Church News, Community Alert and Ballyduff AFC

September 26, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

CHURCH NEWS

The annual collection for our wonderful sacristan will be taken up this weekend as a second collection. We are blessed to have Ann as our sacristan, and we are all very grateful for the wonderful work that she does. Our church is kept in pristine condition, and everything is ready and waiting for whatever occasion. Her warm, kind nature when visitors arrive at our church ensures that everyone receives a friendly welcome. Please be as generous as possible as we show our appreciation to Ann
Renovations are continuing in the church. Some of the bigger stained-glass windows have been removed to be repaired and resealed. The gutters and downpipes are being replaced. This work is vital to ensure that the church is protected from the Winter climate. Fundraising continues to carry out all the renovations that are needed will be done. A letter outlining how to donate has been distributed to houses but if you didn’t receive one, they are also available in the church porch.
Fr. Francis has very kindly donated one of his beautiful paintings to be auctioned with all proceeds going towards our church renovation fund. The painting can be viewed at Centra, Kilmeaden and the contact number for your bids can also be viewed there.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane or Ann in the sacristy. Please keep in mind that we now only have one weekend mass so that means masses need to be shared.

THE REAL TALK

On Wednesday September 24^th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre, Ballyduff GAA will host a drug awareness and well-being night. There will be two speakers on the night, John Leahy (HSE Drug Education Officer & All Ireland winner) and Eddie Kendrick (Counsellor & former Tipperary Minor Footballer). This talk is open to all those over 12 years of age.
We all need to educate ourselves on this topic and keep ourselves informed so if you can spare the time come along and support this initiative.

COMMUNITY ALERT.

Our local community alert group will return following their short summer break. Their next meeting will take place on Wednesday October 1^st at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The guest speaker on the night will be Claire Connors who is the Waterford Leadership Partnership Project Officer. All are welcome to attend this meeting and please spread the word to your neighbours and friends. It is important that we all work together for the good of our community. Our group is one of the most active and vibrant groups in the Waterford area. The text alert scheme is vital for informing people of possible crime situations and for giving details of vehicles or people to watch out for in our own area and surrounding areas. We have many new residents living in our area and it would be lovely to welcome some of them to our meetings and invite them to join out text alert scheme. Please drop along to the meeting and meet the group and some representatives from our local Gardaí.

BALLYDUFF GAA NEWS

The latest lotto draw took place on Sunday September 14^th and there was no winner of the jackpot of €12,500. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 14 and 25. The three lucky dip winners of €50 were Mark Burns, Breda O Donnell and Kavan Dee. The next draw will take place on Sunday September 28^th for a jackpot of €12,500. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or from the volunteer sellers who will be at Centra, Kilmeaden on Saturday September 27^th. This draw is a vital part of the club’s fundraising, and they are very grateful to all those who support them.
Congratulations to our U9 footballers who took part in a football blitz organised by Waterford Coaching and Games Development Deise Óg. The team showed great skill with some great defending and some brilliant goals scored.
Congratulations to Meabh and Grainne who were interviewed by TG4 at the Passage West Lidl Ladies Football Blitz.
Check out the club Facebook page for all club details and information.

BALLYDUFF AFC.

The club would like to thank all those who have joined their club development draw. The proceeds of this draw go directly into their new building fund. Check out details of how to join on the club Facebook page or ask any committee member. Congratulations to the August winner Brian Kenny.

Well done to club coaches Pat and Ross who attended the new FAI Grassroots Coaching course which was delivered by Richard Fitzgibbon. The guys really enjoyed the course and a big thank you to Bohemians FC who hosted the course.
Congratulations to U11C boys who recorded a 2-0 win over Seaview Celtic. The U13 team finished a thrilling game against Carrick with a 1-1 draw. Our first UIIB league game of the season ended in a 1-1 draw to Piltown. This was a great start to the season for the lads.
There are still some places left on the FAI Me and My Skills Coaching course which will take place on September 28^th in Ballyduff AFC Grounds.
Check out our Facebook page for details of all training times, fixtures and club news.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

It’s not what we have in life
But who we have in our lives that matters.

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.

Recent Death, The Real Talk and Club Call

September 19, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

CHURCH NEWS

The annual collection for our wonderful sacristan will be taken up this weekend as a second collection. We are blessed to have Ann as our sacristan, and we are all very grateful for the wonderful work that she does. Our church is kept in pristine condition, and everything is ready and waiting for whatever occasion. Her warm, kind nature when visitors arrive at our church ensures that everyone receives a friendly welcome. Please be as generous as possible as we show our appreciation to Ann
Renovations are continuing in the church. Some of the bigger stained-glass windows have been removed to be repaired and resealed. The gutters and downpipes are being replaced. This work is vital to ensure that the church is protected from the Winter climate. Fundraising continues to carry out all the renovations that are needed will be done. A letter outlining how to donate has been distributed to houses but if you didn’t receive one, they are also available in the church porch.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane or Ann in the sacristy. Please keep in mind that we now only have one weekend mass so that means masses need to be shared.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Our community garden is really taking shape and is looking fabulous. A big well done to all the volunteers who give their time and talent to this project. This garden is for everyone and is open to all. New volunteers are always welcome and there is something for everyone to get involved in, whether it be manual work, donation of funds or plants or ideas and support. You are invited to do as much or as little as you like. A community garden is beneficial for health of body and mind.

RECENT DEATH

Our deepest sympathy to the Aulsberry family on the recent death of Pat (Spud) Aulsberry, Blacknock. Spud was a very popular and well-known character in our area, and he will be sadly missed. We extend our condolences to all his family, his many friends and neighbours. We pray that he is now reunited with his beloved wife Peg and enjoying the peace and comfort of Heaven.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Unfortunately, the Division 4 lads lost out to Tramore on a 2-1 scoreline. The lads played a brilliant game always keeping the pressure on and they were unlucky not to come away with the three points. Man of the match went to Michael Hearne.
The academy section is now back in action, and it is wonderful to see all the young people enjoying the game and making new friends. The club extends a huge welcome to all the new members who have joined. There is still time to sign up so drop along to the club grounds on Friday nights or check out details on their Facebook page.
The club would like to thank all those who have joined their club development draw. The proceeds of this draw go directly into their new building fund. Check out details of how to join on the club Facebook page or ask any committee member.
The U12 boys gave a great performance against Mooncoin, and the game finished 2-2 in a tough B division. There were some great individual performances as well as some impressive teamwork. This was a great away performance to start the league.
The U17’s sponsored by Kilmeaden Pharmacy had a great win against Ballinroad finishing on a 2-3 win. The full squad gave a tremendous performance and finished with a much-deserved win.
There is lots of activity at Ballyduff AFC grounds and plenty of opportunities to join the club and take part. Visit the club’s Facebook page to see the times and dates for training and club activities.

THE REAL TALK

BALLYDUFF GAA

Waterford Ladies Football will hold a referee course which will be run on-line over two evenings. This youth referee course will be run on October 15^th and 22^nd. The course costs €15 plus booking fee and participants must be at least 17 years old. For further information please contact Ronan O Sullivan on 085-2430904 or development.waterford@lgfa.ie
Congratulations to the LGFA girls who travelled to Passage West recently and played four very competitive games meeting girls from Cork, Limerick and Dublin. The girls had great fun and made lots of new friends.
Congratulations to the U10 camogie team who competed in the Danny Bowe Memorial Camogie Blitz in Mount Sion GAA club. The team were delighted to be invited to take part and are very grateful to Mount Sion for their hospitality.
The U10 hurlers travelled to Ballyhale to take part their annual U10 tournament. Ballyduff got off to a tough start not helped by poor weather conditions. Things began to improve by the quarter final, and the lads certainly saved the best until last for the final against a very good Mullinavat team. Ballyduff got some fine scores and were thrilled to take the win. A big thank you to Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA for organising an unbelievable tournament.
The Wellkids programme on Saturday mornings is proving very popular, and the children were delighted to receive a visit from the Waterford Division 1 team who brought their camogie shield and Aisling who brought along the U14 All Ireland Cup to show them.

WSVR

Waterford Suir Valley Railway will reduce their hours in September. They will now run from 11am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday.
Don’t forget to drop into the Whistlestop Café at the railway for a nice cuppa and there are many tasty treats to choose from. Sit and relax and enjoy the peaceful, calm environment.

CLUB CALL

As the writer of these notes, I get many calls from people living in the area who are looking for contact information for clubs, groups and organisations in our area. While I have a fair knowledge of these, I would like to ensure that I am giving the correct information. Kilmeaden is growing rapidly, and it is wonderful to see new people becoming involved in our area. I am asking our local groups to get in contact with me and give me the contact details for their group. I will publish a list through these notes, and we can extend that warm Kilmeaden welcome to many more people. Please forward details to spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

NOTES

Wedding Bells, Tunnel Growing and The Real Talk

September 12, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

CHOIR RESUMES

The good news is that our local parish choir are returning following their Summer break. Choir practice will resume on Wednesday September 10^th at 8pm in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff. New members are always welcome so drop along to rehearsal and join in the fun. We look forward to welcoming our choir back to our weekend mass and look forward to hearing their beautiful hymns.

WEDDING BELLS

Congratulations and best wishes to Virginia Giani and Eric Kiely who celebrated their beautiful wedding day recently in the gorgeous, romantic setting of Gardenmorris Estate. We wish this happy couple every happiness for their future lives together.

CHURCH NEWS

Renovations are continuing in the church. Some of the bigger stained-glass windows have been removed to be repaired and resealed. The gutters and downpipes are being replaced. This work is vital to ensure that the church is protected from the Winter climate. Fundraising continues to carry out all the renovations that are needed will be done. A letter outlining how to donate has been distributed to houses but if you didn’t receive one, they are also available in the church porch.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane or Ann in the sacristy. Please keep in mind that we now only have one weekend mass so that means masses need to be shared.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

TUNNEL GROWING.

Colman Power will host an 11week programme in tunnel growing. Beginning on September 15^th from 10am to 12 noon in Clodiagh House, Portlaw this is open to all and free of charge. To find out more information or to book your place please contact 089-2027653

BALLYDUFF AFC

Unfortunately, the U12 boys suffered a defeat against a strong Southend side but they kept going throughout and stood up well to the challenge. Noah Connolly scored two lovely goals and Cormac Kiely pulled off some lovely saves in goal. The team look forward to their future games and we wish them the best of luck.
It was a 6-goal thriller for the Division 3 side for their first game after the Summer break. Park Rangers lead the field but Ballyduff settled into the game in the second half after the introduction of experienced players David Carlin and Kieran Millea. Jack O Brien and Evan Phelan who are just 16 years old put in a great performance and Padraic made some fine saves in goal. Man of the Match was awarded to James O Donnell for his 90-minute performance. The game ended Ballyduff 3-Park Rangers 3.
It was also a 3 all draw for the Division 4 team against De La Salle as they returned to action after a long Summer break. Although the game started slowly for Ballyduff, things picked up a pace in the second half and a draw was a fair result for both teams.
There is lots of activity at Ballyduff AFC grounds and plenty of opportunities to join the club and take part. Visit the club’s Facebook page to see the times and dates for training and club activities.

THE REAL TALK

BALLYDUFF GAA

Ballyduff Lower GAA club held their recent lotto draw on Sunday August 31^st and the numbers drawn were 1, 19, 20 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Barbara O Brien, Eddie Nolan and Thomas O Brien. The next draw will take place on Sunday September 14^th 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 September 13^th. This lotto is a major fundraiser for the club, and they are very grateful to everyone for their support
A big well done to the U15 camogie girls who fought a hard game in the start of their U15B championship but managed to hold onto the lead. They now meet St. Anne’s on Thursday September 11^th.
The U12 girls were in hard luck against a very strong Abbeyside team. Congratulations to Ballyduff’s Freya Galvin who was awarded the Player of the Match.
On Wednesday September 24^th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre, Ballyduff GAA will host a drug awareness and well- being night. There will be two speakers on the night, John Leahy (HSE Drug Education Officer & All Ireland winner) and Eddie Kendrick (Counsellor & former Tipperary Minor Footballer). This talk is open to all those over 12 years of age.
Congratulations to the U14 hurlers who qualified for the Division 3 County Shield Final. They faced a very tough Fourmilewater team but persevered to take the win.

WSVR

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Inspiration comes from within yourself
One has to be positive.
When you’re positive, good things happen.

NOTES

Back to School, WSVR and Ballyduff GAA Notes

September 5, 2025 Christine Tubbritt

BACK TO SCHOOL

We wish very best wishes to all who have returned to school or have started school. To all who have started in Playschool, primary school or secondary school. We wish them every happiness and encourage them to be kind to each other.
We also wish all the management and staff a wonderful school year.

BALLYDUFF AFC.

The club are delighted to have their new training and academy and Football for all mini goals in place before the new season. This was possible due to part funding from a grant award under the Local Enhancement Programme
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.

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. If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the coming months, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or talk to Ann in the sacristy.
Fr. Francis and some volunteers are hoping to call to houses in the area to meet people and have a chat in the coming weeks. Please extend a warm welcome to them. They are delighted with the response they have received so far and are really enjoying meeting families in the area.
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. This work has now commenced so please take care as you are walking in the church yard. 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.
A beautiful painting which was painted by Fr. Francis is on display in Centra, Kilmeaden and will be auctioned off and the proceeds given to the renovation fund.

WSVR

All at Waterford Suir Valley Railway wish to extend their deepest sympathies to their manager Maria Kyte on the death of her beloved husband Gareth. A native of Pyle in Wales but living in Slieverue, Gareth died after a short illness. We all send our condolences, and our thoughts and prayers are with them all.

BALLYDUFF GAA NOTES.

A big well done to the 9 girls from the club who completed the U13 LGFA Player Development Programme over the past 6 weeks. They showed off their skills in Mallow as they took part in the Munster Blitz.

The Ballyduff Lower/ Portlaw U12 lady footballers took on a great Abbeyside team and came out on top. They face Gaultier next.

Congratulations to Ballyduff Lower Camogie U14 team who were victorious over St. Anne’s to take the U14 Shield. Congratulations to Trudy O Reilly who was awarded Player of the Match. The girls were treated to a meal in the Pavilion Restaurant, SETU Arena. A big thank you to Kilmeaden Groundworks and Hicksons Centra for keeping the girls fed and hydrated on the day.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.

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: September 2025

Church News, Community Alert and Ballyduff AFC

Recent Death, The Real Talk and Club Call

Wedding Bells, Tunnel Growing and The Real Talk

Back to School, WSVR and Ballyduff GAA 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.