Ballyduff LGFA, Birthday Girl and Your Notes

Church News

We are all delighted to be back in our church and celebrating mass together. Masses are offered every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am and weekend masses will be offered on Saturday at 10am and 7.30pm and on Sunday morning at 9.30am.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one for any of these masses please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Bookings will be taken for the remainder of the month of May and for June at the moment.


Ballyduff LGFA

Our local ladies Gaelic football team are on the lookout for some new coaches. No experience is necessary but you must be willing to have fun and help out. To express your interest please message their Facebook page.
We send congratulations to the LGFA group who were  the recent winners of a Waterford Garda Division Youth  Award for their recent #onegoodclub programme. This is so well deserved as they put 100% into all the aspects of it .


Birthday Girl

We send our heartiest birthday wishes to a very popular member of our Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club. Shelly Hewetson celebrated her 50th birthday with her family and I’m sure there were some nice tasty treats. Shelly is usually the lady behind the lens as she takes some fantastic photos so hopefully she was the one in front of the lens for her birthday.


GAA News

How uplifting to see all the boys and girls back in the field as the academy section returns. There were many happy smiling faces all around and that was just the parents and coaches! A big thank you to the coaches who give their time and talents for the good of the club and the club would like to extend a very warm welcome to the new volunteers and hope that you enjoy your experience.


Your Notes

As clubs and organisations return to their activities please let people know about what is going on. Send on your information to me on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or 087 9838392

Centurion Celebrations, Church News and Celebration time

Ballyduff AFC

Do you enjoy working outside? Would you like to give a bit back to your community while getting paid? Ballyduff AFC are on the lookout for a grounds person for their club. If you are interested then please apply to the club or log into jobs Ireland.ie


Centurion Celebrations

We send warm birthday wishes to Paddy Mooney formerly of Dunabrattin, Annestown who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Paddy was a very popular and well known employee of Mount Congreve for many years and he is now a resident of Dunabbey House in Dungarvan. Paddy was treated to a special fly over by the Waterford Rescue 117 in memory of his days as a former flight engineer and pilot in the RAF. Thankfully restrictions had been loosened a bit in time for Paddy’s birthday and so he was able to welcome family along to his celebrations. Paddy is already planning for his 101st birthday when he may fly the helicopter  himself and do you know it wouldn’t surprise me one bit!


Church News

We are all delighted to see some restrictions being lifted and I am delighted to say that we can now return to daily and weekend masses. From Monday May 10th mass will return on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am and on Saturday at 10am and 7.30pm and on Sunday morning at 9.30am.


GAA News

The club would like to say a big thanks to Minister Mary Butler, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People for taking the time  to visit the new project developed by Ballyduff LGFA on the Greenway. She was very impressed by the beautiful finished area.
The club are delighted to see all the groups from U6 to U18 now back training under COVID guidelines. The club encourage you to contact the various coaches for football, hurling, LGFA for details or message their Facebook page if you are new to the club or area.


Celebration Time

We send our warmest congratulations to Sandra O Keeffe, Springhill on her recent graduation. Sandra graduated with a masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy . Sandra has worked very hard at her career and deserves all this success and she was most definitely born to do this job. Sandra has always received wonderful support from her partner Anthony her parents Christy and Vera and siblings Elaine, Edel and Damien and I know that they are very proud of her fantastic achievement. We wish Sandra every success in the future.


A Scholar and a Gent

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of
Mr. John G Fitzgerald of Ross. John was a tall man in stature and was held equally in high esteem. He was most definitely one of lives gentlemen and his main aim in life was to help anyone that he could. He was a very intelligent man with a vast array of knowledge on many subjects. He was a wonderful farmer and knew that it took hard work and passion to make it a success. He loved the land and his animals and worked for the good of farmers as he served as Vice Chair of Glanbia, County Chair of Waterford IFA and was also involved in the Farm Relief Services. He took all these roles very seriously and if there was a job to be done then John was the one to have on your side. He was also a great greyhound man and he bred some fantastic dogs over the years and the road to Shelbourne was just a short spin up the road for him. A great GAA man he supported both local and county teams. He served as Chairman of our local club with great dedication and devotion. He enjoyed being a member of the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club and liked many he looked forward to that great day in July for the tractor run which always raised fantastic money for The Solas Centre. A man of many interests and talents his greatest love was his family.Married  for over 40 years to his beloved Nano the pair were rarely seen without each other. Their children Maura, Joanne and Ger were their pride and joy and of course they adored their grandchildren John, Isabel and Liam whom John loved to spend time with.
John will be greatly missed in our parish and we pray that he now enjoys  Gods kingdom where there is no more pain or sickness. I have it on good authority that the Irish Independent and The Farmers Journal are available in heaven so hopefully John can enjoy a good read and perhaps a nice cold pint with old friends. He has left Nano  and the family many happy memories and we hope that these will bring comfort in the days to come.


A True Gent

Our parish was shocked to the core this week with the unexpected death of one of it’s most popular residents. Mossie O Keeffe, Blacknock was a gentle caring man who loved helping out friends and neighbours. He loved nothing more than a quiet drink and a chat with friends. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Betty and I’m sure there will be a dance or two when they reunite. Mossy was a wonderful family man loving getting together with them all for a chat and a laugh . He welcomed his grandchildren with great delight.
In recent years he volunteered his time at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden and he told me how much he loved it and enjoyed meeting so many people from all walks of life. Of course the cuppa and cake with the rest of the crew was always looked forward to.
Mossie made many good friends over the years and one of those Sean (Showery) Atkins went on ahead of Mossie just one month ago. I have no doubt that by now Showery has found the perfect seat and there is a reserved seat waiting for Mossie when he gets there. We pray that Mossie now rests in peace and we offer our support to his family and friends. May his friendly smile remain in your minds and his caring nature in your souls. May his gentle soul now rest in peace.

Recent Death, Birthday Time and Dr. Martin Centre

Recent Death

We express our deepest sympathy to the O Brien and Giles families on the recent death of Anne O Brien(nee Giles) from Newtown Tramore but a native of Blacknock Kilmeaden. Anne is survived by her husband John, daughter Karen, her sons Andre and Mark, her beloved grandchildren, her sister Kathleen Burns and all her relatives and many friends. Anne’s funeral mass was celebrated in The Holy Cross church in Tramore and she was then brought to her final resting place in St. Patrick’s cemetery in Tramore. We pray that she now rests in peace and that the Lord will comfort her family in the times ahead.

The Lord’s Shepherd

We were all so saddened here to hear of the death of Fr. Robert Arthure Cappoquin. We had the honour of having Fr. Arthure serve here in Ballyduff/Portlaw as parish priest from 1988 to 1992. He was a wonderful servant to the church for 70 years and his faith and his service was of utmost importance to him. He was a kind and wise man with a beautiful presence and people felt at ease in his company. In recent times I enjoyed following his Facebook page where he shared his inspirational views and stories. Fr. Arthure’s funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s church Cappoquin and we all pray together for the peace and happiness of his gentle soul and we have doubt that the Lord will welcome his shepherd home and thank him for being a loyal and worthy servant. May he rest in the peace of the Lord.


Birthday Time

We send warm birthday wishes to Anne Atkins, Blacknock who recently celebrated her 76th birthday. I’m sure Anne was treated to some lovely tasty treats on the day by her children and grandchildren. We wish Anne many more happy birthdays
Also celebrating his birthday this week was Sherlock Foley in Ballyduff. Sherlock was blowing out 50 candles on the cake and I’m sure his wife Eleanor and children Alex, Kate and Conor made sure that he had a wonderful day and no doubt there were plenty of treats from Mammy next door too.


GAA News

It was with great sadness that the club learned of the death of former Chairman of the club Mr. John Fitzgerald. John was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He gave all his energy and insight to the club to progress development and participation. He will be sorely missed and the club extend their sympathy to Nano, Maura, Joanne and Ger and all the family.
The club are delighted to see training resume in the field and the following times apply to the different sections. The LGFA times are
U8 and U 10 are Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.45pm
U12 and U14 are Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.45pm
U16 and Minor are Sundays 11am to 12.30pm
Juvenile Club ( hurling/football girls and boys
Academy section U6-U9 Saturday 10am to 11am
U10 Saturday 10am to 11am
U11/12 Monday’s 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The LGFA section of the club continue their positive work in the #onegoodclub initiative. This has been a very important journey for members and community. A big well done to all who organised and participated.


Dr. Martin Centre

The Dr. Martin Centre in Portlaw are counting down the days until they can welcome their clients back in for some fun and chats but at the moment they are enjoying using their brand new kitchen facilities. You can have a tasty dinner and dessert delivered daily
for just €7.50 and the good news is that they now deliver outside Portlaw. Please phone in your order by 10.30am daily in 051 387111 or 087-4611309

A True Lady, Ballyduff LGFA and Signal Box Coffee

A True Lady

We were all deeply saddened last week by the death of the lovely Kathleen Bagge of Adamstown. Kathleen was Wexford born but made Waterford her home when she met the love of her life Pat Bagge. Together they made their home in Kilmeaden raising their children and in time welcoming their beloved grandchildren. Kathleen was caring, loving, hardworking and loyal . She left a wonderful lasting impression on everyone she met and loved meeting up with people for a laugh and a chat . Her family meant the absolute world  to her and she loved each of them with all her heart. She bore her illness with great strength and courage and thanks to the wonderful care her family gave her, she was able to stay where she loved best in her home in Adamstown. We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband Pat, her children Ivor, Evelyn, Irene and Anthony, her grandchildren, her mother Peggy, her sisters and brothers and her many friends.
Kathleen was laid to rest in Ballyduff cemetery and we pray that she now rests in beautiful peace and that her loving family will in time draw comfort from the heartwarming memories she left them.


Ballyduff AFC

Like all other clubs Ballyduff AFC are really looking forward to getting back to training and games. They have asked me to inform you all of the provisional dates they have been given for Summer Camps. Their own popular Summer camp will hopefully take place from July 5th to July 12th and the FAI camp is pencilled in from July 26th to July 30th. Keep an eye out in these notes and on the clubs Facebook page for more details.


Ballyduff LGFA

The LGFA section of the Ballyduff GAA club are certainly keeping the club in the headlines with all their wonderful activities to promote good mental health and positivity in our young people.
Over the past couple of weeks the awareness programme focused on “keep learning. Dr. Orlaigh Farmer an inter county ladies footballer from Cork spoke to the older girls about women in sport and the menstrual cycle called “Go with the flow”
Actress and award winning playwright Nicola Spendlove spoke to the younger members about the power of positive words in preparation for their kindness rock project.
A big thank you to Mr. Stapleton who covered the choose your words models. The students in 6th class in Ballyduff painted some beautiful stones and then choose some kind words and positive mental health messages to write on them.  I had the honour of having a sneaky look at these stones and I must say they are gorgeous. Watch this page for news of the exciting new location for these stones


Signal Box Coffee

Congratulations and best wishes to local sisters Dearbhla and Sorcha Barron, Kildermody who bring their new venture Signal Box Coffee-to the Greenway. Situated by Furniture by Penn by the Kilmacthomas Greenway Viaduct you are invited to stop off and enjoy a nice fresh coffee and maybe a tasty treat. This is a wonderful idea from the girls and wish them them every success. I look forward to a little visit.

Mount Congreve, New Venture and New Position

Grandparents Delight.

Two local couples celebrated the arrival of precious new grandchildren during the past couple of weeks. Seamus and Helen Barry of Cullinagh are delighted with the arrival of a handsome grandson while down on the Lacka Road Pat and Peg Power were thrilled to hear of the safe arrival of their beautiful granddaughter. Isn’t it wonderful to hear such bright and positive news. We wish all the families every good wish for health and happiness and look forward to watching these two young people grow up as they come to visit their grandparents here in Kilmeaden


Our Sympathy

We send our deepest sympathy to Pat Nugent in Matthews Cross on the recent loss of his brother in law. Mr. Vincent Guiry had returned with his wife from Hertfordshire in recent times to live in Dungarvan and it was there his funeral mass took place.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Sharon Walsh, Coolagadden on the recent loss of her  beloved sister. Gillian was living in Australia and died tragically there in recent times. We remember all her heartbroken  family and friends in her native Waterford and in Australia.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Sinead Halley of Ballyshunnock on the recent death of her father. Mr. James Butler formerly of Roanmore Park was living in  Ballycashin, Butlerstown. Our sympathies go to all his family and friends. May he rest in peace.


Mount Congreve

It is absolutely wonderful and very uplifting to hear places making plans to reopen their facilities. We know that this must be done with great caution and that we must all play our part by continuing to abide by the rules and restrictions set out for us to follow.
We are blessed here in Kilmeaden to have the fantastic Mount Congreve house and gardens on our doorstep. There is nothing more therapeutic and heartwarming than a stroll around the garden taking in all the vibrant colours and beautiful smells of the amazing collection of plants and shrubs. Mount Congreve will open their gates to the public from Thursday to Sunday from April 29th during the hours of 10am to 5.30pm. Tickets must be pre booked and you can do this by logging onto https://mountcongreve. com/


Whistlestop Cafe

It is also wonderful to hear that Whistlestop Cafe at The Suir Valley Railway are also reopening to keep us replenished as we stroll on the Greenway. The cafe will open at weekends but will only operate on a  takeaway basis. Drop in and enjoy and hopefully as time moves on they will be able to open up their doors and welcome people inside to enjoy their facilities to the full.


New Venture

How inspiring it is to see new businesses beginning and taking note of the possibilities around them. Two young ladies saw this potential and decided to give their idea a go. Sisters Dearbhla and Sorcha Barron from Ross are opening up their new venture Signal Box Coffee and invite you to drop along and enjoy a nice refreshing drink and maybe a little treat.  Based on the Greenway at the Kilmacthomas Greenway Viaduct the girls look forward to welcoming old friends and new. We wish the girls the very best of luck with their new venture and congratulate them on their initiative.


GAA News

The club like everyone else are really eager to get back to business with training and matches. They were delighted last week to announce the appearance of their first green shoots as the club were back in the school assisting and coaching with the Junior and Senior Infants. The boys and girls were thrilled and a big thank you to Dermot, John and Paul for giving their time to this. A big thank you also to all at Ballyduff NS for keeping up their excellent relationship with the club over the years. These little shoots are our future players and coaches. Next date to look forward to is April 26th when hopefully we will back to the field.
The club send their heartiest congratulations to Calum Lyons in his nomination for Scholar of the Year in the GPA Excellence Awards. This nomination is very much deserved and shows the great work being done by Calum off the field. The club wish Calum the very best of luck.
The LGFA section of the club continue with their impressive initiative in the #onegoodclub project. They have taken part in many fun events and many mindful moments and you should really check out their Facebook page where you will find regular updates of their activities and photos of what they have been up to. A big thank you to all the members and mentors who have done such tremendous work and have spread such positivity across our parish.


New Position

We send our heartiest congratulations to Luke O Brien, High Road who has recently taken up a new position as a Field Service Engineer on the projects team at Unitec Accessible Expertise. Luke completed his IT degree in WIT. Luke will work on the projects team with clients across Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork. We wish Luke the very best of luck for the future. I know his parents Fran and Ann Marie are very proud of him as is his sister Kate who is working on the frontline as a nurse in England.

Recent Deaths, Birthday Girls and New Look

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathy to Sean Kelly, Amberhill on the recent death of his brother Thomas. Thomas Kelly  lived in Whitestown, Clonea and he is survived by his brother Sean, his sisters Breda, Margie  and Caroline. His funeral mass and burial took place to Clonea and we pray that he now rests in peace.

We also send our sympathies to the Walsh family on the death of Thomas(Didders) Walsh of Queen Street, Portlaw. Thomas was one of Portlaw’s most lovable characters and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his brothers Pat, Philip and Michael and his sisters Margaret Carlin, Dolores Walsh, Bernie Crotty,  Martina O Donoghue and Cait Beville. We pray that he now rests in the peace of Christ.


Birthday Girls

It has been a busy week in my own family this week. On April 8th my beautiful niece Lily finally turned 6. I say finally because the poor child has been counting sleeps for ages for her big day. In normal times there would have been bouncy castles and friends but Mammy, Daddy and brother Harry made sure that she had a wonderful day and bouncy castles etc can arrive when all is back to normal again.

The following day April 9th celebrations moved next door to Lily’s nanny’s house as my own mother celebrated her 80th birthday. The one and only Nancy O Sullivan was born on April 9th 1941 in the house where she still lives and has spent her life making lovely memories here in the beautiful Kilmeaden. Her 5 children Mary, John, Theresa, Neil and myself are very lucky to all live close by and so we get to visit all the time but of course our mother may not describe it like that! We wish our mother every best wish and hope that she enjoyed her day. Just like Lily she had to cope with the disappointment of no bouncy castles etc but we have promised one for her 90th. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful mother and if we each carry even one of her inspiring traits then we will be ok. Happy 80th birthday Mammy from your loving husband Noel, your children, grandchildren, siblings Sean, Teddy and Peggy and your neighbours and friends. Here’s to many more.


New Look

Wow what a fantastic revamp our local Centra store here in Kilmeaden has been given. Airy, spacious and bright are just some of the words I have heard people use to describe it. We congratulate the management and staff for keeping everything running throughout the refurbishment which must have been difficult at times but there was no disturbance to the service they provide. We are delighted to see someone put their trust and belief in our area and we wish Donal and Ailish Hickson and all their staff the very best for the future and thank them for putting their belief in our area and providing us with such a pleasant place to shop.

Our Kilkenny Cat, Birthday Boys and Litter Lifters

Recent Death

We send our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Nancy Aulsberry of Matthews Cross on the recent death of her sister Maureen Casey. Maureen lived in Ballygunner and her funeral mass and burial took place in Ballyduff. We extend our sympathies to all of her family and friends. May she rest in peace.


Our Kilkenny Cat!

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Sean Atkins of Blacknock. Showery as he was lovingly known as was most definitely a character. He loved nothing more than a good pint and a chat and a laugh with friends. He was in his element when he was around people and was always ready for a good chat and a banter. A native Kilkenny man he always remained true to his county colours and one of the highlights of his year was the erecting of the Kilkenny flag in his front lawn.
Above all this though he was a family man and loved to tell you stories about his grandchildren. He was a loving husband to his wife Ann and a wonderful father to Kathleen Margaret Annette Ollie and Michael but his most cherished role was that of a grandad.
Another family however will greatly miss him and that is his loyal group of friends especially those in the Sweep. An empty seat in the corner of that bar when they reopen will be a reminder of a true friend with whom many a good chat and laugh were had and I have no doubt that a glass will be raised in his memory. Bed of heaven to a man who will never be forgotten and will be spoken about for many a day to come.


Birthday Boys

We wish a very happy birthday to Adam and Emmett Carroll of Johntown who recently celebrated their 27th birthday. I am sure their parents John and Valarie and sisters Megan and Laura made sure the boys enjoyed their day.
Big birthday wishes also to Martin Cornwell of Ballyduff West who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. I’m sure in normal times Martin would be welcoming family and friends to his home for a good old knees up but there is no doubt in my mind that he was spoiled rotten by the three beautiful women in his life, his wife Alison and daughters Brianan and Neasa. This would have suited Martin very well  as he is at his happiest with his family around him. Many more happy birthdays to you Martin.


Litter Lifters

The Kilmeaden Litter Lifters are a group of volunteers who have taken to the roads around Ballyduff and Kilmeaden to pick up litter which other people have decided is ok to throw out their windows or drop on the ground when they are walking. This fantastic group have certainly been making headlines with other areas in the county following suit and starting their own groups.
The Kilmeaden group collected 178 bags of rubbish in just 5 days which is of course wonderful work but is also disgraceful. Litter can very easily be brought home to dispose of so there is absolutely never an excuse to throw it on the ground or in hedgerows.


Your Notes

With everything shut down at present there are not many things for me to write about so if you have anything you would like me to include please contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com preferably by a Thursday evening

Message from Gardai, Charity Cycle and Dr. Martin Centre

Message from Gardai

Tramore Gardai would like to reassure everyone that they are available and more than willing to support and assist anyone who may need help during the Covid 18 pandemic. You can contact them on 051 391620.


Church News

We are entering into a very different Holy Week than we are normally used to and Easter will not seem the same at all. However we are very lucky to have so many masses and ceremonies on line  to join in with. Keep an eye on our parish Facebook page, Parish of Portlaw/Ballyduff for all ceremonies over Holy Week and Easter. There will be some little bottles of Easter water available in the church porch in Ballyduff after Easter Sunday. Fr. Richard and Fr. Mick would like to wish you all a very happy, prayerful and safe Easter,


Charity Cycle

Every year on Easter Sunday the beautiful Lemybrien plays host to many keen cyclists as they gather to take part in a charity cycle in aid of Mental Health and suicide Awareness in association with WLR. This cycle raises much needed funds for this wonderful charity. All charity events have taken a big hit this year and many events have been cancelled. The hardworking people who organise this event have found a way to hold their cycle while following all the guidelines .
The event will now move on line and you can register your interest and then complete your 20km cycle challenge between March 29th and April 11th keeping to your 5km restrictions of course. You can donate and register or if you want to just donate you can do so through their Just Giving page “Cycle for SOS-20km challenge www. justgiving.com/fundraising/cycleforsos2021. You then complete your 20km cycle and don’t forget to spread the news and nominate others through social media


Dr. Martin Centre

The management, staff and volunteers at The Dr. Martin Centre in Portlaw are counting down the days until they can welcome all their clients and friends back in and enjoy some great chats and laughs again.
Although they may not be able to welcome people in they are still available for any help and support you may need.
They are delighted to announce that they have now reopened their new kitchen facilities and are delighted to say that they can now deliver tasty, nutritious meals outside the Portlaw area. Dinner and dessert is delivered daily for just €7.50. If you would like to order your  daily meal you need to call 051-387111  or 087-4611309 by 10.30am daily. You can also get shopping or prescriptions delivered. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon.

Recent Death, Back to School and Church News

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Ryan family on the recent death of their brother Jim. Jim Ryan was a resident of Crossneen, Co. Carlow and was a retired member of An Garda Siochana. We send condolences to his loving wife Ann and his sons Billy, Paul and Dermot and also to his brothers and sisters Patrick, Liam, Declan, Mary, Josie and Ann.


Back To School

All our primary school children and 5th and 6th years have now returned to school and I’m sure that they are happy to get back into a routine. We wish them all a very happy and safe time in school and also a huge thank you to all the teachers, staff and management of the school who work so hard to keep our schools safe. A reminder to all us parents to help keep our schools safe by maintaining our social distance at the school gate and by wearing our face masks.


Church News
Although there is still no return to masses and normal church services we are  very lucky to have such an active Facebook page. We can tune into daily masses, the Angelus, readings and reflections. It is a lovely way to feel that community feeling of coming together in prayer. A big thank you to Fr. Richard who does such a great job with this page.
Fr. Mick has asked me to let you know that the Stations of the Cross from Ballyduff Church will be available to watch on Good Friday.    On Palm Sunday there will be some blessed palms available in the church porch and on Easter Sunday there will be Easter water available.   If you would like to drop in for a little private prayer and reflection our church in Ballyduff is open daily from 10.30am to 3pm.


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC have released some provisional dates for their Summer camps. The intended dates are the 5th to the 12th of July for the clubs own camp and from the 26th to 30th of July for the FAI camp. These are just intended dates so please keep an eye out on their Facebook Page

Litter Angels, All Star Success and St. Patricks Day

Litter Angels

As you are travelling around our local roads you may have noticed some people out with their rubbish bags and litter pickers. This group of people have kindly taken it upon themselves to pick up the disgusting rubbish which  other people think is ok to throw out of their hands or of their vehicles as they drive in our area. Throwing rubbish is just a horrible disgusting habit and there is absolutely no need for it at all. How easy is it to place a little bag in your car to put your rubbish in or put it in your pocket when out walking. I am sure that this wonderful group of people who have come together to pick up the rubbish all have busy lives and they could do without picking up after lazy people who should know better.
To this wonderful group of people who head out and pick up the rubbish we say a huge thank you and a big well done. Your community spirit is wonderful and we all appreciate your work. If you think you would like to help out watch out for them and approach them for information.


Birthday Girl

We send warm birthday wishes to Aoife Kennedy, my Carriganure who recently celebrated her 18th birthday. I’m sure during normal times a party would have been on the menu but of course parties are out of the question at the moment. I have no doubt that her parents Gerry and Gillian and brothers John and Colm made sure that Aoife enjoyed a very special day. We wish Aoife many more happy birthdays to come.


Ballyduff GAA

Ballyduff GAA club would like to say a big thank you to the 23 people who took part in the Munster Steps Challenge on behalf of the club. The challenge took place during the month of February and these volunteers covered over 7,500kms betweenness
them. I am delighted to tell you all that Ballyduff finished up as the best club in Waterford and gaqq ovg


All Star Success

Huge congratulations and best wishes to Waterford’s Camogie captain Niamh Rockett who recently received her first All Star. This award was so richly deserved and Niamh’s determination and commitment is a huge inspiration to all those young girls making their way up the ranks.
At just 16 Niamh was diagnosed with arthritis and faced the possibility of perhaps not lifting that Hurley again. Thankfully she was born with a hint of stubbornness and of course that desire and passion for the game and she wasn’t just going to accept
what was being suggested. She kept going and fought through and no doubt some times in pain to go on to excel at her sport.
Niamh is a wonderful role model for all young girls and ladies and an inspiration to them all about commitment  and dedication and about knowing their own bodies and it’s limits.
A huge well done to Niamh and also to her extremely supportive family who are constantly by her side and attend every game and every appointment.


Community Hall

Ballyduff Community Hall Redevelopment group have been very busy making more improvements to our community centre. Great work has been done in the bathrooms in the main hall. The ladies now has two cubicles, one which is wheelchair accessible and a lovely wash basin. The gents has a new cubicle and separate urinal and new wash basin. There is also a new separate wheelchair accessible bathroom. A big well done to the hard working committee for getting all this work off the ground. This work would not be possible also without the generous donations they have received and the grant money received from Waterford City and County Council Community Enhancement programme and the National Lottery. Why not log onto their Facebook page Ballyduff Community Hall Redevelopment and take a look at some before and after photos.


St. Patrick’s Day.

Our St. Patrick’s Day will not be like other years but that is not to say that we cannot celebrate the day in our own way. Nobody is stopping us celebrating in our own homes. Get the children using their imaginations and you could have your own little parade at home. Relax with a nice traditional Irish dinner, watch an Irish movie, stick on some traditional music and dance around the kitchen floor. Stop thinking about what we can’t do but what we can and don’t forget the embarrassing photos and videos are obligatory. Fr Mick has celebrated a Patrick’s Day mass with some representatives from Ballyduff NS and you can view this on the school’s website. Guim suaimhneas agus sonas oraibh uile an La Naomh Padraig seo go mbeannai Dia daoibh go leir

In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in the southeast of Ireland, Ballyduff and Kilmeaden are about 23 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Waterford.