GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 21, 22, 25 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Neasa Cornwell, Miriam Daly and Seamus Connolly. The next draw will take place on August 10th and will have a terrific jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets are available from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday August 10th. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5. Choose those four numbers carefully and that wonderful jackpot could be yours to treat yourself or you can treat me if you want!!
Summer Concert.
On Saturday August 10th Fairbrook House will open their gardens and museum to the public and treat them to two concerts, the first from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm. Both concerts will feature the same excellent programme. Vincent de Lange will lead things off. This Amsterdam based cellist/ singer/ composer will perform music from Neapolitan songs, parts of Bach suites, some of his own compositions and two Irish songs, accompanying himself on cello. During the interval you can enjoy a stroll in the garden or a view in the museum while enjoying some bubbles and nibbles.
Lithuanian/Israeli singer Raimonda Masiulyte will then begin the entertainment for the second half. Raimonda performs a great blend of music that transcends the boundaries of Jazz, Soul and Gospel. Her voice enchants and has taken her all around the world. She will be accompanied by Hugh Buckley on guitar. For more information you can call 051-384657 or email artmastenbroek@gmail.com or visit www.fairbrook-house.com
GAA News.
Our Intermediate hurlers recorded a fine win over St. Mollerans last week with a scoreline of 3-20 to 3-12. This was a huge win for the lads as they were missing a few regulars. The lads are really flying it again this year so keep up the good work.
A big well done and thank you to all who attended and supported the recent Table Quiz in aid of the Juvenile section of the club. A fantastic €1015 was raised for which the club are very grateful. A big thank you to all the generous sponsors on the night, to all at The Sweep, Quizmaster Gavin Whelan and all who took part.
First Class Welcome
As part of the world GAA games, Ballyduff were twinned with the ladies and gentlemen from South Africa. I popped along to Tom Cheasty Park last Tuesday night as the club invited their South African friends to meet with the players and community. I was thrilled to see such interaction between the teams,players showing each other different skills and asking each other questions.
It was then onto The Sweep for some light refreshments and music and chat. Unfortunately I couldn’t join the group here but I have it on very good authority that a wonderful night was had by all. The very talented Mia Whyte gave a tremendous display of Irish dancing and our new African friends also entertained the crowd with traditional song and dance.
I must say that these World games were really something spectacular to watch. Carriganore was of course a perfect venue and the sea of different coloured jerseys that greeted you on your arrival was heartwarming. Nations interacting and enjoying the beauty of our native games which are so special to us. We all have friends or relatives now living abroad and the existence of these hurling, football and camogie teams must surely give them some grounding and feeling of home. The World Games really brought something special to our county with players, coaches, communities coming together, children looking on in awe and young and old enjoying our beautiful games.
Paddy the Gent.
We were all very saddened last week to hear of the untimely death of Paddy White from Oldcourt. Paddy was indeed a gentleman always up for a friendly chat and a bit of fun. Paddy was first and foremost a family man who just adored his wife Diane, their son Sean and their grandsons. The other great loves in his life were his garden and his model railways. Paddy was indeed a man who knew the plants and shrubs of his garden inside out he knew the best spot in the garden to plant each tree and shrub. He was also very generous with the produce of his garden and I myself was very lucky every year to receive a bag of the tastiest plums you could ever find. Paddy will be remembered as a private, quiet and unassuming man who simply loved his life with his wife and family in their beautiful home surrounded by everything that was special to them. We shall all miss Paddy and we hope that he now enjoys the peace and comfort of heaven and the Lord has now scored himself a gardening expert.
Our Sympathies
We extend our deepest sympathies to Alison Cornwell, Ballyduff West on the recent death of his beloved father. Tony Jacob was a resident of Dominics Place. Tonys funeral mass took place in the Holy Family Church and he was laid to rest in St. Marys cemetery, Ballygunner. Our deepest sympathy to Alison, Martin, Brianan and Neasa and all the Jacob family.
Fun Run/Walk.
Final training sessions are now under way for the annual Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk. Friday August 9th will see all walkers and runners gather in Ballyduff Village for this much looked forward event. The walkers will head off at 6.45pm while the runners will leave at 7.30pm. The entry fee for adults is €10 and students and walkers are €5 with all proceeds going to the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Fund and Focus Ireland. Timings will be looked after by the West Waterford Athletic Club. There will be cash prizes for the first couple home in the individual categories and many spot prizes along the way also. After the race there will be plenty of tasty refreshments in the Community Hall followed by the prize giving.
Wedded Bliss
I would like to send heartiest congratulations to my own sister Mary and her husband Eamonn O Leary who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 5th. They were married on August 5th 1989 in St. Nicholas church, Ballyduff and then we headed to the beautiful park in Kilmacthomas for photos before heading on to The Park Hotel for a great night. At the tender age of 16 it was my first experience of a wedding so I can remember all the details carefully. Delighted to say that the happy couple are still enjoying every day in their beautiful home in Kilmagemogue with their daughters Jessica and Amy and of course Pepper the dog. On behalf of all the family I would like to wish Mary and Eamonn many more happy years full of good health, love and laughter.
I also heard on the grapevine this week of another young couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. Well known and loved Ballyduff couple Christy and Vera O Keeffe celebrated 47 years of marriage.They obviously must have got married straight after their Confirmation. We hope that this very popular couple enjoy many more happy and healthy years in the company of their children and their beloved grandchildren.