Community Reassurance, Climb Onboard and Local Success

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Jay Dowdall Tigroe on the recent death of his mother. Philo Dowdall nee Shanahan was a resident of Scrahan Kilmacthomas. She is predeceased by her husband Frank. She will be deeply missed by her sons Gerard and Jay and daughter Esme, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and all her relatives and friends. The funeral mass was celebrated in All Saints Church, Newtown followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.


Anniversary Couple

We send warm wishes and congratulations to local couple Derek and Fiona Laffan, Ballyduff who recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. I’m sure this lovely couple celebrated their special day with their children Ciara, Danny and Shane. I have no doubt that Derek treated his wife to a nice romantic drive or perhaps there was a bicycle made for two thrown into the mix. We wish them both every happiness for the future and many more years of wedded bliss.

 


Community Reassurance.
Our local garda would like to reassure us all that they are always available to offer assistance and support during this Covid 19 pandemic. You can contact Tramore Garda on 051 391620.
Our friends in the Garda station in Kilmacthomas would like to let you know that the station will now open to the public from 4pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday

 


Climb Onboard
It is wonderful to see so many people availing of the lovely amenities in our area. One of these of course is the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. They will continue to operate 5 trips per day until November 1st. The train departs from the station in Kilmeaden on the hour from 11am to 3pm. You can book your private compartment on https://www.wsvrailway.ie/book-tickets/ Climb onboard and enjoy your trip taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the county.

 


Local Success
I was delighted to read a very interesting article recently put together by RTE’s Fiona Alston. In her boost my business column she looks at how companies are affected by Covid 19 and what they are trying to do to return to normality. Featuring in the article was the great family run business Furniture by Penn. This business has stood the test of time from 1973 and has seen many changes over the years. At the helm is Gerard Barron and his wife Aileen and together they worked hard to keep this business improving and have met every challenge they have been faced with. Gerard whose late father started the business is very proud of the fact that all materials are sourced locally therefore supporting those around him.
The company specialise in making bespoke furniture for both homes and businesses. With this company you get the full package from design, manufacture and full installation service. When Covid 19 forced them to close down in March. They started an e-commerce offering and took to social media to let us all know they were still in production. They also started to design and develop some freestanding furniture. The company look forward to the future and we all wish them many more years of success and more importantly enjoyment in their place of work.

 


Ballyduff AFC
The 11th Terry Butler Cup game was played recently and I am delighted to report that Ballyduff regained the cup in a very entertaining game . The roll call is now 6-5 in our favour and the club would like to say a big thank you to the Portlaw club who come to take part each year and make it one of the highlights of the club year. A big thank you also to the Butler family who always make themselves available for the game and presentation of the cup. Terrys legacy lives on in the club and the dedication and commitment he gave will never be forgotten.
A big thank you to Damien and Majella Hennessy in Gala Kilmeaden who presented the Division 4 team with a set of new tops for the new season. It is wonderful to see local businesses supporting clubs and groups and we ask you to show your support to these businesses.

Anniversary Couple, School Time and Youth Drama

Anniversary Couple

We send warmest congratulations to local couple Patsy and Jacqui O Brien of Amberhill who recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. I have no doubt that this happy couple celebrated their special day and that they look forward to many more special days to come. We wish them both many more years of good health and wedded bliss.

 


School Time
Huge congratulations to all the young people of our parish who returned to school in the past week or so. They have certainly returned to school during uncertain and unusual times and so I ask that both pupils and teachers are patient and respectful towards each other. This pandemic was not foreseen and so nobody has all the answers. We are all learning as we go along and so it is important that we all work together.
I have met some of the new Junior Infants in Ballyduff NS who told me that big school is great fun and awesome. I have also met some of the young men and women who have headed off to secondary school for the first time and although they admitted to being nervous they were also looking forward to getting started with their new subjects and school activities. Would you believe that I also spoke to some primary and secondary teachers who also said they were nervous about returning to school and their first thought was about keeping everyone safe. We wish everyone a very safe, happy and healthy year ahead.

 


Youth Drama

I met Helen Millea during the week and she wanted me to let you know that Ballyduff Youth Drama are keen and eager to return to rehearsals and to the stage. They are keeping an eager eye on the covid 19 restrictions and the changing or lifting of restrictions and hopefully an increase of numbers attending indoor events and activities. Once this happens they are ready and willing to get going and look forward to welcoming everyone back.
The Drama Group have treated us to many colourful, cheerful and funny performances over the years and Helen tells me that another great show awaits. If you would like any further information you can contact Helen Millea on 087 6493657.


GAA News
Hard luck to our intermediate hurlers who played their hearts out in the County Final but unfortunately it wasn’t their day. They really lifted the spirits of the community and that was really needed. The club and community are very proud of our Eastern Champions and look forward to next years battle.
Another County Final awaits us as the U12 LGFA girls get ready to take on Ballysaggart. This is a super achievement by these girls who are playing really well as a team and great credit must go to them and their coaches.
In our underage section all teams have been performing well with the minors winning their county final and all other teams competing right up to the end of their groups. The future is certainly looking bright for the club and the club would like to acknowledge the hard work which is being put in by all players, coaches and parents as matches came fast and hard in this condensed season.
The underage teams in our LGFA have been excelling in their various age groups so far and we await the outcome of some matches to see where they end up. It is wonderful to see all these underage teams enjoying their sport and learning new skills.

 


Birthday Girl

We send warmest congratulations and best wishes to Portlaw lady Joan Hallissey who recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Joan is now a resident in Mooncoin Nursing Home but I know that she keeps herself up to date with all the local happenings. We wish Joan continued good health and happiness.


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC are on the lookout for some new players for their U16/18 girls teams. If you are interested please contact Benny on 086 6043022 or Joanne on 086-1568124.


Notes

If you would like me to include an item in these notes for you please give me a text or call on 087 9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com Share your club or group activities, your loved ones birthday, anniversary, congratulations or good wishes. This is how many people stay in touch with community life and these notes are also uploaded each week to our parish website which is viewed by many people originally from here but now living in other parts of the country or indeed in other countries.

Back to School, Golden Days and Big Occasions

Back To School
After an extended Summer holiday it is finally time for all our young people to return to school. Although it will be a completely different experience we hope that they will enjoy every minute. I’m not sure if many of them will admit it but I have a sneaky suspicion that the majority of them are looking forward to going back and feel somewhat normal. We wish them all a safe return and also to all the teachers and staff. Please follow all the guidelines given to you.

 


Golden Days
We send warm wishes and congratulations to our near neighbours Michael and Mary Monaghan in Slievroe Butlerstown who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Special wishes come your way from all your family and friends around the Kilmeaden area. We wish you many more years of health and happiness.

 


Big Occasions
Many congratulations to all the young boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff NS who recently made their First Holy Communion and also the young men and women from 5th and 6th classes who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Unfortunately plans had to be changed but I have no doubt that each of them enjoyed a wonderful day and were made to feel very special by their family and friends.

 


Ballyduff GAA
Ballyduff GAA are certainly enjoying plenty of success in recent times and as I am writing these notes all thoughts and talk is of Sunday and our meeting with Ballyduff Upper. Hopefully next weeks notes will speak of great triumph.

 


Church News
It is lovely to see so many people visiting the church and masses again. We are taking some anniversary mass bookings so if you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and I will look after you as best I can.

Author Success, Munster Champion and Waterford Suir Valley

GAA News

The club would like to reassure all its’ members and their families that in these worrying times of Covid 19 they remain vigilant in their responsibilities. They ask you to work with them by following all the guidelines and listen to our club officials. By working together we can keep our facilities safe and open to as many people as possible.

It is great to see all the different grades and teams so busy at the moment. Many games are being played with great successes recorded. A big well done to all in the Juvenile section and the Lgfa section. The club are delighted to see so many members enjoying sporting activities during these strange times.

Our Juniors played some lovely hurling and were very unlucky to bow out of the championship. The Intermediates have been going from strength to strength and await their meeting with Dunhill in the Eastern Final.Hopefully by the time you are reading this we will have some good news.

The club have recently started a new initiative for the ladies in our community. Drop along to Tom Cheasty Park on Friday evenings at 7.30pm and join in this non competitive fun. The feedback from the ladies who have already been is very positive and word on the street is that is good for body and soul. To join in you just need to become a non playing member for a €25 yearly membership.


Author Success

We are certainly very talented in our area and I am delighted to let you know about other published author in our midst. Mr. James Dunphy of Carrickphilip has launched his book “The Emigrant”. At a cost of just €15 the book is available from local shops and I’m sure that the guys in The Sweep could sort a copy for you too. We wish James very best of luck with his publication and look forward to a read.


Munster Champion

We send our warmest congratulations to local man Scott Searson from Gotaclode who was recently part of the Villa team who were crowned Munster Youth Cup Champions. Goalie Scott has been having an excellent season and this was certainly a well deserved crown . I know that mam and dad Shay and Edel and sister Amber are very proud indeed but that bright light you see high in the skies that is the smiling beam of the great Jimmy Searson so proud of his grandson.


Waterford Suir Valley

It is lovely to see so many people enjoying the beauty of our area as they take a spin on our train in Kilmeaden taking in the beauty of the area we live in. Refreshments can be enjoyed in the Whistlestop cafe on your return. Tickets need to be prebooked and one can do so by phoning 051-384058.

Church News, Ballyduff GAA and Ballyduff AFC

Church News

We are now beginning to take bookings for anniversary masses again. Masses cannot be shared but there are plenty of dates to choose from. We will take bookings up to the end of October and then see how things are. The following masses are available for booking each week

Thursdays at 7.30pm

Saturday at 10am

Saturday at 7.30pm

Sunday at 9.30am

If you would like to book a mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Please note that signed mass cards are available in the sacristy for €10. If you would like to purchase one please see Ann in the sacristy before or after any of the masses.


Ballyduff AFC

The club were disappointed that the season came to such an abrupt end and there was uncertainity over the new season beginning but things are returning gradually. The biggest disappointment for the club was the cancellation of their mini world cup which has been running for 40 years. The club is going from strength to strength with a record number of teams entered in the schoolboy/girls/Junior football and we all wish these teams the very best of luck.

Ballyduff will take part in the Division 2A section of the league and a special mention must go to ex Youths player Michael Hearne who is Manager of Division 4.

Ballyduff have always had the dedication and committment of great volunteers and committee behind them and we have no doubt that the present committee will lead the club towards their 50th year milestone with ease.


Ballyduff GAA

The ladies and gentlemen of Ballyduff GAA club are doing really well at the moment. Every report I read on matches show Ballyduff really putting their best foot forward and from academy upwards great wins are being recorded. More importantly great fun is being had and the importance of training and teamwork is being learnt from a young age. If you are interested in joining the club as a player or volunteer take a look at their very informative Facebook page there is surely a place for everyone and for everyone a place.


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Murphy family, Ballyvalican on the recent death of their mother Peggy.

Peggy was formerly Peggy Hahessy of Killballyquilty, Rathgormack and was in her 94th year. She is survived by her children Tomas, Bill, John, Walter, Gerard, Mary and Anne. She will be sadly missed by all her family who were blessed for many years to have her advice and chat. We pray that she now rests in peace and that her family will draw comfort from their many memories.

 


Notes

Don’t forget if you have something that you would like me to let people know about through these notes then you can call or text me on 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or like I have said before stop me for a chat I promise to keep my distance.

Gentle Mother, Holy Communion and Anniversary Masses

Gentle Mother
We are all so deeply sorry to hear of the death of Bridie Power of Adamstown. Bridie was a very well known and popular resident of our area not well known as in someone who made headlines or had millions of followers on Twitter. She was well known for all the right reasons, for being a wonderful mother, a woman of strength, courage and resiliance.

One of the things I think of when I think of Bridie is that wonderful smile always so welcoming and always ready for a laugh and a chat. She had a wide variety of interests which included watching sports, bingo, music and dancing. Her radio was very important to her and she loved to listen to the Johnny Barry and John O Shea shows. She was also a great fan of the television and she was the controller of the remote in the house. She especially liked programmes about antiques and of course loved all the quiz shows. I have been told by many people that if there was a bus trip leaving from Kilmeaden you could be sure that Bridie was on it along with her great friend Nellie Walsh from Portlaw.

She was also a woman of great faith and travelled to Lourdes many times. She welcomed Fr. Mick every First Friday of the month as he brought her Holy Communion and I know she would have been very impressed with the beautiful and spiritual ceremony Fr. O Halloran offered at her funeral mass.

Although she had many interests the most important aspect of her life was her family. She raised her sons and daughters to be caring and respectful and also passed on her wonderful traits to her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She unfortunately faced great saddness in her life following the deaths of her husband John Joe and son Michael, but with strength and courage and great faith she got on with life and raising her family. Bridies wish was always to be at home in our own house and her family made sure that her wish was fulfilled. In a lovely tribute her family thanked in a special way their sister June who gave her mother such fantastic care over the years. Bridies family can be very proud and hopefully draw great comfort from the fact that Bridie died at home in her own home, surrounded by her loving family and in the great faith that she was simply returning home to her God. May her sweet gentle soul now rest in peace and may the wonderful memories she left behind bring her loved ones peace and comfort in the coming months.

 


AGM

A reminder to you all that the AGM of Ballyduff Community Centre will take place on Tuesday August 11th at 8pm in the community centre. All are welcome.


Holy Communion

We send our warmest wishes to the boys and girls of 2nd class in Ballyduff NS who will make their Holy Communion in Ballyduff church on Friday August 14th. These young people have waited a long time for their big day and we hope that it is filled with sunshine and happiness.


Anniversary Masses
The booking of weekend anniversary masses will now begin again with priority given to Months Minds and First Anniversaries. The restrictions imposed by Covid 19 will still be in place and we ask all attendees to follow the guidelines given.

Bookings will be taken for the remainder of August and the months of September and October and each week the following masses are available to be booked:

Thursdays@7.30pm

Saturdays@10am

Saturdays@7.30pm

Sunday@10am

If you would like to book a mass then please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and she will look after you. As I’m sure you can understand masses cannot be shared due to number restrictions. If you had an anniversary during the closure of the church and would like to book a mass now you are welcome to do so.


Mass Cards

If you require a mass card they are now available in the sacristy at a price of €10 each. Please see our sacristan Ann and she will arrange it for you.


Popular Month

The month of August has always been a popular month for weddings and I heard of a few local couples who were celebrating theirs. Eoin and Eleanor Leane celebrated their 21st anniversary and I’m sure they celebrated with their lovely family. My own sister Mary and her husband Eamonn O Leary celebrated their 31st anniversary with their daughters Jessica and Amy. Blacknock couple Michael and Marian Murray clocked up 33 years of marriage this week also. Out in front though ahead of them all were Newtown couple Pat and Mary Kenny who celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss. This Waterford/Kilkenny union has stuck the test of time and I’m sure they enjoyed the celebrations with their children and grandchildren.


GAA News
Our local GAA club have been looking at new ways to give back to their community and help relieve the stresses of life. They have come up with the idea of a fun group for the ladies of the area. They intend on the group meeting once a week to have a bit of fun and play a non competitive sport such as rounders, tag rugby, football etc. To participate you need to be a member of the club which is just €25 for the year. You can pay this on the Clubforce app or you can get a form from the club. To express your interest or any other questions please contact Brian on 087-2486423

Ballyduff AFC, GAA News and Church News

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC recently held their AGM and Chairman Paddy Kirk announced that would be stepping down from his Chairman duties but intended to remain very much involved in the club. I was delighted that Paddy allowed me to write an article about him you can find this piece within the paper this week hopefully. Jason King was voted in as Chairman with Eoin Leane taking the Vice Chairpersons position. Joanne King takes the position of Secretary and we hope she doesnt get too much hassle from the Chairman. Aedin Foran takes the job as Treasurer. We wish the committee the very best and urge you all to continue to support your local clubs.

The clubs FAI Summer camp was a huge success and the good weather was very welcome. The coaches were a big hit with all taking part and the club extend a big thank you to helpers Shane, Jack, Ben, Cian and Hannah who were excellent. A big thank you also to FAI coach Gary Power for all his support.


GAA News
It is wonderful to see games going ahead again and well done to all attending matches and training sessions for adhereing to all the Covid 19 restrictions.

The club will recommence their club lotto and hope that everyone will support their fundraising efforts. Tickets will be on sale at Centra but you can also play from the comfort of your own home by downloading the Clubforce app . This is the clubs only fundraising facility at the moment so please support if possible.


Church News

Weekend masses continue with strict Covid 19 restrictions in place and well done to all who are helping out with this. There are two masses on Saturdays at 10am and 7.30pm and on Sunday mornings at 9.30am. There are still no bookings of anniversary masses being taken but once we get back to normal I will let you know about bookings through these notes .

Our Sympathy, Church News and Ballyduff AFC

Our Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to Kay and Josie Whelan, Knockaderry and Mamie Crowley, Ballyduff on the recent death of their brother Tony Whelan who resided in Slieverue. Tony was an ex employee of Portlaw Bakery. Tony is predeceased by his wife Gertie and is survived by his daughters Helena and Trudie, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. May Tony now rest in peace.

 


Church News

It is so nice to be back at weekend mass and meeting with the community. Weekend masses take place on Saturday morning at 10am and Saturday evening at 7.30pm and then on Sunday mornings at 9.30am.

I have had a few enquiries about the booking of anniversary masses. There are no mass bookings at the

moment but the minute I am given the go ahead I will let you all know.


GAA News

The good news is that the club are delighted to return to their club lotto on Saturday August 1st. This is the clubs only fundraising facility at the moment so they would really appreciate your support. Tickets will be on sale at Centra as usual but you can also play on online by downloading the Clubforce app. Support your local club and also chance your luck, you could be the lucky winner.

 


Ballyduff AFC

Best of luck to all at Ballyduff AFC who will this week welcome the boys and girls to their annual Summer Camp.

We hope that they all enjoy all the fun and activities in the fantastic grounds at Ballyduff AFC.

 


Notes

As many clubs and organisations begin to return to their activities it is important to let people know. I am happy to tell people for you through these notes so please just contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or indeed stop me out and about and we’ll have a social distance conversation. These notes are also a wonderful way to send wishes for special birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings etc so let me know about that special occasion.

Place of Beauty, Church News and A True Angel

Place of Beauty

We are really blessed in our area to have so many places of beauty to visit and enjoy. One of these places is the beautiful Fairbrook House where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the stunning gardens and visit the contemporary Arts Museum. The gardens are open from Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm. For more information please contact Clary on 051-384657 or artmastenbrock@gmail.com

 


GAA News
The club are absolutely delighted to see the academy section of the club back and are thrilled to hear the sounds of the children laughing and chatting happily. Well done to all the boys and girls who followed all the Covid 19 restrictions out without a problem.

Club membership is now due for all groups using the field. Forms can be downloaded @GAA.ie or can be got from any of the coaches. Alternatively most memberships can be paid on the CLUBFORCE app

 


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC are delighted to welcome some of the teams back to training and appeal to all coaches, players and parents to observe the Covid protocal and to be careful. Sincere thanks goes to Jenny and Joanne who have worked really hard to make sure everything is in place for our return to training.

Ballyduff Soccer Club will host their Summer Soccer Camp from July 27th and you can book by using the following link

https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/BallyduffAFC

The cost for your first child is €55, the second is €40 and your third child is free.

The club would like to congratulate and send best wishes to former player Shane McDonnell who took on a 42 day running challenge to raise much needed funds for two great charities, The Saint Vincent De Paul Society and The Alzheimers Society. I believe Shane has had a brilliant response to his challenge and is very grateful for all the support.

 


Church News

The young boys and girls of the parish are delighted to finally have the dates for their Confirmation and Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Friday August 21st at 12 noon in Portlaw church and Holy Communion day will be on Friday August 14th at 12 noon in Ballyduff Church.

 


A True Angel

We were all certainly lost for words last week when news spread of the death of Gwen Murray of Ardeenlone. At just the tender age of 51 Gwen fought her battle with her illness for the previous couple of years. She fought with great strength and courage and always remained upbeat. Her true focus at all times was her family and her only wish was to be at home with her husband John and her children Ben and Abbie. There was never any doubt how much she loved and cared for them all and their home was full of friendship, love and happiness.

Gwen was originally from Cherry Terrace, Lisduggan and is survived by her sisters Karen, Annmarie, Laura, Paula, Jennifer and Michelle. It was lovely to watch all of Gwen’s sisters stay up with her as she was brought home from the Undertakers. It was lovely to get a little insight into how life must have been with seven girls in the family, I’m sure there was many an interesting conversation but no doubt they will remain within the sister code.

Gwen left us way too soon but while she was here she taught us so much, she taught us that above all family must always come first. She showed us strength, courage, patience and dignity. She was a beautiful soul. When I see a rainbow I will think of her love of colour and brightness, when I see the sun I will feel the warmth of her smile, our lives were enriched by knowing her and we are grateful that she left us with so many beautiful memories. May her sweet gentle soul now rest where there is no more pain or sickness and every day is full of sunshine and rainbows.


Our Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Aulsberry family on the death of Nicholas Aulsberry. A native of Blacknock, Nicholas was a retired Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant. He stood down in 2005 after many years service to the Irish Army. Nicholas was a long time resident of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. He served a 43 year career in the Defence Forces which included 10 overseas trips. We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Aulsberry family.

Place of Beauty, GAA News and Ballyduff AFC

Place of Beauty

We are really blessed in our area to have so many places of beauty to visit and enjoy. One of these places is the beautiful Fairbrook House where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the stunning gardens and visit the contemporary Arts Museum. The gardens are open from Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm. For more information please contact Clary on 051-384657 or artmastenbrock@gmail.com

 


GAA News
The club are absolutely delighted to see the academy section of the club back and are thrilled to hear the sounds of the children laughing and chatting happily. Well done to all the boys and girls who followed all the Covid 19 restrictions out without a problem.

Club membership is now due for all groups using the field. Forms can be downloaded @GAA.ie or can be got from any of the coaches. Alternatively most memberships can be paid on the CLUBFORCE app

 


Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff Soccer Club will host their Summer Soccer Camp from July 27th and you can book by using the following link

https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/BallyduffAFC

The cost for your first child is €55, the second is €40 and your third child is free.

The club would like to congratulate and send best wishes to former player Shane McDonnell who took on a 42 day running challenge to raise much needed funds for two great charities, The Saint Vincent De Paul Society and The Alzheimers Society. I believe Shane has had a brilliant response to his challenge and is very grateful for all the support.

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.