Dancing Queen, Easter Sunday and Raise your Hat

Happy Retirement

I was speaking to some members of our farming community and they have asked me to wish Pat Coady a very happy retirement. Pat has been Quality Milk Manager for the South Kilkenny and East Waterford Glanbia Division. All his friends and clients would like to sincerely thank Pat for his many years of service and they wish him the very best of luck and happiness in his retirement. I’m sure Pat will enjoy following his beloved Kilkenny through the hurling season.


Easter Sunday

Following the 10am Easter Sunday morning mass there will be a short ceremony outside the church at our 1916 commemorative plaque. The ceremony will consist of the reading of the proclamation, raising of the flag and the singing of our National Anthem. All are welcome to come along for this short ceremony.


Dancing Queen.

Over the past few weeks I have been telling you about our local lady Ciara Larkin taking part in the The Solas Centre Dance for Life competetion. Ciara and her dance partner Laura took to the stage dancing the Charlestown and wowed the judges with their talent. They made such an impression that they emerged the popular winners on the night. Ciara was delighted to give her time and energy to this fantastic charity. She believes that the work done by the Solas Centre support centre is phenominal and she has seen first hand what great help and support they give to patients and their families. Huge congratulations to Ciara and Laura on such a wonderful achievement, we are all delighted for them both and I have no doubt that a very proud auntie beams from heaven saying: comhghairdeas le mo chailin alainn ata deanta agam dom a bheith broduil as.

 


Team Success

Congratulations to all the guys from her local area who were part of the U15 St. Declans, Kilmacthomas soccer team who captured the U15 Munster B Cup. Travelling to Clonmel they took on Charleville and defeated them with a 3-2 defeat. Well done to all the team, coaches and mentors.


Ballyduff AFC

Our local soccer club have many important dates coming up in their very busy diary. The soccerthon on Good Friday is now a much looked forward to event every year. There will be sponsorship cards doing the rounds soon so please be as generous as you possibly can.

The clubs popular Summer camp will run from July 1st to July 5th while the FAI camp runs from July 15th to July 19th. Details about times and costs will be made available soon so keep an eye out.

Volunteers are also wanted for the annual bag pack which this year takes place in Tesco Ardkeen on Saturday June 1st. If you can spare an hour or two to volunteer the club would really appreciate your help.


Raise Your Hat.

Our parish is most definetly the poorer this week following the death of Johnny Whelan, Knockaderry. Johnny was small in stature but a giant amongst gentleman. A man of great faith he demonstrated this through his kindness, helpfulness and devotion. Johnny worked for the council for many years and made sure that every job was done to perfection and on time. He was a wonderful gardener and took great pride in his garden. Above all these things Johnny was a devoted family man and his main priority was taking care of those around him.

Johnny was most certainly a true gentleman, his signature hat would be raised to greet a lady which I always thought was so nice. Johnny was a devout christian, a hard worker, a devoted brother, kind uncle, terrific storyteller and a giant among men. Raise your hat to a gent and we pray that his gentle soul now rests in peace.