Spring Stations.
The annual Spring station masses are now over and Fr.Mick would like to thank all who hosted and attended the station masses. A big thank you also to all those who handed in their station envelopes.
The station masses will come around again in the Autumn so if you would like to host a mass for your area you can let Linda know on 087-9838392.
Coffee Morning
On Wednesday March 21st The Sweep Bar will host a coffee morning in aid of Down Syndrome. All money raised on the day will go to the local branch of Down Syndrome, Waterford. This is a great opportunity to support a very worthwhile charity while enjoying a nice cuppa and a chat with old friends and new. Hope to see you there and don’t forget to tell your friends.
Sympathies Extended
We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin Cornwell, Ballyduff West on the recent death of his father. Mr. Robert(Bob) Cornwell was a former resident of Williamstown Park. Bob’s funeral mass took place in The Sacred Heart Church, The Folly and he was laid to rest in St.Otterans cemetery. We pray that he is now at peace and sharing in the joys of heaven.
We also extend our sympathy to Albert Kearns, Tigroe on the recent death of his sister. Bridget Hubbard was a well known resident of Scrahan, Kilmacthomas and formerly from Carrigready, Bunmahon. Bridget’s removal and funeral mass took place to The All Saints church Newtown with burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace and enjoy the peace and comfort of heaven.
St.Patricks Day Parade.
Our local GAA club are inviting all children and adults to join them this year in Waterfords St. Patricks Day parade. You are all invited to join them whether you are a member of the club or not. This is a lovely chance to join in the atmosphere of the day and show what our club and community is all about. You can wear club gear or colours but you must wear a smile!
Night For The Diaries
Ballyduff GAA club present a night of music and comedy as they present to you The 2 Johnnies at The Woodlands Hotel on Friday April 13th. The show will kick off at 9pm with doors opening at 8pm. Admission is €20 and there will be a full bar. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Our very own John O Shea will be on hand to have you dancing the night away after the show. Tickets are available from any committee member, The Woodlands Hotel or by contacting 087-2486423.
Church News.
A reminder to you all that the Vigil mass for St.Patricks Day will be at 7.30pm on Friday March 16th and mass on St.Patricks day morning will be at 10am. Both of these masses will of course be as gaeilge.
You can avail of your spiritual spring cleaning for Easter at the Penitential service which will take place during both masses on Saturday March 17th at 7.30pm and Sunday March 18th at 10am. This is a lovely opportunity to clear your worries before the Easter season.
Date For Your Diary.
St. Nicholas’s church choir will present an evening of choral music in Ballyduff church on Friday March 23rd . The Lions Township high school choir from Western springs, Lillnois, America will be on a tour of Ireland and will spend a few days in Waterford. This splendid mixed youth choir will perform in our church and have invited our local choir to join them. There will be no admission fee but during the interval a collection will be taken up for the restoration fund for our local community centre. Both choirs are very busy at present rehearsing for what promises to be a wonderful night of entertainment. Refreshments will be served after the concert in the community centre.
Snow Memories.
As the final traces of snow disappear we are left only with the memories of building snowmen and throwing snowballs. More importantly we are left with the memories of the wonderful acts of kindness and goodness which we witnessed during those days that we were blocked into our homes and unable to get out for supplies etc. Many people are probably tired of listening to me raving about the wonderful place we live but the news is I will never stop doing it. A huge well done to all who helped clear driveways and roadways, checked on neighbours, got groceries and fuel for those unable to get out and kept the lines of communication open in their area to make sure everyone was ok. This is what community is all about, it’s about helping each other out, offering that hand of friendship. I truly believe that what you give in life you receive back ten fold and I have been on the receiving end of much kindness and friendship in our community and I can tell you that it is a wonderful feeling to know that you have that level of support and friendship. I urge you to keep up the good work not only in times of bad weather, a visit or a phonecall can lift someones day and make all the difference in someones life.
On Your Bike.
As I have told you in previous weeks my husband Brian and some of his fellow cyclists from the Portlaw Village Wheelers cycling club will once again take to the roads of Munster to take part in the Munster Airport Challenge. They will head off in April to complete this 500 km cycle over 3 days. This was a huge success last year and their nominated charity this year is Touching Hearts. All the guys pay their own expenses for the trip so every penny raised goes to the charity. Brian and I thank all those who have contacted me to offer sponsorship for Brian. If you as an individual or company would like to sponsor Brian we would be absolutely delighted. You can contact me on 087-9838392, spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or stop me when I am out and about, the sponsorship card travels with me.