Monthly Archives: July 2022

Big Day Out, Local Death and Ballyduff AFC

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Morrissey, Ballyduff on the recent death of her son-in-law. Michael Whelan was a resident of Ballygunnermore, Granstown and is survived by his wife Angela (nee Morrissey) and his beloved daughters Ann- Marie and Sandra, his grandchildren and extended family. His funeral mass took place in Ballygunner Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that he now rests in peace and that his family will find comfort through their memories of him.

Big Day Out

Ballyduff Lower’s U11 hurlers are really looking forward to a great day out on August 4th. As a treat for all their hard work so far this year they will head to Thurles, the home of hurling to take part in a Munster Hurling Activity Day. On the day they will play three games against other counties in the historic Semple Stadium. They will also be given a chance to meet some famous players, get some signatures, ask questions, and have a tour of the stadium.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the players and will provide them with some wonderful memories. We hope they have a brilliant day and enjoy every minute of it.

Local Death

Our community and neighbourhood were deeply saddened on hearing of the death of local man Tony Whelan, Kilmagemogue. Tony had suffered the cross of illness for some time but did so with great bravery and courage. His wish was to be at home with his family and this was honoured by his loving wife and children. The care and support he received at home were exceptional and always given with a smile and reassurance. On the day that they were married, it is evident that Francis truly meant her vows, as she cared for Tony with true love and affection. The Whelan family have been given their own share of grief and hardship over the years, but they have faced it all together as a family with dignity and courage. Their world was turned upside down on July 16th 2005 when their beautiful daughter Tara was killed tragically and Tony and Francis had to face this heartbreak together and try to move forward. They did so because they were strong and had great faith. I have no doubt that Tara will wait at heaven’s gates for her Dad and the reunion will be beautiful. I know that Francis and her children are deeply upset following the death of Tony, but I hope in time they will draw comfort from knowing that Tony and Tara are now reunited and no doubt he is in his element as she sings for him again. Pain and suffering are no more, and they are at peace in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Tony’s funeral mass took place in Ballyduff Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Francis, his adored children Frank, Anton, Marianne and Lisa, his grandchildren, brothers, sister and all his extended family. His sweet gentle soul is now at rest, and we pray that he now enjoys the fullness of God’s kingdom and as such a stalwart of the GAA I am sure he will do his best to try secure a Waterford win in Croke Park soon. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC would sincerely like to thank all those who supported their Cash for Clothes collection and their scrap metal collection recently. These fundraisers are vital for the club, and they are very grateful for the support they received. The club has some wonderful facilities which they have worked hard for and are always looking to enhance the club more.
The club cater for all ages and have fantastic facilities. Check out their Facebook pages for all details of teams and training times. The club are always delighted to welcome new members so why not get involved and enjoy some sport, exercise and great fun.

Silver Medal Winner, Stunning Wedding and Tractor Run

Ballyduff GAA

The club were thrilled to be back in the field celebrating the Derek Ryan/ Tom Cheasty Memorial Tournament and what a day they had. Superb hurling and socialising with some lovely food to boot. Two great games of hurling were played and lovely to see Ballyduff win both trophies. A fitting tribute to both men who will always be near to the hearts of all in Ballyduff. Thanks to Kilrossanty U12s and Ballinameela Intermediates for taking on Ballyduff in two great games. Special thanks to the Cheasty and Ryan families for supporting this event it means a lot. Thanks also to Dawn meats for sponsorship and everyone who volunteered and attended to make it such a lovely day. Hats off to Gavin Whelan and Tony Larkin for taking on the referee job
The Gaeltacht was an idyllic setting for a superb game of hurling from our U12’s. The whole squad played a brilliant game and gave 100% in what was a very competitive game. It was nip and tuck all the way until the team put the burners on late in the second half and pulled away. The final score was Ballyduff 4-5 An Gaeltacht 1-8. The main thing taken from the game was the will to win and fight for each other which is lovely to watch. Thanks to An Gaeltacht for hosting and adding to the spectacle. Thanks to the supporters for the vocal encouragement which drove the team on.
Well done to our u9s who played St Mary’s in a league game in Tom Cheasty Park. The visitors started the brighter but a good spirited second half performance brought the game to life. A very sporting game and played in the best of weather. 15 players acquitted themselves very well.
Our U8’s and U10’s camogie teams attended Mount Sion for some challenge matches against two Mount Sion teams and Butlerstown. All the girls played very well and came out on top for most of the games. Thanks to Mount Sion Camogie Waterford for hosting

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 3, 13, 14 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Caroline O Donnell, Laura Burns and The Sweep Gang. The next draw will take place on July 24th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €6,800 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday July 23rd. Choose four lucky numbers and they could prove very profitable.

Silver Medal Winner

Huge congratulations to Charlie Laffan, Carriganure who travelled to Florida to take part in the WUKF World Karate Championships. Charlie is a member of the Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing Academy and is very dedicated and committed to his training. The big news back from the championships in Florida is that Charlie has won a silver world medal. Charlie cruised through some very difficult rounds coming out on top against some very talented fighters from the USA. He put up a great fight in the final against Romania and will return home with a silver medal. What a proud moment for his parents Billy and Fiona and his sister Makayla and all the Laffans and Crottys here at home. We are all so thrilled for Charlie, he deserves every success because he has worked very hard to reach his success. We look forward to seeing Charlie’s medal and hearing all about his experience.

Stunning Wedding

St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff was the setting for a most beautiful wedding recently. The sun shone brilliantly as local lady Clodagh Fitzgerald arrived at the church to marry her sweetheart, Kavan Dee. The church looked stunning adorned with beautiful floral displays as Clodagh arrived on her proud Dad’s arm. Following the ceremony which was celebrated by Fr. O Byrne the happy couple and their guests headed off to The Ferrycarraig Hotel in Wexford where they were wined and dined and then danced the night away. Celebrations moved to Kavan’s home town of Kilmacthomas on the following day and I have no doubt that everyone enjoyed the famous Kilmac welcome. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their married life together in their beautiful new home in Carrickphilip.

Ballyduff AFC

The guys have been running both a metal scrap collection and a clothes collection. The scrap metal collection has now ended but the clothes collection is continuing so it is a wonderful opportunity to tidy up those wardrobes and presses and support your local club. You are welcome to drop your items any day between the hours of 10am and 6pm. They accept all women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, throws) Please do not include any pillows, duvets, or carpets.  Please support your local club while clearing your home of unwanted clutter.

Parish Choir

We were all delighted to have our parish choir back for a few weeks in June and they really enhanced our weekend masses with their beautiful singing. They returned for a few weeks to give us all a little treat following all the Covid restrictions. They now take their usual Summer break but will return in September with great enthusiasm. They are always very welcoming to new members so have a little think over the coming weeks and you might decide that you would like to take up a new pastime in September. Men and women of all ages are welcome and there is no pressure put on anyone. The old saying is that when you sing at mass, you pray twice so it’s a win win situation, good company, joyful singing and extra credits with the man above won’t go astray!

Colourful Displays

Well done to all in the community for the beautiful, colourful displays of flowers, shrubs and trees I see as I travel about. Everyone I speak to this year seem to echo the same thoughts, that there is wonderful growth this year. The greenery seems to be brighter, and the variety of colours are uplifting. Many people are enjoying their gardens more since the restrictions of Covid and are learning to love the joy of planting and sowing your own flowers and vegetables and watching them flourish. We are encouraged to give the wildflowers the space to grow to welcome the bees and butterflies to our garden. Taking the time to sit and listen in your garden is often better for the mind and body than any medicine. Within the space of minutes your mind which was full of tasks to be done and worries of the day, will relax, and blend in with its surroundings. The many different songs and whistles of the birds are mesmerising, and the colours and sights of the flowers and shrubs and the insects and butterflies remind us of freedom and living life to the full. Give yourself a little break from daily life sometimes, sit in your garden with a nice book, listen to the radio or simply just sit and let the sights and sounds of nature take over.

Tractor Run

It’s time to start the countdown to the annual Kilmeaden Tractor run. The date is set for July 24th and the starting point is Haughtons Pub at 1pm sharp. This is always a very popular event and is looked forward to by many people. There is always a vast selection of tractors on display and the day is full of great banter and stories. Over the years this group has raised a fantastic amount of money raised for charity. This year they have chosen Pieta House as their charity. Pieta House provides free 24-hour services to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self harm and those who have been bereaved by suicide. If you would like some more information about taking part, you can contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087 2216589

Golden Couple, Soccer Camp and Tournament Day

Graveyard Mass

The Lord was certainly watching over us all on Tuesday night last when we held our annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff. The sun shone through the trees and glistened on the altar. It was wonderful to see such a large crowd attend. Our graveyard is very important to us and people are wonderful to keep their loved ones resting places looking beautiful with colourful scented flowers. During the mass and as part of the prayers of the faithful we were asked to remember and pray in a special way for all those in the older parts of our graveyard who are buried in unmarked graves or who no longer have anybody left to pray for them. During the mass Fr. Mick blessed some holy water and asked everybody to bring a plastic cup full to their loved one’s graves and bless them.
After mass it was lovely to see so many come to the community centre and enjoy a cuppa and light refreshments but most of all it was nice to see people meet some people that they had not seen in some time. There were lots of chats and reminiscing and lots of laughter as stories of old were told. I must say a big thank you to those who donated some tasty buns, cakes and biscuits, they were very much appreciated.

Birthday Boy

I will probably land myself in trouble for this, but we send warm birthday wishes to my husband Brian Spillane, Matthews Cross who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. He had a wonderful day being spoiled. Ava, Adam and I took over all the household jobs and cooking for the day to give him a break. Anyone who knows him will know he’s a slave to the housework. He enjoyed his day and loved reading all the lovely messages he received. The celebrations will continue, and he’ll surely get a couple of weeks out of them. Happy birthday Brian, hope your 50th was one to remember.

Birthday Girl

Warmest birthday wishes also go out to popular Ballyduff lady Margaret Carlin who also celebrated a milestone birthday recently. She wasn’t 50 like Brian but I think it may have been 40. I have no doubt that Margaret was treated to a lovely birthday and of course there was the bonus of having her daughter Nicola and family home from America on their holidays. I’m sure her sons Anthony, Michael and David were on hand to treat their Mam on her birthday with their better halves and of course the grandchildren. Whatever happened on the day I hope this lovely lady enjoyed every minute and felt the level of affection in which she is held. Happy birthday Margaret and we wish you many more of them.

Ballyduff AFC

The guys have been running both a metal scrap collection and a clothes collection and both have been proving so popular that they have decided to continue them both on for another few weeks. There is a skip in the grounds for the scrap collection so gather up your scrap, old bikes, dishwashers etc and bring them along. Please do not put items like washing machines, tv’s, paint tins, glass objects etc.
They are also holding a clothes collection, so it is a wonderful opportunity to tidy up those wardrobes and presses and support your local club. You are welcome to drop your items any day between the hours of 10am and 6pm. They accept all women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, throws) Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets.  Please support your local club while clearing your home of unwanted clutter.

Golden Couple

I missed a very important occasion and only heard about it this week because this couple were so loved up, they only had eyes for each other and so we on the outside didn’t spot the event. Pat and Kathleen Hennessy celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss and Pat pulled out all the stops whisking his bride away for a romantic hotel break. I heard stories of chocolates being left on pillows and Kathleen being wined and dined.
We wish this happy couple many more years of happiness and good health in the company of their children and beloved grandchildren.

Soccer Camp

A big well done to all involved in the Ballyduff AFC Summer Camp last week. All the participants had a brilliant time and lots of new friendships were born. It was lovely to see some of the older teenage members acting as coaches and leaders. The young children looked up to them and enjoyed the games and skills. Keep your eyes peeled elsewhere in the paper for some photos from the camp which that wonderful man John Hearne took for me

Tournament Day

A great day was had by all recently in Ballyduff GAA grounds as the annual Tom Cheasty and Derek Ryan Memorial Tournament. This is always a very proud not only for the Ryan and Cheasty families but also for the club. There was a two-year break due to Covid so the club were very excited to see its return this year. It is always a day to remember with two games of hurling and lots of chats and stories being told over some delicious refreshments. Once again watch out for some fantastic photos taken by the gifted John Hearne

Graveyard Mass, Sacristan’s Collection and Confirmation Day

Graveyard Mass

The annual Ballyduff graveyard mass will take place on Tuesday July 5th at 7pm. This is always a lovely occasion for people to come and remember their loved ones and have their family graves blessed. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet up with people you may not have seen in a while. The mass will have some specially chosen readings, prayers of the faithful and I’m delighted to say also that our parish choir will provide some beautiful hymns to enhance the mass. Please spread the word to people from other areas who may have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Following the mass there will be some light refreshments served in the community centre. This is a lovely opportunity to catch up with people you may not have seen for a while over a cuppa.
If you are visiting your family grave before the mass to tidy up or replace flowerpots etc, please bring a rubbish bag with you to take away your waste items. There are no dumping facilities in the graveyard so please help to keep it clean and tidy by bringing away your rubbish.

Sacristan’s Collection

Next weekend the annual sacristan’s collection will be taken up at all masses. There is an envelope in your yearly pack, or you are welcome to use any envelope and just mark it sacristan. I don’t have to tell any of you about the wonderful job our sacristan Ann Nolan does every day in our parish. Her dedication and commitment are fantastic. Our church is always presented in pristine condition, and all this is done a smile on her face. Anyone visiting our church always comment on the lovely friendly reception they receive. Fr. Francis and Fr. Mick are very well looked after with everything ready for them when they arrive to mass. We know that there are a lot of expenses in life at present, but we ask that you be as generous as possible

Ryan/ Cheasty Cup

Derek Ryan and Tom Cheasty are two well-known names connected with Ballyduff Gaa’s history and each year their Memorial Tournament is looked forward to. Following a two-year absence, I am delighted to tell you that it is back again this year. On Sunday July 3rd in Tom Cheasty Park Ballyduff’s U 12’s will take on Kilrossanty for the Tom Cheasty Cup at 12 noon, while the intermediates will take on Ballinameela at 2pm for the Derek Ryan Cup. There will be plenty of food, refreshments, and fun for all the family.

Ballyduff AFC.

Ballyduff AFC will host a clothes collection as a club fundraiser. This is always a wonderful opportunity to tidy up those wardrobes and presses and support your local club. You are welcome to drop your items any day between the hours of 10am and 6pm. This collection will take place up to July 23rd. They accept all women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, throws) Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets.  Please support your local club.
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

Confirmation Day

Congratulations to all the young people from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff NS who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday June 23rd in St. Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff. They were truly blessed with the glorious sunshine and we hope that they all enjoyed a lovely day with their families.

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.
There have been many school tours arriving to the train with the children enjoying their spin on the train and watching out for fairies in the woods, while the swans appeared out on the river for some of the children. I had a very excited niece and nephew who were thrilled to tell their classmates that their grandad would be driving the train.
Keep an eye out on their website for many exciting events coming up including the very popular Sunset Express which leaves the station at 7pm and includes Prosecco and strawberries and tasty treats from Waterford GIY. Get some friends together for a little treat or have an evening with workmates. Check out the website for dates and details because this sells up fast.