Place of Beauty
We are really blessed in our area to have so many places of beauty to visit and enjoy. One of these places is the beautiful Fairbrook House where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the stunning gardens and visit the contemporary Arts Museum. The gardens are open from Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm. For more information please contact Clary on 051-384657 or artmastenbrock@gmail.com
GAA News
The club are absolutely delighted to see the academy section of the club back and are thrilled to hear the sounds of the children laughing and chatting happily. Well done to all the boys and girls who followed all the Covid 19 restrictions out without a problem.
Club membership is now due for all groups using the field. Forms can be downloaded @GAA.ie or can be got from any of the coaches. Alternatively most memberships can be paid on the CLUBFORCE app
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC are delighted to welcome some of the teams back to training and appeal to all coaches, players and parents to observe the Covid protocal and to be careful. Sincere thanks goes to Jenny and Joanne who have worked really hard to make sure everything is in place for our return to training.
Ballyduff Soccer Club will host their Summer Soccer Camp from July 27th and you can book by using the following link
https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/BallyduffAFC
The cost for your first child is €55, the second is €40 and your third child is free.
The club would like to congratulate and send best wishes to former player Shane McDonnell who took on a 42 day running challenge to raise much needed funds for two great charities, The Saint Vincent De Paul Society and The Alzheimers Society. I believe Shane has had a brilliant response to his challenge and is very grateful for all the support.
Church News
The young boys and girls of the parish are delighted to finally have the dates for their Confirmation and Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Friday August 21st at 12 noon in Portlaw church and Holy Communion day will be on Friday August 14th at 12 noon in Ballyduff Church.
A True Angel
We were all certainly lost for words last week when news spread of the death of Gwen Murray of Ardeenlone. At just the tender age of 51 Gwen fought her battle with her illness for the previous couple of years. She fought with great strength and courage and always remained upbeat. Her true focus at all times was her family and her only wish was to be at home with her husband John and her children Ben and Abbie. There was never any doubt how much she loved and cared for them all and their home was full of friendship, love and happiness.
Gwen was originally from Cherry Terrace, Lisduggan and is survived by her sisters Karen, Annmarie, Laura, Paula, Jennifer and Michelle. It was lovely to watch all of Gwen’s sisters stay up with her as she was brought home from the Undertakers. It was lovely to get a little insight into how life must have been with seven girls in the family, I’m sure there was many an interesting conversation but no doubt they will remain within the sister code.
Gwen left us way too soon but while she was here she taught us so much, she taught us that above all family must always come first. She showed us strength, courage, patience and dignity. She was a beautiful soul. When I see a rainbow I will think of her love of colour and brightness, when I see the sun I will feel the warmth of her smile, our lives were enriched by knowing her and we are grateful that she left us with so many beautiful memories. May her sweet gentle soul now rest where there is no more pain or sickness and every day is full of sunshine and rainbows.
Our Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Aulsberry family on the death of Nicholas Aulsberry. A native of Blacknock, Nicholas was a retired Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant. He stood down in 2005 after many years service to the Irish Army. Nicholas was a long time resident of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. He served a 43 year career in the Defence Forces which included 10 overseas trips. We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Aulsberry family.