World Champion.
I am delighted to tell you all that we have a world champion in our midst. 11 year old Charlie Laffan, Carriganure became a kickboxing world champion recently and we send him our warmest congratulations. Charlie is a member of the Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing Academy and I have seen first hand the committment and dedication Charlie gives to his training. I know his parents Billy and Fiona are immensely proud of him as is his sister Makayla. We wish Charlie continued success.
GAA Lotto.
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 7,10,23 and 26 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Eileen Hanrahan, Sean Atkins and John Stephenson. The next draw will take place on November 5th and will have a fabulous jackpot of €8,750. Tickets are just €2 or 3 for €5 and are available from all club members and will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday November 4th.
AGM Notice.
Our local community alert group will hold their AGM on Tuesday November 7th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting and join this group who provide a great service within our community.
Bridge News
The latest bridge game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw club on Monday October 23rd and the results were:
1st: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche
2nd: Anna Ryan and Anna Harney
3rd: Fr. Michael O Byrne and Mary Kennedy.
4th: Celia Nugent and Mary Prendergast.
GAA Academy and Nursery News.
This groups season has now come to a close and what an amazing and memorable year they have had. A big thank you goes out to all the coaches and parents who give up their time to help these children in their athletic development. A special thank you to all the children who took part . The group will be back in early Spring so make sure you watch this space!
A big well done to the four volunteers Derek, Nina, Cathal and Tim who recently completed their coaching and child welfare courses. These qualifications will assist in the future development of the group and enhancing community life.
Junk Koture
Excitement is really building now for the Junk Koture Fashion Show on Friday November 3rd in Ballyduff Community Centre. All outfits or accessories have been designed and created by the members of our local girls football club. All items will be made from recycable products. This promises to be a great night of creativity and fun and tickets are just €5 and are available from any of the coaches or from Fiona on 083-1803294. I have heard a couple of rumours of celebrity judges being flown in at great expense and apparently the MC is out of this world.
Coffee Morning
A coffee morning in association with the Michael Power Christmas Day Memorial Swim will take place on Friday November 10th from 10am to 12 noon in The Sweep Bar. This year all the money raised from the swim will go to the Touching Hearts charity as they try to raise enough money to build and equip a new day care centre as their present building is not adequate or suitable. Please come along and bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing and confortable morn ing while supporting this great charity.
November Masses
Each Wednesday night at 7.30pm during the month of November we hold a special mass in memory and honour of our loved ones gone to God. A box will be placed in front of the altar in which you can place an offering. The last of these masses on Wednesday November 29th at 7.30pm will be offered especially for those who have died during the past 12 months. Those who died within the parish will automatically be included but if you have a loved one who died outside the parish then you are welcome to include their name. If you would like to include someone please contact Linda Spillane or write their name on the list in the porch.
Strictly Dance
As I already mentioned to you all we have two representatives from this parish taking part in the Waterford GAA Strictly Dance competition which will take place on Saturday November 11th in the WIT arena 8pm in Waterford IT West Campus. Marc O Neill and Ger Harris will take to the floor. The lads have tickets available for the night for just €20 each.
To help raise funds for the night the guys will host a friendly singing competition between Ballyduff and Portlaw GAA clubs in O Donnachas on November 4th. Music on the night will be by Dick Quinn. Come along and join in this night of fun.