Ball Lotto Winners

Ballyduff Camogie Club and Ballyduff Community Centre committee recently joined forces to host an exciting and fun fundraiser. 1000 numbered balls were dropped into the ball alley in the hurling field and then three random numbers were chosen by three of our finest camogie players. The lucky winners were Rory Williams who won €250, Kathleen Doran €150 and Fearne Carey €100. The organisers would like to say a huge thank you to all who supported this event and also to those who helped to sell the balls. The money raised will benefit both clubs greatly and they really appreciate your support.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Phil Higgins who died recently.Phil was a resident of Cherrymount but was a former owner of the Cosy Thatch. Like myself I am sure many of you remember many great years of Irish dancing lessons under the instruction of this great lady. She was kind and generous with her time and minded us all like we were her own children. Some brilliant nights were had in The Cosy Thatch while they were the owners as they had a great love of music, song and dance. We send our deepest sympathy to her husband John, her son Gabriel, daughters Michelle and Antonina, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her many other relatives and friends. We pray that she now rests in peace.

New Extension

We wish Damian, Majella and all the staff at Gala in Kilmeaden the very best as they prepare to extend their shop floor and deli area. It is wonderful to see businesses taking such steps in our area and showing such commitment and dedication to our community. I know that they are very grateful to everyone who supports them and we thank them for their service and the employment they give to the local area.

Church News

We are now taking bookings for anniversary masses during the months of November and December. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one during these months please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Weekend mass times have now returned to pre Covid times so our Saturday evening mass is at 7.30pm and our Sunday morning mass is at 10am.

Ballyduff AFC

Our friends at Ballyduff AFC have organised a brilliant fundraiser which benefits all of us. As we get ready for the Winter months we are clearing space in our wardrobes and presses to make room for  our fluffy jumpers and wooly blankets. Wondering where to bring those items that we no longer need, Ballyduff AFC have the answer for you, they are organising a Cash for Clothes fundraiser. From now until October 19th you can drop off your bags of clothes to the dressing rooms at Ballyduff AFC grounds between the hours of 11am and 4pm. The items you can include are all womens, mens and childrens clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, blankets , throws, duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases. Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets.

Ballyduff GAA

The club were delighted to see how well their GAA for all morning went. They would  like to thank all their little stars for turning up and putting the coaches through their paces. This day would not have been possible without the eager participants and all the coaches and volunteers who helped in any way during the preparation or the coaching on the day. The club is grateful for the valuable assistance they received from Waterford Sports partnership and Deise Og. The club is putting plans in place to make this a more regular occurrence.
The U13 footballers werte in hard luck when they took on St. Mullerans in the final ending in a final score of 2-4 to 2-7. The lads certainly left everything on the pitch and the club are very proud of the great effort. Big thanks also to the coaches who put in such time and dedication.There is no doubt that this teams name will be on a cup yet.
If you would like to purchase some club gear maybe as a nice Christmas gift from Azzurri please follow this link https://teamwear.azzurri.ie/ballyduff-lower-gaa/
A big thank you to all at Waterford camogie for providing coaches to attend Ballyduff NS for the next 5 weeks. This is a great opportunity for the children and strengthens the relationship between school and club. Both boys and girls will be coached by these skilled coaches and we thank all in the camogie club who arranged this and also to the staff of Ballyduff NS for facilitating this project.

Wedding Bells

Three local ladies recently married their very own Prince Charmings surrounded by family and friends. Davy and Annie Gahan, Lacka Road watched on lovingly as their youngest daughter Rachel married the love of her life Rob Hoban. The ceremony and reception was held in the stunning Faithlegg House Hotel. A wonderful day was had by all and we wish the happy couple every best wish for their future.
A very proud dad Tom Raher, Carrickphilip was delighted to see his beautiful daughter Sharon marry her Prince Charming Brian Kennedy. The happy couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends and I have no doubt that a very proud mammy and brother beamed from the heavens above and ensured everything went off perfectly. We  hope this happy couple will enjoy many happy years of marriage.
Ballyduff couple Jessie Morrissey and Nigel Bolger exchanged their vows in St. Nicholas’s church friends watched on proudly by family and friends. A wonderful day was had by all and we wish this happy couple many years of happiness in their gorgeous home in Ballyduff with their beautiful children.

Baby Boom

As well as lots of happy weddings we are delighted to hear of the birth of two little boys into our community. Ian and Louise Doogue are thrilled with the arrival of their handsome son Ollie. He is certainly set up for life with brother Eoin and sister Annabelle ready and willing to show him the ropes. Proud grandparents John and Maria Mackey are delighted with the safe arrival of their 6th grandchild and are ready to babysit at  the drop of a hat.
Up in Ballyduff village Maurice Carlin Jnr and his wife Phueng also announced the arrival of their son Maurice. All the family are delighted to welcome baby Maurice and I have no doubt at all that there will never be a shortage of babysitters.

Birthday Girl

We send warmest birthday wishes to Waterford city lady Phil Doyle who recently celebrated her 70th birthday. Phil is a regular visitor to our parts to visit her daughter and son in law Anthony and Amelia Carlin and of course her two beloved granddaughters Emma and Laura. We hope Phil enjoyed a wonderful day and I am sure she was treated like a queen by husband Pat and by all the family.

Special Occasions

We wish all the young boys and girls of Ballyduff and Portlaw who finally got to make their First Holy Communion and Confirmation the very best of luck and we commend them for their patience in waiting for their big day.

GAA CLUB

We are now starting to think about Christmas and if you have a hurling or camogie perhaps some new club gear could be the perfect gift. Log on to https://teamwear.azzurri.ie/ballyduff-lower-gaa/ and check out what is available.

Church News

Anniversary mass bookings are  now being taken for the months of November and December. If you would like to book a mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and she will look after you. Please note that masses cannot be shared at present.

Golden Couple

Warmest congratulations to two of Blacknocks most loved residents. Pat and Peg Aulsberry recently celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. I’m sure this very popular couple were spoiled by their family and friends. We wish this happy couple many more years of good health and happiness together in their home in the beautiful Blacknock.

Birthday Girl

If you have ever paid a visit to the fantastic Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden then you have probably met the welcoming, bubbly personality that is Marie Reade. We send warm wishes to Marie who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. I know that she was treated to a delicious birthday cake made lovingly by her colleague and friend Annette Atkins and was then serenaded by other members of the crew. What a lucky girl, I have heard some of these voices and we are talking Pavarotti level. I have no doubt that she was spoiled at home too by her chef supreme husband Eamonn and their children Dylan, Shauna, Shane, Alex, Liam and Jack. We wish this very popular lady many more happy birthdays and we hope that turning 50 was a happy memorable occasion.

GAA News

Ballyduff Camogie club have joined forces with Ballyduff Community Centre to bring us a fun and exciting fundraising event. Ball lotto will take place on September 26th when 1000 balls will be dropped into the ball wall enclosure at Tom Cheasty Park. Three young ladies from the camogie club will then choose three balls at random. The winners will receive the following prizes. The first prize is €250, second prize €150 and third prize €100. Balls cost just €5 each and you are welcome to buy as many as you like. You can purchase a ball by contacting a committee member of either group, from Sarah Walsh on 086 1750370 and I also have some  for sale too so give me a bell on 087 9838392
Ballyduff Juvenile club with help from all sections of the club are excited to announce a Gaa  for all fun day. On Sunday September 26th from 11am to 1pm they will host a fun day for those with mild to moderate disabilities. The club feels it is important to open their facilities to all so if you are interested please register and come along and enjoy a fun day. This is a new initiative by the club and this day will be limited to participants, their families and the coaches. A big thank you goes to Waterford Sports partnership and Deise Og for all their help and advice.
There have been many exciting games recently from all levels of the club. The club are so grateful to all their players for the commitment and dedication they give to their club throughout the year. The club thanked both players and coaches for providing such fun and excitement.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Eddie O Regan, Kilmagemogue who died recently. Eddie was a quiet family man who loved working the land and was a former board member of Kilmeaden Co Op. Eddie will be sadly missed by his son John, his daughters Claire, Laura, Ethel and Irene, his devoted partner Hilary, his grandchildren, his sister Noleen and brothers Michael and Patrick, extended family and many many friends. Eddie,s funeral mass and burial took place in Ballyduff church. We pray that Eddie will now rest in peace and that his family will draw comfort from their wonderful memories.

Dr. Martin Centre

I was delighted recently to see the Dr. Martin Centre in Portlaw appear on the RTE news highlighting the wonderful work being done by the staff there. They offer many facilities and information for our older generation . People can also avail of a hot daily meal delivered to their home. To find out any more information please contact Alice Kiersey and keep an eye on these notes for information about their services.

Silver Days

On September 7th 1996 Tramore church was the setting for a most beautiful wedding. Local Tramore lady Mary Keane was all set to marry the love of her life, Kilmeaden man Jimmy Power.  25 years on and this very popular couple are still enjoying wedded bliss in their beautiful home in Adamstown with their children Rachael and Gavin. We wish Mary and Jimmy many more happy years to come and hope that they enjoyed their special day.

A Little Princess

Congratulations and good wishes go to Noel and Sarah O Connor on the birth of their gorgeous baby daughter Shauna. I met a very proud grandmother Ann Crowley recently who was delighted to share the news of the birth of her wonderful granddaughter. We wish this happy family every good wish for the future and we really look forward to meeting baby Shauna.
There was lots of celebrating in the Crowley household recently as Mark and his wife Geraldine celebrated 24 years of marriage. We wish them both and their lovely family many more happy and healthy years.

Church News

Bookings are now being taken for weekend anniversary masses during the month of October. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact Linda Spillane and it will be arranged for you..
Weekend masses are now back to normal times, so the Saturday evening mass is at 7.30pm and the Sunday morning mass is at 10am.

Note For Parents

Congratulations and well done to all at Hicksons Centra in Kilmeaden who would like to make it known to parents and guardians of school goers and students that now that the evenings are getting darker, there may be  a time that a young person may miss their bus or may not have enough credit on their phone to ring home. Centra encourages them to come into the shop and they are  welcome to make a call from there. They can wait in the shop so as not to be outside in the dark. This is a very kind and thoughtful thing to do and gives great peace of mind to parents and guardians. Please pass on the message to our young people.

Big Birthday

We send warm birthday wishes to Mrs. Joan Hallisey, Portlaw who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. Joan is now a resident of Mooncoin Residential Home and I have no doubt that her family and the staff made sure she enjoyed her special day. Two of Joans’ daughters Carmel Nugent and Eithne Brennan live here in Kilmeaden and I know that they look forward to their visits to their mother. We wish Joan well and continued good health.

Babies Galore

The famous Gerry and Margaret O Connell of Haughtons fame are certainly going to be busy with grandparent babysitting as they recently welcomed two beautiful grandsons into the world. Mark and Roseanne O Connell welcomed baby Rian, while Brian and Caroline welcomed baby Odhran. What wonderful celebrations for all the family and we wish them all the very best for the future and we look forward to meeting the two boys on one of their visits to Kilmeaden.

Leaving Cert.

Huge congratulations to all who received their Leaving Cert results last week. These students have had a very difficult couple of years but have persevered and battled through and they should have tremendous pride in themselves. For  those who were disappointed with results or perhaps not getting the course they wanted please just take the  time to weigh up  your  options. There are so many roads to where you want to go, discuss your options and choose what is right for you. We wish all these young people as they enter into the next chapter of their lives, whether they are off to college, deferring for a year, starting an apprenticeship or beginning a new job. Life holds different things for all of us but that is what makes it interesting. Grab your opportunities, embrace them and enjoy every minute.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC  would like to say a huge thank you to all at Kiddies Kingdom for their sponsorship of a new  business sign. The club is very grateful for  their kindness.
The club is always on the lookout for new members and coaches so if you are interested call into the club grounds or contact them through their Facebook page

Birthday Time

Warmest birthday wishes goes to Lillian Purcell, Raheen who recently celebrated her 70th birthday. Lillian celebrated her special day with her family enjoying a wonderful meal together. We wish Lillian many more happy birthdays to come.
We also wish a very happy birthday to Michael Fitzpatrick, Ballyduff West who was also blowing out the candles recently. I’m sure Mary and Sara made sure that he had a wonderful day and was spoiled.

GAA  News

Our local GAA club were recently the victims of a burglary. The gym at Tom Cheasty Park was broken into and €1000 worth of gym equipment  was stolen. During the lockdown players and locals worked hard to raise money to purchase this equipment and to have it taken like that is just heartbreaking. If anyone has any information please come forward and I urge you all to keep a careful watch for anyone trying to sell gym equipment. Log onto the clubs Facebook page for a very useful video showing the gym equipment that was stolen.

Church News

Our weekend masses have now returned to their normal times. Saturday evening mass is at 7.30pm and the Sunday morning mass is now 10am. All covid restrictions will still be adhered to.
Weekend anniversary masses can now be booked for the month of October. There are still a small number of masses available in September. If you would like to book a mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Ball Lotto

Our local camogie club and Ballyduff Community Centre committee have joined together to bring us a fun and exciting fundraiser. On September 26th 1,000 numbered balls will be dropped into the ball wall enclosure in Tom Cheasty Park. Three girls from the camogie club will then enter the ball enclosure and choose three random numbered balls. First prize will be €250, second prize will be €150 and third prize is €100. Balls cost just €5 each and you are welcome to buy as many as you want. If you would like to support these two great organisations you can buy a ball from any committee members or you can contact Sarah on 086 1750370 or Marie on 089 4348844. I have also offered to sell some so please contact me and let’s make this fundraiser a success.

Ballyduff AFC

A big well done and congratulations to all of the end of season award winners for the 2020/2021 season. It was another successful year  for the club despite all the obstacles. There were  some wonderful individual as well as group performances and the club like to acknowledge this by presenting these awards. Congratulations to all the members, mentors, coaches and committee members who work together to make the club one of the finest in the county.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin O Reilly, Ardeenlone on the recent death of his beloved mother. Mrs. Angela O Reilly was a resident of Knockaun East, Cappoquin. Angela loved visiting Martin, Tracey and the girls in Kilmeaden and this is how I got to enjoy some lovely chats with her. We often met in the school car park as we waited for school to end. Angela and Denis were delighted when they got the chance to collect their adored granddaughters from school. The love Angela had for the girls was evident to all. She loved to tell you stories about the time they spent together and the funny things the girls would stay. Angela will be sadly missed by her loving husband Denis, her sons Martin and Kevin, daughter in law Tracey, her brothers and sister and her four treasured grandchildren Bonnie, Sophie, Maisie and Trudie. Angela’s funeral mass took place in St. Marys church, Cappoquin followed by burial in Mount Melleray Abbey cemetery. We pray that her gentle soul now rests in peace and that the Lord will reward for all her good deeds here on earth.

Church News

From this weekend our masses return to their pre covid times so that will mean that the extra Saturday morning mass will now be dropped. Mass on Saturday evenings will be at 7.30pm and mass on Sunday mornings will be at 10am. We thank Fr. Richard and Fr. Mick for doing their very best during covid to try to accommodate everyone with extra masses etc. All covid regulations will still be adhered to with the wearing of masks,social distancing etc.
There are still a few weekend masses available in September if you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one. If you would like to book a mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Happy Couple

We extend heartiest congratulations to Valarie Bagge and Stephen Bourke who recently announced their engagement. I got to have a look at the beautiful ring the other day and wow what a beauty. This very popular couple are thrilled to be engaged and delighted with all the good wishes they are receiving. I’m sure their beautiful daughter Neasa is enjoying all the excitement too and I’m sure when it comes to planning the big day she will have lots of ideas to share with them. We wish the happy couple every good wish and a lifetime of happiness for their lovely little family.

New Opening Times

The beautiful Mount Congreve House and Gardens have attracted many visitors over the Summer months and now they will revert back to their Autumn opening times. From September 2nd the gardens will open from Thursdays to Sundays each week. Every season brings something new to the gardens and each season enhances it’s magnificence. The vibrant Autumnal colours are a sight to behold and a stroll around the gardens is most definitely good for the body and soul. Log onto their website or Facebook page to book tickets and keep up to date with upcoming events.

20 Years at the Helm

Waterford Suir Valley Railway has been going from strength to strength over the past years and is still as popular as ever with both adults and children alike. We are very proud of this wonderful amenity here in Kilmeaden and are very grateful to all who have  worked so hard to get it to the success it is today. The lady pushing this forward since day one is Maria Kyte and she recently celebrated 20 years at the helm. Of course huge praise and gratitude goes to all the volunteers and workers at the railway but just as the train needs a driver every good team needs a leader . Maria is very passionate about what she does and takes every possible opportunity to promote it. We all thank her for her dedication and determination and wish her many more years here in Kilmeaden.

Ballyduff GAA

It has come to the attention of the club that some comments left under some of their social media posts contain links to the streaming of games. They urge you not to click on the link. The club never stream any of their Juvenile games. This problem has been happening to a numbered of GAA  clubs and our club will continue to monitor it for and ban all uninvited messages.
This week the results have been a bit of a mixed bag. The U15 and U13 football and LGFA were out at games. The club felt that once again the grading system leaves a lot to be desired with some heavy defeats followed by huge wins. The club however are proud to see the club competing and to see all the players developing their skills so well. A big thank you to all the coaches for giving their time. This as we all know has need a strange year with of fixtures coming thick and fast.
The “Come and Try” Camogie initiative continues until the end of August. All are welcome to come along on Tuesday from 6.10pm to 7.10pm as the girls and their parents enjoy an enjoyable hour learning the basic skills of Camogie.
The club is exploring the possibility of setting up a rounders team in the parish. This is a very popular game and a superb games for fitness and fun. Please express your interest by contacting Liz on 087 7609679

Church News

A reminder that from next weekend our weekend masses will return to pre Covid times. The extra Saturday morning mass will be dropped so mass times will be on Saturday evening at 7.30pm and our Sunday morning mass will return to 10am.
Did you know that next year is a big year for our church as we celebrate its 200th birthday. Any ideas how we could celebrate this wonderful event as a community ? If you have any thoughts please let me know on 087 9838392.u

Back To School

Hard to believe  that it is already time to open up our school’s again and welcome our students back in. We wish them all the very best of luck as they start out on their journey whether they  are starting off at preschool or Montessori, heading into Junior Infants, off to Secondary school or starting a course, apprenticeship or taking up a new job. I know by now you will have all the bits and pieces that you need but I’m asking you all to bring one other little thing with you every day and that is kindness. If we all show a little kindness each day then we are doing well.

AGM Time

Our local Community Centre Redevelopment Committee will hold their AGM on Wednesday August 18th at 8pm in the Community Centre. If you are interested in getting involved with the future of your local community centre comealong to the  AGM and give your support.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Willie Hanrahan, Blacknock on the recent death of his brother. Johnny Anderson Hanrahan lived in the beautiful Clonea Power and is survived by his daughter Breda,his granddaughter Katie and her partner Martin, his brother Willie and his partner Josie, aunt Joan,nieces Joanne and Jessie, nephew Willie, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends. Johnnys’ funeral mass took place in Clonea followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May he now rest in peace.

Church News

We are now taking bookings for anniversary masses for the months of August and September. If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during these months please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
We are on the lookout for some volunteers to read at the weekend masses. You will not be asked to commit to a regular schedule but only when it suits you. If you would like to volunteer please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Wedding Bells

St. Nicholas’s church ,Ballyduff was the setting for a most beautiful wedding recently as local man Aidan Millea married the love of his life Shauna Mullally. This lovely couple who have been living in the shadow of the church for the past while, were proud to exchange their wedding vows in front of friends and family. Following their wedding ceremony the couple treated their guests to a lovely reception in the beautiful setting of the Greenway Manor. We wish the happy couple the very best of luck in their future lives together.

Birthday Girl

We send many happy birthday wishes to the very popular Mary Fitzpatrick in Ballyduff West who celebrated her birthday recently. I have it on good authority from her daughter Sara that she is the best mother in the world and I have no doubt that Sara speaks the truth. I know that Mary’s husband Michael and daughter Sara will have treated Mary to a very special day for her birthday with lots of nice treats. We wish Mary many more happy birthdays.

Local Buzz

It is lovely to walk around Kilmeaden and see all our local businesses and amenities with their doors open and doing what they do best again. The sounds of laughter and chat would certainly raise your spirits.  We are very lucky and very well catered for here in Kilmeaden with such variety and choice on our doorstep. A wonderful selection of places to eat, variety of places to shop for your  groceries, medical needs, farm and garden needs, fuel and hardware needs. We can have our  hair done at the hairdressers or barbers, our.beauty needs met at the beautician,we can have our cars repaired or indeed buy ourselves a new one or we can spruce up our vehicle with a wash and valet  and we are blessed to have a wonderful carpentry workshop in our area and many other gifted trades people in our community. We can have our children cared for in a safe and happy environment. Our lawnmowers and garden machinery can be repaired.  Visitors can be pampered and spoiled in our B&B’s and even our canine friends can enjoy a little holiday in top notch kennels while we are away.  On top of all this we are blessed with many beautiful places to visit whether we fancy a spin along the railway with stunning views of the River Suir, a stroll along  the Greenway or a walk around beautiful gardens and country houses or many other interesting walks. I ask you all to try if at all possible to support our local businesses and trades people, these are the people who provide jobs and work experience for our young people and they are the people we turn to for sponsorship and donations for our clubs and charity events. I have never made any secret of how wonderful I think Kilmeaden is. I have never wanted to live anywhere else and Kilmeaden and the people in it make a wonderful community. Get out and explore your area and let’s all support each other .

25 Years and Counting

We send warmest congratulations and good wishes to local lady Jacqui O Brien, Amberhill as she celebrates 25 years in her hairdressing business. Jacqui’s Hair Zone is located on the Lower Yellow Road and has gone from strength to strength over the years. I have no doubt that 25 years ago it was a scary time for Jacqui setting up a business at such a young age but determination and a passion for her profession drove her forward and I have no doubt that she had great family support. 24 years ago I had the pleasure of being treated like royalty by Jacqui and her staff as my bridesmaids and I arrived on the morning of my wedding to allow Jacqui work her magic. They listened to what we wanted and we all got exactly as we asked. Speaking to Jacqui recently that same sparkle glistens in her eyes as she speaks about hairdressing and she speaks so warmly about her staff and customers. I know Jacqui receives great support from her husband Patsy and their children but also from her parents, Tommy and Mary and her brothers and sisters and I know that they are all very proud of her achievements. They are a very close knit family and I know Jacqui loves having her sister Kay by her side in the hairdressers every day. We wish Jacqui every success in the future and many more years of happy hairdressing.

Church News

We have three masses each weekend for you to choose from. Mass is celebrated every Saturday morning at 10am and on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. There is also Sunday morning mass at 9.30am.
If you would like to book one of these weekend  masses for a loved one during the month of August then please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
We are also looking for some new volunteer readers for our weekend masses. We are so grateful to all those who already volunteer but I know that there are many more lovely speakers out there. You would not be expected to read every weekend but only when it suited you. If you feel like you could help out then please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Birthday Boy

We send warmest birthday wishes to John Whelan, Matthews Cross who recently celebrated his 40th birthday. I’m sure John celebrated in style and is probably still celebrating. I have no doubt that his wife Joanne and children Tom and Penny made sure that he was spoiled on the day. I’m sure he probably received a chorus of Happy Birthday from all his little friends in Kiddies Kingdom. We wish John many more happy birthdays and hope that he enjoyed his special celebrations.

Married Bliss

I would like  to extend special wedding anniversary wishes to my sister Mary and her husband Eamonn O Leary who recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. Still blissfully happy and all loved up, the couple celebrated at home in Kilmagemogue with lots of good wishes coming their way from family and friends. We all wish them both many more years of good health and happiness.
Down the road in Blacknock Michael and Marian Murray celebrated 34 years of wedded bliss and I’m sure their sons Dean and Gary made sure they made their day special. I have no doubt that Gary made that all important call all the way from Australia, where we hope he is doing well. I have no doubt that grandson David provided enough hugs to cover all the family. We hope Michael and Marian enjoy many more happy and healthy years together.

A Little Princess

I am a bit late finding out about this happy news but this baby girl even surprised her parents by arriving early. Claire and Willie Gough welcomed their beautiful baby girl Olivia into the world on Fathers Day and what a gift for her daddy to receive. Claire is formerly Claire Flynn from  Adamstown and I have no  doubt that Nanny Maureen will have no bother providing babysitting services. I met very proud Grandaunt June recently and so I got a sneaky look at a photo of the beautiful Olivia. She is most certainly a gorgeous little princess and we look forward to meeting her when she is visiting Kilmeaden. We wish this happy little family every happiness for the future.

Ballyduff GAA

There is lots of activity taking place in Ballyduff GAA with lots of training sessions and matches across all the different age groups with lots of fun being had by all. Take a look at their Facebook page and keep up to date with all the happenings.
Friday Football runs weekly to provide an option of learning extra technical skills in advance of the upcoming season. This is open to all boys and girls born between the years 2009 and 2013 and takes place every Friday evening from 6.15pm to 7.15pm. If you would like some more information please contact Mairead Cremin or Nina Walsh.

Pump It Up!

It’s wonderful to see another wonderful amenity in Kilmeaden. Just across the road from Centra you will find new bicycle stands joined by a pump station to pump up the wheels of your bicycle, pushchair or wheelchair. Councillor John O Leary made representation to the council for this under the smarter travel initiative. This initiative is to accommodate the growth in the use of electric bikes incorporating e-bike charging station including secure storage and locking points for bicycle users.   The station is also equipped with some tools you may need to fix or adjust your bike. Many cyclists pass through Kilmeaden daily and this is a fantastic facility to have in the area .

Recent Death

We  extend our deepest sympathy to the Walsh family on the recent death of Catherine Walsh, Portlaw. Catherine and her family were once residents of Gortaclode some years back. Catherine will be deeply missed by her husband Philip, her sons Aidan and Declan, her daughter Angela and all her extended family and friends and neighbours. Catherines funeral mass took place in St. Patrick’s church, Portlaw followed by private cremation.

Summer Concert

It is Summer concert time in the beautiful Fairbrook House and Gardens. On Saturday August 7th Fairbrook House will play host to a beautiful Summer Concert to lift all our spirits. The concert will take place twice on the day, 1pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 7pm. The first half of the concert will feature Scottish/Irish singer and composer Fiona Kennedy who will perform her beautiful songs accompanying herself on guitar. Following the interval there will be a mainly French repertoire by troubadour duo Chante La Vie.
During the interval there will be  an opportunity to stroll around the stunning garden and museum while enjoying a glass of bubbles and some canapes. Hopefully the weather will be kind and if so please bring along your own seat for the garden, however if the rain arrives seating will be provided indoors. Tickets are €20 per person and can be booked on 051-384657.

Curraghmore Experience

I was delighted to hear that the beautiful Curraghmore House have reopened their guided tours of the house, shell house and gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the house and gardens and you can book your ticket by contacting alan@curraghmore.ie. The tea rooms are open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. If you would like some more information please take a look at the Curraghmore Facebook page.

Mount Congreve

Do yourself a favour and take a look at Mount Congreve’s Facebook page and their website for news of all the many events they have coming up. There are many exciting and interesting events to look forward to including a stargazing evening during the annual Perseid Meteors showers. On Sunday August 22nd there will be a morning of Yoga and Meditation in the beauty of the gardens. What a wonderful setting to relax and clear your mind.

Wedding Delight

We  send warmest congratulations to Niall Kinsella and Aoife Barrett who recently celebrated their wedding day with family and friends. Niall is the son of Michael and Dolores and I’m sure his brother David gave him some great wedding tips. However the main man in charge on the day was the couples’ son Alex who made sure everything ran smoothly. The couple enjoyed beautiful weather for their special day and from what I hear a wonderful day was had by all. We wish this happy little family a very happy and bright future.

Birthday Girls

We wish a very happy 18th birthday to Ballyduff girl Rachel O Shea. I have no doubt that her parents Paul and Martina ensured that she had a wonderful day and was spoiled on her special day.
Down the road in Cullinagh, Shauna Reade celebrated her 21st birthday. The Reade family know how to celebrate and parents Eamonn and Marie will have made sure that their beautiful girl enjoyed her celebrations. We wish Shauna many more happy birthdays.
The Doogue and Mackey families up in Ross  were also busy celebrating the beautiful  Annabelle’s 2nd birthday. I’m sure all the aunties, uncles and cousins helped to make Annabelles day very special with lots of treats and fun.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC will play host to the Coerver Coaching Summer Camp on August 16th and 17th from 10am to 1pm. Early booking is advised as places are limited. You can book by logging onto https://coerver-coaching-munster.class4kids.ie/camp/130

Ballyduff GAA

Lots of activity in our Gaa club with many games being played. There is something for everyone within the club so if you would like to get involved take  a look at their Facebook page and get the information you need.
There was great pride within the club as they watched club men Jack O Donnell and Rory Dobbyn enjoy a wonderful win with the Waterford Minors over Tipperary and of course as I write these notes we are just days away from watching another clubman Calum Lyons take on Tipperary again and we know that Calum will as always give 100%.