Ballyduff Youth Drama.
Ballyduff Youth Drama Group recently treated their audience to a fantastic production of Orphan Annie. This group comprises of young men and women from 5th and 6th classes. The group is run by three fabulous local ladies, Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty who volunteer their time and energy to produce this show every year. It is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to showcase their talents and build on their confidence and self-esteem.
This year’s production was full of colour, music and dance and the audience were really treated to a fabulous night of entertainment. The quality of this show each year is exceptional and the dedication and commitment of the production and background team is second to none. Many of those helping backstage with hair, make-up, set design, dancing etc are past members of the group who now give their time and talent to help others enjoy the same experience they had.
GAA News
The club held their latest lotto draw on Sunday February 15th and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 11 and 25. The three lucky winners of €50 each were Anne Ryan, Martha Fitzgerald and Michael Millane. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 1st, and tickets are on sale now from all committee members, online and will be available on Saturday February 28th at Centra in Kilmeaden. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5. This is the club’s main fundraiser, and they are very grateful for the support they receive.
The club’s Well! Kids program will begin on Saturday March 7th in Tom Cheasty Park at 10am. This fun introduction to GAA for boys and girls aged 4-6 will run every Saturday morning and is a fun and inviting way for these young kids to learn basic skills, movement and coordination while making new friends and building their confidence. For more information, please contact Jack on 087-9206373. If you register before March 31st, you will receive a free hurley from Dylan Reade Hurleys.
Ballyduff Lower GAA, LGFA and Camogie is a club for all players and non-players, young and old. Club membership details and rates are now available with plans to suit all needs. Register now on www.foireann.ie Registration deadline is March 31st.
Many are now enjoying the benefit of the club gym, and the club have allocated some special times for a lady’s only session. These gym sessions take place on Fridays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and on Sundays from 10.30am to 11.30am. All participants must be a paid-up member to use the gym, and membership is €40 annually for non-playing members. This is a great opportunity to get fit while making new friends and having fun.
Huge congratulations to Kate O Donnell who has been named as the Waterford LGFA U16B team captain. A captain is chosen because of their consistent commitment, leadership and dedication both on and off the field. This is certainly very true about Kate, and we know she will give 100% to the position. This is a huge honour for Kate, and we are all very proud of her.
Ballyduff AFC
The club would like to say a huge thank you to Mahon Valley Milk for their generous and kind sponsorship of new jerseys for the U10 girls’ team. Mahon Valley Milk is located at Gala, Kilmeaden every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The club are on the lookout for a grounds person for the club, so if you qualify under the TUS or CE schemes, please send a direct message to the club on their Facebook page or contact a member of the committee.
The Ballyduff branch of the Man Utd supporters club are planning a trip to the Red Devils last home game on Sunday May 17th. If you are interested, please contact the club.
Well done to the U8 girls you showed great teamwork at the recent Villa FC blitz. Each player showed great potential, and the future certainly looks bright.
The U11C team suffered their first defeat of the season to a very good Tramore side. This was unfortunate but the team will pick themselves back up again for the next game.
The 2026 Mikey Power Cup Final between the Division 3 and 4 teams ended in a penalty shootout with the division 3 side winning 5-3. This was a very tight and entertaining game with both sides showing great skill and good teamwork. Following the game Catherine Power presented the Mikey Power Cup on behalf of her family to winning captain Enzo Mary. Once the game was done, two outstanding players were recognised for their huge commitment and dedication throughout the year. The Division 3 Player of the year award was presented by coach John Walsh to Kieran Millea whose performance and work rate made him a standout winner. The Division 4 Player of the year award went to the one and only Jimmy Power whose consistency and skill shone for all the year. He was presented with his award by Club Chairman Paul Cleary. The 2025 season was a huge success for the club, and they look forward to an even better 2026.
The club have released dates and details about their Easter and Summer Camps so check out details on their Facebook page.
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.
Taekwondo Success.
Congratulations to Ben Latham, Cullinagh who has officially been selected to represent Ireland at the 2026 European Taekwondo Championships in Slovenia in April. This is a huge achievement for Ben and is a testament to years of relentless discipline and ambition. He is now the first ever Waterford male athlete to reach this elite level of international competition in the sport. A huge thank you to Lisduggan Credit Union for sponsoring Ben as he carries the hopes of Waterford and the pride of Ireland into the tournament.
Heartfelt Gratitude.
Following 21 years of wonderful service to the undertaking business, Michael and Dolores Kinsella have decided to bid farewell to the business. Michael and Dolores were known far and wide for their kindness and great attention to detail. Their top priority was always to ensure the family of the deceased were listened to and that the final wishes of their loved ones were taken care of. They carried out their duties with great care and attention and took great pride in providing a top-class service. They considered it a great honour to be asked by a family to officiate at their loved one’s funeral.
We wish Michael and Dolores every happiness for the future and thank them sincerely for giving such wonderful service and giving great peace and comfort to families during a very difficult time in their lives.
In memory of all those whom they have laid rest, Michael and Dolores would like to invite you all to a special mass of reflection and gratitude in St. Patrick’s Church, Portlaw on Tuesday February 24th at 7pm
Church Renovation
The St. Nicholas Church Renovation committee will launch phase 2 of their renovation plans on Wednesday March 4th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. They will also provide details of Income and Expenditure for 2025. All are welcome to attend this meeting.
Kilmeaden Network Community.
The Kilmeaden Network Community group will host a Solar PV information workshop on Tuesday February 24th at 7pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This free event is open to all, and professional advice and information will be given by a consultant and PV contractor. You will learn about the costs and benefits of Solar PV, heat pumps, information about SEAI grants and eligibility and much more.