Lotto Results

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

Bridge News

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

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy

2nd: Celia Nugent and Mary O Brien

3rd: Mary Prendergast and Anne Marie Brown.

4th: Geraldine McMahon and Joan Hartery.

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

What A Game!

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

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

Win For The Girls

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

The Quiet Man.

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

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

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

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

Keep A Check

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

November Dead List

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

Wedding Bells.

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

Running Queen.

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

GAA News.

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

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

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

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

Johnstown Gent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alannahs Success.

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

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

GAA Lotto

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

Birthday Boy.

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

Church News

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

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

GAA News

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

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

Gala Win.

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

Bridge News.

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

2nd: Peggy Murphy and Mary Kennedy.

3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Joan Hartery.

4th: John and Elizabeth Mooney.

A True Lady.

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

Our Sympathies.

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

Church News.

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

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

GAA News

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

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

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

Ballyduff AFC

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

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

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

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

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

Wedding Bliss.

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

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on Monday September 23rd and the results were as follows:

1st: Breda F Murphy and Kathleen Collins.

2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.

3rd: William and Anne Tobin.

4th: Nan Murphy and Mary Prendergast.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the last lotto draw were 1, 13, 14 and 26 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Tony Whelan, Colette Murphy and Maurice Flynn. The next draw will take place on October 6th and there will be a whopping jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday October 5th. Tickets are great value at just €2 each or three for €5. Choose your four lucky numbers carefully and it could be you winning that lovely jackpot.

Dawn Players.

Our local drama group Dawn Players are celebrating their 25th season this year. The group formed in 1995 and took to the stage that year with the production of Brian Friels “Lovers”. The group are busy at present reading through some scripts to find the perfect play for their 25th production. The group are always on the lookout for some new members so if you have aspirations for the acting world or would like to help back stage or front of house you will be indeed welcomed into the fold. If you would like to express your interest please send a text to Karen on 086-1590939.

Church News

There will be a second collection at both masses on Saturday October 5th and Sunday October 6th. This collection is to support the Missionaries working around the world. We are asked to be as generous as possible.

A reminder that bookings have now been taken for anniversary masses during the months of October, November and December.If you missed the bookings there are still dates available, so please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and I will book a mass for you.

GAA News

The U10 footballers put in a great game against a very strong Gaultier team and kept themselves in the game right up to the very end. There were some great individual performances but a huge team effort from this bunch.

In the U11 league the curtain came down on the season as the team bowed out to a stronger St. Marys side. Although they were missing a few of their regulars they battled right till the end and finished up mid table in this section. This team has improved immensely this year and they show great promise playing U12 next year.

30 children from our academy section travelled to Kilmacow to take part in a U6/7 blitz. Everyone played well and a great time. A big thank you to the Kilmacow club for their hospitality and their very generous goodie bags.

In the U16 Eastern hurling championship Ballyduff/Portlaw defeated Tramore on a score line of 0-13 to 1-7 in desperate conditions. This was a super display as they head for the County Final. A big well done to all the panel and mentors.

In the U13 schools football championships Ballyduff NS have qualified for the semi final in their group. They had a fine win over a very galiant Fenor team. A special word for Mr.Carey all at the school for faciliting their progress.

Bridge News.
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest bridge game on Monday September 16th and the results were as follows:
1st: Joan Hartrey and Kathleen Collins

2nd: Peggy Murphy and Anna Ryan

3rd: Kate Hayes and Nano Fitzgerald.

4th: Mary Prendergast and Mary Kennedy.

GAA News

Our Junior footballers ran out easy winners in last weeks Eastern Final against John Mitchells. Some lovely scores and good team play brought this match to an early conclusion and it was brilliant to see such a great crowd there to support the lads.

The club would like to congratulate their LGFA chairperson and coach Fiona Laffan who was honoured at half time in the ladies All Ireland final. The club are worried that the GAA will be giving an apartment up in Croke Park soon . They hope that family and her family had a great day.

Our U8 hurlers gave a phenomenal display of hurling last week in WIT at the U8 hurling blitz. Everyone played great games with some good wins and lots of fun had. Well done also to all who came out to support the boys.

The U9 girls had a great day recenly in Mount Sion and were delighted to be invited. There was some super games and the girls came away with some lovely silverware and they met a few legends also. Thanks to all the supporters who cheered them on.

AGM Date

The AGM of the Ballyduff Community Hall Redevelopment committee will take place on Thursday September 26th at 8.15pm in the community centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting. If you are interested in helping out with the general running of the hall and in the future fundraising and plans for the hall please come along and lend your support.

Fiona Honoured

The 1994 All Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship Final was the 21st All Ireland Final and a day to remember for our own Fiona Laffan. Fiona Crotty as she was then took her position as corner forward for her County team.At that stage Fiona was bidding for her 14th All Ireland medal in all grades. Joining her on the day were 16 more of her team mates from her beloved Ballymacarbry club including her sister Marie, so it was indeed a very proud day for John and Ann Crotty watching both their daughters excel in a sport they loved so much.

I mention all this because this winning Waterford team were honoured during the recent ladies football All Ireland final. Each of the ladies received a beautiful medal recognising their dedication and committment to their sport. We are delighted here in Ballyduff to now have the benefit of Fionas experience as she coaches our young ladies and also chairs the LGFA committee. Of course Fionas legacy will long live on through her daughter Makayla as she now displays the same great skill and passion for the sport. We congratulate Fiona and hope that she continues to share her drive and talent for the sport with the young ladies of our parish. Of course with 17 members of that winning Waterford team being from the Ballymacarbry area, Fiona may have the recipe for the secret potion.

Mass Bookings

We have now taken the bookings for anniversary masses for the months of October, November and December. If you missed the bookings there is no problem you can still book a mass by getting in touch with me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

A Silver Dawning.

It is hard to believe that our local drama group Dawn Players will this year celebrate its’ 25th season. The group first took to the stage with their production of Brian Friels play “Lovers” in 1995. At the moment Dawn Players are reading through some scripts to find the perfect play for their silver jubilee production.

The group are always interested in welcoming new members so if you would like to take to the acting world or help out backstage or front of house then they would be delighted to hear from you. To express your interest please contact Karen on 086-1590939.

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge group played their latest game on Monday September 9th and the results were as follows:
1st: Breda Cowman and Sean Hennessy

2nd: John Fitzpatrick and Patsy Roche.

3rd: Mary and Anne Kennedy.

4th: Margaret White and Mary Prendergast.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 5, 16, 17 and 20 but there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Nano Fitzgerald, Benny O Connell and The Sweep Gang 2. The next draw will take place on September 22nd and will have a whopping jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday September 21st. Choose those four little numbers carefully and you could get your hands on that fantastic jackpot.

What a Success.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club recently held their annual tractor run in aid of The Solas Cancer Support Centre and as alaways it was a huge success. Although the weather wasn’t as favourable as other years, the crowds still arrived to show their support for this great cause. In Haughtons last week the club handed over a cheque for €5,522.85 to representatives from The Solas Centre. This was an absolute fantastic amount and the club are very grateful to all who supported them. A big well done also to the very hardworking committee who stage this very enjoyable event every year.

Change Of Date

The AGM of the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment committee will take place on Thursday September 26th at 8.15pm in the hall. All are invited and welcome to attend this meeting and lend your strengths and talents to the running of the hall and fundraising and planning for the future of the hall. As you know our community centre is the centre point of our area with lots of weekly activities taking place and it is important that we all work together to keep it going from strength to strength.

GAA News.

Our U11 footballers had a tough game against Na Gaeil and this group have done very well with 2 wins out of 3 so far and are developing very nicely especially as most of them were not playing anything this time last year.

The U10 hurlers had a great game against Ballygunner. Starting off a bit sluggish, the lads really found their feet then with some super scores in what was a close game in the end. A big thank you to the Ballygunner club who were super sportsmen and give great priority to kids development. It is always a pleasure to host them.

The U9 footballers continued their winning ways in the league with wind over DLS and Rathgormack. With great skills and athleticism on show they still have a 100% record in this league which is phenomenal.

Bridge News.

A big welcome back to the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club who have returned following their Summer break. The results of their game played on Monday September 2nd are as follows:
1st: Peggy Murphy and John Fitzpatrick.

2nd: William and Ann Tobin.

3rd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.

4th: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.

Our Sympathy.

We send our deepest sympathies to Helen Harris, Knockaderry on the ecent death of her beloved father . Mr. Patrick Coady was a resident of Ardmore Park in Ballybeg. His funeral mass was celebrated in St. Saviours Church Ballybeg and burial took place in St. Otterans Cemetery. We offer Helen and all her family our condolences and hope that they will find comfort in their memories.

100 Years Young.

We send warm birthday wishes to Mrs. Joan Hallissey, William Street, Portlaw who last week reached the tender age of 100. Joan who is a resident of Mooncoin Residential Care Centre celebrated her big day surrounded by her loving family and friends. Joan made a little trip back home to Portlaw in recent weeks and caught up with some of the locals. I was delighted to hear that Joan enjoyed her birthday and that she is in such good health.

Youth Drama

Each year Ballyduff Youth Drama stage an excellent show and this year is no different. Commencing on Monday September 9th from 6.45pm to 8.15pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes are invited to come along and join in the fun. Remember that you don’t have to be attending Ballyduff NS or from the area. If you are interested in joining this group it is important that you express your interest asap as places are limited. To register your name please call Helen on 087-6493657.

Back To School

A big welcome back to the pupils and staff of Ballyduff NS who returned to school last week. We extend a warm welcome to all the new children in Junior Infants and their families. We hope that they enjoy their time in the school. We wish everyone a very happy, safe and enjoyable year.

Ballyduff AFC.

As you are all aware we have a fantastic soccer club here in Ballyduff and it has members of all ages. It is a hive of activity many nights a week with all age groups enjoying the game. As parents we all play a pivotal role in supporting childrens participation in sport. In order to progress and ensure the future of these teams help is needed. The club really need new coaches and referees to come forward and help maintain the vibrancy of he club. If you feel you could help out then please contact Paddy Kirk or Joanne King.

Hall AGM

Ballyduff Community Centre will hold their AGM on Tuesday October 1st at 7.30pm in the community centre. All are invited to come along and maybe get involved with the running of the hall, help with ideas for future fundraising and plans for the hall. A community centre is a vital part of every parish and it is important that we help in any way we can in making it a success.

GAA News.

The U11 footballers recorded a great win over Tramore on a score line of 8-3 to 4-4. Although they started off a bit shaky they fought back well and produced some great scores. A big well done to all the supporters on the line who really cheered the team on.

Well done to Rory Dobbyn, Sean Fitzgerald and Jack O Donnell who lined out with the U15 county hurling team last week and also to Billy Cuddihy who played on the U14 hurling team in the Tony Forristal tournament.

Huge congratulations to the Ballyduff U12 LGFA team on their recent great win over Old Parish on a scoreline of 3-5 to 1-2. That win secured them a place in the County Final against Abbeyside which will have taken place when these notes are issued. I hope to attend the game and so will give you a full report next week.

Well done also to the U8 and U10 girls from our academy section who recently travelled to Mount Sion to play challenge games. The girls played really well and great fun was had by all.

Our intermediate hurlers dug deep and came out with a one point win over Butlerstown. It was a very close game and they showed great resiliance to get over the line. They will meet Dunhill in the semi final on the weekend of September 27th/28th.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 16, 18 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Fergus Dunne, Benny Carberry and The Sweep Gang 2. The next draw will take place on September 8th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale outside Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday September 7th. The only job you have is to choose those four numbers carefully and then work out how you will spend that jackpot.

AGM

The AGM of Ballyduff Community Centre will take place on Tuesday October 1st at 7.30pm in the community hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and lend your support and talents to the running of the hall, future fundraising for the hall and ideas and plans for the future. If you feel that this is something you could give some time to and ensure the continued success of our community centre then head along to the meeting and hear what is involved.

Birthday Boy
Big birthday wishes to the very popular Ross Kavanagh of Ardeenlone who recently celebrated his 40th birthday. We all know that Ross is a very quiet, unassuming guy who doesnt like any fuss or attention so he celebrated with a few dignified quiet drinks in his local Haughtons and then continued the birthday celebrations the next day with the three lovely ladies in his life, his wife Siobhan and his two beautiful daughters Eve and Sarah. Of course it was double celebrations for Ross as he not only celebrated his birthday but he also celebrated 13 wonderful years of marriage to Siobhan. We wish Siobhan and Ross many more happy years of wedded bliss and we hope that Ross has many lovely memories of his 40th birthday( when his memory comes back that is!!!)

Golden Couple

It’s hard to believe that well known couple Mickey and Elizabeth Barry recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They must have got married not long after their Confirmation day. The couple celebrated with family and friends in Kilmeadens own Milestone Coffee House. We wish this happy popular couple many more years of wedded bliss and happy days spent with their children and beloved grandchildren.

Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to Michael Hearne, Kildermody on the recent death of his sister Kathleen Halley late of Kilcaragh, Grantstown. Kathleens funeral mass took place in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly and she was laid to rest in Carbally cemetery. We pray that she now rests in gentle peace and we hope that her family will find comfort in their memories of her.

Take To The Stage

Are you aged 5 and up? Do you like to sing and dance? Star Struck Theatre School will hold classes every Monday and Wednesday evening from 5pm to 6pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Drop in and check out what its all about.

School Celebrations

St. Declans Community College in Kilmacthomas is ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style and have a great day of celebrations planned. Of course the school is in the very lucky position of being situated so close to our beautiful Greenway and so will hold an anniversary cycle “Back To Kilmac”. There will be two meeting points on the day, you can join at Kilmeaden Train Station or Durrow. Cyclists will leave the starting points in groups between 10.30am and 11.00am. There will also be activities around the school with an official welcome at 1pm. Celebrations will continue on into the night with The Renegades performing in Kierseys at 9pm. There are sure to be lots more activities going on so keep an eye on their facebook page “St. Declans CC 50th Anniversary Cycle “Back to Kilmac”.

Your Notes

Get the news and latest happenings from your club and organisation out there by contacting me and I will let people know through these notes. Tell the world about all the wonderful occasions in your family, births, engagements, marriages, birthdays, cat having kittens whatever takes your fancy. You can email me on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or call or text on 087-9838392 or indeed we’ll go way back in the old days and have a chat.