A Sad Farewell
Parishioners at mass on Sunday May 17th were shocked and saddened as our Parish Priest Fr. Francis Xavier announced that he was leaving and returning to his native India during the following couple of days. Fr. Francis has been here with us in the parish of Portlaw/Ballyduff for over 4 years and spent 6 years before that serving in the city. A very devout man, his prayerfulness and devotion shone for all to see, and his presence brought great comfort to all who needed special prayer and support. He was a very talented artist, and his home was adorned with many paintings. He also loved animals and his hens and roosters could often be seen taking a little walk down Priest’s Lane. Of course, he livened up every mass with his singing and loved to see the choir at mass. When he arrived here first, he was told that we may send him to Eurovision.
We shall all miss Fr. Francis very much and we wish him every good blessing as he continues his ministry in India. We wish him continued good health and reassure him of our continued prayers. I received a text from him to let me know that he had arrived back home safely and to remind people that although he has gone, he will continue to offer masses and prayers for all the wonderful friends he made in Waterford City and County
Bridge News.
The results of the latest game played by Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club were as follows:
1st: Marie Reade and Martin Kirby
2nd: Joan Hartery and Chris Pragnell
3rd: Barbara Cunningham and Sean Hennessy.
New members are always welcome. Please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087-6722482.
Talent Show.
Time is ticking and everywhere you go you will spot people getting ready for the Talent Show in aid of Ballyduff Church Renovation Fund. As I walked on the Greenway the other day, a guy kept telling me jokes and as I rested in our beautiful community garden, a lady serenaded me while a group of dancers did backflips over the bench I was sitting on. Another guy pulled a rabbit out of a hat but wasn’t too impressed when the rabbit escaped to enjoy the garden. I had to explain to them all that I had no influence over the judging system and was merely helping to get the word out.
Our community and surrounding areas are awash with talent, so now is the time to shine and the big news is that the winner will win €1,000 for themselves. Open to all kinds of acts from all areas this a wonderful chance to show off your talent and have a chance of winning this fantastic amount of money.
The beautiful Waterford Rose Cara Comerford will officially launch the event at the first heat in O Donnachas on Friday June 5th at 9pm. The second heat will take place on Friday June 12th in Haughtons Pub, while the final heat will be at The Sweep on Friday June 26th. The grand final will take place on Friday July 3rd. Entries can be given to John O Leary on 087-2154519. Music will be by Pat Comerford each night.
Great Honour.
Congratulations to Vinny Keane, Portlaw who was recently honoured by Chairman of the Comeragh District Council, John O Leary for his outstanding success recently with the Irish Blind and Visually Impaired tennis team. This was a great honour for Vinnie and his wife Lisa (nee Simpson) looked on with great pride. We wish Vinny continued success.
Graduation
Congratulations and best wishes to all the young men and women who recently graduated from secondary school. I am sure they have all enjoyed their time there and now look forward to the next chapter of their lives. We hoped they enjoyed their celebrations and that the study and the exams that are ahead will go well for them.
Racing Success.
Congratulations to local trainer Benny Crowley who celebrated success in the Killarney Oaks Hotel Handicap Hurdle. Burro was sent out in front by jockey Michael Kenneally and won by three and a half lengths. It was a special win for Benny and his family as Burro’s previous success was during his late father Francie’s ill health. There was no doubt that Francie was cheering on and probably gave a guiding hand to get him over that line. We wish Benny continued success.
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC will hold their Summer Camp for girls and boys from July 6th to July 10th from 10am to 1pm. This camp is aimed at children from 5-12 years and details are on the club’s Facebook page.
The FAI Summer Camp will run from July 13th to July 17th and places can now be booked on https://bookings.faifootballcamps.ie/s/
The club are delighted to welcome back Aoife from Three Little Birds Coffee who opened her brand-new Coffee Dock at St. Nicholas Park. The club wish Aoife the very best and look forward to many a refreshing cuppa.
Church News
Volunteers are required to help with the cleaning of the church so if you can spare an hour or two please give your name and contact details to Ann in the sacristy or to Joan Cheasty.
Choir practice takes place every Wednesday evening at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome.
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.
GAA News
Ballyduff Lower Cul Camp will take place from July 20th to 24th and booking for places opened on April 16th at 7pm
Quote for the Week.
A little progress each day
Can add up to big results.
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