Monthly Archives: May 2025

Book Publication, Anniversary Celebrations and Marathon Success

21st CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to Kim Bergin who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with family and friends in The Sweep Bar and Restaurant. Kim and her dad Stan are popular visitors to Kilmeaden where they love to enjoy the good food and friendly service in The Sweep Bar and Restaurant. They were delighted to be joined by lots of the regulars to mark Kim’s special day. We wish Kim many more happy birthdays and hoped she enjoyed every minute of her birthday.

BOOK PUBLICATION

Congratulations and well done to Dr. Sophie van der Valk, a native of Coolagadden, Kilmeaden who recently published her first book which is entitled Overseeing Rights in Prison. The book examines the Irish experience of human rights protection in prisons. Sophie is a postdoctoral researcher with the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice on the project Transforming Justice: An All-Island examination of Justice Responses to Historical Institutional Abuse. Sophie who lives in Luxembourg is continuing her work in human rights law and is looking forward to her book hitting the shelves. Congratulations Sophie.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations and best wishes to Shay and Edel Searson, Gortaclode who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. This lovely couple are still like newlyweds and there is no doubt that they celebrated their special day in style together with their daughter Amber and son Scott. We wish them many more years of happiness and laughter.

MARATHON SUCCESS

Huge congratulations to Shane McDonnell, Ballygarron who recently completed his 50th marathon which is a fantastic achievement. The marathon took place in Limerick just one week after he had run the London marathon which had been a lifetime ambition. Congratulations Shane, your hard work and determination is greatly admired.

TRACTOR RUN

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club hold their annual tractor run every July. This year the date has been set for Sunday July 13th. This event is really looked forward to each year. It is a wonderful day for all the family with some fantastic vintage vehicles on display. The participants gather at Haughtons Pub and the run begins at 1pm. The route followed is a scenic country route bursting with the sights and sounds of nature and then when the run arrives back and parks up safely at Haughtons, there will be lots of refreshments on offer. For more information about the run please contact Pat on 0872216589.
This run has raised much need funds for many charities over the years and this year all proceeds will go to Waterford Hospice who provide public benefit to patients and their families known to the Southeast Palliative Care Service. Waterford Hospice provide invaluable support not only to their patients but also to the families affected by a loved one’s illness.

GRAVEYARD MASS.

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday June 4th at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.

GOLF CLASSIC

Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success, and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday June 20th from 8am to 5pm and Saturday June 21st from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051-640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have released a very important date in their annual calendar. Their popular Summer Camp will run from June 23rd to June 27th. This camp is very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details. The Miwadi football camp will take place in Ballyduff from 7th to 11th of July. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of both camps.

If you would like to join the club’s development fund, please contact any of the committee or check out details on their Facebook page. The proceeds of this draw will support the club’s upgrade plans which include a clubhouse extension and gym and all-weather pitch.

BALLYDUFF GAA

The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

Check out their Facebook page for details of future games and details of all events taking place.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

The elevator to success is out of order.
You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.

Gold Success, Tea Day and Daffodil Day

RECENT DEATHS

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Whelan family on the recent death of Kay Whelan, Knockaderry. Kay was a true lady who loved her home and garden. She will be sadly missed by her sisters Josie and Mamie, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Our sympathies to the Power family, Ballyduff on the recent death of John Power. We extend our condolences to Karen, Stephen and Alison, his grandchildren and extended family.

Deepest condolences to Marie Reade, Cullinagh on the death of her father Liam Brennan, Killeshin, Laois. Liam had recently celebrated his 90th birthday and he will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and neighbours.

GOLD SUCCESS

Congratulations to Ben Latham, Cullinagh who recorded great success recently at the TaeKwon-Do championships in Bosnia. Ben won gold in-75kg junior sparring and brought home a second gold in the team sparring. Ben works very hard and is very dedicated and committed to his training. We congratulate Ben on this fantastic achievement and wish him well for the future.

GRAVEYARD MASS.

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday June 4th at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.

WSVR

Many visitors have been enjoying some beautiful scenic trips on the Waterford Suir Valley train. The tranquil trip taking in the wonderful sights of the surrounding countryside. The sun glistening on the River Suir is so peaceful and relaxing and the wildlife and fauna are just picture postcard. The train operates on the hour from 11am Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon on Sunday and tickets can be booked in the booking carriage. The Whistlestop Café is ready to treat you to a nice relaxing cuppa and some delicious homemade treats. Their ice cream machine is working overtime during this glorious weather so pull up a seat and enjoy.

GOLF CLASSIC

Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success, and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday June 20th from 8am to 5pm and Saturday June 21st from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051-640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff’s U12B ladies pulled off an impressive double recently with a League and Cup double when they a one nil win over a highly motivated Mooncoin team. There were some fantastic individual performances and a truly committed team effort. The game was a very close game and finally after 20 minutes Ballyduff’s striker Dollyann opened the scoring with her trademark turn and strike finding the corner of the net. Every girl gave 100% and there were great celebrations when that final whistle was blown.

Ballyduff AFC have released a very important date in their annual calendar. Their popular Summer Camp will run from June 23rd to June 27th. This camp is very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details. The Miwadi football camp will take place in Ballyduff from 7th to 11th of July. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of both camps.

If you would like to join the club’s development fund, please contact any of the committee or check out details on their Facebook page. The proceeds of this draw will support the club’s upgrade plans which include a clubhouse extension and gym and all-weather pitch.

BALLYDUFF GAA

The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

There is lots of activity in Tom Cheasty Park with many matches and training sessions. The U10 hurlers and U14 footballers recorded some fine wins recently. Congratulations to Liam, Luke and Matthew from the U14 squad who attended the 2025 Waterford Talent Academy Launch as part of the Waterford U14’s Gaelic Football Squad.

Check out their Facebook page for details of future games and details of all events taking place.
All at Ballyduff GAA club would like to send very happy birthday wishes to clubman David Power who recently celebrated his 50th birthday

GAA LOTTO

Ballyduff Lower GAA club held their recent lotto draw on Sunday May 11th and the numbers drawn were 6, 8, 14 and 22. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sandra Murphy, Denis Whelan and George Cliffe. The next draw will take place on Sunday May 25th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchases from all committee members, online or from the volunteer ticket sellers who will be at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday May 24th. This lotto is a major fundraiser for the club, and they are very grateful to everyone for their support.

TEA DAY.

The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day took place on Thursday May 8th, and the organisers would like to thank everyone who came along and donated to the cause by attending the tea/coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre. It was a lovely morning with people gathering to join in a cuppa and a chat and enjoying the vast array of delicious treats on offer and a lovely atmosphere to sit and relax in. This very worthy cause deserves our support for the wonderful work they do with Alzheimer patients and their families. A fantastic amount of €880 was raised in Ballyduff on the day and this has been donated directly to The Pine Grove Centre in Waterford. A big well done to all who donated and to all who organised it.

DAFFODIL DAY.

A big well done to all who volunteered, supported and donated to the recent Daffodil Day collection in aid of The Cancer Society. The Kilmeaden area was very involved with many volunteers giving their time to support this very worthy cause. A fantastic amount of €4120 was raised in the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas and we all know how beneficial this will be to the charity. A big well done to all who donated and supported this fabulous cause.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.

NOTES

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact
me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a
wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community
and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.

Graveyard Mass, Mayoral Reception and Playful Communities

GRAVEYARD MASS.

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday June 4th at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.

GOLF CLASSIC

Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success, and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday June 20th from 8am to 5pm and Saturday June 21st from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051-640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.
The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

MAYORAL RECEPTION

Mick Morrissey, Kilmeaden is one of the most well-known names in the Motorsport world. His name is respected all over Ireland and the world. His great passion for his sport has made him a person who is looked up to by those who are now making their way up through the ranks. His professionalism has gained him many admirers and in 2024 he reached the pinnacle of his sport by becoming the World Master Rally Champion.

Mick was deeply humbled to be awarded a Mayoral reception by the Waterford City and County Council. He was very grateful to Mayor Jason Murphy for hosting the occasion. Mick was joined by his family, friends and fellow rally competitors and really enjoyed sharing the event with them all.
We congratulate Mick on all his wonderful achievements and look forward to his future endeavours.

MASS BOOKINGS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for a loved one please contact the sacristan Ann or Linda Spillane.

PLAYFUL COMMUNITIES

Waterford City and County Council joined with members of Ballyduff Lower GAA club and Ballyduff AFC to bring Playful Communities to Kilmeaden’s newest housing estate Clochan. There was a great day of fun and activities, and many new friends were made. Congratulations to all the organisers and a big well done to all who came out and took part.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have released a very important date in their annual calendar. Their popular Summer Camp will run from June 23rd to June 27th. This camp is very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details.

If you would like to join the club’s development fund, please contact any of the committee or check out details on their Facebook page. The proceeds of this draw will support the club’s upgrade plans which include a clubhouse extension and gym and all-weather pitch.

BALLYDUFF GAA

The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

Butterflies rest when it rains
Because it damages their wings.
It’s ok to rest during the storms of life.
You will fly again when it is over.

NOTES

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact
me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a
wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community
and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.

Graveyard Mass, Golf Classic and Late Eugene Power

GAA LOTTO

Ballyduff Lower GAA club held their recent lotto draw on Sunday April 27th and the numbers drawn were 1, 9, 12 and 22. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Tess and Daniel Barron, Celia Gaffney and Sean Molloy. The next draw will take place on Sunday May 11th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from all committee members, online or from the volunteer ticket sellers who will be at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday May 10th. This lotto is a major fundraiser for the club, and they are very grateful to everyone for their support.

TEA DAY.

The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day will take place on Thursday May 8th, and we will have our chance to support the cause by attending a tea/coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This is always a lovely morning with people gathering to join in a cuppa and a chat. I can personally guarantee that there will be lots of delicious treats on offer and a lovely atmosphere to sit and relax in. This very worthy cause deserves our support for the wonderful work they do with Alzheimer patients and their families.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have expressed their deepest sympathy to the family of Pat Foran. Pat was an outstanding referee in the Junior League and after hanging up his whistle, he joined Ballyduff AFC and gave great service to the club at committee level and as team manager. The club send their condolences to his wife Mary, daughter Jenny and all the Foran and Hanrahan families.

Ballyduff AFC have released some very important dates in their annual calendar. Their popular Easter camp will take place from April 14th to April 18th and their Summer Camp will run from June 23rd to June 27th. These camps are very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details.

If you would like to join the club’s development fund, please contact any of the committee or check out details on their Facebook page. The proceeds of this draw will support the club’s upgrade plans which include a clubhouse extension and gym and all-weather pitch. The March winner of the club development draw was Maura Phelan, and her son Liam accepted the prize on her behalf. Maura very kindly donated her prize to the club’s development fund for which the club are very grateful.

The Ballyduff AFC women’s team is recruiting goalies, defenders, strikers and midfielders so if you are interested in training and playing competitive women’s football please contact the club on Facebook messenger or contact coach Carrie on 085 1046190.

The FAI Football initiative has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding programs in recent times. This program runs every Saturday morning in Ballyduff AFC grounds for an hour. It is proving to be very popular, and more volunteers and coaches are needed. If you feel you may have an hour to spare, please contact Mike on 087 6910091

GRAVEYARD MASS.

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday June 4th at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.

BALLYDUFF GAA

The Well Kids program has returned for boys and girls aged 4-6 years, and all are welcome to come along and join in the fun. It takes place every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am at Tom Cheasty Park (X91 YK07). No equipment is necessary.

The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

GOLF CLASSIC

Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success, and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday June 20th from 8am to 5pm and Saturday June 21st from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051-640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.
The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

PRIMARY GAMES

Congratulations to John Gooney who wore the number 8 shirt with great pride as he represented Waterford in the Primary game against Clare in Walsh Park. Your family, school and club are very proud of you John.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

We send very warm birthday wishes to Blacknock lady Anne Atkins who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. I have no doubt that Anne had plenty of callers to wish her a happy birthday and there may have been a lovely homemade cake with her name on it. Anne is wished a very happy birthday from all her neighbours and friends in Kilmeaden.

LATE EUGENE POWER.

Our community was plunged into sadness upon hearing of the death of Eugene Power, Ballyduff House. Eugene was a wonderful community man, giving his time freely and happily for the good of others. He was a great family man with a cheeky smile and mischievous grin. His love of the land and farming gave him a great appreciation for nature and animals. His life was all about giving to others and helping in any way at all and he will always be remembered with great affection and love in our community. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Sioban, his son Michael, daughters Fionnuala, Una, Edel, Siobhan and Isabel and his 15 adored grandchildren. May his sweet gentle soul now rest in peace in the loving arms of Christ.

NOTES

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact
me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a
wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community
and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.

Tea Day, Play Day and FAI Club Mark Status

EASTER CEREMONIES.

A big well done and thank you to everyone who took part in the Easter ceremonies this year. A special word of thanks to our wonderful sacristan Ann Nolan who takes such great care of our church throughout the year. Ann ensures that everything is kept well and that the church is ready for every occasion. Joan Cheasty is truly gifted with her excellent flower arranging skills and the colours used for Easter were so bright and beautiful, we are very lucky to have her.
Our parish choirs sang beautiful spiritual hymns throughout the Easter season and really enhanced the masses. A big thank you also to those who volunteered their time to read during Holy Week. A reminder that Trocaire boxes can now be returned to the church so that the money can be counted and sent off. The annual Easter collection for the support of the priests is also been taken up.

TEA DAY.

The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day will take place on Thursday May 8th, and we will have our chance to support the cause by attending a tea/coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This is always a lovely morning with people gathering to join in a cuppa and a chat. I can personally guarantee that there will be lots of delicious treats on offer and a lovely atmosphere to sit and relax in. This very worthy cause deserves our support for the wonderful work they do with Alzheimer patients and their families.

GRAVEYARD MASS.

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday June 4th at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.

GOLF CLASSIC

Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success, and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday June 20th from 8am to 5pm and Saturday June 21st from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051-640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.
The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21st to July 25th. Book your place early as places fill very fast.

PLAY DAY.

A special play and get together day will take place at Clochan in Kilmeaden Village from 2pm on Saturday May 3rd. This is a playful community’s event which is run in conjunction with Ballyduff Lower GAA Club. This initiative aimed at bringing people together through fun and play and enrich community life. For further information please contact Eoin Morrissey on 087 2181709 or Lauren Walsh Kett 087 1178578.

FAI CLUB MARK STATUS.

Congratulations to Ballyduff AFC who have officially achieved FAI Club Mark Entry Level Award. This highlights the club’s commitment to excellence in club governance and administration, child welfare, coach education and active participation in FAI programs. The FAI Club Mark aims to establish minimum operating standards for grassroots clubs, to support clubs with a roadmap to strong governance and management, to reward commitment to continuous improvement and help to grow the game in local communities across the country.
This is a huge achievement for the club and one which is well deserved as they take great pride and interest in their members and their facilities.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

Please be kind:
Don’t be the reason, someone skips a meal
hates waking up or feels left out.
Your words and actions stick with people forever.

NOTES

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact
me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a
wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community
and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.