Community Alert.

The High Road/Ballyduff Community Alert group will hold their next meeting in the community hall on Monday April 18th at 8pm. This will be the final meeting before the Summer break and so it will be your last chance to pay your annual €5 charge for the text alert scheme. Anyone who hasn’t paid after the meeting will be automatically removed from the text alert.
Attending the meeting will be Chief Superintendent Pat Murphy and Superintendent John Mulligan. All are welcome to attend.

Fundraising Night.

You might notice a lot of nervous, shy looking fellas going around the area this week as they get ready to have themselves waxed or shaved. Ballyduff Lowers players fundraiser wax or shave will take place in The Sweep on Saturday April 16th at 8pm sharp. This promises to be a great night with lots of laughs and a few shouts of agony I’d say. There will be music and food and lots of lovely spot prizes.

Gaelic For Girls.

A shout out to all girls aged 8 to 12 years old who would like to take part a new exciting programme called Gaelic For Girls. Ballyduff were lucky to be picked to take part in this programme which introduces girls to football in a fun environment. The programme will run for 8 weeks at a cost of €8 which includes a t-shirt and a completition certificate at the end. The programme will begin on Saturday April 16th at 10am and if you are interested please contact Karen Dobbyn on 087-68220473.

Lost Property.

During the Easter holidays a drone was found in the Kilmeaden area and the finder is anxious to get it back to its rightful owner. If you think that this may be yours then please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and I will pass your details onto the finder.

Birthday Girls.

Want to take this opportunity to wish some important girls in my family a happy birthday. A big happy birthday to Nicole Archer in Georges Street, Portlaw who celebrated her 21st birthday on April 6th. I’m sure the gang in college in Cork helped her celebrate and I know her mam, John and Sean will have lead the celebrations at home. Meanwhile back at Matthews Cross our little cutie Lily O Sullivan celebrated her very important first birthday on April 8th. I know that between us O ‘ Sullivans and O Neills she may have been a bit spoilt but sure thats what happens when you’re cute. I run the risk of being murdered but I would also like to send birthday wishes to my mother Nancy who celebrated her birthday on April 9th. She wasn’t one or twenty one but did admit to having a bit of vat on 21 !!!!!!

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns Group are doing a fabulous job around our area and it is up to us as individuals to help out whatever way we can. A good way to get involved and get the whole family involved is to go along to the regular litter pick ups which are organised by the group. The next one is arranged for Saturday April 9th from 10am to 1pm. The group will meet at Centra and all helpers will be very welcome.

Hurling Academy.

The future of hurling is certainly looking bright in Ballyduff from the reports I heard back recently from a blitz competition held in Tramore . I hear our Under 7 hurling academy dug in all day and showed great effort against stern opposition from Tramore and Na Gaeil. There were some marvellous goals scored in all the games and most importantly of all great enjoyment was had. The organisers would like to thank all the parents for their great support.

Bridge News.

The results of the bridge game played on March 21st and the winners of some tasty Easter Eggs were as follows:
1st:Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
2nd:Margaret Power and Mary Prendergast
3rd: Genelia Rowley and Ann Kennedy.
4th:Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.

The winners on March 29th were:
1st:Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Mary O Brien and Margaret White.
3rd:Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.
4th:Nan Murphy and AnnMarie Brown.

Wax or Shave.

There will be a Ballyduff Lower Players Fundraiser on Saturday April 16th 2016 at 8pm in the Sweep Bar. This night will see some volunteers (and I use that word loosely) getting some waxing or shaving done. Come along and support them and have a laugh or two along the way.

Hall News.

Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Company are now inviting expressions of interest from anyone wishing to tender for the job of reroofing of the old part of the hall. To show your interest please do so by email only by sending your name and details to decfinn@gofree.indigo.ie

Gaelic For Girls

As I have already informed you Ballyduff have been selected to take part in the Gaelic For Girls programme. Aimed at girls aged 8-12 years this programme introduces them to football in a fun and friendly environment. The programme begins on Saturday April 16th from 10am to 11am and costs just €8. At the end of the programme each girl will receive a t-shirt and a certificate. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact Karen Dobbyn on 087-68220473.

Recent Death.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Michael Walsh, Matthews Cross on the recent death of his wife Lyn. We offer our prayers and support to all the Walsh family at this sad time. May she rest in peace.

Church News.

We recently took bookings for anniversary masses for the months of April, May and June but there are still some dates available. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one within these months please contact myself Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and I will look after it for you.
If there are any of you who would like to read at mass then please contact me Linda too. I have heard many great readers at funerals and anniversary masses lately and we would love to have you on the list. You will not be asked too often as the readings are mostly done by the family of the person on the anniversary

Your Notes.

If you as an individual or a group or organisation would like me to include anything in these parish notes for you then please contact me each week by a Thursday evening. You can get me on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or email me at spillanelinda@eircom.net or as I have said before if you see me out and about give me a shout!!

Gaelic For Girls.

Ballyduff received the great news recently that they have been selected to take part in a new exciting programme called Gaelic For Girls. This programme is aimed at girls aged 8-12 years old and introduces them to football in a fun environment. The programme runs for 8 weeks and when completed the participants receive a t-shirt and a certificate. The cost is just €8 and begins on Saturday April 16th at 10am until 11am. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact Karen Dobbyn on 087-68220473.

Church News.

Please note that gluten free holy communion is now available at all masses in our church. If you would like to avail of this please inform the sacristan before mass.
Fr.Mick and Fr.Richard would like to say a huge thank you to all who helped out during the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies. This is always a busy time in the churchs’ calendar and so they are very grateful for all the help they receive. They also thank everyone who have returned their Trocaire boxes and if you have not done so please do so as quickly as possible. The sooner the money is counted and sent off, the sooner the good work can begin.

Equestrian Success.

The great love of horses is very evident in our parish and it is wonderful to see two more young ladies from our parish excelling in this sport which they love with a passion.
Emily Laffan recently travelled to Ballen, Co. Carlow to take part in the National Schools hunter trials. She represented her school Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas with her team mates Maud and Percy O Callaghan. They finished the trials in 16th place out of 67 teams who took part. This is a fantastic achievement.
Another local lady Kate Foley has also been given some great news this week. Kate has made her way onto the Irish squad for the Irish Pony Clubs tretatalon team. This is again a fabulous achievement.
While I know that these two ladies put in a lot of hard work and dedication into their sport, I also know that they have very supportitive parents behind them. I congratulate Jim and Lorraine Laffan and Eleanor and Sherlock Foley who have made sure the girls have been given every opportunity possible. I’m sure their reward is to see the love and enjoyment the girls get from what they do.

Dawn Players.

The curtain has now come down on Dawn Players production of “Seperate Beds”. This production was a huge success with great crowds packing in each night. The play was a very funny comedy with lots of laughs from beginning to finish. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this production and would even say it was one of my favourites. It was indeed excellently cast with each actor/actress suiting their parts completely. A huge well done to all the cast and the huge crew of volunteers who help backstage and front of house etc. Producer Declan Finn and Director Denise Quinn can be hugely proud of this production and we thank all involved for lifting our spirits and giving us such a great night out.

Community Centre News.

Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Company wish to announce that would now like to replace the roof of the old part of the community centre and wish to hear from anyone wishing to express an interest in tendering for this job. Please submit your name and details by email only to Declan Finn on decfinn@gofree.indigo.ie
Many thanks to all the young people who recently attended the Easter disco. Many thanks to D.J supreme John O Shea who kept everyone on the dance floor and thanks also to the Easter Bunny who dropped in for a visit. €564 was raised for the hall.
Thanks also to all who bought raffle tickets at Centra for the beautiful Easter hamper. €626 was raised from this and the lucky winner of the hamper was Philip Hoban.

Beautiful Wedding.

Saint Nicholas’ church, Ballyduff was the scene for a most beautiful wedding recently. Breda Kennedy, Stonehouse only daughter of Martin and Margaret and sister to Jack looked stunningly beautiful as she arrived at her local parish church. The bride beamed brightly as she exchanged vows with the love of her life Cormac O Brien. The celebrant officiating at the ceremony was local man and good friend of the family Fr. John Harris. The reception was held in the Faithlegg House Hotel where I hear a great time was had by all. We wish every happiness to this lovely young couple in their future lives together.

Tidy Towns News.

Each community has been given a 1916 remembrance plaque by the County and City Council and the Tidy Towns committee would like to get your opinion about where to place it. Please meet them in the village green after mass this Thursday 24th of March around 8pm and give your opinion. It would be very helpful if they had as many people as possible and representatives from the different clubs and organisations in the community.
The group would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Tus worker Declan(Decky) Power. I met Decky last week and he was doing a fantastic job. We know he will be a great asset to the area.

Gaelic For Girls.

Ballyduff received the great news recently that they have been selected to take part in a new exciting programme called Gaelic For Girls. This programme is aimed at girls aged 8-12 years old and introduces them to football in a fun environment. The programme runs for 8 weeks and when completed the participants receive a t-shirt and a certificate. The cost for the entire programme is €8 and begins on Saturday April 16th at 10am until 11am. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Karen Dobbyn on 087-68220473.

Church News.

Please take note that gluten free holy communion is now available in our church. If would like to avail of this please inform the sacristan before mass.
As you know Holy Week is a very busy time in the church calendar and so here is a list of the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies.
Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd- mass at 10am.
Holy Thursday 24th- Mass of the Last supper at 7.30pm which includes the washing of the feet. This is an ideal day to bring back your Trocaire box.
Good Friday 25th- Reading of the Passion, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion at 3pm.
Good Friday 25th- Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm. There will be a collection for the upkeep of the holy places of Jerusalem.
Holy Saturday 26th at 9pm- This is the most colourful and joyous occasion for the church which includes the Easter fire, blessing of Easter water, lighting of the new Easter candle and we renew our baptisimal promises.
Easter Sunday 27th- The glorious Easter morning mass at 10am.

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is taken up over Easter weekend and they appreciate your generosity.
Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard would like to wish you all a happy and holy Easter.

Equestrian Success.

The great love of horses is very evident in our parish and it is wonderful to see two more young ladies from our parish excelling in this sport which they love with a passion.
Emily Laffan recently travelled to Ballen, Co. Carlow to take part in the National Schools hunter trials. She represented Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas with her team mates Maud and Percy O Callaghan. They finished the trials in 16th place out of 67 teams who took part. This is a fantastic achievement.
Another local lady Kate Foley has also been given some great news this week. Kate has made her way onto the Irish squad for the Irish pony club tretatalon team. This is again a fabulous achievement.
While I know these two ladies put in a lot of hard work and dedication into their sport, I also congratulate their parents Jim and Lorraine Laffan and Eleanor and Sherlock Foley who support them fully and have made sure they have had all these opportunities. I’m sure their reward is to see the love and enjoyment the girls get from what they do.

Dawn Players.

The curtain has now come down on Dawn Players production of “Seperate Beds”. This production was a huge success with great crowds packing in each night. The play was a very funny comedy with lots of laughs from beginning to finish. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this production and would even say it was one of my favourites. It was indeed excellently cast with each actor/actress suiting their character completely. A huge well done to all the cast and the huge crew of volunteers who help backstage and front of house etc. Producer Declan Finn and Director Denise Quinn can be hugely proud of this production and we thank all involved for lifting our spirits and giving us such a great night out.

Book A Mass.

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one during the months of April, May and June, then bookings will be taken after both of the weekend masses on Saturday March 19th and Sunday March 20th. Masses now need to be shared due to the high demand but if you have a First anniversary during these months you will be given a mass on your own and on the date you choose. It is important that we know about these dates before the bookings so if you have a First anniversary please call Linda Spillane on 051-399925 or 087-9838392 during this week and she will look after you.

Community Alert.

The next meeting of our local community alert group will take place on Monday March 21st at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting. At the previous meeting it was decided that a €5 yearly charge would be collected from all those using the text alert scheme and this is payable at Mondays meeting.

Disco Delight.

Our children will start their Easter holidays this week and no better way for them to kick them off than dancing to all their favourite music. A childrens disco will take place in the Community Centre on Tuesday March 15th from 6.30pm to 8pm. News of this disco has spread and I hear from my secret sources that the Easter Bunny is planning on dropping in and bursting some moves. Admission is €5 so drop in and have some fun.

Peace Proms.

We say a huge congratulations to the pupils from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff N.S who travelled to The Hub in Kilkenny recently to take part in The Peace Proms. They joined with hundreds of other pupils from different parts of Ireland and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland in front of around two thousand people and provided them with a musical and visual treat. I spoke to many parents who were at the concert and they were full of praise and said it was an amazing experience. Congratulations to all the pupils who travelled and to their teachers Muinteoir Connie and Mr. Moynihan.

Kilmeadens Slim-Spiration.

It is hard to believe that the 8 week programme which seems to have only started yesterday is now over and what a success it was. The programme saw us get some wonderful information about eating properly and getting some excercise and saw us take to the roads in our group walks. People made new friends as well as walking buddies and everyone gave support and encouragement to each other. It is hoped that this encouragement will continue and that groups will still remain to meet up to go for a walk or for a run. Hopefully we are facing into nice long bright evenings and we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful walks in this county.
The organisers have asked me to say a huge thank you to all who joined into the spirit of this group and as well as loosing almost 25 stone between them they also raised €2,500 for their community centre. They would also like to express their gratitude to the four speakers and advisors who shared their vast knowledge with us voluntarily Jemma Kehoe, Sandra O Keeffe, Jason King and Cian Foley. Thanks to Deirdre and Catherine who came out every week to do the weigh in. Lets keep up the good work now and keep Kilmeaden healthy.

First Penance.

Congratulations to the pupils from 2nd class who made their First Penance recently. In a beautiful ceremony the children brought forward a picture they had drawn and placed it in the sin bin (far cry from sitting outside a confession box with your knees knocking isn’t it !!) The children are now very busy preparing for their First Holy Communion which wil take place in May so there is great excitement building.

A True Gent.

Our parish is most certainly a much poorer place this week following the death of Pat Fenlon, Ballyduff Village. Pat was indeed a real gentleman in every sence of the word. He was seen wearing a suit and tie everyday whether he was going to mass or mowing the grass. Pat was a fantastic family man and a wonderful grandfather who doted on each of his grandchildren. A hardworking,diligent man he enjoyed a spot of fishing and listening to music especially the music of John McCormack. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend and gave his time freely and willingly to help others by sharing his time and talents. A gentleman has left us to return to God but we know the Lord will reward him for his devotion to his faith. We offer our deepest sympathy to Pats wife Hannah, his sons P.J and Michael , his daughters Mary and Ann , grandchildren and all the family. May his sweet gentle soul rest in peace.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game played are as follows:
1st: Mary Kennedy and Joan Hartery.
2nd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
3rd:Peggy Murphy and Margaret Power.
4th: William and Ann Tobin.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the last draw were 13, 23, 25 and 28 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mary Power, Aileen Stephenson and Gemma Halpin. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday March 13th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €2,600. Tickets will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday 12th so pick those four lucky numbers carefully.

Station Masses.

It is hard to believe we are now at the end of the Spring station masses already. The final station mass for Matthews Cross, Adamstown and Ballyduff East will take place on Friday March 11th at 8pm in the home of Bridget and Tom Whelan.
Fr.O Byrne would like to sincerely thank everybody who attended the station masses and the families who hosted them. He is very grateful to everyone who handed in their station envelopes and thanks you for continuing to support your church.

Quiz Success.

I attended the recent table quiz in aid of our local community alert group recently and what an enjoyable night it was. I must say I had a great night and my team mates Denise, Danielle and myself were only 4 points behind the winning team so we were delighted with ourselves. Well done to the organisers and what a wonderful array of spot prizes they had for the raffle but unfortunately I didn’t win the raffle either.
You will notice over the coming weeks that there will be 20 text alert signs erected around the parish. It has been decided that there will be a €5 yearly charge for this service and this can be paid at the next meeting which will be held in Ballyduff Community centre on Monday March 21st at 8pm and all are welcome to attend.

Youth Drama.

I attended Ballyduff Youth Drama recent production of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and what a treat it was. I smiled from ear to ear the whole way through. It was colourful, vibrant and action packed the whole way through. The music and songs were excellently chosen with some fantastically talented singers emerging. The dancing was energetic and eyecatching in front of beautifully decorated stage scenery which was done by local lady Deirdre Giani. I’m glad for the Oscars committee that they didnt have to choose best actor or actress here because they would have been spoilt for choice and it would have been a very difficult decision.Talent just shone out from this cast with brilliant acting, dancing, singing and great comedy performances. I congratulate every member of the cast on providing us with such a brilliant nights entertainment. There is a huge crew of volunteers behind the scenes too numerous to mention but if you were involved in any shape or form give yourself a clap on the back for a job well done.
I’m sure none of you will object to me singling out three ladies, Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty who run this drama group every year for the 5th and 6th class pupils. They volunteer their time and energy and it gives the children far much more than just being in a show. It gives them confidence and raises their self esteem and teaches them the importance of working together as a group. These ladies should be congratulated because we all know what time and effort has to go into putting on a show of this calibre.

Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Our local Lourdes committee would like to send two people from our parish on the Waterford/ Lismore Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from June 6th to June 11th. If you would like to nominate someone then please contact one of the following before Sunday March 13th, John O Leary 384550, Donal Daly 384134, Noel O Sullivan 384443 or Eugene Power 384164.

Dawn Players.

The Dawn Players drama group will raise the curtain this week on their 21st production. This year they will stage “Seperate Beds” which was written by Sam Cass and is directed by Denise Quinn. I caught a glimpse of some of their rehearsal recently and I can see that we are in for a real treat. This comedy runs from Wednesday March 9th to Saturday March 12th in the school hall of Ballyduff N.S at 8pm each night. Tickets are €12 and are available by calling or texting Linda on 087-4487648.

Bridge News.

There has been plenty of activity from our local bridge club with lots of results to report to you.

Club Championship Results.
1st: Michael O Donovan and Joan Whelan.
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
4th: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.

First Session Winners:
Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.

Second Session Winners:
Peggy Murphy and Margaret Power.

Monday February 22nd.
1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Michael O Donovan.
2nd: Margaret Power and Sean Hennessy.
3rd: Ann Maria Brown and Mary Cummins.
4th: Geraldine McMahon and Anna Harney.

Lourdes Trip.

The annual Waterford/Lismore Dioscesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 6th to June 11th 2016 and are local Loudes committee would like to send two people from our parish. If you would like to nominate someone who you think is deserving of this please contact any of the following, John O Leary 384550, Eugene Power 384164, Donal Daly 384134 or Noel O Sullivan 384443. Please contact one of these before Sunday March 13th.

Station Masses.

The Spring station masses are continuing and on Tuesday March 1st the mass for Amberhill and Raheen will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm. On Wednesday March 2nd the mass for Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge will be in the home of Kathleen and Paddy Hennebry at 8pm. Friday March 4th will be the turn of Ballyduff Village, Ballyduff West and Ballyduff Hill in the church at 7.30pm. Each station mass is offered for the good health of all the people of that area.

A Little Prince.

Heartiest congratulations to Ali Giani, Carriganure and her partner Patrick Doyle who welcomed their beautiful son into the world last week. Marco Claudio weighed in at a whopping 9llb 7oz and has brought tremendous joy to all his extended family. I know grandparents Claudio and Deirdre are floating on cloud nine and will jump at the chance of babysitting. We wish this little family every happiness in the world and we look forward to watching Marco grow up.

Girls Soccer.

Our local soccer club are on the lookout for some new players to join their Under 8 Girls team(born 2008) and their Under 10 Girls team(born 2006). Training for these teams takes place on Tuesday nights with the U8’s at 6pm and the U10’s at 7pm. If you would like to find out any other information please contact Anthony on 086-3312666.

Dawn Players.

Our local adult drama group are now in their 21st year and have brought us some very fine productions over the years. This year they bring us Seperate Beds by Sam Cass. This romantic farce will have you laughing heartily and is certainly one to be seen. The play will run from Wednesday March 9th to Saturday March 12th in Ballyduff National school hall at 8pm nightly. All proceeds from the play will go towards Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets cost just €12 and are available by call or text to 087 4487648. This is a wonderful production and they really deserve our support so treat yourself to a good laugh.

Mass For A Team Mate.

Ballyduff GAA club have asked Fr. Mick to offer a mass for a former team mate Liam Burke who passed away recently. Liam was player manager of the historic Ballyduff Football team who won the County Final in 1974. The mass will take place in Ballyduff church on Sunday March 6th and all club members and friends are welcome to attend. There will be some light refreshments served in the community centre after the mass.

Meeting Thanks.

The High Road/Ballyduff Community Alert group would like to thank everyone who attended their last meeting on Monday February 22nd. A special thank you goes to Linda Thorpe who is the Area Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland and to Cllr. Liam Brazil from Mental Health and Suicide Awareness for their presentations on mental health. During the coming weeks there will be 20 text alert signs erected in the parish. It was decided at the last meeting that there will be a €5 yearly charge to join the text alert which can be paid at the next meeting which will take place on Monday March 21st in the community hall.

Waltzing Wonders.

Word must have spread about the wonderful waltzers we have around here because I have been asked to tell you about a charity waltzing competition and social dancing which is taking place in The Rhu Glen Country Club hotel, Slieverue on Sunday March 13th from 2.30pm to 6pm. Music will be by Jerry Walsh and tickets will cost €10 with all proceeds going to CRY(Cardiac Risk in the Young).

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1,13,15 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot but the lucky dip winners were Elsie Stephenson and Chris Connolly. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on February 28th and the jackpot will be €2,450. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 and will be on sale outside Centra on Saturday 27th so pick those lucky four numbers carefully.

Recent Deaths.

We extend our deepest sympathy to two local ladies who recently suffered the death of their brothers. We send our sympathy to May McGrath on the death of her brother John Flynn who lived in Larchville and also to Margaret Kennedy, Stonehouse on the death of her brother John Dunford who hailed from Ballinroad, Dungarvan. May they both rest in peace.

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses have now begun and each station mass is offered for the good health of all the people of that area. On Tuesday February 23rd the mass for Ballygarron, Ardeenlone and Lissahane will take place in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm. Wednesday February 24th will be the turn of Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown at 8pm in the home of Marie and Eamonn Reade. On Thursday February 25th the mass for Powersknock, Blacknock and Carrigadustra will be in the home of Tony and Niamh Larkin at 8pm and on Tuesday March 1st mass for Amberhill and Raheen will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm and on Wednesday March 2nd the mass for Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge will be in the home of Kathleen and Paddy Hennebry at 8.30pm.

School News.

The school and the Parents council would like to thank everyone who supported the recent cake sale. €740 was raised and this money will pay for gymnastic lessons for all the pupils after the mid term.
Sixth class are now settled into their brand new classroom. The external siteworks are not yet finished due to the poor ground conditions following our bad weather.
The pupils of 5th and 6th classes are busy at present rehearsing for the Peace Proms concert which will take place in The Hub, Kilkenny on Saturday March 5th at 8pm. They will perform a wide range of songs along with hundreds of other pupils of the same age from schools all over the South-East accompanied by the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.
Parents and guardians are reminded to send in all the application forms for enrolment next September by March 30th. Places will be allocated according to the school enrolment policy which can be viewed on the school website www.ballyduffns.com

Music Classes.

I happened to be up in the community centre the other night while some music classes were in swing. It was so lovely to hear the bodhran, guitar, banjo and mandolin. Do you fancy learning one of these instruments. Classes for children and adults are now available from a music student who is studying music in WIT. If you are interested please call 083-1614523. It is a well known fact that music is good for the body and soul so think about it, it’s only going to benefit you.

Quiz Time.

All the talk at the moment on the radio, on the televisions and in the papers is telling us to make sure we vote the right politicians in but the people of Kilmeaden are dealing with another difficult decision on the same day, “Who will I pick for my quiz team?”. The High Road/Ballyduff Community Text alert group will host a fundraising table quiz on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp in O Donnachas. A team of 4 will cost €20 and the quizmaster will be Dermot Molloy. There will be lots of lovely spot prizes up for grabs on the night. This is the groups main fundraiser for the year so please support if possible.

Youth Drama.

It’s curtains up this week for Ballyduff Youth Drama has they present this years production “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. The show will take place on Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th at 8pm with a matinee performance at 3pm on Sunday 28th. Tickets cost just €10 and can be booked by calling Helen on 087-6493657.

Leap Year.

I am keeping space in the notes over the next couple of weeks in case any of you ladies decide to pop the question to your beloved. According to tradition and folklore ladies can propose on February 29th each leap year so don’t forget to let me know about any happenings. I in fact proposed to my husband Brian but not in a leap year, I just git fed up of waiting if the truth be known. That was on June 12th 1995 and we’re still putting up with each other so give it a go!!

Youth Drama.

Ballyduff Youth Drama are very busy at the moment rehearsing for their yearly production which this year is “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. The show will run in Ballyduff Community Centre on February 26th and 27th with a matinee performance on the 28th. Tickets cost just €10 and can be booked by call or text on 087-6493657. The children have been working very hard preparing for this show and would really appreciate your support.
The members and leaders of Ballyduff Youth Drama have asked me to say a huge thank you to all who attended their recent benefit night and all who bought raffle tickets from them outside Centra last week. They appreciate your generosity and are delighted to announce the winners of the lovely hampers and flowers. The winners were Sarah Fitzpatrick, Ballyduff West, Sheila Shanahan, Amberhill, Ned Kelly, Oldcourt and Julie Laffan, Carriganure.

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group will hold their next meeting on Friday February 19th at 7pm in the meeting rooms at The Kilmeaden Village Centre. The purpose of this meeting is to kickstart plans for Easter and the Spring. All are welcome to come along to this meeting and no committment to do manual work is needed. Any volunteers or donations would be greatly appreciated.

Slim-Spiration.

It is great travelling around the parish to meet so many people walking or running. Some travel alone while others go in a group but whatever your level of fitness you receive the same support. We are delighted with the number of people who are still attending our Monday night Weigh-in and group walks. You are all doing so well and should be very proud of yourself. We are now in our fifth week and keeping each other motivated is of utmost importance. I hear people speak every week about the improvements to their health etc and so that alone makes all this worthwhile. Thank you to the people we meet while we are out walking who give us a honk of the horn or a little cheer out the window, it is really appreciated.

Spring Stations.

Time is certainly flying by and can you imagine it is already time for the Spring stations to start. Each station mass is offered for the good health of all the people of that area. On Thursday February 18th the mass for Carrickphilip, Knockaderry and Carriganure Upper mass will be in the home of Martha and John Fitzgerald at 8pm and on Friday February 19th the mass for Kildermody, Ross, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in Ballyduff church at 7.30pm.

Golden Days.

Have decided to use these notes for my own advantage this week. I would like to send heartiest congratulations and best wishes to my parents Noel and Nancy O Sullivan who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married by Fr. Fitzgerald in Ballyduff on February 12th 1966 and remain one of the most successful Ballyduff and Portlaw alliances to date. They have spent these fifty years in the family home in Matthews Cross surrounded by wonderful neighbours over the years. On behalf of my two sisters Mary and Theresa and my brothers John and Neil and of their grandchildren Jessica, Amy, Freya, Ava, Adam, Eli and Lily we wish them every good health and many more years of happiness.

Community Alert.

The next meeting of the High Road/Ballyduff community alert group will be on Monday February 22nd in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome to come along.
This group will host a fundraising table quiz on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp in O Donnachas. Quizmaster will be Dermot Molloy and a table of 4 will cost €20. There will be many spot prizes on the night so come along and have fun.

GAA Lotto.

The local GAA lotto draw took place recently and the numbers drawn were 13, 15, 18, and 20. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Tony Larkin, Margaret Power and Helen Conlan. The next draw will take place on February 14th in O Donnachas and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €2,300. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 so choose those 4 numbers carefully.

Grandparents Day.

Wednesday February 3rd was Grandparents Day and the pupils of our local national school marked the occasion by inviting their grandparents to a special mass in our church which Fr. O Byrne offered for all the grandparents present. As part of the offertory procession the children brought forward a candle in memory of those grandparents who are no longer with us. The children took part in all the readings, prayers of the faithful and the bringing up of the gifts and also sung some beautiful hymns for us throughout the mass. After the mass everyone was invited over to the school for some tea and biscuits and this was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This really was a lovely morning and I congratulate the children on their display of love and respect for their grandparents.

1916 News.

You may have read my notes last week and if you did you will have noticed that I carried a list of all the people who were baptised in our church in 1916. This list was compiled by Fr.O Byrne so I sent him off on a mission to find out how many weddings there were that year so have a look and see if any of your ancesters are mentioned? There were just 3 weddings:

Charles Stephenson(Fairbrook) married Ann Stephenson(Ballyduff)

Laurence Foley(Dunhill) married Catherine Power(Carrigphilip)

Robert Power(Clonea) married Margaret Power(Ardeenlone).

Do you have an interesting 1916 story to tell?

Music Lessons.

Is it on your bucket list to learn to play an instrument well here’s your chance .A music student studing music in WIT would like to run music lessons in Ballyduff Community Centre and so if you would like to learn the bodhran, guitar, banjo or mandolin please contact 083-1614523. These music classes are open to adults and children and are a wonderful opportunity for people to learn a new skill. Music is the perfect medicine for body and soul so you’re on a winner straight away.

Tickets On Sale.

A reminder that Ballyduff Youth Drama will present this years production, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” on Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th at 8pm and at 3pm on Sunday February 28th in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets cost just €10 and are available by call or text to Helen on 087-6493657. This group always treat us to a wonderful show so come along and support their hard work.

Table Quiz.

Have you picked your team yet? The High Road/Ballyduff community text alert group will host a fundraising table quiz in O Donnachas on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp. Quizmaster will be Dermot Molloy and a team of 4 will cost €20. You will also have the chance to win some lovely spot prizes. This is the groups main fundraiser for the year so please support if possible.
The next meeting of this group will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm on Monday February 22nd. All are welcome to attend. I must congratulate them on their text alert scheme, it really is a brilliant scheme and keeps us all alert to unusual activity in our areas.