Golden Days.
We send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Ballyduff couple Jim and Eleanor O Brien who recently celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary. Jim and Eleanor celebrated their day surrounded by their children and grandchildren. We wish the happy couple many more years of wedded bliss in their beautiful home in the heart of the village.
Junior Cert Results
Huge congratulations to all the young men and women in our community who received their Junior Cert results during the week. We hope that they are all proud of themselves and that they enjoyed the celebrations.
Bridge News
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on Monday September 10th and the results were:
1st: Elizabeth Mooney and Michael O Donovan.
2nd: Patsy Roche and Peggy Murphy.
3rd: Eileen Kirwan and Breda Cowman.
4th: Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.
GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 13, 21, 22 and 28 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were John Cunningham, Vincent Behan and Meabh Ni Fhuarthain. The next draw will take place on September 23rd and will have a jackpot of €11,750 up for grabs.
Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday September 22nd. Choose those 4 numbers carefully and you could be the lucky winner.
Back To School
We wish all the students and staff of Ballyduff NS a warm welcome back to school and hope that they all enjoy a happy and safe year. We of course welcome two new members of staff to the school. Miss Tyrrell joins as the new Senior Infants teacher and Mrs Kavanagh joins the Senior Special Class.
Exciting plans are afoot in the school for a new classroom. Plans have been approved by the Department of Education and it is now at the planning stages.
Parent and Toddler Group
Our local Parent and Toddler group have returned to their activities after the Summer break. The group meet every Friday morning in Ballyduff Community centre at 10am till 12 noon. There is always a warm welcome waiting for any new members wishing to come along. There is no committment needed you can pop along any time that suits you.
This is a great way for both parents and children to get to know others. The children enjoy some play and activities in a safe and happy environment while the parents can have a nice relaxing cuppa and a chat. Why not drop in and join in the fun.
Coffee Morning.
The annual Hospice coffee mornings will take place around the country next week and we here in our area will have our chance to support this wonderful charity, on Thursday September 20th, O Donnachas will host a coffee morning from 9.30am to 12 noon. This is always a lovely morning with warm cuppas, delicious scones and lovely conversation. Come along and join in this nice relaxing morning while supporting a fantastic charity.
Birthday Girls.
Two local ladies celebrated their 21st birthdays last week. Aisling Power, Ballyduff East and Amy O Leary, Kilmagemogue both turned 21 within days of each other and we wish both ladies a very happy birthday. We hope that they both enjoyed their celebrations and wish them every best wish for their future.
Home To Rome
Following Arthur and Jordan Curry’s triumphant return home from their “Home To Rome” charity cycle, the boys were given a night of celebration in O Donnachas on Saturday September 8th. The crowd enjoyed the live music and finger food while they supported the raffle and auction. All money raised on the night went to the Waterford Hospice who of course as we all know provide wonderful support to many patients and their families every day.
Arthur spoke on the night and thanked everyone sincerely for all the support and encouragement which they received before, during and after the trip. He told of the hard conditions they faced at times, the worries and pains and the pure and honest feelings of achievement and contentment as they reached their destination and they stood in the place that their mother and grandmother had wished to travel to. They most definetly felt her presence there with them and throughout the journey and know that she pushed them on when they felt like giving up.
This was a lovely way to round off their trip and a big well done to Michelle and Seamus Dunphy for hosting the night and a thank you to all who attended.
Yoga Time
If you are thinking about taking up some yoga to help you relax and unwind, there are a choice of times and venues coming up for you. Classes will begin on Monday October 8th in Cheshire Homes at 11am and in “Woodside”, Whitfield at 6.30pm. If you would like some more information please contact 086 2427565.
Zumba Time
Zumba with Lada has begun in Ballyduff Community Centre. For those aged 7 years to 12 years classes take place on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 4.50pm and for those aged 12 years to 110 years its Wednesday nights from 7pm to 7.50pm. If you would like some more information please contact Lada on 089 4929672.
Our Sympathies
We extend our deepest sympathies to Christine Murphy, Powersknock on the death of her beloved father Mr. Michael Barrett. Michael resided in Analeentha, Mourneabbey, Co. Cork and although I didnt have the pleasure of knowing him, I know from the way Christine spoke of him that he was a man of great character and strength and was deeply admired by all his family and friends. We pray that he now enjoys the peace of heaven and that his gentle soul may rest in peace.