Church News

The final mass for the November dead list will take place on Wednesday November 23rd at 7.30pm. This mass is offered especially for all those who died in the past year. A candle will be lit to represent each person and in remembrance of their lives. After the mass the family will receive the candle going home and are invited to light it from time to time. The names of those who were buried in our graveyard will automatically be added to the list but if you would like to add the name of a relative or friend who died outside the parish then please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or give the name to Ann in the sacristy.

Happy Couple.

We send warm wishes and many congratulations to local lady Megan Harrington who recently announced her engagement. On September 2nd in the beautiful setting of the Stairway to Heaven in Fermanagh Megan said yes to her Prince Charming James Deasy. We wish the happy couple every happiness for the future and look forward to hearing about their future plans.

Recent Award

Congratulations to Don and Sharon Flynn and all their staff at Icon Travel, The Hyper Centre who were recently announced as the winners of the ITTN Best Ski Agency Award for 2021. This is a fantastic achievement especially in such challenging times and we wish them continued success in their business.

WSVRailway

There are signs at the railway that Santa will soon be on his way. Santa is always a very popular caller and he loves meeting all the boys and girls in his beautiful cabin. If you want to see some photos or maybe get some information about visiting Santa while he comes to visit us here in Kilmeaden. Keep your eyes peeled as you visit the railway or go for your walk along the Greenway and you may see more little clues about when we might get to see the man himself and perhaps a reindeer or two.

Church News

Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard were delighted to see so many attend the special November masses for the Holy Souls. The last of these masses will take place on Wednesday November 24th at 7.30pm. This is a special candle mass in memory of all those who died within the past 12 months. A family member will be invited forward to accept a candle in memory of their loved one. This lighted candle will be a reminder of the promise of the risen Lord and the family are invited to take it home and light it from time to time. All those who were buried in our graveyard will automatically be added to the list. However if you would like to add the name of a relative or friend who lived outside the parish then please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or give the name to Ann in the sacristy
There’s a time for remembering, a time to recall,
The trials and the triumphs, the fears and the falls
There’s a time to be grateful, for moments so blest
The jewels of our memory where love is our guest.
There is treasure in our fields, there is treasure in our skys.
There is treasure in our dreaming from the soul to the eye
For wherever we gather in the light of God’s grace
And for all who we remember, there will ever be a place

Dr. Martin Centre

The Dr. Martin Centre is now open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. Their daily activities include chair yoga, bingo, use of tablets, chair exercises, meditation, use of treadmill, quizzes, life story books and more. Their weekly dinner menu can be viewed on their Facebook page “Dr-Martin Centre”. You can order dinner and dessert to be delivered daily for just €7.50. Please ring in the order before 10.30am each morning on 051-387111 or 087 4611309. They also have a one to one computer class which runs weekly if you need help using your phone, tablet or computer.
The centre would like you all to know that they are available to help and support you in any way they can. Alice can be contacted daily on the phone at 087 4611309. Don’t hesitate to call if you need any help or support or just need a chat or are feeling lonely and need someone to talk to. The centre is more than happy to deliver a nice fresh dinner, get some shopping for you or collect a prescription from the chemist. The centre is now in a position to deliver outside of Portlaw so no matter where you live in Co. Waterford these services are available to you.
The centre can also arrange an Emergency Response System (Panic Button) to be installed in your home if you are living alone or have any health concerns.Please call the centre as there is an excellent offer available at the moment. The centre can also help with disability parking permits for anyone eligible. You can contact the centre on 051-387111 or 087-4611309.

Hockey Success

I was delighted the other day to hear about the success of local young men who are part of the Waterford U13 hockey team. Kayden Kennedy and Matthew Fletcher are members of the Waterford U13 hockey team who played their first league match of the season against Harlequins who are one of the strongest and largest clubs in Munster. Waterford played a strong
and spirited match holding the Munster giants to a nil all draw. Kayden put in a man of the match performance in goal saving numerous shots. He had great support and help from his fellow Ballyduff man Matthew who played a mighty game in defence. After the match former Munster and Irish goalkeeper Wesley Bateman congratulated Kayden on his outstanding display. Both Kayden and Matthew are valuable team members of both Ballyduff Soccer Club and Ballyduff GAA Club.
The Ballyduff connections continue as Kayden is coached in his goalkeeping by Ballyduff man Alistair Shute who has done tremendous work in developing young goalkeepers for the Waterford hockey club. Alistair’s son Malachy is the current U18 Munster goalkeeper who recently played against Ulster and Leinster in the Interprovincial tournament.

Camogie AGM.

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club will hold their AGM on Thursday November 18th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to drop along  and hear what the club is all about and their plans for the future. Help and support is always needed in clubs like this so new volunteers will be very welcome. The club already have a great number of girls who have joined up as members and they are enjoying some great success and are going from strength to strength.

Birthday Girls

We send warmest birthday wishes to two very special ladies who recently celebrated their 70th birthday. Twins Diane Mackey and Ann Grant (nee Gahan) are very popular ladies and I have no doubt that they were both treated to some special birthday treats. I hope that they enjoy many more happy birthdays together as they are at their happiest when together. Hopefully the girls enjoyed a little tipple or two and maybe a game of cards.

Clothes 4 Cash

A reminder that Ballyduff AFC’s clothes 4 cash fundraiser will end on Wednesday November 17th so get those wardrobes and hot presses sorted and bring your bags of clothes along to Ballyduff AFC grounds any day between 11am to 4pm or any evening if training is on. You can bring along any womens, mens and childrens clothing, paired footwear, Handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen. No pillows, duvets or carpets are accepted.

Church News

We always remember our loved ones who have left this world but November is a special month for remembering and honouring all our Holy Souls. The falling leaves of Autumn remind us of the frailty of life and so during the month of November we offer some special masses for those gone before us. In Ballyduff church these masses will take place on Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th of November at 7.30pm each night. To include your loved ones please place your offering in the church baskets or drop your envelope through the letterbox on the sacristy door.
The final mass for the dead is always offered for those who died during the past 12 months. This mass will take place  on Friday November 26th at 7.30pm. This is a beautiful mass where each person is represented by a lit candle reminding us of the wonderful light of Christ and the ongoing presence of our loved ones in our hearts. The candle is presented to a member of the deceased family to bring home and light on occasions in remembrance and affection. All those who were buried in Ballyduff will be automatically added to the list but if you had a death of a family member or friend outside the parish in the past year and would like to include their name please feel welcome to do so. You can do this by contacting Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or giving the name to Ann in the sacristy.
I am that little robin,
That sits upon a tree
I sing to you each morning
But you don’t know it’s me
I am that little robin
In your garden everyday
I will never leave you
I will never fly away.

Cash 4 Clothes

Ballyduff AFC are continuing with their Cash 4 Clothes Fundraiser. You can drop off your bags of items any day between the hours of 11am to 4pm or any evening that training is on. They can accept all mens, womens and childrens clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen(duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and throws. Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets. This is a fantastic opportunity to clear out those wardrobes and declutter. While doing this you are also helping to raise funds for your local soccer club.

Dr. Martin Centre

The Dr. Martin Day Care Centre has asked me to let you know that they open Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to 2pm daily. Their daily activities include chair yoga, bingo, use of tablets, chair exercises, Meditation, use of treadmill, quizzes, life story books and much more. You can pop onto their Facebook page “Dr-Martin Centre” and view their weekly dinner menu which can be ordered and delivered. They also have one to one computer classes running weekly if you need help using your phone, tablet or computer. You can contact the centre for more information on 051-387111 and speak to Alice.

Wedding Bells

Warmest congratulations and good wishes to very popular local girl Laura Brophy who recently said “I do” to her Prince Charming James Maher.  James hails from Ballingarry so there could be a divide from time to time when matches come around but it will all be in good nature. James and Laura held their ceremony and reception in the beautiful surroundings of Langtons in Kilkenny and I have it from a reliable source that a great time was had by all. Looking on proudly were parents Michael and Dympna Brophy and Jimmy and Veronica Maher and fresh from her own big Christening day the couple’s daughter Ada was there to make sure everything went well. We wish this lovely little family every best wish for the future and great happiness in their home together in Callan.

Ballyduff GAA

A big well done to the U10 camogie team who took part in the County blitz at the WIT arena. The girls played three very competitive games. In this the first year of camogie back in Ballyduff they really showed their hard work and dedication. Their hard work really paid off and it was plain to see their determination. A big thank you to all at Waterford Camogie for organising this event. The girls really enjoyed it and it was wonderful to see so many different clubs playing together. Due to the skills and dedication of so many coaches, mentors and parents Waterford Camogie has a very bright future.
The academy section of the club recently held a fantastic fun day with barbeque. It was a wonderful opportunity for players, parents and coaches to enjoy each other’s company. A big thank you to all who organised and helped on the day. It would not have been possible of course without the generosity of the sponsors, so a big thank you to Hicksons Centra Kilmeaden, Countrystyle, Mark Kennedy Accountant and an Garda Siochana Tramore District.
A big well done to our U11 footballers who were crowned joint city league champions. This marvellous bunch have been playing outstanding football all year and a big thank you must go to Erins Own for a very sporting game. Huge credit must go to all their coaches down over the years and to manager John Carey. This was a great lift for the club and the community and to the parents who have been there every step of the way.
The Intermediate footballers bowed out of the championship to a much stronger Gaultier side. With a lot of players away and many injuries it was inspiring to see those who did turn up leave everything on the pitch and represent Ballyduff with honour. The club really appreciates the effort put in over the year and huge thanks to Player/ Manager John Carey for the effort he has put into the team.
The club would like to say a big well done  to their U12 camogie girls who took part in the Waterford Camogie Tesco Under 12 blitz which was held in the WIT arena. The girls played very well against 3 strong teams and are improving with every game.Thank you to Waterford camogie for organising this great event and a big thank you to all the coaches and the parents.
The club would like to congratulate the Lgfa girls who were crowned winners of the U15 plate competition. They defeated St. Pats on a 7-7 to 4-9 scoreline. This is a fantastic achievement and what a way to finish off the season. They enjoyed their celebrations which were well deserved and a big thank you to their coaches who look after them so well.

Autumn Chill

There is no doubt that the temperature has certainly dropped and little Jack Frost has shown his head a few mornings. We forget that we are heading into the Winter season because everywhere we look there are still signs of new growth and freshness. As I walk around my gardens I see new buds on my roses and lots of bright colours still adorning my garden beds and pots. The smell of fresh cut grass is still in the air and butterflies and insects are still in the air and on the ground. The swans are gliding majestically along the beautiful Knockaderry                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Lake and people are walking, running and cycling along the Greenway, through the woods and on the roads.
However we are now starting to see smoke coming from chimneys, more oil lorries delivering and firewood being prepared. I mention all this because I ask you all to have a think about  your friends and neighbours who are perhaps living alone, or maybe elderly or ill or someone who has maybe just had a hard or difficult year. Please check in with them and see how they are fixed for the cold season. A helping hand is a wonderful gift both to give and receive.

Defibrillator Code

The management at Centra, Kilmeaden recently installed a Defibrillator outside their premises. This is a fantastic addition to our community and we thank The Hicksons and all their staff for keeping the safety of their customers to the fore. The Defibrillator has now been registered with the ambulance service. If you need to access the defibrillator at any time just dial 999 and they will give you the code. This is a fantastic facility to have in the heart of the community.

Fundraiser

You may have had the opportunity over the Mid-Term to clear out those wardrobes and cupboards and are now left with those clothing items which really don’t need to go back into those wardrobes. Ballyduff AFC are hosting a Cash for Clothes Fundraiser and would be delighted to look after those bags of unwanted items for you. Don’t worry you are not going to see some local soccer players running around the field wearing your old leggings or shirts. These items are weighed and the club receives a payment which goes into the club enabling them to keep up their wonderful facilities and fantastic amenities. You are welcome to drop off your items to Ballyduff AFC grounds any day between 11am and 4pm or any evening that training is on. The pick up date for the items is November 22nd so no excuse for not getting those wardrobes cleared before the Christmas party season. The items that can be included are all womens, mens and childrens clothing. They will also accept paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bed linen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and throws). Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets. This is a fabulous opportunity to clear out your excess items while helping your local club. I know that the club is very grateful for all the support they receive from the community and beyond.

Church News.

Although our departed loved ones are never far from our minds and hearts, the month of November is always a special time to remember our loved ones. Our local church will host 4 special extra masses which will be offered especially for our dead relatives and friends. These masses will take place on Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th of November at 7.30pm each night. To include your loved ones please place your offering in the church baskets or you can place an envelope in the letterbox which is inside the church on the sacristy door.
A special candle mass will take place on Wednesday November 24th at 7.30pm and this will be offered especially for all those who have died in the past 12 months. A candle will be given to the relatives of the deceased during the mass and then lit to remind us of the beauty of God’s light in life and death. Those who are buried in our own graveyard will automatically be included but we are aware that many of you have had relatives and friends who died in other areas and we invite you to include their names also. If you would like to include a name please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or you can drop the name to Ann in the sacristy.

Golden Celebrations.

In recent times Ballyduff AFC  marked their 50th anniversary but due to restrictions they were unable to celebrate in the style they wanted to. However they are now ready to celebrate and invite you to celebrate with them. They would like to invite all past and present members of the club along with the people of the local community to join them at The Greenway Manor Hotel on Friday November 26th for a night of good food, great music and wonderful memories. Tickets are now on sale at €50 each and can be purchased from committee members or by private messaging their Facebook page. On the night you will be treated to a champagne reception on arrival followed by a delicious four course meal and then you can dance the night away to music by Monkey Harris and DJ Trevor Harris. During the night there will also be many spot prizes on offer and many memories from the past 50 years. The club would be delighted if you could join them for this long overdue catch up and help them welcome the next decade.

WSVR News

Many visitors have been enjoying the Spooky experience at the railway and now preparations are underway for the exciting arrival of Santa for the Santa Express. The guys at the station are delighted to have a beautiful calendar on sale at the moment. Butlerstown lady Rose Matthews has included some beautiful photographs in a lovely new calendar. All proceeds from this calendar will go to The Samaritans Waterford and South East.
Although some wonderful visitors have arrived at the railway, a very special passenger climbed on board in recent days. The clip clop of a pony’s hooves could be heard arriving at track and then climbing on board was Moup, a little pony from Equine Halfway House pony rescue and refuge. He and his owners are travelling around Ireland to raise funds for their pony rescue and refuge. I have been told Moup enjoyed his trip and was a perfect passenger.

Martin Centre.

The people at The Martin Centre have asked me to let you know that they are now open from 10am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The hours will be extended until 4pm shortly. There are many weekly activities on offer including chair yoga, use of the treadmill, use of the computers and tablets, bingo, exercise class with Darren, meditation, quizzes and our life story books. Music will also return soon on Wednesdays