Mass Bookings.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for the months of July, August and September then bookings will take place after both masses next weekend June 22nd and 23rd. If you need to book a Months Mind or First Anniversary mass during these months then please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 before the bookings so that you can get your prefered date. Months Mind or First Anniversary masses are given a mass on their own where at all possible but other masses may need to be shared depending on demand.
Wedding Bells.
St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff was the setting for a most beautiful wedding on Saturday June 7th. Local lady Sarah Crowley from Adamstown arrived to the church in beautiful sunshine and glowed with happiness. By her side as always was her sister and best friend Joanne who took her job as bridesmaid very seriously. Her pretty flowergirls and her bridesmaid then lead the way up the church aisle where her groom Noel O Connor awaited his beautiful bride. Family friend and former priest of this parish Fr. Joe Flynn made sure that all formalities were dealt with and the happy couple left the church as man and wife in glorious sunshine once again. The celebrations then moved on to the stunning Waterford Castle where the wedding party were wined and dined and then danced the night away. We wish this lovely couple every happiness in their future lives together.
Bridge News
The results of the bridge game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club on Monday June 10th were as follows:
1st: Aileen Stephenson and Breda F Murphy.
2nd:Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
3rd: Anne Kennedy and Breda Murphy.
4th:Anna Harney and John Fitzpatrick.
School Sports.
Ballyduff NS held their annual sports evening on Tuesday June 11th. Thankfully the weather was kind so there was no sliding and slipping in muddy puddles. There were some great sprinters on show with some possible olympians emerging. However my favourite races are the sack races, three legged races and the egg(sorry potato) and spoon races where you hear the children laughing as they fall over each other or drop the potato just before the line. A big well done to all the parents council and their helpers who put such terrific work into this each year. There were fabulous raffle prizes up for grabs. Nobody was allowed to go hungry with burgers and sausages sizzling on the barbeques. I’m delighted to say a fantastic amount of €1450 was raised on the night for school resources and activities next year.
I have been asked to give a special mention and thank you to all the prize sponsors on the night, Hicksons Centra Kilmeaden, Boots Pharmacy,Tramore, Kilmeaden Pharmacy, The Book Centre, Alfie Hale Sports, Mountain View Chinese Restaurant, Mulligans Pharmacy, Glanbia Countrylife Kilmeaden, Frank Murphy Hurleys, Living Colours and Ross Kavanagh Ltd for the barbeques and loudspeakers.
Our Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Eileen Kirwan, Amberhill on the recent death of her brother Larry Walshe. We pray that Larry now rests in peace and that his family and friends may find comfort through the power of our prayers.
Church News
A reminder that Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist takes place in the church every Tuesday from 12 noon to 5pm. Please drop in and spend a few minutes or an hour whatever suits you in the presence of the Lord. Let me tell you it is lovely to switch off and sit in the peace and tranquilty with just your own thoughts.
Dates to keep marked in your diaries are Wednesday July 3rd when our annual graveyard mass will take place at 7.30pm. This is a lovely opportunity to pray for all our family and friends who are buried in our graveyard. Please if you are tidying up your family grave in the coming weeks please remember to bring a rubbish bag with you and bring away any dead flowers etc as there are no dumping facilities in the graveyard. Wednesday July 24th is the date set for the annual graveyard mass at Newcastle. There will be a faith walk leaving from Ballyduff at 6.30pm and mass at Newcastle will begin at 7.30pm.
We send warm wishes to Fr. O Byrne who celebrated 52 years in the priesthood last week. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless him in his ministry.
Warm Welcome.
It is great to see another new business open up in our area. The Milestone Coffee House has opened its doors in the Kilmeaden Village Centre and we wish all involved the very best of luck. This is another great amenity to have and hopefully you will all have an opportunity to drop in and support and give the owners our warm Kilmeaden welcome.