Stars, New Choir and a big thank you.

Stars In Their Eyes.

There is a huge buzz about the place in the build up to Stars In Their Eyes which will take place in the community centre on Saturday April 18th. Everywhere I go people are stopping me to tell me that they have seen video cameras following people around the green in Ballyduff!!!They have seen people they have known to be nearly bald suddenly showing a lovely flock of curls and strange dance routines steps have been heard through the walls of local establishments. I can reveal that I am a committee member and I know everything that is going but I was forced to sign a secrecy pact and if I leak any information I dread to think where I will end up!!!

There is only one way to find out the real truth: you need to make sure you get your ticket early. Tickets are priced at €15 which includes refreshments and a voting card. You can book your ticket with Marie on 089-4348844 so do yourself a favour and book early. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed and there are some sights that believe me you do not want to miss.

New Choir.

Our newly formed adult choir had their debut performance recently and everyone agreed it was a lovely addition to the mass. The lovely mix of male and female voices blended nicely together and they chose some beautiful hymns which we the congregation could join in with.

The choir meet each Monday night in the church from 8pm to 9pm and all are welcome to come along.

Parent and Toddler Group.

Our local Parent and Toddler group will meet in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to noon on Friday April 10th. This is a lovely chance for people to get to know each other and the children adore the fun they have making new friends.

A date for your diary is Friday April 17th when a gymboree will be held at the group and this is always very popular with parents and children alike. Come along and join in the fun.

Holy Week Ceremonies.

Fr. Mick has asked me to say a huge thank you to all who helped in any way during the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies. There are a number of extra jobs which need to be done around this time and I am sure Fr. Mick realises how lucky he is to have so many people at is disposal to help. May the Lord continue to bless them all.

 

Happy Easter

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 13,17,20 and 22. The three lucky winners of €50 each were David and Dean Murray, John O Donnell and Dermot Murray. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on April 5th and will have a jackpot of €650 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 and are available from committee members and will also be on sale on April 4th outside Centra in Kilmeaden. Pick your four lucky numbers and hopefully your luck will be in.

Clean Up Thanks.

The High Road Community Alert Group have asked me to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came along to help at the recent Spring clean up of the area. The weather on the day was perfect for the job and the large number of local residents did a brilliant job removing every bit of litter from the area. Special thanks to Greenstar who supplied a skip for the rubbish and also to Waterford Council who provided the cleaning materials.

It is sad to say that the majority of the rubbish was made up of packaging from snacks, takeaways and drinks obviously thrown out by passing motorists. Maybe if they slowed down and took in the beauty of the area they may realise how easy it is to bring your litter home with you and keep the countryside looking so scenic.

Stars in their Eyes.

Excitement is certainly building for Stars in their Eyes. Locals have been spotted in their kitchens singing into a banana! I was nearly blinded the other day in one house by the sparkle from sequins being sown onto a dress! Backing tracks are being recorded! Videos are being shot on location. This event has certainly captured the minds of people and the contestants are out to impress. Mark the date in your diary and watch out as tickets will go on sale very soon. April 18th is the date in Ballyduff Community Centre and tickets will cost €15 which includes entry, a voting card and refreshments.

There are already lots of enquiries about tickets so they are sure to go fast so watch this space for news of the release day.

Youth Drama Show.

Ballyduff Youth Drama Group staged their show Snow White and the Eight Lads in Garter Lane recently and what a show it was. Each member of the cast gave it 100% and we the audience were treated to a fabulous nights entertainment. From the moment the show began you were hooked till the very end. My daughter took part so even though I was familiar with the script it didn’t stop me laughing hysterically on both nights. The main characters were chosen brilliantly as each actor/actress fitted their part perfectly. This show was full of brilliant acting, beautiful singing, energetic dancing and hilarious comedy but most of all it was full of fun.

Being in a show likes this gives these young people so much. They make new friends, grow in self confidence and learn about supporting others. We as parents are very thankful to Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty for running the drama group. We know they are all busy women but they still chose to give their time every Monday night to run the group and we salute them. Congratulations to all the young people who took part ye have done yourselves and your drama group proud and we as your parents are immensely proud of your fabulous achievement.

Easter Wishes.

I would like to wish each and every one of you a very happy and peaceful Easter. I hope the children enjoy their time away from school and hopefully we will be blessed with some nice weather. Enjoy whatever treats the Easter bunny may bring you and I hope you have some egg-citing treasure hunts.

 

Community Centre, Paint-balling and Portlaw Parade.

Mass Bookings.

The booking of anniversary masses for the months of April, May and June took place last weekend but there are still dates available. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact Linda Spillane on 051-399925 or 087-9838392.

Community Centre News.

The community centre committee would like to say a big thank you to all who supported their Easter Egg hamper raffle. €640 was raised and the committee are very grateful. The lucky winner of the hamper was Deirdre O Connor from Fan Glas and we hope she enjoys her lovely prize.

The next event to mark in your diary is a disco to kick off the Easter holidays from school. The disco will take place on Thursday March 26th from 6.30pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Grab your friends and come along for a boogie!!

Paintball Trip.

Our local GAA club are organising a trip to the IPG Paintball on Good Friday. The minimum age for this trip is 14. If you are interested in going please contact Alan Dempsey.

Football Training.

Girls football training has now resumed on Saturday mornings in the GAA pitch in Kildermody at 10am sharp. All girls aged 8 to 13 years are welcome to attend including those who turn 13 in 2015.

Reconciliation Service.

With Easter just around the corner there is a need for us all to pull out all the stops to do the best we can for the glorious season of Easter. A reconciliation service will take place in our church on Tuesday March 24th at 7.30pm. This is open to everyone whether you are a church goer or not. Gods forgiveness is there for everyone.

Holy Week Ceremonies.

The list of times for the Holy Week ceremonies are as follows:

Holy Thursday: We celebrate mass of the Last Supper at 7.30pm. This mass will include the washing of the feet with the pupils from the First Holy Communion class playing the role of the apostles.

Good Friday: Kissing of the cross, reading of the Passion and Holy Communion at 3pm and at 7.30pm the stations of the cross will take place.

Holy Saturday: Mass of the ressurection and the blessing of the Easter fire, candle and water at 9pm and we are also delighted this year to have a baptism during the mass too.

Easter Sunday: There will be morning mass as normal at 10am.

It is a good time Holy Thursday to return your Trocaire boxes, there will be a basket in front of the altar to place them in.

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish will be taken up during the Easter masses and you are asked to be as generous as possible. Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard have asked me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.

Portlaw Parade.

I really want to say a big well done to all who organised and participated in the Saint Patricks Day parade in Portlaw. The sun shone beautifully as the array of clubs, businesses and organisations marched up Queen Street and back down Brown Street and then came to pass the viewing stage situated in the Square. A large number of people attended far more than was expected and they were not left disappointed. The sence of community spirit was abundant and as the musicians played from the stage people chatted and laughed in the sunshine. As you all know my dad is a Portlaw man and so I have grown up hearing him tell stories of parades gone by so it was nice to stand with him and my aunties watching the return of the Portlaw Parade after 30 years of an absence. Congratulations to all who were involved and we look forward to a bigger even better parade next year.

 

Winners all round and dates for your diary.

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses continue this week. On Thursday March 19th the mass for Raheen and Amberhill will take place in the home of Biddy Power at 8pm and on Friday March 20th it will be the turn of Carriganure Upper, Knockaderry and Carrigphilip in the home of Tom and Mary Phelan at 8pm.

Community Alert Meeting.

The High Road community alert group will hold their next meeting on Monday March 23rd at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

High Road Clean Up.

Following previous very successful clean ups, the next High Road clean up will take place on Saturday March 21st. All are welcome to come along to the meeting point which is the ESB entrance at 10am and please wear a high vis vest. Many chats and laughs while you work are guaranteed.

GAA Lotto.

Great excitement at the lotto draw recently when the numbers drawn 2, 11, 15 and 17 proved to be the lucky choice of local man Donnacha O Fuarthain and he scooped the fabulous jackpot of €11,150. I spoke to Donnacha and Aedin during the week and they still can’t believe their luck. I hope it brings them lots of happiness and I’m sure Roisin, Padraig, Maebh and Diarmuid will give them lots of ideas on how to spend it.

The three lucky winners of €50 each on the night were Noel McCarthy, Teresa Hurley and Vincent Behan. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 22nd in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €500.

Exciting Win.

Congratulations to all our local lads who were part of the St. Declans community college senior hurling team who beat St.Louis from Ballymena, Co.Antrim in the All Ireland Semi Final which was played in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Following some extra time the scoreline finished St.Declans 2-17 St. Louis 1-12. Roll on the All Ireland and hopefully a triumphant return.

Eyes Down.

Get your legs 11 up to Ballyduff Community centre on Tuesday March 24th at 7.30pm for a nice social game of bingo. Any of you lucky enough to drive maybe have a little think of people on your way who maybe don’t have a lift but would like to get out and have a game and a laugh. Come along and join the fun.

Break A Leg!!

We wish the very best of luck to all involved in Ballyduff Youth Drama who are all set to let loose their latest production “Snow White and the Eight Lads” They will take to the stage in Garter Lane on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st of March at 8pm. Tickets are on sale for just €10 from www.garterlane.ie or phone 051-855038. I know the young performers are really looking forward to giving you a great nights entertainment and fun. They have been working very hard at their rehearsals so come along and show your support, tickets are just €10.

Mark your diary.

You remember the success of the Fashion Show and Nollaig na mBan well that committee have had their thinking caps on again and next on the agenda is Stars In Your Eyes. Many local familiar faces will get to act out their greatest wish and perform on stage as their musical hero. April 18th will see people gather to the community centre to see and hear some of the greatest musical acts of our time. I don’t want to give too much away all I can tell you is we have been stocking up on hairspray, fake tan, eyelashes and thats just for the male performers!! Watch this space for further news and when the tickets are released I suggest you get one early and soon you will hear our contestants say Tonight I’m going to be ?????????????????

 

Spring Stations, Lourdes Trip and Spring has Sprung

Guided Walk.

The High Road Community Alert committee would like to say a big thank you to all who attended their guided walk through the beautiful Curraghmore estate. This very successful event was a great opportunity to see the estate and hear about its history. Why not take a look at the committees facebook page and see some of the lovely photos taken on the day.

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses are now well underway and on Wednesday March 11th the station mass for Powersknock, Blacknock and Carrigadustra will be in the home of John Skehan at 8pm. On Thursday March 12th it will be the turn of Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge in the home of Carol and Liam Casey at 8pm and on Friday March 13th the mass for Ross, Kildermody, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in the home of Gillian and Gerry Kennedy at 8pm.

Mass Bookings.

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of April, May or June then booking will take place after the weekend masses on March 14th and 15th. If you have a first anniversary mass to book during those months please contact myself Linda Spillane (051-399925 or 087-9838392) before the bookings as you will be given preference of dates for a first anniversary mass and that mass will not be shared. However all other masses are shared. If you do not wish to share you will need to be present at the bookings do try to get the date you want and please state to the person taking the bookings that you do not wish to share.

First Penance.

Congratulations to the boys and girls of 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who made their First Penance last Wednesday night. They decorated the church beautifully with their artwork and sang some beautiful hymns. You could hear their prayers said to perfection and I know that their teachers were very proud of them. This was another great occasion in the childrens lives and they are now preparing eagerly for their First Holy Communion which will be on May 9th.

Trip To Lourdes.

Our local Lourdes committee would like to send two people from the area as part of the invalid section of the forthcoming annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. If you would like to nominate somebody please contact one of the following Noel O Sullivan, Eugene Power, John O Leary or Donal Daly.

Drama Dates.

A reminder to you all that tickets are now on sale for Ballyduff Youth Dramas production of “Snow White & The Eight Lads” which will take place in Garter Lane on Friday March 20th and Saturday March 21st. Tickets cost just €10 and are available on www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855038. Don’t miss your chance to see this song filled magical journey with plenty of fun and laughter thrown in for good measure.

Love in the Air.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to local lady Louise Mackey, Ross who has announced her engagement to Ian Doogue. Wedding arrangements are well underway and I know Louise will get plenty of help from her mother Maria and sister Deirdre to ensure the day goes perfectly. We wish Louise and Ian every happiness and wish them the very best for the future.

Spring Has Sprung.

There are certainly lots of signs of Spring appearing around us. The daffodil blooms are popping up everywhere, baby calves and lambs are arriving to the world and our evenings are brighter for that little bit longer. It is most certainly my favourite season it always reminds me of hope and inspiration. I would like to share this little verse with you all if I may:

Love and laughter, whispers and smiles,
Gifts of kindness, all spread for a while.
Dancing leaves and flowers,
spreading their scented spell.
As Spring is here again,
with its magical dwell.
Smiling sun and moon,
spreading the music of life,
with bright colours of love,
flowing smoothly to survive.
Where sunshine brings hope,
with warm memories of Spring,
and touch the day with a smile,
to brighten everything.
Where colours play with magic
and show us a beginning new
that brings with it for all
joy and pleasure true.
For Spring is here again
with its scented spell
to bring life to the world,
with its magical dwell.

 

Lotto results, Snow White and a Munster win.

 

 

GAA LOTTO.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 2, 3, 10 and 21. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sean Atkins, Daniel Power and Helen Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 8th in O Donnachas and will have a fabulous jackpot of €11,150. Everybody is trying to get their hands on this jackpot so get your tickets early and choose those numbers carefully.

LITTLE LADY.

We are delighted to welcome a new little lady to our community. Baby Emily Counihan is the newest resident to the Lacka Road and her very proud parents Brendan and Una are thrilled with her safe arrival. Emily is of course a very lucky little girl because she has two wonderful big sisters Maebh and Ellen who are ready and willing to show her all the tricks of the trade and she also has a very handsome big brother Liam who has already mastered the art of charming the birds out of the trees. We wish this very special little family the very best of everything and look forward to watching them all growing up happy and healthy together.

YOUTH DRAMA.

Ballyduff Youth Drama will present their 2015 production of “Snow White and The Eight Lads” on March 20th and 21st at 8pm in Garter Lane. They are delighted to present this well known fairytale as you’ve never seen it before. This song filled magical journey follows Snow White and her eight little friends, her loyal supporter Niall, her fearless protectors Graham and Norton and her wicked step mother who wants to be the most beautiful woman in Ballyduff. When she discovers through the talking mirror that she has competition she sets out to destroy Snow White but Snow White is deeply loved by the woodcutters, the eight lads and is guided to safety by the Forest Fairies. Will Snow White fulfill her hearts desire and find Prince Charming? You will have to drop along to the show to find out what happens. Tickets are selling fast so get ordering today on www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855038. At just €10 each you are in for a real treat.

MUNSTER WIN.

Congratulations to all the lads from our parish who were part of the Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas team who won the Munster schools title in the Munster Senior Colleges Hurling final recently in Killeagh. The game ended with a score line of St. Declans 3-7 Blarney 1-8 and the team now go on to the All Ireland Semi Final in March. The future for Waterford hurling looks good with these guys displaying great skill and style. Well done lads and also to your parents who I know are your biggest fans.

BRIDGE NEWS.

There has been lots of activity from our local bridge club who have been hosting their club championship. The results are as follows:

1st: William and Ann Tobin.
2nd: Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
5th: Ann Cox and Joan Hartery.

First Session Winners were:
Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy and Nan Murphy and Margaret White.

Second Session Winners were:
Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.

Results from Monday February 23rd:

1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon
4th: Marion Cleary and Margaret White.

SPRING STATIONS.

The station mass for the areas of Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode will take place on Tuesday March 3rd at 8pm in the home of Paul and Helen Millea. On Thursday March 5th at 8pm it is the turn of Ballyduff East, Matthews Cross and Adamstown in the home of Karen and Michael Power and on Friday March 6th mass for Ballyduff Hill, Village and West will be in the church at 7.30pm.

A  REAL GENT

Matthews Cross is certainly a poorer place this week following the death of one of its most popular residents Tom Kennedy. We were all numbed with shock at his sudden passing as were his many friends all over the county and beyond. The crowds of people who attended Toms wake and funeral mass was a true testament to the high regard in which he was held. Tom was first and foremost a true christian and his faith was of utmost importance to him. His true love Mary died just 18 months ago and Tom missed her dearly indeed after 49 years of wedded bliss together. His other love was of course the GAA and he was a staunch supporter of the Waterford hurling team and loved to travel to the matches. He was also a great gardener and kept his garden in perfect order. I think the only comfort we can draw from Toms sudden departure is that lovely thought of him being reunited with Mary because they were never meant to be apart so they can now tend to the gardens of heavens together. We shall miss you Tom from our road but we will never forget you. May yourself and Mary fly the Deise flag high and if you could sort out a few medals too we would be eternally grateful. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.

 

Guided walk, Communion Mass and Butterfly Barn

 

 

Spring Stations.

It is hard to believe that it is time for the Spring Stations already. The first of the station masses will be for the areas of Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode on Wednesday February 25th at 8pm in the home of Paul and Helen Millea. On Thursday February 26th at 8pm it will be the turn of Ballygarron, Lisahane, Ardeenlone and Shanbally in the home of Tracy and Martin O Reilly.

The station mass is a lovely chance for neighbours to get together and pray for the intentions of their area.

Guided Walk.

The High Road Community Alert Group have organised a guided walk through the beautiful Curraghmore House Estate in Portlaw on Sunday March 1st. The walk will begin in the Main Square in Portlaw at 11.30am and all are welcome to come along. There is a €5 entry fee and children go free.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see for yourself this beautiful estate which is so steeped in history so come along and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Communion Mass

A huge well done to all the communion class in Ballyduff N.S who had the second of their special “Do This In Memory” masses last Sunday. They did a wonderful job again with the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. They are now busy preparing for their First Penance which will take place on Wednesday March 4th.

Butterfly Barn.

Unless you have been living under a rock you will know about the great success our local author Karen Power has been having following the release of her novel Butterfly Barn. Karen has been invited to Ardkeen Library this Tuesday February 24th at 7pm to read from her book and she will also hold a questions and answers session. All are welcome to attend and I am sure she would welcome some familiar faces.

Youth Drama.

Excitement is really building now as we draw nearer to the performance dates of the latest production from the Ballyduff Youth Drama. This years production of “Snow White and the eight lads” promises to be a funny and entertaining night to remember. The show will run for two nights on Friday March 20th and Friday March 21st in Garter Lane. Tickets are just €10 and are available from www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855938.

Irish Rural Link.

I have been asked to inform you all that Irish Rural Link in partnership with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are hosting a free seminar on the Future Energy Policy for Ireland in The Brandon House Hotel, New Ross on Friday February 27th at 9.30am. To book your place go to www.irishrurallink.ie or call Maria on 0906482744.

Choir News.

Our new adult choir are now busy rehearsing and it is great to see so many turn up. I am disappointed that I have other committments on the night they rehearse but I am trying my best to rearrange things because I am hearing great reports back. It is never too late to join so if you are interested please come along to the church on Monday nights from 8pm to 9pm and sing your little heart out.

 

Tidy Towns and Deise Greenway

 

High Road News.

A meeting of the High Road Community Alert Group will take place on Monday February 16th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting.

Tidy Towns Appointment.

Our local tidy towns group are delighted to announce that Michael O Keeffe has been selected as the new Tus worker. Michael will be working and maintaining areas in the general Kilmeaden area. If there are areas which you are concerned about or feel need work please contact one of the following and they will pass the word on Leanne Kearns 086-8194328 or Sarah Walsh 086-1750370.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest GAA lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 5, 17, 18 and 25. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sarah Leahy, James Walsh and Renee Power. The next draw will take place on February 22nd in O Donnachas and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,000 up for grabs so get your ticket early. Tickets will be on sale all day on Saturday February 21st at Centra so put your thinking caps on and guess those four lucky numbers.

Community Centre News.

A second order is about to be placed soon for engraved bricks which will be put on permanent display in the community centre. Each brick costs €50 which includes up to two lines of text containing a maximum of 16 letters/ characters per line. Purchasing one of these bricks will see you become part of the history of the community and you will also be making a contribution to the ongoing fund raising efforts. To purchase a brick please contact Caroline Quinn on 087-2154981 or carolinequinn@live.ie The deadline for orders is February 27th.

If any of you out there have any ideas/skills or time to contribute to establishing weekly or monthly events in the community centre then you are asked to contact Alistair on 086-6063139. The committee plan to meet in the coming weeks to discuss options and requirements for our community.

Coffee Morning.

I recently hosted a coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre in aid of our local youth drama group. The youth drama group is made up of young people in 5th and 6th classes and is run voluntarily by Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty. They are very busy rehearsing for this years show which will take place in March. As you all know there are many costs incurred in putting on a show and so that is why I decided to do something small to help because we as parents are very grateful for the confidence and pride our children get from being part of this group.

I was really overwhelmed by the support given to the coffee morning and raffle. It was a really lovely morning with great crowds turning up and plenty of chat and laughter filled the rooms. Of course we were spoiled by some of our top bakers in the parish who brought along an array of tasty treats for us to sample. I want to say a huge thank you to all who came along and all who donated money and raffle prizes and to all who baked and gave cakes. A huge thank you to Liam and David in the hall who were such a big help and finally I am very lucky to have a wonderful bunch of friends who never seem to tire of me asking for help and so to those who helped me set up, serve the teas etc and clean up after as well as baking too I thank you from the bottom of my heart and offer my services for your next event. Another fantastic display of community spirit and for a short mornings work we raised €510 so well done and thank you.

We will have details soon for you about the show and where to get your tickets so watch this space.

Deise Greenway.

The Waterford and Suir Valley railway is working closely with Waterford Council to ensure preparatory work including bridge surveys and site clearance work is carried out uninterrupted on the section of the Deise Greenway beside the railway. To facilitate the work the railway will not open for the February mid term and defer the usual season start date of April 1st. The railway will now open to the public with a full schedule from Friday May 1st 2015.

Although the railway say it is unfortunate that there will be a delay opening and they realise many families will be disappointed to miss the usual mid term and Easter activities it is a small sacrifice to make as in the long term the Deise Greenway will be a huge asset and a wonderful amenity on our doorstep when this section is finished in 2016.

 

Coffee Morning, Spring Stations and a Sad Goodbye.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game from our local club are;

1st: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
3rd: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.
4th: Margaret Power and Mary Prendergast.

Great Success.

We say a huge congratulations to local man John Kennedy of Carriganure who has once again been called up to serve on the 2015 Waterford Minor hurling team. John brought great dedication and committment to the team last year so it is no wonder that he has been recalled to take his place on the squad. We wish John every success and we join in his familys great pride at his achievements.

Coffee Morning.

A coffee morning will take place on Wednesday February 11th from 9.30am to 12 noon in Ballyduff Community Centre. This is to raise some funds for our local youth drama group who will stage their show in March. This group is run voluntarily by some local mammies and is an absolutely tremendous opportunity for young people to grow in confidence and self belief. Please come along and support while having a nice enjoyable cuppa and a chat and I can guarantee some very tasty treats. There will also be a raffle for some very nice prizes, tickets will be €2 or three for €5. I would really love to see you all but if by chance you cannot make it but would like to support please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

World Day Of The Sick.

Wednesday February 11th is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and is also World Day of The Sick. It is a special day to remember and pray for all our sick and to also thank God for the precious gift

of health. There will be a special mass on Wednesday night at 7.30pm in Ballyduff church to remember our sick. A special blessing will be offered to all during the mass and remember everyone gets sick from time to time so you do not have to be seriously ill to receive this annointing.

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses will begin in a few weeks time so if you would like to host a station mass for your area then please text on your details to Fr.Mick on 087-9626618.

Ballyduff Brick.

A second order is being placed for engraved bricks which will be put on permanent display in the new Community Centre. Each brick will cost €50.00 and can include two lines of text containing a maximum of 16 letters/characters per line. When you buy a brick you will become part of the history of the parish and also help with the ongoing fund raising efforts. The deadline for orders is Friday February 27th so if you would like to purchase a brick please contact Caroline Quinn on 087-2154981 or at carolinequinn@live.ie

Calling Singers and Musicians!

A group of people met recently to discuss the possibility of starting up an adult choir. Rehearsals will now begin and a call is being put out to all singers and musicians to come along to rehearsals on Monday nights in the church from 8pm to 9pm. All are welcome to join whether you sing like Pavorotti or perform your own little concerts in the shower, you are welcome!

Bean Iontach

We said goodbye this week to one of the most remarkable women I have ever met. Joan Hayes of Ivy House left us at the young age of 94. Joan was one of the great characters of our community, a woman I loved to chat with as she was so interesting and could literally hold a conversation about anything. She took a great interest in parish life always getting involved and supporting her community. She had of course a deep faith and the church was a very important part of her life. She loved music and the Irish language but of course her greatest pleasure was to paint. Beautifully landscapes and country scenes adorned her walls and I loved staring at them nearly loosing myself into the scene. Her love of the outdoors and Gods creations was clearly evident in the tender way she looked after her garden and her beloved ducks and hens.

She did of course know tragedy and sadness in her life loosing her husband Roger and then the sudden and tragic loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth just 4 years ago. She showed tremendous strength of character as she bore her cross as best as she could and with the love and support of her family, great neighbours and friends she battled on like the true champion she was. We offer our deepest sympathy to her son James, his wife Anna and her trully beloved grandaughter Aine who lit up her life greatly. We shall never forget Joan and we sincerely pray that she is now reunited with her loved ones and will enjoy the peace of heaven. Is Feidir Si A Chuid Eile I Siochain.

 

Grandparents day, coffee and a catch-up

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game are as follows:

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon
2nd: Mary Kennedy and Ann Marie Brown.
3rd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Mary Prendergast and John Fitzpatrick.

GAA Lotto.

Our local GAA club held their first lotto draw of 2015 last week and the numbers drawn were 8, 11, 15 and 21. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky winners of €50 each were Kathleen Power, Pat Aulsberry and John Aulsberry/John Power. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday February 8th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €10,850.

Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from club members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday February 7th. If you’re not in you can’t win.

Grandparents Day.

Our local national school marked National Grandparents day beautifully last Wednesday when they invited all the grandparents of the pupils to a special mass in which the children sung hymns and read poems and prayers. They were all then invited to come for a little tour of the school with some of the 6th class pupils acting as excellent tour guides. It was then on for a nice cuppa and a biscuit or two and of course the chat flowed freely. It was an absolutely lovely way to celebrate the day and everyone really enjoyed it. Grandparents play a huge part in childrens lives and it was a lovely way to honour them.

Coffee Morning.

I am organising a coffee morning on Wednesday February 11th in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12 noon. This is to raise some money for our local youth drama club who will stage their show in March. As we know there is a big cost in staging an event like this and so that is why I decided to try to help. The drama club is an excellent facility for the young people who gain such great self confidence and self esteem. You see children who may be shy or a little self confident come alive and shine on the stage. All they need is a chance and we as parents are very grateful to those who give their time and energy freely to run this club.

Please come along for a cuppa and a chat and some lovely treats and I will also be running a raffle for some lovely prizes. Tickets will be €2 or three for €5 so if you cant make the coffee morning but would like to support it in some way please let me know.

Church News.

The setting up of a new adult choir is underway at the moment and so I hope to have more news on this next week so watch this space.

As some of you may know I look after the readers rotas for masses. We like to involve the family of whoevers anniversary mass is taking place at the weekend masses but sometimes families do not want to read or the mass may not be booked for anyone and this is when I revert back to the readers rota. If you would be up to reading at mass and would like to place your name on the rota then please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

 

In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in the southeast of Ireland, Ballyduff and Kilmeaden are about 23 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Waterford.