Station Masses, Time to Dance and Coffee Morning

Station Masses
It is hard to believe that we are coming to the last of our Spring station masses already. The mass for Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road will take place on Thursday March 21st at 8pm in the home of Kathleen and Paddy Hennebry and on Friday March 22nd at 8pm the mass for Matthews Cross, Ballyduff East and Adamstown will be in the home of Linda and Brian Spillane. This is a lovely tradition and a perfect way for friends and neighbours to come together in such a busy world.


Time To Dance!

I am sure that you have all heard of The Solas Centre Dance for Life and this years night of fun is getting very close. On Friday March 29th twenty couples made up of people from all round the South East will take to the stage in The Theatre Royal to show us what they have been training so hard for over the past few weeks. Each novice couple will perform their own partner dance and also be part of a four minute opening number. The choreographing duo of Michelle Condon and Michelle Quilty have been putting these novice dancers through their paces for the past few weeks and they will be delighted to show off their skills.

Our very own Ciara Larkin from Powersknock will dance the Charleston with her dance partner Laura Brown. Each participant is asked to raise €500 for the charity and we all have an opportunity to help Ciara raise her target. Ciara has organised a raffle with a fantastic hamper up for grabs. Tickets will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday March 16th so please help Ciara reach her target for this wonderful charity.


Coffee Morning

The Sweep Bar will play host to a lovely coffee morning on Wednesday March 20th from 10am to 12 noon. All proceeds from this will go to the local branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. This was a hugely successful event last year and one that really sticks in my mind. Bim Connors will be dropping along to sing a few numbers and no doubt there will be a dance or two. Come along and enjoy a relaxing morning in lovely company while helping to raise funds for this very worthwhile charity.

 


Notes Time.

If you would like me to include something in these notes for you then please drop me a text or email or we can even be really weird and have a conversation. This is the best way to let people know about an event you or your club or organisation are having or share the good news of an engagement, wedding, birth , achievements or significant birthdays. You can contact me on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or like I said let’s be really crazy and have a chat.

A Match Made in Heaven, Community Alert and Coffee Morning

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet on Monday nights in Ballyduff NS to enjoy their weekly game of bridge. The results from Monday February 25th are as follows:
1st: Mary Prendergast and Nano Fitzgerald.

2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.

3rd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.

4th: Bridget Ahearne and Geraldine McMahon.

 


Lotto Results

Everyone has their eye on the fabulous jackpot which our local GAA club has on offer in their lotto draw which takes place every fortnight. The numbers drawn were 11, 16, 17 and 18. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night were Vera Murray, Maurice Flynn and Claire Dalton. The next draw will take place on March 10th and that fantastic jackpot of €12,500 will be on offer. Study those numbers carefully and choose those lucky four wisely. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. They can be purchased from all members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday March 9th. If you win that jackpot, remember who told you about it!!!


A Match Made In Heaven

I was delighted during the week to hear the wonderful news that local couple Sandra O Keeffe and Anthony Wilmott have announced their engagement. This couple certainly make sweet music together with Anthony being one of the most talented guitarist you will ever hear and of course Sandra was born with the voice of an angel. Anthony chose the wonderful countryside near their beautiful home in Kilmeaden to pop the question and of course the answer was yes. We send our warmest congratulations to the happy couple and wish them every happiness in their future lives together.


Community Alert

Our latest community alert meeting was treated to a wonderful presentation from Genealogist Tony Hennessy about tracing your family tree and history. He had some fabulous old photos to display and brilliant information about our local area from years gone by. The group were also addressed by 24/7 cardiac care campaigner Matt Shanahan and he encouraged all there to join their next march to demand the service and level of care that we all deserve. We were also delighted on the night to be joined by Gardas Alan Kissane and Clare Walsh and their support and committment to the group is invaluable.

The annual €5 text alert fee was also taken up at the meeting and if you were unable to attend but would like to have your number included then please contact any of the committee or you can pay it at the next meeting on Tuesday March 26th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre.


Spring Stations
Our annual Spring station masses are continuing and the mass for Ballyduff Village, Ballyduff West, Ballyduff Hill, Ross, Kildermody, Kilmagemogue, Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode will take place on Thursday March 7th in Ballyduff church at 8pm.


GAA News
The club would like to say a huge thank you to all who took part in their six weeks of Ireland Lights Up walking challenge in conjunction with Operation Transformation. Over 500 people used the fabulous well lit facilities at the club and this was a huge benefit to the community. If you would still like to use the facilities you are welcome on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm or Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am while the children train.

The U7/8 groups have been taking part in many football and hurling blitz’s recently and they are really enjoying the experiences. Great credit must go to their coaches and parents for all the support they give. The future looks very bright for the club.

The U5’s to U9’s continue the development of their skills as they train every Saturday morning at 10.30am while the U10/11 are in the field on Mondays from 6.30pm so bring the kids along to join the fun.


Trocaire Campaign

As we begin the season of Lent we remember that it is a time for spiritual cleaning and also a time to think of those people who have little or nothing. We here in Ballyduff have a great tradition of supporting Trocaire by bringing home our Trocaire box each year and donating as much as we can to helping these people. Trocaire boxes are now available in the church and hopefully we can all take one home and do our little bit to help.


Coffee Morning

World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Wednesday March 20th in The Sweep Bar from 10am to 12 noon as they play host to a fabulous coffee morning and raffle. This was a huge success last year for the Waterford and South Kilkenny branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. Bim Connors will provide some music and song while a giant rafle will take place at 11.30am. I was speaking to Michelle Dunphy recently and she told me that she is absolutely amazed at the generosity of people and businesses who have donated some brilliant prizes for the raffle. I attended this coffee morning last year and the love and support that was in the room was evident to all. I hope you will all take some time to drop in and enjoy a nice cuppa, a friendly chat and maybe even a dance. If you cant make it but would like to support this charity there is a fundraising page if you click on to www.iDonate.ie

Food for Love, Huge Success and Perfect Panto

Community Alert

Our local community alert group operate a fantastic text alert scheme which sends out a text to all members if there is any suspicious people, vehicles or activity in our area. It also warns of any road closures, accidents or adverse weather conditions. This text scheme has proved invaluable in preventing crime and aiding Gardai in their enquiries. You are welcome to add your number to this scheme for just an annual fee of €5. If you were unable to attend the recent meeting but would like to join the text alert group please contact Albert Kearns or myself Linda Spillane.


Bridge Club

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club held their club championships on Monday February 18th and the results were as follows:

1st: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.

2nd: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.

3rd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.

4th: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.

5th: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
1st Session: Monica Sullivan and Breda Murphy.

2nd Session: Celia Nugent and Mary O Brien.


Food For Love
Love was definetely in the air last week with Valentine surprises left right and certain(or so I’m told!). The children at Ballyduff NS were busy in school making beautiful cards and pictures but they also brought work home with them and baked some beautiful cakes and buns for their annual cake sale. Organised each year by the Parents Association the money raised from this event pays for dance and gymnastic lessons for the school during the year. A huge well done to all who baked, donated and supported the sale and a fantastic sum of €925 was raised. In future years we may see some famous dancers or gymnasts from our area and you will know that you helped them along the road to success.


Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group recently held their AGM and there was a disappointing turnout but dont worry it is not too late to pledge your help and support. You can contact any of the committee members and they will be delighted to hear from you.

During the AGM the group gave a special mention to the late Sonny and Joan Griffin who passed away during the year and had been involved with Tidy Towns since the beginning.

They also gave special thanks to Arthur Curry for once again putting up the Christmas tree in the village this year. They also thanked Fr. O Byrne and Linda Spillane for promoting the group and any other person who helped in any way during the year.

The committee for 2019 is Tony O Leary as Chairman, Leanne Kearns as Secretary and Michael Fitzpatrick as Treasurer. The committee are Christy O Keeffe, Ann Nolan, Cllr. John O Leary, John Hanley, Michael Junior Power and Philip Simpson.

We wish the committee the very best for the coming year and I urge you all to help in any way that you possibly can to keep our area clean and tidy and a pleasure for people to both live in and visit.

 


A Huge Success

A huge congratulations and well done to the cast and crew of Alice in La La Land which was staged by Ballyduff Youth Drama. The group consists of local boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes and each year we are treated to a very special night of entertainment. This year was no different with a show that was full of colour and fun not to mention great song and dance. Each child gave their very best and more importantly they enjoyed every minute of it. In mentioning the cast we also give great praise to all the volunteers helping in any way behind the scenes and to those three special ladies Helen, Eleanor and Joan who volunteer their time and talent each year to run this show and make it so special for all involved.


Spring Stations

It’s hard to believe that we are already speaking about the Spring station masses but time certainly flies by. The station mass is an old Irish custom that sees mass offered for the people living in a particular area. These masses are celebrated twice during the year, in the Spring and the Autumn. It is traditional at these masses to give an offering to the priest and those offerings are put into the common diocesan fund from which each priest is payed a salary. Some of these masses take place in somebodys home while others take place in the church. If you would like to have one of these masses in your home please express your interest to Fr. O Byrne and he will keep you in mind for the next round of stations in the Autumn.

The station mass for the areas of Carrickphilip, Knockaderry, Carriganure, Ballygarron, Lisahane, Ardeenlone and Shanbally will be celebrated in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm on Thursday February 28th and the mass for Amberhill, Raheen, Powersknock, Blacknock, Carrigadustra and Fan Glas will be held in the church on Friday March 1st at 7.30pm. The mass for Ballyduff Village, Ballyduff West, Ballyduff Hill, Ross, Kildermody, Kilmagemogue, Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode will be held in the church on Thursday March 7th at 7.30pm.

I will be reminding you of these and further station masses details in the coming weeks so keep reading these notes.


Panto Perfect!

I must say a huge congratulations to our neighbours and friends in Portlaw Musical Society who staged their 39th Pantomine last week. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs went down a real treat and the acting, singing, dancing and comedy was excellent. There were some brilliant standout individual performances but the cast all jelled well together to give a tremendous performance each night to their packed audiences. It was lovely to see some Kilmeaden faces among the cast. I spent all my childhood going to the Pantomine to watch my father take part on stage and so it is now lovely to have my own daughter taking part and carrying on the O Sullivan name in Panto.


GAA News.

The club are delighted to see club players lining out and enjoying their time with inter county teams at present. Cathal Daly is part of the U17 football squad, Ronan Dunphy takes to the pitch as part of the U20 hurling while Calum Lyons is part of the Senior hurling panel. The club are very proud of the lads achievements and wish them every success.

Communion Preparation, Date for Diary and Birthday Boy

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 6, 13, 18 and 19.

There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Jimmy Fortune, Eileen Power and Eoin Kiely. The next draw will take place on February 24th and will have a jackpot of €12,500. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday February 23rd. Choose your four numbers carefully and you could get your hands on that fantastic jackpot.


Get Walking

Our local GAA club have joined forces with Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie and have opened up their facilities to the local community. If you would like to enjoy a nice healthy walk in the company of many others then drop along to Ballyduff GAA grounds on Thursday February 21st from 7pm to 9pm. You can enjoy your walk in a safe and relaxing environment. The club would like to thank all those who have joined in this community event during the past few weeks and look forward to meeting old and new friends this week.


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Liza O Neill, Matthews Cross on the recent death of her beloved father. Mr. Leonard O Neill was the last Waterford Hobbler. Working hard all his life from the young age of 14, Leonard fished on the estuary and worked as a hobbler on the city docks. He travelled the world with the merchant navy and Irish shipping. His knowledge of the river and its ships was second to none and he passed that love of the sea to his children and grandchildren.

His family meant the world to him and he loved nothing better than being in their company. His wife Peggy was the love of his life and they enjoyed over 50 years of wedded bliss together. I had the pleasure of being in Leonards company many times and he was a wonderful conversationalist, a man of great dignity and respect and most definetely a true gentleman.

Following Leonards funeral mass in Ballybricken, he was laid to rest in the beautiful Duncannon.I have often heard it said that the voice of the sea speaks to the soul. We pray that his soul will now be at peace and we shall think fondly of him as we listen to the sounds of the sea.


Communion Preparation

The next Do This In Memory preparation mass for the pupils from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S will take place at 10am on Sunday February 24th . At these masses the children prepare for their First Holy Communion by taking parts in all aspects of the mass. It is also a lovely opportunity for them to interact with the people of the parish and learn from their christian example. The children love participating in the readings, prayers, offertory gifts and bringing around the collection baskets. It is important that they feel part of the church community.


Birthday Boy
I would like to send very special birthday wishes to my baby brother Neil O Sullivan who recently celebrated his 40th birthday. I know that Lily and Harry looked after the singing of happy birthday and of course were on hand to help blow out all those candles.


Date For Diary

A date for you to mark in your diary is Wednesday March 20th which is World Down Syndrome Day. The Waterford and South Kilkenny branch of Down Syndrome Ireland will host a coffee morning at The Sweep Bar from 10am to 12 noon. This is always a very well supported event and always a lovely morning. There will be music from Bim Connors and a fantastic raffle with brilliant prizes up for grabs. I will be reminding you of this event in the coming weeks so contact that group of friends you have been promising to meet up with and meet at The Sweep where you can relax and enjoy while supporting a fantastic charity.


Community Alert

Our local community alert group will host their next meeting on Tuesday February 26th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The guest speaker on the night will be Tony Hennessy who is the resident genealogist in the Medieval Museum. Tony will give a presentation entitled Tracing your Family Tree. This is a subject in which there is a lot of interest and Tony himself holds great Kilmeaden roots.

Also during this meeting the annual text alert scheme fee of €5 will be collected. New members are always welcome to join this scheme. If you are unable to attend but would like to add your name to the list please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. It is important that we all come together to protect our area and its residents so please come along to the monthly meeting and voice your opinions.

Canaries Success, Get Ireland Walking and Academy Returns

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on Monday February 4th and the results were as follows:

1st:Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.

2nd:Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.

3rd:John and Elizabeth Mooney.

4th:Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.


Lourdes Application

Each year our local Lourdes fundraising committee send two people from the parish on the Waterford/Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. This is a wonderful chance for people to get to go. If you know someone deserving and who would benefit from a visit to this beautiful land please give their name to one of the following Noel O Sullivan, Donal Daly and John O Leary before February17th.


Canaries Success

The deckchairs are all stacked away and the sombreros have been hung up and the Dawn Players have drawn the curtain on this years production of “The Canaries”. The group treated us to four nights of great entertainment and hilarious comedy. Playing to packed houses each night the group delivered fantastic performances and had audiences in hysterics. Each actor and actress excelled in their roles and they really looked the part with the wonderful costumes and make up. The group are backed up by a fabulous backstage and front of house crew and of course are blessed to have the very talented Miriam Daly as director. Miriam gives great committment and dedication to the group and has great insight into each play that she directs.

I have heard so many many excellent reports back about the play and of course the group were delighted with the support they received. The Dawn Players are very generous to other groups in their area. They share their profits with the Parents council of the National school and the community hall redevelopment fund. This is a very generous act of kindness from the Dawn Players and I’m sure the groups are very grateful to receive such a boost to their finances. A big well done to all the cast and crew of Dawn Players and thank you for brightening up the dark wet nights by transporting us to the sunshine and laughter of the Canaries.


Get Ireland Walking

Our local GAA club have teamed up with Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking and are opening up their well lit facilities to all the community. Every Thursday night up until February 21st from 7pm to 9pm, the lights will be on and the grounds will be open to all to come along and enjoy a nice healthy walk with famly and friends in a safe environment. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a healthy and safe walk and see first hand the fabulous facilities at our local club.


Academy Returns.
The GAA academy with football and hurling for boys and girls aged 4 to 9 years will return on Saturday February 16th at 10.30am in Kildermody. Of course this year there is the new added dimension of the ball wall. There is a €25 registration fee to start and all coaches have been garda vetted and fully trained. This is a great way to get young boys and girls exercising and participating in team activity. It introduces them to the wonderful world of GAA in a safe and relaxing environment.


Off To La La Land!

Ballyduff Youth Drama is made up of boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes and they are about to take to the stage for their production of Alice in La La Land. You are invited to leave reality behind and enter a world of pure imagination on Friday February 15th at 8pm and on Saturday February 16th at 8.15pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Alice is just like every other little girl who loves to sing and dance especially when she is supposed to be doing her homework. Off she goes to La La Land ruled by the King and Queen of Tarts and makes friends with the Mad Hatter. We follow them on their adventures and see them meet some interesting characters. Tickets are just €10 and can be booked on 087 4046904. The production by this group each year is always one to look forward to and you are guaranteed a great night of music, dance and song.


Panto Time

Our friends in Portlaw Musical Society are in Panto mode and will present their 39th pantomime from Thursday February 14th to Saturday February 16th at 8pm nightly and a matinee performance on Sunday 17th at 3pm. This year they stage Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Portlaw Community Centre is the venue and tickets cost just €12 for adults and €8 for children. You can book your ticket by phoning 086 0519210. This is always a great show and keep your eyes peeled for some familiar Kilmeaden faces on stage

Text Alert Fee, Lourdes Application and Gentle Annie

GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 5, 12, 15 and 19. There was no winner of the jackpot prize but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Colette Murphy, Brian Cuddihy and Margaret Kennedy. The next draw will take place on February 10th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday February 9th. Choose your lucky four numbers and try your luck.

 


Bridge News

The results of the bridge game played on January 28th were as follows:

1st: Fr. O Byrne and Patsy Roche.

2nd: Mary Kennedy and Kathleen Collins.

3rd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.

4th: Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.


Text Alert Fee

The text alert scheme run byour local community alert goup is a fantastic way of keeping people up to date with any suspicious activity in their areas or road closures or severe weather conditions. For just €5 each year you can add your mobile number to this list. This payment is now due and can be paid at the next meeting on Tuesday February 26th or can be given to any committee member. Whether you are an existing member or would like to join up you are very welcome. If you would like to give your name, number and €5 to myself Linda Spillane I would be happy to include it for you too.


Lourdes Application

Each year our parish raise funds to send two people to Lourdes as part of the Waterford/Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage. The closing date for applications is February 17th. If you would like to nominate somebody then please give their name to one of the following Noel O Sullivan, John O Leary or Donal Daly.


World Day of the Sick

Monday February 11th is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick and we will have a special mass in Ballyduff at 10am. During the mass there will be a special blessing of the sick and all are invited and welcome. Remember we are all sick from time to time so we could all benefit from a blessing. Please come along and if you know of someone who would like to go but maybe needs a lift please offer.


Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns Group will hold their AGM on Thursday February 7th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Guest speaker on the night will be Tracy Morrissey, Estates Manager with Waterford County Council. She will talk about development and residential areas. The group would like to express their gratitude to Arthur Curry for once again putting up the Christmas tree lights in the village. I’m sure you will all agree that they were a beautiful enhancement to the area. The group are appealing to you all to come along to the meeting and get involved with your Tidy Towns group. We are all responsible for the beauty and upkeep of our area so we need to work together.


Gentle Annie.

We were all saddened to here of the untimely death of Annie Kirk, Amberhill. Annie was first and foremost a devoted wife, a loving mother, caring grandmother and besotted great grandmother. Annie had a great love of gardening and loved the beauty of watching the flowers bloom. She took great pleasure in spending time with her family and enjoyed nothing better than a good laugh. She and her husband Paddy spent 50 wonderful years as man and wife and were still as much in love as they were all those years ago. Annie will be missed terribly by her family and friends but has left them with wonderful memories. She is now reunited with her beloved daughter Caroline and together they will watch over those dearest to them. We pray that Annie’s gentle soul now rests in peace and offer her heartfelt sympathy to Paddy and all the family.

World day of the Sick, Off to the Canaries and Munster Champion

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet each Monday night in Ballyduff N.S hall. The results are as follows:
1st: Joan Hartley and Mary O Brien.

2nd: Geraldine McMahon and Celia Nugent.

3rd: Anne Kennedy and Aileen Stephenson.

4th: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes.

Parent and Toddler Group.
Our local Parent and Toddler group meet every Friday morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 11.30am. All babies toddlers and preschoolers are welcome along with their parents, grandparent, childminder or guardian. I cannot stress how beneficial this group is and has been to both adults and children. It is a wonderful way for parents and guardians to get to know each other and chat with people in a similiar situation. And of course the children have an absolutely ball playing and chatting and meeting their future schoolmates. Drop in enjoy a relaxing cuppa and a chat while the children play happily while developing important social skills


World Day of the Sick.

Monday February 11th is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and also World Day of the Sick and there will be a special mass in Ballyduff on Monday morning at 10am with a special blessing for the sick. Now remember that we are all sick from time to time so we are all eligible to receive this blessing. Please come along and may I please suggest that if you are in a position to offer a neighbour or friend a lift then please do so.


GAA News

The club would like to say a big thank you to all who showed up for the first night of their Ireland lights up walking campaign in conjunction with Operation Transformation. This was a great evening for the club and the community and it was lovely to spot all the local faces on the telly. The cameras are gone now but the club will still open up their facilities every Thursday night at 7pm until February 21st. So come along and enjoy a healthy walk, a chat and a laugh in a safe environment.

The Juvenile section of the club will host a meeting for all coaches from the U17 group down in the dressing rooms on Tuesday January 29th at 7.30pm. This meeting is to discuss plans for the year ahead and also to meet with John Quinn of Waterford Coaching and Go Games. If you are not already involved but are interested in helping out come along and talk to the club. New members and coaches are always welcome.


Lourdes Application
Each year our parish offers to send two people to Lourdes as part of the Waterford and Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage and this year is no exception. If you would like to nominate someone to go please contact John O Leary, Eugene Power, Donal Daly or Noel O Sullivan before February 17th.


Off To The Canaries.

Have you booked your ticket for this years production from Dawn Players Drama Group yet. Well your time is almost up! The group will take to the stage in Ballyduff NS school hall from Wednesday January 30th to Saturday February 2nd at 8pm nightly. This years production “The Canaries” is an hilarious comedy and will most definetely cheer up those January blues. To book a ticket please contact myself Linda on 087 6051309 and enjoy a great nights entertainment.


Text Alert Payment.

Our local community alert group operate a fantastic text alert scheme which sends a text to all its members if there is suspicious activity or sightings within their surrounding areas. It is also a very efficient way of informing people of roadworks or road closures or dangerous weather conditions within the area. The simple fee of just €5 covers your entry for the year and this is now due. If you would like to renew your membership you can bring your €5 along to the next meeting on Tuesday February 26th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre or if you are interested in adding your number to the list please contact myself as Secretary of the group. My number is 087 9838392.

The group would like to say a huge thank you to all who attended the January meeting. It was great to see such large numbers turn up to hear Mr. John Lonergan, former Governor of Mount Joy speak. All agreed that he gave a very interesting speech and we were delighted to be able to host him here in our local area. The community alert group is for all in the community and we hope to see you all at our next meeting also on February 26th. Watch this space for details.


Munster Champion.

We send our heartiest congratulations to Gortaclode lad Scott Searson as he took a Munster Championship medal as part of the U15 Waterford Development squad recently. Waterford oversaw Cork 3-2 to take the title. Scott is a very talented goalie and player and it was very easy to see that he was born to play soccer from a very young age. The passion and dedication he puts into the game is evident to all and it is wonderful to see his efforts being rewarded. Of course he has a great supporters club with his parents Shay and Edel and sister Amber supporting him all the way. I’m pretty sure though that it would be hard to beat the pride of his Grandad the great Jimmy Searson in Ferrybank as he sees his grandson enjoy and excel in a sport he has lived and breathed all his life.


Ballyduff Youth Drama

Ballyduff Youth Drama is made up of students from 5th and 6th classes and they extend a warm invitation to you to come along into a world of pure imagination as they present their production of Alice in La La Land. The play revolves around a young girl called Alice who loves to sing and dance especially when she is supposed to be doing her homework. She escapes to La La Land and makes friends with the Mad Hatter and they head off on a wild adventure meeting many strange creatures and people along the way. I even hear on the grapevine that the King Elvis will be dropping in. The show will take place on Friday February 15th and Saturday February 16th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets cost just €10 and are available at rehearsals on Monday nights or by contacting Eleanor on 087 4046904. Please come along and support this wonderful group of young people and the fantastic volunteers who run this each year.


Birthday Lady
We extend our warmest birthday wishes to Nancy Aulsberry, Matthews Cross who celebrated her 90th birthday recently. Nancy celebrated the occasion surrounded by her sons and daughters and extended family. We hope Nancy had a wonderful day and we wish her many more happy and healthy birthdays to come.

School Application, Happy Couple and Birthday Boy

GAA Lotto

The first lotto draw of 2019 has taken place and the numbers drawn were 9, 12, 13 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Anne Atkins, Joe White and Sean Atkins. The next draw will take place on January 27th and will have a whopping jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday January 26th. Choose your four lucky numbers carefully and you could be in with a chance of winning that brilliant jackpot.


Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet every Monday night and the results of the game played on 14th of January are as follows:

1st: Ann Tobin and William Tobin.

2nd: Anne Kennedy and Mary Kennedy.

3rd: Mary O Brien and Kathleen Collins.

4th/5th: Kate Hayes and Deirdre Phelan.

Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.


School Application.

Applications are now being accepted for enrolment in Ballyduff N.S for September 2019. The closing dates for applications is February 28th. For applications or more information you can contact the school office on 051-384414 from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm.

 


Happy Couple.

We wish every happiness to Aidan Millea and Shauna Mullally who recently announced their engagement. You have heard many times about all the wonderful things found under the tree at Spar but Aidan knew he had found the number one prize as he popped the question under the tree at The Gleneagle. We wish the happy couple every happiness as they plan their special day. I know of a very special set of grandparents looking down from above with pride as they think of their grandson walking down the aisle of the church that they served so well all their lives.

 


Community Alert.

The next meeting of our local community alert group will take place on Tuesday January 22nd at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Guest speaker on the night will be Mr. John Lonergan, former governor of Mount Joy. This promises to be a very interesting speech and an open invitation is extended to you all to come along and listen.

The community alert group operate a very successful text alert scheme which has proved very helpful in aiding the Gardai to prevent possible crimes. You will be alerted about any suspicious vehicles or activities in your area and its surrounds. It is also used to warn of road closures, road works, bad weather conditions etc. The cost of this for the year is just €5 and will be due for payment at the February meeting. If you are not on this text alert scheme already you are very welcome to join. You can give your name, mobile number and €5 to myself Linda Spillane or to Albert Kearns or MJ Healy.


Walk Together.

A reminder to you all that our local GAA club has joined forces with Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie and have registered themselves as part of the Ireland Lights Up programme. The club will open up their facilities every Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm from January 17th to February 21st. You are all invited to come along and join others for a healthy and safe walk under lights and you may even manage to get yourself on telly.


Dawn Players.

Local drama group Dawn Players are now putting the final touches to their show The Canaries. This is an hilarious comedy full of laughter and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The Canaries will run nightly in Ballyduff N.S school hall from Wednesday January 30th to Saturday February 2nd at 8pm sharp. Tickets cost €12 and booking is now open on 087 6051309 or through the Dawn Players facebook page. Pre booking is highly recommended as there was disappointment last year when shows were sold out.


Knitting and Crochet.

Our local knitting and crochet group meet every Tuesday morning at 10am in Ballyduff Community Centre. This group is for all levels, so whether you can make a scarf for your goldfish or a designer coat for your poodle, you are welcome to come along and join in. If you would like some more information you can contact Jeni on 086-8163101.


Birthday Boy.
I want to send very special birthday wishes to a good friend of mine Mr. Frankie McGrath, Ballygarron who celebrated his birthday during the week. I know Frankie and his lovely wife Sheila are keen readers of these notes and I thank them for that. I have no doubt that Frankie was given a lovely birthday by Sheila, Majella and Trevor and all the extended family. I wish Frankie every good wish for good health and happiness for many years to come.


Drop Me A Line!

These notes are all about you and your community so if you would like something included please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com by a Thursday night of each week. I do also operate the old method of paper and pen so always stop me if you see me out and about and I will jot the details down.

Off to the Canaries, Community Alert and Church News

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club have returned back after their Christmas break and the results of their latest game are as follows:
1st: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.

2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.

3rd: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.

4th: Anna Harney and Aileen Stephenson.


Off To The Canaries

Our local Dawn Players drama group are very busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of “The Canaries”. The group first staged this play ten years ago and I can still remember laughing myself silly through the whole play. I highly recommend that you treat yourself to a ticket this time around if you are looking for a night of fun and laughter.

The play will run in the school hall of Ballyduff N.S from Wednesday 30th of January to Saturday February 2nd. Tickets will go on sale soon so keep an eye out in these notes and on the Dawn Players Facebook page for further details. Proceeds from the play will once again be shared between Ballyduff NS parents council, Ballyduff Hall Redevelopment Fund and Dawn Players so please show your support while enjoying a great night out.


New School Year.
Ballyduff NS are now accepting applications for enrolment for September 2019 and the closing date for these applications is February 28th. The school office can be contacted any day from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm on 051-384414.


GAA News.

The club would like to congratulate Aoibhe Shankey and Aleisha Conte who lined out for Waterford recently. This is a great achievement and honour for the girls and the club. Their hard work and that of their teamates and coaches has certainly paid off.

Excitement is certainly building for Thursday January 17th when Ballyduff GAA club will open up their newly developed grounds as part of the Ireland Lights Up campaign. The club has joined forces with Operation Transformation to promote health and well being in their community. This venture is open to all every Thursday night from January 17th to February 21st from 7pm to 9pm. Registration will take place at 6.30pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a nice safe walk in a well lit area with plenty of company and there is also the possible opportunity of getting yourself on the telly. Break out that new lycra gear Santa brought to you and take those shiny runners out of the box and get yourself working towards that healthy body and mind. The club would like to say a big thank you to Jason King of Get Ireland Walking and Katherine Thomas from Operation Transformation, the word on the street is that you may see one of them on Thursday January 17th. Which one will it be I wonder??

Please consider sharing lifts with your friends and neighbours to get to the pitch as parking is limited.


Community Alert.
The next meeting of our local community alert group will take place on Tuesday January 22nd at 7.30pm. Our local group are very successful and active and are a vital asset in our area. We urge as many residents, business owners and organisations to come along to the monthly meetings. You are asked for nothing in return for your presence. We are all very proud of our community and we must all work together to ensure that it remains a safe and secure place for everyone living and working here and all those visiting it too.

The group are delighted to be welcoming a very popular and interesting speaker to the next meeting on Tuesday January 22nd at 7.30pm. Mr. John Lonergan former Governor of Mount Joy will be in attendance and always gives a very interesting speech. This is open to everyone and we hope to see a large crowd attend. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbours and maybe offer a lift to someone you know who may like to attend but needs transport. This is a great opportunity to hear his recollections and we are delighted that he has agreed to join us.


Church News

Fr. Mick and Fr.Richard have expressed a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent priests collection at Christmas. They were truly honoured and thankful to receive such support and will include you all in their prayers.

A reminder that Holy Communion Day in Ballyduff this year will be Saturday May 11th. The children will soon begin their special Do This In Memory masses and will join with their community and take part in different aspects of the mass. We wish them well in their preparations.

Brides to be, Dawn Players and Get Walking

New Year Wishes

As we head in to another year I would like to wish each and every one of you the very best of health and happiness for the coming year. I am very grateful to all who have contributed to these notes and I hope that it will continue throughout 2019. Our local notes are an important way of getting news of events and occasions to the people of our community and beyond. If you have anything you would like me to include you can contact me on 051 399925, 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com.


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Pat Daly, Carrickphilip on the recent death of his mother. Mrs. Sarah Daly lived in their beautiful home at Orchardstown, Butlerstown. Sarahs funeral mass and burial took place in St. Nicholas’s church in Ballyduff. We extend our sincerest sympathy to all the Daly family and pray that Sarah now rests in peace.

 


Brides To Be!

Two local ladies have announced their engagements over the Christmas season and we wish them the very best of happiness.

Rachael Butler, Gortaclode said yes to her boyfriend Paul Wall and I know Rachaels mam Eleanor and brother Darren are delighted with the happy news.

Joyce Power, Lacka Road also said yes to that all important question from her boyfriend Peter Keane who hails from the beautiful county of Roscommon. I’m sure Joyces parents Pat and Peg and brothers Colman and Brian will be ready and willing to help with wedding plans.

 


Knitting and Crochet Group

Our local knitting and crochet group meet every Tuesday morning at 10am in Ballyduff Community Centre. This group is open to all and for all levels whether you are a real beginner or an expert on the needles. I’ve seen first hand some of the fantastic items this class has produced and I must say I was very impressed.

If you would like to learn the art of crochet, a 6 week class takes place on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8pm. If you are interested or would like any more information please contact Jeni on 086 8163101.

 


Dawn Players

Our local Dawn Players Drama Group are busy rehearsing for their next production which is the hilarious comedy “The Canaries”. Their production will run from Wednesday January 30th to Saturday February 2nd and I promise you that you will thoroughly enjoy it. Keep an eye on these notes weekly and I will give you the very latest on the cast and crew.


Community Alert

Our local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Tuesday January 22nd at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The group are delighted to announce that the special guest at the meeting will be former govenor of Mount Joy Mr. John Lonergan. You may have heard Mr. Lonergan speak many times on the television and radio and know that he is a very interesting speaker. The group would love to see a large crowd attend this meeting and ask that you spread the word to your neighbours and friends. Your local community group is exactly what it suggests it is a group for you and your community and it is important that this group is supported and kept going. Our group is known as one of the most successful community alert groups in the area and our text alert scheme has helped the Guards on many occasions.


Get Walking.

Now that all the Christmas treats have been eaten you may be thinking of taking up some excercise for the New Year. Unfortunately sometimes we can be put off by the dark evenings and the safety of walking the roads. Well there is no need to worry because our local GAA club have joined forces with Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie and will open up their facilities to all on Thursday nights from January 17th to February 21st from 7pm to 9pm. You are all invited to come along and enjoy a safe healthy walk in a well lit up area. Brush the worries of the day off while enjoying some great company and join in with your community as they come together for Ireland Lights Up 2019.

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.