All posts by Christine Tubbritt

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.

GAA Lotto, Dawn Players and Greetings

GAA Lotto

The final lotto draw of 2018 saw the numbers 4, 6, 14 and 18 drawn from the drum. There was no winner of the jackpot but there were six lucky dip winners of €50 each. They were Julie Monaghan, Sean Atkins, Alanna Power, Andrew Heffernan, Breda Keane and Gerald Cooke. The lotto will take a little break but will be back on January 13th with a fantastic jackpot of €12,500. What a great way to begin the New Year.

The committee and club would like to say a sincere thank you to all who have supported the lotto every fortnight and all who have helped to sell tickets.

The club would also like to invite you to join them at their club grounds from Monday January 17th to February 21st 2019 from 7pm to 9pm. The club has joined forces with Operation Transformation and the GAA for Ireland Lights Up to promote good health and well being by encouraging people to walk in a safe and well lit area. They will open up their facilities to all the community so come along and bring your friends and family.

Dawn Players.

Our local Dawn Players drama group are very busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of “Canaries”. This hilarious comedy will run from Wednesday January 30th to Saturday February 2nd and I will have further details in the coming weeks so stayed tuned for all the latest news. The group performed this play ten years ago and I can tell you that it went down very well so make sure you book your ticket early.

 

Christmas Masses.

Our church looks really beautiful and all set for our Christmas masses. On Christmas Eve mass will be at 9pm and Christmas morning mass will be at 10am. Our parish choir will sing at both masses and I am sure we will see many families reunited as loved ones return home for Christmas.

The Christmas collection for the support of the priests of our parish will be taken up during the Christmas masses and at the following weekend masses.

Community Alert AGM.

On Tuesday December 18th our local community alert group held their AGM. Although the group are very appreciative of the people attending the meetings the committee asked that everybody there would make a huge effort to bring along some extra people to the meetings. Before the election of officers it was announced that Jay Dowdall would be stepping down as Secretary for personal reasons. Albert Kearns was returned as Chairman and MJ Healy was returned as Treasurer. I was nominated and seconded as Secretary and so look forward to working with the group.

Invited guest speaker John Walsh gave a very interesting talk about the effects that drink and drugs can have on our young people and how while under the influence of these things they can turn to unnecessary violence. He spoke about the important role we all play in our young peoples lives by encouraging them not to overdrink and to walk away from trouble and fighting.

The committee also expressed their congratulations to Garda Alan Kissane who has recently been premoted and will sadly be leaving us. He has given tremendous support and help to the community alert group and we are all very grateful to him.

The next meeting of the group will take place on January 22nd in Ballyduff Community Centre at 7.30pm. The group has lined up a very interesting speaker for the meeting and that is former govenor of Mount Joy Mr. John Lonergan. The group hope to see a big crowd attend this meeting so you are encouraged to spread the word.

 

Greetings!
Again I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and I hope that you all enjoy a safe, healthy and happy holiday. Please be mindful that Christmas is not a happy time for some people for many different reasons so a simple hug or a smile can be just what’s needed. People stress about giving the perfect present when sometimes all your family and friends want is your presence.

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having in spirit become a child again at Christmas time.”

Community Alert, Ireland Lights Up 2019 and Mass Bookings

Community Alert

Our local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Tuesday December 18th at 8.15pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Special guest speaker on the night will be local historian Sean Murphy.

This group is for everyone and people are encouraged to bring along a friend or neighbour to the meeting. It is a wonderful opportunity to keep in touch with your local happenings and meet up with the people of your community.

Ireland Lights Up 2019

Do you want to get moving and active this New Year but find it hard to find a safe and well lit area to go for a walk during the dark Winter months. Your local GAA club may have the answer you are looking for. They have come on board with Operation Transformation and the GAA for Ireland Lights Up 2019 and will open up their facilities to everyone. Every Monday night from January 17th to February 21st come along to the club grounds from 7pm to 9pm and enjoy a nice healthy and safe walk. All are welcome to come along to this event. Come along and enjoy some excercise in the company of good friends.

 

Dawn Players
Our local drama group Dawn Players are busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of ” The Canaries”. If this production sounds familiar to you, it was performed by the group ten years ago and was a huge hit. I have very fond memories of attending it the last time and it was one of the funniest shows I had ever seen so I highly recommend it to you all as a brilliant night of fun and laughter.

The show will run from Wednesday January 30th to Saturday February 2nd with some familiar faces in the cast and also some new faces. Watch this space for more details in the coming weeks.

 

Mass Bookings

Bookings have now been taken for anniversary masses for the months of January, February and March. If you didn’t get a chance to book a mass for your loved one please just contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and I will sort a date for you. Masses are booked for three months at a time and dates may need to be shared depending on demand.

Theatre Success

A huge well done and congratulations to the students of Starstruck theatre school who staged their production of The Little Mermaid recently. The cast which is made up of boys and girls from our own local community treated us to three nights of great entertainment and did their teacher and producer Damien Walsh proud. It was a great show full of song, music and dance and every cast member gave a fantastic performance. A big well done also to all the volunteers who helped out in many ways during the run of the show.

 

Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve mass in St. Nicholas’s church will be at 9pm and Christmas Day morning mass will be at 10am. A big thank you and well done to everyone who has helped to make our church look so beautiful for Christmas.

Christmas Concert Cheer
As I write these notes I have just returned home from Ballyduff NS’s annual school concert. As usual this was a really lovely night full of joy and cheer and really helped everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. The pupils from 1st and 2nd classes treated us to a wonderful play about Eddie The Penguin which taught us all about caring for our environment. 3rd and 4th classes sang some of the classics from The Greatest Showman and then it was the turn of 5th and 6th classes to entertain us with some pop songs. We were also treated to a tin whistle recital with some Christmas tunes on the menu. Well done to all the pupils and teachers involved for putting on such a great show.

Winter Wishes

As the Christmas season approaches I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy Christmas. I sincerely thank all of you who have contributed to these notes during the year and all of you who have taken the time to read them. I really enjoy writing them and hope to continue doing so for a long time to come.

Christmas Spirit, Book Launch and Christmas Gathering

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff NS and these are the results from the game played on Monday December 3rd:

1st: Kate Hayes and John Mooney

2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche

3rd: Elizabeth Mooney and Peggy Murphy

4th: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald

 

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 6, 10, 11 and 15 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Paul Millea, Eamon Daly and Gavin O Rourke. The next draw will take place on December 16th. There is a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets are just €2 or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday December 15th. Get your ticket and choose those four numbers carefully and your luck may be in.

 

Recent Deaths.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Una Counihan, Lacka Road on the recent death of her beloved mother. Mrs Mary Diamond lived in Strabane,Tyrone and was a very welcomed visitor often to Kilmeaden. Her funeral mass took place in St. Marys Church, Melmount and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

We also offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Mrs. Stacia Walsh(nee Sullivan) of Lisnakill, Butlerstown. Stacia’s funeral mass took place in Butlerstown church and she was laid to rest in Dunhill graveyard. Stacia was a wonderful character who loved to meet and chat with people. We pray that her gentle soul now rests in peace.

 

Marathon Success

There was some great results for our local community from the recent Waterford Half Marathon. Paul Stephenson was 6th overall in a fantastic time of 1hour and 10 minutes. Just imagine running a mile in 5 minutes and 22 seconds and keep this going for 13.1 miles. Other noticeable results were the 1st and 3rd female pacers Diane Behan and Claudia Lane two ladies with the speed of lightning. Well done to all the people from the parish who completed the race with 2343 finishers.

 

Christmas Spirit

The staff and pupils of Jelly Tots Preschool and Afterschool care are showing us the true meaning of Christmas by gathering goods for Waterford charity Helping Hands. A box has been placed at the entrance of the school for non perishable goods. These items will be collected on December 20th and distributed by the charity. All items will be greatly appreciated. This is a great learning experience for the children and a lovely gesture of kindness from them.

 

Book Launch

What a very special evening in Ballyduff N.S on Tuesday last when we were invited along to the official launch of “Ballyduff’s World of Imagination”, a wonderful book of poems and short stories penned by students from 4th, 5th and 6th classes. This is a fantastic achievement by the students and their teachers. Our own well known local author Karen Power attended the launch and spoke to the students about what a wonderful outlet writing and reading is and what an inspiration they will be to others. It was a very proud night for all us parents and families watching our sons and daughters speak about their book and sign copies of it. Congratulations to them all and we wish them every success for their futures.

 

Christmas Gathering.

Our local community alert group are hosting a friendly and entertaining afternoon for all the senior members of our community on Sunday December 16th from 1pm to 5pm. This will be a wonderful chance for people to get together and have a chat and a laugh. There will plenty of nice refreshments and a chance to have a dance or two to the sounds of Boxty. If you are interested in attending or know someone who is but are worried about transport please contact the group on 085 7045832 or Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and they will organise a lift for you.

 

GAA News

When all the turkey and Christmas goodies have disappeared and your next thought is getting a little excercise keep in mind that our local GAA club have registered for Ireland lights up in association with the GAA, Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie On Thursday nights from January 17th to February 21st, the club will open their facilities to all with walking events in the field. Join your community under the lights for some excercise and company and banish away those Winter blues. Spread the news because the more the merrier and it’s all free and who knows you may even get yourself on the telly.

Thank You, The Little Mermaid and a Christmas Treat

Thank You

Fr. Mick would like to say a big thank you to all who attended the special Wednesday night masses in November for the dead. He was delighted to see so many attend and thanks all who helped in any way during these masses.

The new packs of weekly parish envelopes have now been distributed but if you haven’t received a pack please just ask in the sacristy as there are spare packs there.

Hamper Time

Our local community centre committee will host a raffle for a fantastic Christmas hamper on Friday December 7th. Tickets will be on sale at Centra all that day so try your luck and you could be the lucky winner while supporting your local community hall.

 

The Little Mermaid

The little mermaid is on her way to Ballyduff and the Starstruck Theatre school will treat us to a wonderful performance of this show on Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th of December at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets will be on sale on the night with adults costing €10, children €8 and a family ticket(2 adults+2 children) for €30.

This promises to be a funfilled show full of music and laughter performed by children and teenagers from our community. They have been very busy for the past couple of months rehearsing and are looking forward to welcoming you to their production. Please come along and support the young people of our parish.

GAA News

Our local GAA club have registered for Ireland lights up programme in association with the GAA, Operation Transformation and Getirelandwalking.ie. This is a very exciting venture which will run from January 17th to February 21st on Thursday nights. The club will open its facilities for special floodlit walking events in the field to banish away those Winter blues. The more the merrier so spread the word and come along and enjoy some excercise and fun and who knows you may even get yourself on the telly. This is open to all and is a free event so lets get walking.

Deep Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Nick Whelan, Carrigphilip who died recently. Nick was definetely one of lifes true gentlemen. He loved meeting people for a chat and of course was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather and was very proud of his family. He had a great love of music and singing and was a great supporter of all community events. Nick was a man I loved to meet and chat with and we shall all miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to his wife Nancy, his children Fergal and Marie, his granchildren and all the Whelan family. We hope that Nicky now rests in peace and we pray that his loving family will find comfort in the wonderful memories they have of him.

 

A Christmas Treat.

Our local community alert group have decided to host an afternoon of fun and entertainment for the senior citizen members of our community. The date is set for Sunday December 16th from 1pm to 5pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be plenty of delicious refreshments on offer and music from the great Boxty. Come along and enjoy a good chat and a few dances. If you would like to attend but are worried about transport well there is no need to worry as transport can be provided. If you are interested in attending or would like to ask more you can contact Albert Kearns or you are welcome to contact myself Linda Spillane 087 9838392.

If you are interested in helping out on the day or would be interested in providing a few tarts or buns please contact us too. This is a lovely chance for people to get together have a chat and a laugh or two.

Beloved Pet Missing, Weekly Envelopes and Presentation Night

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 4, 8, 17 and 27 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Ronan Hogan, Sweep Gang 2 and David Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday December 2nd and will have a jackpot of €12,500. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday December 1st. Choose those four lucky numbers carefully and you could be enjoying a fantastic Christmas shopping spree.

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff N.S and the results of their latest game were:

1st: Kathleen Collins and Ptsy Roche

2nd: Mary O Brien and Ann Cox

3rd: Anne and William Tobin.

4th: Peggy and Breda Murphy.

Beloved Pet Missing
The beloved pet dog of a local family has gone missing and the owners are really anxious to see him returned home. He is missing from the Knockaderry/Raheen area and is a wirehaired brown and rust terrier. The family really miss him and have offered a reward for his return. If you have any information please contact 087 6788684.

Candle Mass

It is hard to believe that we are already at the final of our special November masses for our dead. It has been lovely to see so many attend the masses and I know Fr. Mick has been delighted with such great numbers. The final of our masses takes place this Wednesday 28th at 7.30pm and this mass is a special candle mass offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. It is a beautiful simple ceremony where a family member of each of the deceased is presented with a candle in memory of their loved one. The candle remains lighting on the altar for the duration of the mass and then given to the family to bring home.

Those who were buried in our own local graveyard are automatically included but we also know that many of you have had family members and friends who have died in the past year in other areas and we would like to remember them also during this mass. If you would like their name included please write their name on the list in the main porch of the church or contact myself Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

GAA AGM

Ballyduff Lower GAA club will hold their AGM on Sunday December 2nd at 2.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to come along to the meeting.

Weekly Envelopes
The new packets of the weekly church collection envelopes are now available in the church so if you use the weekly envelopes you can pick up your addressed pack in the church. The weekly collection taken up at the weekend masses is used for the upkeep of our parish church and so is very important to the running of our beautiful church.

Presentation Night

The curtain came down on the girls gaelic football year as they held their medal presentation night. Players and coaches gathered with their families and friends in Ballyduff Community Centre to celebrate a great year of football and a fun and memorable night was had by all.

On hand on the night to present the girls with their medals was Waterford lady footballer Louise Ryan. A big thank you to the businesses who sponsored spot prizes, Kilmeaden Pharmacy, Kilmeaden Takeaway, Countrylife ,Morris’s Builder Providers, Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Dermot O Neill Pharmacy Portlaw and O Donnachas. Huge thanks also to Centra in Kilmeaden who provided the water and crisps on the night and to the great John Hearne who took some fabulous photos during the night.

A big well done and congratulations to all the players and coaches who gave such committment and dedication all year and provided some brilliant entertaining games of ball for their supporters.

Birthday Boy.
We send very warm birthday wishes to well known local man Mossie Power, Ballyduff West who reaches the 90 milestone this week. Mossie has given great service to our parish life over the years and we hope he enjoys a wonderful birthday with Breda and the family.

Home To Rome

Friday November 16th was a very exciting and emotional day for Arthur and Jordan Curry and their family as they presented a cheque to Waterford Hospice following their hugely successful fundraiser. Their brave and adventurous cycle from Ballyduff to Rome was first and foremost a journey taken in memory of a mother and grandmother whose life inspired many, a lady who showed time and time again selflessness and kindness to all around her. Raising money for Waterford Hospice was something the Curry family felt strongly about as a thank you for the help and support they received. I know that Arthur and Jordan were completely overwhelmed by the support they received and by the generosity of everyone and so it was with great pride that they presented a cheque for €20,000 to Mr. Neil O Sullivan from the Waterford Hospice Movement Board of Directors. What a fantastic achievement and Arthur thanked all those who had helped and supported them on their journey and I would urge you all to take a look on the Home to Rome 2018 facebook page and a read of the beautiful words written by Arthur. A big well done again to Arthur and Jordan on a journey taken and conquered. A very special lady beams with pride from her heavenly home.

Community Alert

Our local community alert group held another successful and informative meeting last week. Before the meeting began Noel O Sullivan spoke on behalf of the crowd gathered and asked for a vote of sympathy to be recorded for Albert Kearns on the recent death of his brother Pat and to Garda Alan Kissane on the death of his father.

Guest speaker at the meeting was Chief Fire Officer Niall Curtin who gave a very informative talk about fire safety in the home and community.

A presentation was made to our own local hero Kelvin Kearns who was recently awarded a bravery award for his heroic deed saving a mans life following a car accident. Guest speaker Niall Curtin presented Kelvin with his presentation on behalf of the community alert group.

The next meeting of the group was fixed for Tuesday December 18th at 8pm and all attending were encouraged to spread the word and bring a friend or neighbour along.

“We Had A Ball”

A good friend of mine in our neighbouring parish of Kill has put pen to paper and written a wonderful book about the many different aspects and interests of his life. The well known Martin Kennedy has released his book of tales of days gone by with interesting tales of sporting adventures, drama performances and many other interests. Many interesting photos also appear throughout the book and at just €10 it is a real bargain. I am reading it myself at the moment and enjoying it immensely and hoping I will get the authors autograph in the coming weeks. Here in Kilmeaden you can purchase your copy in the Countrylife store.

Community Alert, AGM of Ballyduff GAA and Wedding Celebrations.

November Masses.

It is lovely to see such big crowds attending our special Wednesday night masses for the Holy Souls. Although we never stop thinking of our loved ones who have returned home to God, the month of November is always a month devoted to remembering them.The third of these masses will be this Wednesday the 21st and then the final mass will be on Wednesday 28th at 7.30pm. This final mass is offered especially for all those who have died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in our local graveyard are automatically included but we are also aware that many of you have had family members and friends who have died during the year in other areas. We would love to remember them also on the night so if you would like their name included please write their name on the list in the main porch of the church or contact myself Linda Spillane on 0879838392. This beautiful candle mass is a lovely way to remember our loved ones.

Community Alert

Our local community alert group will hold a meeting on Tuesday November 20th at 8pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting. Our local group and our text alert system are one of the finest in the county and it is very important that we all do our bit to keep our community and property safe at all times. Come along to the meeting and spread the word to your neighbours and friends also. We live in a wonderful place and so we must all come together and work hard to keep it safe for all those both living or visiting here.

Bridge News

At Monday November 18th’s meeting of the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club the group began their evening by offering mass for the 10 deceased members of the club who have died over the past 18 years. Super dynamo bridge player himself Fr. O Byrne remembered the deceased members and prayed that they now enjoy the peace of heaven, with an odd game of bridge thrown in for good measure. After mass it was down to business and the results of the game played were as follows:

1st: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.

2nd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.

3rd: Anna Harney and Sean Hennessy.

4th: Anne Cox and Joan Hartrey.

Recent Deaths.

We offer our sincere condolences to Albert Kearns, Tigroe on the recent death of his brother Pat. Pat Kearns was a resident of Cul rua in Portlaw and was a quiet, unassuming man and will be missed desperately by his wife Jackie and their children. His funeral mass took place in St. Patricks church and he was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

We also send our sympathies to the family and friends of Jimmy Barry of Raheen in Kilmeaden and formerly of Caherune, Kill. Jimmy will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, their children Matt, Alan and Fiona, their grandchildren and all the family. Jimmy’s funeral mass was celebrated in Dunhill church and he was brought to his final place of rest in the adjoining cemetery.

AGM of Ballyduff GAA.

The AGM of Ballyduff GAA club will take place on Sunday December 2nd at 2.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All community members are invited to come along but only fully paid members will be allowed to vote during the election of officers. Our local club is going from strength to strength, with exciting new developments taking place. Any club is dependent on community participation and so please come along and use your talents and enthusiasm to support and boost your local club.

 

Wedding Celebrations

Congratulations to Deirdre Mackey, Ross who recently said “I do” to her soulmate Mark O Gorman. A beautiful day was spent by both families and friends in the stunning setting of Faithlegg House Hotel. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their lives together and hope that they enjoy a lifetime of love and laughter.