Monthly Archives: August 2018

Ready to Help, Knitting and Crochet Club and Home to Rome

GAA News.

The club would like to say a huge congratulations to Rory Dobbyn and Jack O Donnell who represented their county in the U14 Tony Forristal and Sonny Walsh tournaments at the weekend. This is a great achievement for the lads and reflects well on their team mates, coaches, parents and the club. The club are very proud of the lads and hope that they enjoyed the experience.

The club is also very proud of club player Keith Millea who was part of the U15 Waterford Football panel who competed in the Mangan Cup. The club is very honoured to have another Ballyduff man line out in the county jersey.

The U5,6,7,8,9 and 10 teams have been enjoying some great games in hurling and football with some super performances. A big well done to the coaches who are doing a fantastic job which is made much easier with the enthusiasm shown by the children and their parents.

Ready To Help.

The nursery and academy section of our GAA club are eager to give back to the community who support them so much. Together with our local tidy towns group they will conduct a litter pick in Kilmeaden Village on Saturday September 15th at 10.30am. This is a great opportunity for the children to witness what goes into keeping a village clean. You are all very welcome to come along and join in the fun and the community occasion.

Back To School/College.

It’s hard to believe that the Summer has passed already and that everyone is packing school books and ironing uniforms. We wish the very best to all students whether they are starting playschool, primary school, secondary school or college or any of the inbetween years. We hope they all enjoy a safe and enjoyable school year.

 

Knitting/Crochet Group.

As the school year returns you may be thinking of starting a new interest or reconnecting with a past interest. Our local knitting and crochet group will resume their activities in September with the potential for an evening class also. If this is something you may have interest in or would like to find out more about then please contact Jeni on 086 8163101.

Home To Rome.
As I was writing these notes Arthur and Jordan Curry were making great headway with their charity cycle trip from Ballyduff to Rome. I have been following their daily updates on Facebook with great interest and at this stage they were travelling through the Alps. The guys have witnessed many different weathers along their journey and faced many difficulties aswell as seeing some fantastic scenery and enjoying some wonderful hospitality. While this is a very tiring trip it is also a trip that they will never forget and time for them to reflect and enjoy their time together.

I would like you all to mark Thursday September 6th in your diaries because that will be the evening that these heroic men will return from their journey. If you tune back into these notes next week I will be able to give you an approximate arrival time. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible come out and welcome the guys back home to Ballyduff.

Notes Contact

With many clubs and organizations getting back into activities it is important to let people know what is going on in their community. A good way to get the message out there is to send me on some details and I will include the information in these notes. I am reliably informed that one or two people read them. You are welcome to contact me by call or text on 087 9838392 or by email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or indeed you can really be modern and stop me out and about for a chat. I would love to hear from you and it will be my pleasure to let people know what your club or group are up, about a birthday or family occasion you celebrated, charity events you are promoting or whatever else you feel your community should know about. I look forward to hearing from you.

Silver Celebrations, Results Time, Cycling for Emma

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 10, 14 and 17 and there was no lucky jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Maurice Flynn, Renee Power and Donnacadh O Fuarthain. The next draw will take place on Monday August 27th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,450 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale outside Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday August 25th. Get your ticket early and choose those four numbers very carefully.

Silver Celebrations

We send our warmest wishes to local Knockaderry couple Trevor and Helen Harris who recently celebrated 25 years of married bliss. I’m sure they celebrated in style as they are a couple who know how to party and I bet there was plenty of music and song thrown in. I have no doubt that this lovely couple will celebrate many more happy years of marriage and we wish them lots of love and laughter along the way.

Results Time

Congratultions to all the young men and women of our area who received their Leaving Cert results last week. We hope that whatever path they decide to take will bring them happiness and satifaction in their choice. Remember that not everyone travels the same road otherwise there would be a lot of congestion and the scenic route is always available.

Birthday Boy

Many congratulations and good wishes to well known Blacknock man Mossy O Keeffe who recently celebrated his 70th birthday. We hope Mossy enjoyed his special day and we wish him many more happy and healthy years.

A Little Princess.

Huge congratulations to John and Joanne Whelan, Matthews Cross on the recent birth of their beautiful daughter Penny. I’m sure her big brother Tom is ready to teach her all the tricks and will be a great big brother. We wish this happy little family every happiness and welcome baby Penny to our community.

Theatre School Return
Star Struck Theatre school will return for their next term on Monday August 27th in Ballyduff Community Centre. Any boys and girls aged between 5 and 9 years can pop along from 5pm till 6pm and from 6pm to 7pm it is the turn of the 10 to 18 year olds. Come along and join in the fun and check out what it is all about.

Fun Run/Walk

Congratulations and well done to all who took part in the recent Liz Hayes Memorial run and walk. This is always a popular event with people loving the beautiful scenic route around Knockaderry Lake. All money raised this year was divided between Ballyduff Community Centre and Focus Ireland. A big well done to all the category winners on the night and I know they all enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful array of refreshments laid on for them in the community centre afterwards.

Everything around the event was arranged to perfection so a big well done to all the organisers and of course to all at West Waterford AC for all their invaluable help and support.

Cycling For Emma
Those kindhearted guys from The Portlaw Village Wheelers were out in force again to help raise funds for another great charity The Emma Lacey Trust. Emma has been suffering from crippling spinal diseases for the past six years and in February she was also diagnosed with a serious brain condition. At the young age of 23 this Clonmel woman now faces more intensive surgery. Emma has Portlaw connections so when these lads heard that help was needed they were ready to take to the roads once again on their bikes.

These Portlaw cyclists were joined by fellow cyclists from Clonmel, Carrick on Suir and Kilmacow and between them on the day they collected €750 which they handed over to Paudie Everard, Chairman of the Emma Lacey Trust.

My husband Brian was due to take part in this cycle but unfortunately due to his accident he had to be a spectator instead. We were astounded at the reception we all received from the Lacey family and all their friends and neighbours in Beechwood Close. There was refreshments of every kind laid out and wonderful friendliness and hospitality bestowed upon everyone. It was a truly heartwarming experience and we sincerely wish Emma every good wish for the months ahead.

Sincere Sympathy

We offer our deepest sympathy to Mary Margaret Smith, Adamstown on the recent death of her beloved brother Michael Hanrahan. Michael had just returned home to Kilmeaden for his annual holiday when he was taken ill suddenly and called home to God.

Although he lived in Cardiff for over 40 years, he still regarded Kilmeaden as his home and he looked forward to his Summer holidays here every year and spending time with his sister Mary Margaret, her husband Pat and their children and grandchildren. He likes to come around this time of year and take in the Tramore races where he would place a bet or two. He was also a huge sports fan and followed the path of the Deise boys with great interest. He kept up with all the happenings back home here in Waterford with the reading of The Munster Express which was sent to him each week.

Michael’s death has left a huge void in the lives of those who loved him but we hope that they can take some comfort in all the wonderful memories they have of him. May he now rest in gentle peace.

Readers Wanted

As some of you may know I take care of arranging readers for our weekend masses. We usually try involve the family of whoevers anniversary mass is on but sometimes we need to pick someone from our volunteers list. If you feel this is something you would like to do from time to time then please let me know on 0879838392.

Our Symathies, Golden Couple and Genuine Thanks.

Our Sympathies.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Louise Phelan, Ardeenlone on the recent death of her father. Mr. Peter Diamond resided in Skreen, Co. Sligo where Louise, Mark and the family were frequent visitors. We hope tht Louise and all her family will find comfort in their wonderful memories and we pray that Peter now rests in peace.

 

Golden Couple

In recent weeks our parish had to say a sad farewell to well known and popular couple Sonny and Joan Griffin. This devoted couple lived in Penrose Cottage in the heart of Ballyduff Village looking straight at our beautiful church to which they gave great service over the years. Although we are saddened at their passing, I for one take a little comfort from the fact that they died within weeks of each other as they were never really apart in life.

Having made their life in England for many years they returned to Joan’s home place of Kilmeaden and spent many happy years here. Sonny’s home place of Kerry was never forgotten here with that flag flying proudly for all the Kerry games. Of course the couples many friends in England were frequent visitors and Joan and Sonny were regular visitors to Fishguard to meet up with friends and families. They enjoyed a full and happy lifestyle enjoying music and dance and the company of friends. We pray that they both now enjoy the peace of heaven as they sit together at the Lords table.

Birthday Boy

We send our heartiest congratulations to Johnny Cummins, Carrickphilip who recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Johnny celebrated in style with friends and family at his lovely home and was even kind enough to share his birthday celebrations with son Eoin who recently turned 30 so there was birthdays galore to celebrate. His son Thomas even flew in from abroad to join in the fun. I wasnt able to attend but am told that I missed a fabulous night of sing song, fun and laughter. We hope all the family enjoyed the celebrations and wish them lots more fun and laughter in the years ahead.

Genuine Thanks

On Tuesday July 31st I received one of those phone calls that everyone dreads getting. My husband Brian had taken a bad fall from his bicycle on the main road. Thankfully we are counting our blessings as we are well aware of how much more serious it could have been. Brians injuries will all heal given time and rest and following a few days in hospital he is now back home to us thank God.

I mention the accident not because we are looking for sympathy but because we genuinely appreciate all the help and support we have received. When things like this happen you get to witness the great work being done in our hospitals by staff who are often put under severe pressure with long and strenuous hours. We would like to thank the people who stopped to help Brian on the road, the fantastic ambulance crews and the kindhearted nurses and medical staff on WRH. Also a huge thank you to our families, friends and neighbours who have been so supportive and kind and the many visitors to our home who are really keeping Brians spirits up. As any of you who know Brian will know he is not the kind of fella who is used to sitting around the house resting so it is hard for him to adjust to that style of life but please God he will return to full health very soon.

I dont mean to lecture any of you but I urge you all to please always wear a helmet when out cycling. If Brian had not been wearing one we could have been faced with a totally different situation. He has always insisted on a brilliant helmet and this was his saving grace on the day. Remember you are very important to many people so out of respect for them and yourself wear your helmet and show good example to your children and those around you. Lecture over!

Thank you all once again for all your kindness and good wishes. In a world where we witness so many horrible and nasty things and acts, kindness and generosity always shine through and the goodness of people never ceases to amaze me.

 

A Beautiful Boy

We send our heartiest congratulations to Peter and Valarie Doyle on the recent birth of their beautiful son Reuben Michael. He is a most handsome little man and I know he will be spoilt rotten by the Doyle and Raher families. We welcome Reuben to our community and we wish this little family every happiness that life has to offer.

Wedding Bells, Knitting and Crochet Group and Fun Run/Walk

Wedding Bells

Wedding season has certainly hit our area with another lovely wedding last week. It was a local union this time bringing Ballyduff and Blacknock together. Lizzie O Keeffe and Joe O Brien exchanged their marriage vows in front of their children Shannon and Shane and their family and friends. After a beautiful ceremony it was off to The Tower Hotel for some fine dining and dancing. This wedding was so popular that even Billy from Aslan turned up to sing “Crazy World” for the bride and groom. We wish this happy little family the very best of luck and happiness for the future.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 14, 20, 23 and 24. There was no jackpot winner and the lucky dip winners of €50 each were Rob Power, Brenda Foley and Ellen c/o Gary Flynn. The next draw will take place on Monday August 13th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €11,300 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from all club members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday August 11th. Choose your numbers carefully.

 

Knitting and Crochet Group

Our local knitting and crochet group had their last meeting on Tuesday July 31st. They are taking a few weeks off before resuming again in September. Jeni who has been running the group would like me to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful ladies whom she had the pleasure of meeting. It was a delight for her to spend her Tuesday mornings with these ladies enoying plenty of knitting and crochet projects as well as many laughs, tears and chats. The group will resume again in September with the possibility of evening classes also. If you would like any more information about this group please feel free to contact Jeni on 086 8163101.

GAA Development News

Ballyduff Lower GAA club are based in Kildermody where they have their own grounds and dressing rooms ever since it was founded in 1887. The club caters for the population of Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and surrounding areas. The playing activities at Tom Cheasty Park are a hive of activity for players of all ages especially during the Summer months.

The committee of the club have decided to invest in a major development of its facilities in Kildermody. The club have decided to invest in a ball alley, astroturf, lights, running track and other improvements. The club have been successful in securing a Sports Capital Grant of €60,000 towards the cost of this development but need an additional €75,000 to complete the project.

The fundraising proposal they have put forward is a contribution of €750 over three years payable either as a single contribution of €750 or €250 for each of the next three years or 30 monthly payments of €25.

In return the club offers each contributor, free membership for adult non playing members for 3 years, Adult players will receive a €30 reduction in membership fees for 3 years, €30 reduction in family membership fees for 3 years and one free lotto entry ticket each fortnight for 3 years. All contributors and sponsors will also be named on a plague to be displayed in Tom Cheasty Park.

Fun Run/Walk

All the preparations have been done now and the countdown is on for the Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile fun run/walk on Friday August 10th. Walkers will take off at 6.45pm while the runners will head off at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and students and juniors are €5. All proceeds will go to Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be plenty of cash prizes and spot prizes on the day and West Waterford AC will take care of race timmings . There will be a fine array of refreshments on offer in the community centre following the race followed by the prize giving.

This is a great community event and all are invited to come along and join in the fun.

Tractor Run Success, Fairbrook Concert and Recent Wedding

GAA News

This years cul camp was a fantastic success with over 80 children taking part. It was really heartwarming to see all the boys and girls playing together in such glorious weather. The future is certainly looking bright for Ballyduff Lower GAA club.

You may notice as you pass by our hurling field that the new development work has now begun. The planned ball wall, astro turf and running/walking track will benefit all club members and the community when completed. Of course to fund all these fabulous facilities, a fundraising drive must now start to make up the shortfall of the grant. Leaflets will be circulated to all members and parents. They hope to get as much support as possible to help develop their facilities for the future.

Memorial Run/Walk

The annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile fun run/walk will take place on Friday August 10th. Walkers will leave Ballyduff at 6.45pm and the runners will follow on at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and €5 for students and juniors and all money raised will go towards our local community centre. Se2 have kindly offered to sponsor cash prizes for the first three male and females home and the first male and female home in the over 40’s and 50’s sections. The first male and female juniors will also receive a prize and plenty of spot prizes also on the night. The route is a beautful scenic route taking in the stunning Knockaderry Lake. Following the run a fine array of delicious refreshments will be waiting for you to enjoy in the community centre.

West Waterford AC will take care of race timmings and all are welcome to come along and join in the fun and the atmosphere.If you would like to find out some more information take a look on their facebook page Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run. This is a great community event and a fun evening out for all the family.

Tractor Run Success

Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club held another very successful tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. This annual event has been going from strength to strength every year and is always hugely popular . This group have raised a fantastic amount of money for The Solas Cancer Support Centre over the past few years and I know their constant support is greatly appreciated.

There was a vast array of tractors and cars on display for the run and then it was back to Haughtons to park up the vehicles and allow the drivers fill their hungry bellies with the delicious barbeque on offer and of course it needed to be washed down with a pint or two. John O Shea was on hand to play music to suit all ages and there was a great atmosphere as people relaxed in the beautiful sunshine. This was another huge success and a big well done must go to the organisers who put in such hard work every year. I will have the total amount raised for you in a few weeks so keep tuned.

Recent Weddings.

We wish every congratulations to Karen Power and John Paul Browne who recently tied the knot in Bonmahon church. Karen is a popular member of the teaching staff at Ballyduff N.S and a member of the Dawn Players Drama Group. There was no acting this time though as she declared her vows with our own Fr.Mick officiating. It was on to Hotel Kilkenny then to enjoy their reception with friends and family. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.

Wedding bells were also ringing in our own local church in Ballyduff on July 21st as local Adamstown lady Claire Flynn exchanged vows with her groom William Gough. Fr. Mick was once again on hand to make sure everything went as it should. I got to have a sneaky look at the bridal party as they exited from the church and the bride looked stunning and beamed from ear to ear as she stood in the beautiful sunshine greeting her guests. Another stunner I spotted coming out also was the brides grandmother the great Bridie Power looking as proud as punch. The wedding guests then took the road to Dungarvan for a reception of good food and lots of dancing in the fabulous Park Hotel. Our heartiest congratulations to this newly married couple we hope their future is full of lots of love and laughter.

Fairbrook Concert

On Saturday August 11th you will treated to some beautiful music as Fairbrook House host their annual Summer concert. You have two chances on the day to catch the musical line up with the first concert from 1pm to 3pm and the second from 5pm to 7pm. The programme begins with Madeleine Doherty singer/harpist and composer. Trained as a celtic harpist she has toured Europe, The USA and the Carribbeen. During the interval you can enjoy some bubbles and nibbles while taking a stroll in the garden and a view of the museum. Following the interval you will be treated to Brazillian Portuguese music from Bossa Nova to Fado. For further information and booking please contact 051 384657 or 085 8131448 or drop an email to artmastenbroek@gmail.com or take a look on www.fairbrook-house.com

Recent Death

Our parish is most definetly a poorer place following the death of one of its’ nicest ladies. Our community was shocked to hear of the death of Helen O Leary, Ballyduff Village. I’m sure if you looked up lady in the dictionary you would find Helens name in the meaning. A quiet unassuming woman who never put in or out on anyone she was a pleasure to meet and always had a kind word to say to you. Her life revolved around her family and she adored each and every one of them. She was not only their mother, but their friend, the one to turn to for advice and the one to give encouragement and support. She excelled at being a grandmother and indeed a great grandmother and spent many happy hours enjoying their company. To her husband Tony she was his life companion, welcoming him home after his working day and supporting him through lives journey.

Helen was a big fan of the GAA cheering on our local Ballyduff teams and of course the Deise boys but when those Cork boys took to the field you dare not say anything about her native county. She also enjoyed her garden, keeping up with the news and politics and was also a fan of the quiz shows on telly. Her home was a place of welcome, a place where you felt at ease and comfort and she made a lovely cup of tea.

For Tony, Martina, Olivia, Kenneth and Stephen and all the family life has changed dramatically but I know in my heart of hearts that Helen will never stop guarding and protecting them just as she did for all the years. We genuinely share their grief and hope that the wonderful memories they have will bring them comfort and peace in the weeks and months ahead. May this beautiful sweet lady rest in gentle peace.

Newcastle Mass
A great crowd attended the annual graveyard mass at Newcastle cemetery on Tuesday July 24th. The Lord sent his glorious sunshine as people sat around on the rocks to offer their prayers for all who are buried in Newcastle. Fr. O Halloran was joined on the night by Fr. Don Moran who is home on his annual Summer visit to his native place. I was unable to attend myself so was delighted to see some fantastic photos taken by Michael Faulkner on the night. A big well done and thank you goes to the McGrath family who take such good care of the graveyard from year to year.