Cooking Camp, Church News and Weekend to Remember

July 25, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

BALLYDUFF AFC.

Ballyduff AFC are getting ready for a new season and are ready to welcome new members to all their sections especially academy players aged 4 to 9 years, schoolgirl and schoolboy players and the women’s and men’s teams. They are also hoping to welcome some new coaches. No experience is necessary as FAI training will be provided. There is also an opening for some new committee members to help shape the future of the club. There is a place within the club for everyone so please contact any committee member or go to their Facebook page and fill out their form to register your interest.
Ballyduff AFC are a vibrant and thriving club with fantastic plans for the future growth of their club. They are very welcoming to all new members.
A big thank you to the 60+ young footballers who took part in the FAI Camp recently. It was a fantastic success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

BALLYDUFF LOWER GAA NEWS

On Wednesday August 6^th the Dillon Quirke Foundation will visit the club to carry out their Cardiac Screening Programme on all juvenile members. The screening programme is designed to raise awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome which takes almost 100 lives each year. The screening can help against SADS by identifying heart conditions at an early stage. If you would like to register your interest. This is a free test, but places will be limited so book early. This is a wonderful opportunity so please book your place early.

COOKING CAMP.

A weekly children’s cooking summer camp has begun at Ballyduff Community Centre from July 14^th. This camp is aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years and runs from Monday to Friday at 10am until 1pm. Places are limited so to register your interest or to find out some more information please contact Siobhan on 087 9027425. This is a great opportunity to learn some great cooking skills while making new friends.

AGM

Ballyduff Community Centre committee will hold their AGM on Tuesday July 29^th at 8pm in the community centre. All are welcome to attend and become involved in their local community.

CHURCH NEWS.

For the foreseeable future there will be no Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff Church. The only weekend mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10am.
The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday July 23^rd at 7pm.
Fundraising is now underway for the renovation of our beautiful church. Each household has now received an information letter about the project and how to donate. All details are also available on the parish website. The renovations are making steady progress. A few of the windows have had glass replaced and have been leaded. The next part of the renovation will include the replacement of gutters and downpipes to prevent dampness and moisture. The committee would like to sincerely thank all those who have made donations so far and ask those who haven’t, to consider donating so that these renovations can continue.

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

The annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor run took place on Sunday July 13^th and what a weekend of fun and laughter. Festivities kicked off on Saturday July 12^th when Haughtons Pub was the venue for three live bands. There was a great night of talent from EJ Mae, Washed Out and Woody who all performed some great covers and brilliant original numbers. The tractor run set off on their journey just after 1pm on Sunday in glorious sunshine. On their return they were treated to a very tasty barbeque cooked perfectly by Jack Molloy and his team. Old and new friends gathered to chat and laugh. During the weekend collection buckets were passed around for The Hospice and people were delighted to support a charity who provide such vital support and help to their clients and their families.
A big well done to all involved in the organisation of the weekend activities. It was a wonderful success, and they should all be very proud.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

May your week be filled with good thoughts,
kind people and happy moments.

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.

Cooking Camp, Pretty Wedding and Amble Visit

July 18, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

GAA LOTTO

The latest GAA lotto draw was held on Sunday July 6^th and there was no lucky jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 13, 15, 23 and 28. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Padraig Dunphy, Eoghan Power and Paul O Shea. The next draw will take place on July 20^th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €12,500.
Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and can be purchased from all committee members, online or will be available to buy on Saturday July 19^th at Centra in Kilmeaden from the volunteer ticket sellers. This is a major part of the club’s fundraising so please support if possible and you could be that lucky jackpot winner.

JERSEY PRESENTATION

Some members of the Ballyduff Lower U13 GAA squad were thrilled to visit Mount Congreve to be presented with a set of jerseys sponsored by Mount Congreve. The club were delighted to receive this sponsorship. The jerseys were presented by Sara Dolan (CEO Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate) to some of the team members at Mount Congreve House. The club are very grateful for this sponsorship.

COOKING CAMP.

A weekly children’s cooking summer camp will take place at Ballyduff Community Centre from July 14^th. This camp is aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years and runs from Monday to Friday at 10am until 1pm. Places are limited so to register your interest or to find out some more information please contact Siobhan on 087 9027425. This is a great opportunity to learn some great cooking skills while making new friends.

HONORARY MEMBER

Congratulations to Darragh Dooley, Tigroe who became an honorary member of Ballyduff Lower U15 football panel last Sunday July 6^th. Darragh was joined by his parents Dermot and Louise, his brother Cathal and his sisters Ava and Olivia, who are all proud members of the club and were all thrilled to join Darragh for this very special occasion. Darragh’s teammates, coaches and mentors are looking forward to working with Darragh.

AGM

Ballyduff Community Centre committee will hold their AGM on Tuesday July 29^th at 8pm in the community centre. All are welcome to attend and become involved in their local community.

WSVR

All the staff and management of Waterford Suir Valley Railway are deeply saddened by the death of their friend and colleague James Kelly. James was an invaluable member of the team who gave his time and expertise to the development and success of the railway. James was always willing to take on different tasks and did so with a smile and a laugh. He will be deeply missed by all his colleagues and friends and by all who visited the railway. May his sweet gentle soul now rest in peace.

PRETTY WEDDING

On Friday July 4^th, St. Patrick’s Church, Portlaw was the setting for the most beautiful wedding of two very popular locals Sarah Fitzgerald and Darren Rockett. Sarah was a picture of beauty as she walked up the aisle on the arm of her very proud father John to greet her handsome husband to be Darren. Fr. Ned Hassett was ready to celebrate and bless this union and officiated over a beautiful ceremony. He proudly announced them as man and wife, as their family and friends looked on with great happiness.
Once all the official work was done and the photographs were taken, it was off to The Park Hotel, Dungarvan where guests were treated to a fabulous meal and then danced the night away. The celebrations continued for the weekend as more fun took place in The Cotton Mill on Saturday and Haughtons on Sunday. We wish this lovely couple every happiness for the future in their beautiful home.

AMBLE VISIT

Haughtons was the scene of great joy and excitement on Tuesday July 8^th as popular band Amble dropped in for a visit. Word spread quickly and soon the pub was full of fans. The band enjoyed a pint and a taste of the Haughtons well known friendly welcome. Some members of the All- Ireland winning Waterford Minor team also arrived with The Irish Press Cup. A very memorable night was had by all. You’d never know who you would bump into at Haughtons!

CHURCH NEWS.

For the foreseeable future there will be no Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff Church. The only weekend mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10am.
The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday July 23^rd at 7pm.
Fundraising is now underway for the renovation of our beautiful church. Each 1household has now received an information letter about the project and how to donate. All details are also available on the parish website. The renovations are making steady progress. A few of the windows have had glass replaced and have been leaded. The next part of the renovation will include the replacement of gutters and downpipes to prevent dampness and moisture. The committee would like to sincerely thank all those who have made donations so far and ask those who haven’t, to consider donating so that these renovations can continue.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

When things feel too overwhelming, remember:
One day at a time, one thought at a time,
One moment at a time and one task at a time.

NOTES

All Ireland Medal, Garda Community Clinic and WSVR

July 11, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

TRACTOR RUN

The week has finally arrived for the annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor run and great excitement is building. To kick start the weekend, the guys in Haughtons will open their doors to everyone on Saturday July 12th with live music from two great bands. Taking to the stage at 7pm are the winners of WLR’s Local Hero Award, Washed Out followed by Woody at 9pm. This is a free event but there will be a bucket collection during the night for The Hospice. As you all know at this stage Haughtons is now run by a group of local lads who are passionate about their area and have been avid supporters of the tractor run over the past number of years. They take great pride in ensuring that this event is a huge success and will be pulling out all the stops.
The tractor run will commence from Haughtons on Sunday July 13^th at 1pm. The route will take you through some beautiful scenic areas taking in the sights and sounds of nature. This year the run will travel through the fabulous Curraghmore Estate and back down to Kilmeaden and Ballyduff before making their way back to Haughtons where once again the friendly hospitality of the lads will shine. There will be a free barbeque for everyone to enjoy and there might be a few lemonades consumed. Tractors will be parked up or delivered home in time for all the drivers and spectators to enjoy a chat and a laugh meeting up with friends from far and near. This is always a wonderful family day and is always organised to precision by a fantastic organising committee. For more information about the run please contact Pat on 0872216589.

This charity run has raised much needed 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. During Saturday night’s music event and Sunday’s tractor run and barbeque there will be donations buckets available, and you are asked to be as generous as possible. We have all witnessed the wonderful work being done by this charity and how our support is vital to the continuation of its vital work.

ALL-IRELAND MEDAL.

Huge congratulations to Dylan Murphy, Coolagadden who is part of the All-Ireland winning Waterford Minor team. Dylan put in a wonderful performance on All-Ireland day, and he and his teammates treated us all to a fantastic game of hurling. A game of excitement and skill, we were all on the edge of our seats. What a wonderful achievement by this youthful team and their coaching and management team.

It was wonderful to see such a crowd of supporters travel to the game and enjoy a superb game of hurling. Two great friends who are staunch Waterford supporters Elizabeth Barry and Brenda Foley travelled to the match decked out in the Deise colours. Their beautiful scarfs were knitted by Brenda and proved very popular with everyone including the mother of the captain James Comerford who asked Brenda to make one for James which she kindly did and the scarf was handed over at Faithlegg Hotel and James gave Brenda a lovely bunch of flowers and greeted her with a big hug as he headed up the steps on Saturday to receive the cup.

BALLYDUFF AFC.

The club would like to give a special mention of congratulations to their division 3 manager John Walsh who was part of the Irish U14 coaching team who recently returned cup winners from the 6-team tournament held in Ballymena.

The club enjoyed a fantastic summer camp with the weather remaining good for most of the days. Everyone enjoyed great fun and learning new skills. Great new friendships were made, and the club would like to say a big thank you to their coaches Alannah, Roisin and Ben who ensured all the young people had a great time.

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

To mark Men’s Health Week Ballyduff AFC will facilitate a four-week block of Yoga with Ginni. This is proudly funded by Waterford Sports Partnership and is a wonderful way to improve your wellbeing. This free event will take place on Wednesdays July 1^st, 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd at 7pm. To book your place please contact Brian on 087-6392452.

BALLYDUFF GAA

There was disappointment for the U13 hurlers when they were defeated by a very strong Ballygunner side in the city league final. The boys have put in some fantastic performances throughout the league and despite a strong effort in the final, it wasn’t their night. A big thank you to Kilmeaden Groundworks who treated the team to Supermacs after the game.
The U8 camogie girls visited Gracedieu to play two games against Gailtir and De La Salle. The girls put in a huge effort and showed some great skill.
The final Deise Og U7 football blitz took place in Gaultier recently and they played three great games. Congratulations to all the players who put in a great effort and smiled through them all even through the rain.

CHURCH NEWS.

For the foreseeable future there will be no Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff Church. The only weekend mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10am.
The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday July 23^rd at 7pm
Our church choir will take a well-deserved break now for the Summer and we thank them most sincerely for all the joy and warmth they have brought to our masses during the year. They will recharge their batteries and return in September with some more beautiful music and hymns.
Fundraising is now underway for the renovation of our beautiful church. Each household has now received an information letter about the project and how to donate. All details are also available on the parish website. The renovations are making steady progress. A few of the windows have had glass replaced and have been leaded. The next part of the renovation will include the replacement of gutters and downpipes to prevent dampness and moisture. The committee would like to sincerely thank all those who have made donations so far and ask those who haven’t, to consider donating so that these renovations can continue.

WSVR

Choo Choo days are back every Sunday and Wednesday in July and August at Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Enjoy a beautiful scenic 40-minute trip through the countryside beside Waterford Greenway and the River Suir. Take a glimpse at Mount Congreve gardens, make a wish at the Magic Wood and see four good examples of lime kilns. When you check in at the ticket office children will receive a treasure hunt page and map to enjoy on the way. Honey and Barry Bear will be there to greet you, and face painting is available. You can also enjoy some lovely homemade treats and souvenirs from the Whistlestop Café. To book your ticket contact the ticket office on 051-384058 or visit their website or Facebook page.

GARDA COMMUNITY CLINIC

The Garda community clinic van will be in Kilmeaden on Wednesday July 9^th from 2pm to 3.15pm. in Kill from 10am to 11.15am and in Dunhill from 11.30am to 12.45pm. This is a great opportunity to have any necessary forms signed, receive information or speak to a member of the Gardai about any worry or concern you may have.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves
As we shall never cease to be amused

NOTES

Memorial Day, Tractor Run and School’s Out

July 4, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

RECENT ENGAGEMENT

Congratulations and best wishes to Rebecca Cheasty, Tigroe who recently got engaged to Noel Walsh, Littleton, Co. Tipperary. Their parents Karl and Joan and Thomas and Josephine and their families are delighted with this wonderful news, and we all wish the happy couple every best wish for their future.

MEMORIAL DAY.

On Sunday June 22^nd a large crowd gathered in Tom Cheasty Park to remember two wonderful club men who were both taken way before their time. Tom Cheasty and Derek Ryan both gave their heart and soul to the club and took great pride in their jersey. Each year Ballyduff Lower GAA club organise a wonderful day of hurling, fun and community. Ballyduff’s U12 team put in a great effort against Mount Sion in the Tom Cheasty Cup Mount Sion were the winners on a 4-7 to 3-8 scoreline but the Ballyduff lads can be very proud of their performance. The Intermediate team took on Modeligo in the Derek Ryan Cup and were thrilled to be victorious on the day and I’m sure Derek (Rashers) was looking down on them, cheering them on.
The club would like to thank everyone who took part on the day and everyone who helped to organise this fantastic occasion. A big thanks to the Mount Sion and Modeligo teams who came to take part and to the Cheasty and Ryan families for their continued support and encouragement.

GAA NEWS.

The latest lotto draw was held on Sunday June 22^nd and there was no winner of the jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 19 and 26. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Linda Spillane, Tony O Leary and Fiona Walsh. The next draw will take place on Sunday July 6^th and will have a jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members, online or from the volunteer ticket sellers at Centra, Kilmeaden on Saturday July 5^th.

Ballyduff Lower GAA club would like to say a huge thank you to all who organised the recent Golf Classic and to all who took part, sponsors and the Carrick-on-Suir Golf club for hosting the event. A fantastic amount of €9000 was raised which will really help to develop the club further.

TRACTOR RUN

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club hold their annual tractor run every July. This year the date has been set for Sunday July 13^th. 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 where there will be lots of refreshments on offer and plenty of chat and laughs. 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.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have released a very important date in their annual calendar. Their popular Summer Camp will run from July 14th to July 18^th. This camp is very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details. The camp is a great opportunity to make new friends while learning lots of new skills. The camp is open to boys and girls aged 5-12 and all skill levels are welcomed; the only requirement is the ability to have fun!

The club would like to congratulate U9 player Oscar Murphy who was the mascot at the recent Waterford FC game at the RSC. Oscar brought the team great luck as they emerged as winners against Bohemians.

CHURCH NEWS.

Congratulations and best wishes to Fr. Francis who recently received his Irish citizenship. We now expect to hear him saying mass as gaeilge with a little jig at the end maybe.
For the foreseeable future there will be no Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff Church. The only weekend mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10am.
The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday July 23^rd at 7pm
Our church choir will take a well-deserved break now for the Summer and we thank them most sincerely for all the joy and warmth they have brought to our masses during the year. They will recharge their batteries and return in September with some more beautiful music and hymns.
Fundraising is now underway for the renovation of our beautiful church. Each household has now received an information letter about the project and how to donate. All details are also available on the parish website. The renovations are making steady progress. A number of the windows have had glass replaced and have been releaded. The next part of the renovation will include the replacement of shutes and downpipes to prevent dampness and moisture. The committee would like to sincerely thank all those who have made donations so far and ask those who haven’t, to consider making a donation so that these renovations can continue.

SCHOOL’S OUT

Congratulations and best wishes to the boys and girls of 6^th class in Ballyduff N.S. who recently graduated from primary school. We wish them all the very best as they move onto secondary school and hope that the friendships and memories they have made in Ballyduff will stay with them always. A big thank you to their Principal Cian Power and class teachers Ms. Tara Wilson and Mr. Chris Hutchinson for all their support and encouragement.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

One small positive thought in the morning
Can change your entire day.

NOTES

In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in the southeast of Ireland, Ballyduff and Kilmeaden are about 23 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Waterford.

Ballyduff Parish Church

Monthly Archives: July 2025

Cooking Camp, Church News and Weekend to Remember

Cooking Camp, Pretty Wedding and Amble Visit

All Ireland Medal, Garda Community Clinic and WSVR

Memorial Day, Tractor Run and School’s Out

In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in the southeast of Ireland, Ballyduff and Kilmeaden are about 23 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Waterford.