Monthly Archives: April 2023

Alzheimers Tea Day, 21st Celebrations and Ballyduff Community Centre.

GAA Lotto

Ballyduff Lower GAA club held their lotto draw on April 16th and the four lucky numbers drawn were 5, 23, 26 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot and the new jackpot of €9,500 will now be up for grabs on April 30th. Wouldn’t that be a lovely way to end off the month. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night were Michelle Dunphy, Kim Bergin and Gary Flynn. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all club members, online or will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday April 29th.

Bridge Club

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club held their recent game on Monday April 17th at the results were as follows:
Joint Winners: Ann and William Tobin and Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
Joint 3rd: Iris Graham and John Fitzpatrick and Peggy Barron and Joan Hartrey.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to MJ Healy, High Road on the recent death of his father Mervyn Healy late of Coxtown, Dunmore East. Mervyn will be sadly missed by his wife Marie, daughter Margaret, sons Derek, Raymond and Mervyn John, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, brothers and extended families. Mervyn’s funeral mass took place in the Holy Cross Church, Killea followed by private cremation.

Alzheimers Tea Day

We are all aware of the fantastic work being done by the Alzheimers Society. The support and help which they give to their members and their families in invaluable and we must all work together to ensure that these services continue within our communities.
On Thursday May 4th we will have an opportunity to help raise much needed funds as we gather to celebrate National Alzheimers Tea Day. Ballyduff Community Centre is the venue for a lovely tea and coffee morning from 9.30am to 12 noon. All funds raised stay local and will benefit those living in the Waterford area. Drop into Ballyduff Community Centre and enjoy a nice cuppa and a chat and I will let you in on a little secret, there are always some very tasty treats but don’t tell anyone that I told you.

ITF Championships

Congratulations to Ben Latham, Cullinagh and his teammate Christine Franks who travelled recently to Romania to represent Ireland at the ITF European Championships. Ben is a member of Master Franks Taekwondo club. This a fantastic achievement for Ben to be chosen from competitors all over Ireland.

21st Celebrations

Congratulations to local lady Maria Power (nee Smith), Ballygarron who recently celebrated 21 years in business. Aura Skin and Laser Clinic is situated in the Ballinakill Shopping Centre on the Dunmore Road offer a dedicated and friendly service to their customers and are always willing to work with each individual to find the perfect treatment for their needs. We wish Maria and her staff continued success and many more great years serving the people of Waterford and beyond.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC have two different collections running at the moment. The scrap collection is continuing, and you are welcome to drop your pieces to the grounds. They are also running a clothes collection so why not have a clear out of those wardrobes and drop off your bags of unwanted items to the dressing room. Items can be dropped off any day between 10am and 8pm.
The club have announced the dates of their very popular Summer camps. The club’s own camp will begin on July 3rd and the FAI camp will begin on July 17th. Watch out through their website and Facebook page for payment link details.

Ballyduff Community Centre

Do you have a little budding chef in your house? Ballyduff Community Centre will play host to cookery classes from July 17th to July 21st from 10am to 12.30pm each day. These classes are for boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years and they will learn to cook flapjacks, traybakes, pasta bakes, pizza and many other tasty treats. There will be 8 people per class and a €25 deposit is needed to secure your place. For more information, please contact Siobhan on 087 9027425.

Thought for the week.

Happiness is an inside job.
Don’t assign anyone else,
That much power over your life.

Bingo in Kill, Community Alert and Easter Commemoration

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Derek Laffan, Ballyduff West on the recent death of his beloved father Freddie Laffan. Freddie was a very well-known and much loved character in Portlaw and was a true community man. One of the founding members of Portlaw Musical Society, Freddie gave some wonderful pantomime performances over the years and was known for adding in his own lines from time to time. A native of Mooncoin he remained true to his county with the Kilkenny flag flying with pride at the gate during the season and Ann would place the Waterford flag on the other side. Their marriage was probably one of the best Kilkenny/Waterford partnerships. They loved to spend time together and with their two sons Kieran and Derek, their wives Jacinta and Fiona and of course their adored grandchildren.
The huge crowd at Freddie’s funeral and burial was a testament of the high esteem in which Freddie was held. His name may never appear in any school history books, but his name will be forever remembered in the history of Portlaw. May he now rest in gentle peace and who knows within months there could be a Pantomime Society in heaven.

Suir Valley Railway

Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden is now open for the 2023 season. The easter bunny enjoyed a wonderful time there over Easter and many people enjoyed the beauty and magical feel of the railway with a trip on the train passing through the fairy woods and the stunning views over the river Suir. There were many chocolate eggs and treats along the way.
Would you like to become part of the team at Waterford Suir Valley Railway? Can you spare one day per week? The team are now adding to their volunteer crew and would love to hear from you. This is a wonderful opportunity to get out and about and meet people from all walks of life. Speaking to many of the volunteers they all say that it is one of the best decisions they ever met. The joy and pleasure you see on people’s faces is something that cannot be equalled. Friendships are made and the variety of people that you meet makes every day exciting and interesting. Many people dreamed of driving a train when they were a child, and this could become a reality. If you would like to find out more or express your interest, please contact Maria Kyte on 051-384058 or check out their Facebook page or website.

Bingo in Kill

Our friends in Kill Community Centre are organising Bingo nights every Saturday night, beginning on May 6th at 8pm. All proceeds are being donated to the Waterford Branch of the Parkinson society. This is a charity which is close to many of our hearts and how nice would it be to support the fabulous work that they do, while we enjoy a night of fun. So, gather your two little ducks and get your legs eleven to Kill. Eyes down at 8pm.

Church News

It is now time to hand back your Trocaire Box so that the money can be counted and sent to where it is needed. You can drop your box back to the church when you are passing or before or after any of the weekday or weekend masses.
If you would like to book an anniversary mass for your loved one during the months of April, May or June please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.
The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is continuing so please drop your envelope into the collection basket at the weekend masses. You can also drop it to the sacristy during the week if you would prefer. There is a letterbox on the sacristy door inside the church.

Community Alert

The next meeting of our local Community Alert Group will take place on Wednesday April 19th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This will be the final meeting before the Summer break so it would be lovely to see as many as possible there. The Gardai will be in attendance and will be happy to deal with any queries and questions. The text alert scheme will continue throughout the Summer informing you of any suspicious activity in or around the area. This is a fantastic way of keeping up to date with any happenings to watch out for. The information received from the Gardai is sent out by text straight away and has helped many times in the apprehending of individuals. If you would like to become a member of the text alert scheme, you can join for the year for just €5. Please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Easter Commemoration

Congratulations to John O Leary who each year organises an Easter commemoration at the 1916 plaque on Ballyduff Village Green. Following Easter Sunday morning mass, a large crowd gathered around the plaque. It was only fitting than in his year as Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O Leary would read the Proclamation. One of Ballyduff’s oldest residents Tommy O Brien raised our Tricolour to its’ glory and talented piper Tommy Kiely played our National Anthem. This was a lovely occasion attended by young and old coming together to celebrate our heritage and it is wonderful to see this tradition being carried on. A big thank you to John who always organises the event.

The Big Sing, County Success and Easter at the Railway

GAA Lotto

The four lucky numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 5, 10, 15 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sue Foley, Lizzie O Keeffe and Niall Clifford. The next draw will take place on April 16th and there will be a jackpot of €9,350 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday April 15th.

Bridge News

The Ballyduff and Portlaw Bridge club played their most recent game on Monday April 3rd and the results were as follows:
1st: Ann Tobin and Celia Nugent.
2nd: Sean Hennessy and Patsy Roche
3rd: Kate Hayes and Geraldine McMahon
4th: Anne-Marie Brown and Mary Kennedy.
The club took a break on Bank Holiday Monday and the next game will be played on Monday April 17th.

The Big Sing

On Thursday March 30th, a group off 22 students from 3rd to 6th classes in Ballyduff N.S travelled to The National Stadium in Dublin with their teachers Ms. Bates and Ms. O Neill to take part in the big sing. What a fantastic opportunity for the young people to join with so many other schools and experience the joy of performing to an audience. Parents who travelled to the stadium as spectators and they were uplifted by the fantastic atmosphere and the amazing energy which filled the stadium. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students and parents of Ballyduff N.S to create wonderful memories together.

County Success

Congratulations to Ballyduff Lower Camogie player Trudie O Reilly who has been named on the Waterford primary games team. What a fantastic achievement by Trudie and the club are very proud of her. We wish Trudie and her fellow teammates the very best of luck for the future season.

Ballyduff AFC.

Ballyduff AFC held their popular Easter camp last week. The young boys and girls enjoyed a variety of games and activities. A fantastic time was had by all and a big well done to all at Ballyduff AFC for organising and to the coaches Roisin, Orla, Laura, Alanna, Ben and Conor who made sure everything ran smoothly.

Easter at the Railway

Congratulations to all at Waterford Suir Valley who pulled out all the stops to welcome the Easter Bunny. The station was decorated beautifully and I’m sure that the Easter Bunny and friends felt very welcome. The brightness and colour gave everyone a lift and it wasn’t just the children who were excited to meet the Easter Bunny.

Church News

A big thank you to all who helped out during Holy Week, it is a very busy week in the Church’s calendar and requires lots of volunteers. Thank you to all who helped with the readings and prayers, Eucharistic ministers and the choir for adding so beautifully to the ceremonies. Joan Cheasty did a wonderful job on the flower arranging and of course as always, we thank our very dedicated sacristan Ann Nolan who keeps the church looking so wonderful and has everything set out and ready for each ceremony. Easter is a time of great joy and happiness as we glory in the promise of the resurrection.

Thank you Message, Daffodil Day and Easter Commemoration

THANK YOU MESSAGE

On one of my most recent visits to Fr. Mick, he asked me if I would write a message for him so that he could thank people through the notes. He has been in hospital for the past three months and while life has changed a lot for him, he is very grateful for all the good wishes and prayers he has received. He enjoys people visiting and keeping in touch with all the news from the parish. Fr. Mick has been serving our parish for 29 and a half years and we miss him desperately. He asks that we continue our prayers for him, and he ensures me that he will be praying for all of us.

RECENT DEATH

We were all saddened to hear of the recent death of Michael Connolly of Cullinagh. Michael was of course one of the founder members of our local soccer club. Michael had a vast knowledge of the club and the previous clubs that were in the area like Kilmeaden Utd and Dawn Rovers. When the new club was being formed in 1970, Michael and his brother Maurice were great players but also provided the first playing field which was called Connolly Park. I have heard some great stories of games played on that pitch. Michael always kept a keen interest in the club and his vision all those years ago has made it the great success it is today.
Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, daughters Eve and Mary Sue, his son John, grandchildren, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. Michael’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff followed by private cremation.

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw bridge club played their latest game on Monday March 27th and the results were as follows:
1st: Anne Kennedy and Elizabeth Mooney.
2nd: Ann and William Tobin
3rd Ann-Marie Brown and John Fitzpatrick
The game on Monday April 3rd will be the Open Draw Easter Fare so I look forward to receiving the details of that.
The club would like to take this opportunity to send warm Easter wishes to all their members, past and present.
During their game on Monday March 20th, the club held a special bridge night in aid of Daffodil Day. The group presented a very generous cheque to Elma Walsh who was representing the Waterford Cancer Society and the club would like to thank all the visitors who came and supported this very worthy cause.

DAFFODIL DAY

For many years now Aileen Stephenson has organised a local group of volunteers to collect at Centra in Kilmeaden on Daffodil Day and what a wonderful job she did. She has now passed the reigns onto Elizabeth Mooney, and we know that she will continue this wonderful work. Speaking to Elizabeth she told me that she had been overwhelmed at peoples kindness and generosity. She asked me to print a thank you from her and I do so with great pleasure: ” I would like to thank Donal and Ailish Hickson, Fiona, Anne and all the staff at Centra in Kilmeaden for facilitating our volunteers on Daffodil Day. We are not alone made to feel welcome, but Fiona and her staff went above and beyond to help us with this worthy cause.
I would like to thank the wonderful team of volunteers who were so generous with their time and support. I would like to thank Deirdre, Ali and all at Jelly Tots in Ballyduff, Marie Reade and all at Whistlestop Café and Damien and all at Gala. I wish to thank Linda Spillane for all her guidance and publicity, Elma Walsh for her continued support and advice and Des Daunt for his outstanding, tireless work with the Waterford Cancer Society.
A very special thank you to all who supported so generously on the day and made the day such a success”
On your behalf I would like to say a big thank you to Elizabeth Mooney for being the kind hearted, community spirited lady that she is and for having everything organised so well.

EASTER COMMEMORATION

Following the 10am mass in Ballyduff on Easter morning , you are all invited to gather with your community outside the church at the commemoration plaque. The proclamation will be read, our tricolour will be raised and the National Anthem will be sung. All are invited to join together and celebrate our heritage.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

To be kind, is more important than to be right.
Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind
that speaks, but a special heart that listens.