Bridge News
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet on Monday nights in Ballyduff NS to enjoy their weekly game of bridge. The results from Monday February 25th are as follows:
1st: Mary Prendergast and Nano Fitzgerald.
2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
3rd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Bridget Ahearne and Geraldine McMahon.
Lotto Results
Everyone has their eye on the fabulous jackpot which our local GAA club has on offer in their lotto draw which takes place every fortnight. The numbers drawn were 11, 16, 17 and 18. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night were Vera Murray, Maurice Flynn and Claire Dalton. The next draw will take place on March 10th and that fantastic jackpot of €12,500 will be on offer. Study those numbers carefully and choose those lucky four wisely. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. They can be purchased from all members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday March 9th. If you win that jackpot, remember who told you about it!!!
A Match Made In Heaven
I was delighted during the week to hear the wonderful news that local couple Sandra O Keeffe and Anthony Wilmott have announced their engagement. This couple certainly make sweet music together with Anthony being one of the most talented guitarist you will ever hear and of course Sandra was born with the voice of an angel. Anthony chose the wonderful countryside near their beautiful home in Kilmeaden to pop the question and of course the answer was yes. We send our warmest congratulations to the happy couple and wish them every happiness in their future lives together.
Community Alert
Our latest community alert meeting was treated to a wonderful presentation from Genealogist Tony Hennessy about tracing your family tree and history. He had some fabulous old photos to display and brilliant information about our local area from years gone by. The group were also addressed by 24/7 cardiac care campaigner Matt Shanahan and he encouraged all there to join their next march to demand the service and level of care that we all deserve. We were also delighted on the night to be joined by Gardas Alan Kissane and Clare Walsh and their support and committment to the group is invaluable.
The annual €5 text alert fee was also taken up at the meeting and if you were unable to attend but would like to have your number included then please contact any of the committee or you can pay it at the next meeting on Tuesday March 26th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre.
Spring Stations
Our annual Spring station masses are continuing and the mass for Ballyduff Village, Ballyduff West, Ballyduff Hill, Ross, Kildermody, Kilmagemogue, Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode will take place on Thursday March 7th in Ballyduff church at 8pm.
GAA News
The club would like to say a huge thank you to all who took part in their six weeks of Ireland Lights Up walking challenge in conjunction with Operation Transformation. Over 500 people used the fabulous well lit facilities at the club and this was a huge benefit to the community. If you would still like to use the facilities you are welcome on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm or Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am while the children train.
The U7/8 groups have been taking part in many football and hurling blitz’s recently and they are really enjoying the experiences. Great credit must go to their coaches and parents for all the support they give. The future looks very bright for the club.
The U5’s to U9’s continue the development of their skills as they train every Saturday morning at 10.30am while the U10/11 are in the field on Mondays from 6.30pm so bring the kids along to join the fun.
Trocaire Campaign
As we begin the season of Lent we remember that it is a time for spiritual cleaning and also a time to think of those people who have little or nothing. We here in Ballyduff have a great tradition of supporting Trocaire by bringing home our Trocaire box each year and donating as much as we can to helping these people. Trocaire boxes are now available in the church and hopefully we can all take one home and do our little bit to help.
Coffee Morning
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Wednesday March 20th in The Sweep Bar from 10am to 12 noon as they play host to a fabulous coffee morning and raffle. This was a huge success last year for the Waterford and South Kilkenny branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. Bim Connors will provide some music and song while a giant rafle will take place at 11.30am. I was speaking to Michelle Dunphy recently and she told me that she is absolutely amazed at the generosity of people and businesses who have donated some brilliant prizes for the raffle. I attended this coffee morning last year and the love and support that was in the room was evident to all. I hope you will all take some time to drop in and enjoy a nice cuppa, a friendly chat and maybe even a dance. If you cant make it but would like to support this charity there is a fundraising page if you click on to www.iDonate.ie