New Appointment.
We send our warmest congratulations to Fr. Richard O Halloran who has been appointed as Parish Priest of Ballyduff/Portlaw. This is a just reward for Fr. Richard who gives such committment and dedication to the people of the parish. This is not to say that he has pushed Fr. Mick out of his position, Fr. Mick is absolutely thrilled to have gotten his wish to become an AP (assissting priest) which will mean he will still be saying masses etc but can take a step back from the book work and running of the parish. He and Fr. Richard have built up a very good working relaionship and friendship so Fr. Mick is happy to hand over the reins and take a back seat. Both priests will remain living in their present houses and we wish them both every happiness. We are very thankful that we get to keep them both and look forward to their continued ministery.
Tractor Run.
The countdown is on to the annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club’s tractor run in aid of The Solas Centre. These fine vehicles are getting their final touches, crankshafts are being oiled up, bumpers polished and the overalls and peaked hats are being freshly washed. At 1pm on Sunday July 21st this fine selection of vehicles will take off from Haughtons and travel a lovely scenic route around the Kilmeaden area. On their return the barbeque will be fired up and Gerry and Margaret have promised to have a few cold bottles of lemonade ready for the thirsty travellers. If you feel a bit bloated after the burgers and lemonade then don’t worry as John O Shea will be on hand to get you dancing the night away. What a great way to spend your Sunday with great entertainment, chats and laughs. This is always a wonderful day with a great atmosphere from start to finish. The extra added bonus is of course that you are supporting a fabulous charity. The Solas Centre give unbelievable support to both patients and their families. Please come along and support this very worthy event.
Newcastle Mass.
The annual graveyard mass at the old cemetery in Newcastle will take place on Wednesday July 24th at 7.30pm. Buried in this graveyard are many of our ancestors many in unmarked graves. It is important that we remember these people who played such a huge part in our history. Of course all these people would have walked to mass each week and so in remembrance of them a faith walk will leave Ballyduff Church at 6.30pm and will make its way to Newcastle in time for mass. The chalice which will be used on the night is over 100 years old and would have been used at the Newcastle masses.
Thinking Caps.
The Juvenile section of our local GAA club will host a table quiz on Friday July 26th at 8pm in The Sweep Bar and Restaurant.The entry fee is €20 for a table of 4 and Quizmaster on the night will be Gavin Whelan. All are welcome to come along and join the fun. You still have a bit of time to head to the library and study but remember to choose your team carefully cause you dont want someone saying the capital of France is F.
Recent Deaths.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Al Bowman, Stonehouse on the recent death of his sister Joan Flynn of Mount Sion Avenue. Joans funeral mass took place in Ballybricken and she was laid to rest in St. Otterans cemetery. May she rest in peace.
We also send our sympathy to Paul Millea, Newtown on the death of his uncle Seamus Flynn who lived in Mallow. Seamus was a retired Garda and his funeral mass took place in the Church of the Ressurection, Mallow followed by cremation to the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se
Our sympathies go to the family and friends of Michael(Mixie) O Brien of Raheen. Michael was a native of Mooncoin but has lived this side of the river for many a year. His funeral mass took place in the Church of he Sacred Heart, Dunhill with burial in the adjoining graveyard. May he rest in peace.
Keep up the Training.
The Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk will take place on Friday August 9th leaving from Ballyduff Lower Village and travelling 5 miles around the beautiful scenic Knockaderry Lake.It is hard to believe that this is the 8th year of this event and we are very grateful to se2 who have once again come on as sponsors.
Entry is €10 and €5 for those wishing to walk the route. All money raised goes to the Ballyduff Community Centre and Focus Ireland. There will be cash prizes for the first three males and females home along with the first over 40’s and 50’s males/females. The frst junior home will also receive a prize and there will be lots of spot prizes sponsored by local businesses along the way also. Come along and join in this wonderful atmosphere.
All Ireland Awaits
Waterfords U16 lady footballers headed to Offaly on Wednesday July 10th to take on the Connacht champions Roscommon in the U16 All Ireland semi final. Twelve clubs from across Waterford are represented on this panel . One of their mentors is our own Fiona Crotty Laffan who herself is an All Ireland winner in ladies football. Fiona praises these girls for their tremendous work ethic and dedication to their sport. They have a great team of people around them and when talking to Fiona she was very hopeful that this group of girls would make it through to the final. Well that’s exactly what they did. The girls were one point down heading in at half time but came back out on a mission to win. Even when they were reduced down to 14 after their mid fielder was sin binned for 10 minutes they kept fighting and were rewarded with two goals ,one from Hayley Phelan from a free on the 21 yard line and Maeve Sheridan sent in another goal during injury time and secured their place in the final. The final scoreline was Roscommon 1-11 Waterford 5-06.
This is a fabulous achievement for these girls and now look forward to their All Ireland meeting with Athlone on Wednesday July 24th. If at all possible I urge you to get out and support these girls. Best of luck to all the girls and Fiona and all the fabulous support team they have around them