Monthly Archives: March 2026

Easter Celebrations, Church News and New Signing

Community Alert.

Our local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday April 1st at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be an interesting presentation from Martin Halley from ALONE. Following several burglaries in surrounding areas, local Gardaí will give an update on happenings and some advice on how to keep our homes and businesses safe. It is very important to support this local group and work together to combat crime.

Easter Celebrations.

On Easter Sunday morning after 10am mass, an Easter commemoration will take place at our beautiful commemoration monument outside the church. Hosted by the Waterford Fianna Fail Chomhairle Dail Cheantair, the ceremony will include the reading of the proclamation, laying of a wreath, the raising of the tricolour and talented piper Tommy Kiely will play our National Anthem. Refreshments will be served after in the community centre. This is always a lovely occasion with a great sense of community and tradition. All are welcome to attend.

Bridge News

The results from the last game played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club on Monday March 16th
1st: Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Sean Hennessy.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Helen Kavanagh.
New members are always welcome, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.

Smart Phone and Device Classes.

Kilmeaden Community Network Group will join with WWETB to offer some free Smart Phone and other devices classes. These classes will look at online activity, email, WhatsApp, messaging, using apps and much more. The classes will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre and dates will be decided once interest is gauged. To express your interest please contact Tricia Shannon on 087 2979332, email kilmeadencommunitynetwork@outlook.ie or contact any of the community network committee.

Ballyduff AFC

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.
The club have released dates and details about their Easter and Summer Camps so check out details on their Facebook page.
Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of how to join the club’s monthly development draw. Kathleen Harris was the lucky winner in February. All money raised goes towards the fantastic development plans.

Church News

Some important dates coming up in our church are Saturday May 2nd when the young boys and girl of our parish will make their First Holy Communion and on Tuesday June 2nd our young men and women will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Trocaire boxes are still available in the church and you are asked to take one home and be as generous as possible. Holy Week will begin on Monday March 30th with Easter Sunday falling on April 5th. Holy Thursday celebrations will take place at 7.30pm, Holy Saturday at 6.30pm and on Easter Sunday morning at 10am.
Choir practice takes place every Wednesday evening at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome.
The St. Nicholas Church Renovation committee have launched phase 2 of their renovation plans .The committee are to be congratulated on all the wonderful work they have already completed with a special mention to Maurice Doyle who has given many hours of labour and materials voluntarily. It is now time to begin the task of painting inside and outside. All areas will need to be thoroughly washed down, repairs to plaster work, hire of height equipment and of course paint and labour.
The need to raise more funds is great and the committee are eager to get the word out there that they are very grateful to all who have already donated and sincerely ask those we may wish to donate to please do so. All donations are very welcome and can be paid through Bank Transfer, given to a committee or simply placed in the weekly offertory basket in an envelope marked Church Renovation Fund. We all understand that there are huge demands on everyone these days but would be delighted if you had something spare to see our beautiful church restored to its full glory. Our church has stood proudly watching over us all for over 200 years and has paid a huge role in our lives, the lives of our ancestors and will continue for the future generations. It is a place of worship, reflection, celebrations, quiet thought, a place of comfort and most importantly a place where community comes together in prayer and support of each other.
A huge thank you to local artist Lupita De Bháil who has donated a beautiful painting for auction, with all funds going directly to the Church Renovation Fund. If you would like to place a bid for this beautiful painting, please text your bid to 0872154519.

New Signing

Congratulations to local lady Kate Foley who has been signed by Bohemian FC as their new goalkeeper. Kate’s great talent and work ethic makes her a super addition to any club. She has always shown great commitment and dedication to her sport. She has gained valuable experience in her Wexford and Treaty clubs and of course was a shining light in her native Ballyduff FC. Kate will be a true asset to the Bohemians club, and we watch on with great interest for the coming season.

GAA News

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.
If anyone has any spare hurleys or helmets at home and would like to donate them to the club, please contact Jack Kennedy 087 9206373. These items will be put to great use by the club.
Camogie training has now returned on Monday nights and the times for each age group are available on the club Facebook page. The club are looking for coaches to help with the U6/8’s group. If you are interested, please contact the secretary on 0868944780.
The club held their latest lotto draw on Sunday March 15th and the numbers drawn were 9, 20, 21 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Peggy O Shea, Marian Beecher and Gerry Walsh. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 29th, and tickets can be purchased from all committee members, online or will be available from the volunteer sellers at Centra on Saturday March 28th. This is the club’s major fundraiser, and they are very grateful for all the support they receive.

Quote for the Week.

Today will never come again.
Be a blessing. Be a friend.
Encourage someone. Take time to care.
Let your words heal and not wound.

Your Notes

If you would like to include any news in these notes please get in contact by Thursday at lunchtime. The email to contact is spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Smart Phone and Device Classes, Church News and St. Patrick’s Day

Bridge News

The results from the last game played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club on Monday March 9th
1st: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Anne Kennedy.
3rd: Anne Marie Brown and Chris Pragnell.
New members are always welcome, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.
The club recently held their annual charity fundraiser night in aid of Daffodil Day for The Irish Cancer Society. The club’s players were joined by players from other clubs and €700 was raised for this very worthy cause. The club would like to thank all who attended and donated and made it such an enjoyable and successful night.

Smart Phone and Device Classes.

Kilmeaden Community Network Group will join with WWETB to offer some free Smart Phone and other devices classes. These classes will look at online activity, email, WhatsApp, messaging, using apps and much more. The classes will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre and dates will be decided once interest is gauged. To express your interest please contact Tricia Shannon on 087 2979332, email kilmeadencommunitynetwork@outlook.ie or contact any of the community network committee.

Ballyduff AFC

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.
The club have released dates and details about their Easter and Summer Camps so check out details on their Facebook page.
The Football for All group at Ballyduff AFC is hugely popular and a very important part of the club’s weekly activities. Training will begin in late March, and the club are looking for a volunteer coach to help. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact Mike Masterson (Football for All Coordinator) on 087 6910091

Church News

Some important dates coming up in our church are Saturday May 2nd when the young boys and girl of our parish will make their First HolYour Notesy Communion and on Tuesday June 2nd our young men and women will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Trocaire boxes are still available in the church and you are asked to take one home and be as generous as possible. Holy Week will begin on Monday March 30th with Easter Sunday falling on April 5th.
Choir practice takes place every Wednesday evening at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome.
The St. Nicholas Church Renovation committee launched phase 2 of their renovation plans on Wednesday March 4th in Ballyduff Community Centre. The committee are to be congratulated on all the wonderful work they have already completed with a special mention to Maurice Doyle who has given many hours of labour and materials voluntarilYour Notesy. It is now time to begin the task of painting inside and outside. All areas will need to be thoroughly washed down, repairs to plaster work, hire of height equipment and of course paint and labour.
The need to raise more funds is great and the committee are eager to get the word out there that they are very grateful to all who have already donated and sincerely ask those we may wish to donate to please do so. All donations are very welcome and can be paid through Bank Transfer, given to a committee or simply placed in the weekly offertory basket in an envelope marked Church Renovation Fund. We all understand that there are huge demands on everyone these days but would be delighted if you had something spare to see our beautiful church restored to its full glory. Our church has stood proudly watching over us all for over 200 years and has paid a huge role in our lives, the lives of our ancestors and will continue for the future generations. It is a place of worship, reflection, celebrations, quiet thought, a place of comfort and most importantly a place where community comes together in prayer and support of each other.
A huge thank you to local artist Lupita De Bhail who has donated a beautiful painting for auction, with all funds going directly to the Church Renovation Fund.

GAA News

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.
If anyone has any spare hurleys or helmets at home and would like to donate them to the club, please contact Jack Kennedy 087 9206373. These items will be put to great use by the club.
The club’s Well! Kids program began 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.
Camogie training has now returned on Monday nights and the times for each age group are available on the club Facebook page. The club are looking for coaches to help with the U6/8’s group. If you are interested, please contact the secretary on 0868944780

St. Patrick’s Day.

Hopefully everyone has enjoyed a very happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day and have enjoyed the festivities. During his wonderful years as our Parish Priest, Fr. Mick O Byrne christened my Dad Noel O Sullivan as the Minister of Shamrock. Daddy sets out on his tour of the parish each year to find the best of the shamrock to provide for the priest and parishioners. This year was no exception, and he found a rather large spray of shamrock. Fr. Francis will need an extension on his vestments to wear this spray.

Quote for the Week.

When you choose to see the good in others
You end up finding the good in yourself.

Your Notes

If you would like to include any news in these notes please get in contact by Thursday at lunchtime. The email to contact is spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Ballyduff AFC, Church Renovations and Bridge News

Bridge News

The results from the last couple of games played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club are as follows:
Monday March 2nd:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Joan Hartery.
New members are always welcome, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.

Ballyduff AFC

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.
The club have released dates and details about their Easter and Summer Camps so check out details on their Facebook page.
The Football for All group at Ballyduff AFC is hugely popular and a very important part of the club’s weekly activities. Training will begin in late March and the club are looking for a volunteer coach to help out. If you are interested in hearing more please contact Mike Masterson (Football for All Coordinator) on 087 6910091

Church Renovation

The St. Nicholas Church Renovation committee launched phase 2 of their renovation plans on Wednesday March 4th in Ballyduff Community Centre. The committee are to be congratulated on all the wonderful work they have already completed with a special mention to Maurice Doyle who has given many hours of labour and materials voluntarily. It is now time to begin the task of painting inside and outside. All areas will need to be thoroughly washed down, repairs to plaster work, hire of height equipment and of course paint and labour.
The need to raise more funds is great and the committee are eager to get the word out there that they are very grateful to all who have already donated and sincerely ask those we may wish to donate to please do so. All donations are very welcome and can be paid through Bank Transfer, given to a committee or simply placed in the weekly offertory basket in an envelope marked Church Renovation Fund. We all understand that there are huge demands on everyone these days but would be delighted if you had something spare to see our beautiful church restored to its full glory. Our church has stood proudly watching over us all for over 200 years and has paid a huge role in our lives, the lives of our ancestors and will continue for the future generations. It is a place of worship, reflection, celebrations, quiet thought, a place of comfort and most importantly a place where community comes together in prayer and support of each other.

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathies to some local residents who are mourning the recent loss of a loved one. Our condolences to Pat Power, Lacka Road on the recent death of his beloved sister, to Jim and Bernie O Brien on the death of their brother and to Jack Laffan on the death of his brother. We pray that they all rest in peace and that their families will find comfort in their memories

Bridge News

The results from the last couple of games played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club are as follows:
Monday March 2nd:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Joan Hartery.
New members are always welcome, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.

GAA News

The club held their latest lotto draw on Sunday March 1st and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 19 and 23. The three lucky winners of €50 each were Fiona Walsh, Mar Ryan and John Counihan. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 15th and tickets are on sale now from all committee members, online and will be available on Saturday March 14th 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.
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.
If anyone has any spare hurleys or helmets at home and would like to donate them to the club, please contact Jack Kennedy 087 9206373. These items will be put to great use by the club.
The club’s Well! Kids program began 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.
Camogie training has now returned on Monday nights and the times for each age group are available on the club Facebook page. The club are looking for coaches to help with the U6/8’s group. If you are interested, please contact the secretary on 0868944780

Quote for the Week.

Life is like a book.
Some chapters are sad and some happy and exciting.
But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.

Your Notes

If you would like to include any news in these notes please get in contact by Thursday at lunchtime. The email to contact is spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Night for Dod Success, Heartfelt Gratitude and Church Renovation

Recent Deaths.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Fitmaurice family on the recent death of Claire Fitmaurice, late of Stonehouse, Kilmeaden. Claire and her late husband Greg moved to Kilmeaden some years back and soon became very popular residents. Claire had a great love for family and spoke of her children and grandchildren with great love and affection. She was a woman of great faith and devotion, and mass was a very important part of her life. We extend our sincere condolences to her son Greg, daughters Kate and Ellen, her grandchildren Fionn and Holly, sons-in-law Liam and Phil, daughter-in-law Sarah and all her extended family. We pray that she is reunited with her beloved husband Greg where they enjoy the peace and love of our Heavenly Father.
We offer sincere condolences to the family and many friends of Kitty Brett, late of Portlaw. Kitty and her husband Paddy spent many wonderful years living in Tigroe before moving down into the village of Portlaw. Kitty was in her 101st year and although ill health had confined her to the house in recent years, her mind remained as sharp as a button. She kept up to date with all the happenings around her and in the country and the world. She loved to welcome visitors for a chat and without even realising it, you could happily sit for two or three hours listening to her wonderful stories. Kitty and Paddy’s story was certainly one of true love and devotion. They worshipped the ground each other walked on and through Kitty’s illness, Paddy cared for her with wonderful attention and softness. He most definitely carried out his wedding vows, and their marriage was a beacon of light for all married couples. Kitty will be deeply mourned by her husband Paddy, her son Pat, granddaughters Aoife and Eimear, her extended family and her many friends from far and wide. May her sweet gentle soul now rest in peace in the loving arms of God.

Bridge News

The results from the last couple of games played by Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club are as follows:
Monday February 16th:
1st: Anne Marie Brown and Martin Kirby
2nd: Anne Kennedy and Breda Murphy
3rd: Helen Kavanagh and Evan Walshe.

Monday February 23rd:
1st: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney
2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy
3rd: Maria Dunphy and Des O Herlihy
New members are always welcome, please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.

GAA News

If anyone has any spare hurleys or helmets at home and would like to donate them to the club, please contact Jack Kennedy 087 9206373. These items will be put to great use by the club.
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.
Camogie training has now returned on Monday nights and the times for each age group are available on the club Facebook page. The club are looking for coaches to help with the U6/8’s group. If you are interested, please contact the secretary on 0868944780
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.

Ballyduff AFC

The Football for All group at Ballyduff AFC is hugely popular and a very important part of the club’s weekly activities. Training will begin in late March and the club are looking for a volunteer coach to help out. If you are interested in hearing more please contact Mike Masterson (Football for All Coordinator) on 087 6910091
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.
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.

Night for Dod Success.

On Saturday February 21st all roads lead to O Donnachas in Kilmeaden for a special night of remembrance of the very popular Dod Whelan. Dod will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on forever. This night was organised by his daughters Shanice and Chloe who wanted to give back in memory of their beloved Dad. A fantastic amount of €3,111 was raised for the Bone Marrow for Leukemia Trust and Shanice and Chloe are deeply grateful to all who attended, those who donated, shared posts about the event, bought raffle tickets, donated prizes and all those who helped in any way. On behalf of everyone I would like to thank and congratulate Shanice and Chloe for finding time through their own grief to give back and help others who are now needing the support and care of the Leukemia Trust. Their father would be so proud of them and his legacy of always helping others has most certainly been carried on through his daughters.

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 held a special mass of reflection and gratitude in St. Patrick’s Church, Portlaw on Tuesday February 24th. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Francis Xavier and he thanked Michael and Dolores for their professionalism throughout the years but more importantly he said for the care and support they gave to families during the hardest time of their lives. Richie Nugent sang some beautiful hymns during the mass and Dolores read a fitting piece from scripture. Many people were happy to get the opportunity to thank the Kinsella’s in person and to wish them well.

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.

Quote for the Week.

Always work hard and have fun in what you do.
I think that is when you are most successful.
You have to choose it.

Your Notes

If you would like to include any news in these notes please get in contact by Thursday at lunchtime. The email to contact is spillanelinda2017@gmail.com