November Masses.
Although our deceased loved ones are never far from our thoughts, we always remember and pray for them in a special way during the month of November. There will be a special Holy Souls mass each Wednesday night at 7.30pm in Ballyduff church during the month of November. The first of these masses will be this Wednesday 7th at 7.30pm.
The final one of these special masses will be on Wednesday November 28th and that mass is offered especially for those who died in the past 12 months. This is a lovely ceremony where each family are presented with a candle in memory of their loved one. Those who were buried in our graveyard during the year are automatically included in this mass but if you would like to include the name of a relative or friend who died outside the parish then you are very welcome o do so. To add a name to the list you can contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or you can write the name on the list which is in the main porch of the church.
Ballyduff AFC
Our local soccer club is really going from strength to strength and have been joined by a lot of new players this season. The club are absolutely delighted to welcome these new members and hope they will be with them for many years to come. The academy section has also welcomed many new members and the club now has a record number of players in the club.
Of course all these new players brings extra work for the coaches which is not good for them or the players. The club urgently needs help in the following age groups, boys U5/6/7/8/9/10 and 11 and girls U8/12/14 and 16. I am sure there are many of you out there who would give great encouragement and support to any of these teams and you will be rewarded with happy faces enjoying sports and learning the great gift of team spirit. If you would like to put your name forward please message or call Paddy Kirk on 087 2764883.
Recent Death
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Fitzmaurice family of Stonehouse on the recent death of Greg. The family have lived in Stonehouse for the past few years and before that lived in Blenheim House. Greg’s funeral mass took place in Ballyduff and he was buried in the adjoining graveyard. We extend our sympathies to his wife Claire and his children Ellen, Greg and Kate and all his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Knitting and Crochet.
A local group meet every Tuesday morning at 10am in Ballyduff Community Centre to enjoy knitting and crochet. All levels are welcome to come along and join in the fun. Of course I am told that they get to enjoy a cuppa and a chat in between the serious job of creating.
A crochet class will also begin on Monday November 12th for six weeks and will run from 7pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All materials will be provided. If you would like some more information please contact Jeni on 086 8163101
GAA News
A big well done to the U15 Ballyduff/Portlaw football side who qualified for the Eastern Final by recording a win over S.Marys with a scoreline of 5-5 to 2-4. Hopefully the lads will continue to progress and win the title.
The club are very grateful to all who have contributed to their fundraising for the field development. The club are aware of the many pressures on peoples finances these days and are very grateful for the generosity shown towards the club which enables them to continue to enhance the facilities for their members and the community.
Wedding Bells.
We send our warmest congratulations to Danielle Keogh and Raymond Ryan who recently announced their engagement. Both families are delighted with the good news and I’m sure they will give some great advice and help in the wedding plans. However I do know that the real boss will be the couples beautiful daughter Erica and so she may have it all planned already. We wish the happy couple every happiness for the future.
Remarkable Lady
We offer our deepest condolences to Mary Kenny, Newtown and Catherine Millea, Holy Cross on the recent death of their beloved mother Biddy Millea. Biddy held the title of the oldest parishioner in Butlerstown and in her 98th year was very proud of her age. Up until recent months she enjoyed very good health and kept up to date with all the modern trends including skyping, texting and liked to know how many likes her photo might get on facebook. Biddy was one of the most lovable characters you could meet. She loved to meet and chat with people and especially loved visits with her grandchildren Conor, Brian, David and Eoin and her beloved great grandchildren William,Tom, Ellie, Leah and James. You were always assured of a good laugh when you met Biddy and that little rogues glint in her eye would always bring out a funny tale or two. A great cook she loved to care for her family and her beloved dogs. She enjoyed keeping up with current affairs and really enjoyed watching the game of tennis with a special interest in tennis supreme Roger Federer solely for his tennis skills of course.
Biddy shall be missed greatly not only by her family but by all who knew her. She gave us all great example while here on earth, she showed us how to enjoy your life and take care of those around you. She showed us that age is but a number and that you should enjoy every minute of each day. Her infectious smile will remain in her memories and we hope that she is now reunited with her husband and that they now both enjoy the peace of their heavenly home. May her sweet gentle soul rest in peace.