NEW YEAR WISHES
I wish you all every good wish for 2025 and hope that the year brings you and your family good health and happiness. I thank everyone who has contributed to these notes during 2024 and look forward to hearing from them again this year.
If you would like to include anything in these local notes, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com.
RECENT DEATH
We extend our deepest sympathies to Seamus Connolly, Knockaderry on the recent death of his sister Brigid Scully, late of Ballina, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Knockaderry. Brigid passed away peacefully in Sligo University following a short illness. She will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and neighbours and we pray that she now enjoys the peace and love of Christ.
GET MOVING
Ballyduff AFC are encouraging everyone to get moving this January. From Tuesday January 14th at 7pm you are invited to drop along and join in their community walk on their walking track. This is a great way to get active and improve your mental and physical health in a safe way. You can also enjoy the company of others with a nice laugh and a chat.
COLD WEATHER
As we experience our recent cold spell, we encourage everyone to keep an eye on your neighbours and friends especially those living alone and our elderly. Check that they have enough fuel, groceries and prescriptions and that they are not having any problems with their heating and water. A simple phone call for a chat can also be a wonderful way to lift someone’s spirits who might not be out and about. The snow is really beautiful to look at but not very practical for many people.
CHURCH NEWS
Our parish choir rehearse every Wednesday night in the church at 8pm and are always ready to welcome new members. They would be delighted to welcome new male and female members so if you are interested please drop along to rehearsal. They treated us to some wonderful festive hymns and music over the Christmas season.
Our Saturday evening masses have now stopped so we just have our 10am Sunday mass. Fr. Francis has urged everyone not to give up hope and remain optimistic that the Saturday evening mass will return. This is a diocesan decision as there is a shortage of priests and so the existing priests will be needed to cover weekend masses in other parishes. Bishop Cullinan has asked for special prayers for vocations.
BALLYDUFF AFC
Ballyduff AFC grounds is a very busy place with lots of activity happening on and off the pitch. The club would like to inform their members that a Re-Turn bin has now been installed at the clubhouse. You are urged to drop off any bottles and cans that have the Re-Turn logo. By doing this you are not only helping the environment but you will also be helping your club. All of the funds raised will be used for the club’s fundraising project.
The club have also installed a new boot cleaner which can be used after games to remove any mud from your boots before returning to the clubhouse or to your car.
The club are also hosting a fundraising scrap metal collection. You are invited to drop along to the club grounds any day between 10am and 9pm and drop off your old scrap metal, car parts, old washing machines, dishwasher or dryers, lawn mowers, bikes etc and all for free of charge. Please do not include any timber, plastic, glass, tyres, TV’s, paint tins etc. CCTV cameras are in operation in the club grounds.