Spring Stations
The annual Spring station masses are continuing and the mass for Kilmagemogue, Ross, Kildermody, Ardeenlone, Ballygarron, Lisahane, Shanbally, Carrickphilip, Knockaderry and Carriganure will take place on Tuesday February 27th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Church.
The station mass for Matthews Cross, Ballyduff East and Adamstown will be held on Tuesday March 6th at 8pm in the home of Eddie and Helena Power.
Tidy Towns
Our local Tidy Towns group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday February 28th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. As many of you know the general maintenace and grass cutting in our area is done on a voluntary basis. Due to certain setbacks, the group need a new volunteer or volunteers to come forward to do this job. The group need to increase their numbers so that they can continue to improve and enhance our village and surrounding areas. You are not asked for a huge committment and of course many hands make light work. If you are interested in helping out please come along to the meeting or if you are unable to attend please call Tony on 086-6078272 and express your interest.
Dolmen Active Retired.
Are you finding yourself will some free time and would like to get out and meet some new friends. The Dolmen Active Retired group are always keen to welcome new members and would be delighted to see you join them. Their next meeting will take place on Tuesday March 6th in The Holy Cross Lounge at 10.30 am. The meeting will begin with the customary cuppa before getting down to the business of the day.
They have arranged a lovely walk on the Greenway from Mount Congreve to Kilmeaden station on March 13th. There will be a nice cuppa and a chat at Kilmeaden station before heading back to Mount Congreve to collect your car in the carpark. What a beautiful picturesque route to walk along.
Recent Death.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Miriam Daly, Powersknock on the recent death of her father Peter Griffin. Peter was residing in Thurles but was formerly a resident of Pickardstown, Tramore and a retired member of An Garda Siochana. Peter’s funeral mass took place in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles and he was laid to rest in St. Patricks cemetery in Thurles. We offer our condolences to Miriam and all her family and we pray that Peter enjoys the peace and comfort of heaven.
GAA Lotto.
The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 14, 15, 19 and 22 and there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Kathleen Power, Philip Power and John Stephenson. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 4th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €9,650. Tickets are just €2 or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale on Saturday March 3rd at Centra. Pick those 4 lucky numbers carefully.
Knit One Purl One.
Great to hear our new local knitting and crochet group will meet on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 11am in Ballyduff Community Centre. All levels are welcome to come along and join in the fun. If you would like any further information please contact Jeni on 086-8163101
Thanks >From Bonnie
Local lady Bonnie O Reilly has asked me to say a big thank you to all who came along to the coffee morning held in Ballyduff Community Centre on Sunday February 18th. Bonnie and some other students from Transition Year in St. Declans Community College in Kilmacthomas organised hampers last Christmas for people in need in our own area and surrounding parishes. The money raised at the coffee morning will also go to those people. I attended this coffee morning myself and I must say what a beautiful array of buns, cakes and treats and all homemade. I hear that there is a great shortage of flour and eggs up around the Ardeenlone area after it. A huge well done, it is heartwarming to see such kindness and respect from our young people.
Bridge News
The results of the Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club Championships are in and are as follows:
1st: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
3rd: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.
4th:Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
5th: Breda Kirwan and Eileen Kirwan.
The seasonal prizes went to :
Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.
Mary Cummins and Brenda Cummins.
GAA Nursery and Academy
This section of our local GAA club are back in full force and are delighted to welcome such a great number of young people. Fully qualified garda vetted coaches take care of this group which is aimed at boys and girls aged from 4 years old up to 10. Hurling, camogie and football are catered for. Check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA club facebook page and keep up to date with all the times and schedules or talk to any club members. New starters are always welcome.
Recent Death
We extend our deepest sympathies to Tony Whelan, Kilmagemogue on the recent death of his sister who was of course also the sister in law of Anna Whelan, Gortaclode. Breda Bennett was a resident of Granstown Park and her funeral mass took place in St.Marys church, Ballygunner with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We offer our prayers to all the Bennett and Whelan families and we pray that Breda now enjoys the peace and love of God.