Communion Day.
The boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S were certainly in the Lords good books on their communion day as he sent his most glorious sunshine. The boys all looked very dapper and handsome and the girls were pretty in their beautiful dresses. Some of the older pupils from the school sung wonderful hymns which really made the ceremony so special. The boys and girls took part in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory and even treated us to the actions to the Our Father. Their communion mass felt so special and personal and this was down to the wonderful job done by each child and of course the fantastic support from their teachers and their families. After the ceremony the parents council had organised a cuppa and cake in the school hall. It was nice for everyone to get together and enjoy a relaxing chat after a busy morning. I know that Fr.Mick was delighted to see so many of the children at mass on Sunday morning and I was delighted to be on Minister of the Eucharist duty so I got to give some of my little friends their first Sunday mass communion. We send our sincere congratulations to all the boys and girls and thank them for sharing their big day.
Book Launch
“The Faith Journey of the Deise People” a book by Rt. Rev. Mgr. Michael Olden will be launched on Friday May 25th at 6.30pm in The Book Centre. The book deals with the history of the diocese of Waterford and Lismore telling the history of each individual parish. All are invited to go along to the launch.
Recent Death
We extend our deepest sympathy to Niall O Sullivan, Adamstown on the recent death of his father Christy O Sullivan, Earls Court. Christys funeral mass took place in St.Marys church, Ballygunner with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We offer our deepest sympathy to all the family and pray that Christy now enjoys the beauty of Gods kingdom.
AGM Notice.
The Directors of Ballyduff Community Centre Development Co. Ltd will hold their AGM in the Community Centre on Wednesday June 20th at 8pm. All are welcome to come along.
GAA News.
A big well done to all the U21 football team who beat De La Salle 2-8 to 1-8 in the recent Eastern final. There was some great skill on show with great effort from the defence line. We wish them the very best in the County Final.
Congratulations to the Ballyduff NS hurling team who qualified for the semi final in their completion without loosing a game. This is a fantastic team and if they keep their heads can go all the way. We have no doubt that Mr. Carey will keep them grounded.
The Nursery and Academy section entertained a large group from Carrigeen at U5, U7, U9 and U11 levels. There were some very enjoyable games with the Waterford/Kilkenny rivalry alive and well. There are 75 children playing in this section and huge thanks to the coaches and parents for all their help. The future certainly looks bright for the club.
Some fixtures you might like to mark in your diary are Junior A Football
25th May 7.30pm
V Dunhill(Home)
1st June 7.30pm
V Roanmore(Home)
Junior C Hurling
22nd June 7.30pm
V Butlerstown(Away)
29th June 7.30pm
V Dunhill(Home)
Inter Hurling
23rd June 7.pm
V De La Salle(Dunhill)
30th June 7pm
V Erins Own(Kill).
Our Kerry Man
We are all deeply saddened to hear of the death of another great parish man from our community. The great Sonny Griffin, Penrose Cottage, Ballyduff returned home to God last week leaving a sence of deep loss in our parish. Sonny shared his life with his wife Joan in their cottage in the centre of the village overlooking the church which played a huge part in their lives. Sonny originally came from the kingdom of Kerry and bore his colours proudly when the Kerry teams were taking to the field. Sonny was a man of great intelligence and it was a real privelege to listen to his stories. He was a great community man always on hand to help in any way he could. The church held a very special place in his heart and he was a fantastic help at both the midweek morning masses and the weekend mass. I know Fr. Mick and our sacristan Ann really appreciated all that he did and shall miss him greatly. A man of real integrity and respect, a man full of gentleness and kindness, a man whom we shall all miss greatly. As he came from the kingdom of Kerry we know that he now rests in the kingdom of God where joy and peace surround him. We send our deepest sympathy to Joan and all the family and may the gentle soil of Ballyduff rest lightly on him. Good night and farewell to our favourite Kerryman.
Confirmation Blessings.
We send our best wishes to all the boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff N.S who will make their Confirmation in Ballyduff church on Thursday next May 24th. The mass will take place at 11am and all are invited to come along. We hope that everyone enjoys a very special day and please God the weather will be kind to everyone.