Two Young Men.
Two well known young men from our parish have celebrated their 90th birthdays in recent days. First up was John Keating from the Lacka Road who even got a mention from the altar at mass on the Sunday and next up was our newly retired sacristan Mossy Millea who will turn 90 on Wednesday. We wish these two fine gentlemen every best wish on their birthdays and good health and happiness in the coming years.
Bridge News.
Our local bridge club held their Christmas party on Sunday December 6th at the Viking hotel and a great night was had by all. The results of the game played were as follows:
1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Bertha O Connor.
2nd: Anne Kennedy and Anna Harney.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Mary O Brien
4th: Genelia Rowley and John Fitzpatrick.
5th: Mary Kennedy and Breda Cowman.
6th: Patsy Roche and William Tobin.
Church News.
A reminder that your new pack of yearly collection envelopes are now available at the top of the church on the front seats of the side aisles. Please take yours with you at your earliest convienance.
We all try our hardest to be the best Christians we possibly can be during the year but we are only human and so in spite of our best efforts we sometimes turn our back on God and prayer and our faults and failings creep into our lives. Luckily God is always ready to forgive and during the season of Advent it is important for us to receive forgiveness before the coming of our Lord. This year in our parish the reconciliation servive will take place as part of the usual Sunday morning mass at 10am on Sunday December 20th at 10am.
The Christmas collection for the support of the priests of our parish will be taken up at all the Christmas masses. You can use the envelope in your yearly pack or the special once off envelope which is being delivered to each house in the coming weeks.This money goes into a common fund from which each priest in the diocese is paid a salary.
Tidy Towns.
Our Tidy Towns committee are out spotting houses around the parish displaying some beautiful outdoor Christmas lights so if you would like to nominate your own or a neighbours house please let them know by their facebook page or contact 087-1750370.
Nollaig na mBan.
Last years Nollaig na mBan event was a huge success and this year promises to be the same if not better. If you are thinking of going I advise you to book your ticket early as they are going fast. Tickets cost €25 which includes admission, mulled wine reception, 3 course dinner and entertainment. January 9th is the date and the community hall is the venue. Come along and relax while some fine men from our parish prepare and serve and more importantly wash up. Plenty of spot prizes on the night. To book your ticket please call Marie on 089-4348844.
Quiz Night.
A fun quiz night in aid of the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal will take place on Thursday December 17th at 8.30pm in O Donnachas. Matt Keane will act as quizmaster so get your table of four ready. This is always a great night of fun and laughter so come along and join in.
Carol Service.
On Wednesday December 9th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Church I feel that the Christmas season started for me. Our local choir put on a carol service with soloist Lupita De Bhail and flautist Ger Dowyer. As we ran from our cars through the wind and the rain and through the doors of the church we were suddenly transported to another world. You immediately forgot about the weather outside or what problems you had that day. The porch was adorned with candles and flowers and this theme carried on into the church. These beautiful flower arrangements were made by choir member and church flower arranger Joan Cheasty. They were absolutely stunning and admired by everyone.
The candle light and flowers made our beautiful church look even more stunning. Our choir sang some beautiful carols with lovely harmonies under the direction of Bridget Jordan and also included a solo piece from members Sandra O Keeffe and Stephaine Power. You could hear a pin drop when soloist Lupita De Bhail performed and Ger Dowyer played the flute with such excellence and grace. Music accompaniment throughout the night was provided by Damien O Brien and John Stephenson. I must say I found the night quiet emotional but so uplifting. It was a wonderful way to spend an evening and I could have sat there happily for another few hours.During the service there was a collection in aid of the redevelopment of our community centre and a fantastic amount of €870.43 was raised for which the committee thank you most sincerely. Another great community event, well done everyone.