Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on November 1st and the results were:

1st: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
2nd: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
3rd: Fr. O Byrne and Eileen Kirwan.
4th: Kate Hayes and Michael O Donovan.

Proud Neighbours.

My friends The McGraths up in Ballygarron contacted me the other day to tell me how proud they were of their good neighbours John and Keiran Guiry who ran the Dublin marathon recently in great times and Sinead also walked the route. This is indeed a great achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.
In fact we also congratulate anyone else from the parish who took part . A lot of training, discipline and dedication goes into anything like that and such commitment is to be admired and congratulated.

Recycling Time.

A reminder to you all that this is the last week you can avail of the recycling opportunity which is being hosted by Ballyduff AFC. The items will be collected this Friday November 11th. Gather up your unwanted items such as clothes, bed linen, curtains, shoes, handbags etc and bring them along to the clubhouse any evening between 6pm and 8pm.

November Masses.

The special November Dead List masses will begin this Wednesday night at 7.30pm and will continue each Wednesday night during the month of November. These masses are offered for the intentions of all those who have placed their mass offerings into the special box which is in front of the altar. The last of the masses on November 30th is offered especially for all those who have died in the past 12 months. These people do not have to have been buried here in our parish to be entered in for this mass. If you would like to add the name of a loved one onto the list then please write their name on the list in the church porch or contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

Golden Birthday.

I will probably receive a telling off for putting this in the notes but that has never stopped me before. On behalf of all my family I would like to wish my eldest sibling Mary O Leary a very happy 50th birthday. We were treated to a great night out to celebrate, organised by her husband Eamonn and daughters Jessica and Amy. We all flocked to The Sweep where we danced the night away to the sounds of the great John O Shea. I know Mary was overwhelmed by the amount of family and friends who turned up to party the night away and she is very grateful to them all. We wish Mary our Minnie as she is better known to the family as continued happiness, good health and laughter.

Drama Production.

Star Struck Theatre School which takes place in our local community centre and comprises of local children from the area will stage their show ” That’s what friends are for” in Ballyduff Community Centre Thursday November 17th to Saturday November 19th at 7.30pm nightly. Tickets are €10 for adults and €8 for under 12’s and can be booked by texting 087-9116711 or drop into the community centre any Monday or Wednesday eving between 5pm and 8pm. Come along and enjoy the show. x

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 12, 22 and 28 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mark Dobbyn, Gavin O Rourke and Tommy O Brien. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on November 6th and there will be a fabulous jackpot of €5,150 on offer. Tickets are just €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale all day on November 5th at Centra so choose those four numbers wisely.

AGM

The AGM of the High Road/Ballyduff Community Alert group will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday November 7th at 8.30pm. All are encouraged and welcome to attend this meeting.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club are as follows:

1st: Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy
2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
3rd: Ann-Marie Brown and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Anna Harvey and Anna Ryan
Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.

November Masses.

I really can’t believe that we are already talking about the month of November. I think I’ve missed a few months somewhere. November of course is the month we remember our departed relatives and friends in a special way. Although they are never far from our thoughts we offer special masses for them in November.
In Ballyduff church these masses will take place every Wednesday night in November at 7.30pm. The masses are offered for the intentions of all who place mass offerings in the special Holy Souls box which will be placed in front of the altar from November 1st.
A reminder that the final mass on November 30th will be offered especially for those who died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in the parish graveyard will automatically be added to this list but if you have a relative or friend who died outside the parish and you would like to have them included please call Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and their name will be added. At this mass a representative of the deceased will be presented with a candle in their memory.

Running Group.

A reminder that a beginners running groug will begin on Saturday November 5th at 11am in Ballyduff AFC grounds. This will run for four Saturdays at a cost of €25. Instructor Seamus Doyle from Balance Fitness will teach you all the correct techniques like posture, pace, and breathing. If you would like any more information or would like to book your place please call Seamus Doyle on 087-7864013 or Tony Latham on 087-2861430.

County Champs!
There was great scenes of excitement and delight in Fraher field last weekend when our Junior hurlers saw off a strong St.Marys team to become County Champions and put themselves back in the Intermediate field. Ballyduff were the stronger team from the start with great speed and level of fitness. There were some real standout performances but together they were a very tight unit and displayed a great committment and dedication to each other and their management and training team. It was heartwarming to see so many from the parish turn out to support the team. The club put in great work to encourage the game from academy level up and the excitement on the faces of the children is something I will never forget. Of course the reception the guys got when they brought the cup to Ballyduff N.S on the Monday was spectacular. The children cheered and waved their well made flags and signs. It was a great experience for the children to see lads from their own club show them what can be achieved with hard work and committment. As I write these notes the lads are getting prepared to take on Kilgarvan from Kerry but as you read these notes you will know what happened so hopefully you are smiling.

A Friend To All

Our parish is most certainly a much poorer place following the death of one of its most popular characters Willie Melvey. Willie was what I would describe as a lovable rogue. He had a natural charm that automatically drew people to him. There is no possible way you could count how many friends he had because he was a friend to everyone and could make you smile no matter what kind of day you were having. His great love and connection with nature was always evident as he fed the birds, took care of the swans on Knockaderry Lake and tended to his garden. He was a man of tremendous faith and I think Fr. O Byrne hit the nail on the head when he likened Willie to St. Francis of Assissi. May Willies’ gentle soul rest in peace and may his kind nature in spire us all.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played by Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club are as follows:
1st: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
2nd: Bertha O Connor and Catherine Power.
3rd: Geraldine McMahon and Anna Harvey.
4th: Ann Cox and Peggy Murphy.

Autumn Stations

It is hard to believe that the Autumn station masses are now coming to a close. The last of the station masses will be the mass for Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road and will take place in the home of Dympna and Tom Keegan on Friday October 28th at 8pm.
As the station masses come to a close Fr.Mick would like to thank those who hosted station masses and all those who attended. He would also like to thank all those who handed in their station dues.

AGM

The High Road/Ballyduff community alert group will hold their AGM on November 7th at 8.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre
All are welcome to come along to this meeting.

Walk For Cancer

The staff and management of our local Centra are taking part in Centra’s nationwide walks for cancer. On Saturday October 29th you are invited along to Centra in Kilmeaden at 12 noon to take part in a walk in aid of those suffering from cancer. On your return to Centra there will be tea and coffee on offer. There will also be some lovely spot prizes.
This walk is not a race or competition and so is for all capabilities. Children and buggys are welcome. Come along and enjoy a chat and a laugh while taking in the sights and sounds of our beautiful countryside.

Running Group.

The grounds at Ballyduff AFC boast a fabulous 450 metre floodlit running track and so it has been decided to try start up a Saturday morning beginners group. This will be run by instructor Seamus Doyle from Balance Fitness and he will demonstrate the correct running techniques like posture, pace and breathing. This group will begin on November 5th at 11am and will run for 4 Saturdays. The fee of €25 which is payable at the first session also entitles you to free access to the running track during the four weeks. A minimum of 8 people are needed to run the course so if you are interested please book your place with Seamus Doyle on 087 7864013 or Tony Latham on 087 2861430.

Our Sympathies.
We extend our sympathies to the Daly family on the recent death of Liz Daly in Dingle. Liz, her husband Sean and their family were of course popular residents of Ballyduff Village for many years. May she rest in peace.
We also extend our sympathy to Liza O Neill of Matthews Cross on the recent death of her uncle Richie Dwyer in Duncannon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

Baby Delight.
Congratulations and Best wishes to John and Joanne Whelan of Matthews Cross on the birth of their beautiful baby boy recently. Baby has been given the strong name Tom which I am sure brings great pride to both sides of the family. I am sure Daddy John has gained so much experience from the creche that Joanne won’t have to lift a finger!! We hope that John, Joanne and Tom enjoy a lifetime of good health and happiness.

Bridge News.

The results from the latest two bridge games played by the Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club are as follows:

3/10/2016

1st: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.
2nd:Bertha O Connor and Kate Hayes.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Margaret Power and Margaret White.

10/10/2016

1st:Sean Hennessy and Fr. Michael O Byrne.
2nd:Celia Nugent and Mary Kennedy.
3rd:Kate Hayes and Michael O Donovan
4th:Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the GAA lotto draw on October 9th were 10,20,23 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Dave Roche, Jackie O Brien and Padraig Dunphy. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday October 23rd and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €5000 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday 22nd all day.

Our Sympathies.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Martin Cornwell, Ballyduff West on the recent death of his beloved mother Mrs. Maura Cornwell who was a resident of Williamstown Park. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Martin, Alison, Brianan and Neasa and all their extended family. May she rest in peace.

Treat Yourself.

Do you fancy a nice little treat for yourself then come along to Ballyduff Community Centre on Saturday October 22nd at 8.30pm and enjoy one actress put on two plays which have received rave reviews. Well known actress Denise Quinn will perform Winsome Webster and Lady Bastible, two plays about two very different women. Admission is just €10 and there will be light refreshments served. Tickets can be booked by calling 087-3777230. I can tell you that the last time Denise came here with her one woman play, I laughed for days after it so go on you deserve a treat.

Walk With Centra

The management and staff of our local Centra in Kilmeaden are once again getting behind the Centra Cancer Walk this year. They invite you all to join them in their 5 mile walk in aid of the cancer charity on Saturday October 29th at 12 noon. This is not a race and is open to all ages and capabilities. I’m assured that there will be plenty of banter and laughs along the way and all paticipants will be entered into a raffle for some nice spot prizes. Light refreshments will be served on your return to Centra. If you have any queries please contact Vicky or Christine in Centra.

Community Alert Date.

The High Road/Ballyduff community alert group will hold their AGM on Monday November 7th in Ballyduff Community centre at 8.30pm. Please mark this important date in your diary and spread the news that all are welcome to attend.

Autumn Stations.

The Autumn station masses are now coming to a close and we are now down to the final four. On Tuesday October 18th the mass for Amberhill and Raheen will take place in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm. Thursday October 20th mass for Ballyduff Village, Hill and West will take place in the church at 7.30pm and on Friday October 21st the mass for Carriganure Upper, Knockaderry and Carrigphilip will be held in the home of Eleanor and Eoin Leane at 8pm. The last of the stations will take place on Friday October 28th at 8pm in the home of Dympna and Tom Keegan for the areas of Stonehouse, Whelansbridge and Lacka Road.

Recycle.

A reminder to you all that Ballyduff AFC are hosting a recycle collection at the club from now until November 11th. You can drop your items to the club grounds between the hours of 6pm and 8pm any weeknight. All clothes, bed linen, shoes, bags etc will be greatfully accepted for this fundraising event.

Eastern Final.

All roads lead to Walsh Park on Saturday October 15th at 2pm as Ballyduff take on Ballydurn in the hurling Eastern Final. The lads have put in a lot of training and effort into their preparation and have played some fine games in the run up to the final. It’s our chance to get behind the lads and cheer them on. Let’s see the red and white cover Walsh Park and hear the mighty Ballyduff cheer.

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses are continuing this week and on Thursday October 13th the mass for Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra will be at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Church. On Friday October 14th it is the turn of Newtown, Gortaclode and Cullinagh in the home of Joan and John Stephenson at 8pm. The mass for Amberhill and Raheen will take place in Ballyduff Church at 7.30pm on Tuesday October 18th.

Recycling Time

You may remember me telling you about the recycling drive that was coming up at Ballyduff AFC well get clearing;it has arrived. Collect up all your recyclable clothes, bed linen, curtains, shoes, bags etc and drop them to the club room at the soccer club any week night between 6pm and 8pm. This will run until November 11th so there is no excuse you have plenty of time to clear out those wardrobes and hot presses.

Parent and Toddler

A reminder to all parents, guardians and childminders that Ballyduff’s parent and toddler group run every Friday morning from 10am to 12 noon in Ballyduff community centre. This is a perfect opportunity for the adults to meet up for a chat and a cuppa while the babies and toddlers are busy playing toys and making new friends. You do not have to stay for the full two hours just pop in when you can.

Double Delight.

These good wishes are a bit late but I had my reasons for that. I wanted to give this family the time they needed to adjust to their new life and get the peace and quiet they needed to get themselves strong and ready to face the world. Tom and Jacinta Reddy were busy preparing for the arrival of their expected twins when those twins decided that life on the outside looked too exciting and interesting so they surprised everyone by arriving earlier than expected. Tom and Jacinta are over the moon to have been blessed with two beautiful daughters Ava and Sophia. Of course these delighted parents are very lucky to have great help at home from the girls big brother Scott. Scott is now in 3rd class and so has gathered a wealth of knowledge which he can pass on to his sisters. We sincerely wish this lovely family every happiness and may their futures be full of good health, happiness and laughter.

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club met for their usual bridge game on Monday September 26th and the results were as follows:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Ann Cox.
3rd: Anna Harney and John Fitzpatrick.
4th: Eileen Kirwan and Mary Kennedy.

Barn Dance.

Unfortunately the decision had to be made to cancel the planned barn dance. There was a slow uptake on tickets and so costs would have been just covered and no profit made so would have made no sence to run it. The committee thank all who had bought tickets and look forward to your support for future events. There will be plenty more events coming up so please keep an eye to these notes.
Remember there are still some slots available in the hall if you or anyone you know are interested in starting up an activity or class. The Winter time is creeping up on us and people are looking for new hobbies or maybe a card game, bingo etc. If you have any ideas or suggestions please contact Marie on 089-4348844.

Autumn Stations.

The Autumn station masses have now begun and the mass for Kildermody, Ross, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be held on Tuesday October 4th in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm. On Thursday October 6th it is the turn of Ballygarron, Ardeenlone, Lissahane and Shanbally in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm. On Thursday October 13th the mass for Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm and on Friday October 14th the mass for Newtown, Gortaclode and Cullinagh will be in the home of Joan and John Stephenson at 8pm.

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Bagge family on the death of Catherine(Kit) Bagge. Funeral mass and burial took place in Newtown. May she rest in peace.
We also extend our condolences to Michelle Dunphy of O Donnachas on the recent death of her beloved grandmother Ellen Boyce of Viewmount Park. May her soul now be at rest.
Our sympathy also goes to Joanne King and all her family on the death of her grandad Richard Ellis. May he now enjoy the peace of heaven.
Our deepest sympathy goes to The Larkin family on the death of Paddy Joe Larkin. His funeral mass and burial took place in Butlerstown and we now pray that he rests in gentle peace.

Mass Bookings.

The booking of anniversary masses for the months of October, November and December have now been taken. If you missed this booking or you simply forgot you can still contact me Linda Spillane and I will sort it for you. You can contact me on 051-399925 or 087-9838392.

Autumn Stations.

It is already time for the Autumn station masses to begin and the first of these will be for the areas of Matthews Cross, Adamstown and Ballyduff East in the home of Linda and Brian Spillane on Friday September 30th at 8pm.
The mass for Kildermody, Ross, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in Ballyduff church on Tuesday October 4th at 7.30pm.
On Thursday October 6th it will be the turn of Ballygarron, Ardeenlone and Shanbally in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm.

Community Alert.

The High Road/Ballyduff community alert group will hold their next meeting on Monday October 3rd in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. Local Garda representatives will be in attendance on the night. This meeting is open to everyone and new members are always welcome.

Ballyduff Community Centre.

It is wonderful to see so many groups using our local community centre and there are many activities now taking place in the centre. There is drama, tae kwon do, yoga, line dancing, youth club and many more however there is always room for more activities. Various people have asked about the possibility of running things like cards, bingo, knitting etc. Are any of you out there interested in running any of these or an idea of your own? If you are please contact Marie on 089-4348844.
The fundraising committee are a seperate group of people who come on board to organise some fundraising events for the centre. Examples of these successful events are Nollaig na mBan, Fashion Show and the much looked forward to Barn Dance. This group are always looking for volunteers to come on board to help run some fun events during the year. If you are interested you can contact Marie on the number above.

Barn Dance.

Excitement is certainly building for Ballyduffs Barn Dance which takes place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Saturday October 1st at 8.30pm. Line dancing classes are on the go for preparation, while every horse, donkey and ass in the parish are getting themselves new shoes for the event. The community centre will be transformed for the night and for just €20 you can enjoy delicious food and then you click those heels and enjoy the sounds of a live band who will cater for all tastes and when they finish you can boogie on to the disco beat. Dont worry you’ll be able to wet your whistle at the licensed bar on site. This is strictly an over 18’s event so leave the little people at home and come along and enjoy a night of great fun. Who knows you may even bag yourself one of the prizes for the most appropriately dressed male and female. Now I am letting you know that tickets are selling fast so pick up your phone and book your ticket with Marie on 089-4348844.

Balloon Release.

As you know our local best selling author of The Butterfly Barn series Karen Power has always highlighted the pain and grief families go through following the death of an infant. To mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness week, Karen in conjunction with the organisation Feileacain has organised a balloon release at the Tramore Coastguard Cultural Centre at 2.30pm on Sunday October 9th and all are welcome to this free event.

Autumn Clearout.

Are you having a clearout and wondering where you can bring your unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys? I have heard that Ballyduff AFC will soon be announcing the dates of their fundraising recycling event so perfect timing for your clearout. They can also accept laptops(with lead) and old mobile phones but please keep those seperate. Stay tuned to these notes and I will let you know the exact details the minute I know.

Contact

Don’t forget to let me know about anything you would like included in these weekly notes. You can contact me Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or spillanelinda@eircom.net

Tractor Run.

A huge congratulations to the Kilmeaden vintage tractor club and all who were involved in the recent tractor run. On Friday September 9th in Haughtons a cheque for €6,143.70 was presented to representatives from The Solas Centre. This is a fantastic amount and will help so much with the running and upkeep of such a service. The organisers of the tractor run would like to say a big thank you to all who took part, helped out on the day and contributed to the fund.

Parent and Toddler.

Following a well deserved break during the Summer months our local Parent and Toddler group are ready to spring back into action. They meet every Friday morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 10am to 12 noon. It is an ideal opportunity for mams,dads,childminders to come along with their babies and toddlers and have a cuppa, a chat and a play with others. It is a great way to meet people in your community and for your children to interact and make new friends. You are not expected to stay for the two hours so you can drop in at a time that suits you.

Comunity Alert.

The High Road/Ballyduff community alert group are also back following a Summer break although may I congratulate them on the many text alerts we received during the Summer holidays warning us of suspicious behaviour in our area. So they certainly didn’t just switch off for the holidays. They will hold a meeting in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday October 3rd at 8pm. There will be local Garda representatives in attendance. New members are always welcome so please spread the word around in your community area.

Bridge News.

The most recent game of bridge was played on Monday September 12th and the results were as follows:

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd: Kate Hayes and Michael O Donovan.
3rd: Mary Prendergast and John Fitzpatrick.
4th: Peggy Murphy and Margaret Power.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers 17, 18, 21 and 26 were drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw and there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Helen Power, St. Vincent de Paul and Claudia Mary. The next draw will take place on Sunday September 25th and will have a fabulous jackpot of €4,700. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 and will be on sale outside Centra all day on Saturday 24th.

Autumn Stations.

It’s that time of year again when we begin to speak about the Autumn station masses. The majority of the station masses are held in peoples homes but some are held in the church. No matter where the mass takes place it is always offered for the people of that station area. You will find a “stations dues” envelope in your yearly packet of envelopes or an ordinary envelope will be fine. The station dues are put into a common fund in the diocese along with the Christmas, Easter and Autumn collections. Money that priests receive for baptisms and weddings are also included. It is from this common fund that priests are paid a salary.
The station mass for Matthews Cross, Adamstown and Ballyduff East will be on Friday September 30th at 8pm in the home of Linda and Brian Spillane.
Mass for Kildermody, Ross, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm on Tuesday October 4th.
Mass for Ballygarron, Ardeenlone, Lissahane and Shanbally will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm on Thursday October 6th.

Barn Dance.

Everywhere I go I hear boots clicking and I see stetsons of every colour. Excitement is really growing for Ballyduff’s Barn Dance which will take place on Saturday October 1st in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets are just €20 which includes admission, hot food, dancing to the sounds of “Away With The Fairies” followed by a disco. There will be a licensed bar with plenty of ale to wet your whistle. Book your ticket now and secure your spot at the howdown. Ring Marie on 089-4348844 and get a ticket for this Autumn Barn Dance extravaganza.

Youth Drama

Ballyduff Youth Drama are back to put on another great production. This group cater for boys and girls in 5th and 6th classes and is always very popular. Registration will take place on Thursday 22nd of September from 7pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Places are limited so names will only be taken on registration night.

Bridge News.

The latest results of the bridge game played by Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club are as follows:

1st: Ann and William Tobin.
2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast
3rd: Eileen Kirwan and Margaret Power.
4th: Breda O Donnell and Pauline Fanning.

Tae Kwon Do Classes

Tae Kwon Do classes take place on Tuesday nights from 7pm to 8pm and Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. These classes are aimed at those who are 6 years and overand beginners are welcome. Your first class is free. Your instructor will be Michael Kearns ITF Eireann 2nd Dan Black Belt and you can contact Michael on 086-6033843.

Hospice Morning.

Have you invited your friends to join you for a coffee and a chat on Thursday September 15th in O Donnachas? This is a great opportunity for you to have a catch up with friends while supporting a very worthy cause. The Hospice as we all know do tremendous work and they give vital support and comfort to patients and their families. Like so many good charities however they dont receive the amount of funding they deserve and so it is up to us to do what we can to help them because lets face it many of us will use their service. Come along anytime between 9.30am and 12 noon on Thursday September 15th to O Donnachas and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Your support will be greatly appreciated and if you cant make it but would like to support you can pop your donation into O Donnachas or give it to me and I will pop it in the box for you.

Race Night.

Ballyduff Lower GAA club will host a race night on Saturday September17th in Kilcohan Greyhound Park and you are all invited along. This promises to be a night of great fun with novelty races and a raffle. Tickets cost just €10 or a family ticket for €20 which will admit 2 adults and 2 children. Come along and join in the fun.

Booking Of Masses.

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one for the months of October, November and December then bookings will take place after the weekend masses on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th. If you have a first anniversary or months mind during these months then please contact Linda Spillane before the booking so that she can give you preference over the dates. Masses are now shared so if you dont want to share please specify that to the person taking the bookings. You can contact Linda on 087-9838392.

A Little Lady.
We send our heartiest congrtaulations to Valarie Bagge and Stephen Bourke on the recent birth of their beautiful baby daughter Neasa. They will never be short of a babysitter with plenty of relations ready and eager. We wish this little happy family good health and happiness for the future.

Yoga Classes.

Now that the new school term has begun are you telling yourself that you would like to enter this new term with ease and a new lease of life then maybe yoga for beginners is just what you need. Classes will begin in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday September 26th from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and will run for 8 weeks. Come along and treat yourself to some me time while getting up and getting active. No yoga experience is needed. If you would like more information please contact Jenny on 086-1550325.

Ballyduff Barn Dance

Cast your mind back to such events as the Nollaig na mBan, The Fashion show etc and think about how successful and well run they were, well the group of women who organised these things are back with another great event. The Ballyduff Barn Dance will take place on Saturday October 1st in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets are now on sale and let me tell you they are already in demand. Tickets cost €20 which includes entry, finger licking food and toe tapping, knee knocking music from a band followed by a disco. There will be prizes on the night for the most appropriately dressed male and female. There will be a licenced bar on the night and there will be a strict over 18 policy. There will be plenty of parking so hitch up those wagons and let’s see you cowboys and cowgirls ride into town. We will have some hay and water outside for your horses and donkeys and any asses who may turn up on the night!!!!!Tickets are selling fast so book yours now with Marie on 089-4348844.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 3,5,6 and 18. The three lucky winners of the €50 lucky dip were Joan Casey, Ollie Harris and Brian Cuddihy. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday September 11th and will have a jackpot of €4,550. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale outside Centra all day on Saturday 10th.

Schoolbag Blessing.

As all the children and teenagers have returned to school now, the Bishop has contacted all the priests in the diocese and asked them to have a special blessing of all schoolbags. So at the weekend masses on Saturday September 10th and Sunday 11th all schoolbags will be given a special blessing. So simply bring along your schoolbag and it will be blessed during the mass.

Fun Run/Walk

A huge well done to all who were involved in organising the recent Liz Hayes memorial fun run and walk. Thankfully this year the weather was a lot kinder and there was a great atmosphere around the place. Following the event the runners and walkers returned to the community centre where there was a fine array of sandwiches and cakes. Well done to all who supported this event. All proceeds went to the community centre.
Wedded Bliss

We send our heartiest congratulations to local man Brian O Leary of Blacknock who travelled to Faithlegg church recently to marry his sweetheart Laura O Shea. Laura was trully a stunning bride and Brian made a handsome groom and their bridal party was made all the cuter by their children Cathal and Chloe. A wonderful reception was celebrated in The Woodlands hotel and on Sunday they were joined once again by family and friends in The Sweep. We wish this happy little family every best wish for the future.

Race Night.

Ballyduff GAA club will host a night at the dogs on Saturday September 17th. Make your way to Kilcohan to enjoy some fun racing, novelty races and raffle. Tickets cost just €10 with a family ticket for €20. This should be a great night so get your ticket now from any club member.

Coffee Morning

We all know the wonderful work which is done by The Hospice. They not only provide help and support to the patient but also to the patients family. Like every good charity they do not receive the funding they deserve and so rely heavily on the generosity of the public.
We have the opportunity to support them here in our area on Thursday September 15th when there will be a coffee morning in O Donnachas. All we have to do is spread the word and drop along with our friends for a nice cup of tea or coffee and one of O Donnachas world famous scones. What a nice way to spend an hour or two while helping a very worthwhile charity