NEW BABY
Congratulations to John and Joanne Whelan, Matthews Cross on the birth of their beautiful baby son. Baby Jamie is a very lucky little boy to have big brother Tom and big sister Penny ready and waiting to show him the ropes and pass on all the tricks of the trade. I’m sure they are going to have a wonderful time growing up together. We wish them all every happiness and good health for the future and we welcome Jamie into the community.
SCRAP COLLECTION
Ballyduff AFC are hosting a fundraising scrap metal collection for the next few weeks. You are invited to bring along your old bikes, dishwashers, scrap metal etc. Please do not include any tv’s, washing machines, glass objects or paint tins. Support your local club while clearing out those sheds and yards. The skip will be situated at Ballyduff AFC grounds, and you are welcome to bring along your items any day between 12 noon and 8pm.
SCHOOL NEWS
The children are well settled back into their school routine now and plans are being made for activities and occasions for the coming year. First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Saturday May 21st at 11am in Ballyduff Church while Confirmation Day has been announced as Thursday June 23rd, with 5th class receiving the sacrament at 2pm while 6th class have theirs at 4pm in Ballyduff Church also. It will be lovely to have these occasions back again and I’m sure all the students involved are happy to have their dates chosen and are looking forward to preparing for their big day.
Enrolment applications for Junior Infants September 2022 are now being taken and forms are available at the school office. If you require any further information, please contact the school directly on 051-384414. Closing date for applications is February 28th and no applications will be accepted after that date.
BALLYDUFF GAA
It is wonderful to see great activity back in the GAA grounds, children back playing sports and enjoying each other’s company. While learning the skills needed, they are also learning to enjoy the game and the importance of working together as a team. From a young age Ballyduff GAA encourage the young boys and girls to play to their best ability and to have fun.
The U8’s are now back training on Saturday mornings from 10am and new members are always welcome.
If you shop in Lidl, don’t forget to nominate our local ladies football club for their latest promotion. You could help them to win some lovely gear and equipment or a very nice cash prize which would be a great boost for the club.
There is something for all ages within the club so have a look at their Facebook page and check out what’s going on.
LET’S COOK
Our neighbours in Kill Community Centre are hosting cookery classes with a free demo on Thursday February 24th at 7pm. These classes are suitable for all age groups, children from 5 up can attend with a parent or guardian. The classes will demonstrate quick and easy recipes. All ingredients, equipment and aprons will be provided. The classes will run for 4 weeks but places will be limited so early booking is advisable. For more information and to book for demo please contact 087 9027425.
AWARD SUCCESS
The GAA President awards affords the President the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding commitment and long service across the club and county network. The 11 awards are a cross section of people who have made an inspirational impact on their club and community. The awards are made on a provincial basis, and I am delighted to say that for the Munster region the deserving winner was our very own Fiona Crotty Laffan. A native of the beautiful Ballymacarbry, Fiona’s list of honours include U14, U16 and Minor All Ireland titles, All Star Award and she holds the record for winning four All Ireland titles in Ladies Gaelic Football in one year. These accolades alone would win this award, but Fiona has now become a role model for young girls and will continue this great work as she manages the Waterford U14 panel.
We are very lucky here in Ballyduff that local man Billy Laffan caught her eye, and she chose here to build their home and raise their children. Fiona has become very involved in our local club and she has helped so many local girls build their confidence and believe in their abilities. Her love and joy for the sport is infectious. Having enjoyed such great success, she could have just stepped away, but she wanted to make sure that young girls had the opportunity to fall in love with a game like she did. She wanted them to see that hard work and dedication really pays off and that opportunities come knocking
I have no doubt at all that the Crotty and Laffan families are very proud as well as her native Ballymacarbry and her adopted Ballyduff Lower Clubs and the late, great John Crotty beams from the heavens above. He went to every training session, travelled to every game and now enjoys a bird’s eye view of his little girl doing what she loves and now passing on her advice to the next generation.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
We join in prayer with our neighbours in Portlaw and Newtown who recently mourned the lost of two men in tragic circumstances. My mind has been racing all week thinking of their families left behind and praying that anyone out there who finds themselves in a dark place will find the courage and the strength to ask for help and to reach for that light and may we all recognise the signs of someone who may need to talk to someone or simply just be listened to. We all deserve the kindness of others, and we all need help sometimes. Be kind to yourself and to others.
“Sometimes the strongest among us, are the ones who smile
Through silent pain, cry behind closed doors and fight battles
Nobody knows about”