DEATH OF PATRICK WALSH

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Walsh family, Lacka Road on the recent death of Patrick Walsh, Lacka Road formerly from the German Road. Patrick originally hailed from Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary. He is survived by his wife Angela, his sons Thomas and Dylan, his daughters Ruth, Evelyn and Imelda, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren ,great grandchild, sisters and many friends. Patrick returned home to his hometown for his funeral mass and burial in St. John the Baptist Church, Lisronagh. We pray that Patrick now rests in peace and that his family will find comfort in the wonderful memories he left them.

WHISTLESTOP CAFE

Many people taking their exercise along the Greenway in Kilmeaden like to stop off at the Suir Valley Railway to enjoy a cuppa and a treat at the Whistlestop cafe or meet up with friends for a chat while enjoying a hot drink. The good news is that the Whistlestop Cafe is now open daily from 10am to 3.30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Why not drop along and enjoy a nice treat with friends after a glorious walk along the Greenway taking in the beautiful sites along the River Suir.

JUNIOR INFANTS ENROLMENT

Ballyduff NS are now taking applications for September 2022. Application forms are available from the school office and the closing date for applications is February 28th 2022. If you require any further information please contact the school office on 051=384414.

GOODBYE TO FR. O HALLORAN

We were all very saddened at the weekend when our Parish Priest Fr. Richard O Halloran informed us that he is being relocated to the parish of Tramore. Although he has been with us for the past seven years we hoped that he might be here for another few years but that was not meant to be. Fr. Richard has given 100% dedication and commitment to our parish since he arrived. His dedication really shone through during Covid times when he ensured the parish could still be together through prayer. Through the Facebook page we shared mass, the Angelus, prayer and reflection. There is no doubt that Fr. Richard has left a lasting impression on our parish and I know that he has been a wonderful, caring and helpful friend to Fr. Mick and he shall miss him very much. The only comfort we take is that he hasn’t moved too far away and so we will hopefully meet him from time to time. We wish him the very best in his new position, our loss is most definitely Tramore’s gain as they welcome a loyal, prayerful, kind man. So take care of him as he is very special to us.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Life is all about balance
You don’t always need to be
Getting stuff done.
Sometimes it’s perfectly ok
And absolutely necessary
To shut down, kick back
And do nothing.

CHURCH NEWS

The booking of anniversary masses for the months of January and February are now taking place and if you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or email spillanelinda2017@gmail.com. At the moment it is not possible to share masses but there are plenty of dates available. First anniversaries and Months Mind masses will be given priority over dates so please get in touch as soon as possible so we can get you the preferred date.
As you know this is a very exciting year for our beautiful church as we celebrate its 200th birthday. We really need to celebrate this wonderful occasion so get your thinking caps on and let me know your ideas. This should be a community celebration. I have no doubt that many of you may have some photos and memorabilia from years gone by. Wouldn’t it be lovely to exhibit them and recall days gone by. Let me know if you come across anything of interest and we’ll all work together to make this very special birthday one to remember.

YOGA TIME

Are you thinking of taking up a new activity for the New Year. If you would like to relax your body and mind then how about trying some yoga and pilates. Yoga with Ginni takes place in Ballyduff Community Centre with both morning and evening times available. On Wednesday at 6.30pm caters for all levels Hatha and on Friday mornings at 9.30 am it’s pilates and yoga for all levels. Booking is essential for these classes and you can do so by contacting 083 3717354.

TEAM BUILDING

Local lady Fiona Crotty Laffan was recently appointed Manager of the U14 Waterford Ladies Football team and with such a vast amount of experience she will be a wonderful asset for the girls. Last weekend she had the girls in action with a team building day at the Dunhill GAA grounds and were delighted to be given the chance to use their fabulous newly renovated facilities. After some fun team building games, the girls enjoyed a delicious chicken curry lunch which was supplied and subsidized by Harneys Bar and Restaurant. A big thanks also to Gala in Kilmeaden for providing the last minute supplies. What a fantastic and fun way for all the girls to get to know each other as they come together as a team from clubs all over Waterford. We will be following this team with great interest.

HARTY CUP SUCCESS

De La Salle College have booked their place in the Harty Cup semi final following their 9 point win over Nenagh. De La Salle had a great game with some very impressive scores and great individual performances from the panel and from the bench. With players from many different clubs within the city and county and we here wish the very best of luck to local man Rory Dobbyn who represents Ballyduff Lower as part of the panel and of course to the Manager of this team Dermot Dooley. De La Salle now prepare to meet Clare outfit St. Joseph’s Tulla in the next couple of weeks.

MOUNT CONGREVE

Work is well under way restoring and refurbishing the beautiful Mount Congreve house. The stunning gardens have been open for many years now for the public to enjoy at different times of the year but the house was not accessible. The restoration work is moving along smoothly and will include a new visitor centre with a cafe and retail space. This will only enhance the visitors’ experience of the house and gardens. The garden is home to an extensive collection of plants, shrubs and trees including rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias and flora from every continent in the world. Keep up to date with opening hours and photos and information about the house and garden by checking out their website and Facebook page. I can guarantee that the photos of the beautiful plants and flowers will brighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Bring love wherever you go
Shine light wherever it’s dark
Leave blessings, wherever you’ve been
Be kind wherever you are

RECENT DEATH

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Billy Hovenden, Ross. Billy was a quiet gentleman who was very interesting to talk to and had a fantastic knowledge of the area around him and times gone past. He had a great love of the land and machinery and enjoyed a chat and a drink on Sunday nights in Haughtons. It was there that I got to know Billy as I would arrive to collect my other half, Billy would pat the seat beside him and say “sit down there for a chat, the rest of them are only shouting”. I loved our chats as he would tell me of bygone days. He was also a great family man and enjoyed watching his daughters grow up and start their own careers and lives. Billy is survived by his wife Eleanor, his daughters Hillary and Vivienne, his sister Kay, brother Bobby, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. His funeral mass took place in The All Saints Church, Newtown followed by cremation to the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

CHURCH NEWS
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for the months of January or February then bookings are now being taken. Masses cannot be shared at the moment and Months Mind and First anniversary masses will take first priority on dates. If you would like to book an anniversary mass then please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or drop an email on spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

BACK TO SCHOOL

All the young people in our community have now returned to school following the Christmas break and we hope that they all remain safe and well while they are there. We have every confidence in the school management that they will meet all the restrictions placed in front of them and we know that our children’s safety is their top priority. We wish all our young people the very best for the term ahead and hope that they get to enjoy some little bit of normality soon.

ACTIVITIES RESUME

As 2022 begins we look forward to our local clubs and organisations beginning their activities again. Keep an eye to these notes for information or log on to their Facebook pages which are updated regularly. If you are new to the area check out what is going on. Getting involved in local clubs is the best way to get to know people and a wonderful way for your children to make friends.