Anniversary Couple
We send warmest congratulations to local couple Patsy and Jacqui O Brien of Amberhill who recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. I have no doubt that this happy couple celebrated their special day and that they look forward to many more special days to come. We wish them both many more years of good health and wedded bliss.
School Time
Huge congratulations to all the young people of our parish who returned to school in the past week or so. They have certainly returned to school during uncertain and unusual times and so I ask that both pupils and teachers are patient and respectful towards each other. This pandemic was not foreseen and so nobody has all the answers. We are all learning as we go along and so it is important that we all work together.
I have met some of the new Junior Infants in Ballyduff NS who told me that big school is great fun and awesome. I have also met some of the young men and women who have headed off to secondary school for the first time and although they admitted to being nervous they were also looking forward to getting started with their new subjects and school activities. Would you believe that I also spoke to some primary and secondary teachers who also said they were nervous about returning to school and their first thought was about keeping everyone safe. We wish everyone a very safe, happy and healthy year ahead.
Youth Drama
I met Helen Millea during the week and she wanted me to let you know that Ballyduff Youth Drama are keen and eager to return to rehearsals and to the stage. They are keeping an eager eye on the covid 19 restrictions and the changing or lifting of restrictions and hopefully an increase of numbers attending indoor events and activities. Once this happens they are ready and willing to get going and look forward to welcoming everyone back.
The Drama Group have treated us to many colourful, cheerful and funny performances over the years and Helen tells me that another great show awaits. If you would like any further information you can contact Helen Millea on 087 6493657.
GAA News
Hard luck to our intermediate hurlers who played their hearts out in the County Final but unfortunately it wasn’t their day. They really lifted the spirits of the community and that was really needed. The club and community are very proud of our Eastern Champions and look forward to next years battle.
Another County Final awaits us as the U12 LGFA girls get ready to take on Ballysaggart. This is a super achievement by these girls who are playing really well as a team and great credit must go to them and their coaches.
In our underage section all teams have been performing well with the minors winning their county final and all other teams competing right up to the end of their groups. The future is certainly looking bright for the club and the club would like to acknowledge the hard work which is being put in by all players, coaches and parents as matches came fast and hard in this condensed season.
The underage teams in our LGFA have been excelling in their various age groups so far and we await the outcome of some matches to see where they end up. It is wonderful to see all these underage teams enjoying their sport and learning new skills.
Birthday Girl
We send warmest congratulations and best wishes to Portlaw lady Joan Hallissey who recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Joan is now a resident in Mooncoin Nursing Home but I know that she keeps herself up to date with all the local happenings. We wish Joan continued good health and happiness.
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC are on the lookout for some new players for their U16/18 girls teams. If you are interested please contact Benny on 086 6043022 or Joanne on 086-1568124.
Notes
If you would like me to include an item in these notes for you please give me a text or call on 087 9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com Share your club or group activities, your loved ones birthday, anniversary, congratulations or good wishes. This is how many people stay in touch with community life and these notes are also uploaded each week to our parish website which is viewed by many people originally from here but now living in other parts of the country or indeed in other countries.