Bridge News.

The local Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club met on Monday November 9th for their weekly bridge game and the results were as follows:

1st:Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd:Bertha O Connor and Mary Prendergast.
3rd:Anna Harney and Sean Hennessy.
4th:Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy.

November Masses.

It is lovely to see such a good attendance at the special Wednesday night masses for the dead during the month of November. It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the third one, the month is really flying by. The final mass on Wednesday November 25th will be offered especially for all those who died during the past 12 months. The people who were buried in our local cemetery will automatically be included in this list of names but we are also aware that many of you may have had a friend or relative who died outside the parish and you may wish to have their name included for this mass. If you would like to do this please contact Martha Fitzgerald on 086-1216882 or Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

GAA Lotto
The results of the latest lotto draw which took place on November 1st and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 8,9,11and 15. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Frank Heffernan, Paul Stephenson and Dave Roche. The next draw will take place on November 15th and will have a very nice jackpot of €1,550. This would be a nice little win just before Christmas so don’t forget to get your ticket.

The GAA club would like to congratulate to the four local lads who completed the coaching introduction course in Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas recently. Colm Kennedy, Colin O Brien, Jake Halley and Alex Foley have a great interest in all aspects of the game and will be great assets to the coaching scene.

Sunday Viewing.
I hope you will all tune in to RTE 1 at 6.30pm on Sunday evenings to see the Devine family take part in Irelands Fittest Family. Mary and her three sons Tom, Mick and John have certainly shown their determination already and we can look forward to alot more of that. Tune in and cheer them on.

Homework Club.
A reminder to all our secondary school students that if you would like to do your homework or study in a peaceful and relaxed environment then come along to Ballyduff Community Centre on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 6pm and avail of the homework club for just €5. Often there can be many distractions at home or it may be hard to find a quiet spot to concentrate so homework club offers the perfect solution and help is also on hand from trained professionals if necessary.

Charity Quiz.

It’s time to shake the cobwebs off the brain and polish up that thinking cap. O Donnachas will host a table quiz on Thursday November 26th at 8.30pm in aid of the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. This is always a fun night so pick your team carefully and get studying.

Tidy Towns News.
Our tidy towns group have come up with a great idea to get us all in the festive mood. They have some beautiful hampers to give away and so will run a competition in the coming weeks to see who has the best Christmas light display on their property. Members of the group will drive around the area looking at displays and if you would like to draw their attention to yours or a neighbours display please contact 087-1750370.

On Butterfly Wings.

Following the huge success of her first novel “Butterfly Barn ” local author Karen Power is ready to let go of her next book and would like to invite you all to The Book Centre on Friday November 27th at 7pm for the launch of her second novel “On Butterfly Wings” . We wish Karen every success with this second novel and we look forward to loosing ourselves in this book as we did with the first.

End Of An Era.

At the 7.30pm mass on October 31st we witnessed the end of an era as we marked the retirement of our much loved sacristan Mossie Millea. Mossie and his family have given many, many years of dedicated service to our parish and he is looked on with great respect. The work of the sacristan is not to simply open and close the church there is a lot more to it than that and Mossie always carried out these duties to perfection. He always greeted you with a smile and a chat if you came knocking looking for keys to open up for cleaning etc. Chairman of the Parish Council John Stephenson presented Mossie with a token from the parish and also made a presentation to his son Paul who has helped his father in recent years.

After the mass it was so nice to see so many parishioners come to the parish hall to join Mossie and his family for some refreshments. Mossie was visibly moved by the amount of people and enjoyed chatting with them all. Tasty sandwiches, buns, tarts and cakes were prepared and served up by some of the ladies of the parish and everyone agreed they did a wonderful job. Community spirit is what binds a parish together and Mossie has shown his community spirit in abundance. We wish Mossie continued good health and enjoyment surrounded by all who love him especially his son Paul, daughter in law Helen and his grandchildren Aidan, Colm, Aoife and Keith whom I know adore him. Thank you Mossie.

Toddlers Mass.

It was lovely to see so many young toddlers and babies at mass on Sunday November 1st. They had been invited along especially by Fr. Mick to receive a special blessing from him and I know he was delighted to see so many of them there. Special thanks must go to our young people who took over the job of the readings for the day. Ava and Faye read the readings clearly and beautifully while Adam and Lana read out those prayers of the faithful precisely and accurately.. Our parish choir also added beautifully to the occasion with some of the toddlers joining in with them.

Dublin Marathon.

I know a few from our own area and surrounding areas headed off to take part in the Dublin City Marathon on the Bank Holiday Monday and we must say a huge well done to them all. I heard about one family’s adventure from my good friends the McGraths in Ballygarron. They told me about their neighbours John Guiry who ran it in a time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and this was his 30th marathon, his girlfriend walked it in 6 hours. John’s brother Keiran ran it in 3 hours 16 minutes and this was his 10th marathon. I am also aware that their near neighbour up there in Ardeenlone also ran the marathon. We all know that Sharon Flynn is a little powerhouse of strength and stamina and we say well done to her aswell. I think there is something going on up that way, the McGraths are breeding marathon runners galore up there! What is their secret?? Is there special powers coming from that cross up at Newcastle or is there something in the water up there?? I’m beginning to get suspicious!!

Bridge News.

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

1st: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd: Breda Murphy and Nano Fitzgerald.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Joan Whelan and Kate Hayes and
Anna Harney and Katherine Power

November Dead List.

The special masses for all our dead relatives and friends will continue for each Wednesday night of November at 7.30pm. November is a month that we offer some extra prayers for all our dead including those who have no longer anyone left to pray for them. You can include an offering in the envelope in your yearly pack and pop it into the box at the front of the altar. The last Wednesday night mass in November is offered especially for those who have died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in our own cemetery are automatically included but if you had a relative or friend who died in another area and you would like to have them included please contact one of the following with the name. You can contact Martha Fitzgerald on 086-1216882 or Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

Swim Success.

The children from Ballyduff N.S headed off this week to the first of their yearly swimming lessons and you wonder with all the different levels of swimming abilities that they have will one of them end up a famous swimmer.

Let me tell you the story of one such little girl who many years ago started off her love story with swimming by heading off on that bus from Ballyduff N.S and now continues to break records all over the world. Local lady Shauna O Brien from Gortaclode in Kilmeaden is back in the news again having broken three Irish senior records which she held at the Manchester International meet recently. In the 50m fly heats she set a time of 26.98 seconds and bettered that record again in the final with a time of 26.76 seconds. In the 100m fly she set a new Irish record time of 59.10 seconds finishing in second place. Shaunas’ next big meet is the European Short Course where she has been selected to represent Ireland. That meet will take place in Israel in early December and we wish Shauna the very best of luck for that and we will be following her story with great interest.

Bridge News.

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

1st: Sean Hennessey and Kate Hayes.
2nd; Bertha Connors and Catherine Power.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Joan Hartery.
4th: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.

Clothes Collection.

Have you spent the mid term giving the wardrobes and hot presses a good clear out and are now wondering where you shall bring all the unwanted items. Ballyduff Soccer Club are holding a clothes collection from November 2nd to November 6th and unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys can be dropped off at the grounds on any of those dates from 6pm to 8pm. This fundraiser is for the girls team who have entered the girls league this year. If you require more information or need to drop off at a different time please contact Anthony on 086-3312666

November Masses .

We always remember and think of all our dearly departed relatives and friends but November has always been the month when we remember them in a special way. We like to offer masses for our dead during November but it would be impossible to hold individual masses for them all. Therefore here in this parish we come together every Wednesday night at 7.30pm during the month of November and we offer a mass for all our faithful departed. To include your loved one in these masses simply place a mass offering in the box which will be at the front of the altar and your loved one will be included.

Please keep in mind that the final Wednesday mass on November 25th will be offered especially for anyone who has died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried here are automatically included but if you have a relative or friend who died in another area you are very welcome to have them included also. Just give their name to Fr.Mick or you can let me Linda Spillane know.

Homework Club.

A reminder to all our secondary school students that homework club is back after the mid term with a new time slot. For just €5 you can come along on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 6pm and do your homework or study in a quiet comfortable surrounding with teachers on hand to help if necessary.

Disco Fever.

Congratulations to Ballyduff Community Centre who put on a brilliant Halloween disco for the primary school children. There were some very scary looking costumes on show with an odd princess or fairy thrown in for good measure. Local D.J the great John O Shea had them dancing in the aisles with his great mix of present hits with a Halloween favourite or two popping up too. The children had a great time and it really got their mid term off to a flying start.

Keep A Lookout.

As we wake to dark mornings and arrive home from work in dark evenings we are reminded that the Winter nights are on there way. Fires are being lit, fuel is being stocked up so I ask you all to keep an eye out for people in your area who perhaps live alone or find it hard to get out and about. The dark Winter nights can be very lonely and hard for some people. Perhaps you could drop in for a chat, offer to take them out for a pint or a game of cards, or bring them to mass or for some shopping. The best present you can give some people is your presence. Growing up my mother always taught us that it costs nothing to be nice and she was right and as an added bonus you receive niceness back.

Notes.

A reminder that if you or your club or group want people to know about what you have going on then I’ve heard that a few of them read these notes. So if you have something you want to share then please contact me Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda@eircom.net or as I have said before drop in for a cuppa, shout at me on the road, I don’t mind and I never pass up the opportunity of a chat.

Bridge News.

The results from the latest bridge game played on October 19th are as follows:

1st:Mary O Brien and Kathleen Collins
2nd Peggy Murphy and Patsy Roche.
3rd:Catherine Power and Bertha Connors.
4th:Anna Ryan and Anna Harney.

Autumn Stations.

I cannot believe that I am already talking about the last of the station masses. The mass for Amberhill and Raheen will be on Friday October 30th at 8pm in the home of Kathleen and Ollie Harris. Fr. Mick would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who hosted a station mass and to all who attended .It is a lovely custom that we still have in our parish and hopefully will continue for many more years to come.

Homework Club.

Our local homework club for secondary school students have taken a break for the Mid term break. They will return after the Mid term with a new time slot. On Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm students can avail of a nice quiet relaxing environment to do their homework or study for exams. For just €5 they can get down to their work and also have the added advantage of having education professionals also on hand to lend a hand if needed.

Clothes Collection.

From the 2nd to the 6th of November Ballyduff Soccer Club will hold a clothes collection in aid of the new girls teams who have entered the league this year.  Donations of clean unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys can be dropped to the club grounds any of the above mentioned nights between 6pm and 8pm.  If you have items but need to drop them at a different time please call Anthony on 086-3312666.

Mossies Retirement.

As I told you last week our hardworking and dedicated sacristan Mossie Millea has now retired and to mark the occasion a special presentation will be made to Mossie during the 7.30pm mass on Saturday October 31st. After the mass everyone is invited to the community hall to join Mossie for a cuppa and a chat. I know Mossie is really looking forward to meeting his many friends there so please come along and show him your support.

Weekend Masses.

A reminder that at mass on Sunday November 1st at 10am, there will be a special blessing for all babies and toddlers. They are an important part of our parish future and it is hoped to see as many as possible there.

Monday November 2nd is the Feast of all Souls and so there will be two masses to accomodate everyone who would like to go. There will be a morning mass at 10am and an evening mass at 7.30pm.

November Masses

As you know November is a month when we remember all our dead in a special way. People like to have masses said for their loved ones during that month but it would be impossible to have individual masses for them all. Here in our parish we come together every Wednesday night in November and have a special mass at 7.30pm for all our dead. To include your loved ones in these masses you just drop a mass offering into the box which will be situated at the front of the altar. On the final Wednesday in November that mass will be offered for all who have passed away in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in our cemetery will automatically included but if have a relative or friend who died outside the parish then you can include their name by giving it to Fr. Mick or you can tell me Linda Spillane. I will tell you more about that mass as time goes on.

New Time Slot.

I know that many of you like to tune into WLR on a Sunday night from 9pm to 12pm to listen to the country show hosted by our own local boy John O Shea. I have some great news for you all, from next week you can also tune in from Monday to Thursday nights from 10pm to 12pm and listen to John on his brand new show of easy listening music . You can relax in bed or maybe a bubble bath or sit with a good book, John really doesn’t mind where you listen to him. We wish John the very best of luck in his new show and of course his very popular show on Sunday nights. I know John puts a lot of time and effort into his shows and so I am delighted he now as more air time to entertain his fans.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff bridge club met on Monday October 12th and the results of the game are as follows:

1st: Mary Kennedy and Celia Nugent.
2nd: Joan Hartery and Mary O Brien.
3rd: Anne Kennedy and Patsy Roche.
4th: Anna Harney and Iris Graham.

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses continue this week and on Wednesday October 21st the mass for Ardeelone, Ballygarron and Lissahane will be in the home of Teresa and Tom Veale at 8pm. On Thursday October 22nd the mass for Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge will be in the home of Margaret and Seamus Nolan at 8pm. Friday October 23rd will be the mass for Knockaderry, Carrigphilip and Upper Carriganure in the home of Gertrude Kirwan at 8pm.

Wedded Bliss.

We send our heartiest congratulations to Tony Browne and Lisa Sammon who became husband and wife in Saint Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff recently. Their guests were then treated to a lovely reception in Castlemartyr. We wish Tony and Lisa many years of wedded bliss.

Legend of a Man.

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Mick Kirwan of Carrigeen, Kill. Mick was indeed a true gentleman, hardworking and loyal and devoted to his family. His wife, daughter and sons meant the world to him and he was immensely proud of his grandchildren. Mick came from a family of ten and his brother and 8 sisters were very important to him and they all loved to spend time together. Although his entire family and his many friends are now bowed down with grief, I hope that in time they will draw comfort from their memories of Micks generosity, kindness, courage and his incredible love of life. He was indeed a wonderful man and I know that he is now enjoying a comfortable seat in heaven and being rewarded for his many good deeds while on earth. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

Death In Mooncoin.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jack Laffan, Ballyduff and Freddie Laffan, Portlaw on the recent death of their sister Breda Dean of Philbuckstown, Mooncoin. Breda’s funeral mass took place in the Church of the Assumption, Mooncoin followed by burial in the old cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Parish Dates for Diary.

The students from our 5th and 6th classes will be confirmed in Ballyduff church on Thursday May 26th 2016 while the date for First Holy Communion is Saturday May 7th 2016.

Clothes Collection

With a bit of frost showing itself this week I think we can get out our Winter woolies and sort through our wardrobes and presses. Ballyduff Soccer Club have announced a clothes collection and so it is a perfect time to get sorting. The collection will run from Monday November 2nd to Friday November 6th. Items can be dropped to the club grounds any of these nights from 6pm to 8pm and you can donate any clean unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. This fundraiser is for the new girls team who have entered the girls league this year. Please support if you can, the club would really appreciate it and if you require further information please call Anthony on 086-3312666.

End Of An Era.

Mossie Millea has been Sacristan of our church for many years and his family have been dedicated to our church for over 50 years. Mossie has now taken the decision to retire and so it is very important that we mark this occasion. Mossie as you all know has done a tremendous job in the church always obliging, friendly and kind to all he met. There will be a presentation made to Mossie during the 7.30pm mass on Saturday October 31st and after the mass everyone is invited to the community centre for a cuppa and a chat with Mossie.

Our new Sacristan has been announced as Ann Nolan from Ballyduff Village and is an excellent choice. Ann has great attention to detail, is hardworking, friendly and diligent. I have no doubt that Ann will do a wonderful job.

Special Mass.

Everybody was touched deeply by the recent picture of the body of a two year old boy washed up on a Turkish beach and it has made us all appreciate our lives. Our children are our future and while we often attend masses etc for school going children we rarely do for our toddlers. Ballyduff Parish Council have invited all children who were christened here over the past 4 years to the 10am mass on Sunday November 1st where they will receive a special blessing. These children are our future parish and we must do all we can to help and protect them.

Halloween Disco.

A childrens Halloween Disco will take place on Thursday October 22nd from 6.30pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. There will be prizes on offer for the best fancy dress. Admission is €5 and all proceeds go the hall redevelopment fund. Come dance the night away all you skeletons and witches!!

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses are now underway and Fr. O Byrne is delighted to see so many people attending. On Wednesday October 14th it will be the turn of Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra and mass will be in the home of Renee and Jamsie Power at 8pm. On Friday October 16th mass for Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown will be in the home of Carmel Ryan at 8pm.

Centra Walk.

The management and staff of our local Centra shop will host a walk in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland. This 5 mile walk will leave Centra at 12 noon on Saturday October 17th. It is not a race and so open to all capabilities and I’m sure there’ll be a laugh or two along the way too. There will be some nice refreshments at Centra on your return. Let us all join together and support this very worthy cause.

Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff Bridge Club meet every Monday night in The Village Centre and enjoy a nice game of bridge. The results of the game played on Monday October 5th were as follows:

1st: Noreen Tubbritt and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: Fr. Michael O Byrne and John Fitzpatrick.
3rd: Monica Sullivan and Breda Murphy.
4th:Michael O Donovan and Kate Hayes.

Tidy Towns.

I am sure that you will agree that our local Tidy Towns committee are doing a fabulous job around our area but remember these people are just volunteers who want to make our area litter free and looking nice. Therefore it is up to each one of us to play our part in this. We dont need anyones permission to pick up rubbish or tidy up an area. The state of roads or problems like that still need to addressed to your local councillors or by contacting council offices. The Tidy Towns is simply likeminded people coming together to make their area clean and beautiful for all who live it and visit it.

The group will meet at The Sweep on Saturday October 17th at 10am and we have a special request this time for some nice strong men to lend a hand.

Parent and Toddler.

Our local Parent and Toddler Group meet every Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon in Ballyduff Community Centre and all are welcome to call in. You can stay an hour, two hours, whatever suits you. It is a perfect opportunity for parents to meet each other while the babies and toddlers have plenty to keep them amused. A nice cup of tea or coffee, chat with friends and the children happy sounds like bliss doesn’t it!!

Ballyduff AFC

Congratulations to all at Ballyduff Soccer club who recently received the fantastic news that they are to receive €16,000 under the Sports Capital Programme Grants. This is a brilliant boost for the club and we look forward to seeing what improvements they make to the brilliant facilities which are already in place.

Movie Time.

A shout out to all the senior people in our parish, Monday is movie day in Ballyduff Community Centre and it is hoped that as many as possible will show up to see a classic movie or musical with a nice cuppa and a biscuit. This kicks off at 2.30pm and if you need a lift transport can be arranged. If you have an idea of another activity that you would like to see run for our seniors then please come along and voice your opinion.

Clothes Collection.

Ballyduff Soccer Club will host a clothes collection week beginning on November 2nd. This fundraiser is for the new girls teams who have entered the league this year. The clothes can be dropped off at the club grounds every night from November 2nd to 6th from 6pm to 8pm. This is a great opportunity to get rid of those unwanted reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Autumn.

Although I really don’t like the evenings getting dark so early I have to admit that I really do like the Autumn. The vibrant colours in the trees and landscapes make me wish I had the talent to paint or at least take a half decent photograph. As I dropped the children to school the other morning I watched the children gathering up bundles of leaves and throwing them at each other I was reminded of my childhood when my dad would send us out to rake up the leaves which we do into a big bundle and then proceed to jump into the bundle and so start the process over again several times but it gave us great amusement. I was reminded of this lovely little poem:

They’re coming down in showers
The leaves all gold and red
Thy’re covering the little flowers
And tucking them in bed
They’ve spread a fairy carpet
All up and down the street
And when we skip along to school
They rustle ‘neath our feet.

Exciting Visit.

There was great excitement in Ballyduff N.S last week when two members of the Irish Defence Forces came to visit the school. Sgt. Tom Mansfield and Sgt. Kieran Kennedy presented the assembled staff and pupils with an Irish flag and a copy of Poblacht na hEireann. They spoke to the pupils about the events surrounding 1916 which led to the eventual independence of the Irish Republic. Sixth class pupils Joanne Guiry and Scott Searson accepted the flag and the Proclamation of Independence on behalf of the school. Camille O Connor read paragraph four of the proclamation which refers to “cherishing all the children of the nation equally”. The pupils had an opportunity to ask questions and then the assembly ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Autumn Stations.

The Autumn station masses continue and on Wednesday October 7th the station mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will take place in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. On Wednesday October14th it is the turn of Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra in the home of Jamesie and Renee Power at 8pm , It is the turn of Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown on Friday October 16th at 8pm in the home of Carmel Ryan. Keep an eye out for your station mass.

Walk With Centra.

The management and staff at Centra in Kilmeaden have organised a charity walk in aid of Breast Cancer and are asking us all to join with them on Saturday October 17th . They leave from the shop at 2pm and return back to there where there will be some light refreshments served on your return. I will have some more information for you next week with regards the route etc but it will not be a very long distance and so will suit everyone.

Homework Club.

Homework club is now up and running every Saturday morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 11am to 1pm.For just €5 secondary students are encouraged to come along to a distraction free environment and do their homework or indeed study for upcoming exams. People from the education profession will be on hand to give help and advice if needed.

Great Club Day.

Congratulations to all at Ballyduff GAA Club who put on a day of great hurling entertainment at the Tom Cheasty Tournament and The Derek Ryan Tournament. The day kicked off with the Under 10’s taking on Portlaw in the Tom Cheasty Tournament. Despite a great effort from Ballyduff it was Portlaw who emerged as winners and Kathleen Cheasty presented the cup and medals. There was then a display by our accademy players who showed us that the future is bright for the club. Next was the game everyone was waiting for with the current Junior team taking on Dereks team of 2002-2005. Dereks team dominated from the starting whistle and never left that lead go. They showed a fantastic level of fitness and determination and I’ve no doubt that thoughts of their great friend and team mate Derek spurred them on to a well deserved win. Captain John O Leary accepted the cup on behalf of the team from Carmel Ryan and Ger Harris was named as Man of the Match. Well done to the club on a great days entertainment.

Get Well Soon.

We send best wishes for a speedy recovery to John Kennedy, Carriganure who is recovering now at home following a recent operation. I have no doubt that he is receiving excellent care at home and will be back to full health very soon so that hurley and sliotar wont have long to rest.

Homework Club.

Sometimes it is hard for our young people to settle down to their homework at the weekend because there are so many different distractions and so it is hard to concentrate. That is why a homework club for secondary school students has begun in Ballyduff Community Centre. Students can come along on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and do their homework or study and people from the teaching profession will be on hand to help out if necessary. For just €5 their homework or study can be done in a relaxed and distraction free environment.

Station Masses.

The Autumn station masses have begun and the station mass for Ballyduff Village , Ballyduff Hill and Ballyduff West willl be in the church on Friday October 2nd at 7.30pm. On Wednesday October 7th the mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will be in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. I will carry a list of the station masses over the coming weeks so keep an eye out for your area.

Off To The Movies.

What would be nicer than sitting with friends watching a good movie. On Monday afternoons we are inviting the senior members of our community to come along to Ballyduff Community Centre and relax and see one of the great film or musical of our time. You can catch up with the others there over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Movie afternoon begins on Monday October 5th at 2.30pm so see you there.

Choir Practice.

Welcome back to our new choir who have now returned following their Summer break. If you are an adult male or female and would like to join the choir then come along to practice on Monday nights in the church from 8pm to 9.15pm.

Your Notes

If you would like to promote any events you or your club are holding then please contact me Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email at spillanelinda@eircom.net.

Autumn Stations.

It is that time of year already for the Autumn stations masses to begin. This is a lovely old tradition where people come together in someones home to pray for the people of their area. It is also a lovely opportunity to get together with your neighbours whom you may not get to see very often due to the busy lives we all lead.

The first of the station masses will take place on Friday September 25th at 8pm in the home of Louise and Dermot Dooley for the areas of Kilmagemogue, Ross, Kildermody and Lower Carriganure. On Friday October 2nd it will be the turn of Ballyduff Village, Ballyduff Hill and Ballyduff West. This mass will take place in the church at 7.30pm. On Wednesday October 7th the mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will be in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. I will carry a full list of station masses over the coming weeks so keep an eye out for your area.

God Bless Volunteers.

Fr.Mick has asked me to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who painted the main church porch and the outside entrance walls over the past week. They have done a wonderful job and may I offer my thanks on behalf of us parishioners also. We pray that you may be rewarded for your kindness and generosity with happiness and good health.

Liz Hayes Memorial Run/Walk

The organisers of the Liz Hayes Memorial Run/Walk would like to thank everyone who turned up to take part in this event. Unfortunately the weather decided not to be kind and so many crossed the line soaked in rain not sweat. However spirits were still high and people made the best of the situation. A big thank you to all the organisers and anybody who helped in any way.

A Ballyduff Win.

Huge congratulations to the Under 11 soccer team who had a 2-0 win over Portlaw recently in The Terry Butler Cup. Although I wasn’t at it myself I heard reports back of a very impressive team effort and I’m sure Terry himself had a little smile down as the boys brought the cup home to the Ballyduff club to which Terry shared hours of his time and his talent over many years and I know Eleanor, Rachael and Darren are honoured to present a cup in his honour.

Pilate Classes.

Pilate classes will begin in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday evenings at 8pm. The cost of these classes will be €40 for the five week course and it is hoped to keep classes small. If you require any further information please contact Ger on 087-2259475.

Off To The Movies.

Do you fancy an afternoon watching an old fashioned film or musical? It is hoped that the more senior members of our community would come together on Monday afternoons to relax and watch a good old fashioned film or musical. The first of these afternoons will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday October 5th at 2.30pm and all are welcome to come along and enjoy a movie, a cuppa and some company.

Tidy Towns

The local Tidy Towns group will have a litter pick up in Kilmeaden along the main road on Tuesday evening 22nd and all volunteers would be welcomed.

Our Tidy Towns group are doing a great job and it is up to us all to do our best to help them. If I could just have a little rant please. If you are walking your dog around Ballyduff Village please clean up any mess he might make. On recent occasions I have to clean a childs shoe going into school because he stepped on dog poo in the carpark and another lady got it on her shoe outside the church heading into mass. You know yourself the horrible smell this brings into a room if someone carries it on their shoe so please it only takes a minute to clean it up. Rant over now thanks!!

Coffee Morning.

A big thank you to all who came along to the coffee morning in aid of The Hospice in O Donnachas lately and to everyone who contributed to the cause . A fabulous sum of €375 was raised and will be given to the Waterford branch of the Hospice.

A beautiful boy.

Huge congratulations to Hughie and Sarah Maher on the birth of their beautiful baby boy Freddy recently. What a lucky young man Freddy is because he has his two sisters Nancy and Frankie waiting at home to teach him everything they know and all the tricks of the trade. We wish Freddy and his family every health and happiness.

Wonderful Wedding.

Saint Nicholas church, Ballyduff was the setting recently for the beautiful wedding of local couple John O Leary and Laura Bagge. Laura made a stunning bride and was assisted on the day by her sisters and cousins who acted as bridesmaids and of course the couples daughter Emma was their very pretty flowergirl. John of course was well looked after by his bestman and Leon kept a watchful eye on everything making sure everything was perfect for his mammy. The wedding reception took place in Kilkenny and I heard reports back of a fabulous meal and reception. We wish John, Laura, Leon and Emma every best wish for the future.

Coffee Morning.

On Thursday September 17th I have been asked to help out at a coffee morning from 9.30am to 12 noon in O Donnachas in aid of The Hospice. Now I don’t need to tell any of you about the wonderful work being done by The Hospice. They are a tremendous support to patients and their families and do so with a smile upon their faces. They depend greatly on the charity of others to run this vital services and God help us but some day we could be the one looking for their services. It is vital therefore that we do all we can to help when we can.

Join me for a cup of tea or coffee and if you haven’t sampled one of O Donnachas scones yet then you haven’t lived. I know we all live busy lives but take time out, have a cuppa with a friend, bring along a neighbour who doesn’t get out much sure bring a whole gang if you like, I don’t mind I’m not on washup!!Come along and enjoy and give what you can it all helps and all money raised stays local.

Clean Up.

Our local Tidy Towns group have set the date for their next clean up. On Thursday September 17th at 6pm they will meet at The Long Haul and will proceed up Flynns Hill which is the back hill up to Ballyduff. This will take about an hour and bags will be provided. Please bring gloves if possible. They hope to see as many volunteers as possible as many hands make light work.

Booking Of Masses.

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of October, November or December then booking will take place after the weekend masses on September 19th and 20th. If you have a First anniversary mass during these months then it will be given priority and given a mass on its own. So if you do have one please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 during the week and you will be given whatever date you want. All other masses are shared but if you do not wish to share then please state so at the time of booking.

National Success.

We send huge congratulations to local young lady Bonnie O Reilly and her pony Don Quixote 111 who recently became the national champions in the Prelim category in dressage and reserve champions in the U25 category. What a fabulous achievement by this young teenager who puts such determination and passion into her sport. It is trully heartwarming to see someone who has such love for what they do excel at it and receive just rewards. I know her parents Martin and Tracy are very proud of her as well as her sisters Sophie, Maisie and Trudie. We too as a parish are very proud of you and commend you for your hard work and committment.

Junior Cert.

Congratulations and well done to all the young people who received their Junior Cert results last week. Everyone I spoke too had done extremely well and so should be very proud of themselves. We hope that the rest of your school years and study will prove successful and fruitful for you all.

Autumn Stations.

It is time already for the Autumn Station masses and the first of them will be the mass for Kilmagemogue, Ross and Kildermody in the home of Dermot and Louise Dooley on Friday September 25th at 8pm.