Bridge News, Church News and Beat the Train

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 7, 11 and 13. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Margaret Millea, Conor Aulsberry and Eabha Power. The next lotto draw will take place on Sunday November 27th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €8,150 on offer. Fancy paying off some bills, taking a little break away or having a Christmas shopping spree. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday November 26th. Choose 4 lucky numbers and hopefully you will be celebrating.


Bridge News

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff N.S and the results were as follows:

(1) Sean Hennessy and Elizabeth Mooney
(2) Mary Cummins and Iris Graham
(3) Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald
Congratulations to all the winners.


Church News

Our weekly Wednesday night masses are continuing during the month of November. These masses are offered especially for all our loved ones who have returned home to God. The final mass on November 30th will be offered for all those who have died during the past 12 months. This is a special candle mass where a member of each person’s family will be presented with a candle in their honour. The family will bring this home this candle and light it from time to time as they remember their loved ones. The names of those who died from the parish will automatically be added to the list, but you are also invited to include the names of family and friends who have died over the past year in other areas. If you would like to include a name, please contact Linda Spillane or drop the details into Ann in the sacristy.
The falling leaves of Autumn remind of our Holy Souls whose earthly life is now over but whose new lives now continue in God’s kingdom.


Church Choir

Our local church choir are a wonderful addition to our weekend masses. Their beautiful choice of hymns really enhances our Sunday celebrations. If you would like to become a member of the choir, then please come along to their rehearsals on Monday nights at 7.45pm to 9pm. You can also have a chat with them on Sunday after mass.


Beat The Train

Congratulations to all who took part in the “Beat the Train” event in aid of the Waterford/ Kilkenny Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. A fantastic crowd turned out to support this very worthy cause. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the air as they all set off and congratulations to Noel Murphy and Louise Morgan who were the first man and woman to beat the train on the 10-mile race. Congratulations to all who took part in the race and a big well done to all the supporters who travelled on the train and cheered them all on.


Recent Death

We were all very saddened to hear of the recent death of Kathleen Kinsella (nee White) of Cullinagh. Kathleen was a lady of great faith and strong family values who loved spending time with those nearest and dearest to her. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband Tony, her sons Michael, Tommy and John, daughters in law Dolores and Michelle, her sister Nell, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends and neighbours. Kathleen’s funeral mass took place in St. Patrick’s church, Portlaw with burial in the adjoining graveyard. We pray that her sweet, gentle soul now rests in the peace and love of Christ


Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club.

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club brought their year of camogie to a fantastic close as they were one of eight camogie clubs in the country to be awarded “The Camogie Association Club Development Award” on November 12th. Sarah Roche accepted the award on behalf of the club at Sports Ireland Head Quarters in Abbottstown, Dublin where the club’s U8’s were participating in the Camogie Association Development blitz that day.
What a fantastic achievement by a relatively small club whose camogie section was revitalised in recent times. It is a testament to all the hard work and determination which has been put in by all the players, mentors, committee and parents over the past year and a half when the group was re-established.  With such commitment and pride within the camogie club, the future certainly looks promising.
The U8 camogie team had a fantastic day representing their club and county at Sports Ireland Headquarters in Abbottstown, Dublin on November 12th last. They were participating in The Camogie Association Development Awards” U8 blitz. This was a brilliant opportunity for the girls to play in the fantastic facilities at Sports Ireland HQ. They all enjoyed a wonderful day, and each received a commemorative medal to mark the occasion. Well done to all the girls and the coaches who attended. Memories like that last a lifetime.


Dr. Martin Day Centre

All at the Dr. Martin Day Centre have asked me to let you know that they will hold their AGM on Tuesday November 22nd at 9.45am in The Dr. Martin Day Centre, Portlaw. All members of the community are welcome to attend the meeting and refreshments will be served.


Community Alert

It was so nice to see such a great crowd at the latest community alert. Fiona Laffan gave a very interesting talk about social prescribing and the benefits it has on people living in rural areas. Our Mayor John O Leary gave the meeting an update on the plans for the North Quays in Waterford while our local Gardai spoke to the meeting about the importance of locking up our homes and keeping our property safe and secure. They also praised the work of the community alert group and especially the text alert scheme and urged people to report any suspicious individuals or vehicles when they see them. The sooner things are reported, then the sooner the word can be spread and everyone can be made aware and therefore keep a lookout.

November Masses, Community Alert and Recent Deaths

November Masses

It was lovely to see such a large crowd attend the first of our special Wednesday night masses for the dead.  During the month of November, we remember our deceased relatives and friends in a special way. Mass will be offered each Wednesday night at 7.30pm in November so will continue on Wednesday 16th and 23rd.  The last mass on Wednesday 30th is offered especially for all those who died during the past year. A list of names is compiled from the parish book, but we also like to include your family and friends from outside the parish who died during the past year. If you would like to add a name to this list, please contact Linda Spillane or drop the details into Ann in the sacristy.


Engagement News

Congratulations to local Ballyduff man Stephen O Leary who recently popped the question to his beautiful girlfriend Donna Flynn. We wish the happy couple every best wish for their future lives together and we hope that they enjoy the excitement of all the preparations.


Birthday Girls

Three very popular young ladies in our communities celebrated their birthdays recently. Stephanie Hogan (nee Power) from Fan Glas and formerly of Ballyduff Village celebrated her 40th birthday surrounded by her lovely family and friends. We hope that Stephanie enjoyed the wonderful day she truly deserved.
Another young lady Kay Whelan from Knockaderry celebrated her 95th birthday recently. We are very proud to have Kay as the eldest parishioner in our parish of Ballyduff. We hope that Kay enjoyed her special day with family, and we wish her many more happy birthdays to come.
Tina Simpson in Ballyduff West was also celebrating her birthday this week. Turning the tender age of 60, I have no doubt that her husband Philip, daughters Lisa and Kelley and grandsons Bradley and Callum ensured that Tina had a wonderful day with lots of nice treats. We wish Tina many more happy birthdays


Ballyduff LGFA

The Ballyduff Lower LGFA Group will host their AGM on Tuesday November 15th from 8pm to 9pm in the dressing room at Tom Cheasty Park. All members are welcome to come along.


Community Alert

Our local Community Alert group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday November 16th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. If you have forgotten your €5 for the text alert scheme, then you can pay on the night. All are welcome to attend the meeting as it is important that we all stand united together to help keep our community safe. Please spread the word in your part of the community


Recent Deaths

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Walsh family on their recent loss. The whole community was very saddened to hear of the untimely death of Dick Walsh of Adamstown. Fondly known as “Horse”, Dick was a kindhearted, good humoured, hardworking character. The huge crowd who attended his removal and burial was a testament to the high esteem in which he was held. It was wonderful to hear so many colourful stories about Dick as people chatted in the graveyard after the funeral. Dick loved nothing more than telling a good yarn and listening to some of his favourite songs on John O Shea’s show on WLR. John played regular requests for Dick and his son Tom knowing that they would be listening in waiting to tap and sing along.
Dick will be sadly missed by his wife Siobhan, daughter Sarah, son Tom, granddaughter Riona, son-in-law Brian, sisters Mary and Mairead, extended family and his many friends. We pray that he is now at peace and that his gentle soul is at rest. Following many years of travelling all over the world in his lorry may his journey back to the Lord be filled with a few good yarns and many a good tune. Travel safe Dick we will never forget you.
We also extend our sympathy to the Whelan family on the recent death of Mary Whelan. Mary lived most of her life in the heart of Ballyduff Village and loved chatting and meeting with neighbours. She was a woman whose faith was of upmost importance and attended daily mass when in her full health. Family was very important to her, and she loved family gatherings. Mary’s funeral mass and burial took place in her beloved St. Nicholas Church, and we pray that she is now reunited with her husband Richard and will now enjoy the fullness of God’s love and peace.
Mary will be sadly missed by her sons Dick, Tom, Anthony and Dod, daughters-in-law Bridget, Maggie and Anne, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, her sisters Theresa and Lena. May she rest in the peace of the Lord and we hope her family will draw comfort from their memories.


Bridge News

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday November 7th and the results were as follows:
(1st) Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche
(2nd) Mary Kennedy and Ann Kennedy
(3rd) Mary Prendergast and John Fitzpatrick
The bridge club meet every Monday evening in Ballyduff N.S and if you would like to join in, please contact Liz Mooney on 087 2067920.


New Business

We send our warmest congratulations and good wishes to local lady Niamh Kennedy of Stonehouse who has branched out and will soon open her own hair salon in Waterford City. Niamh has been excelling in the world of hairdressing for many years, winning many awards. The salon is located in Ozanam Street and I’m sure Niamh will welcome former clients as well as new ones. It’s a very exciting time for Niamh who is also recently engaged to Eamonn Murphy and so life is certainly very exciting and busy at the moment. We wish Niamh the very best of luck in her new venture and hope that she and  Eamonn enjoy all the wedding preparations.

Golden Couple, Silver Celebrations and Beat the Train

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 7, 14, 15 and 18 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were John O Donnell, Maurice Harris and John Ryan. The next draw will take place on November 13th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €8,000 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale outside Centra Kilmeaden on Saturday November 12th. Choose four lucky numbers and you could be heading for a little holiday, a shopping spree, paying some bills or enjoying some nice treats.


Golden Couple

Congratulations and warm wishes to Knockaderry couple Rob and Mai Power who recently celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. I’m sure that their son and daughter Geraldine and David and the couple’s beloved grandchildren, made sure that the couple enjoyed their special day. I hope that Rob and Mai who are wonderful social dancers, enjoyed a twirl or two around the floor. We wish them many more years of happiness together in their beautiful home.


Silver Celebrations

I don’t usually like to write about myself in these notes, but Brian and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and we would like to say a big thank you to all who sent us good wishes, cards and texts. We really appreciate your kind words, and the good news is that Brian has decided to stick with me for another few years.


Popped the Question

Local Kilmagemogue man Shane Fitzgerald may have welcomed royalty to his family farm this year but in recent weeks he had a much bigger engagement on his mind. While on holiday in South Africa, Shane surprised the love of his life Kate Curran as he popped the question on Table Mountain, a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. We send warm congratulations to Shane and Kate on their engagement and we wish them both every happiness in their future lives together.


November Masses

I cannot believe that we are already talking about our special masses for the dead in November. During the month of November, we remember our deceased relatives and friends in a special way. A mass is offered each Wednesday night at 7.30pm in November for our dead. These masses will go ahead on Wednesday 9th,16th and 23rd.  The last mass on Wednesday 30th is offered especially for all those who died during the past year. A list of names is compiled from the parish book, but we also like to include your family and friends from outside the parish who died during the past year. If you would like to add a name to this list, please contact Linda Spillane or drop the details into Ann in the sacristy.


Beat The Train

The “Beat the Train” in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland is a very popular event each year. It’s all systems go this year for November 12th. As your family and friends run along the Greenway trying to beat the train home to the station, you can now book your ticket for the train and sit back and relax while cheering them all on. You can contact the station on 051 384058 and book your seat to watch and cheer for all the participants as they run along the beautiful Greenway. All the proceeds from the train will go to the Waterford and South Kilkenny Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. This is a wonderful charity who are always very active in fundraising and supporting their members. Please come along and support the participants and the charity on the day.


Medal Success

Congratulations to local lady Alex Sheehan from Ballyduff Village who returned from the World Kickboxing Championship with a World Silver medal. Alex is a member of the Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing Academy. What a wonderful achievement for Alex and I’m sure that she is thrilled that all her training and dedication has paid off. We wish her every best wish for the future and that she enjoys celebrating her great success.


Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Nano Fitzgerald, Ross on the recent death of her beloved sister. Sr. Catherine Gough, formerly of Faithlegg was a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Madonna House, Ferrybank. Sr. Catherine’s funeral mass took place in The Sacred Heart Church in Ferrybank, and she was laid to rest in the convent cemetery. She will be sadly missed by her twin sister Sr. Mary and her sister Nano, her brother Philip, her sister-in-law Marian, nieces, nephews, grand nephews and the Sacred Heart of Mary sisters especially in Madonna House and the Zambezi region.
We pray that Sr. Catherine now rests in the peace of the Lord where he will reward her for her kindly deeds. May she rest in peace.

Bridge News, School Success and Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club

Bridge News

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club played their latest game on Monday October 24th and the results were as follows:
Joint First: William and Ann Tobin,  and John Fitzpatrick and Breda Murphy (3) Mary Kennedy and Ann-Marie Brown
The club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff N.S. If you would like to join the bridge club or find out more, please contact Liz Mooney on 087 2067920.


Church News

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of November and December, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Although we always like to remember our deceased relatives and friends, we think of them in a special way during the month of November. Each Wednesday night during the month of November there will be a special memorial mass for all our loved ones. The final mass on Wednesday November 30th will be offered for all those who died during the past 12 months. This will be a special candle mass where each person is remembered individually. Those who died within the parish will automatically be added but you are also welcome to add the name of a friend or family member who died during the year from outside the parish. If you would like to add a name, please contact Linda Spillane or give the details to Ann in the sacristy.


Ballyduff AFC

Our local soccer club have been nominated as a benefactor of the Tesco Community Fund. While you are doing your shopping at Tesco Ardkeen and receive a blue token at the checkout. The club are asking you to take that blue token to the community fund box in the store and choose the Ballyduff AFC slot. Our local soccer club is always a hub of activity, and they provide wonderful opportunities for our young people. They are constantly enhancing their facilities and will use any money they receive to further enhance these. Please drop that blue token in the Ballyduff AFC slot and help your local club to continue to go from strength to strength.


School Success

Congratulations to the boys and girls from Ballyduff N.S who won their respective divisional football finals. I heard reports back of some lovely team play in both games and some great scores. A big thank you to all the teachers who give their time to facilitate the sporting activities of the pupils and to the club coaches who support the teaching staff.


Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club

Our local camogie club had a very busy weekend recently. The U8’s were out first when they competed in the U8 County Blitz in the SETU arena. The girls played four brilliant matches and all the hard work they put in over the year has really paid off. The U13’s played against a very strong Gaultier team. The Ballyduff girls were short a number of players, but this young team gave it everything they had. Congratulations and well done to all the girls who are making our local club such a success.