GAA LOTTO.
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 13, 19 and 22 but there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Bridget Doyle, Mandy Ryan and Amanda Phelan. The next draw will take place on September 3rd and there will be a jackpot of €10,850 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and can be purchased online or from any committee member or tickets will be on sale at Centra on Saturday September 2nd. Get those tickets early and choose those numbers carefully.
RECENT DEATHS.
We send our deepest sympathies to Eileen Hayes, The Sweep on the recent death of her mother Ann. Ann Power (nee Cook) late of Balluhussa, Kilmacthomas is survived by her sons Tom, Pat, Robbie and Liam, her daughters Elieen, Betty, Ruth and Rachael, her 16 grandchildren and her great grandson, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, relatives and friends. Ann’s funeral mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Faha followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she now rest in peace.
We also send our condolences to the Queally Family on the recent death of Peter. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Eileen, his children Liam, Marie-Louise, Ivor, Aisling, Barbara, Irene, Cathal and Rebecca, his grandchildren, daughters-law, sons-in-law, his brother John, sister-in-law Carmel extended family, business colleagues and friends. Peter had many friends here in Ballyduff and Kilmeaden who will miss him. Peter’s funeral mass took place in the Church of our Lady of Mount Carmel in Kill, and he was laid to rest in Ballylaneen cemetery. May he now rest in peace.
COMMUNITY MEETING
A community meeting will take place on Thursday August 31st at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The areas of Ballyduff and Kilmeaden have grown substantially over the past few years. This meeting will be about the setting up of a development plan for the future of the area and will include discussions on community facilities, sporting facilities etc. All are welcome to attend this meeting. If you would like any further information, please contact Cllr. John O Leary.
BACK TO SCHOOL
It’s that dreaded time of the year again when it’s time to measure up for those school uniforms, fill those pencil cases and get those books in order as back to school time has arrived. We wish all those boys and girls and young men and women the very best of luck as they set out on a new year of school. We also wish the very best to all the teachers, SNA’s and school staff who will ensure that our children enjoy their experience in school.
END OF AN ERA
On Sunday August 29th the last pint was pulled in Haughtons. A large crowd gathered to wish Gerry and Margaret the very best for their future. It really was the end of an era as this iconic pub closed its doors for the last time. A place where a good chat was always guaranteed, a hearty laugh was always heard, a place where a music session could break out at a minute’s notice. The pub has been graced with many wonderful characters over the years and there have been many memorable occasions celebrated in Haughtons. Gerry and Margaret will take some time out to enjoy time with their sons and their beautiful grandchildren. Will the doors of Haughtons open again? Who knows but for now we thank Gerry and Margaret for giving all their customers and visitors, a friendly welcome, a place to chat and relax and a chance to meet with old friends and new. We hope they enjoy a well-deserved rest but I’m sure their grandchildren will have other plans for them.
MATILDA THE BOOKWORM.
Ballyduff Youth Drama has announced their production for the 2023/2024 season. Open to 5th and 6th class pupils from Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and surrounding areas. No experience is needed but spaces are limited. Registration night will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on September 4th. Drop into the hall between 7pm and 8pm to join and there will be a €20 insurance fee payable on the night. For more information, please contact Helen on 087-6493657. Every year this group delights its audiences with an energetic, colourful and vibrant production and this year’s production of Matilda the Bookworm promises to wow its audience.
RAS NA MBAN
For the first time in its 17-year history, Rás na mBan, has introduced a Waterford stage in its five-day schedule. This is Ireland’s only women’s international bike race and will take place from September 6th to 10th.
The 2023 edition of the race is the 17th under the title of Rás na mBan and the 36th annual international stage race for women in Ireland. In its current format it runs for five days and six stages totalling over 400km of racing action.
The 102.7km stage of the race will leave Tramore at 12 noon on Saturday, September 9th and travel through Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas, on to Dungarvan, before returning along the Copper Coast to the finish line on the Prom in Tramore at approximately 2.40pm.
If you are available on the day get out on the road in Kilmeaden and cheer the ladies on as they pass through. I am sure they would appreciate the support and encouragement.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE
We wish congratulations and the very best of luck to all the young men and women in our area who received their Leaving Certificate results last week. We hope that you feel happy and content, but if you are not fully satisfied, please remember that there are many roads to get to where you want to be. Take your time and decide which road is best for you.
KINDNESS FOR PIETA
On Sunday July 16th, the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club had a mixed bag of weather for their annual Tractor Run. Each year this is a much looked forward to event and the group have raised a fantastic amount of money for charity. On Friday August 18th in Haughtons Pub, the group presented the proceeds to a representative from Pieta House. A fabulous amount of €3,452.60 was raised and Pieta House were extremely grateful. This charity provides vital services within our city and county to their clients and their families. They provide that listening ear and helping hand to those who need it, when they need it most. A big well done to all the organisers of the event, those who took part and all who donated to such a worthy cause.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Kindness is one of the best gifts you can bestow upon another.
If someone is in need, lend them a helping hand.
Do not wait for a thank you.
True kindness, lies within the act of giving,
without the expectation of something in return.