Back To School.

That dreaded word school has surfaced again as our young students head off once again with their sharpened pencils and brand new copies. We all hope that each childs’ experience of school will be a positive one. May school be a place where they can be an individual, a place where they make lots of different friends and a place where each of them is encouraged to reach their full potential. We also wish all the teachers and staff a wonderful year and may they do their very best to see the potential in each different individual.
We say a special good luck to all the boys and girls heading to school for the very first time. This is always an emotional occasion but the children love all the new experiences they have. Good luck also to the young men and women off to secondary school, we know it can be a daunting experience but after a few weeks ye will be experts.

Hospice Morning

I want to give you a heads up about a coffee morning coming up soon in aid of The Hospice because I know it is a charity that is close to many of your hearts like mine. The coffee morning will take place on Thursday September 15th in O Donnachas and I know that ye will support this cause. I have had the honour of being asked to help out again this year but really all I have to do is try drum up some support and on the day chat and mingle and sure I do that in my sleep. O Donnachas take care of the freshly brewed tea and coffee and of course their world famous scones. I will give you more information in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!!

Our Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to Jimmy and Noel Fitzgerald and Alice O Brien on the recent death of their brother David (Dab) Fitzgerald who lived in Larchville. His funeral mass was celebrated in St.Pauls and he was then brought home to his native Ballyduff for burial. May he rest in peace.
We also offer our sympathy to Jim Power of Oldcourt on the death of his brother Willie Power in Portlaw. Willie was indeed deeply involved with the heritage centre in Portlaw and had a vast knowledge of the history of Portlaw and its surrounding areas. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.
Our sympathies also go to the Butler and Long families following the recent death of Kevin Butler in Portlaw. Kevin was a quiet man whose garden I always admired as I passed his house. We offer our support and prayers to his wife Martina and his extended family including his sister in law Eleanor and his niece and nephew Rachael and Darren Butler in Gortaclode. May he rest in gentle peace.

Sean Kelly Tour.

A huge congratulations to all those from the Ballyduff, Portlaw, Kilmeaden areas who took part in the different levels and stages of the Sean Kelly Tour last weekend. They battled through wet and windy conditions at times but made it through safely thank God.

Gone To The Dogs.

Do you fancy a visit to Kilcohan Greyhound Stadium for a night of racing and fun. Ballyduff GAA club will host a night of racing and fun on Saturday September 17th. There will be lots of races on the cards including novelty races and a raffle. Tickets are priced at €10 with a family ticket costing €20. This promises to be a great night so get your tickets early

Get In Touch.

As seasons change lots of activities resume and what a better way to let people know than through your local notes. I would be delighted to get a call or a text from you at 087-9838392 or an email on spillanelinda@eircom.net or indeed my favourite way is that old fashioned way, a conversation so stop me if you see me or indeed drop in for a cuppa, you’re always welcome. So if you would like me to include something in these notes just let me know!

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 5, 10, 16 and 17 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Alana Power, Jacqueline O Brien and The Sweep Gang. The next draw will take place on Sunday August 28th. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5. Tickets sellers will be at Centra in Kilmeaden all day Saturday 27th so get along and pick those 4 lucky numbers.

Results Are In.

The long wait is now over for all the students awaiting their Leaving Cert results and we say a huge well done and congratulations to all the young men and women from our area who did so well. To those who were prehaps a bit disappointed with points etc remember that there are many other routes you can take to achieve your goals. So take time to talk to the people in the know and discuss the options which are available to you. Exciting times lie ahead now for all these young people as they enter into the next chapter of their lives. Whether they head off to college, begin a trade, start a job or head off travelling we hope that their lives will be healthy and happy and that they will grab every opportunity they can.

Memorial Run/Walk.

The week has finally arrived for the annual Liz Hayes Memorial Fun 5 mile Run/Walk. Friday August 26th is the date set and I know many people are looking forward to taking part. It is actually strange to be at an event like this and not see Liz there. Community spirit ran through her veins and if she wasn’t taking part in an event it was because she was helping out. In honour of this lovely lady’s love for her parish I hope to see as many locals as possible taking part. We have many fine runners and walkers in our parish and to give you an extra encouragement there are extra prizes for the first male and female local person home.
The walkers will head off from Ballyduff church at 6.15pm and will be lead out by Olympic medalist John Deevy. The runners will be lead out by a very special guest at 7pm. The walkers and runners will take in the beautiful scenic route of Knockaderry which is spectacular. The race is chip pin timed and there are cash prizes for the winners with many spot prizes along the way too. WLR’s own John O Shea will provide the entertainment with lots of inspirational music to keep everybody motivated and there will be plenty of refreshments after the event.
The entry fee for this event is €10 and €5 for students and juniors and all money raised will go to Ballyduff Community Centre. A new roof is being put on the old part of the hall as we speak so all money will be received with great thanks.
Even if you are unable to take part in this event please come along and cheer and encourage. Lets keep the community spirit alive and well.

Unveiling Of Plaque.

I attended a lovely community event on Wednesday August 17th when our 1916 commemerative plaque was unveiled. The weather was a little damp but that didnt stop the people coming out to witness this event. Compere for the evening was world renowned D.J John O Shea and he made sure everything ran smoothly. Cllr. John O Leary opened the events explaining how the events and people of 1916 were so important to our history. The raising of our national flag was a job which had been set aside for that great local man Mossie Millea but unfortunately Mossie passed away a couple of weeks ago so stepping up in his grandads place with great pride was Keith Millea. I know Mossie would have been very proud. Local man Christy O Keeffe read our proclamation aloud with great pride and then some children from the parish told us a little bit about those who signed the proclamation. Michael Jnr Power read a 1916 poem with great passion and then you could have heard a pin drop when Sandra O Keeffe sang the song Grace in her usual heartfelt, melodic style. She was accompanied by her partner Anthony on guitar which he plays to perfection. Fr. Richard O Halloran then blessed the plaque before it was unveiled by John and Tony O Leary. On behalf of our local Tidy Towns committee Tony O Leary thanked everyone who had worked so hard to build this fabulous commemerative area and thanked all who had come out to be part of this historic moment. Refreshments were then served in the community hall which unfortunately I couldn’t attend due to another committment but I really enjoyed the evening so well done to all who organised it.

Girl Power.

A number of girls from our parish travelled to Croke Park at the end of July to play in a National Football Blitz. They played teams from Tipperary, Kilkenny, Athlone and Offaly and put on an amazing display of high class football. They showed tremendous team work and through their fantastic determination and fighting spirit many of the girls saw their names on the score sheet in Croke Park which is a brilliant achievement. To round off a great day the group went to an adventure centre for a friendly game of splatball and then got muddy and dirty on the assault course.
New members are always welcome to join the U8, U10, U12 and U13 teams so if you would like to find out more please call Mairead on 086-8656675 or pop down to the GAA pitch on a Saturday morning at 10am.

Newcastle Mass.

A reminder to you all that the annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm. In memory of all our ancestors who always walked to mass, a faith walk will depart from Ballyduff church from 6.30pm. The people on this walk will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will then be used during the mass in Newcastle. If the weather is not suitable for this outdoor mass, it will be held in Ballyduff church on the same night.

Fun Run/Walk

It is getting very close now to the annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile run/walk. Friday August 26th is the date set with walkers leaving from Ballyduff at 6.15pm and runners at 7pm. The entry fee is €10 for adults and €5 for students and juniors. The race is chip pin timed with cash prizes for the winners and spot prizes along the way. There will be refreshments served afterwards in the community centre and WLR D.J supreme John O Shea will keep you entertained throughout the event. Hope all our local energetic runners and walkers support this wonderful event.

A Gent Like No Other.

Even when somebody is sick for a long time and you know that they are getting lower day by day, their death can still come as a huge shock. This was how many people felt upon hearing of the death of Oliver Foley. The word gentleman can be mentioned all too loosely at times but Oliver was indeed a gentleman through and through. He was a devoted husband, a nurturing father, a caring grandad, a supportive brother,a loyal friend and a wonderful parishioner.
He was a book of knowledge about the history of this parish and beyond and had a huge interest in antiques. During his many years as an auctioneer he saw many fine houses and parcels of land bought and sold and his own home in Ballyduff displayed his love of gardening.
His greatest love however was for his beloved wife Greta whom he met on a blind date and they were the nearest I have ever seen to a perfect couple. Their love and devotion to each other was evident to all, the vows they took on their wedding day were with them till Oliver closed his eyes on this life. Growing up my mother always told us about the angels in heaven who were protecting us but she also told us of that chosen few sent to show us the way, these were the living angels on earth, people who gave themselves body and soul to help, comfort and care for each other with never a thought for themselves. To me I met one of those angels when I met Greta. A lady who gave her husband everything he wanted by caring for him at home when he was ill knowing that home is where he wanted to be. Greta is surrounded by her children and grandchildren and we hope that they all will find some comfort in the care and love they gave Oliver. His eyes lit up when any one of them walked in the door. Even though I saw Oliver on some of his darkest days my only picture of him is that lovely gentleman with the open necked collar and his neatly place cravat. That silver hair brushed back and a glint in his eye as he held hands with Greta, the girl of his dreams. May he now rest in peace where sickness and pain are no more. May his sweet, gentle soul now know the peace and comfort of the loving God in whom he had such faith. Ar Dheis De go raibh se.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played on Monday July 25th are as follows:

1st: Mary Kennedy and Breda Cowman.
2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
3rd: Fr. Michael O Byrne and Patsy Roche.
4th: Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest GAA lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 3, 10, 17 and 25. The three lucky dip winners who receive €50 each were Gavin O Rourke, Siobhan Power and Tony Latham.
The next draw will take place on Sunday August 14th in O Donnachas. There will be a fabulous jackpot of €4,250 on offer so get choosing those numbers carefully. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5. Tickets will be on sale outside Centra all day on Saturday August 13th so pick your lucky four numbers.

Wedded Bliss.

We extend our warmest congratulations to local couple Peter Doyle and Valarie Raher who returned home to tie the knot in their local place last weekend. Peter was beaming as he welcomed the love of his life Valarie who looked simply stunning up the aisle. A fabulous reception was held in The Tower Hotel and the celebrations overflowed to The Sweep in the following days. We wish this happy couple every happiness and success in their future lives together.

Plaque Unveiling.

If you have passed through Ballyduff Village in the past few days you will have noticed the lovely job which has been done on the erecting of our 1916 commemerative plaque by Ballyduff Tidy Towns. Each parish in Waterford was given a plaque with a small amount of funding by the Council with special instructions on how it was to be placed. It really is a beautiful job and great praise must go to those who spent their time and talent doing it. I am not going to name people because I am terrified that I would forget someone.
You are all cordially invited to the official unveiling of the plaque which will take place on Saturday August 13th at 4pm. This promises to be a lovely occasion with poetry, song and speech. Refreshments will be served in the community centre afterwards. It is hoped that we will all join together as a community to witness this unveiling.

Newcastle.

The ruins of Newcastle church and cemetery are situated in the Ardeenlone area and each year a mass is said there in memory of all our ancestors. The annual mass will take place on Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm. In memory of all our ancestors who always walked to mass, a faith walk will leave Ballyduff Church at 6.30pm and head for Newcastle. Those walking will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used during the mass. If the weather is not suitable the mass will be said in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm.

Fun Run/Walk

I met lots of people out during the week clocking up some miles in preparation for the annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 Mile Fun Run/Walk. The date is set for Friday August 26th with the entry fee set at €10 or €5 for students and juniors. The walkers will leave from Ballyduff Village at 6.15pm with the runners following on at 7pm. The run is chip pin timed with cash prizes on offer. This year there is an extra prize especially for the first local female and male home. There will be lots of spot prizes, tasty refreshments in the hall afterwards and of course our own John O Shea will keep you entertained with some great motivational music. If you would like any more information please consult the facebook page.

Cul Camp.

Well done to all involved with the running of the GAA Cul Camp recently. A big crowd attended and all of them had a great time. They were all thrilled of course to get a visit from Patrick Curran and Tadhg De Burca who brought along the U21 Munster Cup to show them. The club ran a camp for the academy players alongside the cul camp and it was great to see all the future little players having such a great time.

Newcastle Mass.

Our parish was once known as the parish of Newcastle/Portlaw. The remains of the Newcastle church and graveyard are situated in the Ardeenlone area. Each year we hold a special mass in the grounds of Newcastle in memory of all the people who attended there and are buried there. This year that mass takes place on Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm. Our own church in Ballyduff is two and a half miles away and in memory of all our ancestors who always walked to mass there will be a faith walk leaving the church that evening at 6.30pm. The walkers will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used at the Newcastle mass. All are welcome to take part in the faith walk and attend the mass.

5 Mile Run/Walk.

The Liz Hayes 5 Mile Memorial Fun Run/Walk is set this year for Friday August 26th. This event is for everyone whether you are a seasoned runner or someone who likes to go for a stroll. The route takes in the beautiful views around Knockaderry Lake and there is always plenty of fun and banter along the route. The walkers will head off from Ballyduff Village at 6.15pm and the runners will go at 7pm. Entry fee is €10 and €5 for students and juniors. The run is chip pin timed with cash prizes on offer. There will be extra prizes this year for the first local male and female home. We hope this will encourage as many locals as possible to take part. There will be delicious refreshments served afterwards and lots of spot prizes. John O Shea will keep everyone entertained and provide some inspirational music to keep you motivated. All money raised will go the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Fund.

Gods Neighbour.

When I was a little girl I used to think of Mossie Millea as Gods neighbour because he lived beside “Holy Gods House” and I think that I also believed that Mossie was one of those people who would also be around. So we were all heartbroken to hear of his death as we headed for mass on Sunday morning. Mossie was indeed a gentleman, kind, caring and devoted to his family. He devoted much of his life as sacristan of our church and did so with great dedication and devotion. Hail, rain or shine Mossie made sure that the church was in perfect order at all times. He was of course a great family man, devoted to his late wife Angela and their son Paul. He welcomed Pauls wife Helen into their family with open arms and then he trully delighted in his grandchildren Aidan, Aoife, Colm and Keith, an affection he received back 100%.Mossie was a friend to all who met him, loving a chat and treating everyone he met with respect. God could not have had a better neighbour for all these years so I hope he kept one of his most comfy chairs for him . We are comforted by the knowledge that Mossie and Angela are now reunited and together they will take care of their grandaughter Chloe. May this gentle ,kind man rest in peace and may he enjoy the peace of heaven. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

A True Lady.

Our parish was in mourning also this week following the death of Nellie Walsh nee Foran, The Bakery. Nellie was indeed one of lifes ladies. She was a quiet, unassuming woman who loved her garden. She was a devoted wife to Paddy and he returned that devotion in abundance. They spent the past few years in a nursing home and were happy there together. In an ideal world isn’t this how all marriages should be, acting out those vows everyday. May Nellie now rest in gentle peace and enjoy the peace and tranquility of her heavenly home.

Can You Help?

Following a number of recent funerals people have commented how lovely it was for the family and friends to come straight to the community centre after the funeral for some refreshments, a welcome cuppa and a chat. While the food is booked from caterers etc, it is volunteers who do the rest and it would be wonderful to be able to offer this service to people if needed. I am therefore trying to put a list together of volunteers who may be available to help. Our purpose would be simply to set up the hall, serve the tea and coffee and clean up afterwards. When a funeral would accur I would simply send a text to all the volunteers and then anyone available would cover that funeral and hopefully we would have enough volunteers so that the same people would not need to do it everytime. If you feel you could help from time to time please give your name to myself Linda Spillane or Kathleen Harris.

Graveyard Mass.

I know that like me,many of you have relatives and friends buried in Butlerstown graveyard and so I just wanted to inform you that they will hold their annual graveyard mass on Thursday July 28th at 7.30pm. Please God the weather will be kind and the mass can be held outdoors.

Wedding Bells.

We send our warmest wishes and congratulations to local man Mark O Brien who married his beautiful bride Paulina Pieczonka in Krakow, Poland recently. Mark is of course a well known painter and decorator and son of Billy and Alice in Ballyduff Village. Many family and friends travelled to Poland to witness the happy event and I hear that everyone had a wonderful time. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.

Bridge News.

The results of the bridge game played on Monday July 18th are as follows;

1st: Mary Kennedy and Breda Cowman.
2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes.
3rd: Nan Murphy and Patsy Roche.
4th: Margaret White and Anna Marie Brown.
GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 3, 5, 11, and 28 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 were Ben O Donnell, Anne Costello and E Verling.
The next draw will take place on July 31st in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €4100. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and will be on sale outside Centra all day on Saturday July 30th. Get your tickets and choose those four lucky numbers carefully.

Golf Thanks.

Ballyduff AFC would like to thank everybody who took part in their recent Golf Classic. A full list of their sponsors is available on their facebook page and website.
The club would also like to thank Bobby and Noreen from Centra in Kilmeaden for sponsoring a set of shorts and socks for the First Division. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.

Starstruck

Have you some budding performers on your hands who would like to take to the stage to sing, act and dance. Starstruck Theatre school will begin classes on August 8th in Ballyduff Community Centre.The school is for ages 6 to 18 years and will have 2 terms each year from February to May and August to November. The classes will be broken into different age groups with two classes per week on Mondays and Wednesdays at a cost of €5 per class and an annual fee of €10 for insurance.
To find out more an information and registation evening will be held in Ballyduff Community Centre on Wednesday July 27th at 7pm. All parents and children are welcome to come along and hear what it is all about before making a decision.

Newcastle Date.

Although we are now known as the parish of Balyduff/Portlaw we were once known as the parish of Newcastle/Portlaw. The ruins of the old church and its cemetery remain in the area of Ardeenlone. Former Parish Priest Fr. Matt Power was buried there in 1810, 12 years before Ballyduff church was built. Mark your diary for Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm for the annual Newcastle mass. Ballyduff church is about 2 and a half miles from Newcastle and in memory of all our ancestors who walked to mass we will hold a faith walk leaving from Ballyduff at 6.30pm. The walkers will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will be used during the mass. If the weather is unsuitable then the mass will be held in Ballyduff Church on the same evening at 7.30pm.

5 Mile Fun Run.

Another date for your diary is Friday August 26th when the annual Liz(Eilis) Hayes Memorial 5 Mile Fun Run will take place. It is hoped this year to get as many locals as possible involved whether running, walking or cheering. Any of you who had the pleasure of knowing Liz Hayes will know that she was a great community woman and came out to support every local event so here is your chance to follow in her footsteps. We have many enthusiastic walkers and runners in our area so I am sure they will be lining up on that starting line. To encourage more local involvement there will be a prize for the first male and female from the area home.
The walk will set off from Ballyduff village at 6.15pm and the runners will go at 7pm. Entry fee is €10 and €5 for students and juniors and all proceeds will go to Ballyduff Communiy Centre. John O Shea will provide musical entertainment during the event and refreshments will be sreved afterwards. The run will be chip pin timed and will have cash prizes and lots of spot prizes on the way. Off you go now and get training!!

Water Safety.

The Irish Water Safety Association will hold swimming and life saving classes in Boatstrand from Monday July 25th to Saturday July 30th. Registration for these classes will take place in Boatstrand at 10am on Saturday July 23rd.

Graveyard Mass

On Wednesday night July 13th a very large crowd attended our annual graveyard mass. The Lord was very kind to us with the weather and it was lovely to see everyone join together in the evening sunshine to remember their loved ones. Mass was celebrated by Fr.O Byrne and he was joined on the night by Fr. Don Moran home to his native place from England to enjoy his Golden jubilee. Fr.O Byrne made a special appeal to people at the mass to please to please bring home any old flowers or wreaths with them when they are visiting their graves. When they are left dumped in the graveyard it gives the place a very untidy appearance and so he pleaded with people to bring home their own items for dumping. Our local choir sang some beautiful hymns throughout the mass which really enhanced the occasion and we wish them well as they now take a little Summer break.
It was lovely to see so many people come to the community centre for some refreshments after the mass and may I say a personal thank you to all the lovely ladies who helped me out with the setting up, serving and cleaning, I really appreciate your help. A big thank you to all who baked buns, cakes, tarts etc and all those who dropped in biscuits, cakes etc. Your generosity was very much appreciated. As I am always saying we live in a great little community where you ask for help and it just arrives.

GAA Academy.

Ballyduff Lower GAA academy has really gone from strength to strength this year with large numbers enrolled. The academy has been wonderful for children to exercise and learn new skills in a fun and relaxed environment. The academy will take a short little break but will return stronger and better than ever on August 10th. During the break they will introduce their academy all-star awards on the Ballyduff GAA facebook page to acknowledge all the great work the children have put in.

Bridge News.

I have the results of the last couple of bridge games which were played:

July 4th:Summer Party Night.

1st: Peggy Murphy and Nano Fitzgerald.
2nd: Fr.O Byrne and William Tobin.
3rd:Anna Ryan and Catherine Power
4th: Kate Hayes and Patsy Roche.
5th:Mary O Brien and Margaret Power

July 11th:

1st: Patsy Roche and Fr. O Byrne
2nd: Mary Prendrgast and Bertha O Connor.
3rd: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
4th: Breda Cowman and Mary Kennedy.

Soccer Camp.

The organisers of the recent Summer Soccer Camp at the Ballyduff AFC grounds would like to say a big thank you to all who participated in and supported the camp. Over 60 children took part over the 5 days and they really enjoyed it. A big thank you to the coaches Karen Kelly, Jack Harrington, John Flynn and Megan Carroll.

A Little Princess.

We welcome another little bundle of joy to Matthews Cross this week. We sincerely congratulate Brian and Shella Kenny on the birth of their daughter Leah Kate Kenny. We are all delighted to hear of her safe arrival and delighted to welcome her to the neighbourhood. Of course she is a very lucky girl to have big sister Ellie at home to help her settle in and teach her the tricks of the trade. We wish this lovely little family the very best of everything in the future.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 2,3,18 and 23. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mary Power, Rory Smith and Fearne Carey. The next draw will take place on Sunday July 17th in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €3,950. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday July 16th or from club members.

Tractor Run.

Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their annual tractor run on Sunday July 17th. They will leave from Haughtons at 1pm sharp and all are welcome to join in or simply just relax and watch this fine display of machines. This is always a very popular event and one I look forward to each year. All proceeds on the day go to The Solas Centre and you don’t need me to tell you what great work they do. If you would like some more information about this event then please contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087-647266.

Graveyard Mass.

Our annual cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday July 13th at 7.30pm. If the weather is unkind the mass will be said in the church. Many people from other areas have loved ones buried in our graveyard so please spread the word. If you tidying up a grave during the week please remember to bring home your old wreaths and flowers. This all helps to keep our graveyard looking clean and tidy.
Following the mass there will be a few refreshments in the community centre and we hope you will all attend. This is a lovely chance for people to catch up with old friends and new. If any of you would like to donate some cakes or biscuits please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or I will be up in the hall from 6.30pm on the evening of the mass.

Celebrations.

Congratulations to local councillor John O Leary who was recently elected Chairperson of the Comeragh District. It was indeed a very proud day for John and for his family. He was accompanied to the Civic Offices by his wife Eileen, his daughter Edwina, his son Brian, his soon to be daughter in law Laura and his two grandchildren Cathal and Chloe. Watching on also with pride on the day were many members of his extended family.
We wish John the very best of luck for his term in office and we know that as a very proud Waterford man he will work hard to fight for the needs of his district.

A Little Gem.

Another new parishioner arrived into the area this week. We send heartfelt congratulations to my brother Neil and Liza on the safe arrival of their beautiful son Harry. We are all thrilled to welcome Harry into the family and were delighted to see him settled safely into his home in Matthews Cross. Of course he will have no trouble in settling in with big sister Lily as his guide. She will no doubt teach him all he needs to know to get mammy and daddy exactly where they want them. Congratulations to grandparents Noel and Nancy O Sullivan and Leonard and Peggy O Neill who we know will be on hand to babysit whenever they are needed. We the O Sullivan and O Neill clans welcome baby Harry into the fold and look forward to watching him grow up with all his cousins.

Cul Camp

It’s that time of year again and the very popular Cul Camp. The Ballyduff Cul Camp will run this year from July 25th to July 29th in Tom Cheasty Park from 10am to 2.30pm daily. The cost of the camp is €55 which includes the camp/kit/bag. To book your place go online to https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
The club will also run an academy camp for U6 on the same week from 10am to 12.30pm. The cost for this is €25 or €55 if you would like the kit. If you would like to book a place please contact Jenny Dempsey or Brian Hearne

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game are as follows:

1st: Geraldine McMahon and Joan Hartery.
2nd: Patsy Roche and John Fitzpatrick.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Ann Marie Brown
4th: Pauline Fanning and Ian Granden.

Tractor Run.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor club will host their annual tractor run on Sunday July 17th. They will depart from Haughtons at 1pm sharp and take in the beautiful scenery of our area. If you would like to get some more information on this event then please contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087-1647266. All proceeds on the day go to The Solas Centre.

Cemetery Mass.

The annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday July 13th at 7.30pm and we would ask that you would spread this information to people in neighbouring parishes and beyond who have relatives or friends buried in our graveyard. We make a special plea to you all if you are tidying up your graves then please bring a rubbish bag and bring home any old wreaths or flowers you may have to dispose of. This all helps to keep our graveyard looking clean and tidy and I think that you will all agree that’s what our loved ones deserve.
After the mass we will serve some tea and light refreshments in the community centre. This is a lovely opportunity for people to get together for a chat. If you would like to donate some home baking etc then please contact me Linda Spillane and we would be very grateful.

School’s Out.

Ballyduff NS have now broken up for their annual Summer holidays and we wish all the pupils and staff a very safe and happy Summer. I had the pleasure of attending their final assembly on the day they got their holidays. It was lovely to see pupils receive their medals of participation in hurling, football and basketball. Many students also received full attendance certificates. I was actually disappointed not to receive one myself for being there every day myself but I suppose you have to go further than the carpark. A special framed attendance cert was presented to 6th class student Sean O Rourke who hadn’t missed a day during his 8 years in primary school. What dedication and commitment that takes, traits which will stand to him throughout his life. I know his parents Gavin and Nicola are very proud of him and what a fine example he is showing his sisters Lexi and Ciara and I can say that there are some very proud grandparents too!!

Sacristans Collection.

As you all know by now we have a new church sacristan with a number of months and what a wonderful job she is doing. Ann Nolan who lives in the shadow of the church in Ballyduff Village has taken to the role as a duck to water and to me personally that is no surprise. Ann has a warm and welcoming nature and takes her work very seriously and gives great attention to detail. Speaking to Ann recently she told me that she is really enjoying the role and loves meeting all the different people. We all know that this by no means an easy job, it takes great commitment and there is a lot to remember. We can show our appreciation by contributing to the annual sacristans collection which will be taken up by means of a second collection at the weekend masses on Saturday July 9th and Sunday July 10th. We trust that you will be as generous as possible.

All Ireland.

We have another All Ireland winner in our parish. Billy Flanagan from Amberhill took home the title recently with his All Ireland winning pigeons. I happened to see some of these pigeons in action one day when I came across Billy releasing them for a practice run. I was amazed when he told me about the distances then can travel and then simply arrive home to Amberhill.Of course there is a lot of training and commitment needed to excel in this sport and that hard work reaps the awards. Billy will soon represent his country in the World Championships and we wish him the very best of luck.

GAA Academy

Our local U8 footballers recently hosted a blitz in Tom Cheasty Park competing against four teams. This squad of players once again gave a fantastic evening of entertainment winning two of their games. This is brilliant when you remember that most of the squad are U7 and half of them are U6. Well done to their fan club who cheered them on from the sideline and provided a great atmosphere..Thank you to Chloe and Ross for their assistance with refereeing on the night.

100 years.

Kilmeaden Co-op will celebrate its centenary with a great day of celebrations at Countrylife in Kilmeaden next Friday July 8th. The centenary committee have been working hard to organise this celebration and have been putting together as much information and photgraphs that they could get their hands on and will have them on display. There will be plenty of offers and discounts in store, a free bbq, tea ,sandwiches, bouncy castle and face painting. WLR will broadcast from the store from 12 noon to 3pm. The committee hope to see old customers and new, former workers and colleagues. Come along and help celebrate 100 years of the great institution which was and is the Co-op.

GAA Lotto

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 12, 13, 21 and 22. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night were Eileen Power, Donal Daly and David Power. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday July 3rd. There will be a fantastic jackpot of €3,800 up for grabs so get your ticket early. Tickets cost €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale on Saturday July 2nd at Centra
I would like to wish Kathleen Power a very speedy recovery . Kathleen sends me on the lotto results every fortnight and would you believe she is still sending them from her hospital bed. Now there’s dedication. We hope Kathleen will be back home soon.

AGM.

Ballyduff Soccer Club will hold their AGM on Thursday June 30th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to come along and get involved in their local club.

GAA Academy

The academy U8’s participated recently in a football blitz in Rathgormack. They came up against teams from the county’s senior clubs but the squad were fantastic with one narrow defeat, a draw and an emphatic victory. Each member of the team gave a great all round performance and it was great to see so many parents cheering on from the sideliness .These are a determined little bunch of players and have provided great fun and enjoyment all year and the future is certainly looking positive for the club. Academy training continues on Saturday mornings at 10.30am in the GAA field and all are welcome to join.

Summer Disco.

Ballyduff Community Centre held an end of year disco for our primary school children and a great time was had by all. Local DJ John O Shea was on hand to provide the entertainment and there were some serious dancers out on the floor. The children were delighted to cool off at the end with a free ice cream for everyone.

Soccer Camp.

Ballyduff AFC will host their Summer Soccer Activity Camp from July 4th to July 8th from 10am to 2pm daily. The camp is open to all boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years. To book your place or get some more information please contact Paddy Kirk on 087-2764883.

Golf Time.

Have you picked your team yet? Ballyduff AFC are getting involved in the Waterford Sports Club Golf Classic. This will take place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of July in Waterford Golf Club. A team of 4 costs €120 which includes a meal. If you are interested please call Paddy Kirk.

Your Notes.

If you would like to include anything in these notes then please contact me by a Thursday evening of each week. You can get by call or text on 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda@eircom.net or indeed just stop me for a chat.