GAA News, Mount Congreve and Retirement

GAA News

Ballyduff Lower GAA club like everyone else are looking forward to getting back to hurling and football but until that can happen they encourage all their members to keep up their skills at home and to practice regularly. There are plenty of challenges and ideas on their Facebook page so take a look and challenge yourself.

A reminder to you all that the GAA grounds remain closed due to the ongoing restrictions so please do not enter the grounds as you will not be insured.

The dates for the annual Cul Camp have been changed to August 24th to 28th so keep an eye out for further details.

 


Mount Congreve

We are delighted to hear that our beautiful local gardens at Mount Congreve will open their gates again to visitors from June 9th. Of course there will be certain conditions. Visitors will need to be living within 20km and all tickets will need to be purchased beforehand through the link on their facebook page or website. The gardens will be open from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive from 10am to 5.30pm with last entry at 4pm. Thursday will be especially dedicated to those who are cocooning.

It has been lovely watching some on line videos of the gardens but now we will be able to enjoy the scent of the flowers, the sounds of the birds, the soft touch of the foliage in person. The cafe will be open for takeaway teas and coffees and sandwiches but there will be a queuing system and all Covid 19 restrictions will be in place.

 


Clothes Collection

If you have been busy clearing out wardrobes and hot presses and wondering where you are going to put all the unwanted items then don’t worry I have the perfect solution. Our local soccer club are hosting a charity clothes collection. You can drop your bags to Ballyduff AFC grounds on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday between 12 noon and 6pm. The dresing rooms will be open for the bags and we ask that you obey all the restrictions connected with Covid 19 and drop and leave. Please support this charity endeavour.


Retirement

We wish the very best to Michael Joy and all involved with Kilmacthomas Service Station in our neighbouring Kilmac who have decided to cease trading. You were always treated to a friendly greeting and a chat when you pulled in and it was lovely to get that personal greeting. We wish Michael and all the Joy family the very best for the future and thank them for their many years of dedicated service.

 


Your Notes

If you would like to include anything in these notes then please contact me by a thursday of each week. You can contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Silver Couple, Clothes Collection and Confirmation Day

Silver Couple

Warmest congratulations and good wishes to Shay and Edel Searson, Gortaclode who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Edel also celebrated her 50th birthday this month so there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Celebrations are very different during these times but I know that the Searsons won’t leave that stop them and they will have their own special celebrations at home with their children Amber and Scott and of course not forgetting their dogs Poppy and Bailey. We wish this happy couple the very best of happiness and many more years of wedded bliss to come.

 


Clothes Collection

Our local soccer club will host a charity clothes collection this week at their grounds in Ballyduff. I’m sure with people refined to their homes there has been many a wardrobe and hot press cleaned out and that there are a few bags of clothes waiting to be disposed of when places open again. You can now get rid of the clutter while supporting charity by dropping them to Ballyduff Soccer club on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday of this week between the hours of 12 noon to 6pm. The dressing rooms will be open for you to drop off your bags and we would ask that you would adhere to HSE guidelines for Covid 19 and please observe social distancing.


Recent Death
We are saddened to hear of the death of Joe Burke, Carrick Beg. Joe was a former resident of Coolagadden, Kilmeaden and is predeceased by his wife Maureen Burke(nee O Keeffe). We extend

our deepest sympathy to his children, grandchildren and extended family and we remember them all in our thoughts and our prayers. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

 


Local Entrepreneur

It was wonderful during the week to read about local entrepreneur Fionn Barron of Kildermody. Fionn is one of the co founders of Irish technology firm Tracworx. The firm has developed a Wifi patient tracking system to help hospitals in their bid to tackle Covid 19. The tracking system uses existing wifi networks in hospitals allowing healthcare facilities to automate their data collection and generate reports using real time and date. The Limerick based company have been quick to repurpose their technology to meet the immediate challenges mounted by the Covid 19 pandemic. This version of their product helps with social distancing and tracing back where contacts have been indoors. It gives complete transparency to hospitals as to where their patients have been which can directly support this contact tracing effort. Tracworx was established in 2016 by college students Chris Kelly, Eoin O Brien and Kilmeadens own Fionn Barron. The company use all Irish based suppliers. They have extended their operations into the UK and have plans to expand further into the European market. It is wonderful to see such initiative and vision in a young company and we wish them the very best of success in the future.

 


Confirmation Day

We send warm wishes to all the young ladies and gentlemen from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff N.S who were due to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday May 27th in Ballyduff church. Although they are disappointed their special day will come eventually and I know that it will be celebrated in style. Until then we will continue to remember them in our prayers and I am sure that their families will mark this Wednesday in a special way.

Garda Assurance, Message for You and Thank You

Garda Assurance

Tramore Garda would like to reassure people that they are more than willing to assist and support all those in the community during the Covid 19 pandemic. They can be contacted on 051 391620

 


Message for You.

Both our priests Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard send their good wishes to all of you parishioners and hope that you are all keeping safe and well. Both of them offer daily mass for the continued good health and safety of us all. A reminder that daily mass is offered by Fr. Richard and can be viewed on the parish Facebook page. Just search for parish of Portlaw/Ballyduff and you can not only view daily mass but also the Angelus, the Rosary and some beautiful and uplifting pieces of scripture and readings. We thank Fr. Richard for all his work with this as it is a wonderful way to feel part of the community. Please remember both priests daily in your prayers also.


Help Available

A reminder to any of one who are still staying home and are maybe nervous about going out that there are many people willing to help with maybe getting groceries, prescriptions, posting a letter or anyhting else. Many community groups and individuals are more than willing to help you out as are the Garda and Council staff. If you are not too sure of the contact name for any group please contact me and I will see that you are looked after. My number is 087-9838392.

 


Community Alert

Although many community groups cannot hold meetings etc it does not mean that work has ceased. Our local community alert remain vigilant and encourage you to report any suspicious behaviour that you may notice to Garda. Remember our text alert scheme stays active at all times and you will be informed through that of any activity or news. Members of our group are also ready and willing to help anyone who may need.


Thank You

Once again a heartfelt thank you to all who are working so hard for the good of us all. We truly appreciate all that you are doing and the sacrifices you are making. We hope that you remain safe and well and look forward to the day we can thank you in person.

Fabulous At 50, Special Day and Local Business

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Carberry and Power families on the recent death of Kathleen Carberry(nee Power) of Whelansbridge. Kathleen is survived by her husband Billy, daughters Paula and Angela, grandchildren and all family members and friends. Kathleen’s funeral mass took place in St. Marys, Ballygunner and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that she now rests in peace and that the Lord will have mercy on her soul.


Fabulous At 50

We send many good wishes to birthday girl Edel Searson, Gortaclode who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. I have no doubt that if things had been 100% back to normal then there would have been many many nights out to celebrate this event. However nothing stops the Searsons and so Shay, Amber and Scott pulled out all the stops so that Edel could enjoy a night full of glamour, sophistication and elegance and that was just the four of them attending and of course their dogs Poppy and Bailey who added the sophistication. I’m sure Edel enjoyed her special day and will make up the celebrating in due course. Happy birthday Edel you are most definetly fab at 50!

 


Birthday Boy

There were also 50th birthday celebrations in the home of former Blacknock resident Pat O Keeffe. Pat emigrated to Portlaw some years back but is of course a regular visitor here in Kilmeaden. I know that his wife Ann and sons Jack and Conor will have made sure that Pat enjoyed every minute of his day and was spoiled. We wish Pat many more happy birthdays.


Birthday Girl

Lots of special birthdays taking place in the month of May. Blacknock lady Lisa Burns celebrated her 30th birthday and I’m sure she was treated to a delicious cake from Kilmeaden Bakes. Birthday celebrations will continue for the year I’m sure so clear your calendar. We wish Lisa many more happy birthdays to come.


Special Day
Saturday May 9th should have been a very special exciting day for the boys and girls in 2nd class in Ballyduff NS. It should have been their First Holy Communion Day but unfortunately in present conditions their special day has been put on hold. I know this is very disappointing for them all and their families but their special day has not been cancelled it is simply on hold and will always be special no matter when it is. Lots of plans and arrangements had been made but can easily be rearranged. It is much more important that they are all kept safe and well as they are all very precious. I hear on the grapevine that each of the boys and girls received a lovely letter during the week from their teacher Ms. Ryan which was a beautiful thoughtful thing to do. We look forward to First Holy Communion Day in the future months and know that it will be a wonderful day.

 


Local Business

I hear many people saying that they would love something nice to eat and of course you and I both know that we will never manage to find that “something nice” at home in the cupboards. Local lady Annette Atkins runs her business Kilmeaden Bake’s from her home on the Lacka Road. Many of you may have tasted some of Annettes baking at the Suir Valley Railway or prehaps you were treated to a birthday or celebration cake. Annette offers a wide selection of cakes, buns and desserts as well as traditional irish soda bread.Your only problem will be what to pick? Orders can be collected or delivered. If you would like some more information you can take a look on her facebook page Kilmeaden Bake’s or contact Annette on 085-2860821.

Wedded Bliss, Young Ladies and Welcome Grace

Birthday Boy

We send warm birthday wishes to John Fitzgerald, Carrickphilip who recently celebrated his 70th birthday. I’m sure John celebrated in style even with all the restrictions and that Martha and the family made sure the occasion was marked. I have no doubt that when restrictions are lifted John may enjoy a pint or two of lemonade with a few friends. We wish John continues good health and happiness.


Wedded Bliss

Cupids arrow certainly hit this couple when they met many years ago. Claudio and Deirdre Giani recently celebrated 34 years of happy marriage. This lovely couple are as much in love today as the day they met. I know they are enjoying their time off together with lots of cooking and gardening on the agenda and I have no doubt that there is plenty of fun being had also with their pride and joy grandson Marco. We wish Claudio and Deirdre many more years of wedded bliss.


Birthday Girl

I hear that another young lady recently celebrated her birthday also. Anne Atkins, Blacknock celebrated her 75th with her family and I’d say she was treated to a very tasty cake. Hope Anne enjoyed her day and many more birthdays to come.


Young Ladies

Two young ladies in the Ballygarron area recently turned that important age of 18. Alannah Whelan and Bonnie O Reilly I’m sure would have loved to be out celebrating with all their friends but I’m sure that both families made sure that the girls had a wonderful day. There will be plenty of time to celebrate in the months ahead and I’m sure there will be lots of nights out


21st Anniversary

Congratulations to Karl and Joan Cheasty,Tigroe who recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. We hope this lovely couple enjoyed their special day and I’m sure their children Sammantha, Rebecca and Aaron made their parents day very special. May they enjoy many more happy and healthy days of marriage.

 


Welcome Grace

It is nice to get some good news in the middle of all the gloomy news. Damien and Majella Hennessy, owners of Gala Kilmeaden welcomed their beautiful new baby girl into the world. Baby Grace arrived to join her mam and dad and brother and sister and form a lovely little family. We all send our warmest congratulations and look forward to meeting baby Grace in the weeks and months ahead.


Month of May.

Without doubt the month of May is probably my favourite month of the year. I love the freshness and colours, the new birth and of course I have always had a strong devotion to our lady. I urge you to explore the beauty of May in nature all around you. I jotted down a little few lines that came to mind when I thought of May and would like to share them with you if you don’t mind.
Oh beautiful month of May

You always bring such joy

With your abundance of freshness and beauty

Not just for us adults, but also every girl and boy.

Your bright stunning colours

bring a smile to the face of everyone.

As they notice fresh blooms and colours

While baby calves and lambs prance and have fun.

May brings hope, new growth and promise of new birth.

And we are blessed to share it all here on planet Earth.

Time Moves On, New Talents and Schools Out

Time Moves On

As we all continue to do our very best during these weird and wonderful times that we find ourselves in, it is heartwarming to see such kindness, compassion and that wonderful community spirit I am always raving about. Whether people are getting groceries for others, collecting prescriptions, dropping dinners,or making a phonecall for a chat or sending a text to check if someone is ok. All these things mean the world to people and can make things that little bit easier for someone. Please continue the good work and we will all get through this together.

New Talents

I am hearing lots of stories of people learning new skills while they are at home. There are people finding their culinary skills and cooking up a storm and I am going to need proof so please drop your creations on my doorstep.Some people are learning a new musical instrument which will come in handy for all the parties when this is all over. Others have taken up things like knitting, crocheting, writing poetry, books or songs. Have you taken up anything interesting? Why not let me know, you might even inspire others.

Schools Out
A big well done to all our primary and secondary school students who are keeping up their school work on line and doing the assignments which are being sent onto them by their teachers. Well done also to the many teachers in our area who are compiling work for their students to do.

A big well done also to the pupils from Jelly Tots playschool who drew some beautiful pictures of rainbows to brighten up peoples days. These were shown on a special Facebook page in case any of you think that I have been out and about too much.

Thinking Caps

With everything cancelled and on hold there are not many items for me to tell you about so if you have any ideas or would like to wish someone a happy birthday, anniversary, engagement then please let me know and lets spread some good news. You can contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com please by Thursday evening of each week.

Our Own Angel, Love is in the Air and Staying Safe

Our Own Angel

Our community is most certainly the poorer this week and we said goodbye to one of Gods walking angels. Sheila McGrath, Ballygarron was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart full of kindness, compassion and love. She also had a sparkle and a glint in her eye and loved a joke and a laugh. She always made me feel so good about myself whenever I met her and I always walked away thinking I was quite special

Sheila’s greatest love in life was her family. She adored her husband Frankie and they were as much in love as the day they first met. She was immensely proud and honoured to be the mother of Trevor and Majella who in turn idolised their mam and this lovely family loved spending time together.

There are people you meet on the pathway of life who make a hugh influence on you or the very mention of their name brings a smile to your face, Sheila was one of those people to me. We were all blessed to have known her and she most definetly made our lives richer.

To Frankie, Trevor and Majella we extend our deepest sympathy and we remember them and Sheila in our thoughts and prayers. May her sweet, gentle soul rest in peace.

 


Love Is In The Air.

Watch out if you are living in the High Road area as Cupid is working overtime up there. Two young couples recently announced their engagements and so love is most certainly alive and well up there.

Emmett Power and Dawn Roberts announced their engagement while on holiday in Lanzarote before all the maddness of Covid 19 began. I’m sure that when everything settles down the couple will celebrate in style with their family and friends.

Most people find sweets or treats inside their Easter egg but when Jesie Scannell opened her egg from boyfriend Kelvin Kearns she was shocked to find an engagement ring inside. What a romantic proposal and a clever one. I mean chocolate and diamonds, a winning combination!

We wish both couples every good wish for the future and look forward to congratulating them in person at some stage in the future.

 


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Shay Searson, Gortaclode on the recent death of his beloved father. Jimmy Searson was a resident of Marymount, Ferrybank where he was some what of a celebrity. As founding member of Ferrybank AFC, President of the club, Junior league chairman Jimmy was held in very high esteem. His great love for the game and for his club was evident to all as he endeavoured to attend every match and event. His dedication to the sport earned him a lifetime of football achievement award.

I had the honour of meeting Jimmy on a few occasions in the home of his son Shay and he was most definetly a real gentleman who absolutely adored his family. He would sit and listen intently to every word his grandchildren were saying and delight in hearing about their lives and interests.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Kathleen, daughter Elaine, sons Pat, Shay and Barry, grandchildren and his many many friends. We pray that he now rests in peace and I have no doubt that there will be a club founded in heaven before too long, watch out for Heavenly AFC.


Staying Safe

As the weeks go on I am sure many of you are wishing things would just go back to normal but unfortunately we must keep up our hard work for another while. I know there are many people and things to miss but turn it around and instead of missing, look forward to when you see everyone again and think of the joy of going where you want to go. It is important that we keep up the hard work as it is saving lives. I congratulate you all for obeying the guidelines and know that by working together we can beat this. Please remember that if you are struggling, need someone to talk to,need some groceries, medicines, fuel, need Post Office or Bank business done I have a list of groups and individuals who have sent me on their details and are willing to help so please dont feel alone. You can contact me on 087-9838392 and I will put you in touch with someone.

New Service, Help is at Hand and Beauty of Nature

New Service

“Call to Chat” is a new service by the OPC(Old persons council) and Waterford libraries. This is aimed at the older people in our communities who prehaps feel lonely and fancy a chat about gardening, activities for the cocooned, keeping fit, discuss a tv programme or a book you have read or whatever topic interests you. All you have to do is call the freephone number 1800 250 185 and ask for a call to chat and they will arrange for someone to give you a call.


Help is at Hand
Please remember that there is plenty of help out there for anyone who may need help getting groceries, prescriptions etc. There are many people in our community who are more than willing to help. If you would like some help you can give me a call on 087-9838392 and I will sort it out for you.

As I also told you last week also our local gardai are doing a wonderful job helping people out and co-ordinating things in our aea is Garda Tammy Hehir and she can be contacted on 086-8581044.

 


Beauty of Nature

I don’t know if I am imagining things but looking around my own and my parents gardens all the plants and shrubs seem to have more colour and bloom than other years. It is heartwarming to see such a burst of colour in these dismal times and I like to think that this planned by Mother Nature knowing that we need a particular lift this year. People are now getting time to spend in their gardens and enjoy the beauty around them and we need all that beauty to lift our spirits while we are obeying the restrictions. Take the time to enjoy all the beautiful sights, smells and sounds of nature. Too many times you hear people say ” I haven’t time” or I’m in a rush”, well there is no excuse now and we have been shown that there is always time.

Recent Death, Church News and Call for Help

Recent Death.

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Maura Sullivan (nee O Leary), Kilmagemogue. Maura was a real lady full of love and compassion. She was 100% dedicated to her family and they were never left in any doubt of her care and affection. This gentle natured lady loved her family, her music and was a woman of great faith. She was always remembering other peoples intententions and having masses offered for them. Maura will be sadly missed by her husband Mick, her sons Ollie, Paul, Dermot, Gary and Jim, her daughters Ursula and Eileen, sons in law, daughter in law, grandchildren and by her loving brothers and sisters.

Mauras private funeral mass was held in St. Patricks church with burial in the adjoining graveyard. In a lovely fitting tribute Mauras neighbours on the High Road stood at their entrances as a mark of respect. This was deeply appreciated by the family. A memorial service for Maura will be held at a later stage. We remember Maura in our prayers and pray that she now rests in peace with the Lord.

 


Church News

Due to the most recent Covid 19 restrictions and diocesan instructions, our church is no longer open during the day. This is a great pity but cannot be helped. Luckily prayer can be recited anywhere so please wherever and whenever you are saying yours please include me and I will remember you all in mine.

Of course daily continue to be celebrated and can be viewed on the parish facebook page, parish of Portlaw/Ballyduff. A big thank you to Fr. Richard for this it really is most comforting. I am also in regular contact with Fr. Mick and he is keeping well and offering daily mass where he remembers all his parishioners and friends.


Call For Help

As I mentioned in last weeks notes it has been amazing to see the care and help which is being offered throughout our community. One of our local Garda has been in touch with me and asked me to pass on her number to you. Garda Tammy Hehir can be reached on 086 8581044 and is available if any elderly or vunerable people needs groceries, prescriptions or simply just want someone to check in with them.

Recent Death, Thank you and Church News

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Connolly family on the recent death of Pauline Slattery (nee Connolly). Pauline was a resident of Raheen but was a native of Knockaderry. Due to present circumstances Paulines funeral mass and burial was held in private at St. Nicholas church,Ballyduff. We pray that Pauline now rests in peace and we remember her in our prayers.

 


Thank You

As we continue to cope as best we can with the effects of Covid 19 we express a huge thank you to all who are helping on the frontline of all this. We have many garda, paramedics doctors, nurses, carers, care assistants, pharmasists and assistants, hospital catering staff and all hospital staff living in our area and we really want them to know how grateful we are. We pray that they will stay safe and feel the hand of friendship and gratitude.

We also say a huge thanks to those working in the retail sector and our farmers, truck drivers, oil and fuel suppliers, postal workers, repair garages etc who are ensuring that we are stocked up and supplied. We give a special mention to our own local Centra and Gala stores and all at Kilmeaden Pharmacy and Countrylife who are providing a wonderful service while adhereing to all the proper guilelines set out.

A final thank you to all who are helping each other out and making sure everyone has the essentials that they need. It is at times like this that we see people at their best. We are blessed to live in a wonderful area where there is always someone to call on. Keep up the good work because working together will get us through this and we look forward to better, brighter times.

 


Church News.

As you aware all masses are cancelled for the foreseeable future however our church is open daily from 11am to 4pm so you are welcome to visit and pop in for your own private prayer. Also we are very lucky to have our new Facebook page parish of Portlaw and Ballyduff where Fr. Richard offers daily mass live at 10am each day. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to take some time out and join with others in our community. We thank Fr. Richard and all involved with setting this up and keeping it going with lots of beautiful reflections and words of encouragement.


Your Notes
I apologise that these notes are so short but as you can imagine with everything being cancelled there is not as much for me to tell you about. If you have any news especially good news or suggestions please contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

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.