All posts by Christine Tubbritt

Bridge News, Scor Competitors and Summer Camp

BALLYDUFF GAA NEWS.

A reminder that booking has now opened for the annual Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camp. The camp will take place this year from July 22nd to July 26th and you are advised to book your place early.
Tom Cheasty Park is a hive of activity every evening and weekend with something for every age group. If you are interested in becoming part of the club, as a player, coach, volunteer, the club are always delighted to welcome new members. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of all fixtures, training sessions etc.

BRIDGE NEWS

The President of the Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club, Joan Hartrey hosted her President Prize Competition on Monday April 29th at The Sweep Bar.
Following a delicious meal there was an open draw for partners including a separate section for the 12 novice players. The winners in Section 1 were 1st: Mary Prendergast and Ann Marie Brown. 2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Margaret Pragnell. 3rd: Breda Murphy and Iris Graham. 4th: Anne and Mary Kennedy 5th: Monica Sullivan and Chris Pragnell. The winners in the novice section were 1st: Avril Hartrey and Bernie Dwyer and 2nd: Martin Kirby and Jeremy Fields.
Congratulations to Joan on a very successful year as President.

LOTTO TIME

There was no jackpot winner of the jackpot in the latest GAA lotto draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 19 and 21. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Michelle Dunphy, Brian Kenny and the Larkin Family. The next draw will take place on Sunday May 12th and will have a jackpot of €12,500 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three tickets for €5 and are available from all committee members, online and will be available to buy on Saturday May 11th at Centra in Kilmeaden.
The lotto is a very important fundraiser for the club and they really appreciate the fantastic support they receive.

SCHOOLS GAME

The U13 Camogie team from Ballyduff N.S were beaten recently by a team from Our Lady Of Mercy School, Waterford. The girls played a great game at Tom Cheasty Park and did themselves and their school proud.

SCOR COMPETITORS

As part of their 5-year development plan, Ballyduff Lower GAA, LGFA and Camogie Club are on the lookout for someone to join their cultural committee. They aim to promote and establish cultural activities within the club. If you are interested in joining or if your son or daughter in signing up for Scor, please contact any committee member.

SUMMER CAMPS

Ballyduff AFC have announced some dates for their Summer Camps. Their own very popular camp will take place from July 8th to 12th while the FAI Camp will run from July 15th to 19th and the Football Academy of Ireland 3 day camp will run from August 13th to 15th. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook page for more details.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

You don’t have to see the whole staircase
Just take the first step.

ITEMS FOR NOTES.

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a wonderful to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community.

Blitz Success, New Business and Items for Notes

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB.

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. There are only a few more weeks left to collect tokens and the club would be very grateful of your support. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

BLITZ SUCCESS

Ballyduff AFC recently held a very successful academy blitz evening. There was a huge turnout and even the good weather showed up for the occasion. The club were delighted to welcome players, coaches and parents from Seaview Celtic FC Waterford and Kilmacthomas AFC and thank them for helping to make it such a fun event.
There were over 80 future football stars displaying their skills and the hard work being put in by coaches and players was very evident. It was wonderful to watch the level of skill and talent on display from the three clubs, but it was also heartwarming to see the joy in their faces and watch all the friendships being formed.
A big well done to all the Ballyduff AFC coaches and helpers who worked hard to organise this very successful event.

RECENT DEATH

We extend our deepest sympathies to Eileen O Leary, Blacknock on the recent death of her brother. Jack O Sullivan was a native of Butlerstown but has resided in New Hyde Park, New York for many years. Eileen had travelled recently to visit Jack and enjoyed spending time with him. We send our condolences to Eileen, John, Brian, and all the family.

BALLYDUFF GAA NEWS.

A reminder that booking has now opened for the annual Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camp. The camp will take place this year from July 22nd to July 26th and you are advised to book your place early.
Tom Cheasty Park is a hive of activity every evening and weekend with something for every age group. If you are interested in becoming part of the club, as a player, coach, volunteer, the club are always delighted to welcome new members. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of all fixtures, training sessions etc.

NEW BUSINESS

We are thrilled and delighted to welcome another new business to Kilmeaden. “Sos Beag” coffee stop is situated in a prime location outside the former Hennessy’s Garage. Drop by and take a little break when you are passing.

ITEMS FOR NOTES.

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a wonderful to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams.

Lets Cook, Tea Day and First Penance

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday April 15th and the results were as follows: 1st: Sean Hennessy and Mary Prendergast. 2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Geraldine McMahon. 3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 8, 11, 23 and 24 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mary Quirke, Calum Lyons and Tony Kirk. The next draw will take place on Sunday April 28th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets are available from all members, online and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday April 27th. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5.

LET’S COOK

Do you have a budding little chef on your hands who would like to take part in some cookery classes. Ballyduff Community Centre will host to “Lety’s Cook” Cookery classes for children from July 15th to July 19th from 10am to 1pm each day. What a great way to spend some of the Summer holidays, learning skills and making new friends. To book your place please contact 087 9027425.

WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY.

WSVR in Kilmeaden is a hive of activity every day of the week with people enjoying a beautiful scenic trip on the train, visiting the Greenway or sitting enjoying a cuppa or an ice cream from The Whistlestop Café. There is something for everyone to enjoy and visitors come from all over Ireland and beyond to visit and enjoy a little piece of Heaven.
Presenter of The Good Morning programme on ITV Dermot O Leary was the latest celebrity to drop by for a visit and enjoy all that was on offer. Dermot was with his parents, his wife Dee Koppang O Leary and their son. They are regular visitors to Co. Wexford, and we are delighted that they chose to visit beautiful Kilmeaden.
WSVR is now open for the season so drop along and enjoy a relaxing trip on the train taking in all the stunning sights along the river Suir. Visit their Facebook page or their website www.wsvrailway.ie for times and booking information.

RUGBY SUCCESS

Congratulations to local man Alan Phelan, Carriganure who has recently been chosen as part of the Munster Rugby U17 squad. He will be part of the team for the upcoming interprovincial. We wish Alan and all the team, management and coaches the very best of luck for the future and congratulate Alan on his fantastic achievement.

TEA DAY

The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day is always a very well supported event. Unfortunately, Alzheimers is part of many people’s lives now and we are all aware of the wonderful care which is provided by the Pine Grove and other care centres. Each year all over Ireland we do what we do best, we put the kettle on and organise a cuppa and a chat. Organisations and individuals arrange an event in their local and we all get a chance support this very worthwhile charity.
On Thursday April 25th you are invited to drop along to Ballyduff Community Centre between 9.30am and 12 noon to enjoy a nice cuppa, delicious treats and a nice warm and welcoming chat. Please support this very worthy cause and drop along to enjoy a nice relaxing morning.

FIRST PENANCE

Congratulations to all the young boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who recently celebrated their First Penance in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff. Fr. Francis was on hand to hear all the things they were sorry for and to remind them that God forgave them and loved them. They sang some beautiful hymns and read readings and prayers of the faithful. They were so very kind to remember Fr. O Byrne in their prayers which I know he will be delighted to hear that.
The pupils are now very busy preparing for their First Holy Communion which will take place on Saturday May 18th. It is a very exciting time for them all as they prepare for this big milestone in their lives. It is lovely to see them at mass on Sunday mornings joining with the people of the parish to celebrate mass. They have been staying after mass for a little chat with Fr. Francis and he is never short of answers to his questions. We wish the boys and girls the very best in their final preparations for their big day and we will all include a little prayer for some nice sunshine.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

You can get everything in life you want,
If you will just help enough other people get what they want.

Daffodil Day, New Kits and Church News

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday April 8th and the results were as follows, 1st: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes 2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast 3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins. Congratulations to all the winners.

DAFFODIL DAY

The organisers of the recent daffodil day collections in Kilmeaden on Friday March 26th would like to say a huge thank you to all who supported the event and donated so kindly. A big thank you to Donal, Ailish, Fiona and all the staff at Centra, Majella, Damien, Stephanie and staff at Gala and Jamie and his staff at Tirlan for their kindness in facilitating and supporting this worthy cause. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteer sellers who gave their time so freely. Thank you also to Margaret Pragnell, Pat Power, Linda Spillane, John O Shea, Elma Walsh and Des Daunt for their publicity, guidance, and continuing support. The day was a resounding success raising money for a very deserving charity.

NEW KITS

The Ballyduff Lower U14 Camogie team were the lucky recipients of some lovely new gear recently. They were presented with beautiful new gear bags sponsored by Maria Smith, Aura Skin and Laser Clinic and were also gifted a new set of jerseys from Martin O Reilly, Concast Precast. The team and their team managers Tim Counihan and Dermot Dooley were thrilled with this very generous sponsorship and sponsorship and will display their gear with great pride.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB.

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. There are only five more weeks left and the club would be very grateful of your support. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

CHURCH NEWS

A big thank you to everyone for returning your Trocaire boxes to the church. If you have forgotten there is still time to return yours. You can drop it into the sacristy or there a box on the altar steps.
Fr Francis would like to thank all who have dropped in their Easter dues and if you have forgotten your offering, you can place them in an envelope marked Easter Dues and place it in the weekly collection basket.
Weekend anniversary masses can now be booked through Linda Spillane on 087 98383932.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Someday, everything will make sense.
So for now, laugh at the confusion
smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself
that everything happens for a reason.

Cul Camp Time, Easter Commemoration and Easter Winner

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 5, 15, 22 and 23 and there was no winner of the jackpot. There were three lucky dip winners of €50 each and they were Anne Phelan, Catherine Power, and David Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday April 14th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or on Saturday April 13th a group of volunteers will sell the lotto tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden.
The lotto is a very important fundraiser for the club and they are very grateful for all the support they receive. Just four lucky numbers stand between you and that fabulous jackpot so choose those numbers carefully.

CUL CAMP TIME

Registration has now opened for the Ballyduff Lower GAA Club Cul Camp. The camp will run from July 22nd to July 26th and is always a very popular event so early booking is essential. Check out the club’s website and Facebook page for more information.
Precious participants in the Cul Camp say that is a great week of fun. Many new skills are learned, and great friendships are formed, and your child is enjoying healthy fresh air and exercise.

EASTER SUNDAY COMMEMORATION

Following a beautiful Easter Sunday morning mass on Sunday March 31st in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff, the congregation were invited to gather outside at our beautiful plaque to remember those gone before us. Cllr. John O Leary welcomed everyone and thanked them for taking the time to join together. Our proclamation was then read aloud with great dignity and pride by Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee who was visiting her family in Kilmeaden for Easter. Our National Flag was raised by loyal Ballyduff man Dermot (Dod) Whelan while talented piper Tommy Kiely played our national anthem. It was wonderful to hear the voices of young and old blended together. This was a lovely ceremony and a wonderful community remembrance service.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB.

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

CHURCH NEWS

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is now being taken up. There are envelopes available in the church porches or you can simply use an ordinary envelope and mark it for the Easter collection.
You can now light a candle for a special intention on the new candelabra in the church. We have now received a second one thanks to a generous sponsor. They are a lovely edition to our church so pop along and drop your coins in and watch your candle shine brightly for your intention. If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane

EASTER WINNER

The U10 girls’ white team at Ballyduff AFC recently held a raffle and the lucky winner was Anne Clay whose grandson was very happy to see the lovely Easter hamper. The raffle was a huge success raising €675 and the girls would like to thank all who supported them.

CABARET NIGHT

Ballyduff GAA Club will host a cabaret night in aid of the Lourdes fundraising appeal. Each year as a parish we send two people to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cabaret night will take place on Saturday April 13th at 8.30pm in O Donnacha’s Bar, Kilmeaden. Music will be by Dick Quinn and admission will be €10. Drop along and enjoy a night of music and song.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

Accept what is,
Let go of what was
And have faith in what will be.

Bridge News, Daffodil Day and Cabaret Night

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB.

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club held their Easter Fayre on Monday March 2nd and the results were as follows: 1st: Iris Graham and Sean Hennessy 2nd: Kate Hayes and Anne Kennedy 3rd: Peggy Murphy and President Joan Hartrey 4th: Patsy Roche and Nano Fitzgerald.
The club would like to wish all their past, present and future members a very happy and peaceful Easter. The next bridge game will take place on Monday April 8th.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC held their Easter Camp with 60 boys and girls enjoying a wonderful time. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends while enjoying fresh air and exercise. The club look forward to this camp each year and welcoming old friends and new.

CHURCH NEWS

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is now being taken up. There are envelopes available in the church porches or you can simply use an ordinary envelope and mark it for the Easter collection.
A big thank you to all who took part in the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies especially all those who volunteered to read, to the choir who enhanced the ceremonies with their beautiful choice of hymns. Joan treated us to some beautiful floral displays for Easter and of course as always, our Sacristan Ann had everything in tip top order.
You can now light a candle for a special intention on the new candelabra in the church. We are also going to receive a second one thanks to a generous sponsor. They are a lovely edition to our church so pop along and drop your coins in and watch your candle light up as you offer your intention.
If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one please contact Linda Spillane

BALLYDUFF GAA

Tom Cheasty Park is a hive of activity with many matches and training schedules back on track. To check out the dates and times of training check out the clubs Facebook page. The club are always happy to welcome new members so whether you would like to play, coach, volunteer, there is a place at Ballyduff GAA club for you.

DAFFODIL DAY

A huge thank you to all who supported The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day on March 22nd. A special thank you to Elizabeth Mooney and her group of volunteers who collected throughout the day at Centra and Gala and to Donal and Eilish Hickson and Damien and Majella Hennessy for accommodating the volunteers in their stores. The volunteers tell me that they received a very positive and generous welcome from everyone.

CABARET NIGHT

Ballyduff GAA Club will host a cabaret night in aid of the Lourdes fundraising appeal. Each year as a parish we send two people to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cabaret night will take place on Saturday April 13th at 8.30pm in O Donnacha’s Bar, Kilmeaden. Music will be by Dick Quinn and admission will be €10. Drop along and enjoy a night of music and song.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A good day isn’t always,
Perfect. It challenges you to
Release your potential and,
Inspires you to appreciate the
Little amazing things in life

Easter Raffle, Ballyduff Camogie Club and Easter Ceremonies

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest draw were 7, 9, 11 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Breda Murray, Niall Clifford and Jane Kelly. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 31st and there will be a jackpot of €12,500 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each and three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or volunteers will be selling tickets at Centra on Saturday March 30th. The committee and club would like to say a huge thank you to all who support the lotto which is a great fundraiser for the club.

EASTER RAFFLE.

Ballyduff AFC U10 White Team are hosting a special Easter raffle to raise funds for additional match kits and training gear and to help towards organising an end of year trip.
This panel now have a group of 15 very enthusiastic and dedicated young girls. They have a lovely hamper to win full of lots of delicious treats, a voucher for The Sweep Bar and UEFA Champions League Training set. To purchase some tickets please follow the link on their Facebook page.

EASTER COMMEMORATION

Following the 10am Easter Sunday mass on March 31st, there will be a special commemoration event at our 1916 plaque outside the church. This will consist of the raising of the flag, reading of the proclamation and the playing of the National Anthem by talented piper Tommy Kiely. It is always a lovely event where young and old join together with great pride to honour those gone before us.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

EASTER CEREMONIES

We are now approaching the glorious and joyful season of Easter and to prepare we will walk the path of the Lord throughout Holy week. The Holy Thursday celebration will take place on Thursday 28th at 6.30pm, on Good Friday, the celebration of the Lords Supper will take place at 3pm and the Stations of the Cross at 7pm. The Easter Vigil mass on Holy Saturday will be at 7pm and on Easter Sunday morning mass will be at 10am.
Details of all the ceremonies are printed on a card which is available in the church porches. The envelopes for the Easter collection are also available there.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Never give up on a dream just because of the time
it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

Presentation of Jerseys, Daffodil Day and Easter Celebrations

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game of bridge on Monday March 11th and the results were as follows: 1st: Iris Graham and Geraldine McMahon 2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes and Peggy Murphy and Breda Murphy. 4th: Anne-Marie Brown and Sean Hennessy.

PRESENTATION OF JERSEYS

A big thank you to Michael Atkins, Kilmeaden Groundworks who recently sponsored a set of jerseys for the Ballyduff Lower U11 and U12 team. Michael is a great supporter to all things local and the GAA club are very grateful to him for his generous sponsorship. The team look forward to taking on their next few games, decked out in their club colours and we wish them the very best for the season ahead. We also wish Michael and all at Kilmeaden Groundworks the very of luck and success for their business and ask you to support them if possible.

DAFFODIL DAY.

Unfortunately, Cancer touches almost every family, and we are all aware of the great care patients and their families receive from many different organisations. National Daffodil Day is a special day where we all come together to raise awareness and much needed funds for The Irish Cancer Society. People all over Ireland volunteer their time and skills to sell bunches of daffodils and more merchandise outside shops, supermarkets, and other businesses. There is always a lovely atmosphere among all the sellers many of whom are cancer suffers themselves, others who are in remission and others who have had family members go through cancer. The one common denominator is that they all want to support the cause and help keep the doors of support and research open.
In Kilmeaden volunteers will be at Centra and Gala so please support if you can and remember every little bit helps. A big thank you to Elizabeth Mooney and her group of volunteers who will greet you with a chat and a laugh.

EASTER CELEBRATION

On Easter Sunday following the 10am mass in St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff, there will be a special Easter commemoration at the 1916 plaque. This is a beautiful ceremony which includes the reading of the proclamation, the raising of our national flag and the playing of the National Anthem by talented piper Tommy Kiely. A large crowd gather for this event each year and young and old stand together with great pride.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Entries for the annual Easter Camp taking place from March 25th to 29th have now closed. For those attending the camp, it will run each day from 10am to 1.30pm.
A reminder that the Football Academy of Ireland two-day camp will run on April 3rd and 4th from 2pm to 5pm. This camp is designed for those aged 6 to 14 years. You can receive further information by logging onto www.footballacademyofireland.com

GREAT SUCCESS

The wonderful news coming in from the Ireland Tonight Radio Music Awards is that Ballyduff’s own Karan Casey has won the title of Female Vocalist of the Year for her stunning single and album “Nine Apples of Gold”. The awards formerly known as the American Celtic Listener Supported Radio Awards honour those who have impressed radio hosts and listeners with the excellence of their music. Karan is currently on tour and on St. Patrick’s Day she will perform in the Sandler Centre for the Performing Arts accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
We congratulate Karan on her success. Her true love and passion for music and song is evident in every performance and we hope it is not too long before we get to hear Karan perform on home soil again.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile.
But sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Glorious Tones, Triathlon Success and Easter Camp

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 3, 9, 21 and 24 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Eileen O Leary, Noel Flynn and Michael Hoban. The next draw will take place on Monday March 18th and you could be the lucky winner of the jackpot of €12,500. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members, online or they will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday March 16th. Choose four lucky numbers and you could be off on holiday of a spending spree.

BRIDGE NEWS

Congratulations to President Joan and her committee who attended a Daffodil Day Fundraiser last week and presented a cheque for €700 to Elma Walsh for Waterford Daffodil Day. This is a fantastic amount for the collection before National Daffodil Day on March 22nd.

RECENT DEATH.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Sheehan, late of Birchdale, Kilmeaden who died recently. Jack was a wonderful family man who enjoyed watching his family grow and welcomed his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren with great pride. The Sheehan family had a long association with the Post Office and Jack served as General Secretary of the Irish Postmasters Union for many years. Jack was a very knowledgeable man who had an interest in a wide variety of topics and kept up to date with the latest news and happenings. He enjoyed the daily newspaper and liked to complete the crossword. He loved his garden and liked to relax while listening to some opera. I had the honour of working for the Sheehan family throughout my teenage years, just as my sisters had done before me. We were always treated so well and felt more like family members than employees. That friendship has continued throughout the years, and we mourn the loss of a wonderful neighbour. Our sympathies go to Lupita, Eithne and Michael and all the family on their sad loss and we pray that their lovely memories will bring them comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Jack’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church Ballyduff, and he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest now in the peace and love of Christ.

GLORIOUS TONES

The Peace Proms concert is always a spectacular event, and this year was no different as the blend of the young voices and the glorious sound of the Cross Border of Ireland Orchestra filled the SETU Arena. Among those voices were the boys and girls from 3rd to 6th classes at Ballyduff NS. Following months of preparation, the students were very excited to get to the arena for their rehearsal with the orchestra. As the arena began to fill to capacity the children spotted their parents and other familiar faces arrive and when the show began the choirs and orchestra treated the audience to a night to remember. For two and a half hours the children and staff sang and danced their hearts out and the atmosphere in the arena was just electric.
This was a wonderful experience for all the students and staff to share with their teachers, SNA’s, parents and families and a memory that will stay with them forever.

CLUB VACANCY

Ballyduff Lower GAA Club have a vacancy for a groundsman at their grounds in Kildermody. If you are on a community employment scheme and are interested in the position, please contact club chairman John O Leary on 087 2154519.

TRIATHLON SUCCESS

Congratulations to local lady Diane Behan who took first place in her age group at the Athy Triathlon recently. Diane is a super athlete who trains hard and gives full commitment to every event she takes part in.

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL.

The girls at Ballyduff Lower Gaelic Football Club are encouraging new players to join them and enjoy the game. It is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to keep healthy, learn a new skill and make lots of friends. Ages are catered for so drop along to club grounds on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm to see what it is all about.

EASTER CAMP

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Easter Camp from March 25th to March 29th from 10am to 1.30pm daily. The camp is for boys and girls aged 5 years to12 years. The price for the first child is €60, €45 for the second and your third child goes free. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook Page for details. Last few places now available.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

I truly believe that everything we do
And everyone we meet.
Are put in our path for a purpose.

Scrap Collection, Game of Cards and Matilda the Bookworm

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their most recent game on Monday February 26th in Ballyduff Community Centre and the results were as follows 1st: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins, Joint 2nd: Mary O Brien and John Fitzpatrick and Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald and 4th Mary Prendergast and Kate Hayes. Congratulations to all the winners.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 with your preferred date. Saturday evening masses take place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning masses are at 10am.
There are still some boxes of weekend collection envelopes available in the church, so please pick up a box whenever you are passing.
Choir practice takes place on Monday nights at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir enhance our masses beautifully with their gorgeous selection of hymns and it is lovely to look around and see so many people singing along with them.
If you have forgotten to pick up your Trocaire box there are still some available on the steps of the altar.

SCRAP COLLECTION

Ballyduff AFC are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff Lower. Items can be dropped to the grounds any day between 10am and 8pm. Please do not bring any dishwashers or items with glass. This is a fundraiser for the club who have great plans for further development of the club and its grounds. Please support by having a tidy up of that yard or shed you have been promising to do and drop your items off at Ballyduff AFC. You’ll earn great brownie points for tidying up and supporting your local club.

GAME OF CARDS?

Do you fancy a game of cards in a nice relaxing environment? A weekly card game began on Thursday February 1 st at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and I hear that a great crowd have dropped along to enjoy a friendly game and share a bit of a chat and a laugh together. New players are welcome to drop along and enjoy a game of Progressive 30’s. The cost is €15 for a team of 3 and this is a fantastic way to meet up with others and enjoy a game and a chat. If you would like any further information, please call Tricia on 0872979332.

EASTER CAMP

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Easter Camp from March 25th to March 29th from 10am to 1.30pm daily. The camp is for boys and girls aged 5 years to 12 years. The price for the first child is €60, €45 for the second and your third child goes free. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook Page for details.

DAFFODIL DAY

Friday March 22nd will be National Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Each year in Kilmeaden, a group of volunteers set up at Centra to raise funds and this year it is hoped to set up also at Gala. If you feel you may have an hour or two to spare and would like to help out please contact Elizabeth Mooney on 087 2067920. Elizabeth and her group of volunteers are very grateful to the management of Centra and Gala for offering the use of their premises.

MATILDA THE BOOKWORM

Huge congratulations to all the young people in Ballyduff Youth Drama Group who recently staged their fantastic show Matilda the Bookworm. The show ran for three nights in Ballyduff Community Centre and there was a full house each night. Full of drama, colour, song and music, the audience were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment each night. A big well done to all the cast and crew, on stage and behind the scenes. A special thank you to three wonderful ladies Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty who volunteer their time each year to running this drama club and staging the yearly show. What a wonderful way to bring young people together doing what they love, and it is a fantastic way to build their confidence and self-esteem.

CAMOGIE NEWS.

We are all thrilled to welcome the brighter mornings and longer evenings and we look forward to activities resuming and getting out in the fresh air. The gates of Tom Cheasty Park are open and ready for the camogie season. Following a great season last year the club are looking forward to welcoming returning players and are also ready to welcome new members to the club.
Training will resume on Monday March 11th from 6.15pm to 7.15pm and every Monday following that. The U13’s and U14’s will be held every Friday from 6.15pm to 7.30pm. Get those hurleys and helmets out and head to Tom Cheasty Park and we look forward some great games during the season.
Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club have been chosen as a recipient of the Tesco Blue Token Community Fund in the Tesco Ballybeg store. It was launched on Monday February 26th and will run for the next 12 weeks. Even though it is titled Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club, the money will benefit the entire club. Please spread the word to all your friends doing their shopping and lets’ get those blue tokens in the Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club box.

COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

Let’s Cook Easter Camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre from March 25th to March 28th from 10am to March 28th from 10am to 1pm daily. For a cost of €90, all ingredients, equipment and recipes are included.
These classes are hand on, and the kids will do all their own cooking and will bring their creations home to the family. To book a spot please contact 087 9027425.

COMMUNITY ALERT.

The next community alert meeting will take place on Wednesday March 6th in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. Guest speakers on the night are Liam Daly and Inspector Dennis Murphy will also attend. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions to the inspector and local gardai about recent break-ins in the area and any other queries you may have. The text alert fee of €10 has now been taken up so if you have forgotten you can bring it along to the meeting. New members are always welcome to join the text alert scheme which has proven invaluable in many incidents. The only things are required are your name, number and there is an annual fee of €10.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.
It is about learning to dance in the rain.