GAA News
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 11, 14, 20 and 28 and there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Ella Mae Cullinane, Mary Power and Joyce Cullinane. The next draw will take place on Sunday December 7th 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 any committee member, online or volunteers will sell tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday December 6th. The lotto is a vital part of the club’s fundraising, and they appreciate the support they receive.
Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club will host their annual Christmas raffle in aid of club funds on Saturday December 13th. Tickets will on sale at Centra on the day from volunteer sellers.
A big well done to all who helped organise the Silver Jubilee commemoration for the Intermediate County Champions 2000. Each member of the team received a lovely momentum of the occasion, and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.
Christmas Cheer
It is lovely to see all the wonderful colours and lights beginning to appear in our community for the Christmas season. A big well done to all the local businesses who have made a huge effort to bring festive cheer to their premises and all their customers.
We are very lucky to have such a variety of premises and shops in our area and all with great gift ideas. Please support these local businesses if you can and do your Christmas shopping locally. It is these businesses we turn to for sponsorship and donations throughout the year, so please support them in return.
Santa Express Time
There was great excitement at Waterford Suir Valley Railway last weekend as Santa arrived to climb on board the Santa Express and settle into his cosy cabin. Visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus at WSVR is a truly magical experience. You climb on board the Santa Express and travel along by the picturesque River Suir where you will meet Mrs. Claus and some of her friends in the Magic Wood. The fairies are very busy making magic dust which you will get going home to sprinkle by your house. This will help Santa to find your house on Christmas Eve. As you arrive back at the station you can use the many props to get some great photos and Santa’s reindeer Dasher loves to have his photo taken. Sit and enjoy a nice warm drink and tasty treats at The Whistlestop Café and then it is off to visit Santa in his railway cottage. Santa will have a little gift for all the boys and girls and will be eager to know what treats they plan to leave out for him and his reindeer. To book your spot with Santa contact the booking office on 051-384058.
Ballyduff AFC
Well done to the U15C team who had a great 2-0 win over Seaview Celtic in a very damp St. Nicholas Park. Ballyduff started very well and kept up the pressure throughout the game. Seaview came out fighting in the second half but with some great defending Ballyduff managed to stay on top. This was the third win for this very promising team which places them second in the league table.
The U11 C team finished their last game in a draw with Hibs. The team gave a great performance, and a draw was the fairest result on the day.
Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday November 23rd, and the results were as follows:
1st: Geraldine McMahon and Jeremy Fields
2nd: John Fitzpatrick and Peggy Murphy
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy.
The club are always delighted to welcome new members. If you are interested in some further information, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.
Community Alert
The local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday December 3rd at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The €10 text alert fee is now due and can be paid at the meeting. Our community alert group are a very important group in our area, and it is important that we attend these meetings. The text alert scheme is invaluable and helped on numerous occasions to apprehend those involved in a crime. It alerts people of crime in other areas so that we are aware of suspicious vehicles or activities. Please spread the word about this meeting to your friends and neighbours as together we are stronger.
Church News.
A letter from Bishop Cullinan was read at mass last weekend informing parishioners that Fr. Francis Xavier had become ill while visiting his homeland of India. It is not known when he will be able to return so certain changes will need to take place. From this weekend masses in Portlaw and Ballyduff will be as follows; Saturday at 6.30pm and Sunday in Ballyduff at 10am. A number of priests will take care of the spiritual needs of the parish and if a funeral occurs the undertakers will arrange a priest.
A special mass will take place on Wednesday December 3rd in St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff at 7.30pm for all those who departed this life during the past 12 months. The family of each person will receive a candle in their memory, and it is always a beautiful, comforting ceremony. If you would like to add the name of a loved one to the list, please contact Ann in the sacristy or Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. The names of those who died from the parish are automatically included but if you would like to include a relative or friend from another area, you are very welcome to do so.
Renovations are making great progress on our church but there is still a lot of work to be done. All donations are very welcome and can be made online or to any committee member or can be dropped into the weekly collection basket in an envelope marked Church Fund
Christmas Concert.
An evening of carols will take place on Wednesday December 10th at 8pm in St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff. This beautiful candlelit evening will feature St. Nicholas’s Church choir under the direction of Bridget Jordan and many special guests on the night. Tickets cost just €10 which includes entry to a fantastic raffle. Refreshments will be served in Ballyduff Community Centre after the concert. All proceeds from this night will go towards the Church renovation fund. This promises to be a lovely relaxing evening full of beautiful music and song and an ideal way to welcome the Christmas season. Tickets can be purchased from any of the renovation committee, choir members and will be available after Sunday masses. Please support this very worthy cause while enjoying a beautiful evening.
Kilmeaden Community Network
The Kilmeaden Community Network group will hold their AGM on Wednesday December 3rd at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All who are interested in the future of our area are invited to come along to this meeting
Disco Fever
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 6th. 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. You can strut your stuff on the dancefloor and show off those signature moves!
Quote for the week.
A good life is when you assume nothing,
do more, need less, smile often, dream big
laugh a lot and realise how blessed you are.
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.