Monthly Archives: May 2022

First Holy Communions, Tractor Run and Church News

GAA Lotto

The latest GAA lotto draw took place on May 15th and the numbers drawn were 3, 6, 9 and 11. There was no jackpot winners but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were James Walsh, Aedin Eachthigheirn and Alex Walsh. The next draw will take place on May 29th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €6,200 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three tickets for €5. The only thing you have to do is choose those four lucky numbers. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member, or they will be on sale on Saturday 28th outside Centra in Kilmeaden.

First Holy Communions

Warmest congratulations to all the boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday May 21st in Ballyduff Church. We hope that they all enjoyed a wonderful day with their family and friends.  We look forward to meeting them and hearing about their special day.

Ballyduff Camogie Club

Congratulations to all at Ballyduff Camogie Club who recently celebrated their first year as a club. The club has really taken off and has proved to be very popular and has enjoyed great membership. The Camogie club would like to thank all the young ladies who have joined the club and made it the success it is. They would also like to thank all the parents and guardians for all their support and help over the year. Although I am not a parent of anyone in the group, I’m sure I speak for the parents involved when I say a big thank you to all the coaches and mentors who give their time and commitment to the Camogie club and make it so enjoyable and encouraging for the girls. The girls were treated to a little celebration after training to mark their 1st birthday. Here’s to many more years of camogie in Ballyduff.

Tractor Run

I hope ye are all polishing up those Massey’s and shining up those Ford’s and getting those engines ready for July 24th when the very popular Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor run will take place. This event has been sadly missed during Covid and the organising committee are working hard to come back with a tractor run to remember. This is a date in the diary everyone looks forward to and is always very well attended. Mark July 24th in your calendar for this year’s event. This group have raised a tremendous amount for charity over the years and this year’s chosen charity is Pieta House. You don’t need me to tell you what wonderful work this charity does and how vital it is that we do all we can to ensure that this service is accessible to all who need it.

GAA Notes

The club were delighted to have a couple of winners in the first of the Deise draws. Anita Halley was the lucky winner of a voucher, and the club also won the coordinators prize. Tickets are still available to purchase so contact any of the committee members or Brian Hearne and you could be a lucky winner

Church News

Anniversary mass bookings for the weekends during the months of April and May are now taking place. If you would like to book a mass, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Great news to hear that our lovely parish choir will return to rehearsals on Monday May 23rd and Monday May 30th at 8pm each night. New members are always welcome so why not drop along and check out what it is all about. We really look forward to hearing their beautiful singing enhancing our ceremonies again.
Linda Spillane is on the lookout for some old photos or information about our parish church. As you know Ballyduff church is 200 years old this year and Linda is putting something together through her work with the paper and would love your input. Have you a wedding photo from years gone by or any other special occasion, any interesting information or articles? Please give Linda a call on 087 9838392.

Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Family Success and First Holy Communion

Waterford Suir Valley Railway

All the volunteers and customers at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden have certainly being enjoying the beautiful weather. Following a lovely walk or run on the Greenway or a scenic train ride along by the river, people return to the station to sit and chat or maybe just sit and allow the world to go by. The Whistlestop café provides them with all they need to relax, whether that be a nice cuppa or a delicious creamy 99 ice cream.
I visited the station last Sunday and was just in time to catch a performance by the Intonations choir group. They treated us to some well-known songs with beautiful harmonies throughout. One of things that struck me most though were the happy faces on all of them as they sang together and swayed along to the beat. They weren’t doing this as a fundraiser for themselves or anyone else but simply to spread a little joy to people. They had already stopped in Kilmacthomas and were heading down past Mount Congreve after Kilmeaden station to sing again. I asked one of the members how it felt being able to perform again and she simply said, “like I can breathe again”. They will take a little break over the Summer but watch out for their performances when they return and give yourself a little treat.
The management and volunteers at the railway would like to sincerely thank all who visited the railway between April 1st and April 10th. Whether you came along and enjoyed a train ride or donated online or in the wishing well at the station, the proceeds of ticket sales on those days were deposited into the account for Unicef Ireland Ukraine appeal. The amount deposited was €3,294.00 which is just fantastic and will be put to good use. A big well done to everyone who contributed and congratulations to all at Kilmeaden railway for such a generous and kind idea.

Church News

Anniversary mass bookings for the weekends during the months of April and May are now taking place. If you would like to book a mass, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Great news to hear that our lovely parish choir will return to rehearsals on Monday May 23rd and Monday May 30th at 8pm each night. New members are always welcome so why not drop along and check out what it is all about. We really look forward to hearing their beautiful singing enhancing our ceremonies again.
Linda Spillane is on the lookout for some old photos or information about our parish church. As you know Ballyduff church is 200 years old this year and Linda is putting something together through her work with the paper and would love your input. Have you a wedding photo from years gone by or any other special occasion, any interesting information or articles? Please give Linda a call on 087 9838392.

Football For All

Ballyduff AFC have been delivering a Football for all programme over April and May in Ballyduff N.S. This is all in collaboration with the FAI and Waterford Sports Partnership. The Football for all programme will begin on Saturday May 21st from 11am to 12pm at Ballyduff AFC grounds for children aged 6 to 12 with additional needs. This programme is running exceptionally well in the East and West of the County and Ballyduff will serve the mid county. This programme will run initially for children within the local school and community and over time will be opened out to the wider community. If you would like information regarding places and availability and places, please send a message through messenger on the Ballyduff AFC Facebook page or contact one of the committee. Additionally, if you like to volunteer to support the programme, your support would be very welcome.

National Duathlon Success.

We heartily congratulate local Superwoman Diane Behan in Fan Glas on her recent fantastic achievement. Diane finished up in second place in this years National Duathlon Series. What an amazing achievement but not surprising from this lady supreme. Diane puts in 100% to all her training and her dedication is to be admired. I have no doubt that Jack, Sabrina and all the family are very proud of Diane’s achievement, and we all wish her the very best for the future.

Family Success

Congratulations to Makayla Laffan, Carriganure who is a member of the U14 Waterford Lady footballers’ squad who have successfully made their way into the All Ireland Final. Beating Donegal on a final score line of Waterford 7-08 to Donegal 2-04, they were thrilled to get themselves into an All-Ireland Final. What an achievement from this hardworking bunch of young ladies. Of course, Makayla is not the only young lady in the Laffan household who is involved. Her mam the great Fiona Laffan (nee Crotty) manages the team and has no doubt passed on great advice and coaching tips to this team. An All- Ireland medal winner herself her vast knowledge and her wealth of experience can only be an inspiration to these young ladies. We are so looking forward to the Final so best of luck to the team and management.
Not to leave the male side of the family down Makayla’s brother Charlie recently travelled to Donegal to take part in the UKF International, Ulster Karate Do Federation. Charlie returned home a gold medal winner and we are all so proud. Charlie puts a lot of hard work and dedication into his training and should be very proud of his fantastic and well-deserved achievement.
By the way in case any of you are wondering what their secret is, I have been promised that once the All Ireland is over, they will reveal the special potion but I’m not allowed tell anyone so I’ll just put it in the paper.

Tidy Towns

Our local Tidy Towns group will hold a fundraiser next weekend. A fantastic hamper full of lots of goodies will be up for grabs. Tickets will be on sale outside Centra, Kilmeaden on Friday May 20th so please support this very worthy cause.

Ballyduff GAA.

The Deise draw returns on May 18th and this is a vital source of income for our local club. The club have been lucky with a few winners so don’t miss out on your chance. Tickets are available from all committee members or by contacting Brian on 087 2486423. Treat yourself or maybe give as a gift. First draw is May 18th so get your skates on.
Our U13 footballers played a great game of football against Ferrybank/Sacred Heart. It was edge of the seat stuff for most of the game, but the opponents held on to the lead and the game finished Ballyduff 3-10 Ferrybank/Sacred Heart 5-8. This team have played their hearts out all year and have given their all. Well done to all the players and the coaches for giving their valuable time.
There was a very successful first training session for our Ballyduff Rounders team. A huge thank you to Mark and Karen who ran through the basic rules on the day. Social rounders will continue at the GAA grounds every Sunday morning from 11am to 12 noon weather permitting. It is hoped to develop a mixed adult team. No experience is needed for this fun and gentle exercise for adults and families of all fitness levels and abilities.
The club would like to express their heartiest congratulations to Makayla Laffan, her mam Fiona and all the squad who qualified for the All-Ireland U 14 Lgfa silver final.
A massive well done to our U15 footballers who beat Ardmore in the County Plate Final. It was a brilliant game and one the lads deserved to win. The game finished Portlaw/ Ballyduff 1-11 to Ardmore 2-4. Congratulations to all the players and coaches, this is a just reward for the huge effort they have put in over the past few months
Our U11 hurlers have been named champions of the U11 hurling city league. They took on De La Salle in terrible conditions in Gracedieu. As the wind and rain swirled, they played against a strong breeze in the first half. There were some great passes, which lead to some super scores and the backs remained tight in defence. De La Salle fought back in the second half and got some nice scores, but our lads dug in and came back to gain a well-deserved win. The city league now concludes for 2022, so having won all the games in the group year, we will now be crowned champions. What a fantastic achievement, well done to all and of course to all the parents on the line for all their support and encouragement. We look forward to having a medal presentation for these boys and girls later in the Summer.

Ballyduff AFC.

Our local soccer club are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff and are extending the collection for another two weeks. The skip is located at the grounds and items can be brought to it any weekday between 12 noon and 8pm. Please do not put any of the following items in the skip, TV’s, paint tins, glass objects, washing machines. You can include dishwashers, scrap metal pieces, bikes etc. You have no excuse now to clean up the place before that Communion, Confirmation or any family occasion or maybe someone has been gently asking you to get rid of stuff for some time now and think what brownie points you could earn.
Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools will host a Summer camp at Ballyduff AFC grounds from August 15th to August 19th. The camp will run daily from 10am to 1pm and will be open to all boys and girls aged 6 to 14. To book your place please log on to www.bookings.summer

First Holy Communion

On Saturday May 21st the boys and girls from Ballyduff N.S will receive their First Holy Communion in St. Nicholas’ Church. We pray that the Lord will watch over them all and we hope that they and their families will enjoy a lovely day together.

Thought For the Week

Every moment of life is precious and can never happen again

GAA Lotto, Run Success and Ballyduff AFC

GAA Lotto

The GAA club held two lotto draws over the past couple of weeks and so I bring you news of both. The numbers drawn in the first draw were 10, 13, 18 and 22 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three winners of €50 each were John O Shea, Celia Kearney and Martin Power. The lucky numbers chosen in the second draw were 3, 7, 10 and 22 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky people receiving €50 each were Ann Ryan, David J Veale and Anita Halley. The next draw will take place on Sunday May 15th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €6,050 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three tickets for €5. They are available from all committee members or can be purchased on Saturday May 14th outside Centra in Kilmeaden where volunteers will sell the tickets for the day. Choose those numbers carefully and don’t forget who told you about it first.

Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Whelan and all the Whelan family on the recent death of Mary’s sister Bridget Phelan (nee Donnelly) a native of the Lacka Road. Bridget is survived by her sisters Mary, Lena and Teresa. Her funeral mass took place in St. Senan’s Church, Kilmacow followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that she now rests in the peace and love of Christ.

We also extend our condolences to the family and friends of Paddy Mooney. Paddy who is a native of Dunabrattin, Annestown was a very valued and popular employee of Mount Congreve for many years where he made many friends from Kilmeaden and surrounding areas. He was a very lovable character and had many wonderful stories having led a very fascinating and interesting life. He enjoyed life to the full and just missed out on his birthday when he would have celebrated turning 101. Paddy is survived by his son Patrick, brother Ger, his extended family and his many friends. Paddy was a resident for the past few years of Dunabbey House in Dungarvan and will be missed greatly by his friends there. Paddy’s funeral mass took place in the All Saints Church in Newtown followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. We hope that Paddy now enjoys the peace and comfort of heaven.

Run Success

Congratulations to locals Sharon Flynn, John Guiry and Kilmeaden’s Countrylife’s popular manager Gabrielle Mulcahy who completed a running challenge taken on by The Saturday Road Runners. The challenge was to run in every county of Ireland within 72 hours. Running 5km in each county, they began on April 29th and finished on May 2nd. They took on this challenge to raise money for the Waterford/Kilkenny branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. They have managed to raise over €34,000 already which is a fantastic amount. Well done and congratulations to all the runners and I hope they are all very proud of their wonderful achievement.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Our local soccer club are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff and are extending the collection for another two weeks. The skip is located at the grounds and items can be brought to it any weekday between 12 noon and 8pm. Please do not put any of the following items in the skip, TV’s, paint tins, glass objects, washing machines. You can include dishwashers, scrap metal pieces, bikes etc. You have no excuse now to clean up the place before that Communion, Confirmation or any family occasion or maybe someone has been gently asking you to get rid of stuff for some time now and think what brownie points you could earn.

Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools will host a Summer camp at Ballyduff AFC grounds from August 15th to August 19th. The camp will run daily from 10am to 1pm and will be open to all boys and girls aged 6 to 14. To book your place please log on to www.bookings.summersoccerschools.ie

BALLYDUFF GAA

A big well done to our U10 and U8 lady footballers who played their first matches of the year against Erins Own in Williamstown. The U10’s had a very competitive game with lovely displays of football from both sides. The U8’s played two games and showed some great skill and great scores taken by both sides. A big thank you to Erins Own Lgfc for hosting the games.
Congratulations to the boys and girls team from Ballyduff N.S who had great wins in camogie and hurling, both qualifying for finals. Thank you to the staff and management of the school for facilitating games in the school. Sport is a very important part of education and is hugely beneficial to the children
The Well kids programme on Saturday mornings are going very well and there is no better sight than watching kids out exercising and having fun. Newcomers are always welcome so if you are aged 4 to 6 drop along to the field on Saturday mornings at 10am. You will receive a lovely welcome
The club say a big well done to Sarah O Connor who represented Ballyduff N.S and her club playing at half time in Fraher field. Sarah has put in a lot of hard work over the years, and this is well deserved. The club hopes Sarah enjoyed the experience.
The U8 and U10 camogie girls had their first outing of the season as they took part in the County blitz in the WIT arena. They played teams from Tramore, Lismore, De La Salle and St. Annes. The girls played very well in all games and a big thank you must go to all the parents who came along to support. The club would also like to thank the Camogie Association for a well organised morning of games.
The club is very proud of the U15 lgfc team which comprises of players from both Ballyduff and Portlaw who had a fantastic win in the U15 Feile competition. What a brilliant achievement for a team who have put in such hard work over the years. Of course, their coaches deserve to take a bow also.
The Men on the Move programme continues every Tuesday night at 7.30pm in the ball alley at the pitch with thanks to Waterford Sports partnership. These professional coaches offer great advice and encouragement, showing suitable exercises for all ages, shapes and fitness levels. Of course, there is also good chat and a laugh or two on offer. There is still time to join up or simply just turn up on the night. For the entire course the cost is just €20 for non-members or €10 for members.
Well done to the Ballyduff/Portlaw U15 footballers who won their semi-final against Ballinacourty on a scoreline of 2-5 to 1-6. This great bunch of lads wear their jerseys with great pride. Well done to their coaches for keeping them so sharp.
The Deise Draw returns on May 18th with some fabulous prizes on offer each month. The sales of these tickets are a vital source of income for the club, so we ask that you consider buying a ticket. Tickets cost €15 per month with 6 draws over 6 months. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member or by contacting Brian Hearne on 087 2486423.

Terrific Trudie, Men on the Move and New Chapter

RECENT DEATH

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Heffernan family in Kilmeaden on their recent sad loss. Dr. Mary Heffernan (nee Dennehy) of Roseville, Kilmeaden is survived by her loving husband Frank and their children Andrew, Aifric and Adam, her brother Tom, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Her funeral mass and burial took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff. We pray that Mary now rests in peace and that the wonderful memories her family have will bring them peace and comfort.

ALZHEIMERS TEA DAY

It is great to see charity events taking place again. People love to come together to work on behalf of their charities and support them in any way they can. The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day is always looked forward to and a lovely morning is always had.
On Thursday May 5th we will have the opportunity to support this event. A lovely tea/coffee morning will be held in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12 noon. There will be some delicious treats on offer and a fantastic raffle with some lovely prizes. This is also a lovely chance to meet with friends and enjoy a chat and a laugh while supporting a very worthy cause. Spread the word and enjoy a morning of relaxation and friendship.

FAITH CONVERSATIONS

Pope Francis has called the whole church to focus attention on what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church around the world. Inter parish meetings called “Faith Conversations” will take place at different locations around the Diocese. All ages are welcome to attend. You can be a regular mass goer or someone who goes occasionally, all are welcome to attend and speak and listen. The venue for Ballyduff and Portlaw is the Glor na Mara school, Tramore at 7.30pm on Wednesday May 4th. The other parishes attending this venue are Tramore, Dunhill, Killea, Newtown and Kilmacthomas.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of May and June, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. There are still a few dates available.

TERRIFIC TRUDIE

Congratulations to local young lady Trudie O Reilly, Ardeenlone who represented Ballyduff Lower Camogie club and Waterford playing in the primary game at half time in the senior game between Waterford and Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn. Trudie’s family and club are very proud of her and wish her continued success.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB

The club were delighted to welcome Aideen Howlin who is the participation and retention co-ordinator of the camogie association along to their training session last week. She had arrived with great news for the club, they were the lucky recipients of training equipment following the club’s selection to participate in the Camogie Association Club Development award. This is a huge vote of confidence from the Camogie Association in the club who are newly formed. This equipment will help the club greatly as they move forward. The club would like to thank the Camogie Association for the equipment and for selecting Ballyduff Lower to participate in this development award.

MEN ON THE MOVE

Well done to all the men who participated in the first night of men on the move. This initiative from Waterford Sports Partnership is tailored to all ages and abilities. The group were led by some wonderful coaches and the feedback from the group was tremendous. There is still time to join in the fun as this programme will run every Tuesday night for the next five weeks. Drop along to the ball alley at Ballyduff GAA grounds on Tuesday at 7.30pm and enjoy some physical activity while having a chat and a laugh. Remember you do not have to be a club member to join in the fun.

NEW CHAPTER

On Saturday April 30th, The Beauty Loft in Kilmeaden closed its doors after more than 10 years in business. We wish Margaret every best wish for the future and as she heads off for new ventures, we wish her every success and happiness. Margaret has used her talents to help many customers feel good about themselves as they head off to a special event or perhaps just enjoy a treat or pamper. I have no doubt that she has leant a listening year to many over the years and I know that she will be deeply missed.
Christine from the hairdressers will now take over the salon offering a hair and beauty experience. A new name will follow so if you are interested in conducting a beautician business in a ready-made salon contact Christine in the hairdressers.

Thought for the Week
Use what talents you possess
The woods would be very silent
If no birds sang there
Except those that sang best