GAA News
This years cul camp was a fantastic success with over 80 children taking part. It was really heartwarming to see all the boys and girls playing together in such glorious weather. The future is certainly looking bright for Ballyduff Lower GAA club.
You may notice as you pass by our hurling field that the new development work has now begun. The planned ball wall, astro turf and running/walking track will benefit all club members and the community when completed. Of course to fund all these fabulous facilities, a fundraising drive must now start to make up the shortfall of the grant. Leaflets will be circulated to all members and parents. They hope to get as much support as possible to help develop their facilities for the future.
Memorial Run/Walk
The annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile fun run/walk will take place on Friday August 10th. Walkers will leave Ballyduff at 6.45pm and the runners will follow on at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and €5 for students and juniors and all money raised will go towards our local community centre. Se2 have kindly offered to sponsor cash prizes for the first three male and females home and the first male and female home in the over 40’s and 50’s sections. The first male and female juniors will also receive a prize and plenty of spot prizes also on the night. The route is a beautful scenic route taking in the stunning Knockaderry Lake. Following the run a fine array of delicious refreshments will be waiting for you to enjoy in the community centre.
West Waterford AC will take care of race timmings and all are welcome to come along and join in the fun and the atmosphere.If you would like to find out some more information take a look on their facebook page Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run. This is a great community event and a fun evening out for all the family.
Tractor Run Success
Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club held another very successful tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. This annual event has been going from strength to strength every year and is always hugely popular . This group have raised a fantastic amount of money for The Solas Cancer Support Centre over the past few years and I know their constant support is greatly appreciated.
There was a vast array of tractors and cars on display for the run and then it was back to Haughtons to park up the vehicles and allow the drivers fill their hungry bellies with the delicious barbeque on offer and of course it needed to be washed down with a pint or two. John O Shea was on hand to play music to suit all ages and there was a great atmosphere as people relaxed in the beautiful sunshine. This was another huge success and a big well done must go to the organisers who put in such hard work every year. I will have the total amount raised for you in a few weeks so keep tuned.
Recent Weddings.
We wish every congratulations to Karen Power and John Paul Browne who recently tied the knot in Bonmahon church. Karen is a popular member of the teaching staff at Ballyduff N.S and a member of the Dawn Players Drama Group. There was no acting this time though as she declared her vows with our own Fr.Mick officiating. It was on to Hotel Kilkenny then to enjoy their reception with friends and family. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.
Wedding bells were also ringing in our own local church in Ballyduff on July 21st as local Adamstown lady Claire Flynn exchanged vows with her groom William Gough. Fr. Mick was once again on hand to make sure everything went as it should. I got to have a sneaky look at the bridal party as they exited from the church and the bride looked stunning and beamed from ear to ear as she stood in the beautiful sunshine greeting her guests. Another stunner I spotted coming out also was the brides grandmother the great Bridie Power looking as proud as punch. The wedding guests then took the road to Dungarvan for a reception of good food and lots of dancing in the fabulous Park Hotel. Our heartiest congratulations to this newly married couple we hope their future is full of lots of love and laughter.
Fairbrook Concert
On Saturday August 11th you will treated to some beautiful music as Fairbrook House host their annual Summer concert. You have two chances on the day to catch the musical line up with the first concert from 1pm to 3pm and the second from 5pm to 7pm. The programme begins with Madeleine Doherty singer/harpist and composer. Trained as a celtic harpist she has toured Europe, The USA and the Carribbeen. During the interval you can enjoy some bubbles and nibbles while taking a stroll in the garden and a view of the museum. Following the interval you will be treated to Brazillian Portuguese music from Bossa Nova to Fado. For further information and booking please contact 051 384657 or 085 8131448 or drop an email to artmastenbroek@gmail.com or take a look on www.fairbrook-house.com
Recent Death
Our parish is most definetly a poorer place following the death of one of its’ nicest ladies. Our community was shocked to hear of the death of Helen O Leary, Ballyduff Village. I’m sure if you looked up lady in the dictionary you would find Helens name in the meaning. A quiet unassuming woman who never put in or out on anyone she was a pleasure to meet and always had a kind word to say to you. Her life revolved around her family and she adored each and every one of them. She was not only their mother, but their friend, the one to turn to for advice and the one to give encouragement and support. She excelled at being a grandmother and indeed a great grandmother and spent many happy hours enjoying their company. To her husband Tony she was his life companion, welcoming him home after his working day and supporting him through lives journey.
Helen was a big fan of the GAA cheering on our local Ballyduff teams and of course the Deise boys but when those Cork boys took to the field you dare not say anything about her native county. She also enjoyed her garden, keeping up with the news and politics and was also a fan of the quiz shows on telly. Her home was a place of welcome, a place where you felt at ease and comfort and she made a lovely cup of tea.
For Tony, Martina, Olivia, Kenneth and Stephen and all the family life has changed dramatically but I know in my heart of hearts that Helen will never stop guarding and protecting them just as she did for all the years. We genuinely share their grief and hope that the wonderful memories they have will bring them comfort and peace in the weeks and months ahead. May this beautiful sweet lady rest in gentle peace.
Newcastle Mass
A great crowd attended the annual graveyard mass at Newcastle cemetery on Tuesday July 24th. The Lord sent his glorious sunshine as people sat around on the rocks to offer their prayers for all who are buried in Newcastle. Fr. O Halloran was joined on the night by Fr. Don Moran who is home on his annual Summer visit to his native place. I was unable to attend myself so was delighted to see some fantastic photos taken by Michael Faulkner on the night. A big well done and thank you goes to the McGrath family who take such good care of the graveyard from year to year.