All posts by Christine Tubbritt

Ready to Help, Knitting and Crochet Club and Home to Rome

GAA News.

The club would like to say a huge congratulations to Rory Dobbyn and Jack O Donnell who represented their county in the U14 Tony Forristal and Sonny Walsh tournaments at the weekend. This is a great achievement for the lads and reflects well on their team mates, coaches, parents and the club. The club are very proud of the lads and hope that they enjoyed the experience.

The club is also very proud of club player Keith Millea who was part of the U15 Waterford Football panel who competed in the Mangan Cup. The club is very honoured to have another Ballyduff man line out in the county jersey.

The U5,6,7,8,9 and 10 teams have been enjoying some great games in hurling and football with some super performances. A big well done to the coaches who are doing a fantastic job which is made much easier with the enthusiasm shown by the children and their parents.

Ready To Help.

The nursery and academy section of our GAA club are eager to give back to the community who support them so much. Together with our local tidy towns group they will conduct a litter pick in Kilmeaden Village on Saturday September 15th at 10.30am. This is a great opportunity for the children to witness what goes into keeping a village clean. You are all very welcome to come along and join in the fun and the community occasion.

Back To School/College.

It’s hard to believe that the Summer has passed already and that everyone is packing school books and ironing uniforms. We wish the very best to all students whether they are starting playschool, primary school, secondary school or college or any of the inbetween years. We hope they all enjoy a safe and enjoyable school year.

 

Knitting/Crochet Group.

As the school year returns you may be thinking of starting a new interest or reconnecting with a past interest. Our local knitting and crochet group will resume their activities in September with the potential for an evening class also. If this is something you may have interest in or would like to find out more about then please contact Jeni on 086 8163101.

Home To Rome.
As I was writing these notes Arthur and Jordan Curry were making great headway with their charity cycle trip from Ballyduff to Rome. I have been following their daily updates on Facebook with great interest and at this stage they were travelling through the Alps. The guys have witnessed many different weathers along their journey and faced many difficulties aswell as seeing some fantastic scenery and enjoying some wonderful hospitality. While this is a very tiring trip it is also a trip that they will never forget and time for them to reflect and enjoy their time together.

I would like you all to mark Thursday September 6th in your diaries because that will be the evening that these heroic men will return from their journey. If you tune back into these notes next week I will be able to give you an approximate arrival time. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible come out and welcome the guys back home to Ballyduff.

Notes Contact

With many clubs and organizations getting back into activities it is important to let people know what is going on in their community. A good way to get the message out there is to send me on some details and I will include the information in these notes. I am reliably informed that one or two people read them. You are welcome to contact me by call or text on 087 9838392 or by email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or indeed you can really be modern and stop me out and about for a chat. I would love to hear from you and it will be my pleasure to let people know what your club or group are up, about a birthday or family occasion you celebrated, charity events you are promoting or whatever else you feel your community should know about. I look forward to hearing from you.

Silver Celebrations, Results Time, Cycling for Emma

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 10, 14 and 17 and there was no lucky jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Maurice Flynn, Renee Power and Donnacadh O Fuarthain. The next draw will take place on Monday August 27th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,450 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale outside Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday August 25th. Get your ticket early and choose those four numbers very carefully.

Silver Celebrations

We send our warmest wishes to local Knockaderry couple Trevor and Helen Harris who recently celebrated 25 years of married bliss. I’m sure they celebrated in style as they are a couple who know how to party and I bet there was plenty of music and song thrown in. I have no doubt that this lovely couple will celebrate many more happy years of marriage and we wish them lots of love and laughter along the way.

Results Time

Congratultions to all the young men and women of our area who received their Leaving Cert results last week. We hope that whatever path they decide to take will bring them happiness and satifaction in their choice. Remember that not everyone travels the same road otherwise there would be a lot of congestion and the scenic route is always available.

Birthday Boy

Many congratulations and good wishes to well known Blacknock man Mossy O Keeffe who recently celebrated his 70th birthday. We hope Mossy enjoyed his special day and we wish him many more happy and healthy years.

A Little Princess.

Huge congratulations to John and Joanne Whelan, Matthews Cross on the recent birth of their beautiful daughter Penny. I’m sure her big brother Tom is ready to teach her all the tricks and will be a great big brother. We wish this happy little family every happiness and welcome baby Penny to our community.

Theatre School Return
Star Struck Theatre school will return for their next term on Monday August 27th in Ballyduff Community Centre. Any boys and girls aged between 5 and 9 years can pop along from 5pm till 6pm and from 6pm to 7pm it is the turn of the 10 to 18 year olds. Come along and join in the fun and check out what it is all about.

Fun Run/Walk

Congratulations and well done to all who took part in the recent Liz Hayes Memorial run and walk. This is always a popular event with people loving the beautiful scenic route around Knockaderry Lake. All money raised this year was divided between Ballyduff Community Centre and Focus Ireland. A big well done to all the category winners on the night and I know they all enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful array of refreshments laid on for them in the community centre afterwards.

Everything around the event was arranged to perfection so a big well done to all the organisers and of course to all at West Waterford AC for all their invaluable help and support.

Cycling For Emma
Those kindhearted guys from The Portlaw Village Wheelers were out in force again to help raise funds for another great charity The Emma Lacey Trust. Emma has been suffering from crippling spinal diseases for the past six years and in February she was also diagnosed with a serious brain condition. At the young age of 23 this Clonmel woman now faces more intensive surgery. Emma has Portlaw connections so when these lads heard that help was needed they were ready to take to the roads once again on their bikes.

These Portlaw cyclists were joined by fellow cyclists from Clonmel, Carrick on Suir and Kilmacow and between them on the day they collected €750 which they handed over to Paudie Everard, Chairman of the Emma Lacey Trust.

My husband Brian was due to take part in this cycle but unfortunately due to his accident he had to be a spectator instead. We were astounded at the reception we all received from the Lacey family and all their friends and neighbours in Beechwood Close. There was refreshments of every kind laid out and wonderful friendliness and hospitality bestowed upon everyone. It was a truly heartwarming experience and we sincerely wish Emma every good wish for the months ahead.

Sincere Sympathy

We offer our deepest sympathy to Mary Margaret Smith, Adamstown on the recent death of her beloved brother Michael Hanrahan. Michael had just returned home to Kilmeaden for his annual holiday when he was taken ill suddenly and called home to God.

Although he lived in Cardiff for over 40 years, he still regarded Kilmeaden as his home and he looked forward to his Summer holidays here every year and spending time with his sister Mary Margaret, her husband Pat and their children and grandchildren. He likes to come around this time of year and take in the Tramore races where he would place a bet or two. He was also a huge sports fan and followed the path of the Deise boys with great interest. He kept up with all the happenings back home here in Waterford with the reading of The Munster Express which was sent to him each week.

Michael’s death has left a huge void in the lives of those who loved him but we hope that they can take some comfort in all the wonderful memories they have of him. May he now rest in gentle peace.

Readers Wanted

As some of you may know I take care of arranging readers for our weekend masses. We usually try involve the family of whoevers anniversary mass is on but sometimes we need to pick someone from our volunteers list. If you feel this is something you would like to do from time to time then please let me know on 0879838392.

Our Symathies, Golden Couple and Genuine Thanks.

Our Sympathies.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Louise Phelan, Ardeenlone on the recent death of her father. Mr. Peter Diamond resided in Skreen, Co. Sligo where Louise, Mark and the family were frequent visitors. We hope tht Louise and all her family will find comfort in their wonderful memories and we pray that Peter now rests in peace.

 

Golden Couple

In recent weeks our parish had to say a sad farewell to well known and popular couple Sonny and Joan Griffin. This devoted couple lived in Penrose Cottage in the heart of Ballyduff Village looking straight at our beautiful church to which they gave great service over the years. Although we are saddened at their passing, I for one take a little comfort from the fact that they died within weeks of each other as they were never really apart in life.

Having made their life in England for many years they returned to Joan’s home place of Kilmeaden and spent many happy years here. Sonny’s home place of Kerry was never forgotten here with that flag flying proudly for all the Kerry games. Of course the couples many friends in England were frequent visitors and Joan and Sonny were regular visitors to Fishguard to meet up with friends and families. They enjoyed a full and happy lifestyle enjoying music and dance and the company of friends. We pray that they both now enjoy the peace of heaven as they sit together at the Lords table.

Birthday Boy

We send our heartiest congratulations to Johnny Cummins, Carrickphilip who recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Johnny celebrated in style with friends and family at his lovely home and was even kind enough to share his birthday celebrations with son Eoin who recently turned 30 so there was birthdays galore to celebrate. His son Thomas even flew in from abroad to join in the fun. I wasnt able to attend but am told that I missed a fabulous night of sing song, fun and laughter. We hope all the family enjoyed the celebrations and wish them lots more fun and laughter in the years ahead.

Genuine Thanks

On Tuesday July 31st I received one of those phone calls that everyone dreads getting. My husband Brian had taken a bad fall from his bicycle on the main road. Thankfully we are counting our blessings as we are well aware of how much more serious it could have been. Brians injuries will all heal given time and rest and following a few days in hospital he is now back home to us thank God.

I mention the accident not because we are looking for sympathy but because we genuinely appreciate all the help and support we have received. When things like this happen you get to witness the great work being done in our hospitals by staff who are often put under severe pressure with long and strenuous hours. We would like to thank the people who stopped to help Brian on the road, the fantastic ambulance crews and the kindhearted nurses and medical staff on WRH. Also a huge thank you to our families, friends and neighbours who have been so supportive and kind and the many visitors to our home who are really keeping Brians spirits up. As any of you who know Brian will know he is not the kind of fella who is used to sitting around the house resting so it is hard for him to adjust to that style of life but please God he will return to full health very soon.

I dont mean to lecture any of you but I urge you all to please always wear a helmet when out cycling. If Brian had not been wearing one we could have been faced with a totally different situation. He has always insisted on a brilliant helmet and this was his saving grace on the day. Remember you are very important to many people so out of respect for them and yourself wear your helmet and show good example to your children and those around you. Lecture over!

Thank you all once again for all your kindness and good wishes. In a world where we witness so many horrible and nasty things and acts, kindness and generosity always shine through and the goodness of people never ceases to amaze me.

 

A Beautiful Boy

We send our heartiest congratulations to Peter and Valarie Doyle on the recent birth of their beautiful son Reuben Michael. He is a most handsome little man and I know he will be spoilt rotten by the Doyle and Raher families. We welcome Reuben to our community and we wish this little family every happiness that life has to offer.

Wedding Bells, Knitting and Crochet Group and Fun Run/Walk

Wedding Bells

Wedding season has certainly hit our area with another lovely wedding last week. It was a local union this time bringing Ballyduff and Blacknock together. Lizzie O Keeffe and Joe O Brien exchanged their marriage vows in front of their children Shannon and Shane and their family and friends. After a beautiful ceremony it was off to The Tower Hotel for some fine dining and dancing. This wedding was so popular that even Billy from Aslan turned up to sing “Crazy World” for the bride and groom. We wish this happy little family the very best of luck and happiness for the future.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 14, 20, 23 and 24. There was no jackpot winner and the lucky dip winners of €50 each were Rob Power, Brenda Foley and Ellen c/o Gary Flynn. The next draw will take place on Monday August 13th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €11,300 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from all club members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday August 11th. Choose your numbers carefully.

 

Knitting and Crochet Group

Our local knitting and crochet group had their last meeting on Tuesday July 31st. They are taking a few weeks off before resuming again in September. Jeni who has been running the group would like me to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful ladies whom she had the pleasure of meeting. It was a delight for her to spend her Tuesday mornings with these ladies enoying plenty of knitting and crochet projects as well as many laughs, tears and chats. The group will resume again in September with the possibility of evening classes also. If you would like any more information about this group please feel free to contact Jeni on 086 8163101.

GAA Development News

Ballyduff Lower GAA club are based in Kildermody where they have their own grounds and dressing rooms ever since it was founded in 1887. The club caters for the population of Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and surrounding areas. The playing activities at Tom Cheasty Park are a hive of activity for players of all ages especially during the Summer months.

The committee of the club have decided to invest in a major development of its facilities in Kildermody. The club have decided to invest in a ball alley, astroturf, lights, running track and other improvements. The club have been successful in securing a Sports Capital Grant of €60,000 towards the cost of this development but need an additional €75,000 to complete the project.

The fundraising proposal they have put forward is a contribution of €750 over three years payable either as a single contribution of €750 or €250 for each of the next three years or 30 monthly payments of €25.

In return the club offers each contributor, free membership for adult non playing members for 3 years, Adult players will receive a €30 reduction in membership fees for 3 years, €30 reduction in family membership fees for 3 years and one free lotto entry ticket each fortnight for 3 years. All contributors and sponsors will also be named on a plague to be displayed in Tom Cheasty Park.

Fun Run/Walk

All the preparations have been done now and the countdown is on for the Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile fun run/walk on Friday August 10th. Walkers will take off at 6.45pm while the runners will head off at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and students and juniors are €5. All proceeds will go to Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be plenty of cash prizes and spot prizes on the day and West Waterford AC will take care of race timmings . There will be a fine array of refreshments on offer in the community centre following the race followed by the prize giving.

This is a great community event and all are invited to come along and join in the fun.

Tractor Run Success, Fairbrook Concert and Recent Wedding

GAA News

This years cul camp was a fantastic success with over 80 children taking part. It was really heartwarming to see all the boys and girls playing together in such glorious weather. The future is certainly looking bright for Ballyduff Lower GAA club.

You may notice as you pass by our hurling field that the new development work has now begun. The planned ball wall, astro turf and running/walking track will benefit all club members and the community when completed. Of course to fund all these fabulous facilities, a fundraising drive must now start to make up the shortfall of the grant. Leaflets will be circulated to all members and parents. They hope to get as much support as possible to help develop their facilities for the future.

Memorial Run/Walk

The annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile fun run/walk will take place on Friday August 10th. Walkers will leave Ballyduff at 6.45pm and the runners will follow on at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 and €5 for students and juniors and all money raised will go towards our local community centre. Se2 have kindly offered to sponsor cash prizes for the first three male and females home and the first male and female home in the over 40’s and 50’s sections. The first male and female juniors will also receive a prize and plenty of spot prizes also on the night. The route is a beautful scenic route taking in the stunning Knockaderry Lake. Following the run a fine array of delicious refreshments will be waiting for you to enjoy in the community centre.

West Waterford AC will take care of race timmings and all are welcome to come along and join in the fun and the atmosphere.If you would like to find out some more information take a look on their facebook page Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial Fun Run. This is a great community event and a fun evening out for all the family.

Tractor Run Success

Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club held another very successful tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. This annual event has been going from strength to strength every year and is always hugely popular . This group have raised a fantastic amount of money for The Solas Cancer Support Centre over the past few years and I know their constant support is greatly appreciated.

There was a vast array of tractors and cars on display for the run and then it was back to Haughtons to park up the vehicles and allow the drivers fill their hungry bellies with the delicious barbeque on offer and of course it needed to be washed down with a pint or two. John O Shea was on hand to play music to suit all ages and there was a great atmosphere as people relaxed in the beautiful sunshine. This was another huge success and a big well done must go to the organisers who put in such hard work every year. I will have the total amount raised for you in a few weeks so keep tuned.

Recent Weddings.

We wish every congratulations to Karen Power and John Paul Browne who recently tied the knot in Bonmahon church. Karen is a popular member of the teaching staff at Ballyduff N.S and a member of the Dawn Players Drama Group. There was no acting this time though as she declared her vows with our own Fr.Mick officiating. It was on to Hotel Kilkenny then to enjoy their reception with friends and family. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.

Wedding bells were also ringing in our own local church in Ballyduff on July 21st as local Adamstown lady Claire Flynn exchanged vows with her groom William Gough. Fr. Mick was once again on hand to make sure everything went as it should. I got to have a sneaky look at the bridal party as they exited from the church and the bride looked stunning and beamed from ear to ear as she stood in the beautiful sunshine greeting her guests. Another stunner I spotted coming out also was the brides grandmother the great Bridie Power looking as proud as punch. The wedding guests then took the road to Dungarvan for a reception of good food and lots of dancing in the fabulous Park Hotel. Our heartiest congratulations to this newly married couple we hope their future is full of lots of love and laughter.

Fairbrook Concert

On Saturday August 11th you will treated to some beautiful music as Fairbrook House host their annual Summer concert. You have two chances on the day to catch the musical line up with the first concert from 1pm to 3pm and the second from 5pm to 7pm. The programme begins with Madeleine Doherty singer/harpist and composer. Trained as a celtic harpist she has toured Europe, The USA and the Carribbeen. During the interval you can enjoy some bubbles and nibbles while taking a stroll in the garden and a view of the museum. Following the interval you will be treated to Brazillian Portuguese music from Bossa Nova to Fado. For further information and booking please contact 051 384657 or 085 8131448 or drop an email to artmastenbroek@gmail.com or take a look on www.fairbrook-house.com

Recent Death

Our parish is most definetly a poorer place following the death of one of its’ nicest ladies. Our community was shocked to hear of the death of Helen O Leary, Ballyduff Village. I’m sure if you looked up lady in the dictionary you would find Helens name in the meaning. A quiet unassuming woman who never put in or out on anyone she was a pleasure to meet and always had a kind word to say to you. Her life revolved around her family and she adored each and every one of them. She was not only their mother, but their friend, the one to turn to for advice and the one to give encouragement and support. She excelled at being a grandmother and indeed a great grandmother and spent many happy hours enjoying their company. To her husband Tony she was his life companion, welcoming him home after his working day and supporting him through lives journey.

Helen was a big fan of the GAA cheering on our local Ballyduff teams and of course the Deise boys but when those Cork boys took to the field you dare not say anything about her native county. She also enjoyed her garden, keeping up with the news and politics and was also a fan of the quiz shows on telly. Her home was a place of welcome, a place where you felt at ease and comfort and she made a lovely cup of tea.

For Tony, Martina, Olivia, Kenneth and Stephen and all the family life has changed dramatically but I know in my heart of hearts that Helen will never stop guarding and protecting them just as she did for all the years. We genuinely share their grief and hope that the wonderful memories they have will bring them comfort and peace in the weeks and months ahead. May this beautiful sweet lady rest in gentle peace.

Newcastle Mass
A great crowd attended the annual graveyard mass at Newcastle cemetery on Tuesday July 24th. The Lord sent his glorious sunshine as people sat around on the rocks to offer their prayers for all who are buried in Newcastle. Fr. O Halloran was joined on the night by Fr. Don Moran who is home on his annual Summer visit to his native place. I was unable to attend myself so was delighted to see some fantastic photos taken by Michael Faulkner on the night. A big well done and thank you goes to the McGrath family who take such good care of the graveyard from year to year.

Raffle Thanks, Memorial Run and Sympathies

Raffle Thanks.

The organisers of the recent “Home to Rome” raffle have asked me to say a very big thank you to all who supported them on the day. They greatly appreciated all your generosity and also the kindness of the prize sponsors . Much thanks also to the staff and management of Centra in Kilmeaden for allowing the ticket selling at their premises. The lucky winners on the day were Ann Doherty, Kilkenny, Ava Spillane, Kilmeaden and Hannah Duffy, Butlerstown.

The Curry family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received to date for their charity cycle. Arthur and his son Jordan intend to cycle from Ballyduff Village to Rome in memory of Arthur’s late mother the wonderful Cait Curry who was a very highly regarded member of our community. Her wish was to visit Rome but never got the chance and so they plan to travel there in her honour. The family have decided to take the opportunity to raise money for The Hospice. Throughout Cait’s illness the family got to see first hand the tremendous work that the Hospice do and the support they give to both the patient and their family so wanted to do something to show their appreciation. If you would like to support this charity event please go to the go fund page gofundme.com/home-to-rome-2018

GAA News.

Ballyduff Lower GAA club are about to commence work on a huge development in the grounds in Kildermody. The work will consist of the construction of a ball wall, astroturf, lighting, running track and other improvements. The work is due to commence in two weeks and could be finished by September. The total cost of the works will be close to €120,000. The club have managed to secure a capital sports grant of almost €60,000. The club will soon announce their plans for fundraising for this fabulous development which will benefit the entire community. Full details will follow shortly.

Memorial Run.

The Liz Hayes annual memorial 5 mile fun run will take place on Friday August 11th. Walkers will head off at 6.45pm and the runners will go at 7.30pm. Entry is €10 or €5 for students and juniors. Se2 have kindly come on board again to sponsor cash prizes for the first three males and females and for the first male and female over 40 and 50. The first male and female juniors will also receive a prize and there will be lots of spot prizes on the night too. The first male and female home will also be presented with the Liz Hayes trophy. The West Waterford AC club will take care of race timings. Following the run there will be a fine array of refreshments on offer in the community centre, followed by the prize giving.

Newcastle Mass

The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Tuesday July 24th at 7.30pm. In memory of our ancestors who walked to mass every week, a faith walk will leave from Ballyduff church at 6.30pm and head for Newcastle. The group of walkers will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used during the mass.

 

Tractor Run

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor club will host their annual tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. The tractors will head off from Haughtons at 1pm and take off on a beautiful scenic route and then it’s back to Haughtons for a tasty barbeque and some great music from our own John O Shea. This is always a brilliant day with all money raised going to the Solas Cancer Support Centre. If you would like any more information please contact 087-2216589.

Sympathies.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Peggy O Shea and Nancy O Sullivan on the recent death of their sister Kitty Dunne. My aunty Kitty lived in Dublin but always kept in regular touch with everything going on back in Kilmeaden. She was a huge part of all our lives and we shall miss her deeply. We pray that her gentle soul now rests in peace and that she enjoys the peace and comfort of heaven.

Mass Thanks, Time to Tee Off and Tractor Run

Bridge News.

Our local Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club enjoyed their annual Summer party last Monday. They started off the night brilliantly with a lovely meal in The Sweep bar and restaurant. It was then back to the school hall for their weekly game of bridge and the results were as follows:

1st: Peggy Murphy and Mary Prendergast.

2nd: Geraldine McMahon and Breda Murphy.

3rd: Anna Ryan and Ann Tobin.

4th:Mary Shanahan and Michael O Donovan.

Mass Thanks.

What a beautiful sunny evening we had for our annual graveyard mass. A great crowd attended in the sunshine to offer their prayers for all who are buried in our graveyard. As always the graveyard looks beautiful and Fr. Mick gave special praise to Michael(Jnr) Power for taking such great care of the grounds all year through. A special mention must also go to our very hardworking sacristan Ann Nolan who does such tremendous work day in and day out. The choir added beautifully to the mass with some very well chosen hymns.

I was delighted to see so many people come to the community centre afterwards for a cuppa and a chat. A big thank you to all those who gave me a hand on the night and to all who donated buns and cakes. It was a lovely evening and a great show of community support.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 11, 17 and 25. There was no jackpot winner but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Tommy O Brien, Margaret Power and Paul Dunne. The next draw will take place on Monday July 16th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,000 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale outside Centra on Saturday July 14th. Get your ticket early and choose those four numbers wisely.

Time To Tee Off.

Our local soccer club will swap their soccer ball for golf balls when they head off for their annual Golf Classic on July 20th and 21st. This is always a very popular day out with a game of golf on the beautiful Waterford Golf Course followed by a delicious meal. A team of 4 costs €120 so book your team in. For more information please contact Paddy Kirk.

 

Junior Cul Camp

Ballyduff GAA club will host a Junior Cul Camp for boys and girls under the age of 6 from July 23rd to 27th in tandem with the GAA Cul Camps. The camp will run from 10am to 1pm at a cost of €25. If you think your child would be interested you can register and pay with camp co-ordinator Brian Hearne.

Tractor Run

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their annual tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. There is always a fine display of machines on this run and they will leave from Haughtons at 1pm and take in a beautiful scenic route. All money raised on the day will go to the Solas Cancer Support Centre so if you would like any more information please call 087 2216589.

Fantastic Success

We send our heartiest congratulations to Jake Bagge, Adamstown who travelled recently to Gyor in Hungary with the Estonian team to take part in the European U18 championships. Jakes mam Ave is Estonian which makes Jake eligible for the team. The championships were hugely successful for Jake as he returned home the winner of both the 800m and the 1500m. Jakes parents Ave and Ivor are hugely proud of his achievement as I am sure all the family are.

Walk and Talk

Our local nursery and academy section of Ballyduff GAA club like to do their bit to help promote positive mental health. With this in mind they will host a walk and talk event on Saturday July 14th leaving from Haughtons at 11am. They will travel along our lovely greenway and take in the nice scenery enjoying each others company. Sponsorship cards are available from any committee member or you can simply donate on the day. This is the only fundraiser this group have all year and use the money raised to give this talented little group of players a nice trip out. This is a lovely community event so come along and join in the fun. Light refreshments will be kindly provided by Gerry and Margaret O Connell who are fabulous supporters of the juvenile section.

Popes Visit

Some people have been enquiring about how to get tickets for the Popes visit. Tickets for the final mass at the Phoenix Park are available online at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/tickets

Birthday Girl

We wish a very happy 70th birthday to Eleanor O Brien, Ballyduff Village who celebrated her big day recently. Eleanor was surprised by all her buddies in our local choir with a lovely birthday cake and a very tuneful Happy Birthday. I’m sure her husband Jim and all the family will have made sure that she was spoiled well and were on hand to help her celebrate.

GAA News

Our young teams have been very busy of late and the future of the club is certainly looking bright. The U7 hurlers travelled to Ballygunner and played some very competitive games. A great crowd of supporters showed up and were treated to some brilliant hurling.

The U8 footballers hosted a blitz and welcomed teams from Roanmore, Rathgormack and St. Mollerans. There was some fantastic skill on show with the Ballyduff lads coming out on top. Ballyduff were delighted to welcome some new players who are really looking forward to playing some more games. The supporters were on hand again to cheer the team on and thanks also to Cathal for refereeing the games.

The U13/14 hurlers were also in action recently. The U 13’s had a great win over Passage while the U14’s went down to a very strong Ballygunner side. Both teams played at a very high level and gave the very best of themselves.

 

Your Notes

Keep in contact with everyone over the Summer months through these notes letting everyone know what is going on in your club or organisation. Send birthday wishes, congratulations, condolences, thanks, wish the cat well whatever you like. You are welcome to contact me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or as I have said before stop me for a chat( I’m an expert at that). Look forward to hearing from you

Graveyard Mass, Amazing Success and Home to Rome.

Bridge News
The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club held their latest game on Monday June 25th and the winners were:

1st: Anne Kennedy and John Fitzpatrick.

2nd:Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon

3rd: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.

4th: Joan Hartley and Mary O Brien.

Graveyard Mass

Our annual graveyard mass will take place in Ballyduff cemetery this Wednesday July 4th at 7.30pm. I ask you to please spread the word to people in other areas who have relatives buried here and would like to attend the mass. If you are visiting your family grave during the week to put some fresh flowers on or give a tidy up to we ask you to please bring a bag with you and take home any dead flowers or wreaths with you as there is a strict no dumping policy in the graveyard.

Following the mass we will have a cuppa and refreshments in the community centre. This is always a lovely chance for people to have a chat and meet up with people they may not have seen for a while. If you would like to donate a few buns or biscuits please give me Linda Spillane a shout on 087-9838392 or I will be in the hall that evening from about 6.30pm.

Schools Out

The pupils and staff of Ballyduff N.S and Jelly Tots playschool finished up for their Summer holidays last week and we wish each and every one of them a very happy and safe Summer full of laughter and fun. To all our 6th class young men and women we wish them the very best of everything as they head off to secondary school but they have a whole Summer to enjoy first.

Tractor Run

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor club will hold their annual charity tractor run on Sunday July 22nd. They will head off from Haughtons at 1pm on the day and take in a lovely scenic route. The club do this every year to raise money for The Solas Cancer Support Centre and have raised a phenomenal amount of money over the years for the charity. This is always a much looked forward to event and is always a great day out so if you would like any further information please contact 087 2216589.

Ballyduff Youth Drama

Ballyduff Youth Drama are pleased to announce that they will put on another production this year. The group cater for boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes from the Ballyduff/Kilmeaden areas. Rehearsals will begin on September 10th and end in February. The cost of insurance per child is €15 and although registration night has taken place you can contact Helen Millea, Joan Cheasty or Eleanor Foley if your child is interested in joining.

Amazing Success.

Congratulations to all the guys from Ballyduff NS who were the glorious winners in the Division 2 section of the Waterford Primary Schools Football League 2018. The guys returned victorious with the Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup. This was a huge achievement for the lads and their teacher John Carey who put in a huge effort. A big well done to all the parents who attended and gave the lads the encouragement and praise they so richly deserved. This was a very special day for the lads and a just reward for their committment and dedication. We are all very proud of them all.

Home To Rome.

Speaking recently to Arthur Curry(Jnr) he tells me that he and his son Jordan are very busy organising and training for their planned cycle from Ballyduff to Rome. The family saw first hand the fantastic work being done by the Waterford Hospice when their mother Cait fell ill and unfortunately died last year. Cait was a very well known lady in our parish and was loved by all who met her. One of her regrets was that she never got to go to Rome so Arthur and Jordan decided to carry out her wish for her and at the same time show their gratitude to the Hospice by raising money for them. The guys plan to leave Ballyduff on August 4th carrying two momentos of Cait’s which they will have blessed in Rome and bring home to her grave.

Watch out for upcoming fundraising events and I would also like to make you aware of the go fund me page where you might wish to donate www.gofundme.com/home-to-rome-2018

Golden Couple, Lourdes Fundraiser and Waterford No. 5

Golden Couple.

Congratulations to local Amberhill couple Paddy and Annie Kirk who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. This lovely popular couple celebrated with their family and friends and an enjoyable time was had by all. We wish Paddy and Annie many more happy years of wedded bliss.

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club met on Monday June 18th for their weekly game of bridge and the winners were as follows:

1st: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.

2nd: Theresa Phelan and Ann Marie Brown.

3rd: Mary Kennedy and Kathleen Collins.

4th: Mary Prendergast and Nano Fitzgerald.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 2, 14 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Linda Connery, Alice O Brien and Ann Murphy. The next draw will take place on July 2nd and will have a fabulous jackpot of €10,850 on offer. Tickets are just €2 or three tickets for €5 and are available from all committee members and will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday June 30th.

Lourdes Fundraiser

Our local Lourdes fundraising committee would like to say a big thank you to all who recently supported their raffle and talent show.The following is a list of prize winners in the raffle:

Hamper: MJ Healy

Cosmetics: Nicola Tierney

Car Service Voucher: Theresa Barry.

Other Prizes: Brian Spillane, Christine Tubbritt, Rebecca Healy, Bid O Brien, Billy Tubbritt and Eugene Power.
The popular winner of the talent show was Angela Ryan so huge congratulations to Angela who won over the judges will her beautiful voice.

Church News.

We send birthday wishes to our Parish Priest Fr. Mick who celebrated his birthday last week.

Our annual graveyard mass will take place on Wednesday July 4th at 7.30pm so please spread the word to people in other areas who have relatives and friends buried in Ballyduff. A reminder to any of you who are visiting your loved ones graves to please bring home any old wreaths or flowers with you as there is strictly no dumping in the graveyard. Following the graveyard mass there will be some light refreshments served in the community centre. This is a lovely opportunity for people to have a chat and a cuppa.

Next weekend will see the annual sacristans collection taken up at both masses. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hardworking sacristan. Ann excels in her role with a friendly smile and a chat for all.

Make Up Awards

Congratulations to local lady Laura Dempsey who has been nominated for the Blogger/Vlogger of the year award in the Irish Make Up Awards 2018. Laura excels in the beauty industry and we wish her the very best in her nomination.

Waterford No.5

Congratulations to Callum Lyons, Ballyduff who lined out in the No.5 jersey for the Waterford U21 hurling team. Unfortunately things didn’t go their way on the night but Callum’s family and club are very proud of his achievement. Callum is very dedicated to his sport and practices for many hours.

GAA News.

The nursery and academy groups of Ballyduff Lower club will host their sponsored 5k walk and talk on Saturday July 14th. The walk will leave from Haughtons at 11am and head along our beautiful greenway. What a perfect way to spend a little time, taking in some beautiful scenery, breathing in some fresh air and chatting to old friends and new. A big thank you to Gerry and Margaret O Connell who will provide some lovely refreshments. Come along and join in and enjoy all things positive.

There are many matches being played at present across all ages in the club and some great results coming back. To keep up to date with all the fixtures, results and photos tune into the club facebook page.

 

Deepest Sympathy

We offer our sincere sympathies to Una Counihan, Lacka Road on the recent death of her beloved father. Mr. Sean Diamond lived in Strabane, Co. Tyrone and his funeral mass and burial took place in St. Marys church, Melmount. We send our condolences to all the Diamond and Counihan families and we pray that Sean will rest in gentle peace.

Tractor Date.

Sunday July 22nd is a date to definetely mark into your diary. The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor club will host their annual tractor run in aid of The Solas Cancer Support Centre. Leaving from Haughtons at 1pm this is always a wonderful event with a big following. If you would like some more information please contact 087 2216589.

Ballyduff AFC

The U14 team notched up a 4 nil victory in Tramore last week to become league champions. Huge credit most go to all the team and the management of Gavin and Jimmy who worked so hard all year. They were hit by some injury worries during the league but they regrouped and showed their strength of character and deservedly came out as champions. Scorers on the night were Sean Fitzgerald, Jack O Donnell and Alex Reade.

The clubs annual Summer Camp will take place from July 2nd to July 6th and all are welcome to come along . To book your spot please contact Paddy Kirk. The cost of the camp is €45 per child, €35 for the 2nd child and free for a 3rd child.

 

Dr. Martin Centre

The Dr. Martin Centre in Portlaw offer many different services to the community. You do not have to be from Portlaw to avail of these services all are welcome to check out what is on offer.

On the first Thursday of each month a clinic is held from 11am to 12.30 which helps any older members with any issues or problems they may have filling up medical card forms or any other types of forms.

Dinner with dessert for just €6 can be delivered or collected any day once your order is in before 11.30am. To order call 051 387111 or 087 4611309

The chiropodist visits the centre every second Wednesday and you need to book an appointment in advance. The complimentary therapist visits every second Tuesday and you also need to book in advance for this. Eyes on the road mobile opticians also visit the centre and need to be booked.

There is music in the centre every Wednesday afternoon by local musicians Tuller, Sean O Brien, Gerry Walsh and Bim Connors. There is meditation on Thursday mornings and bingo on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

The centre opens from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and invites you all to drop in. If lack of transport is preventing you getting to the centre please contact them and they will make arrangements for you.

The centre is of course indebted to the volunteers who pop in to help for an hour or two. They simply call in and have a chat with members, play a game or quiz, sing a song or maybe share a hobby or craft skill they may have. If you would like to volunteer please contact Alice Kiersey on 051 387111.

Anniversary Masses

The booking of weekend anniversary masses for the months of July, August and September have now been taken but if you happened to miss them please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 and she will book one for you.

Toddle Total, Annie Treat and Fun Day Out

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club played their latest game on Monday June 11th and the results were as follows:

1st: Mary Prendergast and Catherine Power.

2nd: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.

3rd: Monica Sullivan and Breda Murphy.

4th: Geraldine McMahon and Peggy Murphy.

Hall AGM

The directors of Ballyduff Community Centre Development Co. Ltd will hold the AGM of the company in the Community Centre on Wednesday June 20th at 8pm. All are invited to attend.

Graveyard Mass

Our annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff cemetery will take place on Wednesday July 4th at 7.30pm. This is always a well attended occasion and so I ask you to spread the word to people living outside the area who have relatives and friends buried in our graveyard. Directly after the mass refreshments will be served in the community centre. This is a lovely chance for people to sit and have a chat. As usual I will be relying on the generousity of all you lovely people to do a little homebaking please. I will tell you all more through these notes in the coming weeks.

Our graveyard is a place we all treasure and are lucky to have a very well kept place to visit our loved ones. On your most recent visit you may have noticed the beautiful new footpaths in the newest part of our graveyard and the clearing of rubble from the area. Unfortunately people had begun dumping soil, old wreaths and flowers in a corner of the graveyard. There is absolutely no dumping allowed in the graveyard and we would ask you out of respect and courtesy to your loved ones and those visiting them please bring home any old flowers and plants when you are cleaning up your graves.

Ballyduff AFC.

Our local soccer club are going from strength to strength and have wonderful facilities on offer. Have you been considering getting involved with the club? The club will hold their AGM on Thursday June 21st in Ballyduff Community Centre at 7pm. The club are always eager to welcome some new faces and would be delighted if you decide to come along.

Toddle Total
A big well done to all the staff, parents and boys and girls from Jelly Tots playschool in Ballyduff Community Centre who recently got their walking shoes on and walked and chatted all in aid of Barnardos. This charity work with vulnerable children and their families and do tremendous work. All at Jelly Tots raised a fantastic €450 for the charity so a big congratulations to them all.

County Success

A huge well done to local lads Ross Coffey O Shea and Jack Harrington who have been placed on the U20 Waterford County Football Panel. This is a fabulous achievement and I know their families and club are very proud. Of course these two lads have grown up beside each other as next door neighbours so all those balls kicked over and back the ditch really paid off.

Annie Treat.

The students from Star Struck Theatre school which runs in our community centre gave us 3 great nights of music and song as they put on their performance of Annie. It is very heartwarming to see them all on stage beaming and enjoying themselves. They all treated us to fantastic individual and group performances and of course a special mention must go to Tadgh Kavanagh, our four legged, furry friend who put in a “wuff-derful” performance each night.

 

Newcastle Mass.

Every year a mass of remembrance is celebrated in the graveyard and old church ruins at Newcastle cemetery. This mass is offered for all those buried in the graveyard and all our ancestors who travelled to mass there over the years. This years mass will take place on Tuesday July 24th at 7.30pm which is the Feast of St. Declan with the usual faith walk leaving from Ballyduff Church at 6.30pm. This is to honour all our ancestors who walked to mass every week. The walkers on the faith walk will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used during the mass.

 

Date For Your Diary

A date to mark in your diary is Sunday July 22nd when the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their annual tractor run in aid of The Solas Centre. This club have raised a lot of money for the centre over the past 10 or so years. This event is always very much looked forward to and a most enjoyable day. I will have more information for you over the coming weeks so stayed tuned.

Fun Day Out

As we celebrate the World Meeting of Families this year you are invited along to the Waterford and Lismore Diocesan Fun Day in Mount Mellary Abbey on Sunday June 24th from 2pm to 6pm. You are invited along to this free event with activities for all ages including kite making, candle ritual, tours of the abbey, bouncy castle and music. You are welcome to bring along a picnic or food, tea and coffee will be available.

Parish Website
A reminder to you all and all your families living in other counties or countries that you can read these notes amongst other things on our beautifully designed website www.ballyduffparish.com I have met many people who have told me that people who are from our area but now live abroad or elsewhere love to log in and read about what is going on in the parish. The website also features a fantastic virtual tour of our church which was designed by the very talented James Tubbritt. James’s wife Christine uploads these notes each week and takes care of the website. I mention this because I firstly want to remind you of our website and also because Christine celebrated her 50th birthday this week and I want to wish her very happy birthday wishes and I know James and Faye and Lana made sure she was spoiled rotten which she thoroughly deserved. Every happiness to one of the most glamorous 50 year olds I know.

Brilliant Blitz
Last Saturday morning four clubs and 120 young lady footballers took part in an U8 and U10 blitz in Kildermody. This was a very enjoyable event with great football skills on show. The future of Waterford LGFA is certainly bright. This event was kindly sponsored by Centra, Kilmeaden so a big thank you to Eilish and Donal for their generous sponsorship.

Booking of Masses

The booking of anniversary masses for the months of July, August and September will take place after both of the weekend masses this weekend. If you have a First anniversary or Months Mind during these months please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 before the weekend as you will have first preference over the dates.