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. This will be the last meeting before the long evenings, and it is important to receive advice and tips as to how to keep our properties safe. It is very important to support this local group and work together to combat crime.
Recent Deaths
We extend our deepest sympathies to all the Larkin Family following the sad death of Dixie Larkin, Ballyduff. Dixie was a kind, reliable, hardworking and kind man. He was a loving and dedicated family man and adored spending time with his beloved wife Maureen, sons Thomas, Derek and Eamonn, daughter Louise, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved nothing more than a good family occasion or holiday. He was a wonderful community man and was involved with many different groups over the years and was very proud of where he lived. His cheeky grin and twinkling eye put everyone in his company at ease, and everyone enjoyed meeting him for a chat. Dixie’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff and he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that his sweet, gentle soul now rests in peace.
We send her sympathies to the Marnell family on the death of Monica Marnell, late of Stonehouse who died recently. Mona as she was affectionately known as lived for many years in Stonehouse with her beloved aunt Alice Daly where she made many friends. She will be sadly missed by her brother Kevin, sister Dorothy, nieces, nephew, extended family and friends. She was laid to rest in St. Nicholas cemetery, Ballyduff and we pray that she now enjoys the peace and love of Christ.
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 23rd.
1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Kate Hayes and Bernie Dwyer.
3rd: Mary Prendergast and Geraldine McMahon.
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.
Daffodil Day
A big thank you and well done to all who donated to and supported Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Unfortunately, every family is touched by cancer and so we all know the importance of supporting these charities who do so much for those affected and their families. A big thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time so generously to sell daffodils and merchandise. Thank you also to the proprietors of Centra and Gala for giving space in their premises for the stands.
Ballyduff AFC
The club would like to say a huge thank you to Damien Kelleher and Aisling Masterson for their generous donations. With this wonderful support the club have been able to purchase a brilliant range of dedicated Football for All training equipment for the coming season.
The U14C schoolboys had a great home win against Mooncoin Celtic. There were some fantastic individual performances and the passing and running of the ball was excellent. Finishing on a 5-0 scoreline, this was a great game and a big thank you to Mooncoin for such a sporting game.
The U8’s always had a great game against Mooncoin with a fantastic display of football skills.
The U16C schoolboys had a 2-1 win over Hibernians with some super teamwork which pushes them up to 3rd in the table following their 6th win in 7 games.
The two U10 girls team hosted a fantastic blitz in St. Nicholas Park and a big thank you to Tramore and Villa for helping to make it a great morning of football.
In the opening game for the Div 3 guys, they were edged out to a 2-1victory by a very sharp, youthful Tramore side. However, there were plenty of positives to take from the game and lots to build on.
The U12B schoolboys had a disappointing 2-1defeat against Ballinroad. Although there were many chances of an equaliser, the ball just didn’t go their way.
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.
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.
Holy Week will begin on Monday March 30th with Easter Sunday falling on April 5th. Holy Thursday celebrations will take place at 7.30pm, Good Friday (Liturgy of the Lords Passion at 3pm) (Stations of the Cross 7pm) 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.
GAA News
Congratulations to talented club member Freya Galvin who has been chosen to represent Ballyduff N.S in the primary game at half time of the Waterford V Tipperary Senior Championship game in Walsh Park on April 26th. Freya is part of the U14 Waterford Camogie squad this year.
Waterford GAA have launched a recruitment campaign for new referees and will hold a foundation course in early April. If you are interested please contact John Sheehan, Referee Administrator on 086-8573439 or email refereesadministrator.waterfordgaa.ie
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.
Quote for the Week.
Happiness is the only thing that multiplies
When you share 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