Monthly Archives: August 2023

Community Garden, Registration Time and Newcastle Graveyard

WSVR.

The Sunset Express has been running every Thursday evening during the months of July and August and on Thursday August 24th the final Sunset Express of 2023 will depart the station. From the moment you arrive at 7pm, you are made feel very relaxed and encouraged to sit back and allow yourself to be pampered. You are greeted with a nice tall glass of Prosecco or fruit juice and invited to enjoy music by FallAway House. It’s all aboard then at 7.30pm to enjoy a delicious picnic prepared for you by Grow HQ. You can snack away as you journey along the 10km trip through the countryside beside the Waterford Greenway and picturesque River Suir. This is the only trip which takes in the full 10km of the railway line to Bilberry. You can enjoy this trip with your significant other, family members, group of friends or alone, the experience is just as enjoyable, no matter who you are with. Watch the sun set over the glorious River Suir on your return journey and keep an eye out for those cheeky fairies around the mossy woods, they like to peep out at night.
To book your ticket please phone 051-384058.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have welcomed many young girls to their club lately and have some fantastic female teams. They would love to see more young girls and ladies join their club not only at team level but also as volunteers and coaches. If you would like to volunteer and become part of a great club, please contact any club member or check out their Facebook page.
The club are also in need of coaches and volunteers for all teams for the coming season which begins in September. The club has many exciting plans for the club and would like you to become involved. All coaches and volunteers will be provided with coaching, training and support from the club throughout the season. If you would like some more information, you can contact the development officer Paul on 086 3135984 or send a message to the Facebook page. Ballyduff AFC are hosting a Cash4Clothes fundraiser and are inviting you to drop off 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 that clothes sorting done while helping to raise money for your local club.

COMMUNITY GARDEN.

Work has commenced at the community garden site, and it is wonderful to see the progress. This is all thanks to some generous donations received from businesses and individuals. The digger moved in and cleared some unwanted growth and began to mark out some pathways. Next on the agenda is to put in some stone and put up a gate, which has been very kindly donated by a local family. Decisions will need to be made about what items will go where, so suggestions are always welcome. If you would like to be added to the Whats app group, please contact Peter Jacob, Declan Finn or Linda Spillane and you can then keep up to date with the progress. All donations are very welcome as we strive to create a place for the whole community to enjoy and a place where the beauty of nature can prosper and grow.

REGISTRATION TIME

I recently told you that plans were underway for this year’s production from Ballyduff Youth Drama. This group is open to students from 5th and 6th classes from Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and all the surrounding areas. Each year the group stage a show which is full of song, dance and great colour and it is always a night to remember. Registration night has now been announced for September 4th from 7pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. You will need to fill in an enrolment form on the night and pay €20 for your insurance costs. The official start date will be Monday September 11th and will run each Monday night during September from 7pm to 8.15pm and will then change to 7pm to 8.30pm from October. The cost is €30 per month. If would like some further information, please contact Helen on 087 6493657.

NEWCASTLE GRAVEYARD

Newcastle cemetery is situated in the Ballygarron area of Kilmeaden and is a huge part of our Parish history. Many of our ancestors attended mass here and many of them are buried there, some in unmarked graves. Each year mass is celebrated there to honour all those gone before us. This year’s mass will take place on Monday August 28th at 7pm and all are invited to come along and continue marking our parish history.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Good friends, care for each other.
Close friends, understand each other.
But true friends, stay forever, beyond words,
Beyond distance and beyond time.

Camogie Trip, New Business and Community Garden

GAA LOTTO

The four lucky numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 2, 20, 26 and 27 but there was no winner of the jackpot. There were three lucky dip winners of €50 each and they were Rory Phelan, Michelle Hallissey and Ron O Dea. The next draw will take place on August 20th and there will be a jackpot of €10,700 on offer. To make sure that you are in for a chance to win that fantastic jackpot you can purchase your ticket online or from any committee member. Tickets will also be sold on Saturday August 19th at Centra, Kilmeaden.
The proceeds of this lotto draw are a great source of income for the club and are used to provide excellent facilities at the club grounds. The club attracts members of all ages, and it is wonderful to see our young people get the best possible start in their sporting lives. By supporting the clubs’ lotto and other fundraising events you are ensuring the future of our club. Remember tickets are just €2 or three for €5.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC have welcomed many young girls to their club lately and have some fantastic female teams. They would love to see more young girls and ladies join their club not only at team level but also as volunteers and coaches. If you would like to volunteer and become part of a great club, please contact any club member, or check out their Facebook page.
The club are also in need of coaches and volunteers for all teams for the coming season which begins in September. The club has many exciting plans for the club and would like you to become involved. All coaches and volunteers will be provided with coaching, training and support from the club throughout the season. If you would like some more information, you can contact the development officer Paul on 086 3135984 or send a message to the Facebook page.
Ballyduff AFC are hosting a Cash4Clothes fundraiser and are inviting you to drop off 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 that clothes sorting done while helping to raise money for your local club.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of September and October, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday evening mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning is 10am.

CAMOGIE TRIP

A large contingent headed off from Tom Cheasty Park to support the Waterford Camogie Team as they took on Cork in the All-Ireland Final. There was great excitement as the bus started its’ journey to Croke Park with many young girls waiting for their chance to see the young women they admired and looked up to. Unfortunately, the result was not what we wanted but that didn’t stop the group enjoying their trip and what a wonderful experience for them watching Waterford women play in an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park. This team has shown such resilience and determination and are an example of where hard work and commitment can bring you. We have some very talented camogie players in the Ballyduff Lower club, so that bus could be on the road to Croke Park in the future, supporting a local player.
There was a great surprise for 3 of the local young ladies as they opened the match day programme and saw their photo. What a great photo of Ava Dooley, Hannah Larkin and Aine Counihan, whose faces display exactly what camogie means to them.

HOT NEWS.

I recently told you that plans were underway for this year’s production from Ballyduff Youth Drama. This group is open to students from 5th and 6th classes from Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and all the surrounding areas. Each year the group stage a show which is full of song, dance and great colour and it is always a night to remember. Registration night has now been announced for September 4th from 7pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. You will need to fill in an enrolment form on the night and pay €20 for your insurance costs. The official start date will be Monday September 11th and will run each Monday night during September from 7pm to 8.15pm and will then change to 7pm to 8.30pm from October. The cost is €30 per month. If would like some further information, please contact Helen on 087 6493657.

NEW BUSINESS

We wish the very best of luck to local man Darren Butler who has opened his own business at the Sweep Garage. D.B Autos provide all vehicle services, repair and diagnostics in a friendly, relaxed environment. You can contact Darren on 087 7536605 for all your queries. Congratulations and good luck to Darren and wish him every success in his new venture.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Thank you to the businesses and individuals who have donated to the garden. This has enabled work to begin. Some clearance of the site will begin next week and levelling of the ground. Some of the first items to be looked at will be water points and footpaths. If you would like to donate to this fund, please contact Peter Jacob, Declan Finn or Linda Spillane. Every little bit helps to provide a safe, relaxing space for all ages.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
A pretty face will get old,
A nice body will change,
But a good person
Will always be a good person.

Death of John Maddox, Steps for Charity and New Business Premises

CHURCH NEWS.

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday night mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning is at 10am.
New readers are always needed to read at mass. There is a group of readers, so you will not be asked to read too often. If you would like to add your name to the list, please contact Linda Spillane or drop your name and contact number into the sacristy.
The collection for the support of the priests of the parish was taken up over the last couple of weekends and is continuing. If you would like to contribute, there are envelopes available in the church porches or you can use a normal envelope and mark Priests Collection on it.

DEATH OF JOHN MADDOX.

The death of the very popular John Maddox was greeted with great sadness and grief. John who lived in Whitfield South, Butlerstown was a man of great wit and humour who loved to enjoy a chat and a laugh. John battled illness for the past few years but never complained or felt sorry for himself. He remained upbeat and often made those around him feel better.
Like many young men of his time, he began working in Waterford Crystal as a teenager. It was in later years that John was to find his true profession as he and Helen purchased The Bally Inn. John was a natural behind the bar and really enjoyed chatting with the customers and loved the laughs and the many music sessions. It was always a wonderful spot for people to gather and enjoy great music and song.
John and his beloved wife Helen most certainly meant their wedding vows when they said them. Their love and devotion for each other was evident to all and they were truly devoted to each other. John will be sadly missed by his wife Helen, his brother Danny and his sister Helen, his extended family, neighbours and friends. John’s funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Pat Fitzgerald in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff and he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that he now rests in gentle peace and that he is now free from all pain and suffering and that he may now enjoy the peace and light of heaven.

CABARET NIGHT

A special fundraising Cabaret Night will take place in O Donnachas on August 11th at 8.30pm. Music will be by Dick Quinn and there will also be an auction and spot prizes. The funds raised will go towards helping Vinny Keane travel to the biggest sporting event for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the world. Vinny has been chosen to represent Ireland as part of the Irish Blind and Visually Impaired tennis team. The games will take place from August 21st to August 27th. Come along and enjoy a great night of music and song.

BALLYDUFF GAA CLUB.

Ballyduff Lower GAA club are looking for an individual to work in the club grounds as part of a Community Employment (CE) scheme. If you are interested or require any further information, please contact club chairman John O Leary.

STEPS FOR CHARITY

Local lady Hannah Flynn from Ardeenlone recently took on the challenge of walking 100,000 steps in 24 hours. She was joined by her friend Chloe and after 15 hours of walking and 76km covered, they finished their challenge. Initially they took on the challenge just to challenge themselves but then decided to raise some money for Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. These kindhearted girls chose this charity because of the fantastic work they do continuously around Waterford City and County. There is still time to donate by following the link for Hannah’s Fundraiser on www.gofundme.com

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC are currently on the lookout for some more girls to join their club. The club will welcome girls of all ages, levels and abilities for this coming season which begins in August. Girls are welcome from Kilmeaden, Ballyduff and all the surrounding areas and there are teams for academy, U10, U11, U12, U14 and U16. These teams are open to beginners, as well as those who have played before. Ballyduff AFC offer great facilities for all their members and welcome new players with great enthusiasm. If you would like to find out more, please check out the club Facebook page for all the necessary links.

NEW BUSINESS PREMISES.

We are all very sorry to hear that Sully’s Valeting Service will be moving from the village of Kilmeaden to new premises at the Airport Business Park, Unit 7. Doors closed in Kilmeaden on Saturday August 5th and will open in the new premises on Tuesday August 8th. This business has been a wonderful addition to Kilmeaden and we look forward to visiting the new premises. We wish them the very best of luck for the future as they continue their top-class service.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

A Good Life is when you,
Assume nothing
Do more,
Need less
Smile often,
Dream big
Laugh a lot
And realise how blessed you are
To have what you have.

Birthday Girl, Breaking News and Cabaret Night.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 4,12 and 19 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Una Behan, Julie Monaghan and Finbarr Tymon. The next draw will take place on August 6th and there will be a jackpot of €10,550 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 August 5th . Choose those 4 lucky numbers and you could be off on a spending spree.

BIRTHDAY GIRL.

We wish a very happy 30th birthday to Ciara Burns (nee Larkin). Ciara no doubt spent a lovely day with her husband Kevin and of course it was her first birthday celebrations with her gorgeous son Liam. The Burns and Larkin families will have ensured that Ciara enjoyed every minute of her birthday and celebrated in style. We wish Ciara many more years of happy birthdays.

BREAKING NEWS

I have heard some exciting news and will let you in on the secret. Ballyduff Youth Drama are getting ready to host their registration night and launch their new show for the 2023/2024 season. Each year students from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and surrounding areas are invited to come along and join the drama group. Their yearly performance is always looked forward to and the audience are treated to a fantastic show full of music, dance and colour. Watch this space for details of registration and start dates. I have been promised to hear the news firsthand.

CABARET NIGHT

A special fundraising Cabaret Night will take place in O Donnachas on August 11 th at 8.30pm. Music will be by Dick Quinn and there will also be an auction and spot prizes. The funds raised will go towards helping Vinny Keane travel to the biggest sporting event for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the world. Vinny has been chosen to represent Ireland as part of the Irish Blind and Visually Impaired tennis team. The games will take place from August 21st to August 27th. Come along and enjoy a great night of music and song.

CHURCH NEWS.

Despite the miserable weather, a large crowd attended the annual graveyard mass on Wednesday July 26th. The mass was celebrated in the church will beautiful music and song from Gerry Walsh. Prayers were offered for all those buried in the graveyard and all those who no longer have anyone left to pray for them. A big thank you to all those volunteers who have been cutting the grass and strimming edges over the past few weeks. Their generosity and kindness is to be admired and respected. It is hoped that we will be allocated a scheme worker to maintain the graveyard in the next few weeks.
It was lovely to see so many people go to the community centre after mass to enjoy a cuppa and refreshments. Many people enjoyed a chat and a laugh and met people they hadn’t seen for some time. A big thank you to all who donated cakes, buns and biscuits and a special thank you to Damian and Majella in Gala, Kilmeaden who provided cups and biscuits.
If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE

Many of the members of Ballyduff Camogie Club travelled to the SETU Arena on Thursday July 27th to watch our county team train ahead of their All Ireland Final. There was then a chance to meet the team and get some autographs and photos. What a wonderful inspiration these women are to all the young girls around the county who are taking up their hurleys and playing their hearts out for their clubs. We all look forward in hope of a Deise win.

BALLYDUFF AFC.

Congratulations to all who took part in the recent FAI Summer Camp. It was jam packed with fun activities and football drills for all levels. A big thank you to the coaches Gary, Kevin, Joe, Pauric and Jenny who ensured that everyone enjoyed the camp.
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.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

A person becomes 10 times more attractive,
not by their looks, but by their acts of kindness,
love, respect, honesty and loyalty they show.