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.