Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC have been going from strength to strength over the years and if you head to the grounds any night of the week you will find boys and girls, teenagers and adults training in the fantastic facilities. Committee members, coaches and mentors all volunteer their time and talents to encourage and support all who love the game of soccer. The club has always encouraged their members and delight in their progression.
Two young ladies who have had an outstanding season with the U12 girls and U11 boys received some very exciting news recently. Laura Carlin and Robyn Fletcher have been chosen for the Waterford U12 girls development squad. These girls have put in tremendous hard work and dedication are deserve a place on the squad. Great credit must go to their coaches who have been training these girls from the age of 6. A big well done also to their parents who ensured the girls got to their training and matches on time. We look forward to watching the girls in action and wish them the very best and of course many hours of enjoyment.
Former U16 Ballyduff schoolgirl player Mia Lenihan has also hit the headlines as she has been chosen to play with Carlow/Kilkenny in the U17 League of Ireland. Mia played for two seasons with Ballyduff U16 and also played and won two medals with the U15/16 Boys team. I have watched Mia play many times and am not one bit surprised that she has been snapped up. Mia not only has great talent but she has a true love for the game which is evident to all who watch her. We will be watching her progress with great interest.
I don’t know about you but as I was writing this piece my mind kept interrupting me with many great names associated with the club, some of these are now gone to that great pitch in the sky, others are still up in those grounds helping out or serving on committees or raising funds for the club. Wherever they are however I have no doubt that I can hear them say “I told ye this club would attract attention”!
Sing From The Rafters
Our local parish church choir would like to invite any male or female adult who would like to lend their voice to our local parish choir while enjoying learning many new pieces of music and making many new friends to come along and check out St. Nicholas’s parish church choir. If you would like to know more please contact Bridget Jordan on 087-9883720 or Eamonn O Leary on 086-8592014.
Ballyduff Youth Drama
Ballyduff Youth Drama is made up of local boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes and each year they delight us with a show full of colour, song and dance. This year is no different as they bring us a Wing and a Dare” a story featuring fairies, goblins, wizards, trolls and many other interesting creatures.
The venue for this show is Ballyduff Community Centre on Friday 7th of February at 8pm and Saturday February 8th at 8.15pm. Tickets are just €10 and are available by ringing or texting Eleanor on 087-4046904.
This group is run by a wonderful group of volunteers and so I ask you to please support their fundraising efforts as they hold a fabulous Valentines raffle. The group will be selling raffle tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday February 1st and so hopefully you will support them as best you can,
GAA News
Our local GAA club continue to open up their grounds every Friday night from 7pm to 8.30pm in conjunction with Operation Transformation and Get Ireland Walking. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a nice walk in a safe well lit area. The committee tell me that it is wonderful to see over 50 people walking and talking and enjoying the facilities. You are all invited to drop in and enjoy some fresh air and good company with your community.
Tickets are now on sale for the National GAA raffle. Tickets are just €10 and there are fantastic prizes on offer it including a brand new Renault Clio. All the money from tickets sold here stays directly with the club. If you would like to buy a ticket please contact any committee member or Brian on 087 2486423.
The club will hold a club celebratory dinner dance on Saturday February 22nd at 7.30pm in The Granville Hotel. A 4 course meal will be followed by music and dancing from The Bottle Brothers. Tickets cost €35 and can be purchased from any committee member