GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 9, 14, 19 and 25. There was no lucky winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Helena Power, Tony Larkin and Marie Morrissey. The next draw will take place on October 7th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,150 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or tickets can be bought at Centra Kilmeaden on Saturday October 6th. Choose your four lucky numbers and you could be heading off on a shopping spree.

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BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw bridge club held their AGM recently and the following officers were elected:
Incoming President: Joan Hartery.
Vice President: Anne Kennedy.
Honorary Secretary: Kathleen Collins.
Honorary Treasurer: Breda Murphy.
Congratulations and well done to Outgoing President Elizabeth Mooney and her team for all their work.
Following the election of officers, it was down to the Monday night game of bridge and the results were as follows:
Joint First: William and Ann Tobin and Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.
4th: Monica Sullivan and Breda Murphy.
The Bridge Club meet every Monday night at Ballyduff Community Centre and are always very welcoming to new members.

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COMMUNITY ALERT

Our local community alert held their AGM last Tuesday night. Jay Dowdall retained his position as Chairperson and MJ Healy kept his position as Treasurer. Linda Spillane announced her intention to step down as Secretary due to work and other commitments. She will continue to support the group and act as their PRO. Chris Pragnell will take on the position of Secretary and we wish him the very best in his new position.
Following the AGM business, the meeting heard a very interesting presentation from Ann Marie Veale who is the advisor to the HSE for the Alzheimer’s Society. Everyone agreed that Anne Marie was an excellent communicator, and her talk was very interesting and informative. The group also heard from Garda Sharon Ryan who asked people to mindful of leaving valuables in their cars and to remember to secure their property when going away during the day or on holidays. She also encouraged people to contact the guards if they see anything suspicious in their area.
The group will continue to engage with some more speakers for their coming meetings and are looking forward to more members attending the meetings as it is important that everyone works together within the community.

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COMMUNITY GARDEN

If you have passed by the community garden in recent days, you will notice that pathways have been marked out and stone has been laid on footpaths and at the entrance. Plans are now underway to begin planting some trees and shrubs and everyone is welcome to come along and get involved. Donations to the garden are very much appreciated and the group are delighted with the support they have received from businesses and individuals. This garden will benefit all and will provide a beautiful place for people to relax, meet people, enjoy the beauty of nature and be involved in their community.

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CHURCH NEWS

The annual sacristan’s collection will continue this weekend. There is an envelope included in your yearly pack, but any envelope will do, just mark it for the sacristan’s collection. Our sacristan Ann Nolan does a fabulous job keeping our church is tip top condition and she is so welcoming and friendly to all who visit the church and graveyard. Our church community are very lucky to have her, and we ask you to be as generous as possible.
Choir practice takes place in the church on Wednesday evenings at 8pm and new members are always welcome.

COMMUNITY ALERT.

Our local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Tuesday September 19th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This will be the AGM for the group, and it is hoped as many as possible will attend. There will also be a very interesting presentation by Ann Marie Veale who is a consultant for the HSE for the Alzheimers Society. The community alert group is a very important part of the community, and their text alert scheme provides a vital service. All are welcome to attend this meeting.

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BRIDGE NEWS.

The Ballyduff and Kilmeaden Bridge club have returned and on Monday September 11th in Ballyduff Community Centre the members gathered after their summer recess. The results of the game were as follows:
1st: Joan Hartery and Nano Fitzgerald
2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche
3rd: Anne Marie Brown and John Fitzpatrick.
Joint 4th Winners: Mary Prendergast and Geraldine McMahon
and Peggy Murphy and Ann Cox.
The club held its AGM on Monday September 18th, and the club would like to wish new President Joan Hartery and her committee the very best for the coming year and thank outgoing President Elizabeth Mooney for all her hard work and commitment.

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DIAMOND COUPLE.

Best wishes and congratulations to Tom and May McGrath, Ballygarron who recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Tom and May are a very popular couple who always enjoy a chat with all they meet. Their love for each other is very evident to all as they enjoy their days together in their beautiful home and garden. They enjoy the company of their son Paul living next door and of course they adore visits from their grandson Jack. We wish this lovely couple every best wish for the future and many more happy years of marriage.

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CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one during the coming months, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
The parish choir have now returned from their summer break, and it is wonderful to hear them at our masses again. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday nights in the church and new members are always welcome.
The annual Sacristan’s collection will be taken up at all masses over the weekends of September 26th and 27th and September 30th and October 1st. There is an envelope in your yearly pack for this but don’t worry as any envelope will do, just mark it Sacristan’s collection. St. Nicholas’s Church in Ballyduff is very lucky to have a very hardworking and dedicated Sacristan. Ann Nolan is truly committed to ensuring things run like clockwork and our church is kept in immaculate condition. Any visitor to the church receives a warm and friendly welcome. Please be as generous as you possibly can to show Ann the appreciation she truly deserves.

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RECENT DEATHS

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Mary O Callaghan, Hackettstown, Portlaw who died recently. Mary will be sadly missed by her mother Peggy, brothers Liam and Pat, sister Siobhan, extended family and her carers and friends in the Brothers of Charity Services.
We also send our condolences to the Davidson family, Gortaclode on the recent death of Moira. She will be fondly remembered by all and sadly missed by her husband Tom, her daughters Morag and Fiona, son Douglas, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.
We pray that they now rest in peace.

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COMMUNITY MEETING

A recent meeting held in Ballyduff Community Centre was attended by many individuals and representatives from numerous groups in the parish. Our community is growing rapidly with many one-off houses as well as new housing estates. While everyone agreed that is wonderful to see so many people choosing our area to live in, they also agreed that amenities and facilities are needed to cater for all age groups. Attending the meeting were Richie Walsh from Waterford City and County Council and Jimmy Taafe from Waterford Leader Partnership and both gave valuable information to the meeting. They stressed the fact that to get your ideas and wishes across you need to form a strong dedicated development group who are positive and proactive. Advice and funding are available for groups who show how dedicated they are. The group would put forward the ideas and thoughts they have as to what is needed in the area to ensure that all are catered for. The next step is to form this group and so another meeting will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Thursday September 21st at 7.30pm. There will be a speaker attending who will direct how to move forward and set out a strategic plan. Community groups are driven by community members coming together for the good of their community. All are welcome to drop along to the meeting and find out what is involved.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto were 1, 12, 13 and 18. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Niamh Ryan, Andrew Webster and Gretta O Callaghan. The next draw will take place on September 17th and there will be a jackpot of €11,000 on offer. Tickets are just €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale from committee members, online or will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday 16th. Choose four lucky numbers and you could be trying to decide how to spend that lovely jackpot.

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MARATHON MAN

Congratulations to Pat Fitzgerald, Ballyduff West who was the recent winner of the Waterford Greenway Half Marathon. This was the 5th annual Waterford Greenway Half Marathon and is sponsored by Waterford company Eurofins. Pat who is a member of Waterford AC is very dedicated to his training and preparation. His entire family are extremely proud of him and delighted with his success as they see first-hand the dedication and commitment he puts into his sport. We wish Pat continued success.

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LOVE IS THE AIR

It was certainly wedding season in the area over the past couple of weeks as 3 local couples said their I do’s. St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff was the setting for the pretty wedding of Megan Harrington, Ballyduff to her Kilkenny man James Deasy. Megan looked beautiful as she arrived on the arm of her very proud Dad William. Following the beautiful ceremony under the watchful eye of Fr. Richard O Halloran the couple and their guests made their way to the stunning Faithlegg House Hotel to enjoy their reception in the fantastic sunshine.

The very popular Keith Norris made his way to The Rivercourt Hotel to wed his sweetheart, Kathy Butler. Their beautiful children Bonnie and Sam ensured that Mammy and Daddy said their vows and then it was time for the happy couple and their guests to enjoy a delicious meal and some music and dancing.
Popular proprietor of Mirror Mirror Hair Salon in Kilmeaden Karen Walker travelled to the Greenway Manor Hotel to exchange vows with her childhood sweetheart Blaine Toner on the 20th anniversary of their relationship, under the watchful eye of their beautiful children Emmie and Harry. The Greenway Manor holds many happy childhood memories for Karen as she enjoyed many happy meals there with her wonderful grandparents.

We wish all these happy couples every best wish for their future lives together. Love is most definitely in the air.

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GRADUATION

Congratulations to Ava Spillane, Matthews Cross who recently graduated from the hairdressing and barbering course at Waterford College of Further Education. Ava has wanted to be a hairdresser since the age of four and has really enjoyed the course. She made lifelong friends and enjoyed the course content and the work experience. Ava now works at Shades Hair Studio in Ferrybank and loves being part of the team. She feels very lucky to have the opportunity to grow and gain more knowledge under the supervision of the wonderful ladies at Shades.
Ava celebrated her graduation with her family and is looking forward to progressing in her career.

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BALLYDUFF AFC

The Ballyduff AFC have begun their Soccer Academy and new members are always welcome. At 5.45pm it is academy 1 mixed Junior Infants only, at 5.30pm it’s academy 2, boys born in 2016/2017, 6.30pm is for Academy 2 for girls born in 2016 and 2017 and at 6.30pm it’s academy 3 for boys born 2015.

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A TRUE LADY

The whole area was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the very popular Mary Weldon (nee Guiry) of Coolagadden. Mary was a true lady with a warm smile and a friendly word for everyone she met. A hardworking lady who adored her family, Mary enjoyed meeting people for a chat and a coffee and was so well liked and popular with everyone she met. Mary’s faith was of utmost importance to her, and she was a treasured member of our community. Even through poor health she remained upbeat and in good spirits. She will be missed deeply by her husband Billy, daughter Suzie, sons Christy, Kenny and Jason, her grandchildren Jenny, Nicola, Joanne, Eve, Louis and Bonnie, her sister Cait, brothers Jimmy and Tommy, extended family, neighbours and friends. We pray that Mary is now at rest, and she is rewarded by the Lord for all her good deeds. May she rest in the peace of the Lord.

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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. Stone has now been laid on the pathways and a gate will be placed at the entrance, 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. The group hope to be able to apply for grants soon but if any individuals or businesses would like to donate to this project, please contact any of the people above. The community garden will be for everyone, a place for all to enjoy and for our community to come together.

COUNTY CHAMPIONS

On Sunday August 27th Ballyduff Lower U12 Camogie team headed to Cappoquin GAA grounds to take on St. Declan’s in the U12C Cup County Final 2023. A big crowd of supporters travelled to support the team and were treated to a fantastic game of camogie. The girls gave a superb performance and fought for every ball. Their determination paid off as they took the County title defeating St. Declan’s 4-5 to 1-3. What a brilliant achievement from a small club who have only been on the scene for 2 years. Congratulations to all the team members, their coaches and all the background staff and of course the parents and supporters. These girls have created a little bit of history and have given us a little glance at the very bright future ahead in Ballyduff Lower Camogie club. Thank you to John Hearne for the lovely photo.

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MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

The Holy Cross Church in Tramore was the scene of a most beautiful wedding on Friday August 25th between sweethearts Gary Flynn, Adamstown, Kilmeaden and his stunning bride Yvonne Power from Tramore. This very popular couple recited their vows under the watchful eye of Fr. Ned Hassett. After the ceremony the couple and their guests made their way to The Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford to enjoy a delicious meal and a night of dancing and fun. We wish this happy couple every happiness for their future and many years of joy and love.

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BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club are preparing to return for the new season and on Monday April 24th Elizabeth Mooney held her long awaited President’s night in The Sweep Bar. Honorary member Aileen Stephenson said grace before meals before everyone enjoyed a delicious meal which was served up by the super-efficient Carol. While welcoming everyone Madam President wished to remember all absent friends and announced Fr. Michael O Byrne as the newest honorary member and thanked John Fitzpatrick for the trojan work he does every year. The array of Avoca Buttons ceramic homeware was on display as an exciting, competitive (open draw) game of Bridge took place under the guidance of Tournament Director David O Keeffe who ran the game very efficiently and courteously. The results of the game were as follows:
1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Patsy Roche.
2nd: Deirdre Phelan and John Mooney.
3rd: Monica Sullivan and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Joan Hartery and Mary O Brien.
5th: Peggy Murphy and Kathleen Collins.
6th: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Cummins.
The secret score was won by John Fitzpatrick and Mary Cummins.
As Elizabeth’s term of Presidency comes to an end, she would like to thank Joan Hartery for all her help as Vice President over the past four years and wishes her well as she now takes over as President. The club would like to thank Elizabeth for being such a wonderful President and for her kindness and generosity.
The bridge club will resume on Monday September 11th in Ballyduff Community Centre and new members are always welcome.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

That dreaded back to school time has arrived and we wish all those boys and girls and young men and women the very best of luck as they set out on a new year of school. We also wish the very best to all the teachers, SNA’s and school staff who will ensure that our children enjoy their experience in school. Many of our young people have also received college offers this week and we hope that they are happy with their options. We urge them not to worry if they didn’t get exactly what they wanted because there are so many ways now to get to your destination. The most important thing is that you are happy and content.

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MOUNT CONGREVE OPPORTUNITY

The beautiful Mount Congreve Gardens have announced an opportunity to volunteer as a Welcome Ambassador in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland. If you have an interest in horticulture and history and enjoy working with people, this could be the perfect position for you. Your daily tasks will include welcoming visitors and providing support to the front-of-house team. If you are interested in registering visit https://buff.ly/3rRHHnk or email paul@volunteerwaterford.ie

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SPORTS ABILITY DAY

On Sunday October 1st the SETU Arena will host a sports ability day from 11am to 3pm to promote sport and fun activities that are suitable for all abilities. This event is suitable for people with a disability of all ages, their families, parents, teachers, sport coaches, youth club leaders and anyone interested in sport. There will be representatives from local sports clubs, leisure facilities and disability organisations on site to provide information, advice and support. This is a free event, and all are welcome. To register your interest go to www.eventbrite.ie or if you would like any further information please email jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

GAA LOTTO.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 13, 19 and 22 but there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Bridget Doyle, Mandy Ryan and Amanda Phelan. The next draw will take place on September 3rd and there will be a jackpot of €10,850 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and can be purchased online or from any committee member or tickets will be on sale at Centra on Saturday September 2nd. Get those tickets early and choose those numbers carefully.

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RECENT DEATHS.

We send our deepest sympathies to Eileen Hayes, The Sweep on the recent death of her mother Ann. Ann Power (nee Cook) late of Balluhussa, Kilmacthomas is survived by her sons Tom, Pat, Robbie and Liam, her daughters Elieen, Betty, Ruth and Rachael, her 16 grandchildren and her great grandson, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, relatives and friends. Ann’s funeral mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Faha followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she now rest in peace.
We also send our condolences to the Queally Family on the recent death of Peter. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Eileen, his children Liam, Marie-Louise, Ivor, Aisling, Barbara, Irene, Cathal and Rebecca, his grandchildren, daughters-law, sons-in-law, his brother John, sister-in-law Carmel extended family, business colleagues and friends. Peter had many friends here in Ballyduff and Kilmeaden who will miss him. Peter’s funeral mass took place in the Church of our Lady of Mount Carmel in Kill, and he was laid to rest in Ballylaneen cemetery. May he now rest in peace.

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COMMUNITY MEETING

A community meeting will take place on Thursday August 31st at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The areas of Ballyduff and Kilmeaden have grown substantially over the past few years. This meeting will be about the setting up of a development plan for the future of the area and will include discussions on community facilities, sporting facilities etc. All are welcome to attend this meeting. If you would like any further information, please contact Cllr. John O Leary.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

It’s that dreaded time of the year again when it’s time to measure up for those school uniforms, fill those pencil cases and get those books in order as back to school time has arrived. We wish all those boys and girls and young men and women the very best of luck as they set out on a new year of school. We also wish the very best to all the teachers, SNA’s and school staff who will ensure that our children enjoy their experience in school.

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END OF AN ERA

On Sunday August 29th the last pint was pulled in Haughtons. A large crowd gathered to wish Gerry and Margaret the very best for their future. It really was the end of an era as this iconic pub closed its doors for the last time. A place where a good chat was always guaranteed, a hearty laugh was always heard, a place where a music session could break out at a minute’s notice. The pub has been graced with many wonderful characters over the years and there have been many memorable occasions celebrated in Haughtons. Gerry and Margaret will take some time out to enjoy time with their sons and their beautiful grandchildren. Will the doors of Haughtons open again? Who knows but for now we thank Gerry and Margaret for giving all their customers and visitors, a friendly welcome, a place to chat and relax and a chance to meet with old friends and new. We hope they enjoy a well-deserved rest but I’m sure their grandchildren will have other plans for them.

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MATILDA THE BOOKWORM.

Ballyduff Youth Drama has announced their production for the 2023/2024 season. Open to 5th and 6th class pupils from Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and surrounding areas. No experience is needed but spaces are limited. Registration night will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on September 4th. Drop into the hall between 7pm and 8pm to join and there will be a €20 insurance fee payable on the night. For more information, please contact Helen on 087-6493657. Every year this group delights its audiences with an energetic, colourful and vibrant production and this year’s production of Matilda the Bookworm promises to wow its audience.

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RAS NA MBAN

For the first time in its 17-year history, Rás na mBan, has introduced a Waterford stage in its five-day schedule. This is Ireland’s only women’s international bike race and will take place from September 6th to 10th. 
The 2023 edition of the race is the 17th under the title of Rás na mBan and the 36th annual international stage race for women in Ireland. In its current format it runs for five days and six stages totalling over 400km of racing action. 
The 102.7km stage of the race will leave Tramore at 12 noon on Saturday, September 9th and travel through Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas, on to Dungarvan, before returning along the Copper Coast to the finish line on the Prom in Tramore at approximately 2.40pm. 
If you are available on the day get out on the road in Kilmeaden and cheer the ladies on as they pass through. I am sure they would appreciate the support and encouragement.

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LEAVING CERTIFICATE

We wish congratulations and the very best of luck to all the young men and women in our area who received their Leaving Certificate results last week. We hope that you feel happy and content, but if you are not fully satisfied, please remember that there are many roads to get to where you want to be. Take your time and decide which road is best for you.

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KINDNESS FOR PIETA
 
On Sunday July 16th, the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club had a mixed bag of weather for their annual Tractor Run. Each year this is a much looked forward to event and the group have raised a fantastic amount of money for charity. On Friday August 18th in Haughtons Pub, the group presented the proceeds to a representative from Pieta House. A fabulous amount of €3,452.60 was raised and Pieta House were extremely grateful. This charity provides vital services within our city and county to their clients and their families. They provide that listening ear and helping hand to those who need it, when they need it most. A big well done to all the organisers of the event, those who took part and all who donated to such a worthy cause. 

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Kindness is one of the best gifts you can bestow upon another.
If someone is in need, lend them a helping hand.
Do not wait for a thank you.
True kindness, lies within the act of giving,
without the expectation of something in return.