Cold Weather
It has become particularly cold during the past week or two and so it is important that we all stay as warm as possible. Please check in with your older neighbours and friends to check if they have enough fuel and food to keep themselves comfortable during this cold snap
Community Alert
The local community alert group held their latest meeting on Wednesday December 3rd at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The €10 text alert fee is now due. If you were unable to attend but want to renew your subscription, please contact any of the following Jay Dowdall, Chris Pragnell or MJ Healy. Our community alert group are a very important group in our area, and the text alert scheme is invaluable and has 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 text alert scheme to your friends and neighbours as together we are stronger.
Church News
A big thank you to all who took part in our Christmas morning mass and all who had our church looking so beautiful. Our sacristan Ann Nolan goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our church is always ready for all occasions. The church was adorned with beautiful floral displays which were arranged by Joan Cheasty. Christine Murphy read our readings and prayers with great reverence, and our parish choir sang some traditional and joyous hymns which enhanced our ceremony. At the beginning of mass, the baby Jesus was placed lovingly in the crib by Olivia Dooley
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.
You are asked to keep Fr. Francis in your thoughts and prayers. He became ill while visiting his family in India and cannot travel back for a while. We all wish him a speedy recovery. We are blessed to have some wonderful priests helping but not all masses can be covered so for the moment our masses at the weekends are as follows Saturday at 6pm in Portlaw Church and Sunday at 10am in Ballyduff Church.
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC got their new year off to a flying start as they erected their new floodlights on the training pitch. This will make a huge difference during training sessions. The club wish to thank Lenny, Noelie and John who gave their time to get the lights up and running.
The club are really looking forward to 2026 as there are many exciting plans in place with plans for the clubhouse extension firmly in place. The extension plans include a gym, community meeting rooms, Female changing and shower rooms, disabled toilets and a balcony. The club also plan an energy efficient upgrade to the existing clubhouse and a full size, floodlit all weather pitch for their Football for All group.
One of the main fundraisers for this project is their monthly draw and they are inviting everyone to join the draw and support your local club. To join the draw just log on and follow the details https://hub.klubfunder.com/BallyduffAFC/payit/ticketsales
Ballyduff GAA
Congratulations to clubmen Tim Counihan and Dermot Dooley who have been named as part the Waterford Camogie U14 County Management team for 2026. We also congratulate Freya Galvin, Aine Counihan, Ava Dooley and Ella Phelan who are part of the U14 Camogie squad for 2026.
The first draw of the club’s lotto for 2026 will take place on January 18th, 2026. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from all committee members, online or from one of the volunteer sellers who will be at Centra, Kilmeaden on Saturday January 17th.
The club and organisers of the lotto would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and to wish them all a very happy and healthy Christmas and every best wish for the New Year.
Kilmeaden Community Network.
The Kilmeaden Community Network Group will host a Warmer Homes Workshop in Ballyduff Community Centre on Tuesday January 6th at 7pm. This workshop will be delivered by Teresa Phelan SEC Mentor and is supported by SEAI and the Southeast Energy Agency. All are welcome to attend.
New Year Wishes
As the writer of these notes, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. I look forward to helping to spread the news of any occasions or events you or your group may have.
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.