Ballyduff AFC
Do you enjoy working outside? Would you like to give a bit back to your community while getting paid? Ballyduff AFC are on the lookout for a grounds person for their club. If you are interested then please apply to the club or log into jobs Ireland.ie
Centurion Celebrations
We send warm birthday wishes to Paddy Mooney formerly of Dunabrattin, Annestown who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Paddy was a very popular and well known employee of Mount Congreve for many years and he is now a resident of Dunabbey House in Dungarvan. Paddy was treated to a special fly over by the Waterford Rescue 117 in memory of his days as a former flight engineer and pilot in the RAF. Thankfully restrictions had been loosened a bit in time for Paddy’s birthday and so he was able to welcome family along to his celebrations. Paddy is already planning for his 101st birthday when he may fly the helicopter himself and do you know it wouldn’t surprise me one bit!
Church News
We are all delighted to see some restrictions being lifted and I am delighted to say that we can now return to daily and weekend masses. From Monday May 10th mass will return on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am and on Saturday at 10am and 7.30pm and on Sunday morning at 9.30am.
GAA News
The club would like to say a big thanks to Minister Mary Butler, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People for taking the time to visit the new project developed by Ballyduff LGFA on the Greenway. She was very impressed by the beautiful finished area.
The club are delighted to see all the groups from U6 to U18 now back training under COVID guidelines. The club encourage you to contact the various coaches for football, hurling, LGFA for details or message their Facebook page if you are new to the club or area.
Celebration Time
We send our warmest congratulations to Sandra O Keeffe, Springhill on her recent graduation. Sandra graduated with a masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy . Sandra has worked very hard at her career and deserves all this success and she was most definitely born to do this job. Sandra has always received wonderful support from her partner Anthony her parents Christy and Vera and siblings Elaine, Edel and Damien and I know that they are very proud of her fantastic achievement. We wish Sandra every success in the future.
A Scholar and a Gent
We were all very saddened to hear of the death of
Mr. John G Fitzgerald of Ross. John was a tall man in stature and was held equally in high esteem. He was most definitely one of lives gentlemen and his main aim in life was to help anyone that he could. He was a very intelligent man with a vast array of knowledge on many subjects. He was a wonderful farmer and knew that it took hard work and passion to make it a success. He loved the land and his animals and worked for the good of farmers as he served as Vice Chair of Glanbia, County Chair of Waterford IFA and was also involved in the Farm Relief Services. He took all these roles very seriously and if there was a job to be done then John was the one to have on your side. He was also a great greyhound man and he bred some fantastic dogs over the years and the road to Shelbourne was just a short spin up the road for him. A great GAA man he supported both local and county teams. He served as Chairman of our local club with great dedication and devotion. He enjoyed being a member of the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club and liked many he looked forward to that great day in July for the tractor run which always raised fantastic money for The Solas Centre. A man of many interests and talents his greatest love was his family.Married for over 40 years to his beloved Nano the pair were rarely seen without each other. Their children Maura, Joanne and Ger were their pride and joy and of course they adored their grandchildren John, Isabel and Liam whom John loved to spend time with.
John will be greatly missed in our parish and we pray that he now enjoys Gods kingdom where there is no more pain or sickness. I have it on good authority that the Irish Independent and The Farmers Journal are available in heaven so hopefully John can enjoy a good read and perhaps a nice cold pint with old friends. He has left Nano and the family many happy memories and we hope that these will bring comfort in the days to come.
A True Gent
Our parish was shocked to the core this week with the unexpected death of one of it’s most popular residents. Mossie O Keeffe, Blacknock was a gentle caring man who loved helping out friends and neighbours. He loved nothing more than a quiet drink and a chat with friends. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Betty and I’m sure there will be a dance or two when they reunite. Mossy was a wonderful family man loving getting together with them all for a chat and a laugh . He welcomed his grandchildren with great delight.
In recent years he volunteered his time at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden and he told me how much he loved it and enjoyed meeting so many people from all walks of life. Of course the cuppa and cake with the rest of the crew was always looked forward to.
Mossie made many good friends over the years and one of those Sean (Showery) Atkins went on ahead of Mossie just one month ago. I have no doubt that by now Showery has found the perfect seat and there is a reserved seat waiting for Mossie when he gets there. We pray that Mossie now rests in peace and we offer our support to his family and friends. May his friendly smile remain in your minds and his caring nature in your souls. May his gentle soul now rest in peace.