A Beautiful Soul, Miles for Mater and New Signings

A Beautiful Soul

We were all so saddened to hear of the recent death of Paul McGrath, Powersknock last week. Paul would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday March 5th. Paul was born in the beautiful Knockanore and when just a baby came to live with Pat and Christine Murphy and their family in Powersknock. He was straight away a member of the family and went on to endear and charm all he met. He had such a
beautiful nature and a smile that was instantly contagious. As I waited outside the church on Monday to show my respect at his funeral I smiled as the Lord shone his most beautiful sunshine down on us. It was as though he was sending us a mirror image of Paul and I smiled also when I visited his grave a couple of days later to see his balloons and lovely colourful windmill, all signs to me that Paul’s beauty lives on within us all and it is our job to share it with others just as he did. We send our deepest sympathies to Pat, Christine and all the family ,Paul’s extended family and his many many friends. We pray that our Blessed Lady has now taken Paul into her loving arms and he may rest on a bed of rainbows.


Miles For Mater

Many people took up The Mater Foundation challenge for February and one of those was my own brother Neil O Sullivan and he has asked me to say a big thank you to all who donated and supported his fundraiser. He took to the roads during the month of February and clocked up his 100.3 miles. He must be given great credit for his commitment and dedication. I’m sure there were cold wet mornings or evenings when he would have rather stay in but he was determined to finish his challenge. He was absolutely blown away by the support he received from so many people far and wide. He was delighted to raise a fantastic amount of €2322. A big well done to all who took part in this challenge.


Birthday Boy

We send warm birthday wishes to Pat Kenny, Newtown who recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Pat enjoyed his day with his family and those who couldn’t travel the distance were able to join in the celebrations through the powers of phones and FaceTime. Watch out for Pat zooming along the roads and the Greenway on his birthday present but don’t blink you might miss him! Happy birthday Pat from all on The Cul de Sac.


Birthday Time

Heard of a few birthdays this week and it is important to mark these occasions especially during these Covid times. Happy birthday to the great Tommy O Brien in Ballyduff who was the birthday boy during the week and also celebrating her birthday was his daughter Jacqui whom I’m sure was spoilt by husband Patsy.
Three other ladies celebrated birthdays this week. Our local running supreme Sharon Flynn, Ardeenlone was no doubt wined and dined by husband Don. The great Michelle Dunphy who is really missed from The Sweep and O Donnachas celebrated her birthday at home with Seamus and Hollie and James whom I’m sure helped her eat the cake. Also celebrating this week was Deirdre Giani, Carriganure who I have no doubt was given a day to remember by husband Claudio and all the family. I’m sure all the gang at Jellytots send many virtual hugs to Deirdre for her birthday.


GAA News

As we dare to look forward to times when we will train for and play matches the Cul Camps have released their planned dates in the hope that they can hopefully go ahead. The Ballyduff Cul Camp is pencilled in for July 19th to July 23rd so if you want to keep those dates in mind if you are making plans uff and we will keep our fingers crossed.


New Signings

Carlow/ Kilkenny FC recently announced their new signings for their U 19 Women’s Squad. We are delighted to see Ballyduff AFC’s Kate Foley named in the signings. Kate who grew up next door to Ballyduff pitch is a brilliantly talented goalkeeper with great skill and dedication to the game. Kate has a wonderful future ahead of her and we eagerly look forward to watching her in action. Congratulations Kate.


Ballyduff LGFA

THe ladies and girls from Ballyduff LGFA have begun their #onegoodclub campaign and they have brought many smiles to many faces. Many of our older residents and people living  yeon their own in both Ballyduff and Portlaw have received lovely postcards or handmade cards in the post, some ladies living alone in Portlaw answered a knock to their door to find themselves presented with a cup of tea and a piece of rocky road or a cookie. An elderly lady who had recently suffered a loss was given “a virtual hug jar” filled with 50 positive messages. These beautiful acts of kindness have brought such happiness to many. Congratulations to our young people showings us the road to kindness.