Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff NS and these are the results from the game played on Monday December 3rd:
1st: Kate Hayes and John Mooney
2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche
3rd: Elizabeth Mooney and Peggy Murphy
4th: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald
GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 6, 10, 11 and 15 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Paul Millea, Eamon Daly and Gavin O Rourke. The next draw will take place on December 16th. There is a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets are just €2 or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday December 15th. Get your ticket and choose those four numbers carefully and your luck may be in.
Recent Deaths.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Una Counihan, Lacka Road on the recent death of her beloved mother. Mrs Mary Diamond lived in Strabane,Tyrone and was a very welcomed visitor often to Kilmeaden. Her funeral mass took place in St. Marys Church, Melmount and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
We also offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Mrs. Stacia Walsh(nee Sullivan) of Lisnakill, Butlerstown. Stacia’s funeral mass took place in Butlerstown church and she was laid to rest in Dunhill graveyard. Stacia was a wonderful character who loved to meet and chat with people. We pray that her gentle soul now rests in peace.
Marathon Success
There was some great results for our local community from the recent Waterford Half Marathon. Paul Stephenson was 6th overall in a fantastic time of 1hour and 10 minutes. Just imagine running a mile in 5 minutes and 22 seconds and keep this going for 13.1 miles. Other noticeable results were the 1st and 3rd female pacers Diane Behan and Claudia Lane two ladies with the speed of lightning. Well done to all the people from the parish who completed the race with 2343 finishers.
Christmas Spirit
The staff and pupils of Jelly Tots Preschool and Afterschool care are showing us the true meaning of Christmas by gathering goods for Waterford charity Helping Hands. A box has been placed at the entrance of the school for non perishable goods. These items will be collected on December 20th and distributed by the charity. All items will be greatly appreciated. This is a great learning experience for the children and a lovely gesture of kindness from them.
Book Launch
What a very special evening in Ballyduff N.S on Tuesday last when we were invited along to the official launch of “Ballyduff’s World of Imagination”, a wonderful book of poems and short stories penned by students from 4th, 5th and 6th classes. This is a fantastic achievement by the students and their teachers. Our own well known local author Karen Power attended the launch and spoke to the students about what a wonderful outlet writing and reading is and what an inspiration they will be to others. It was a very proud night for all us parents and families watching our sons and daughters speak about their book and sign copies of it. Congratulations to them all and we wish them every success for their futures.
Christmas Gathering.
Our local community alert group are hosting a friendly and entertaining afternoon for all the senior members of our community on Sunday December 16th from 1pm to 5pm. This will be a wonderful chance for people to get together and have a chat and a laugh. There will plenty of nice refreshments and a chance to have a dance or two to the sounds of Boxty. If you are interested in attending or know someone who is but are worried about transport please contact the group on 085 7045832 or Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and they will organise a lift for you.
GAA News
When all the turkey and Christmas goodies have disappeared and your next thought is getting a little excercise keep in mind that our local GAA club have registered for Ireland lights up in association with the GAA, Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie On Thursday nights from January 17th to February 21st, the club will open their facilities to all with walking events in the field. Join your community under the lights for some excercise and company and banish away those Winter blues. Spread the news because the more the merrier and it’s all free and who knows you may even get yourself on the telly.