Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Mulcahy family on the recent death of Jim Mulcahy.  Jim was a very popular resident of Hillside Crescent in Kilmacthomas and was a hardworking gent of a man. A very lovable character who loved a good yarn, I had the pleasure of speaking to him many times and what a laugh you would have with him. He was very well known and will be truly missed by many people but most of all by Helen, his sons Alan and Dermot, daughter Fiona, grandchildren, his brothers Tom, Kenny, Bobby, Paddy Joe, David, sisters Siobhan Crowley, Kilmac, Colie O Brien, Blyacknock, Belinda Kearns, Tigroe. We pray that Jim now rests in peace and that his family will find comfort in the wonderful memories he left them.
We also send our condolences to Michael and Eddie O Regan, Kilmagemogue on the recent death of their sister. Mary(Maisie) Hassett nee O Regan lived in Bawnfune, Butlerstown and is survived by her husband Walter, sons Tony and Noel and daughters Miriam and Annette. Her funeral mass took place in Butlerstown church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Birthday Girl

Congratulations to Tina O Brien, High Road who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. Talk about being fab at 50 this lady would certainly be asked for ID to prove her age. Unfortunately big celebrations are out of the question at the moment but I have no doubt whatsoever that Michael, Saoirse and Sam made sure that Tina was spoiled. We hope that she enjoyed her birthday celebrations and we wish Tina many more happy birthdays.

Ballyduff LGFA

The girls and ladies at Ballyduff Lower Gaelic Football are keeping themselves busy and as always thinking about their community. This week they began celebrating #onegoodclub where they will spend 10 weeks focusing on the 5 ways to wellbeing and are asking all of us in the community to join in some fun activities with them while maintaining social distance. Watch out on their Facebook page and through these notes for details of what they are up to.

Ballyduff GAA

Even though training and games are not on the cards at the moment keep an eye out on their Facebook page for lots of information about free training courses, Cul Camp coaches application forms, some great colouring pages and much more. Keep looking forward and plan for those days of GAA  that will soon come.

Church News

There are some Trocaire boxes from the front porch of the church so please drop in and get one if you are passing. If you would like to drop in any weekly offering envelopes then you can do so my putting the envelope though the letterbox on the sacristy
door inside the church.  Fr. Richard and Fr. Mick are very grateful for your help and support and keep you in their daily prayers

Birthday Boy

We send congratulations and warm wishes to Colm Kennedy, Carriganure who recently celebrated his 21st birthday. Like everyone else celebrating milestone birthdays during Covid 19 plans for celebrations had to be changed around but I have no doubt that the Kennedy family made sure that the day was marked well and that Colm knew it was indeed a very special day. Decorations balloons, presents and yummy cake we’re still on the agenda and I have no doubt that Gerry Gillian John and Aoife made sure that Colm had an enjoyable 21st birthday.

Mental Health Workshop

“Let’s talk about mental health” is a live and interactive wellness workshop which will be held on Thursday February 25th at 7pm. Presented by facilitator Bob Carley the workshop will look at measuring and managing your mental health and will provide tips and tools and techniques for taking care of your wellness. The effects and restrictions around Covid 19 have brought mental  health struggles to many and it is important that these problems are not .put to one side but are dealt with and discussed . You can register for free for this workshop on

https://event.webinarjam.com/register/494/mig7rtix

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathies to Noel Doyle, Ballyduff West on the recent death of his father. Johnny Doyle was a retired publican from the lovely Myshall in Co. Carlow. A man who loved his family especially his grandchildren, he enjoyed his life as a public an chatting and laughing with everyone. He also loved a game of cards and I hear is was vergy good. He also had a great love for greyhounds which he has passed on to his son Noel. Johnny is survived by his children Michael, Thomas Noel and Liz his beloved grandchildren extended family and his many friends. Johnny’s funeral mass took place in the Church of the Holy Cross, Myshall followed by burial in Lismaconly. We pray that he now rests in peace and that the wonderful memories he left behind will bring peace and comfort to his family
We also extend sympathy to Amelia Carlin, Ballyduff West in the recent death of her uncle Freddie Robinson. Freddie was a resident of Skibbereen Lawn in Lismore Heights and he is survived by his wife Siobhan, his daughters Rebecca and Georgina, his granddaughters Ruby Saoirse and Lydia. His extended family and many friends. Freddie’s funeral mass took place in St. Paul’s church Lisduggan followed by private cremation.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC would like to say a big thank you to all who recently supported their recent clothes collection fundraiser . They were really delighted with the response they received. Even though there are no activities in the club they are still kept busy with maintaining their fantastic grounds etc and dressing rooms have been freshly painted.

Ballyduff LGFA

Once again I turned on the television the other night and up jumped some more local familiar faces. RTE’s Nationwide were doing a piece on the “Jerusalema ” dance craze that has been making its way across the internet. Joining in and featured on the programme were some of the ladies and girls from Ballyduff LGFA who are firm promoters of fun and positive well being and saw this as a way of keeping the girls in touch with each other and keeping active during this time when they are unable to have their usual training sessions. I have seen many of these young girls and ladies perform some very impressive moves on the football pitch but I was really impressed with their rhythmic dance moves on the telly.

Birthday Boys

Two gentlemen in our area celebrated their 50th birthdays in recent times. Ken Lye from Ross celebrated turning 50 with his beautiful wife Louise and their lovely family Chloe, Sophie, Grace and James. I am sure Ken was spoiled for the day and enjoyed his special day.

Meanwhile down in Johnstown John Carroll was being spoiled with yummy cake by his wife Valarie and his family Adam, Emmett, Megan and Laura.

I’m sure both of these men enjoyed their celebrations and that turning 50 was a breeze. We wish them both many more happy birthdays.

New Baby.

Congratulations and best wishes to David Hayes and Sarah Duggan, The Sweep who welcomed their beautiful baby boy Darragh into the world last week. I’m sure baby Darragh will have plenty of babysitters  lining up and we wish this happy little family the very best for the future.

Picture Perfect

Waterford Camera Club recently announced the winners of their POTY awards and it was wonderful to see local man Ger Barron, Kildermody announced as a winner in the portrait section. Ger has a very keen eye for photography and captures the mood and setting perfectly. He’s winning subject this time was very close to his heart and he captured the happiness of his daughter Dearbhla as she graduated. Keep up the good work Ger and we look forward to seeing more of your work.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Caroline O Donnell on the recent death of her Aunt. Anna Morrissey (nee Flynn) hailed from the picturesque Helvick in Ring but in recent times was a resident of the Padre Pio Rest home in Cappoquin . We send our sympathies to all her family and friends and pray that she now rests in peace.

Golden Couple

Celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss on February 17th is Golden couple Francie and Ann Crowley in Adamstown. This much loved couple are probably two of the nicest people you will ever meet and so the fact that have had 50 years of happy marriage is no surprise. Their  home has always been a welcoming place for all who visited and a happy home for their children and adored grandchildren  .
Overseeing their vows on their wedding day were Fr. Murphy and the famous Fr. Joe Flynn who has been and still remains a much loved family friend. He has since gone on to celebrate the weddings of Francie and Ann’s children . Mark, Owen, Joanne, Francis, Sarah and Benny have been shown great example all their lives from their parents about hardwork, respect and of course the tips for a happy marriage. We wish Francie and Ann every happiness in the world and wish them many more happy years of marriage.

Ballyduff LGFA

There may not be any sports going on at the moment but that doesn’t mean that clubs are not hard at work securing funds, raising awareness and keeping themselves involved with community. Our own local club realise how hard it is on all age groups having to stay at home and how lonely it can be at times. Each young player in the club have decided to send a postcard to someone in the community who is perhaps living alone or missing family. There will be a return addressed postcard for those who wish to reply to the young girls. At the end they will prepare a collage of returned cards and  display it in school to show the link between school and community.

Lidl have always been great supporters of ladies Gaelic football and they have once again come forward with another great reward scheme for clubs. All you have to do is download the Lidl app and use it while shopping getting yourself many o
special offers too. Each time you spend €30 in store you will receive a stamp in your app and your the stamps are then used to support your club and can win them many products or cash rewards.

New Life

I always look forward to this time of year as all the beautiful sights and sounds of the Spring begin to bloom. Snowdrops and daffodils are showing their colours while calves and lambs are welcomed into the world.
Here in Kilmeaden we take the new birth of Spring very seriously as we welcome two new little cousins into the area. Eoin Fitzgerald and Irene Carroll, Carrickphilip welcomed their beautiful new baby girl Aoife and are very lucky to have big sister Caoimhe at home to help and show them what to do. Grandparents John and Martha Fitzgerald and Nanny and Grandad Carroll in Inistioge are delighted with the new arrival.
Down the road in Blacknock Eoins cousin Elaine Phelan(nee Leahy) and her husband Mark welcomed their baby son Paudie into the world. Nanny Breda is truly over the moon as are Nanny and Grandad Phelan in Glenmore and there is no doubt in the world that a very proud Grandad beams with delight from the heavens above and will walk with Paudie through life.

Birthday Time

February is a very popular month of birthdays and I heard tell of a few local ones this week. Jamsie Power in Blackknock celebrated his special day and I’m sure his wife Renee made sure he had a lovely relaxing day. The famous Declan Power in Ballyduff also celebrated his birthday last week and we hope he enjoyed his day.
The end of January and the first few weeks in February are very busy in my own family. My parents in law Mick and Joan Spillane celebrated 49 years of marriage at the end of January so big celebrations next year please God.
My son Adam celebrated his 14th birthday on the 3rd and we celebrated as best we could. My Uncle Sean Power celebrated his birthday on the same day in the beautiful Ballymacmague. My brother Neil is a February 10th birthday boy while my lovely brother in law Eamonn O Leary, Kilmagemogue is February 12th. My parents Noel and Nancy O Sullivan will celebrate 55 years of marriage on February 12th also.
A special mention to my good friend Kieran Foley in The Munster Express who is also a February birthday boy. Hope you had a brilliant day Kieran.

Last Few Days
For the next week or so our soccer club are still hosting their fundraising clothes collection. If you are clearing out wardrobes etc and have clothes, towels, bed linen, curtains, shoes, handbags or soft toys that you want to get rid of then please drop them to the dressing rooms at Ballyduff Soccer Club any day between the hours of 11am and 4pm.

Parish Facebook
If you can please log into the Parish of Portlaw/Ballyduff Facebook page. Fr Richard is doing a wonderful job with prayers, masses, novenas, readings etc. It is also a lovely way to feel that connection with fellow parishioners as we join together to share mass etc

Telly Fame
When you turn on the telly at home you don’t expect to see local people pop up on the screen. This happened to me last week. While making dinner the other day I had the telly no on in the background and heard Daithi and Sinead from the Today
show speak about the art of making St. Bridget crosses and who pops up on screen but my dad Noel O Sullivan. Thank you to our neighbour and good friend Helena Power who sent in the photo of daddy. He is still signing autographs.
I tuned into Operation Transformation the other night in the hope of grabbing any spare will power or determination that might be lying around . Kathryn Thomas spoke of their 5km challenge at the end of their journey and how they were delighted to see so many people from around the country and other countries join up to take on the challenge. With messages from around the world , up pops local Ballyduff lady Ciara Lyons and her boyfriend who were joining in the fun from Sydney, Australia. Great to see you looking so fantastic Ciara.

Birthday Time
Heard of two very important birthdays in mmm my our parish in the past couple of days. First up and is popular Matthews Cross lady Nancy Aulsberry who celebrated her 92nd birthday. I’m sure Nancy’s family made sure that her day was very special in spite of current conditions. We wish Nancy many more happy birthdays and continued good health.
Next on the birthday list is our well known local DJ John O Shea who celebrated his birthday also last week. No age has been revealed but he must be coming up on 21 at this stage. John celebrated with the family during the day and then that night he was on our airwaves doing what he does best. Hope he remembered to play himself a request.

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathy to Fiona Crotty Laffan in Carriganure in the recent death of her beloved Dad. The great John Crotty from Kilmanahan was a hard working family man who gave his time and devotion firstly to his family but was also always on hand to help neighbours and friends especially if there was a digger involved. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting John many times and he was wonderful to chat to and had many great stories to tell but was also interested in finding out about you. He had great pride in his family and loved his grandchildren teaching them to work hard, respect those around you and always look after family. We send our sincere condolences to the love of his life his adored wife Ann, his children Anthony, Francis, Marie, Mojella and Fiona, his treasured grandchildren and his many many friends. May the soil rest gently on him and may his sweet gentle soul rest in peace.
We also send our sympathies to Aileen Stephenson Newtown on the recent death of her brother Des Manahan. Des who lived in the beautiful area of Ballinamintra, Dunmore East was of course a very well known figure around Waterford and beyond. His love for the theatre and the arts was evident in every performance. I had the pleasure of seeing Des on stage many times and he always put 100% of himself into each role. Our sympathies go to his beloved wife Mona and all his family.y We pray that he now sits at the piano of the Lord leading all in song.

Clothes Collection

Keep in mind that Ballyduff AFC are continuing their fundraising clothes collection for the next couple of weeks so if you are clearing out those wardrobes please bag up your items and drop them off to the dressing rooms at Ballyduff AFC any day between 11am and 4pm. You can drop clothes curtains bed clothes shoes handbags soft toys towels and blankets. If you have no transport or do not want to go out but would like to donate some items please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and I will arrange someone to call to you.5

Your notes
If you would like me to include any item in these notes please contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Family Birthdays

We send happy birthday wishes to Frankie McGrath, Ballygarron on his recent birthday and also to his daughter Majella who also celebrated her birthday during the same week. We hope that they both enjoyed their special days and wish them both many more happy birthdays.

All Star Success
We congratulate our local hurler supreme Calum Lyons on his All Star nomination. This is so well deserved after the wonderful performances he gave to his Waterford team throughout the season. It was a much different year for hurling this year and Calum adapted well and gave 100% commitment and dedication to the management and coaching staff as well as to his team. This news of this nomination must have been a wonderful proud moment for Calum and his family who have always been a huge support to him.

Collection Continues
Our local soccer club are at present hosting a fundraising clothes collection. If you are having a good clear out of your presses and wardrobes while locked down at home and are wondering where to brings those items to to izryekg which are no longer of use, a little too tight or too loose if you are lucky or items which are a bit tired looking and need replacing. Ballyduff AFC will accept clothes,towels, blankets, bed linen, curtains, soft toys, shoes and handbags. Please place items in bags and drop to the dressing rooms at Ballyduff AFC any day between the hours of 11am and 4pm. This collection will run until around Valentines weekend so make room ladies because you know how our men will want to spoil us for Valentines. If you have some bags for the collection but do not have transport or are unable to be out and about please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and I will arrange for them to be collected.

Waterford Business Awards
Waterford Chambers have once again partnered with WLR and Dungarvan and West Waterford to present the Waterford Business Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase wonderful businesses especially after such a difficult year for all those in my retail and hospitality. Each of the ten categories have now been shortlisted and I am delighted to see two local connections in those shortlists.

Shortlisted in the Tourism Activity/ Attraction of the Year Category is Waterford and Suir Valley Railway. I spoke to Maria Kyte about being shortlisted and she said “The Waterford Suir Valley railway crew are honoured and delighted to be short listed for the Waterford Business Awards. 2020 was challenging for everyone. The work place was very different. We were very fortunate to be able to operate for the Summer months as many enjoyed the railway experience and many more stopped at Kilmeaden station on Waterford Greenway. This app tis an acknowledgment of the effort put in by the whole crew to ensure all visitors to Kilmeaden aa station were in a safe sanitised environment.

Shortlisted in the Customer Service Excellence Category is the Fresh Food Courtyard in Dungarvan m which is owned mob popular Portlaw man Jimmy Burrows. I spoke to Jimmy and he said “We are delighted and honoured to be shortlisted in the Customer Service category of the Waterford Business awards. It is a great achievement for myself and the team at Fresh Food Courtyard ”
The winners will be announced
during a live virtual event on February 26th which will be live-streamed. The winners of each of the ten categories will then go head to head to claim the overall Waterford Business of the Year Award. This year there is a special entrepreneur of the year award sponsored by the Faithlegg Hotel. The winner of this award will be chosen by the judging panel and will only be revealed during the live-stream.

Message from Fr. Richard

” Dear Friends,

As our Christmas season ends for another year, on behalf of Fr. Mick and I extend to all our Parishioners and friends our sincere thanks for your support and generosity over Christmas.

Due to the ongoing pandemic Christmas was very different this year compared to any other. We asked you to consider celebrating Christmas mass over a number of days, not just Christmas Eve and Day. While this may have been very strange and not quite the same everyone still responded wholeheartedly and understood what we were trying to do in our effort to keep people safe and healthy.
Families made decisions to observe their faith celebrations for the good of all the community and as a family of Faith , we did celebrate safely and beautifully, the Mystery of the word made flesh the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Everyone who wanted to observe Christmas within their parish churches were able to do so and no one had to be turned away. This was made possible by the care and responsibility we showed one another and the great work of our sacristans and stewards. Added to this, many gave their time to care, prepare and cleanse our churches making them safe and beautiful as always for our celebrations. To all who who made this possible we are very thankful to you.
As always the Christmas collection for the support of the priests of the Parish and Diocese was taken up and you did not leave us down. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness which you show us in many ways. On behalf of Fr. Mick and I and all our colleagues in the diocese we want to say how grateful we are.
We continue to face the challenge and worry of COVID 19 but we shall rise as always to that challenge. We shall continue to care and watch out for each other and trust in the presence and love of God in our lives. He will not leave us down. May we all trust in the love of God for the New Year ahead.
Fr. Richard

Ballyduff AFC
Have you been clearing out those wardrobes and presses and wondering where you are going to bring these unwanted items. Ballyduff AFC are now hosting a clothes collection. You can bring your unwanted items to the club dressing rooms any day between 11am and 4pm. The items included are clothes, curtains, bed clothes, towels, blankets, soft toys, handbags and shoes. Drop along your unwanted items to the dressing rooms and please follow the COVID guidelines in place.

GAA News

There have been many changes to various events and activities being held by clubs and organisations. Many things have had to be cancelled while some are just postponed. The Get Ireland Walking campaign has been postponed until February but the Irish Life step challenge will go ahead. All you have to do to get started is to download the app and get registered and then the beauty of this challenge is that we can all get our steps done within our own 5km. Walking of course is not just beneficial for body and soul, it is so important for our mental health. In the times we are living in it is great to get out and clear our heads and blow away the cobwebs. Get involved in the challenge and you will not only be benefiting yourself but also as we add all our steps together our club have a chance to win €2500 worth of kit. Time to step it out Julia!!
Tickets are now available for the GAA National Draw from any committee members or through the club’s Facebook page. Tickets are just €10 and you could be in with a chance to win a Renault Clio and many other fantastic prizes. Please remember that all money raised stays within your club and with fundraising events curtailed at the moment support from this draw is vital for the club.

Chef Supreme!
While watching Neven Maguires cookery programme on television last week, it was lovely to see a familiar local face pop up on screen. Chef Nicky Foley welcomed Neven to his tapas and wine bar in the centre of Dingle. Nicky demonstrated two separate fish dishes, pollock kievs and a lovely dish using beautiful fresh scallops. Neven Maguire remarked how he could listen to Nicky speaking all day and described him as a fantastic chef. Nicky is of course the son of Greta Foley, Ballyduff West and I’m sure she and all the family were watching in with great pride. We wish Nicky continued success.

Ballyduff GAA.
Ballyduff GAA club will once again take part in the Ireland Lights Up campaign this year. The GAA in partnership with Operation Transformation and Get Ireland Walking have once again come together but have had to change things around this year due to obvious reasons. This year there is a double incentive to get involved. The club is joining the Irish Life app steps challenge so you are not just walking for your own physical and mental health but also to help out your club. The goal is to help your club walk the equivalent of 4000km over 8 weeks and when the club reaches its target they are entered into a draw for O Neill vouchers to be won for each province. Participants must be 18 years and over and there are just three simple steps to signing up. Step one is to download the app, step two register and step three select your challenge.

Ballyduff AFC.
Our local soccer club are hosting a fundraising scrap collection and invite you to bring along your scrap during any of the times below. The gates will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. They will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. If you would like any further information please contact 0872764884. Please note that electric items, glass and washing machines are not allowed.

RAFFLE TIME

The Ballyduff Community Hall Redevelopment committee would like to thank all who supported their Christmas raffle. They would like to thank Centra in Kilmeaden who allowed them to sell the tickets outside the shop. They were delighted with the support they received and were very grateful to all who supported them. A fantastic amount of €646.59 was raised and the committee would like to thank everyone who bought raffle tickets. The lucky winner on the day was my own mother Nancy O Sullivan, Matthews Cross and she was thrilled to receive a fantastic hamper full of lots of Christmas treats.

CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT

We send our congratulations and warm wishes to David Kenny from Newtown who recently announced his engagement to Christine O Halloran. This lovely couple are building their beautiful home at the moment in Newtown and I’m sure they are looking forward to getting into their new home and mixing with their lovely neighbours.We wish David and Christine every good wish for their future lives together.

RECENT DEATHS.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Margaret Carlin, Ballyduff on the recent death of her sister Dolores Walsh, Portlaw. Dolores was a lady of great strength of character, a lady of great faith and a lady who adored her family and loved having them around her. Dolores wasn’t dealt the easiest of lives healthwise but never complained or moaned. She just carried out her life with great dignity, grateful for every opportunity she had and always had a welcome chat for everyone. She loved spending time with the family, young and old and loved hearing about their lives. She will be greatly missed by her brothers Philip, Michael and Pat and her sisters Cait, Margaret, Bernie and Martina and the extended family and her many friends but she will also be missed by the people of Portlaw. Dolores’s funeral mass took place in St. Patrick’s Church in Portlaw followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. We pray that her gentle soul now rests in peace and that her family will find comfort in the memories of their happy times together.
We also extend our sympathies to Noel Reid, his wife Lorraine(nee Whelan) and their children Bobby, Ben and Neasa on the recent death of Noel’s mother. Mary Reid of Garrygaug, Piltown was predeceased by her husband Jim. She is survived by her daughter Miriam, her sons Thomas, Stephen, Michael, Shay, P.J, Noel and David, son in law, daughters in law, her brothers Liam, Dave and Jim and her 20 adoring grandchildren. Her funeral mass took place in The Church of the Assumption, Templeorum with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that she is now at rest and that her family will find comfort in their memories.

BIRTHDAY TIME

It wasn’t only Christmas that John Kearns from Fan Glas had to look forward to this year but also his 50th birthday celebrations. I have no doubt at all that his wife Leanne and his sons Conor, Ciaran and Finn made sure that he celebrated in style.
Well known Kilmeaden lady Anna Whelan from Gortaclode also celebrated her 80th birthday during the festive season. Anna celebrated her day with a lovely meal with some family and I know that I can speak on behalf of the people of our parish and wish her many more wonderful birthdays to come and thank her for all the great work she does in our parish.
We also celebrated two milestone birthdays in my own family during the Christmas season so I run the risk of being thrown out of the family by mentioning them here but I always liked a challenge so here goes!! My lovely niece Jessica O’Leary from Kilmagemogue celebrated her 30th birthday on New Years Eve. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to celebrate in the style she would have liked but her friends and family made sure that she was spoiled and I have no doubt that the celebrations will continue for a few months to come. On New Years Day my dad Noel O Sullivan, Matthews Cross celebrated his 80th birthday. I know it’s hard to believe that he could possibly be 80 when he flies around the place like a young fella. Dad enjoyed his day with the family and receiving calls from his sisters and family.

CARING BETWEEN THE AGES.

The children and staff at Jelly Tots were very busy before Christmas making their cards and decorations but they still managed to take time out to think of others and give a little bit of time to cheer up those who may not get to see their family for Christmas. The children put together some lovely care packages for residents of various nursing homes around the country. These were accepted by An Post and sent off for free. Each package contained some treats and gifts for the residents to show them that they were being thought of. What a wonderful thing for the children to do and for their teachers and parents to encourage. They will carry this kindness and thoughtfulness throughout their lives and will also show a fantastic example to all that they meet along the way. Kindness is a wonderful gift to receive but also to give.

CHURCH NEWS

It was lovely to see so many attend our Christmas masses and to see some familiar faces back home to be with their families. Fr. Mick explained to everyone the new method of paying our local priests. In previous years the Christmas and Easter collection, money from station masses, christenings, weddings etc all went into a central diocesan fund and from this each priest in the diocese was paid his annual wage, however due to decline in numbers and the Covid pandemic etc this central fund will now finish. From this Christmas on, each parish will now have their own parish fund and from this they will pay their own priests in their own parish. Fr Richard and Fr. Mick know how lucky they are and are very grateful for the kindness and support they have always received here in Ballyduff and Portlaw. They understand that there are a lot of financial demands on you all but they ask that you will be as generous as possible.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one for the months of January or February then please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com If you have a months mind or first anniversary during these times please get in touch asap so that I can get you your prefered date.
Once again a huge congratulations and thank you to all who helped to decorate our church for Christmas. Beautiful floral and candle arrangements adorned the altar  and the windows, fairy lights twinkled on the Christmas tree as the candles flickered on the Advent wreath. Central of course to the whole altar was our beautiful crib. It always lifts my heart when I see little children looking into the crib and pointing out all that they see. I have always kept up the tradition given to me by my mother which she received many years ago. I take a small piece of straw from the crib and put it in my purse for the year and the Lord will see that I will not be in want. I am not a millionaire but thank god I have all that I need.
As we enter into the New Year we have exciting times ahead, our church will celebrate its 200th birthday and we want to mark the occasion and give thanks for such a beautiful place. Fr. Mick has asked me to start gathering some ideas on how to celebrate so get  your thinking caps on and let me know any ideas you may have.

YOUR NOTES

We start into another year and I look forward to writing your local notes once again. I have really enjoyed working with all the clubs, individuals and organizations over the past few years and I hope that they will continue to trust me with their notes and of course new people are always welcome. If you would like to include anything in the notes please send them on to me at spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or at 087 9838392. If you could send them on by a Thursday night please it would be great. As you know these local notes are a fantastic way to get your message across and let the community know about your club, organization, charity event, tell people about special birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements, weddings and all family celebrations.So get in touch.

NEW YEAR WISHES

Once again we find ourselves heading into a new year with Covid following us but however this year we have vaccinations and boosters and we are hopeful that there is a light appearing at the end of the tunnel . We must try to enter the New Year with positivity and keep in mind all that is good in our lives. As we pack up last year there are many things we have learned during 2021 that we must now bring with us into 2022, kindness, patience, gratefulness, importance of family, faith and mindfulness. I wish each and every one of you the very best that life has to offer I hope that you always know love
and kindness in your lives, the hand of friendship, the courage to face what is placed before you, the joy and company of friends and family and may you always remember that there is always someone to listen.
I thank all the people in my life who make every year special. I am very grateful for all the wonderful people who surround me every day. I thank all who contribute to these notes and I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2022. If you have any nice local photos please send them on also and share the beauty of our community with everyone. Ag tabhairt gach slainte agus sonas maith duit don bhliain nua.

Christmas Visitor
We are truly blessed in our parish to have two wonderful men as priests of our Parish. During what has been a very strange and worrying year for everyone Fr. Richard and Fr. Mick have gone above and beyond to offer comfort and support. Our Parish Facebook page has been a real comfort to everyone. The daily and weekend masses, the Angelus and readings and reflections have kept up people’s positivity.
Faced with the restrictions imposed upon Christmas masses etc our priests once again stepped up and made arrangements for several masses over Christmas week to cater for everybody. Our church looked so beautiful with our Christmas tree, crib, advent wreath, flowers and candles. We give great thanks for the work of our extremely dedicated sacristan Ann Nolan who looks after our church with great care and love every day of the year.
Our church was so welcoming and inviting that a small wren took up residence in the church for the few days before Christmas. Finding room at the inn he took up residence and before Christmas morning mass he zoomed around the church but once mass began he perched himself on the Christmas tree where he stayed until mass was over. Ann then opened up all the doors so that he could make his exit but he had plans to visit the sacristy and decided to stay until St. Stephen’s Day.

Ballyduff GAA

Ballyduff GAA club would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year. They would like to express their gratitude to all the players, parents and volunteers for their fantastic efforts throughout 2020 which was a tough year for everyone. The club will continue to support the community in every way possible and they look forward to positive days ahead. For those of you who have been watching from the sideline let 2021 be the year you makeyy a contribution and get involved in club activity in some small way. A job no matter how small it is can make a difference to the smooth running of the club.
The club would like to offer their sympathies with to all those in the community who have lost a loved one during the year. Hopefully 2021 will bring brighter days.

School News
It was most definitely the end of an era in Ballyduff NS as everyone looked forward to the school Christmas holidays they also were getting ready to say goodbye to Vice Principal Mary Brennan who had decided to retire after 38 years in Ballyduff. A beautiful staff mass was held and was attended by present staff as well as some faces from the past including Pat Flynn, Ellen Kirby, Killian O Reilly, Winnie Foran and Eileen O Leary. The staff presented Mary with a beautiful photographic memory book with many photos from down through the years. Mary has given many years of commitment and dedication to our school and she will be missed greatly. We all wish Mary the very best of luck for the future and hope that her retirement is full of happiness and good times.

Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC are hosting a fundraising scrap collection over the next few weeks. You can drop your electrical items(washing machines and glass not included) to the soccer field. The gates are open during the following hours. Every weekday from 10am to 1.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. You can also drop on a Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 4pm. If you would like any more information please contact 087 2764884.

New Year Wishes
Without a shadow of a doubt 2020 has been a year most people would like to wipe from their memories and at present the worries and the fears that we faced early in 2020 remain with us as we live within restrictions and cancellations. I believe that as we face into a New Year we have to do so with hope and optimism because without these we might as well throw in the towel now and just give up. Spreading a smile and positivity will not only enhance our lives but also those around us and
those we meet or speak with.
I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you every good wish and blessing for the coming year. I hope that you search for that little positive in each day. Take in the beauty around us and get out and enjoy it if you can. Find the beauty and comfort in a simple phone call or the writing of a letter. Remember that you are never alone there is always someone who is willing to help all you have to do is let them. We will get through this and hopefully the full brightness of a New Year will soon shine and we will look back and say we made it through together .
Go mbeidh do bhliain nua slaintiuil, sona agus geal.