Monthly Archives: July 2023

Deise Success, Beautiful Peg and World Champion

GRAVEYARD MASS

The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place at 7pm on Wednesday July 26th. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to honour our deceased loved ones and also to pray for those who no longer have anyone left to pray for them. A reminder that if you are tidying up your family plot before the mass, please take away your rubbish and old flowers with you.
Following the graveyard mass there will be some refreshments served in the community centre. Drop in and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with old friends and new.

BIRTHDAY TIME.

Congratulations to local lady Amber Searson who recently celebrated her 25th birthday with her family where I am sure there was some lovely cake on offer. No doubt Amber also enjoyed a lemonade or two with her friends to mark the happy occasion.
Ballyduff West lady, Sara Fitzpatrick celebrated her milestone 30th birthday with her parents Michael and Mary and of course the most important members of the family Riley and Chip. Sara celebrated with a beautiful cake and really enjoyed her day.

DEISE SUCCESS

The Ballyduff Lower GAA club had a winner in the July Deise draw. Minnie McGrath was the lucky winner of €250 and I know she was delighted with her win. The club have had a winner in the June and July draws so I wonder will they make it the hat trick in August? Fingers crossed there will be more good news for someone!

BEAUTIFUL PEG

A deep cloud fell over Kilmeaden when news spread of the death of Peg Aulsberry of Blacknock. A beautiful person inside and out, with a kind soul and warm heart. She was a true Irish mammy who always put her children first. She was a loving and caring wife to Pat (Spud) and adored her 3 sons Liam, Mickey and Jimbo and her 3 daughters Anne, Marian and Joanne. She was also a very proud grandmother and great grandmother. A wonderful neighbour and friend to all. Her home was open to everyone to drop in for a cuppa and a chat. She worked hard throughout her life and when sickness came knocking at her door, she faced it with immense strength and courage. Blacknock and Kilmeaden will miss Peg’s smile and friendly face. We pray that she now rests in peace in the loving arms of our Lord and we hope that her family will draw comfort from all their beautiful memories. Sleep well Peg, you will never be forgotten.

WORLD CHAMPION

Last week I told you all about Charlie Laffan, Carriganure who was off to Dundee in Scotland to take part in the Karate World Championships. I have the great honour of telling you all that Charlie struck gold and has returned as a World Champion. What a fantastic achievement for this young man but also a just reward for his dedication and commitment to his training. Charlie is a member of the Pat Rockett Academy and the group returned home with 5 Gold medals, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze. We congratulate Charlie and all his teammates and wish them continued success.

BALLYDUFF AFC.

Ballyduff AFC are continuing their Cash4Clothes fundraiser and invite you to clear out those wardrobes, hot presses etc and bring along your unwanted items to their dressing rooms any day between 10am and 8pm. The finishing date is September 7th. Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets but you can bring along any clothes, handbags, belts, paired shoes, soft toys, towels, bed linen, blankets, curtains etc. this is a fantastic opportunity to have a good clear out while supporting your local club.

World Championships, Little Princess and Community Garden

BIRTHDAY WISHES

We send warm birthday wishes to Aidan Millea, Ballyduff Village who recently celebrated his 30th birthday. Aidan enjoyed his day with his family and friends and I’m sure they made sure he was spoiled.
Also celebrating this week was Helena Power, Matthews Cross as she turned the young age of 70. Helena is a wonderful neighbour and friend to all in Matthews Cross and I am sure her husband Eddie waited on her hand and foot all day and that her dog Bosco made sure she got plenty of cuddles.

GRAVEYARD MASS

The annual cemetery mass in Ballyduff cemetery will take place on Wednesday July 26th at 7pm. If you are tidying up your family grave before the mass, please bring home any rubbish or old plants and flowers as there are no bins at the graveyard.
Following the graveyard mass there will be a cup of tea and some refreshments served in the community centre. This is a lovely opportunity to meet old friends and new. If you would like to donate some buns or biscuits, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 2, 4, and 8 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Kathleen Harris, Stan Bergin and Senan Cooke. The next draw will take place on July 23rd and there will be a jackpot of €10,400 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday July 22nd. Choose those 4 lucky numbers and you could enjoy a nice holiday or shopping spree.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 11th WUKF World Karate Championships took place in Dundee, Scotland from July 13th to the 16th and The Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing club from Waterford City headed there to represent their country with pride. One of the competitors was Kilmeaden’s own Charlie Laffan. Charlie has been excelling at his sport for the past few years and really loves what he does. He is very dedicated and committed and trains extremely hard. In next week’s notes we will be able to report on how the Championships went and no doubt there will be lots of positive news.

A LITTLE PRINCESS

We all send our warmest congratulations to popular employee of The Sweep Bar and Restaurant, Carol Kiely, and her partner Pat on the recent birth of their beautiful baby daughter. Baby Rosie arrived just a few days before Mammy’s birthday and what a wonderful gift to receive. We are all looking forward to meeting Rosie and wish this happy little family every happiness for the future.

RECENT DEATH

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Costello family in Butlerstown on the recent death of Michael Costello. Michael had many friends here in Kilmeaden. He was a true gentleman who loved his family and was a true friend to so many. A gifted mechanic but his other great passion was cycling. He loved to get out on the road with his fellow cyclists enjoying a chat and laugh along the way. He was also a huge supporter of his beloved Butlerstown GAA club. Michael’s health deteriorated in recent years, but he faced every challenge with strength and courage. Michael will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Angela, his son Tyrone, daughter Aislinn and his adored grandson James, his brothers Johnny, Tommy, Mossie and Joey, his sisters Maureen, Helen, Bridget, Anne, Catherine and Martina, his extended family and his many friends.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Finally, all the paperwork has been completed and the entrance to the garden has been opened. Some grass cutting has taken place and some plans are now being discussed as to where to place the different areas. There will be a lot of groundwork which will need to be done to lay out the plan for the garden and the group are looking forward to getting stuck in. The group are also trying to raise some funds to get started and hope to apply for some grants as they become available. They have been delighted to receive some donations from businesses and individuals and are very grateful to everyone for their support. If you would like to donate, please contact Peter Jacob, Declan Finn or Linda Spillane.

Wedding Day, Graveyard Mass and Tractor Run

Anniversary Celebrations

There has been a lot of love in the air in the past couple of weeks with many couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries. Mark and Rachel Kennedy in Ballyduff West have shared 39 years of wedded bliss and I am sure they celebrated their happy day with their daughters and their beloved grandchildren. I’m sure Rachel may even have treated Mark to a serenade with her beautiful voice. Also celebrating were Ger and Aileen Barron in Kildermody. This very popular couple have 30 years of marriage under their belt and enjoyed their day with Fionn, Dearbhla and Sorcha and I have no doubt that they may have had a song or two by the great Michael Hearne. Meanwhile up in Kilmagemogue Dermot and Louise Dooley marked 20 years of marriage with their beautiful children Darragh, Ava, Cathal and Olivia. Dermot loves nothing better than a good GAA game but I’m sure he knows that meeting Louise was the best match of his life. We wish all these happy couples many more years of happiness together.

Happy Retirement

It was the end of an era in Kilmeaden last week when Pat Hennessy hung up his spanners and sockets at Hennessy’s garage. Pat celebrated 60 years in business in April and has now decided to sell the business and enjoy a more relaxing, carefree lifestyle. Pat has enjoyed his working life and has made some wonderful friends along the way. He is due a rest now but knowing Pat he won’t be sitting around doing the crossword. He will now have more time to attend some GAA games and of course his grandchildren will find ways to keep him busy. Kathleen and himself may take a little breakaway or two. We wish Pat and Kathleen, who was by his side throughout his working life, keeping all the accounts and paperwork in order, a very happy and healthy retirement. We thank Pat for his years of service and commitment to the area and for the employment he generated.

Wedding Day

We send our heartiest congratulations to Jason Walsh, Ballyduff who was recently married in Tramore Church to his sweetheart Claire Cowman. The couple exchanged their vows in front of their family and friends. Two very important guests, the couple’s children Mia and Noah watched with great pride and interest, making sure that their Mammy and Daddy got everything right. Following the ceremony, it was off to The Brandon House Hotel in New Ross to celebrate in style and dance the night away. We wish this happy couple a very happy marriage and a very bright future with their little family.

Graveyard Mass

The annual graveyard mass at St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday July 26th. This is always a lovely way to remember and honour our loved ones who have gone before us and to offer our prayers for those who are buried there but no longer have someone left to pray for them. Please remember that if you are tidying up your family grave or replacing flowers, please bring a rubbish bag to bring home your old flowers.
Please spread the word to people outside the parish who may have people buried in the graveyard.

Tractor Run

Every year the annual tractor run in Kilmeaden is a much looked forward to event and it is always a great day out. A very hard-working committee ensure each year that this event is the best that it can possibly be. The safety of the participants and spectators is of utmost importance with stewards covering all the areas around the route. Sunday July 16th is the all-important date and the starting point and registration take place at Haughtons Pub. The run will begin at 1pm sharp. The route is a beautiful scenic trip through the countryside. Upon return participants need to rehydrate with a lemonade or two and their own engines need replenishing with the tasty barbeque. Tractors are parked up for the night and everyone enjoys a great laugh and a chat with old friends and new.
This event has raised a lot of money for charity over the years and this year the recipient will be Pieta House. This charity provides an excellent service, not only for their clients but also for the families who are also in need of help and support. Many lives are saved due to charities like this, and we must do everything we possibly can to help them to continue their fantastic work.
If you would like any further information about the Tractor run, please contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087 2216589.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin O Reilly, Ardeenlone on the recent death of his father Denis O Reilly. Denis was a resident of Knockaun East in Cappoquin. Denis, who was a retired member of An Garda Siochana is predeceased by his beloved wife Angela. He will be sadly missed by his sons Martin and Kevin, his brother Tadgh, his daughter-in-law Tracey, his beloved granddaughters Bonnie, Sophie, Maisie and Trudie and all his extended family and many friends. Denis’s funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin followed by burial in Mount Melleray Abbey Cemetery.
I had the pleasure some years ago of having a few chats with Denis when he would collect his adored granddaughters from school. He was a lovely quiet unassuming man who was genuinely interested in what you had to say. He and his late wife Angela would be so excited about collecting the girls and literally idolized them.
We now pray that Denis is at rest and reunited with his beloved wife Angela. May their sweet gentle souls now rest in the peace and love of Christ.

Graveyard Masses, Birthday Celebrations and Viking Marathon

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Maria Mackey, Ross on the recent death of her beloved mother. Mrs. Mary Hogan (nee O Donoghue) was a resident of Raheen, Co. Limerick. She will be sadly missed by her sons James, Albert, Noel and Ray, her daughters Marie, Annette, Pauline, Margaret and Nuala, her adoring grandchildren, sisters, brother and extended family.
Mary’s funeral mass took place in St. Nessan’s Church, Raheen followed by burial in Mount St. Oliver cemetery. We pray that Mary now rests in peace and that her family will draw comfort from their wonderful memories.

Graveyard Masses.

The annual graveyard mass at St. Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff will take place on Wednesday July 26th at 7pm while in St. Patrick’s Church cemetery, Portlaw it will be on Tuesday July 25th at 7pm.
Please spread the word about these masses to people living in other areas who may have people buried in these graveyards.

Birthday Celebrations

We extend warm birthday wishes to Damien Hennessy, proprietor of Gala in Kilmeaden who recently celebrated his 40th birthday. Damien celebrated with his family and friends in his native New Ross. We hear that a great night was had by all, and we wish Damien many more happy birthdays to come.
Also celebrating last week was Anna Nolan, Ballyduff Hill. Anna celebrated her 90th birthday with her family and friends and enjoyed herself. Her daughters Noeleen and Maria and grandchildren Siobhan, Niamh and Josh ensured that Anna’s birthday was celebrated in style. We wish Anna continued good health and many more happy birthdays.

Viking Marathon

There was great excitement on Sunday June 25th as the Viking Marathon took place along the Greenway. Many people from our community took part and we congratulate them all. Competing in the full marathon was Ballyduff West man Pat Fitzgerald and he crossed the line in 4th place. What a fantastic achievement for Pat and we send our heartiest congratulations to him.

Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Many people ask about experiencing the entire 10km return journey from Kilmeaden station to Bilberry station, but this is usually only for pre-booked groups. However, you can enjoy this full trip as part of The Sunset Express which will take place every Thursday night during the months of July and August. The Sunset Express is very popular and early booking is advised. Before departing the station, you can relax on the platform with some Prosecco and strawberries while listening to some acoustic music. Time then to board the train and receive your picnic box full of delicious seasonal and locally produced culinary delights from the award-winning Grow HQ Café in Waterford. A beautiful trip, taking in the beautiful sights along the way is a perfect way to experience the sights and sounds along the Greenway. This trip is very popular with adult groups, social clubs, hen parties, landmark birthdays, anniversaries and even a romantic marriage proposal.
The other good news is that Barry Bear and Honey Bear will visit the railway every Sunday to say hello to all the children. Drop along for a chat and take a spin on the train. Remember there are lots of lovely treats to purchase at the Whistlestop Café so bring along your appetite.

Church News

Mass is celebrated every Saturday evening at 7.30pm and on Sunday morning at 10am.
Weekend anniversary masses can be booked through Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC are hosting a Cash4Clothes fundraiser and are inviting you to drop your unwanted items to their dressing rooms any day between 10am and 8pm. The final drop-off day will be Thursday September 7th at 10am so that means you have plenty of time to get that sorting done and clear out those wardrobes and hot presses. The items which can be included are all men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels and bedlinen. They do not accept pillows, duvets or carpets. What a great chance to get those clothes sorted while helping to raise money for your local club.

Thought for the Week

Today start your day with a smile,
calmness of mind, coolness of emotions,
and a heart filled with gratitude.

Your Notes

If you would like something included in these local notes please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com