Monthly Archives: August 2017

Our Sympathy, Great Success and Use It or Loose It.

GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 1, 3, 20 and 21 but there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Kathleen Cheasty, Michael Walsh and Mairead Whelan. The next draw will take place on August 27th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €8000. Tickets are just €2 or 3 for €5 and are on sale from club members and will be on sale all day outside Centra on Saturday August 26th. All you have to do is choose those four lucky numbers wisely and you could be off on a shopping spree.

 

Our Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Tommy Keegan, Stonehouse and John Keegan, Lacka Road on the recent tragic death of their nephew Johnny Fleming who resided in Skough, Carrick-on-Suir. Johnnys removal and funeral mass took place in St.Patricks church, Faugheen and he was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. We offer our support and prayers to all the Keegan and Fleming families and we pray that Johnny now enjoys the peace and comfort of Gods heavenly kingdom.

Great Success
The organisers of the 6th annual SE2 sponsored Liz Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk would like to thank everyone who came along to take part and also to all who helped them out on the night in any way. They were delighted to welcome Liz’s brother James home for the event and thank him for being on hand to start the race and also present all the individual prizes. 93 runners and 20 walkers took part and a great evening was had by all.
Clothes Collection

If you are having a Summer clear out of those wardrobes and hot presses and wondering what you will do with all those unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains,shoes, bags, belts and soft toys, well I may have the answer for you. Ballyduff AFC are having a clothes collection to raise much needed funds for the continued development of its club and its members. You can bring your bagged items along to the soccer grounds any evening between Monday and Friday between the hours of 7pm and 8.30pm when training is taking place. If you have items but need them collected just text Jenny on 086-8605930 to arrange collection.

 

Match Delight
Waterford city and county is buzzing in the build up to the All Ireland Hurling Final on September 3rd when Waterford will meet Galway in Croke Park. The team have treated us to some fine games and have given young and old a real sence of pride and excitement and of course they are lead by a fantastic manager who has put his heart and soul into this team from day one. Of course we here in Kilmeaden are not surprised at his success as he is breathing in Kilmeaden air every day so good things can only happen with that. I urge you all now to decorate your home, area, car, garden in your county colours and be ready to celebrate as just like when the great Tom Cheasty arrived home to Kilmeaden in 1959 with an All Ireland title under his belt, Derek McGrath will arrive back home to Kilmeaden in 2017 having lead his team to victory over Galway.

 

Rose Of Tralee
Kilmeaden is really on the map in the next few weeks. As we await our All Ireland clash we are also being represented down in Tralee at the Rose Festival. Local man Ger Stephenson from Newtown in Kilmeaden will take on the role of escort for the week. Ger is of course son of John and Joan Stephenson and I know they will watching with great pride. We wish Ger a fantastc time and look forward to spotting him on the telly.

Great Results
Congratulations to all the young people of our parish who received such great results last week in their Leaving Cert results. We hope that they enjoyed their celebrations and we wish them every success in their chosen paths. For any of you who maybe didn’t achieve what you hoped for please remember there are many options for getting to where you want to be so seek advice and remain focused.

 

Use It or Loose It.

I hope you all remember what I told you last week. In order to keep our local Post Office open we need to increase the number of transactions being carried out there daily. Even though we have many letters of objection and petitions gone in we also need to use our Post Office services as much as possible. The loss of the Post Office would be devastating to our community and the surrounding parishes so let’s show
An Post that our local office should be kept open by using it this week and every week.

Glorious Weddings, Birthday Girl and P.O Action Group

Newcastle Mass
Every year we hold a mass in the old cemetery in Newcastle which is situated up in Ardeenlone. This is a beautiful spot and mass is said among the ruins of the old church and the many graves of our ancestors. Many of these graves are unmarked but there are also some tombstones to be read. It is a beautiful place to visit and learn about our history. This years mass will take place on Monday August 21st at 7.30pm and I would urge as many of you as possible to come along. A group will leave Ballyduff church at 6.30pm and walk to Newcastle in memory of all our ancestors who made that weekly walk to mass. If you would like to make that walk just be in Ballyduff for 6.30pm.

 

Glorious Weddings
We send our heartiest congratulations to Michael Atkins and Debbie Ross who became man and wife in Portlaw church over the Bank Holiday weekend. Following the wedding ceremony the couple treated their guests to a wonderful reception in Kilkenny and of course The Sweep was the place to be the next day where the celebrations continued. We wish the happy couple and their family every happiness in the future.
Portlaw was definetely the place to be for weddings over the Bank Holiday weekend. Also exchanging their vows were Jenny Larkin and LJ Keegan. Jenny is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Larkin and grandaughter of very proud grandparents Dixie and Maureen Larkin in Ballyduff. Following their beautiful ceremony they headed off to The Tower Hotel to wine and dine their guests and dance the night away. We wish Jenny and LJ every happiness in their future lives together.

 

Birthday Girl
We wish a very happy 60th birthday to Mag Millea, Gortaclode. I know it is hard to believe she is 60 but time flies. As I write these notes I hear that plans are afoot to celebrate in style and I just hope the guests can keep up to the birthday girl on the dance floor. I have seen her in action and they are going to need buckets of energy and stamina. We hope Mag will enjoy this special occasion with all her family and many many friends.

 

P.O Action Group

You may remember me informing you last week about a community meeting which was being held to discuss the possible closure of Kilmeaden P.O. From that meeting an action group has been formed and An Post will meet with some of this group soon. I have been sent a note from Karen Dobbyn who is Secretary of the Action Group and she has asked me to share the following with you:
As many of you know Kilmeaden is in serious risk of losing vital Post Office services in our community. Kilmeaden Post Office provides services for the Ballyduff, Kilmeaden, Dunhill. Fenor, Kill, Butlerstown and Bonmahon areas. To date over 350 letters of objection and a petition with over 900 signatures have been to An Post by members of the community. The action group are meeting with Pat Cremin, Retail Operations Manager with An Post to try and ensure that Post Office services are maintained in Kilmeaden. It is hoped this meeting will be held by the end of August.
But if we are to retain the post office in Kilmeaden it is critical that the number of transactions going through the office are increased. These numbers are being monitored weekly. Some of the services available at your office are AIB and Ulster bank transactions, TV and Dog licences, Postal Services, Bill payments and budgeting options, savings and investments, insurance, property tax, tolltag.ie, passport, currency, pay fines and many more. We ask everyone to get behind this campaign and use the Post Office service this week and every week. Remember Use It or Loose It!!
If you would like any more information please contact Cllr. John O Leary or Karen Dobbyn on 087-6820473.

A Little Treasure, Word Of Thanks and Starstruck Theatre School.

GAA Lotto.
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 6, 11, 21 and 23 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Paddy Henebry, Robert O Leary and Aidan Millea. The next lotto draw will take place on August 13th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €7850. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale at Centra all day on Saturday August 11th. Choose the four lucky numbers carefully and your luck may be in.

 

A Little Treasure
We send our heartiest congratulations to Daniel and Olivia Murphy on the recent birth of their beautiful baby son Daniel Anthony. I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful little man the other day and he is as cute as a button. Of course he was being minded very carefully by big sister Kayla who told me she is a great help to mammy with the baby and I certainly believe that and of course Daniel is a very lucky baby to also have big brother Dylan to teach him all the tricks of the trade. We welcome baby Daniel and wish him a wonderful life.

Word Of Thanks
Fr.Mick has asked me to thank everyone again for their kindness and generosity on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee last month. He continues to get messages of good will and he is very grateful for them all. He remembers you all in his prayers and thanks you sincerely.

 

Recent Death
We extend our deepest sympathy to Albert Kearns, Tigroe on the recent death of his brother John. John lived in Carrigready, Bonmahon and his funeral mass and burial took place in Kill. We pray that John is now at rest with the Lord and we offer our prayers and sympathy to all his family and friends.

 

Starstruck Theatre School.
The Starstruck Theatre School will begin their next term on Monday August 14th. All are welcome to come along to Ballyduff Community Centre and check out what it is all about. Boys and Girls aged 5 and 10 years should come along from 5pm and 6pm and those between the ages of 11 and 18 years are welcome from 6pm to 7pm. Under the direction of Damien Walsh this theatre group have treated us to some fantastic productions and the cast and crew always have a great time.

 

Fun Run/Walk
On Friday August 11th the annual Ballyduff 5 mile Fun Run/Walk will take place in Ballyduff Village with walkers heading off at 6.45pm and the runners off at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and €5 for students and juniors. West Waterford AC will once again kindly look after the race timing and the great John O Shea will keep everyone entertained with hits from all eras. There will be a fine array of refreshments served in the Ballyduff Community Centre after the race and the presentation of prizes will also take place then. There are cash prizes on offer for all the different age groups and lots of spot prizes also on offer. Come along and enjoy this beautiful scenic route.

 

Love In The Air
Love is definetely in the air in the Blacknock area with two happy couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries. Michael and Marian Murray celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss while their neighbours across the road Jamsie and Renee Power celebrated 60 years of married life. It is wonderful to see happy couples celebrate these great milestones in their lives and still be a picture of happiness. We wish both couples every happiness for the future.

 

Concert Time
For the past 12 years Fairbrook House have organised a Summer concert in the garden or in the case of rain the venue changes to the museum. This years concert takes place on August 12th and to suit all needs there will be an afternoon concert from 1pm to 3pm and an evening concert from 5pm to 7pm. This years concert features light jazzy and classical songs from Donna Roche in the first half and the gypsy jazz of Paris Swing in the second half. During the interval you can enjoy a glass of bubbles and some nibbles while strolling in the garden or visiting the museum. If you would like some more information please call 051-384657 or 085-8131448 or visit www.fairbrook-house.com

 

No To Closure.
There was a very large attendance at a public meeting held in Ballyduff Community Centre to voice their concerns to the possible closing of Kilmeaden P.O by An Post. Following the recent resignation of the present Postmaster An Post issued a letter to the office questioning customers about the viabilty of the office and asking customers to send a letter to them stating the amount of business at the office and the implications of having to attend another office would have. These letters of objections had to arrive by post only by August 3rd. At the meeting local councillors and senators each stated how the closure of Kilmeaden P.O must not be allowed to happen and also urged everyone to use their local office to its full potential. Letters were signed by all there and a representative group was chosen to meet with An Post after August 14th. A letter has also been sent in by the new leaseholder of Centra who has applied for the position of Postmaster of Kilmeaden P.O and intends to build and enhance both Centra and the Post Office. I will keep you all informed through these notes about how things are progressing but in the meantime you can help by using your local P.O and making sure that An Post see that it is a vital service in our area that we will not allow it be taken from us.

Summer Concert, Ballyduff’s 5 Mile Run/Walk and Newcastle Mass

Summer Concert
For the past 12 years Fairbrook House in Kilmeaden have hosted a Summer concert in the garden or if the weather is unfavourable it is held in the museum.This years concert goes ahead on August 12th. To suit the needs of the audience an afternoon concert is held from 1pm to 3pm and an evening concert from 5pm to 7pm. This years programme will include the light jazzy and classical songs of Donna Roche while the second half of the concert will feature the gypsy jazz of Paris Swing. During the interval you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and some nibbles while you stroll through the garden and view the museum. For more information please contact 051-384657, 085-8131448 or visit www.fairbrook-house.com

Boost For Charity
The very hardworking committee of The Swan Lodge and Classic Vintage Club were delighted to hand over a cheque to Dermot and Owen who were representing The Touching Hearts Charity on Monday July 24th for a whopping €25,372.94. This fantastic amount was raised recently at the annual Mick Kirwan Memorial Vintage Run. The committee have asked me to say thank you to a few people on their behalf. Firstly they would like to thank everyone who participated on the day and all who came along to support. A big thank you to all who donated prizes for the raffle and auction and all who gave private donations. A massive thank you to all the huge band of volunteers who gave their time to make the day such a success. A huge thank you to the Queally Family for the use of their premises over the past few years, without their generosity it would not be possible to hold the event.
May I now on your behalf say a big well done to a brilliant committee who put tremendous time and effort into organising this event and raising such a brilliant amount of money. Your kindness and dedication is greatly appreciated.

 

Ballyduff’s 5 Mile Run/Walk
The annual Liz Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk is getting close and I have met many runners and walkers out getting their training in. Friday August 11th is the date set with walkers heading off from Ballyduff at 6.45pm and the runners off at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 or €5 for students and juniors. There are many cash prizes on offer and lots of spot prizes on offer too. The first male and female home will also have the honour of lifting the Liz Hayes trophy. As usual West Waterford AC will look after the race timings. The famous John O Shea has been flown in by with great expense to keep you motivated and entertained with his brilliant array of music. There will also be a fine array of refreshments available after the run/walk in Ballyduff Community Centre and the presentation of prizes will also take place there.

 

Ballyduff AFC
As always our local soccer club is a hive of activity. They are presently holding a clothes collection so clear out those wardrobes and hot presses. All proceeds will go towards purchasing jerseys for the under age academy.
The recent Summer Camp proved so popular that they are holding another one. This camp will run from August 14th to August 18th. To reserve your place leave a message on 087-2764883.

 

Weddings Galore
We extend our heartiest congratulations to Paul Leahy, Blacknock and his beautiful bride Rachel on their recent marriage. A large crowd of family and friends travelled Scottish side to help the happy couple celebrate their special day and I know now they are all back home now with Paul and Rachel with them to celebrate Kilmeaden style. We wish the happy couple many years of happiness together.
Many congratulations also go to David Walsh who married his sweetheart Ellenor Upton recently. David lived some of his younger years on Ballyduff Hill and is the grandson of Peggy O Shea. David and Ellenor exchanged their vows in The Sacred Heart church and then it was on to The Haven Hotel, Dunmore for the celebrations. I know that everyone had a fabulous day and weekend and we hope this happy couple enjoy a lifetime of happiness.

 

Newcastle Mass

The annual graveyard mass in Newcastle cemetery will take place on Monday August 21st at 7.30pm. Many of our ancestors are buried in this graveyard and so we need to keep the tradition of this mass going so that these people do not become forgotten. The usual Faith Walk will leave Ballyduff church at 6.30pm walking to Newcastle in memory of all those people who walked to mass each week.