Engagement Joy, Church News and County Champions

Engagement Joy
Warmest congratulations to local lady Aoife Kearns, Tigroe who said “yes” to her Prince Charming Mark Scannell as he popped the question. I am not sure if Mark rode in on a white horse, I think a nice shiny something on four wheels would be more up his street. We wish the happy couple every best wish as they plan their future lives together. I have no doubt that the couples two little Princess’s Erina and Cara will have plenty of suggestions for them.

 


Anniversary Celebrations
Some more loved up couples in our area have been celebrating their wedding anniversaries recently. Our local friendly Postman Denis O Donoghue celebrated 38 years of wedded bliss with his lovely wife Martina. We hope they both enjoyed a lovely day together.
Ardeenlone couple Don and Sharon Flynn celebrated 25 years of a beautiful marriage. This couple were definetly born to be together and I have no doubt that another 25 years of love and happiness are on the way. Out in front though are Ballygarron couple Tom and May McGrath who recently celebrated 57 years of a wonderful marriage. This very popular couple are still very much in love and it is rare to ever see one of them without the other. We wish them both every happiness for the future.

 


Church News
We will now begin to take some bookings for anniversary masses during the months of November and December. Masses can not be shared due to Covid restrictions. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or spillanelinda2017@ gmail.com

 


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Robinson and Stephenson famllies on the recent death of Ann Robinson(nee Stephenson). Ann lived in Faithlegg but was a native of Greenhill House Kilmeaden. Anns’ funeral mass took place in Ballyduff followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We send our deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends.

 


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC are not only busy with matches and training in every division but they most also keep up the business of fundraising. One of their initiatives proved very popular last time round so they are going to roll it out again. Clearing out those closets and wardrobes can be very beneficial but where do you drop your unwanted clothes items too. For your convieniance you can drop them to Ballyduff AFC grounds for their fundraising clothes collection. Drop them off during the week from Monday to Friday from 6pm to 9pm or on a Saturday or Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Please drop them to the dressing room and obey all the guidelines.


Ballyduff GAA

Our club have been kept busy with many games at all levels. A big thank you to Brian Hearne who sends me on information each week. The U12 footballers had a very convincing win over John Mitchells on home turf. This bunch are doing really well and always give 100%. Our minors were in hard luck against Clan Na Gael but battled right to the very end and were missing 3 of their starters which was a pity. The U9’s battled to show great character against St. Saviours. It was great to see them enjoy the game so much and a big thank you to all the parents for the encouragement. Our U7 footballers had great fun at a football blitz in Rathgormack and the group were described as tenacious which is indeed a compliment. We were in hard luck in the Intermediate football to draw with Tramore but failed to qualify for the semi finals. A big thank to this team and their coaches for such a great effort all year and for the entertainment .The U11 division one footballers had a good win over Tramore in a game that was great to watch with end to end football. They played like a real team and the standard was excellent..With great defending and some lovely scores, they are really holding their own in the premier division and the future looks bright. The club are very proud of the U12 Lgfa girls who returned home from Ballysaggart as County Champion. This was a super achievement and a big congratulations to all the team, coaches and parents for being so supportive. The club would like to thank Fiona for all the photos and match updates on the day. The girls keep going as the U 16 Lgfa girls came out on top in an epic battle with Tramore. In an open free flowing game they were down 4-06 to 4-03 at half time. With just 5 minutes to go Tramore were 8-08 up to 5-07 but the girls finished like a well oiled machine and found the net 3 times to finally win by 2 points .The County Final is fixed for October and the club wishes them the best. The ladies group is going from strength to strength with lots of exercise and plenty of fun. They now meet in the field at the new time of 8pm every Friday night and if you are interested just drop along and chat to the girls.. A big thank you to the three coaches Jack, Dermot and Fiona who guested and gave great advice. Unfortunately Waterford is in the top 5 for cases of Covid in the past two weeks. As a club everyone must work together to keep our efforts up and abide the regulations. We ask you to follow health guidelines, complete return to play before each session/match and keep each other safe.


County Champions

I had the absolute pleasure this week of transporting two County Champions to school, actually I also got to bring the twinning plaque to school also .The young ladies of our U12 Lgfa team brought great excitement and pride to our area last week as we awaited news of their County Final meeting with Balysaggart.. This was a thrilling game from start to finish with a final score of Ballyduff 3-07 to Ballysaggart 1-9. What a fantastic achievement by these young ladies and we are all very proud of them. I have the pleasure also of playing a small little part in 2 of these young ladies lives and I got a very detailed report on the game and celebrations. The best part of all this for me listening to Makayla and Sarah was the delight and excitement in both their faces as they relived every kick of the ball and every score won. This shows what pride and dedication they have in their sport. After the game they were treated to a McDonalds and then it was off for a drive around both Kilmeaden and Portlaw for the traditional honking of horns and waving of flags. I am so proud of these girls and urge you all to get those flags out for our U16 girls who now face into their County Final .

Community Reassurance, Climb Onboard and Local Success

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Jay Dowdall Tigroe on the recent death of his mother. Philo Dowdall nee Shanahan was a resident of Scrahan Kilmacthomas. She is predeceased by her husband Frank. She will be deeply missed by her sons Gerard and Jay and daughter Esme, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and all her relatives and friends. The funeral mass was celebrated in All Saints Church, Newtown followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.


Anniversary Couple

We send warm wishes and congratulations to local couple Derek and Fiona Laffan, Ballyduff who recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. I’m sure this lovely couple celebrated their special day with their children Ciara, Danny and Shane. I have no doubt that Derek treated his wife to a nice romantic drive or perhaps there was a bicycle made for two thrown into the mix. We wish them both every happiness for the future and many more years of wedded bliss.

 


Community Reassurance.
Our local garda would like to reassure us all that they are always available to offer assistance and support during this Covid 19 pandemic. You can contact Tramore Garda on 051 391620.
Our friends in the Garda station in Kilmacthomas would like to let you know that the station will now open to the public from 4pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday

 


Climb Onboard
It is wonderful to see so many people availing of the lovely amenities in our area. One of these of course is the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. They will continue to operate 5 trips per day until November 1st. The train departs from the station in Kilmeaden on the hour from 11am to 3pm. You can book your private compartment on https://www.wsvrailway.ie/book-tickets/ Climb onboard and enjoy your trip taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the county.

 


Local Success
I was delighted to read a very interesting article recently put together by RTE’s Fiona Alston. In her boost my business column she looks at how companies are affected by Covid 19 and what they are trying to do to return to normality. Featuring in the article was the great family run business Furniture by Penn. This business has stood the test of time from 1973 and has seen many changes over the years. At the helm is Gerard Barron and his wife Aileen and together they worked hard to keep this business improving and have met every challenge they have been faced with. Gerard whose late father started the business is very proud of the fact that all materials are sourced locally therefore supporting those around him.
The company specialise in making bespoke furniture for both homes and businesses. With this company you get the full package from design, manufacture and full installation service. When Covid 19 forced them to close down in March. They started an e-commerce offering and took to social media to let us all know they were still in production. They also started to design and develop some freestanding furniture. The company look forward to the future and we all wish them many more years of success and more importantly enjoyment in their place of work.

 


Ballyduff AFC
The 11th Terry Butler Cup game was played recently and I am delighted to report that Ballyduff regained the cup in a very entertaining game . The roll call is now 6-5 in our favour and the club would like to say a big thank you to the Portlaw club who come to take part each year and make it one of the highlights of the club year. A big thank you also to the Butler family who always make themselves available for the game and presentation of the cup. Terrys legacy lives on in the club and the dedication and commitment he gave will never be forgotten.
A big thank you to Damien and Majella Hennessy in Gala Kilmeaden who presented the Division 4 team with a set of new tops for the new season. It is wonderful to see local businesses supporting clubs and groups and we ask you to show your support to these businesses.

Anniversary Couple, School Time and Youth Drama

Anniversary Couple

We send warmest congratulations to local couple Patsy and Jacqui O Brien of Amberhill who recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. I have no doubt that this happy couple celebrated their special day and that they look forward to many more special days to come. We wish them both many more years of good health and wedded bliss.

 


School Time
Huge congratulations to all the young people of our parish who returned to school in the past week or so. They have certainly returned to school during uncertain and unusual times and so I ask that both pupils and teachers are patient and respectful towards each other. This pandemic was not foreseen and so nobody has all the answers. We are all learning as we go along and so it is important that we all work together.
I have met some of the new Junior Infants in Ballyduff NS who told me that big school is great fun and awesome. I have also met some of the young men and women who have headed off to secondary school for the first time and although they admitted to being nervous they were also looking forward to getting started with their new subjects and school activities. Would you believe that I also spoke to some primary and secondary teachers who also said they were nervous about returning to school and their first thought was about keeping everyone safe. We wish everyone a very safe, happy and healthy year ahead.

 


Youth Drama

I met Helen Millea during the week and she wanted me to let you know that Ballyduff Youth Drama are keen and eager to return to rehearsals and to the stage. They are keeping an eager eye on the covid 19 restrictions and the changing or lifting of restrictions and hopefully an increase of numbers attending indoor events and activities. Once this happens they are ready and willing to get going and look forward to welcoming everyone back.
The Drama Group have treated us to many colourful, cheerful and funny performances over the years and Helen tells me that another great show awaits. If you would like any further information you can contact Helen Millea on 087 6493657.


GAA News
Hard luck to our intermediate hurlers who played their hearts out in the County Final but unfortunately it wasn’t their day. They really lifted the spirits of the community and that was really needed. The club and community are very proud of our Eastern Champions and look forward to next years battle.
Another County Final awaits us as the U12 LGFA girls get ready to take on Ballysaggart. This is a super achievement by these girls who are playing really well as a team and great credit must go to them and their coaches.
In our underage section all teams have been performing well with the minors winning their county final and all other teams competing right up to the end of their groups. The future is certainly looking bright for the club and the club would like to acknowledge the hard work which is being put in by all players, coaches and parents as matches came fast and hard in this condensed season.
The underage teams in our LGFA have been excelling in their various age groups so far and we await the outcome of some matches to see where they end up. It is wonderful to see all these underage teams enjoying their sport and learning new skills.

 


Birthday Girl

We send warmest congratulations and best wishes to Portlaw lady Joan Hallissey who recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Joan is now a resident in Mooncoin Nursing Home but I know that she keeps herself up to date with all the local happenings. We wish Joan continued good health and happiness.


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC are on the lookout for some new players for their U16/18 girls teams. If you are interested please contact Benny on 086 6043022 or Joanne on 086-1568124.


Notes

If you would like me to include an item in these notes for you please give me a text or call on 087 9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com Share your club or group activities, your loved ones birthday, anniversary, congratulations or good wishes. This is how many people stay in touch with community life and these notes are also uploaded each week to our parish website which is viewed by many people originally from here but now living in other parts of the country or indeed in other countries.

Back to School, Golden Days and Big Occasions

Back To School
After an extended Summer holiday it is finally time for all our young people to return to school. Although it will be a completely different experience we hope that they will enjoy every minute. I’m not sure if many of them will admit it but I have a sneaky suspicion that the majority of them are looking forward to going back and feel somewhat normal. We wish them all a safe return and also to all the teachers and staff. Please follow all the guidelines given to you.

 


Golden Days
We send warm wishes and congratulations to our near neighbours Michael and Mary Monaghan in Slievroe Butlerstown who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Special wishes come your way from all your family and friends around the Kilmeaden area. We wish you many more years of health and happiness.

 


Big Occasions
Many congratulations to all the young boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff NS who recently made their First Holy Communion and also the young men and women from 5th and 6th classes who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Unfortunately plans had to be changed but I have no doubt that each of them enjoyed a wonderful day and were made to feel very special by their family and friends.

 


Ballyduff GAA
Ballyduff GAA are certainly enjoying plenty of success in recent times and as I am writing these notes all thoughts and talk is of Sunday and our meeting with Ballyduff Upper. Hopefully next weeks notes will speak of great triumph.

 


Church News
It is lovely to see so many people visiting the church and masses again. We are taking some anniversary mass bookings so if you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and I will look after you as best I can.