Dates for your diary, End of an Era and Halloween Disco

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club met on Monday October 12th and the results of the game are as follows:

1st: Mary Kennedy and Celia Nugent.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Mary O Brien.
3rd: Anne Kennedy and Patsy Roche.
4th: Anna Harney and Iris Graham.


Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses continue this week and on Wednesday October 21st the mass for Ardeelone, Ballygarron and Lissahane will be in the home of Teresa and Tom Veale at 8pm. On Thursday October 22nd the mass for Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge will be in the home of Margaret and Seamus Nolan at 8pm. Friday October 23rd will be the mass for Knockaderry, Carrigphilip and Upper Carriganure in the home of Gertrude Kirwan at 8pm.


Wedded Bliss.

We send our heartiest congratulations to Tony Browne and Lisa Sammon who became husband and wife in Saint Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff recently. Their guests were then treated to a lovely reception in Castlemartyr. We wish Tony and Lisa many years of wedded bliss.


Legend of a Man.

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Mick Kirwan of Carrigeen, Kill. Mick was indeed a true gentleman, hardworking and loyal and devoted to his family. His wife, daughter and sons meant the world to him and he was immensely proud of his grandchildren. Mick came from a family of ten and his brother and 8 sisters were very important to him and they all loved to spend time together. Although his entire family and his many friends are now bowed down with grief, I hope that in time they will draw comfort from their memories of Micks generosity, kindness, courage and his incredible love of life. He was indeed a wonderful man and I know that he is now enjoying a comfortable seat in heaven and being rewarded for his many good deeds while on earth. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.


Death In Mooncoin.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jack Laffan, Ballyduff and Freddie Laffan, Portlaw on the recent death of their sister Breda Dean of Philbuckstown, Mooncoin. Breda’s funeral mass took place in the Church of the Assumption, Mooncoin followed by burial in the old cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.


Parish Dates for Diary.

The students from our 5th and 6th classes will be confirmed in Ballyduff church on Thursday May 26th 2016 while the date for First Holy Communion is Saturday May 7th 2016.


Clothes Collection

With a bit of frost showing itself this week I think we can get out our Winter woolies and sort through our wardrobes and presses. Ballyduff Soccer Club have announced a clothes collection and so it is a perfect time to get sorting. The collection will run from Monday November 2nd to Friday November 6th. Items can be dropped to the club grounds any of these nights from 6pm to 8pm and you can donate any clean unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. This fundraiser is for the new girls team who have entered the girls league this year. Please support if you can, the club would really appreciate it and if you require further information please call Anthony on 086-3312666.


End Of An Era.

Mossie Millea has been Sacristan of our church for many years and his family have been dedicated to our church for over 50 years. Mossie has now taken the decision to retire and so it is very important that we mark this occasion. Mossie as you all know has done a tremendous job in the church always obliging, friendly and kind to all he met. There will be a presentation made to Mossie during the 7.30pm mass on Saturday October 31st and after the mass everyone is invited to the community centre for a cuppa and a chat with Mossie.

Our new Sacristan has been announced as Ann Nolan from Ballyduff Village and is an excellent choice. Ann has great attention to detail, is hardworking, friendly and diligent. I have no doubt that Ann will do a wonderful job.


Special Mass.

Everybody was touched deeply by the recent picture of the body of a two year old boy washed up on a Turkish beach and it has made us all appreciate our lives. Our children are our future and while we often attend masses etc for school going children we rarely do for our toddlers. Ballyduff Parish Council have invited all children who were christened here over the past 4 years to the 10am mass on Sunday November 1st where they will receive a special blessing. These children are our future parish and we must do all we can to help and protect them.


Halloween Disco.

A childrens Halloween Disco will take place on Thursday October 22nd from 6.30pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be prizes on offer for the best fancy dress. Admission is €5 and all proceeds go the hall redevelopment fund. Come dance the night away all you skeletons and witches!!