Our Sympathies.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Louise Phelan, Ardeenlone on the recent death of her father. Mr. Peter Diamond resided in Skreen, Co. Sligo where Louise, Mark and the family were frequent visitors. We hope tht Louise and all her family will find comfort in their wonderful memories and we pray that Peter now rests in peace.
Golden Couple
In recent weeks our parish had to say a sad farewell to well known and popular couple Sonny and Joan Griffin. This devoted couple lived in Penrose Cottage in the heart of Ballyduff Village looking straight at our beautiful church to which they gave great service over the years. Although we are saddened at their passing, I for one take a little comfort from the fact that they died within weeks of each other as they were never really apart in life.
Having made their life in England for many years they returned to Joan’s home place of Kilmeaden and spent many happy years here. Sonny’s home place of Kerry was never forgotten here with that flag flying proudly for all the Kerry games. Of course the couples many friends in England were frequent visitors and Joan and Sonny were regular visitors to Fishguard to meet up with friends and families. They enjoyed a full and happy lifestyle enjoying music and dance and the company of friends. We pray that they both now enjoy the peace of heaven as they sit together at the Lords table.
Birthday Boy
We send our heartiest congratulations to Johnny Cummins, Carrickphilip who recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Johnny celebrated in style with friends and family at his lovely home and was even kind enough to share his birthday celebrations with son Eoin who recently turned 30 so there was birthdays galore to celebrate. His son Thomas even flew in from abroad to join in the fun. I wasnt able to attend but am told that I missed a fabulous night of sing song, fun and laughter. We hope all the family enjoyed the celebrations and wish them lots more fun and laughter in the years ahead.
Genuine Thanks
On Tuesday July 31st I received one of those phone calls that everyone dreads getting. My husband Brian had taken a bad fall from his bicycle on the main road. Thankfully we are counting our blessings as we are well aware of how much more serious it could have been. Brians injuries will all heal given time and rest and following a few days in hospital he is now back home to us thank God.
I mention the accident not because we are looking for sympathy but because we genuinely appreciate all the help and support we have received. When things like this happen you get to witness the great work being done in our hospitals by staff who are often put under severe pressure with long and strenuous hours. We would like to thank the people who stopped to help Brian on the road, the fantastic ambulance crews and the kindhearted nurses and medical staff on WRH. Also a huge thank you to our families, friends and neighbours who have been so supportive and kind and the many visitors to our home who are really keeping Brians spirits up. As any of you who know Brian will know he is not the kind of fella who is used to sitting around the house resting so it is hard for him to adjust to that style of life but please God he will return to full health very soon.
I dont mean to lecture any of you but I urge you all to please always wear a helmet when out cycling. If Brian had not been wearing one we could have been faced with a totally different situation. He has always insisted on a brilliant helmet and this was his saving grace on the day. Remember you are very important to many people so out of respect for them and yourself wear your helmet and show good example to your children and those around you. Lecture over!
Thank you all once again for all your kindness and good wishes. In a world where we witness so many horrible and nasty things and acts, kindness and generosity always shine through and the goodness of people never ceases to amaze me.
A Beautiful Boy
We send our heartiest congratulations to Peter and Valarie Doyle on the recent birth of their beautiful son Reuben Michael. He is a most handsome little man and I know he will be spoilt rotten by the Doyle and Raher families. We welcome Reuben to our community and we wish this little family every happiness that life has to offer.