GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 4, 7 and 9 but there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Conor Nolan, Gerry Rundle and The Sweep Gang 2. The next draw will take place on November18th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €12,350 up for grabs. Tickets are just €2 or 3 for €5 and are available from all club members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday November 17th . Choose those 4 numbers carefully and you could be the lucky jackpot winner.
Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on November 5th and the results were:
1st: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
2nd: Anne Cox and Peggy Murphy.
3rd: Anna Harney and Sean Hennessy.
4th: John and Elizabeth Mooney.
November Masses.
The month of November is always the month we remember our deceased loved ones and friends. Each Wednesday of November a special mass is offered in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm for all our faithful departed. On the final Wednesday of the month November 28th the mass will be offered especially for all those who have died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried here in our graveyard will be automatically included but if you had a relative or friend who died elsewhere and would like to have them included then please write their name on the list in the main porch of the church or contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. This is a beautiful ceremony where each person is represented by a candle during the mass and then that candle is given to a family member to bring home after.
Recent Deaths
We offer our deepest sympathies to Deirdre Coffey, Ballyduff Hill on the recent death of her brother Frank Brennan who resided in German Road, Johns Park. Frank’s funeral mass took place in The Sacred Heart church, The Folly followed by his burial to St.Otterans cemetery.
We also offer our condolences to John Fitzgerald, Carrickphilip on the recent death of his sister Anne Colbert who resided in Tivoli Road, Tramore. Anne’s funeral mass took place in the Holy Cross church, Tramore with burial in St. Declans cemetery, Riverstown.
We offer our prayers and thoughts to both families and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories they have of their loved one.
GAA News.
The U15 football lads were in hard luck to be beaten in the Eastern final. They have put in great work this year and a big well done to them and their coaches for their committment.
The U21 hurlers had to suffer a defeat by the cruelest of margins when they were beaten by Mount Sion on a scoreline of 2-13 to 2-12 in the Quarter Final. Playing with a weakened side the team really dug deep and really clawed it back having been down by 8 points midway through the second half. The team can be really proud of their huge effort.
After a short delay the developments in the hurling field have resumed at a pace. This is a massive investment by the club which will benefit all the community. A big thank you again to all the families, individuals and businesses who have supported the venture.
The club is very lucky to have a great team of volunteer coaches involved with the younger age groups and courses are coming up soon for any prospective coaches and parents who may be interested. There is no pressure put on anyone but you are simply offered the chance to develop your knowledge and help with your childs development. If you are interested in finding out more you can get in contact with Juvenile Chairman Brian Hearne or Secretary Isobel O Neill.
Birthday Girl
We send our warmest birthday wishes to Bridie Power in Adamstown who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Bridie celebrated her special day in her home with her family and I’m sure she was spoiled by them all as she so richly deserves. We wish Bridie every good wish and continued good health and happiness.
Community Alert Meeting.
Our local community alert group remain active and alert throughout the year but of course with the dark evenings and harsh weather it is important that we all remain vigilant at all times and be mindful of all our neighbours and parishioners. A community alert meeting will take place on Tuesday November 20th in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome to attend this meeting and please spread the word to your neighbours and friends. It is important that we all work together to keep our community and area safe for all who live and work in it.
Choir On Tour.
I was delighted last week to head off as part of our local parish choir on a day trip out to Bunratty Castle. We headed off from Ballyduff on a damp and miserable morning but we weren’t going to allow the weather to upset our plans. We were delighted that our bus driver for the day was local man John Keegan and knew we were in safe hands. Upon reaching the city of Limerick we had some time to spare so some headed off to a shopping centre for some retail therapy while the rest of us went for a walk around the beautiful St. Johns castle. I had never been to the castle before and I must say it is most certainly well worth the visit. So much history within the castle walls and the most stunning views from the castle top.
After collecting our happy shoppers and their purchases we made our way to Bunratty Castle where we were booked in for an evening banquet. We were certainly treated as royalty and were only referred to as Lord or Lady for the evening. In fact some peoples royal characteristics stood out more than others as our own Michael Hearne and Joan Cheasty were crowned Earl and Lady of Bunratty for the evening. Our Earl most certainly took his duties seriously making sure that each dish tasted perfect before it was given to the guests. One poor guest was even sent to the dungeon but don’t worry the Earl softened and showed him mercy. This visit was a wonderful experience as we dined as in times gone by with no cutlery but don’t worry we didn’t bring the habit home with us. We were treated to some beautiful singing and music from the Bunratty entertainers. If you get the chance to attend one of the banquets you should most definetly give it a try.
We enjoyed a lovely day together with plenty of chats and laughs along the way and of course the customary singsong on the bus. A big thank to Olivia and Declan for making all the arrangements and bookings and to all my fellow choirmates for their lovely company.