Monthly Archives: July 2019

Summer Concert, A True Character and Halley on Fire

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 3, 19, 20 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Rose, Susan and Kathleen O Toole, Renee Power and Michael Power. The next draw will take place on July 28th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday July 27th. Choose those four lucky numbers carefully and you could be planning your shopping spree.

Newcastle Graveyard Mass

The annual graveyard mass at Newcastle cemetery takes place on Wednesday July 24th at 7.30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to remember our ancestors and pray for all those buried in the graveyard, some of them in unmarked graves. Of course our ancestors would have always walked to mass so in their memory a faith walk will leave Ballyduff church at 6.30pm and make its way to Newcastle cemetery for the 7.30pm mass.

Summer Concert

On Saturday August 10th Fairbrook House will host their yearly concert in the garden or in the museum in case of rain. The organisers are delighted to welcome international performing cellist,singer and composer Vincent de Lange. Based in Amsterdam he will perform a selection of music from Neapolitan songs, parts of Bach suites, some of his own compositions and two Irish songs, accompanying himself on cello.

During the interval you are invited to enjoy a stroll in the garden, a view in the museum and some bubbles and nibbles.

The second half of the show will see Lithuanian/Israeli singer Raimonda Masiulyte perform a wonderful blend of music that transcends the boundaries of Jazz, Soul and Gospel. Now based in Dublin her voice enchants and has taken her all over the world. Accompanying her on guitar will be Hugh Buckley.

There will be two chances on the day for you to enjoy this concert, the first from 1pm to 3pm and the second from 5pm to 7pm. For more information please call 051-384657 or email artmastenbroek@gmail.com or visit www.fairbrook-house.com

GAA News

The U10’s put in a great performance in the league as they defeated Ferrybank 5-2 to 1-2. There were some superb performances and a big thanks to all their coaches for the time they put in.

The U16 County Football panel saw some great club men taking part in the Munster Tournament. A big well done to Cian Bolger, Aaron Cheasty, Devin Keogh and Keith Millea who are a credit to their parents and their coaches.

A great morning of fun was had by the boys and girls from the academy section as they welcomed Kilmacow for a blitz. It is amazing to see the way this young group are developing their skills every week. A big thank you to all who provided the wonderful selection of cakes and refreshments.

Our Junior Footballers had two impressive wins last week beating St. Mollerans 4-14 to 3-9 and Dunhill 5-5 to 1-7. This team are looking good for the final stages and hopefully they will bring home some more silverware.

How wonderful to see almost 90 children in Kildermody last week enjoying the annual Cul Camp. What a wonderful experience for them all to enjoy the freedom to run around having fun with their friends, making new friends and learning the skills of the games. I must say I have been dropping and collecting two little friends of mine from it and they are full of praise and compliments and had an absolute ball everyday. I have to say also that the gear and bags that they received looked brilliant.

Quiz Time Beckons!

I have met many of you during the week who are busy getting ready for the Quiz Night which is fast approaching. Of course some of you didn’t even see me because you had your heads stuck in a book. The Juvenile section of our local GAA club will host this quiz in the hope of raising some money to purchase some equipment. The Sweep Bar and Restaurant is the venue on Friday July 26th with a start time of 8pm. A team of four will cost €20 and there will be prizes on the night and of course the customary raffle. Quizmaster will be Gavin Whelan and this promises to be a brilliant night for club and community.

Halley On Fire

I’m sure as you are out and about you will have often met Ballyshunnock man Eamon Halley out cycling. Mind you if you did happen to blink as he was approaching you probably hadn’t a hope of seeing him.

As well as being a proud member of the Portlaw Village Wheelers Cycling Club, he is also a member of the Waterford Racing Club. Last week he headed off to Golden for the Willie Slattery Memorial series of races hosted by Tipp Wheelers. I am delighted to report back that Eamonn had a great race and returned home in 4th position. A big well done to Eamonn who puts a lot of work into his training. We wish him continued success.

A True Character

We were all saddened this week to hear of the death of Arthur Curry Snr, Ballyduff. Arthur was definetely a character and a half never afraid to speak his mind and always ready with a story to tell. Hailing from Liverpool he was always proud of his roots. However once coming to Ireland and meeting the love of his life Cait there was no going back for him and it was here in Ballyduff that they would make their home and raise their children Arthur and Elizabeth and in later years enjoy the company of grandchildren Jordan, Emily and Ali.

Arthur spent his working life as an electrician and spent many years working in Kilmeaden Cheese Factory which of course was a great employer here for many years. Arthur when in good health loved to socialise with friends and enjoyed nothing better than a good pint and a chat.

Arthur of course is predeceased by his wonderful wife Cait and we hope that the family will draw comfort from knowing that the two will now be reunited once again. We pray that they both now rest in peace where pain and suffering is no more and they will enjoy the peace and comfort of heaven.

Memorial Fun Run/Walk

The annual Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk is now getting close and the training is stepping up. On Friday August 9th the walkers will leave Ballyduff Village at 6.45pm while the runners will take off at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and €5 for the walkers. All money raised will go to Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment fund and Focus Ireland. Timings will be kindly taken care of by the West Waterord Athletic Club and refreshments will be served after the race in the community centre. Prizegiving will also take place in the community centre with lots of prizes up for grabs. This is always a wonderful community event in memory of a lady who not only was a great athlete herself but also a true community spirited person who always put others needs in front of her own. Come along and join in the fun.

All Ireland Final

A reminder that Waterfords U16 lady footballers will take on Longford in the All Ireland final on Wednesday July 24th at 7pm in St. Brendans Park, Birr, Co. Offaly. We wish the very best of luck to all the girls, their coaches and background team with a special mention to their mentor Fiona Crotty Laffan. We will be cheering you all on

Tractor Run, Keep up the Training and All Ireland Awaits

New Appointment.

We send our warmest congratulations to Fr. Richard O Halloran who has been appointed as Parish Priest of Ballyduff/Portlaw. This is a just reward for Fr. Richard who gives such committment and dedication to the people of the parish. This is not to say that he has pushed Fr. Mick out of his position, Fr. Mick is absolutely thrilled to have gotten his wish to become an AP (assissting priest) which will mean he will still be saying masses etc but can take a step back from the book work and running of the parish. He and Fr. Richard have built up a very good working relaionship and friendship so Fr. Mick is happy to hand over the reins and take a back seat. Both priests will remain living in their present houses and we wish them both every happiness. We are very thankful that we get to keep them both and look forward to their continued ministery.

Tractor Run.

The countdown is on to the annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club’s tractor run in aid of The Solas Centre. These fine vehicles are getting their final touches, crankshafts are being oiled up, bumpers polished and the overalls and peaked hats are being freshly washed. At 1pm on Sunday July 21st this fine selection of vehicles will take off from Haughtons and travel a lovely scenic route around the Kilmeaden area. On their return the barbeque will be fired up and Gerry and Margaret have promised to have a few cold bottles of lemonade ready for the thirsty travellers. If you feel a bit bloated after the burgers and lemonade then don’t worry as John O Shea will be on hand to get you dancing the night away. What a great way to spend your Sunday with great entertainment, chats and laughs. This is always a wonderful day with a great atmosphere from start to finish. The extra added bonus is of course that you are supporting a fabulous charity. The Solas Centre give unbelievable support to both patients and their families. Please come along and support this very worthy event.

Newcastle Mass.

The annual graveyard mass at the old cemetery in Newcastle will take place on Wednesday July 24th at 7.30pm. Buried in this graveyard are many of our ancestors many in unmarked graves. It is important that we remember these people who played such a huge part in our history. Of course all these people would have walked to mass each week and so in remembrance of them a faith walk will leave Ballyduff Church at 6.30pm and will make its way to Newcastle in time for mass. The chalice which will be used on the night is over 100 years old and would have been used at the Newcastle masses.

Thinking Caps.

The Juvenile section of our local GAA club will host a table quiz on Friday July 26th at 8pm in The Sweep Bar and Restaurant.The entry fee is €20 for a table of 4 and Quizmaster on the night will be Gavin Whelan. All are welcome to come along and join the fun. You still have a bit of time to head to the library and study but remember to choose your team carefully cause you dont want someone saying the capital of France is F.

Recent Deaths.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Al Bowman, Stonehouse on the recent death of his sister Joan Flynn of Mount Sion Avenue. Joans funeral mass took place in Ballybricken and she was laid to rest in St. Otterans cemetery. May she rest in peace.

We also send our sympathy to Paul Millea, Newtown on the death of his uncle Seamus Flynn who lived in Mallow. Seamus was a retired Garda and his funeral mass took place in the Church of the Ressurection, Mallow followed by cremation to the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se

Our sympathies go to the family and friends of Michael(Mixie) O Brien of Raheen. Michael was a native of Mooncoin but has lived this side of the river for many a year. His funeral mass took place in the Church of he Sacred Heart, Dunhill with burial in the adjoining graveyard. May he rest in peace.

Keep up the Training.

The Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk will take place on Friday August 9th leaving from Ballyduff Lower Village and travelling 5 miles around the beautiful scenic Knockaderry Lake.It is hard to believe that this is the 8th year of this event and we are very grateful to se2 who have once again come on as sponsors.

Entry is €10 and €5 for those wishing to walk the route. All money raised goes to the Ballyduff Community Centre and Focus Ireland. There will be cash prizes for the first three males and females home along with the first over 40’s and 50’s males/females. The frst junior home will also receive a prize and there will be lots of spot prizes sponsored by local businesses along the way also. Come along and join in this wonderful atmosphere.

All Ireland Awaits

Waterfords U16 lady footballers headed to Offaly on Wednesday July 10th to take on the Connacht champions Roscommon in the U16 All Ireland semi final. Twelve clubs from across Waterford are represented on this panel . One of their mentors is our own Fiona Crotty Laffan who herself is an All Ireland winner in ladies football. Fiona praises these girls for their tremendous work ethic and dedication to their sport. They have a great team of people around them and when talking to Fiona she was very hopeful that this group of girls would make it through to the final. Well that’s exactly what they did. The girls were one point down heading in at half time but came back out on a mission to win. Even when they were reduced down to 14 after their mid fielder was sin binned for 10 minutes they kept fighting and were rewarded with two goals ,one from Hayley Phelan from a free on the 21 yard line and Maeve Sheridan sent in another goal during injury time and secured their place in the final. The final scoreline was Roscommon 1-11 Waterford 5-06.

This is a fabulous achievement for these girls and now look forward to their All Ireland meeting with Athlone on Wednesday July 24th. If at all possible I urge you to get out and support these girls. Best of luck to all the girls and Fiona and all the fabulous support team they have around them

Graveyard Mass, Wedding Bells and Pretty little Girl

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 11, 20, 22 and 24 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Michelle Dunphy, Eleanor O Brien and Miriam Daly. The next draw will take place on July 14th and the fantastic jackpot of €12,500 will be up for grabs.

Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday July 13th. The biggest job you have to do is to choose those four lucky numbers and then decide how you will spend your winnings.

More Success

Congratulations to Kilmeaden man Matteo Mary who has been selected to represent the Irish School Athletic Association Team at the upcoming SIAB Track and Field Championships which will take place on Saturday July 20th in Swansea, Wales. Matteo will compete in the 1500m representing his school, St. Declans Community College, Kilmacthomas.

Matteo has always given great committment and dedication to his sport and so it wonderful to see it being rewarded. We will all be wishing Matteo the very best as he heads for Wales and hope that he enjoys the experience.

Graveyard Mass

We were certainly blessed with glorious weather for our annual graveyard mass in Ballyduf last Wednesday. Beautiful rays of sunshine beamed down on our extremely well kept graveyard. During the mass in fact Fr. O Byrne asked those attending to give a round of applause to the wonderful Michael Junior Power who looks after the graveyard grounds and keeps them in such fine order. Junior always puts 110% into every job he takes on and carries out his work with a warm hello for everyone and a song to accompany the whistling birds. Also during his sermon Fr. Mick reminded people to bring home old flowers and wreaths in a rubbish bag as there are no dumping facilities in the graveyard.

Concelebrating mass with Fr. Mick was our very own Fr. John Harris and it was lovely to have him on home ground for the evening. The mass was beautiful and was enhanced greatly by the singing from St. Nicholas church choir.

Once mass was over it was back to the community centre for some tea and light refreshments. I would personally like to thank all those who dropped in some home baking and donated cakes, biscuits etc. A big thank you to all who helped me serve and wash up also. I am very grateful to Christine, Aisling, Siobhan, Ava and Adam. This is always a lovely evening and nice for people to meet up after mass for a cuppa and a chat.

A Real Character

There was only one heading I could have chosen when writing about this gentleman as he was most definetely a real character. Last week we all mourned the loss of Jack(Jackie) Connolly from Knockaderry. Jackies family were employed by Waterford County Council as caretakers of Knockaderry Lake. He met the love of his life Joanie and they married in 1954. They lived and raised their children by the scenic Knockaderry Lake and Jackie cared for the lake with great pride and care just as his father and grandfather had done before him.

My first meetings with Jackie were in my childhood years when he would call to my own father regularly and even though I was young I could spot a rogue and knew I had met a messer and a joker. Following on a few years I spent many a happy time when I worked in the shop and Post Office laughing and joking with the “bold” Jackie as I called him. He had a rogues eye and one of the most contagious laughs you’ll ever hear.

Following the death of his beloved Joanie he moved to Ballyvalican and was very happy sharing a home with Elizabeth and her family. Jackie loved his family dearly and was always on hand to help with anything they needed. He was most certainly a peoples person loving a chat and a laugh with all he met. He also loved a good game of cards and of course never cheated!! He told me that himself so it must be true !! His other great loves were his dogs who were always his companion so I thought it was very fitting on the morning of his funeral mass that a little terrier came into the church for a little walk around, he also joined us down in the graveyard for the burial.If that’s not a sign I don’t know what is.

Our deepest sympathy to Jackies daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers, sisters and all his family and many friends. We pray that Jackie is now reunited with his beloved Joanie and will enjoy the peace and happiness of Gods heavenly kingdom. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se

Tractor Run.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their annual tractor run on Sunday July 21st. The run will leave from Haughtons at 1pm and will head out and about through our beautiful scenic surroundings. This is always a great day out with some fine machines on show. There is always a brilliant atmosphere and something for all ages to enjoy. On returning back to Haughtons, Gerry and Margaret will have the barbeque fired up and a few cold lemonades on ice. Of course if that wasn’t spoiling you enough, our very own DJ supreme John O Shea will be on hand to have you up and dancing round your Massey. Of course all money raised on the day goes to The Solas Centre in Waterford. Nobody reading this needs me to tell you about the wonderful work this charity not only for patients but for their whole family. Buckets will be passed around on the day and I ask that you be as generous as possible. If you would like any further information about the Tractor Run please contact Pat on 087-2216589.

 

Newcastle Mass

The annual cemetery mass in the old graveyard in Newcastle will take place on Wednesday July 24th at 7.30pm. Many of our ancestors are buried in Newcastle and many in unmarked graves. In honour of our ancestors whose only way to get to mass was to walk, a faith walk will leave at 6.30pm from Ballyduff and walk to Newcastle cemetery. All are welcome to join in.

 

Wedding Bells
I was thrilled and delighted this week to hear of the engagement of Ciara Larkin, Powersknock to the love of her life Kevin Burns. Kevin is of course is very well known in sporting circles but this is most definetely the match of his life and he is a winner from the very beginning. This lovely couple have been dating for 8 years and it was on this 8th anniversary that Kevin decided to pop the all important question and thankfully she said yes.

This happy couple really are a match made in heaven and we wish them both all the happiness in the world.

Memorial Run/Walk

The 8th annual Liz (Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk will take place on Friday August 9th. Entry to this event is €10 for the race and €5 for the walkers. This 5 mile race takes off from Ballyduff Community Centre and takes you around the stunning Knockaderry Lake. There are prizes for the first three males and females and also prizes for the first over 40 and over 50 male and female and a prize for the first junior.

There is always a great atmosphere at this event and all are welcome to join in. Walkers will head off at 6.45pm while the runners will go at 7.30pm. All money raised will go to the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment fund and Focus Ireland. The good people from the West Waterford Athletics club will once again take care of the timings etc. All are welcome to come along and join in the fun and I will have more details in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Pretty Little Girl
We send warm congratulations to Gavin and Nicola O Rourke, Ballygarron on the recent birth of their beautiful daughter Emma. Emma is a very lucky girl to have big brother Sean and big sisters Lexi and Ciara ready to teach her the ways of the world. We wish this happy little family the very best of health and happiness.

Kilmeaden Beauty, Fantastic Achievement and Graduation Day

Kilmeaden Beauty

Heartiest congratulations to Kilmeadens own Katie Keogh who last week won the title of Miss Waterford. Katie was persuaded to enter the competition as a representative of Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas and did so thinking it would be good fun and a good experience. She was in shock when she was announced as the overall winner. I have known Katie for a number of years and to me she radiates beauty both inside and out.I know her parents and brothers and sisters are very proud of her and of course her gorgeous niece Erica will be able to give lots of tips for hair and make up as I met her the other day sporting some great blue hair extensions. We wish Katie the very best for the future and hope that she enjoys the whole experience and adventure.

Graveyard Mass.

Our annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff cemetery will take place on Wednesday July 3rd at 7.30pm. This always draws a large crowd and we ask you to please let those outside the parish who have relatives or friends buried here know about the mass. If you are visiting your loved ones grave in the coming days to perhaps freshen up flowers etc please bring along a bin bag or box with you so you can take home any rotten flowers, wreaths etc. We do not have bins at our graveyard and work hard to keep it looking clean and tidy.

Tractor Run.

Our local Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club are pleased to announce that they will hold their annual tractor run on Sunday July 21st. This is always one of favourite days out in the year and it always draws a crowd. The run will leave from Haughtons at 1pm and will then follow a beautiful scenic route. Following their arrival back two Haughtons, the barbeque will be on the go and there will be lots of chat going and maybe a lemonade or two. All proceeds every year goes to The Solas Centre and we are all aware of the wonderful work they do every day of the year. If you would like any other information about the run please call 087-2216589.

Running Shoes.

A big well done to all from our locality who took part in Viking Marathon, half marathon and quarter marathon last weekend. We also had locals who headed off to Cork to take part in the Iron Man. Well done also to my own husband Brian and his teamates from The Village Wheelerswho took part in The Tour of the Burren cycle.

 

Fantastic Achievement!

A big well done to local boy Charlie Laffan who travelled to Bratislava last week to take part in the WUKF World Karate championships. Charlie is a member of the Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing academy and he competed brilliantly in his age group. There were 38 competitors n his group and Charlie emerged as 5th in the world in his group. This really is a fantastic achievement at the tender age of just 12 and we congratulate Charlie.

The Pat Rockett academy returmed home with 9 Gold,2 Silver and 15 bronze World medals which is just fantastic. Well done again Charlie we are all so proud of you.

GAA News.
In the Intermediate hurling championship Ballyduff had a good win over St. Saviours on a scoreline of 2-24 to 2-10. There was a great display of hurling with some fantastic scores. A big thank you to all the supporters who cheered them on . They remain unbeaten at this stage.

It has been a busy time in the Juvenile Section with the U8’s playing a couple of blitz competitions and have done very well and have had lots of fun. The U11’s continue to battle through a difficult league. The U10 hurlers were defeated by Portlaw but were missing some players. The U14 girls put in a stellar performance and narrowly missed out on the County Final.

There was a great day in Ballyduff N.S last Wednesday with a visit from the great Kevin Moran. Kevin dropped into present the victorious U11 hurlers with their medals and also to the boys and girls who were winners and runners up in the lunchtime league. The club would like to acknowledge the work put in during the year by Mr. Stapleton, Mr. Carey and Ms. Sinnott and Ms. Power for facilitating this. The relationship between the club and school is very strong and that can only benefit the school, club and kids. Mr. Carey took lots of photos so there will be plenty available to have a look at.

Bundle of Joy

We send our warmest congratulations to Ballyduff N.S teacher Karen Power and her husband John Paul Browne on the recent birth of their beautiful baby daughter Mia. We welcome Mia into the world and look forward to meeting her. We wish the happy little family every happiness for the future.

Graduation Day

As I write these notes I am just home from the 6th class graduation mass and celebration. It was a very emotional night and a wonderful night of memories. My own son Adam was one of the students graduating and it is my own time to finish with primary school.

The night began with a beautiful mass celebrated by Fr. O Byrne and each of the students played a part in the mass. The St. Nicholas’s church choir joined the students and sang beautifully throughout the mass. Their principal Ms. Power spoke to the students and congratulated them on being such a great class and such a good example to the younger students. Each student was presented with a lovely certificate and then it was back to their school hall to enjoy some lovely refreshments thanks to the parents and the wonderful Parents Council. A big thank you to all who baked and donated cakes and a special thank you to Martina in Milestone Coffee House who donated some lovely cakes. The students then received a new red hoodie with their fellow classmates names on them and I must say they looked fantastic. Mr. Carey really got the emotions going when he showed a video collection of photos from the last 8 years. It really was a wonderful night for a great bunch of kids. A big thank to Mr. Carey who made their last year so special and to all the school staff who have made their time in primary school comfortable and hassle free. As a former pupil of Ballyduff NS I have always said that we are very lucky to have such a brilliant school with lots of opportunities and great facilities. It has been an honour to send my two children to Ballyduff NS and I hope that all the students of 2018/2019 go on to have more wonderful years in secondary school. Thank you Ballyduff NS for all the memories and friendship and for giving our children the best possible start in life.