BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday October 20^th and the results were as follows:
1^st: Anne Marie Browne and Marie Reade.
2^nd: Peggy Murphy and Kate Hayes
3^rd: Geraldine McMahon and Mary Prendergast.
Bridge takes place every Monday night at 7.15pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you would like some more information, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087-6722482

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WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY

The crew at WSVR have been joined by some very scary looking creatures and there is a very spooky air in the area. The Spooky Express is all set to operate 5 daily trips from October 25^th to November 2^nd. The train departs on the hour each day from 11am to 3pm. As you travel along the route enjoy the spooky scenery and watch out for any visiting creatures.

All the gang at Waterford Suir Valley Railway remind you to save Saturday November 15^th in your diaries as the very popular Beat the Train for DSI is due to take place. This is a very popular event which always attracts a big crowd. The train will depart from Kilmeaden station at 9.50am to get into position at the start line. All proceeds from this event go to Down Syndrome Ireland Waterford and South Kilkenny Branch. This event is organised by the Saturday Road Runners, and they are really looking forward to the day. To book your spot please contact 051-384058 between 10am and 4pm.

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GAA NEWS

The young camogie girls in the club were delighted to welcome Waterford Senior Camogie player Bevin Bowdren along to their last training session of 2025. Bevin chatted with the girls, did a few drills and signed some hurleys. Bevin encouraged the girls to keep practicing and enjoying the game and congratulated them on a great year.

It is time to take out those leg warmers and shoulder pads and get yourself along to a special 80’s and 90’s party night in The Sweep, Kilmeaden on Saturday December 6^th. This night of fun will be hosted by Ballyduff Juvenile Club and tickets cost just €10 and are available from The Sweep or by calling 087 2486423. There will be spot prizes on the night for the best costumes.

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CHURCH NEWS

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.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evening at 8pm in the church. The choir would like to welcome new members to their choir so drop along to practice and you will be made very welcome.

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BALLYDUFF AFC NEWS

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Halloween Camp from October 28th to 30^th. It will run from 10am to 1pm each day will lots of activities for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years. Check out the club Facebook page for more information.
The U16C boys met with Ferrybank in very wet and windy conditions. Ballyduff got off to a slow start in the first half, but with the wind in their backs in the second half they recovered in the second half and produced some good scores and chances. The final score was Ballyduff 3 Ferrybank 4.
The U14C lads had a great win over Bohemians FC with a 5-0 scoreline. They battled hard in wet conditions and earned a well-deserved win.

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QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Your talent determines what you can do
Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do.
Your attitude determines how well you do it.

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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 cl

Beat the Train.

All the gang at Waterford Suir Valley Railway remind you to save Saturday November 15^th in your diaries as the very popular Beat the Train for DSI is due to take place. This is a very popular event which always attracts a big crowd. The train will depart from Kilmeaden station at 9.50am to get into position at the start line. All proceeds from this event go to Down Syndrome Ireland Waterford and South Kilkenny Branch. This event is organised by the Saturday Road Runners and they are really looking forward to the day. To book your spot please contact 051-384058 between 10am and 4pm.

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Halloween Camp.

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Halloween Camp from October 28th to 30^th. It will run from 10am to 1pm each day will lots of activities for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years. Check out the club Facebook page for more information.

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Recent Death

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Ronnie (Geraldine) O Leary who was a resident of Cullinagh, Kilmeaden for many years. Ronnie died peacefully at her home in Hollymount, Co. Mayo on October 11^th. She is survived by her son Thomas, daughter-in-law Ethna, granddaughter Hollie, step grandchildren, sister Jackie, brother Don and all her extended family. We pray that she now rests in peace.

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GAA Lotto

The latest GAA lotto draw took place on Sunday October 12^th and the numbers drawn were 11, 14, 18 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Jimmy and Shelly, Barbara O Brien and Willie Hanrahan. The next draw will take place on Sunday October 26^th and there will be a jackpot of €12,500 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from all club members, online or will be on sale at Centra, Kilmeaden on Saturday October 25^th. The lotto is a major fundraiser for the club, and they are very grateful for the support they receive.

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Church News.

Our parish choir who enhance our masses so beautifully, rehearse every Wednesday night in the church from 8pm to 9pm. New members are always welcome to join.
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.
Renovations are continuing in the church. Some of the bigger stained-glass windows have been repaired and resealed and refitted. The gutters and downpipes have been replaced. This work is vital to ensure that the church is protected from the Winter climate. Work has also commenced on the toilets to include wheelchair accessibility.
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.

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Ballyduff GAA

The Waterford LGFA Minor Football Trials 2026 will take place soon and forms are now available online to fill out and submit your interest. The closing date for receipt of entries is October 26^tth at 5pm. Girls born in 2008 and 2009 are welcome to apply and who have the skill, commitment and passion to represent their county at Minor level.
The club would like to thank Aidan McNamara Crash Repairs for his continued sponsorship and support of the Intermediate Football and Hurling teams. It is very much appreciated.

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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.

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. Work has also commenced on the toilets to include wheelchair accessibility. 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.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evening at 8pm. The choir would like to welcome new members to their choir so drop along to practice and you will be made very welcome.

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BALLYDUFF AFC.

The U15C footballers were back in action in the Schoolboys league in very blustery action. There was a great effort from all the lads but unfortunately it wasn’t to be their night, and they lost out to a good Villa side. The club wish Cormac and Luke a speedy recovery following injury during the game.
Congratulations to club member James Kenny who was the very lucky mascot for the Waterford FC V Drogheda Utd game. James did a brilliant job and brought the team great luck. Maybe it should become a permanent position for James!
The club will host their annual Halloween Camp which will run from October 28th to 30^th. It will run from 10am to 1pm each day will lots of activities for boys and girls aged5 to 12 years. Check out the club Facebook page for more information.
The U14C lads had an impressive 5-0 win over Waterford Crystal. They showed a great attitude and work ethic and put in a fantastic performance.
The U17’s put in a great effort to finish on a 4-4 draw at home to Seaview. Although the team were short a few players they showed great fight and spirit, and a draw was a fair result for both teams. Best wishes to David Murphy who picked up an injury during the first few minutes of the game.
The 3^rd Division team came out on the wrong side of a 7-goal thriller against Tramore Rangers. It was end to end scoring for much of the game but Tramore came out stronger in the second half and snatched the all-important 3 points. This was a great game of football and a great game to watch.
The club would like to congratulate club member Natasha Kearns who has been selected for this year’s U14 Waterford Girls Interleague Squad. This is a great achievement and great recognition for Natasha’s hard work and dedication, and the club are very proud of her.
Congratulations also to Michael Brophy and Dylan Kelliher who have been selected for the 2025 U12 Waterford Development Squad. Both lads made a big impression during the recent trials, and the club are thrilled that their hard work has paid off.
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.

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BALLYDUFF GAA

The U13 hurlers bounced back having lost their opening match against a strong St. Mary’s team. They met with An Gaeltacht in round 2 and while starting off slow, the team never gave up and bounced back in the second half and emerged as winners on a 3-9 to 2-8 scoreline.
The Wellkids program has now finished for the season and the club would like to say a huge thank you to all who took part every week and to all the parents involved. This program brought great smiles and energy to the club, and everyone looks forward to the 2026 program.
The Waterford LGFA Minor Football Trials 2026 will take place soon and forms are now available online to fill out and submit your interest. The closing date for receipt of entries is October 26^tth at 5pm. Girls born in 2008 and 2009 are welcome to apply and who have the skill, commitment and passion to represent their county at Minor level.

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QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Don’t ask for permission to fly.
The wings are yours and the sky belongs to no one.

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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.

CHOIR RETURN

It is wonderful to have our parish choir back after their short Summer break. Their beautiful hymns and harmonies really enhance our weekend mass. The choir would love to welcome some new members. The rehearse every Wednesday evening at 8pm in St. Nicholas’s Church. Drop along for a chat and a listen and it may be just what you are looking for. When you sing in a choir it is said that you pray twice so remember every bit helps!

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FUNDRAISER

On Friday October 10^th there will be a special night of music and song in aid of the St. Nicholas Church Renovation Fund in O Donnachas, Kilmeaden. Music on the night will be by Mick O Keeffe accompanied by a superb lineup of local talent. Proceeds will go towards the renovation fund for our church.

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GOLD MEDAL

Congratulations to local athlete Cathal Dooley from The High Road, Kilmeaden who won a gold medal at the Boys Cross Country U12’s race which was held recently in Tramore. Cathal is a member of Ferrybank Athletic Club, and his club and family are very proud of his achievement and dedication.

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BELOVED SISTER AND BROTHER.

We were all extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of sister and brother Jim and Kitty O Connor recently. Residents of Comeragh Green, they were former long time and popular residents of Whelansbridge, Kilmeaden. They were constant companions and so although sad, it was fitting that they died within hours of each other. Kitty was a very popular employee of the L&N and was widely known for her fantastic baking skills. I can boast the fact that I was the last wedding cake she made in October 1997. Jim was a truly talented craftsman and passed on his skills to many younger generations as an instructor in Anco/Fás. He reared and kept budgies and canaries for many years and was an excellent gardener.
Both Kitty and Jim had hearts of gold and were always so generous with their time and talents. I was lucky enough to call them family and have many wonderful memories of time spent with them. Their home was always a welcoming, loving place where they loved to welcome visitors for a chat.
Jim and Kitty will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know them but especially by their sister Maura, brother Terry and his family Theresa, Alan and Linda and all the extended family and wide circle of friends.
They were both laid to rest with their parents in Ballyduff cemetery and we pray that they now rest in the peace and love of Christ.

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RECENT DEATH

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ryan and Clifford families on the recent sad loss of Mary Clifford, Gortaclode, Kilmeaden. Mary was a wonderful family person and loved to chat about her children Karen, Lorraine, Damian and Niall and her beloved grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time in her beautiful home with Mossie and the family. Mary’s popularity was shown by the huge attendance at her wake and funeral. The parish choir of which Mary was a member sang some beautiful hymns throughout her funeral mass.
Mary’s death came after a short illness which she bore with great dignity and courage. She will be deeply missed by her husband Mossie, her children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours -and many friends. Mary was laid to rest in Ballyduff Cemetery, and we pray that she now rests in the arms of the Lord where there is no more pain or suffering.

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BALLYDUFF GAA

A big well done to all the children and parents who turned up for the annualU6 blitz in Kilmacthomas. It was a debut event for some, and all the players played some great football. The club was very proud to see such dedication and commitment from their players and extend sincere gratitude to the Kilmacthomas club for hosting such a wonderful event.
There was disappointment for the U14 boys who lost out to a very strong Tramore side in the Division 3 Plate Final. The lads put in a brilliant effort, but it wasn’t to be. This was a disappointing game, but the lads can be very proud of the fantastic 2025 they have had so far. The future looks bright.

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BALLYDUFF AFC

Circle K and FAI have launched their Cash for Clubs campaign in support of grassroots football clubs nationwide. Ballyduff AFC are asking for your support by downloading the Circle K app and choosing their club. There is more than €40,000 to be rewarded between October and March.
The U16 boys had to settle for a nil all draw against Piltown. There were some chances but unfortunately no scores. It was affair result in the end for both teams.
The U13A girls had their first step out in the A league. Piltown came out as worthy winners with great skill and talent on show. The girls gave great effort in their first A league game and will continue to learn from the experience and improve with every game.

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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.

Choir Return

It is wonderful to have our parish choir back after their short summer break. Their beautiful hymns and harmonies really enhance our weekend mass. The choir would love to welcome some new members. They rehearse every Wednesday evening at 8pm in St. Nicholas’s Church. Drop along for a chat and a listen and it may be just what your are looking for. When you sing in a choir it is said that you pray twice so remember every bit helps!

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Fundraiser

On Friday, October 10 there will be a special night of music and song in aid of the St. Nicholas Church Renovation Fund in O’Donnacha’s Kilmeaden. Music on the night will be by Mick O’Keeffe accompanied by a superb lineup of local talent. Proceeds will go towards the renovation fund for our church.

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Church News

The annual collection for our wonderful sacristan has been taken up recently but if you happened to miss it you can still contribute by placing your offering in an envelope marked Sacristan Collection and place it in the weekly basket. We are blessed to have Ann as our sacristan, and we are all very grateful for the wo9nderful 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 we 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 down-pipes 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 and 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 and 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

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Community Alert

Our local community alert group will return following their short summer break. Their next meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 1st, 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 on the the most active and vibrant groups in the Waterford area. Their 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 our text alert scheme. Please drop along to the meeting and meet the group and some representatives from our local Gardai.

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Ballyduff GAA News

There was a great effort from the U12 boys as they took on Clonea in SETU arena. They played very well but Clonea edged out as winners.

Huge congratulations to the girls from the U14 LGFA who were crowned as Division 1 County winners against Gaultier. Every single member of the team showed great passion and spirit throughout the game, and they were thrilled with their deserved win.

Well done to the U9 footballers who travelled to Moyles Rovers, Clkonmel for ta blitz and won all their three matches.

There was a battling display from the U13 hurlers in a challenge game against a strong Cleann na Gaeil team. There were some great displays of hurling, and we wish the lads the very best in the championship ahead.

Check out the club Facebook page for all club details and information.

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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.

The club are hoping to host a three-day Halloween camp from Octover 28-30. This will only run if there are enough numbers so please express your interest through the committee or their Facebook page.

The club would like to express their condolences to Pat Cremin on the recent death of his mother Ann. The prayers and thoughts of the club are with Pat and his family.

Congratulations to the U14C squad who travelled to Ballinroad recently to play a very physical, skillful game. The boys were very stroung in the second half and dominated the half. They finished the game with a 5-1 scoreline after a fantastic performance.

The U12 team welcomed Park Rangers to St. Nicholas Park for thier 2nd league game. Ballyduff was the stronger team, especially in the first half. The defence lads were excellents and with some nice scores Ballyduff won out on a 6-2 scorline.

The club would like to say huge thank you to Pobus, NHC Construction and of course Liam for sponsoring brandnew LED floodlights for the training pitch. These lights will be very beneficial for the club and they are very grateful.

Check out our Facebook page for details of all training times, fixtures and club news.

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Quote for the Week

The sun itself is weak when it first rises but bathers strength and courage as the day goes on.

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Notes

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 0879838392 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.