GAA News.
The U10 hurlers fought a close contest against Clonea recently. They started out great and were well on top in the first half. They seemed to loose control in the second half but quickly composing themselves they came back to secure a 6-2 to 5-3 win. Both teams played their hearts out and gave a great display of hurling. The club are very proud of the way the lads played for one another.
CPR Training
Our local GAA club are endeavoring to organise free CPR training for the club and community. The classes will take place on June 7th in Ballyduff Community Centre at 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. If you are interested in taking part you need to register your interest asap by contacting Brian on 087-2486423. Please share these details with any over 18’s you know who may be interested. Places are filling fast so don’t miss out.
Gentleman Supreme
Our community said godbye to our oldest parishioner last week as we bid farewell to John Keating, Lacka Road. John was most certainly a true gentleman and his quiet, unassuming gentle nature made him very popular with all who met him. John was first and foremost a dedicated family man and was devoted to his late wife Margaret and their 3 sons and 2 grandsons. The other great love in his life was his garden which was immaculate and taken care of with loving care and attention.
John was a man of great faith and his belief brought him great comfort. We take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved Margaret. John will be greatly missed not just by his family and friends but by all of the community. We pray that John now enjoys his just reward for the wonderful life he lived and that his sweet gentle soul now rests in peace. Ar Dheis De go raibh se.
Lourdes Night.
Each year our parish fundraises to send two parishioners to Lourdes as part of the invalid section of the Waterford/Lismore Dioscesan Pilgrimage. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to get the chance to travel to Lourdes and it is also hoped to send a young person along as a helper.
To help raise funds for this trip there will be a mini talent show on Saturday May 11th in O Donnachas. Music on the night will be provided by Dick Quinn and competitors will compete for The Jimmy Fox Memorial Cup. Jimmy was of course a great supporter of all charity events and always enjoyed a good night of music and song with his wife Tina. If you would like to take part just call in on the night and wow the crowd.
Sympathies.
A number of people from our parish have suffered bereavements in the past week or so and we sincerely offer our sympathies.
Liza O Neill in Matthews Cross suffered the devastating loss of her beloved brother Lenny O Neill. Lenny was a lovely character always up for a chat and a laugh and shall be greatly missed by his family and his huge circle of friends. May he rest in peace.
We also send our condolenses to Anita Halley, Lahardan on the recent death of her brother . Ray Hallley was a resident of Brownstown Head and his funeral mass took place in Our Lady Church, Carbally followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
We extend our sympathy to Nancy O Sullivan, Matthews Cross and Peggy O Shea, Ballyduff Hill on the recent death of their brother in law Joe Brady in Bohernabreena, Dublin. His funeral mass took place in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Balycragh.
Our sympathy goes also to the Gahan and DeLandre families on the death of Caroline Hearne, Tramore Heights. Caroline is the daughter of the late Paddy and Nora Delandre. Nora of course was formerly one of the Gahan family in Lacka Road . We offer our prayers and sympathies to all families on their bereavement and we hope that you will find some comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your loved one.
Coffee Morning Success
A huge well done to Niamh Larkin who organised a wonderful coffee morning in aid of the Alzheimers Association. Niamh and her trusty assistant Anne had a fantastic array of cakes , scones and buns adorning every table. We were all greeted with a warm friendly smile as we arrived and settled ourselves down to a nice cuppa and a chat. Niamh has asked me to say a huge thank you to all who contributed on the day and to all the sponsors of the raffle prizes. Niamh raised €630 on the day and she is so grateful to everyone for their support. The money will be given to the Pine Grove Centre in Waterford and will be very much appreciated.
Bluebell Time
I must admit that I was a little nervous this year that my friends the bluebells would be afraid to appear without the shelter of their trusty friends the trees on Ballyduff Hill. However as I drove up last week there they were in all their splendour. Each year the view and the scent brings me back to my childhood. We would pick a bunch on our walk to school to give to the teacher and a bunch on the way home to put on our May altar. I think one of the most beautiful sights is the view of wild flowers growing amongst the green grass in their natural habitat. Do yourself a little favour and take some time out to admire the view, breath in the scent and maybe pick a little bunch for someone and spread the happiness.
First Holy Communion
We wish the boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff NS a wonderful First Holy Communion on Saturday May 11th. They have been busy preparing with their teacher Miss Sprice and I know they have been working very hard. We hope they all enjoy a lovely happy day with their families and friends.