Gentle Mother

We extend our deepest sympathy to Niamh Larkin, Powersknock on the recent death of her beloved mother. Eleanor Morrissey(nee Conlon) formerly of Boatstrand and 121 The Quay was a resident of Greenhill Nursing Home for the past few years. Eleanor is predeceased by her husband Martin and her daughter Cait. She is survived by her sons Conor and Walter and her daughters Roisin, Maire, Niamh and Brigid, her daughter in law Bernie and sons in law Ned and Tony, her brothers Brendan and Tommy and of course her adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Although I can’t say I had the pleasure of knowing Eleanor personally I have been in the company of her family many times and heard their lovely stories of their childhood and I have witnessed that beautiful strong bond they all have and that is now evident in the next generation. Things like that don’t just happen, it is passed on by example so I have no doubt that Eleanor and her late husband Martin were the beacons of love and kindness, leading their family down the path of life. They also gave them a wonderful love of our national language, a great appreciation of music and song and that great gift of hospitality. I know that all these traits will carry on through the generations of this family for many years to come. We offer our prayers for Eleanor and her grieving family and hope that their wonderful memories will help them in the future. Go bhfanfaidh a hanam milis i suaimhneas agus go gcumhdoidh a guth leis na haingil neamhai.

Recent Death
We extend our sympathies to the Brennan and Harney families on the recent death of Joan Brennan(nee Harney) late of Terenure, Dublin and also a former resident of Ballyduff. We pray that she now rests in peace.

New Entrance

It is wonderful to see all the work which is taking place on the new entrance to the Greenway at the top of Matthews Cross. This will be a fantastic facility in our area and will also bring many visitors into our area. The workmen say that all works should be completed within the next few weeks so we look forward to being able to enter the Greenway safely and securely and visiting the many beautiful places in our area.

Suir Valley Railway

The people at Waterford Suir Valley Railway have been busy painting and planting flowers etc and are very excited about welcoming passengers from July 1st. They have issued a colourful and informative brochure giving all details and notice of special events. You can pick up a brochure from the station or from local shops etc. The Whistlestop cafe is well stocked with lots of refreshments and tasty treats or you are welcome to bring a picnic. You are guaranteed a wonderful experience so come along and bring a friend. You can get in contact by phoning 051-384058 or check out their website wsvrailway.ie

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Power family on the death of Peter Power, Ardeenlone. Peter was a quiet unassuming gentleman and a great friend to our church. Peter is survived by his brother Thomas, cousins, relatives and friends. We pray that Peter now rests in peace. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

Clothes Collection

Ballyduff AFC are continuing their charity clathes collection and bags can be dropped off at the club dressing rooms on Saturday between 12 noon to 6pm. As well as clothes you can also include curtains, bed linen, towels and blankets. I’m sure you’ve all been busy while spending time at home clearing out wardrobes and hot presses, so this is your perfect opportunity to get rid of those excess items.

Glamorous Granny

Warm congratulations to Mary Larkin, the very popular lady on the Deli in Gala who recently welcomed her first grandchild into the world. Baby Daryl arrived safe and sound much to the delight of his proud parents and of course grandparents Mary and Thomas Larkin. I was priveleged to get to have a little look at a photo of Daryl and he is a very handsome chap indeed. I have no doubt that we will see him threading the boards with Portlaw Musical Society in years to come. We welcome baby Daryl and wish him a wonderful life.

Back To Work.
Many people are now returning back to their workplaces and we wish them the very best of luck. Work will not be the same as it was but keeping safe and well is all that matters. We also send good wishes to all the business owners who are reopening after a difficult and worrying period. We ask everyone to be patient and to follow all instructions and guidelines. Remember also whenever possible to support local businesses as we all help each other to return to some kind of normality.

Birthday Girl
We wish a very happy birthday to Mrs. Bridget Morrissey, Ballyduff West who will be 90 years young on Saturday June 13th. Mrs. Morrissey is a very popular and much loved lady in our community and I’m sure you all join with me in wishing her a very happy birthday. Unfortunately celebrations will have to be put on hold but I have no doubt that the family will still make the day very special. This great lady is not only a mother, grandmother and great grandmother but she also a great great grandmother. We wish Mrs. Morrissey continued good health and many more happy birthdays.

Ladies making headlines.

Flicking through Facebook during the week it was nice to see two familiar faces looking back at me. The Waterford Womens and schoolgirls league were highlighting some of their players. Two local Ballyduff AFC girls feature in the U12 Development Squad. Midfielder Robyn Fletcher was descibed as a midfield maestro while Laura Carlin is rightly called a stylish defender.Both girls were quizzed about their favourite players,teams etc so it was nice to learn a little more about these young players. Both girls have had a wonderful year with both the league and with their club. Unfortunately sports have been put on hold but I’m sure that is not holding these ladies back and there is many a game being played in the garden and many skills being perfected. Watch out when they get back out onto the pitch.

Graveyard Rubbish

On my latest visit to our beautifully kept graveyard I noticed some people had dumped some old wreaths down in the corner of the new graveyard. Please bring a bag with you when visiting and take home any old wreaths etc with you which can be easily disposed of in your compost bin. We have a very well kept graveyard which is maintained brilliantly by the wonderful Michael Jnr Power and many visitors comment on how well it looks. We must all play our part in keeping it this way so please remember that there are no dumping facilities there.

Notes

If you have any items which you would like me to include in these notes please contact me to give me the details. You can email me on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or you can call or text me on 087 9838392.

GAA News

Ballyduff Lower GAA club like everyone else are looking forward to getting back to hurling and football but until that can happen they encourage all their members to keep up their skills at home and to practice regularly. There are plenty of challenges and ideas on their Facebook page so take a look and challenge yourself.

A reminder to you all that the GAA grounds remain closed due to the ongoing restrictions so please do not enter the grounds as you will not be insured.

The dates for the annual Cul Camp have been changed to August 24th to 28th so keep an eye out for further details.

Mount Congreve

We are delighted to hear that our beautiful local gardens at Mount Congreve will open their gates again to visitors from June 9th. Of course there will be certain conditions. Visitors will need to be living within 20km and all tickets will need to be purchased beforehand through the link on their facebook page or website. The gardens will be open from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive from 10am to 5.30pm with last entry at 4pm. Thursday will be especially dedicated to those who are cocooning.

It has been lovely watching some on line videos of the gardens but now we will be able to enjoy the scent of the flowers, the sounds of the birds, the soft touch of the foliage in person. The cafe will be open for takeaway teas and coffees and sandwiches but there will be a queuing system and all Covid 19 restrictions will be in place.

Clothes Collection

If you have been busy clearing out wardrobes and hot presses and wondering where you are going to put all the unwanted items then don’t worry I have the perfect solution. Our local soccer club are hosting a charity clothes collection. You can drop your bags to Ballyduff AFC grounds on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday between 12 noon and 6pm. The dresing rooms will be open for the bags and we ask that you obey all the restrictions connected with Covid 19 and drop and leave. Please support this charity endeavour.

Retirement

We wish the very best to Michael Joy and all involved with Kilmacthomas Service Station in our neighbouring Kilmac who have decided to cease trading. You were always treated to a friendly greeting and a chat when you pulled in and it was lovely to get that personal greeting. We wish Michael and all the Joy family the very best for the future and thank them for their many years of dedicated service.

Your Notes

If you would like to include anything in these notes then please contact me by a thursday of each week. You can contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com