bridge game played on November 23rd are as follows:

1st: Ann Cox and Kathleen Collins.
2nd: Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.
3rd: Genelia Rowley and Patsy Roche
4th: Anna Harney and Geraldine McMahon.

AGM Notice.

Ballyduff GAA club will host their AGM on Sunday December 6th at 3pm in Ballyduff community centre. If you are interested in getting involved with your local club please come along as all are welcome.

Quiz Nights.
There are two great quiz nights lined up in O Donnachas this December.

Kicking off on December 3rd at 8.30pm Matt Keane will dish out the questions for the WLR Lions club Christmas hamper appeal. Teams of 4 are invited to take part for just €5 per person.

Thursday December 10th another fun table quiz will take place in aid of Nadines Cancer Battle. Teams of four can come along for €5per person. There will be lots of spot prizes on offer on both nights. Please come along and join in the fun for these two great causes.

Baby Delight.

We send huge congratulations to local lad Eoin Fitzgerald and his partner Irene Carroll on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby daughter Caoimhe recently. I have it on good authority from first time grandparents John and Martha Fitzgerald that she happens to be the most beautiful baby ever. Congratulations to this lovely little family and we wish them every happiness.

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club meet every Monday night in the meeting room at the Kilmeaden Village Centre and the results of the game played on November 16th are as follows:

1st: Mary O Brien and Joan Hartery.
2nd: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
3rd: Ann and William Tobin.
4th: Kathleen Collins and Genelia Rowley.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the GAA lotto draw were 3,6,19 and 21 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three names pulled out in the lucky dip draw were Christine Murphy, Greta Foley and Megan Elliot so lady luck was certainly shining. The next draw will take place on November 29th in O Donnachas and will have a fantastic jackpot of €1,700. What a lovely prize that would be to win before Christmas. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 tickets for €5. Pick those four numbers carefully.

Homework Club.

A reminder to all our secondary students that homework club takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This is a perfect opportunity for young people to do their homework or to study in a quiet, relaxing environment. Help is available from teachers present also if needed. Study time costs just €5 so come along and join in.

Tidy Towns.

I announced to you last week that our local Tidy Towns Group are planning to run a Christmas lights display competition this year. They will travel around looking at peoples outdoor displays and the winners will receive beautiful hampers. Ever since I announced this I have seen people out with measuring tapes, fitting outside adaptors, sketching drawings of proposed displays and I have even had people try to bribe me even though I have told them I am not a judge just a messenger so I am sorry I cannot accept the holiday to New York or the new car. If you would like to nominate yoursef or a friend or neighbours house then please text the details to 087-1750370.

Mass For The Dead.

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of November and that this Wednesday 25th at 7,30pm is the last of our November masses for the dead. This mass is offered especially for those who have died in the past 12 months. During the mass the list of names will be read out and a family member will come forward and they will be presented with a candle from the priest in memory of their loved one. The names of those who died within the parish will automatically be in the book but if you had a family member or friend who died elsewhere during the year but you would like to have them included then please contact Martha Fitzgerald 086-1216882 or Linda Spillane 087-9838392 before Wednesday night.

Book Launch.

Since the launch of her first book “Butterfly Barn” last year local author Karen Power has been hounded by people to know when the next one will be ready. Well the good news is that her second book “On Butterfly Wings” will be launched on Friday November 27th at 7pm in the Book Centre, Waterford. This will be another very proud day for Karen who has put her heart and soul into this book and now releases it to the eyes and hearts of others. As a very proud parish Karen we wish you, Michael, Aisling and Eoghan every happiness and success.

Quiz Nights.

The date of a quiz night which I told you about last night has had to be changed and so this week I bring you news of not one great quiz night but two. I know that both these nights will be very successful because quiz nights are very popular in these parts and we also happen to have some of the brainiest people in the world living in our area. Choose your members carefully.

On Thursday December 3rd Matt Keane will ask the questions in a table quiz in aid of the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. These hampers at Christmas give many people in Waterford hope and light at Christmas.

Thursday December 10th will see those thinking caps back on as the tables go head to head again this time to help a little girl named Nadine who fights desperately to win a battle against cancer. We can help this little girl by answering a few questions.

Both these quiz nights will be hosted by the staff and management of O Donnachas who are always first in line to help a good cause. Teams of four can enter so choose carefully and just think if they dont step up to the mark for the first one then you can swap them for the second one. See you in O Donnachas on December 3rd and 10th at 8.30pm, I’ll be the one sitting on the encyclopedia britanica!

Date For The Diary.

Last year the Nollaig na mBan was a huge success with a scramble for tickets. This years date has now been set for January 9th and tickets will cost €25. This night last year was spoken about for many weeks later. The committee who work on setting this up give great attention to detail and everything is done to perfection. From start to finish this night is full of fun and laughter. Dinner is cooked and served by some fine men from our parish and then the ladies dance the night away. There are plenty of spot prizes and fun activities along the way too. If you would like to book your ticket then please call Marie on 089-4348844.

Carol Concert

Our local choir under the direction of Bridget Jordan will host their first carol concert featuring soloist Lupita De Bhail on Wednesday December 9th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Church. A collection will be taken up at the interval and all proceeds will go towards The Ballyduff Community Centre building fund. Following the concert you are invited to the community centre for some mulled wine, mince pies. All are welcome to come along.

Bridge News.

The local Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club met on Monday November 9th for their weekly bridge game and the results were as follows:

1st:Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd:Bertha O Connor and Mary Prendergast.
3rd:Anna Harney and Sean Hennessy.
4th:Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.

November Masses.

It is lovely to see such a good attendance at the special Wednesday night masses for the dead during the month of November. It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the third one, the month is really flying by. The final mass on Wednesday November 25th will be offered especially for all those who died during the past 12 months. The people who were buried in our local cemetery will automatically be included in this list of names but we are also aware that many of you may have had a friend or relative who died outside the parish and you may wish to have their name included for this mass. If you would like to do this please contact Martha Fitzgerald on 086-1216882 or Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

GAA Lotto
The results of the latest lotto draw which took place on November 1st and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 8,9,11and 15. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Frank Heffernan, Paul Stephenson and Dave Roche. The next draw will take place on November 15th and will have a very nice jackpot of €1,550. This would be a nice little win just before Christmas so don’t forget to get your ticket.

The GAA club would like to congratulate to the four local lads who completed the coaching introduction course in Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas recently. Colm Kennedy, Colin O Brien, Jake Halley and Alex Foley have a great interest in all aspects of the game and will be great assets to the coaching scene.

Sunday Viewing.
I hope you will all tune in to RTE 1 at 6.30pm on Sunday evenings to see the Devine family take part in Irelands Fittest Family. Mary and her three sons Tom, Mick and John have certainly shown their determination already and we can look forward to alot more of that. Tune in and cheer them on.

Homework Club.
A reminder to all our secondary school students that if you would like to do your homework or study in a peaceful and relaxed environment then come along to Ballyduff Community Centre on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 6pm and avail of the homework club for just €5. Often there can be many distractions at home or it may be hard to find a quiet spot to concentrate so homework club offers the perfect solution and help is also on hand from trained professionals if necessary.

Charity Quiz.

It’s time to shake the cobwebs off the brain and polish up that thinking cap. O Donnachas will host a table quiz on Thursday November 26th at 8.30pm in aid of the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. This is always a fun night so pick your team carefully and get studying.

Tidy Towns News.
Our tidy towns group have come up with a great idea to get us all in the festive mood. They have some beautiful hampers to give away and so will run a competition in the coming weeks to see who has the best Christmas light display on their property. Members of the group will drive around the area looking at displays and if you would like to draw their attention to yours or a neighbours display please contact 087-1750370.

On Butterfly Wings.

Following the huge success of her first novel “Butterfly Barn ” local author Karen Power is ready to let go of her next book and would like to invite you all to The Book Centre on Friday November 27th at 7pm for the launch of her second novel “On Butterfly Wings” . We wish Karen every success with this second novel and we look forward to loosing ourselves in this book as we did with the first.

End Of An Era.

At the 7.30pm mass on October 31st we witnessed the end of an era as we marked the retirement of our much loved sacristan Mossie Millea. Mossie and his family have given many, many years of dedicated service to our parish and he is looked on with great respect. The work of the sacristan is not to simply open and close the church there is a lot more to it than that and Mossie always carried out these duties to perfection. He always greeted you with a smile and a chat if you came knocking looking for keys to open up for cleaning etc. Chairman of the Parish Council John Stephenson presented Mossie with a token from the parish and also made a presentation to his son Paul who has helped his father in recent years.

After the mass it was so nice to see so many parishioners come to the parish hall to join Mossie and his family for some refreshments. Mossie was visibly moved by the amount of people and enjoyed chatting with them all. Tasty sandwiches, buns, tarts and cakes were prepared and served up by some of the ladies of the parish and everyone agreed they did a wonderful job. Community spirit is what binds a parish together and Mossie has shown his community spirit in abundance. We wish Mossie continued good health and enjoyment surrounded by all who love him especially his son Paul, daughter in law Helen and his grandchildren Aidan, Colm, Aoife and Keith whom I know adore him. Thank you Mossie.

Toddlers Mass.

It was lovely to see so many young toddlers and babies at mass on Sunday November 1st. They had been invited along especially by Fr. Mick to receive a special blessing from him and I know he was delighted to see so many of them there. Special thanks must go to our young people who took over the job of the readings for the day. Ava and Faye read the readings clearly and beautifully while Adam and Lana read out those prayers of the faithful precisely and accurately.. Our parish choir also added beautifully to the occasion with some of the toddlers joining in with them.

Dublin Marathon.

I know a few from our own area and surrounding areas headed off to take part in the Dublin City Marathon on the Bank Holiday Monday and we must say a huge well done to them all. I heard about one family’s adventure from my good friends the McGraths in Ballygarron. They told me about their neighbours John Guiry who ran it in a time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and this was his 30th marathon, his girlfriend walked it in 6 hours. John’s brother Keiran ran it in 3 hours 16 minutes and this was his 10th marathon. I am also aware that their near neighbour up there in Ardeenlone also ran the marathon. We all know that Sharon Flynn is a little powerhouse of strength and stamina and we say well done to her aswell. I think there is something going on up that way, the McGraths are breeding marathon runners galore up there! What is their secret?? Is there special powers coming from that cross up at Newcastle or is there something in the water up there?? I’m beginning to get suspicious!!

Bridge News.

The results of the recent bridge game played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club are as follows:

1st: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd: Breda Murphy and Nano Fitzgerald.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Joan Whelan and Kate Hayes and
Anna Harney and Katherine Power

November Dead List.

The special masses for all our dead relatives and friends will continue for each Wednesday night of November at 7.30pm. November is a month that we offer some extra prayers for all our dead including those who have no longer anyone left to pray for them. You can include an offering in the envelope in your yearly pack and pop it into the box at the front of the altar. The last Wednesday night mass in November is offered especially for those who have died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in our own cemetery are automatically included but if you had a relative or friend who died in another area and you would like to have them included please contact one of the following with the name. You can contact Martha Fitzgerald on 086-1216882 or Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

Swim Success.

The children from Ballyduff N.S headed off this week to the first of their yearly swimming lessons and you wonder with all the different levels of swimming abilities that they have will one of them end up a famous swimmer.

Let me tell you the story of one such little girl who many years ago started off her love story with swimming by heading off on that bus from Ballyduff N.S and now continues to break records all over the world. Local lady Shauna O Brien from Gortaclode in Kilmeaden is back in the news again having broken three Irish senior records which she held at the Manchester International meet recently. In the 50m fly heats she set a time of 26.98 seconds and bettered that record again in the final with a time of 26.76 seconds. In the 100m fly she set a new Irish record time of 59.10 seconds finishing in second place. Shaunas’ next big meet is the European Short Course where she has been selected to represent Ireland. That meet will take place in Israel in early December and we wish Shauna the very best of luck for that and we will be following her story with great interest.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played by Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club are as follows:

1st: Sean Hennessey and Kate Hayes.
2nd; Bertha Connors and Catherine Power.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Joan Hartery.
4th: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.

Clothes Collection.

Have you spent the mid term giving the wardrobes and hot presses a good clear out and are now wondering where you shall bring all the unwanted items. Ballyduff Soccer Club are holding a clothes collection from November 2nd to November 6th and unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys can be dropped off at the grounds on any of those dates from 6pm to 8pm. This fundraiser is for the girls team who have entered the girls league this year. If you require more information or need to drop off at a different time please contact Anthony on 086-3312666

November Masses .

We always remember and think of all our dearly departed relatives and friends but November has always been the month when we remember them in a special way. We like to offer masses for our dead during November but it would be impossible to hold individual masses for them all. Therefore here in this parish we come together every Wednesday night at 7.30pm during the month of November and we offer a mass for all our faithful departed. To include your loved one in these masses simply place a mass offering in the box which will be at the front of the altar and your loved one will be included.

Please keep in mind that the final Wednesday mass on November 25th will be offered especially for anyone who has died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried here are automatically included but if you have a relative or friend who died in another area you are very welcome to have them included also. Just give their name to Fr.Mick or you can let me Linda Spillane know.

Homework Club.

A reminder to all our secondary school students that homework club is back after the mid term with a new time slot. For just €5 you can come along on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 6pm and do your homework or study in a quiet comfortable surrounding with teachers on hand to help if necessary.

Disco Fever.

Congratulations to Ballyduff Community Centre who put on a brilliant Halloween disco for the primary school children. There were some very scary looking costumes on show with an odd princess or fairy thrown in for good measure. Local D.J the great John O Shea had them dancing in the aisles with his great mix of present hits with a Halloween favourite or two popping up too. The children had a great time and it really got their mid term off to a flying start.

Keep A Lookout.

As we wake to dark mornings and arrive home from work in dark evenings we are reminded that the Winter nights are on there way. Fires are being lit, fuel is being stocked up so I ask you all to keep an eye out for people in your area who perhaps live alone or find it hard to get out and about. The dark Winter nights can be very lonely and hard for some people. Perhaps you could drop in for a chat, offer to take them out for a pint or a game of cards, or bring them to mass or for some shopping. The best present you can give some people is your presence. Growing up my mother always taught us that it costs nothing to be nice and she was right and as an added bonus you receive niceness back.

Notes.

A reminder that if you or your club or group want people to know about what you have going on then I’ve heard that a few of them read these notes. So if you have something you want to share then please contact me Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda@eircom.net or as I have said before drop in for a cuppa, shout at me on the road, I don’t mind and I never pass up the opportunity of a chat.

Bridge News.

The results from the latest bridge game played on October 19th are as follows:

1st:Mary O Brien and Kathleen Collins
2nd Peggy Murphy and Patsy Roche.
3rd:Catherine Power and Bertha Connors.
4th:Anna Ryan and Anna Harney.

Autumn Stations.

I cannot believe that I am already talking about the last of the station masses. The mass for Amberhill and Raheen will be on Friday October 30th at 8pm in the home of Kathleen and Ollie Harris. Fr. Mick would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who hosted a station mass and to all who attended .It is a lovely custom that we still have in our parish and hopefully will continue for many more years to come.

Homework Club.

Our local homework club for secondary school students have taken a break for the Mid term break. They will return after the Mid term with a new time slot. On Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm students can avail of a nice quiet relaxing environment to do their homework or study for exams. For just €5 they can get down to their work and also have the added advantage of having education professionals also on hand to lend a hand if needed.

Clothes Collection.

From the 2nd to the 6th of November Ballyduff Soccer Club will hold a clothes collection in aid of the new girls teams who have entered the league this year.  Donations of clean unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys can be dropped to the club grounds any of the above mentioned nights between 6pm and 8pm.  If you have items but need to drop them at a different time please call Anthony on 086-3312666.

Mossies Retirement.

As I told you last week our hardworking and dedicated sacristan Mossie Millea has now retired and to mark the occasion a special presentation will be made to Mossie during the 7.30pm mass on Saturday October 31st. After the mass everyone is invited to the community hall to join Mossie for a cuppa and a chat. I know Mossie is really looking forward to meeting his many friends there so please come along and show him your support.

Weekend Masses.

A reminder that at mass on Sunday November 1st at 10am, there will be a special blessing for all babies and toddlers. They are an important part of our parish future and it is hoped to see as many as possible there.

Monday November 2nd is the Feast of all Souls and so there will be two masses to accomodate everyone who would like to go. There will be a morning mass at 10am and an evening mass at 7.30pm.

November Masses

As you know November is a month when we remember all our dead in a special way. People like to have masses said for their loved ones during that month but it would be impossible to have individual masses for them all. Here in our parish we come together every Wednesday night in November and have a special mass at 7.30pm for all our dead. To include your loved ones in these masses you just drop a mass offering into the box which will be situated at the front of the altar. On the final Wednesday in November that mass will be offered for all who have passed away in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in our cemetery will automatically included but if have a relative or friend who died outside the parish then you can include their name by giving it to Fr. Mick or you can tell me Linda Spillane. I will tell you more about that mass as time goes on.

New Time Slot.

I know that many of you like to tune into WLR on a Sunday night from 9pm to 12pm to listen to the country show hosted by our own local boy John O Shea. I have some great news for you all, from next week you can also tune in from Monday to Thursday nights from 10pm to 12pm and listen to John on his brand new show of easy listening music . You can relax in bed or maybe a bubble bath or sit with a good book, John really doesn’t mind where you listen to him. We wish John the very best of luck in his new show and of course his very popular show on Sunday nights. I know John puts a lot of time and effort into his shows and so I am delighted he now as more air time to entertain his fans.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club met on Monday October 12th and the results of the game are as follows:

1st: Mary Kennedy and Celia Nugent.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Mary O Brien.
3rd: Anne Kennedy and Patsy Roche.
4th: Anna Harney and Iris Graham.

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses continue this week and on Wednesday October 21st the mass for Ardeelone, Ballygarron and Lissahane will be in the home of Teresa and Tom Veale at 8pm. On Thursday October 22nd the mass for Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge will be in the home of Margaret and Seamus Nolan at 8pm. Friday October 23rd will be the mass for Knockaderry, Carrigphilip and Upper Carriganure in the home of Gertrude Kirwan at 8pm.

Wedded Bliss.

We send our heartiest congratulations to Tony Browne and Lisa Sammon who became husband and wife in Saint Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff recently. Their guests were then treated to a lovely reception in Castlemartyr. We wish Tony and Lisa many years of wedded bliss.

Legend of a Man.

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Mick Kirwan of Carrigeen, Kill. Mick was indeed a true gentleman, hardworking and loyal and devoted to his family. His wife, daughter and sons meant the world to him and he was immensely proud of his grandchildren. Mick came from a family of ten and his brother and 8 sisters were very important to him and they all loved to spend time together. Although his entire family and his many friends are now bowed down with grief, I hope that in time they will draw comfort from their memories of Micks generosity, kindness, courage and his incredible love of life. He was indeed a wonderful man and I know that he is now enjoying a comfortable seat in heaven and being rewarded for his many good deeds while on earth. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

Death In Mooncoin.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jack Laffan, Ballyduff and Freddie Laffan, Portlaw on the recent death of their sister Breda Dean of Philbuckstown, Mooncoin. Breda’s funeral mass took place in the Church of the Assumption, Mooncoin followed by burial in the old cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Parish Dates for Diary.

The students from our 5th and 6th classes will be confirmed in Ballyduff church on Thursday May 26th 2016 while the date for First Holy Communion is Saturday May 7th 2016.

Clothes Collection

With a bit of frost showing itself this week I think we can get out our Winter woolies and sort through our wardrobes and presses. Ballyduff Soccer Club have announced a clothes collection and so it is a perfect time to get sorting. The collection will run from Monday November 2nd to Friday November 6th. Items can be dropped to the club grounds any of these nights from 6pm to 8pm and you can donate any clean unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. This fundraiser is for the new girls team who have entered the girls league this year. Please support if you can, the club would really appreciate it and if you require further information please call Anthony on 086-3312666.

End Of An Era.

Mossie Millea has been Sacristan of our church for many years and his family have been dedicated to our church for over 50 years. Mossie has now taken the decision to retire and so it is very important that we mark this occasion. Mossie as you all know has done a tremendous job in the church always obliging, friendly and kind to all he met. There will be a presentation made to Mossie during the 7.30pm mass on Saturday October 31st and after the mass everyone is invited to the community centre for a cuppa and a chat with Mossie.

Our new Sacristan has been announced as Ann Nolan from Ballyduff Village and is an excellent choice. Ann has great attention to detail, is hardworking, friendly and diligent. I have no doubt that Ann will do a wonderful job.

Special Mass.

Everybody was touched deeply by the recent picture of the body of a two year old boy washed up on a Turkish beach and it has made us all appreciate our lives. Our children are our future and while we often attend masses etc for school going children we rarely do for our toddlers. Ballyduff Parish Council have invited all children who were christened here over the past 4 years to the 10am mass on Sunday November 1st where they will receive a special blessing. These children are our future parish and we must do all we can to help and protect them.

Halloween Disco.

A childrens Halloween Disco will take place on Thursday October 22nd from 6.30pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be prizes on offer for the best fancy dress. Admission is €5 and all proceeds go the hall redevelopment fund. Come dance the night away all you skeletons and witches!!

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses are now underway and Fr. O Byrne is delighted to see so many people attending. On Wednesday October 14th it will be the turn of Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra and mass will be in the home of Renee and Jamsie Power at 8pm. On Friday October 16th mass for Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown will be in the home of Carmel Ryan at 8pm.

Centra Walk.

The management and staff of our local Centra shop will host a walk in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland. This 5 mile walk will leave Centra at 12 noon on Saturday October 17th. It is not a race and so open to all capabilities and I’m sure there’ll be a laugh or two along the way too. There will be some nice refreshments at Centra on your return. Let us all join together and support this very worthy cause.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff Bridge Club meet every Monday night in The Village Centre and enjoy a nice game of bridge. The results of the game played on Monday October 5th were as follows:

1st: Noreen Tubbritt and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: Fr. Michael O Byrne and John Fitzpatrick.
3rd: Monica Sullivan and Breda Murphy.
4th:Michael O Donovan and Kate Hayes.

Tidy Towns.

I am sure that you will agree that our local Tidy Towns committee are doing a fabulous job around our area but remember these people are just volunteers who want to make our area litter free and looking nice. Therefore it is up to each one of us to play our part in this. We dont need anyones permission to pick up rubbish or tidy up an area. The state of roads or problems like that still need to addressed to your local councillors or by contacting council offices. The Tidy Towns is simply likeminded people coming together to make their area clean and beautiful for all who live it and visit it.

The group will meet at The Sweep on Saturday October 17th at 10am and we have a special request this time for some nice strong men to lend a hand.

Parent and Toddler.

Our local Parent and Toddler Group meet every Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon in Ballyduff Community Centre and all are welcome to call in. You can stay an hour, two hours, whatever suits you. It is a perfect opportunity for parents to meet each other while the babies and toddlers have plenty to keep them amused. A nice cup of tea or coffee, chat with friends and the children happy sounds like bliss doesn’t it!!

Ballyduff AFC

Congratulations to all at Ballyduff Soccer club who recently received the fantastic news that they are to receive €16,000 under the Sports Capital Programme Grants. This is a brilliant boost for the club and we look forward to seeing what improvements they make to the brilliant facilities which are already in place.

Movie Time.

A shout out to all the senior people in our parish, Monday is movie day in Ballyduff Community Centre and it is hoped that as many as possible will show up to see a classic movie or musical with a nice cuppa and a biscuit. This kicks off at 2.30pm and if you need a lift transport can be arranged. If you have an idea of another activity that you would like to see run for our seniors then please come along and voice your opinion.

Clothes Collection.

Ballyduff Soccer Club will host a clothes collection week beginning on November 2nd. This fundraiser is for the new girls teams who have entered the league this year. The clothes can be dropped off at the club grounds every night from November 2nd to 6th from 6pm to 8pm. This is a great opportunity to get rid of those unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Autumn.

Although I really don’t like the evenings getting dark so early I have to admit that I really do like the Autumn. The vibrant colours in the trees and landscapes make me wish I had the talent to paint or at least take a half decent photograph. As I dropped the children to school the other morning I watched the children gathering up bundles of leaves and throwing them at each other I was reminded of my childhood when my dad would send us out to rake up the leaves which we do into a big bundle and then proceed to jump into the bundle and so start the process over again several times but it gave us great amusement. I was reminded of this lovely little poem:

They’re coming down in showers
The leaves all gold and red
Thy’re covering the little flowers
And tucking them in bed
They’ve spread a fairy carpet
All up and down the street
And when we skip along to school
They rustle ‘neath our feet.

Exciting Visit.

There was great excitement in Ballyduff N.S last week when two members of the Irish Defence Forces came to visit the school. Sgt. Tom Mansfield and Sgt. Kieran Kennedy presented the assembled staff and pupils with an Irish flag and a copy of Poblacht na hEireann. They spoke to the pupils about the events surrounding 1916 which led to the eventual independence of the Irish Republic. Sixth class pupils Joanne Guiry and Scott Searson accepted the flag and the Proclamation of Independence on behalf of the school. Camille O Connor read paragraph four of the proclamation which refers to “cherishing all the children of the nation equally”. The pupils had an opportunity to ask questions and then the assembly ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Autumn Stations.

The Autumn station masses continue and on Wednesday October 7th the station mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will take place in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. On Wednesday October14th it is the turn of Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra in the home of Jamesie and Renee Power at 8pm , It is the turn of Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown on Friday October 16th at 8pm in the home of Carmel Ryan. Keep an eye out for your station mass.

Walk With Centra.

The management and staff at Centra in Kilmeaden have organised a charity walk in aid of Breast Cancer and are asking us all to join with them on Saturday October 17th . They leave from the shop at 2pm and return back to there where there will be some light refreshments served on your return. I will have some more information for you next week with regards the route etc but it will not be a very long distance and so will suit everyone.

Homework Club.

Homework club is now up and running every Saturday morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 11am to 1pm.For just €5 secondary students are encouraged to come along to a distraction free environment and do their homework or indeed study for upcoming exams. People from the education profession will be on hand to give help and advice if needed.

Great Club Day.

Congratulations to all at Ballyduff GAA Club who put on a day of great hurling entertainment at the Tom Cheasty Tournament and The Derek Ryan Tournament. The day kicked off with the Under 10’s taking on Portlaw in the Tom Cheasty Tournament. Despite a great effort from Ballyduff it was Portlaw who emerged as winners and Kathleen Cheasty presented the cup and medals. There was then a display by our accademy players who showed us that the future is bright for the club. Next was the game everyone was waiting for with the current Junior team taking on Dereks team of 2002-2005. Dereks team dominated from the starting whistle and never left that lead go. They showed a fantastic level of fitness and determination and I’ve no doubt that thoughts of their great friend and team mate Derek spurred them on to a well deserved win. Captain John O Leary accepted the cup on behalf of the team from Carmel Ryan and Ger Harris was named as Man of the Match. Well done to the club on a great days entertainment.

Get Well Soon.

We send best wishes for a speedy recovery to John Kennedy, Carriganure who is recovering now at home following a recent operation. I have no doubt that he is receiving excellent care at home and will be back to full health very soon so that hurley and sliotar wont have long to rest.

Homework Club.

Sometimes it is hard for our young people to settle down to their homework at the weekend because there are so many different distractions and so it is hard to concentrate. That is why a homework club for secondary school students has begun in Ballyduff Community Centre. Students can come along on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and do their homework or study and people from the teaching profession will be on hand to help out if necessary. For just €5 their homework or study can be done in a relaxed and distraction free environment.

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses have begun and the station mass for Ballyduff Village , Ballyduff Hill and Ballyduff West willl be in the church on Friday October 2nd at 7.30pm. On Wednesday October 7th the mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will be in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. I will carry a list of the station masses over the coming weeks so keep an eye out for your area.

Off To The Movies.

What would be nicer than sitting with friends watching a good movie. On Monday afternoons we are inviting the senior members of our community to come along to Ballyduff Community Centre and relax and see one of the great film or musical of our time. You can catch up with the others there over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Movie afternoon begins on Monday October 5th at 2.30pm so see you there.

Choir Practice.

Welcome back to our new choir who have now returned following their Summer break. If you are an adult male or female and would like to join the choir then come along to practice on Monday nights in the church from 8pm to 9.15pm.

Your Notes

If you would like to promote any events you or your club are holding then please contact me Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email at spillanelinda@eircom.net.