Station Masses.
The Autumn station masses are now coming to a close and the last of the masses will be on Tuesday October 23rd at 8pm in the home of Margaret and Seamus Nolan. This mass is for the areas of Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road.
Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on Monday October 15th and the results were:
1st: Celia Nugent and Theresa Phelan.
2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Geraldine McMahon.
3rd: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
4th: Angela Brown and Nano Fitzgerald.
Coffee Morning.
Our local knitting and crochet group have been very busy every Tuesday morning and the clicking of needles can be heard all over the village. They would like to invite you all to join them for a nice cuppa and a chat on Tuesday October 23rd at 9.30am. The group will have the pieces they have created on display so come along and join them. New members are always welcome to join the group so if you would like some more information please contact Jeni on 086 8163101.
GAA News.
The development of the new ball wall, astro pitch and walking track is now nearing completion and it is great to see this fantastic amenity taking shape. If any of you are interested in donating to this fundraiser please contact any committee member.
The nursery and academy section of the club are delighted to have such great coaches but would like to add some more. There are foundation courses coming up shortly and the club are willing to pay for any parents or community members wishing to this course. If you would like to get involved please contact any club member.
County Champions
A huge congratulations to the Ballyduff LGFA U13 girls who saw off Ballysaggart in Walsh Park to become county champions. This would not have been possible without the hard work put in by the girls and of course the great support they receive from their parents and supporters in Ballyduff and Portlaw. The girls arrived home to great cheers and the customary tooting of car horns. Well done girls you should all be very proud of yourselves.
A Just Reward.
On September 27th 2017 Kelvin Kearns, Tigroe was driving home on a wet and windy evening when he suddenly noticed the signs of an accident around the Holy Cross area. These signs included a flattened fence so he stopped and got out of his vehicle and upon crossing the road saw that a car was overturned in a dyke down below. Without another thought he waded in waist deep into the water and pulled the man from the car and held the man above the water line until the paramedics arrived. The gentleman involved spent several weeks in hospital but thankfully he made a full recovery.
I mention this incident again as I want to send many congratulations to Kelvin who last week received a National Bravery Award for his heroic actions. Kelvin was one of 21 people presented with an award at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park. Kelvin of course would be the last person to do things for awards or recognition but he trully deserved this for putting anothers safety first and for always being willing to help out in whatever way he can.
Bus Service
I always like to bring you news of services provided within our community. I must admit that I knew nothing of this service until it was mentioned to me during the week so I headed off on my investigations. Local link is a bus service which runs from Dungarvan to Waterford city every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. They stop off in different rural areas along the way to collect people and allow them a few hours in town to do their business or have a browse around. The bus stops in Ballyduff car park at 10am and at the Post Office in Kilmeaden at 10.15 and returns you back again at 1.45pm and 2pm. The cost of the return trip is €6 for adults, €3 for students and children with under 3’s travelling free. The service also accepts the Department free travel pass. You can book the bus by calling low call number 0761102076. If you would like to visit their website it is www.locallinkwaterford.ie
I think this is a fantastic service to have so please use it and enjoy a nice stress free spin into town.
A True Legend.
As all us supporters were left disappointed with the result of the Ireland V Denmark game we were bursting with pride to see our very own soccer hero the late great Frankie Carlin being honoured at the match and through the program. The Carlin family were invited to the game as guests of the IFA and were treated to some wonderful hospitality. They watched the game from brilliant seats but unfortunately it wasn’t the most exciting of games. I’m sure Frankie himself was shouting down some words of encouragement to the players but alas it wasn’t to be. Whatever the result this was a very proud moment for the Carlin family who truly love the game and knew how much the game and our local club meant to Frankie.
When you think of Ballyduff AFC Frankie is one of the names you think of immediately. He served his club for many years as manager, committee member and treasurer and always put his heart and soul into every job he took on. He was a man of committment and full of encouragement for the young players coming up the ranks. His passion and love for the game was evident to all through his words and deeds and so having him honoured at such a high level was indeed right and just. As I looked around the soccer field in Ballyduff the other night and saw all the young boys and girls, teenagers and adults training I looked to the skies and smiled because without great men like Frankie Carlin we wouldn’t have such a vibrant and active club and long may men and women like him be given the recognition they so rightly deserve. Although the match in the Aviva was disappointing, a true hero was honoured and to Margaret, Anthony, Michael, David, Nicola and all the Carlin family we say that we share your pride in a man who will never be forgotten.