Easter Commemoration
Congratulations to all who organised and took part in the annual Easter commemoration celebrations on Easter Sunday in Ballyduff. Our proclamation was read by Minister Mary Butler while a wreath was laid by Michael Walsh. Local man John McGrath raised our glorious tricolour to the sound of our National Anthem being played beautifully by talented piper Tommy Kiely. Refreshments were served in the community centre following the ceremony giving everyone a chance to relax and chat.
Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club played their latest game on Monday April 1st, and the results were as follows:
1st: Kate Hayes and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: John Fitzpatrick.
3rd: Sean Hennessy and Anne Marie Brown.
New members are always welcome. Please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087-6722482.
Talent Show.
Are you a singer or musician ready to shine, do your dance moves make everyone jealous, does your magic make everyone gasp in disbelief or do your jokes and impressions have people splitting their sides with laughter. Your time has come to shine while supporting your local church renovation fund. Each club, organisation or group in the parish are asked to put forward some entrants to represent them. If their representative wins, the club will receive €1000 for their club funds. Three individual heats will take place in O Donnachas, Haughtons and The Sweep with the finalists going through to the grand final in Ballyduff Community Centre. Music will be provided by Pat Comerford and all funds raised will go towards the renovation of our beautiful St. Nicholas Church. All entries should be forwarded to John O Leary on 087 2154519
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 delighted to report that with thanks to recent grant funding, they have completed an important upgrade to their club community centre with the installation of new energy efficient windows and doors. They are very grateful to all involved in securing and delivering this project.
Alzheimer’s Tea Day
Please mark Thursday May 7th in your diary as a very important date. The annual tea/coffee morning will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association. This is always a lovely morning with great company and chat and of course many delicious treats and lovely raffle prizes.
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.
Choir practice takes place every Wednesday evening at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome.
The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is now been taken up.
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
Ballyduff Lower Cul Camp will take place from July 20th to 24th and booking for places will open on April 16th at 7pm
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.
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.
Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead
Walk beside me, just be my friend.
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