Newcastle Mass.
Our parish was once known as the parish of Newcastle/Portlaw. The remains of the Newcastle church and graveyard are situated in the Ardeenlone area. Each year we hold a special mass in the grounds of Newcastle in memory of all the people who attended there and are buried there. This year that mass takes place on Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm. Our own church in Ballyduff is two and a half miles away and in memory of all our ancestors who always walked to mass there will be a faith walk leaving the church that evening at 6.30pm. The walkers will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used at the Newcastle mass. All are welcome to take part in the faith walk and attend the mass.
5 Mile Run/Walk.
The Liz Hayes 5 Mile Memorial Fun Run/Walk is set this year for Friday August 26th. This event is for everyone whether you are a seasoned runner or someone who likes to go for a stroll. The route takes in the beautiful views around Knockaderry Lake and there is always plenty of fun and banter along the route. The walkers will head off from Ballyduff Village at 6.15pm and the runners will go at 7pm. Entry fee is €10 and €5 for students and juniors. The run is chip pin timed with cash prizes on offer. There will be extra prizes this year for the first local male and female home. We hope this will encourage as many locals as possible to take part. There will be delicious refreshments served afterwards and lots of spot prizes. John O Shea will keep everyone entertained and provide some inspirational music to keep you motivated. All money raised will go the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Fund.
Gods Neighbour.
When I was a little girl I used to think of Mossie Millea as Gods neighbour because he lived beside “Holy Gods House” and I think that I also believed that Mossie was one of those people who would also be around. So we were all heartbroken to hear of his death as we headed for mass on Sunday morning. Mossie was indeed a gentleman, kind, caring and devoted to his family. He devoted much of his life as sacristan of our church and did so with great dedication and devotion. Hail, rain or shine Mossie made sure that the church was in perfect order at all times. He was of course a great family man, devoted to his late wife Angela and their son Paul. He welcomed Pauls wife Helen into their family with open arms and then he trully delighted in his grandchildren Aidan, Aoife, Colm and Keith, an affection he received back 100%.Mossie was a friend to all who met him, loving a chat and treating everyone he met with respect. God could not have had a better neighbour for all these years so I hope he kept one of his most comfy chairs for him . We are comforted by the knowledge that Mossie and Angela are now reunited and together they will take care of their grandaughter Chloe. May this gentle ,kind man rest in peace and may he enjoy the peace of heaven. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.
A True Lady.
Our parish was in mourning also this week following the death of Nellie Walsh nee Foran, The Bakery. Nellie was indeed one of lifes ladies. She was a quiet, unassuming woman who loved her garden. She was a devoted wife to Paddy and he returned that devotion in abundance. They spent the past few years in a nursing home and were happy there together. In an ideal world isn’t this how all marriages should be, acting out those vows everyday. May Nellie now rest in gentle peace and enjoy the peace and tranquility of her heavenly home.
Can You Help?
Following a number of recent funerals people have commented how lovely it was for the family and friends to come straight to the community centre after the funeral for some refreshments, a welcome cuppa and a chat. While the food is booked from caterers etc, it is volunteers who do the rest and it would be wonderful to be able to offer this service to people if needed. I am therefore trying to put a list together of volunteers who may be available to help. Our purpose would be simply to set up the hall, serve the tea and coffee and clean up afterwards. When a funeral would accur I would simply send a text to all the volunteers and then anyone available would cover that funeral and hopefully we would have enough volunteers so that the same people would not need to do it everytime. If you feel you could help from time to time please give your name to myself Linda Spillane or Kathleen Harris.