Mass Bookings

Bookings have now been taken for anniversary masses during the months of January, February and March so if you missed the bookings and would like to book a mass during these times then please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and she will arrange a date for you.

 

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Christmas Church News

The new yearly pack of collection envelopes are now available in the church so please take your pack home. If you are new to the area or dont have a pack please give your name to Ann in the sacristy and she will sort a pack for you.

Special Christmas envelopes are now being distributed for the annual Christmas collection for the support of the priests of the parish. You can also use the envelope in your yearly pack or an ordinary envelope. The priests know that there are a lot of demands on you at this time but ask you to be as generous as possible as this is an important part of the priests salary.

There is a little change to the Christmas masss times this Christmas with Christmas Eve mass going ahead at 9pm and the Christmas morning mass at 10.30am.

 

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Tradition Continues

A big thank you and well done to Arthur Curry who carries on the wonderful tradition set by his father of putting lights on a Christmas tree in the green in Ballyduff. This really looks fantastic as you pass through the village and is a very welcome enhancement to our area. I know that both of Arthurs’ parents would be very proud of him for carrying on this tradition in the parish they both loved very much.

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Carols By Candles

On Wednesday December 11th people made their way to St. Nicholas’s church in Ballyduff for a very special night of music and song. As you arrived at the church you were greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly designed floral arrangements, the dancing flickers of candlelight and the sweet sounds of singers and musicians fine tuning their instruments. Our local choir were busy preparing for their Christmas carol service and welcoming their invited singers and musicians.

It was really wonderful to see such a large crowd attend on the night and each one of them were treated to something very special. Our own local choir under the direction of Bridget Jordan sang some beautiful well known carols and were accompanied by very talented musicians Sinead Crowley on piano, John Stephenson on guitar, Liam Daly on French Horn and Ger Dowyer on flute. Soprano trio Dulcet treated us to some beautiful classical pieces and their beautiful blend of harmonies filled the church. Some seasonal readings were also read with great dignity by Pat Murphy, Jessica O Leary, Ava Dooley, Jack Lyons and Aedin Ni Fuarthain.

During the interval collection buckets were passed around and I am delighted to tell you that a fantastic amount of €1,325 was raised for The Solas Centre. I dont have to explain to any of you about the wonderful service provided by The Solas centre not only to its patients but to their families also.

This trully was a night to remember and a huge well done must go to all who had any hand in preparing it. A big thank you must go to Sherlock and Eleanor Foley who donated all the flowers for the church and gifts on the night. They are always so kind and generous to local events. Congratulations to Joan Cheasty and Ann Nolan for having the church looking so beautiful, Jessica O Leary for the design and printing of the booklet and to all who gave their time in any way.

Following the concert everyone headed to the community centre for a lovely cuppa and some refreshments. A big thank you to all the ladies who catered for the event everything was delicious.

Booking of Masses

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for your loved one during the months of January, February or March then bookings will take place after both masses this weekend Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th. If you have a First Anniversary or Months Mind during these months then please contact Linda Spillane before the bookings so that you can get your prefered date. You can contact Linda on 087-9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

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Tractor Run

A big well done to all involved in the organising and running of the recent Pat Whelan Memorial Tractor Run in aid of The Mater Foundation Heart and Lung Transplant Unit. Over 170 vehicles took part on the day and many took part in the Monster raffle and auction afterwards. I know many people from our area travelled over to take part and a grand total of €11,415 was raised. This was a huge success and great praise must go to the organisers and all who took part.

 

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Carols for Christmas

St. Nicholas’s church choir would like to invite you all to join them for a wonderful night of song and music

to welcome in the festive season. On Wednesday December 11th at 7.30pm our local choir will perform some beautiful carols and will also be joined by some fantastic guests on the night, pianist Damien O Brien, flautist Ger Dowyer, Liam Daly on French Horn and the Dulcet Vocal Trio. Admission to the event is free but during the interval a collection will be taken up in aid of The Solas Centre. I dont have to tell any of you about the wonderful work that The Solas Centre do not only for patients but for their families. The support and comfort they give to people is second to none and so we ask that you be as generous as possible.

This concert promises to be a night of beautiful music, song and harmonies. Come along and sit and relax and enjoy the festive feast of carols.

 

Community Alert News.

Our local community alert group invite you all to join them as they get ready to celebrate the Christmas season. On Sunday December 15th the talented duo Teddy and Cathal Barry will provide the music for an afternoon of social dancing in Ballyduff Community Centre from 2pm to 5pm. You are all invited to come along and please tell all your friends. This event is open to all, you don’t have to be from our area, the only requirement is that you know to have fun. Some light refreshments will be served so you can sit and enjoy a chat over a nice cuppa and some nibbles.

After a fun afternoon of dancing, our community alert group will host their final meeting of 2019 on Monday December 16th at 8pm. The group are delighted to welcome guest speaker Jamie O Keeffe along to the meeting and he will give a short presentation on local history including some wonderful photos. Jamie’s Facebook page “Butlerstown and Kilmeaden History and Photo Archive” is hugely popular and the group are delighted that Jamie can come along to the meeting and share his story. Please spread the word and encourage friends and neighbours to come along and support your local Community Alert Group. The group continue to go from strength to strength and provide great security and piece of mind within our area. It is important that we all work together to keep our area safe for all its residents and visitors.

 

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Church News

As we approach the Christmas season we are all busy making sure we are prepared, presents are bought, cards are written and dinner is planned but are we prepared inwardly for the beautiful season of Christmas. To help us prepare spiritually a Christmas penitential service will take place during both masses on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th . Both priests will be at both masses and during the mass you simply come forward and tell the priest a fault or worry that is on your mind and receive absolution and piece of mind for Christmas. This is a beautiful ceremony and a good way to wipe the slate clean, turn back to God and enter the Christmas season with a fresh outlook.

The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Bambinelly Sunday. This is an old Italian custom which is spreading around the world and we here in our parish will honour the custom. On the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th you are invited to bring the infant figure from your crib along to mass where the priest will give them a special blessing.

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GAA News
The U15 Deise Og Footballers recently attended a presentation of medals and jerseys in honour of them winning the Dermot Early Plate in 2019. Beating Westmeath in the final this young team deserve great praise and of course it is a very proud moment for one local family as Jack O Donnell was a vital member of the team. His family and club are extremely proud of him.

A reminder to the many wonderful people who contributed to our development funding by opting to pay by yearly instalments that the second instalment is now due. Please contact the member you paid your first instalment to and they will sort out the second for you. The development would not have been possible without your generosity so the club would like to thank you very much.

 

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Ballyduff AFC
Mark your diary for Friday December 20th when Ballyduff AFC will host a childrens disco in Ballyduff Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm. Entrance fee is €5 per child. Come along and join in the fun and start off the school holidays having fun with your friends.

The club would like to congratulate Sophie Power U13 and Zoe Spinks U15 who both made the Waterford Development Squads. Both girls deserve this just reward after a brilliant season with the club.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 8, 11, 16 and 28 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Liz Lyons, Michelle Dunphy and Joyce Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday December 8th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. What a lovely win just before Christmas and all you have to do is buy a ticket and choose those lucky four numbers carefully.

Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and ticket sellers will be at Centra on Saturday December 7th.

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Wedding Bells.

We send our warmest congratulations to Carrickphilip lady Clodagh Fitzgerald who recently announced her engagement to long term boyfriend Kavan Dee. The happy couple celebrated their wonderful news with family and friends and we hope that they enjoy a lifetime of love and laughter together.

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Called Up.

Huge congratulations to Emma Kelly, Ardeenlone who has been selected for the U16 Waterford ladies football squad. This has been a dream of Emmas for many years and through hard work and determination Emma proved that dreams can come true. Last year Emma acted as water girl for this team and this year she will take to the field of play with the team. Ballyduff girls football teams have been going from strength to strength in the past year with more county potentials coming up through the ages. The club are extremely proud of Emma and will be following her with great interest but of course there are none more proud than her parents Mick and Judy and her younger brother Jack. We wish Emma every success but most of all we hope that she enjoys every minute of it. Deise Abu!

 

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Aladdin To The Stage

Starstruck stage school which takes place in Ballyduff Commmunity Centre will take to the stage this week with their production of Aladdin. The cast is made up of boys and girls from our local area and they have been very busy rehearsing over the past few months and look forward to your reaction. Tickets will be on sale on the door on both nights Thursday December 5th and Friday December 6th with a 7pm kick off. Tickets cost €10 per adult and €8 per child. There is also a special family ticket on offer for €30 which admits 2 adults and 2 children. Get yourself along to Ballyduff Communiy Centre and enjoy a night of fun,music and dance.

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Another Win!

Congratulations to Shane Fitzgerald, Kilmagemogue who was once again crowned the young Dairy Farmer of the Year. Shane takes great pride in the family farm and this is a just reward for his hard work.

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Carols For Christmas

St. Nicholas church choir under the direction of Bridget Jordan would like to invite all of you to their annual Christmas carol concert in St. Nicholas church on Wednesday December 11th at 7.30pm. The Choir will be joined by some special guests on the night including Soprano trio Dulcet, pianist Damian O Brien, flautist Ger Dowyer and Liam Daly on French Horn.

Admission is free but a collection will be taken up during the night and all money raised will be donated to The Solas Centre. This is a wonderful way to get ready for the beautiful season of Christmas and the choir would love if you would join them after the concert for some light refreshments in the Community Centre.

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Dancing Shoes

It’s time to polish up those dancing shoes as our local community alert group will play host to an afternoon of social dancing on Sunday December 15th from 2pm to 5pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. You are all invited to come along and enjoy the music of the fantastic duo Teddy and Cathal Barry. Come along and enjoy good music, chat, dancing and light refreshments. All are welcome so please spread the word far and near.

Candle Mass
During the month of November we offer a special mass every Wednesday night for all the Holy Souls and it is hard to be believe we are now talking about the final one of these masses. This final mass is a special candle mass which is offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. We have automatically included all those who died in our parish during that time but we would also love to include the names of any of your family or friends who died in other areas. If you would like to add someones name you can do so by contacting myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

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Star Struck Theatre School

The boys and girls from Star Struck Theatre School are busy putting the final touches to their production of Aladdin. This group is made up of boys and girls from our local area and they are all very excited to transport you to the land of Aladdin. The group will take to the stage on Thursday December 5th and Friday December 6th at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Adult tickets cost €10 and it is €8 for children. There is also a special family ticket rate of €30 which admits 2 adults and 2 children.

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GAA News

The Ballyduff Lower GAA club will hold their AGM on Friday November 29th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and all are welcome to attend. All fully paid up members will be entitled to vote and new members are very welcometo come along and help shape the future of the club. All nominations for executive committee should be emailed to the secretary by November 25th on secretary.ballydufflower.waterford@gaa.ie

Our footballers were in hard luck as they travelled to Limerick to take on Croom. The game ended on a scoreline of Ballyduff 0-6 to Croom 0-8. A big well done to the lads who gave/ us such great enterainment all year. Huge congratulations to all the supporters who travelled not only to Limerick but to all the games throughout the year.

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Christmas Raffle

Our local community centre redevelopment committee will host a fabulous Christmas raffle with many exciting prizes up for grabs. Volunteers will be travelling around the community door to door selling tickets and we as that you be as generous as possible.

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Birthday Boy
We send warm birthday wishes to a popular young man who recently celebrated a milestone birthday. Tommy McGrath, Ballygarron celebrated his 80th birthday with his family and friends and I know that all his neighbours and many many friends will be wishing him many more happy birthdays.

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Award Nominations

Oor local community alert group were recently nominated for a Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards. Unfortunately we were not winners on the night but were shortlisted down to the final three. It was wonderful and heartwarming to see so many voluntary groups being recognised for the work they are doing around the city and county.

Little Lady for Adamstown

Huge congratulations to Brian and Sarah Roche, Adamstown who welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world last week. Baby Riona Roche is a first baby for the lovely couple and they are delighted to have their precious little bundle home. Sarah is of course the daughter of Dick and Siobhan Walsh who are very proud grandparents and I met a very happy Uncle Tom the other day who told me he is looking forward to taking baby Riona for walks when the weather is better. I’m sure Brian and Sarah will never be short of babysitters but they may have trouble getting Riona back. We wish this happy little family every happiness and welcome baby Riona to our community.

 

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November Masses.

During the month of November we offer mass every Wednesday night at 7.30pm for all our Holy Souls. The final mass on Wednesday November 27th will be offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. All those who died within our parish will automatically be included in the mass but if you have a friend or family member who died elsewhere over the past 12 months and would like to have their name included then you are welcome to do so. To add their name you can contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or write the persons name on the list which is in the front porch of the church.

At this special candle mass an individual candle is lit for each of the deceased and that candle is presented back to the family of the deceased as a reminder of the promise of the risen Lord. It is important therefore that a family member is present at the mass to accept the candle.

 

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A Gent and Scholar

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Jan, Pouldrew House, Kilmeaden. Dr. Jan was a very interesting man to meet and had a wonderful array of interests. In my Post Office days he was a regular visitor and I always enjoyed listening to the many stories he had. As an accupuncturist he excelled and his many patients had nothing but praise and admiration for him. We offer our deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

 

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GAA News.

The Juvenile section of the club would like to congratulate their coach Sarah and her husband Brian on the arrival of their baby daughter Riona. Sarah is a brilliant coach and like all the coaches gives up her own free time selflessly to help the kids development. The club wishes the Roche Family all the best and look forward to welcoming Sarah back to the field soon.

AGM: The Ballyduff Lower GAA club will host their AGM on Friday November 9th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All paid up members are welcome to vote and all prospective members are most welcome to come along and help shape the future of the club. All nominations for executive committee members should be emailed to the secretary address below by Monday November 25th secretary.ballydufflower.waterford@gaa.ie

A big well done to all who have been displaying their club colours and the winners of the recent competition are Shane O Brien, Shane Dalton and Brigid Power who decorated their houses so well.

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Award Nomination.

Our local community alert group continue to do wonderful work in our community and I am delighted to tell you that the group have been shortlisted for an award at the Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards. We are shortlisted in the Community and Civic Pride category and the group are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this manner. Some representatives of the group will attend the awards ceremony on Thursday November 21st in The Park Hotel.

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Notes Update

If you would like me to advertise something for you through these notes then I would be delighted to do so. You can contact me on 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or indeed my name is Linda Spillane and its very easy to find me cause I don’t leave Kilmeaden very often.

Lotto Results

That fantastic jackpot is still up for grabs in the local GAA lotto. There was no lucky winner choosing the numbers 4, 19, 21 and 23. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Kate O Donnell, Dermot Dooley and Genevieve O Donnell. The next draw will take place on November 17th and that fantastic jackpot of €12,500 will be there for you to win. The only thing you have to do is choose those four numbers carefully. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday November 16th. Pay some bills,have a little holiday, enjoy some Christmas shopping, the list is endless with this jackpot and all things are acceptable once you don’t forget that it was me who told you about it!!( I love flowers! Just saying)

 

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Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club played their most recent game on Monday November 4th and the results were as folows;

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy

2nd: Celia Nugent and Mary O Brien

3rd: Mary Prendergast and Anne Marie Brown.

4th: Geraldine McMahon and Joan Hartery.

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November Masses
While our deceased family members and friends are never far from our thoughts, we also remember them in a special way during the month of November. Every Wednesday night at 7.30pm a special mass is offered for all the Holy Souls. The last mass on Wednesday November 27th at 7.30pm will be offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. A candle will be lit in memory of each person and this candle will then be given to the family going home to light from time to time in memory of their loved one. Those who were buried here in our graveyard will automatically be added to the list but if you lost a loved one since last November from outside the parish then you are very welcome to add their name to the list. You can add their name by writing it on the list in the front porch of the church or you can contact myself Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

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What A Game!

It was just wonderful to see so much red and white decorating Fraher Field last weekend as the Ballyduff supporters travelled to see their Junior Footballers take on Shamrocks in the County Final. It really was heartwarming to see young and old joining together to cheer the lads on and I know the support is greatly appreciated by both the team and the club.

The preparation and hard work payed off as Ballyduff emerged as County champions on a scoreline of Ballyduff 1-11 to Shamrocks 0-10. It was a brilliant game to watch with some stand out individual performances and also great team play. It was a great win for the lads and we hope they enjoyed their celebrations as its back to the grindstone now as they get ready to face Croom in the Munster Championship. The team will travel to Bruff or Kilmallock on Saturday November 16th at 1.30pm to take on Croom and the club would like to say a big thank you to all the supporters and local businesses for their continued support. Roll on the 16th and its not too late to get your colours flying.

 

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Win For The Girls

We all watched in anticipation as Irelands ladies hockey team bid for their chance to qualify for the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo. Standing in their way were Canada whom they knew would give up a good fight. This edge of your seat stuff saw these two teams treat us to a great game. After this game ended in a tie the crowd were to be treated to a nail biting penalty shoot out. While we awaited this shoot out with bated breath one house in Kilmeaden was probably not so calm. Maria Mackey ,Ross watched with great pride as her niece Roisin Upton stepped up and scored what would be the winning goal. What a proud day for Maria and all the family and we will all be following their journey to the Olympics with great interest.

The Quiet Man.

We were all saddened this week to hear of the death of Jim Power, Oldcourt. Jim was a quiet, honest, hardworking man who went about his daily business in an unassuming nature. Jim was a native of Portlaw born into the farming life and always had a great love of the land and farming. Jim was also a great supporter of the GAA world and was not only a fne player on the field and then in later years a brilliant supporter of both local and county teams.

Jims’ other great love in life was dancing and was a very fine dancer, in fact the great Tom Cheasty once remarked that Jim could turn on a sixpence on the dance floor. It was at one such dance that Jim met the love of his life Kathleen Butler and another successful Portlaw-Kilmeaden marriage began. They made their home at Oldcourt and raised their two sons Eoghan and PJ there and in later days six grandchildren. Jim was a real family man and loved to see the grandchildren calling and hearing about their activities.

While Jim and Kathleen always enjoyed going to dances, they also enjoyed meeting socially with friends for a chat or to listen to some good music. I know that Jims good friends in O Donachas will miss his company and I’m sure they will raise a large bottle in his honour.

We all hope that Jim now enjoys the peace and comfort of the heavenly kingdom and that his family can draw comfort from the wonderful memories they hold of Jim.

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Keep A Check

As the clocks go back and our days are darker and colder, I ask you all to keep an eye out for all your neighbours and friends especially the elderly and those who live alone. The power of a friendly smile or chat can bring great joy to a persons day. Keep a check also that they have enough firewood or fuel and enough groceries in. The offer of a spin to the shops or mass or even just a little drive out is a kind and generous act and believe me you will get just as much pleasure from doing as receiving.

 

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November Dead List

Although we always remember our loved ones gone before us with great fondness we think of them in a special way during the month of November. Here in our parish we offer a special mass for our dead each Wednesday night during November. The masses on Wednesday 6th,13th, 20th and 27th will be at 7.30pm. The final mass on Wednesday November 27th will be offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. If you would like to add the name of a relative or friend to the list of those who died during the year please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or add their name to the list in the front porch of the church.

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Wedding Bells.

We send warmest congratulations to Mark O Connell who recently married his sweetheart Rose Anna. The couple were married in the beautiful county of Donegal and Marks parents Gerry and Margaret tell me that the day was fantastic and that all plans just fell into place. We hope that the happy couple enjoy a wonderful life together full of love and happiness.

Running Queen.

Huge congratulations to local lady Sharon Flynn who recently took part in and completed the Chicago marathon. Sharon is a regular sight running along the roads or Greenway and of course makes it look so easy and I know that she enjoys it very much. Sharon puts great determination and committment into her training and thoroughly deserves every success. We hope Sharon is celebrating her great success and having a well deserved rest.

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GAA News.

The U10 hurlers had a great win in their group beating Ballygunner 3-3 to 2-1. This was a really pulsating game with some lovely scores and a great all round team effort. A big thank you to all the brilliant supporters and of course all our good friends in Ballygunner who are always a pleasure to host.

It was hearts in your mouths stuff in Dunhill with Ballyduff coming out as winners and Eastern Champions on a scoreline of 0-13 to 1-8. The lads really dug this out with a great performance and some lovely scores and a super penalty save by Adam Carroll. Man of the Match was Emmett Power. A big thank you all the supporters and of course John Carey and his team. It is great to have some silverware back to the club and now all eyes are on the county final.

A wonderful day was had by all at Tom Cheasty Park when 80 of our academy boys and girls rounded off their season with a mini All Ireland. A great day of fun was had by all with prizes for everyone. A big thank you to all who provided goodies for a great spread which was polished off fairly quickly. Huge thank you to the coaches who put in tremendous effort all through the year.

The club sends big congratulations to clubmen Keith Millea, Cian Bolger and Jack O Donnell who are part of the Waterford U16 football panel who will take part in the Fr. Manning tournament. Your families and club are very proud of you.

 

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Johnstown Gent.

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Brendan Cullinane, Johnstown. Brendan always was a man of the land and was at his happiest when walking the land or tending to livestock. His great love of nature was evident to all and of course this was equalled by his great devotion to his faith and his respect for everyone and everything on Gods earth. Brendan was a great lover of all sports and in younger years was a very talented squash player. His grandson Darragh now follows in his grandfathers footsteps showing exceptional talent for the game of squash and winning many prizes and I’m sure this brought great delight to Brendan.

Brendan also had the great gift of music running through his veins and was one of those true musicians who could make an instrument sing. It was only fitting that a recording of Brendan playing that beautiful piece of music “The Coolin” on his beloved violin was played as he left the church for his final resting place.

Brendan had many interests but his first thoughts were of his wife Patricia and children and grandchildren. Having spent the last few months of his life ill, Brendan was able to remain at home in his beloved Johnstown. This was down to the wonderful care he received daily from his wife Patricia, she most definetly took her wedding vows very seriously and never complained or moaned she was happy to see Brendan happy and content in his surroundings and visited by those who loved him.

Brendan has now gone to his final reward where pain and sickness is no more and if you listen very carefully to the heavens you will hear that great trinity of Brendan, Paddy Crowley and Paddy Joe Larkin fill the heavens with heavenly music, actually I wouldn’t be surprised if they have persuaded the angels to form a set dancing group already.

We send our heartfelt sympathies to Patricia, Richard, Valarie, Louise, Sheila, Eleanor and Jennifer, grandchildren, his sister Elizabeth Barry and her husband Mickey and all his extended family and many many friends. We pray that he now enjoys the peace and comfort of heaven. May he rest in gentle peace.

 

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A Little Lady
We were also saddened this week to hear of the death of Patricia(Pat) New of Knockaderry. A true family woman who was at her happiest when surrounded by family. She was a loyal and devoted wife to John and a warm and supporting mother to her sons Sean and Michael and daughters Ann Marie, Paula and Claire. Of course she was very proud of each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and would delight in telling you about them when you met her. A great lover of nature and the outdoors she was always surrounded by animals especially her beloved dogs. She had a warm friendly nature and was a wonderful neighbour and friend to many. She bore the cross of illness with great dignity and strength over the past number of years and I’m sure that her family can now draw strength from the fact that pain is no more and she now enjoys the rewards for her good deeds and her devotion to her faith. Once again we offer our condolenses to her family and friends. May her sweet soul now rest in peace.

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Alannahs Success.

While I have already written about the sad passing of Brendan Cullinane, I’m sure that he would want me to tell you all about the great success of his grandaughter Alannah Cullinane, Johnstown. Alannah who is a Transition Year student recently took part in an essay writing competition aimed at young adults all over Ireland. The theme for the essay was “Gender Equality”. Alannah made a huge impression and last week received an email from European Parliament member Sean Kelly informing her that she had been chosen to join him in Brussels as part of his Meet Your MEP Programme 2019. During this trip she will see the workings of the EU and the work he puts in as our MEP. The group of 20 students and their chaperones will travel to Brussels in November for this two night trip.

What a fantastic opportunity for Alannah and a just reward for all her hard work. I know that both her grandads will be beaming with pride from the heavens and between them both word will be spread. We wish Alannah a safe and wonderful trip and her parents Richard and Carmel and brother Darragh will be excited to hear all about her experience on her return . Congratulations Alannah you should be very proud of yourself.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 2, 9,12 and 19 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Alana Power, John Dalton and Margaret Power. The next draw will take place on October 20th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. To buy your lucky ticket watch out for any club or committee members or get yourself down to Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday October 19th and tickets will be on sale there. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. Choose your lucky four numbers and who knows you may receive a rather nice phonecall on Sunday night!

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Birthday Boy.

Heartiest birthday wishes go to Jim Laffan who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. Jim partied the night away with friends and family at The Sweep Bar. I hear great reports back of a brilliant night and the rumour of a sick head or two the morning after. We wish Jim all the best for the next 50 years.

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Church News

As I explained last week we are taking a different route with our ststion masses. In previous years some station areas were grouped together and mass was held in the church. This year two community masses will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre and will be open to the whole community. You can drop along to one of the masses or both. After the mass there will be an opportunity to enjoy a chat with your neighbours and fellow parishioners. Please keep in mind that some of your neighbours may like to go but may not have a lift and would appreciate the offer of a spin. These two masses will take place in the community centre on Tuesday October 15th and on Thursday October 17th at 7.30pm.

The Autumn station mass for the areas of Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road will take place on Friday October 18th at 8pm in the home of Tom and Dympna Keegan.

 

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GAA News

Our schools teams are certainly giving everyone a lot to talk about these days. The Ballyduff NS U13 hurlers travelled to De La Salle school to meet St. Saviours. They put in some magnificent performances and after a close final ending Ballyduff 3-2 St. Saviours 1-3 Ballyduff emerged the winners of the O Callaghan shield. A big thank you to Mr. Carey, Mr. Stapleton and Miss Sinnott for all the time and effort they put in . The relationship between club and school is fantastic and can only mean a bright and healthy future for all. Thank you also to Mr. Dooley for organising and great hosting.

The girls were also in action as they headed to Walsh Park to meet the Presentation in the semi final of the U13 shield. They recorded a great win with an end scoreline of Ballyduff 5-6 to Presentation 0-0. Well done to Ms. Sinnott and Ms. Mooney for coaching the team and also to the clubs LGFA coaches who most certainly have these girls right on track. We wish them all the best in the Final.

 

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Gala Win.

Huge congratulations to Damien and Majella Hennessy and all the staff at Gala in Kilmeaden who once again emerged winners of an Excellence in standards award recently. This was well deserved and it is nice to see their hard work rewarded.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club played their most recent game on Monday September 30th and the results were as follows:
1st: Patsy Roche and Siobhan McCarthy.

2nd: Peggy Murphy and Mary Kennedy.

3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Joan Hartery.

4th: John and Elizabeth Mooney.

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A True Lady.

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Breda Power(nee Flynn) from Ballyduff West. Breda was indeed a lady with a wonderful faith that was very special to her. She adored her family and lit up when she spoke of any of them. I had the great pleasure of visiting Breda from time to time and love for family was very evident from the moment you entered her room. The wall was adorned with precious photos of all her family. She would delight in telling you what each of them were up to and also loved to hear about my children. Although Breda suffered poor health in the past few years she always kept her spirits up and had a smile and a chat for everyone. Her faith was strong and Breda had great love and respect for our church. She shall most certainly leave a huge void in the lives of all her family and we shall all miss her happy smile and friendly chat. We send our sincerest sympathies to her beloved husband Mossie, her children Theresa, Marian and Vincent, her grandchildren Gary, Lee, Shauna and Daniel, great grandchildren Oliver and Clodagh and step children Gerard, Philip, Deckie and Imelda. May her gentle soul now rest in peace and may she be rewarded by the Lord for all her kindness and goodness.

 

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Our Sympathies.

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Kiely and Larkin families on the death of Peg Kiely(nee Larkin). Peg was a resident of Kill village and her funeral mass took place in Our Lady of Mount Carmel church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that she now rests in peace. Ar Dheis De go raibh si.

 

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Church News.

It is that time of year when we think of the Autumn station masses and this year we are trying something a little different. In previous years some station areas were grouped together and a shared mass was held in the church but this year we will hold two community masses in Ballyduff Community Centre. These masses will be open to all in our parish and will be held on Tuesday October 15th and Thursday October 17th at 7.30pm on both nights. Following the mass there will be a cup of tea and a biscuit and a chance to have a chat with your neighbours and fellow parishioners. Please keep in mind any neighbours who may not have a lift and would welcome a chance to go.

The station mass for Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road will be on Friday October 18th at 8pm in the home of Dymphna and Tommy Keegan.

 

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GAA News

Our U8 and U10 girls hosted the last of the football blitzs last weekend and it was great to see such a big crowd in the field. There were some superb games played with great skills on show. A big well done to the Ballyduff girls who put on a great display and thank you to the coaches and parents who helped out on the day.

The club would like to say a big well done to clubman Rory Dobbyn who had a great game against Thurles cbs as part of the De La Salle team. They now move on to the Quarter Final on October 11th against St. Colmans.

The club was devastated for the team and management as they lost the hurling semi final to Dunhill on a scoreline of 3-24 to 5-17. It really was a fantastic entertaining match and so heartbreaking to loose on such a tight scoreline. A big thank you to all the panel who put in such a big effort all season.

 

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Ballyduff AFC

Our U12 soccer players had a good win against Mooncoin recently on a 3-2 scoreline with Shane Dalton and Jake O Brien providing the goals.

The U14’s went down to a last minute goal to Villa losing 2-1 with Cillian McCarthy the scorer.

There was a disappointing performance from the U16’s on a 5-0 scoreline to St. Pauls.

Our U10 girls had a great game against Bohs and both teams served up some great football. Well done to Emma, Kate and Sadhbh who were he scorers.

Ballyduff AFC have teams for all ages boys and girls and are always delighted to see new members come along. If your child or teenager is interested please contact Paddy Kirk or Joanne King or indeed pop up to the grounds any night and speak to someone and have a look around at their fabulous amenities.

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Wedding Bliss.

We send our heartiest congratulations to local man David Kinsella who married his beautiful bride Sarah last weekend in Killarney. David is the youngest son of Michael and Dolores Kinsella and older brother Niall was taking all the information in as he is next to step up and say “I do”. I have heard great reports back from Killarney of a really fabulous day and we hope that the couple enjoyed every minute. We wish David, Sarah and their daughter Evie the very best for their future life together and hope that the future brings them lots of love and happiness.