Bridge News, Camogie AGM and Candle Lit Concert

GAA LOTTO.

The latest numbers drawn in the Ballyduff Lower GAA lotto draw were 10, 14, 21 and 24. There was no lucky winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Peg Power, Marian Kenneally and Jimmy King. The next draw will take place on November 26th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,750 up for grabs.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any club member, online or you can get your ticket on Saturday November 25th from the ticket sellers at Centra, Kilmeaden. The only thing you need to think about is which four numbers will be the lucky ones.
This fortnightly lotto is a very important fundraiser for the club, and they are very grateful to all who contribute to it.


BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club meet for their weekly game of bridge every Monday night in Ballyduff Community Centre. The results of the game played on Monday November 13th are as follows:
1st: Anne and William Tobin.
2nd: Geraldine McMahon and Kathleen Collins.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.
4th: Kate Hayes and Nano Fitzgerald.


DEATH OF MOSSIE POWER.

Our community was deeply saddened by the recent death of Mossie Power, Ballyduff West. Mossie was indeed a true gentleman who lived his life in a quiet and dignified fashion. He was a true community man who gave many years working on different projects and committees for the good of his area. His dedication and devotion to our church and parish was exemplary. An honest, caring, trustworthy man, he was an excellent family man who loved to tell you about his family and grandchildren. Our parish is most definitely a much poorer place without him, and he will never be forgotten by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his sons Gerard, Philip and Declan, his daughter Imelda, his grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. We pray that his sweet gentle soul now rests in peace and that he has taken his rightful place at the Lords table. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.


CHURCH NEWS.

During the month of November, we remember our holy souls in a special way. There will be nine days of consecutive Novena masses with the dates and times listed in the church porch.
On Wednesday November 29th there will be a special candle mass for all those who have died since last November. The names of those whose funeral took place in Ballyduff will automatically be added but if you would like to add the name of a family member or friend who died elsewhere then please drop the person’s name and your contact details into the Sacristan Ann or you can contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.


CAMOGIE AGM

On Wednesday November 22nd the Ballyduff Lower Camogie club will host their AGM in Ballyduff Community Centre at 7.30pm. The club has been going from strength to strength with membership rising every year. Drop along to the AGM and listen to the plans for the future of the club.


GAA CLUB AGM.

On Friday November 24th Ballyduff Lower GAA Club will hold their AGM at 7pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The local GAA club is at the heart of every area and is always open to welcoming new members and volunteers.


CANDLE LIT CONCERT.

Our neighbours in Portlaw will play hosts to a beautiful Christmas candle lit concert in St. Patrick’s Church, Portlaw on Sunday December 17th. Described as an evening of song, faith, hope and love, it will feature some excellent artists such as Philomena Begley, Dana, Chrissy Mac, Sandy Kelly, Louise Morrissey and Dominic Kirwan. Tickets cost €30 and can be purchased by contacting one of the following Kathleen Stone 0876081144, Jackie Kearns 0872025659 or Margaret Power 0834097469. Start your Christmas season in a relaxed, beautiful setting and allow yourself to be captured by the joy and hope of the season.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Drench yourself in words unspoken.
Live your life with arms wide open.
Today is where your book begins.
The rest is still unwritten.

Church News, AGM Time and Thought for the Week

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge club meet every Monday night in Ballyduff Community Centre to enjoy a nice friendly game of bridge. The results from the game played on Monday November 6th are as follows:
1st: Anne-Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: Ann Cox and Peggy Murphy.
3rd: The Mooneys.
Joint 4th: Joan Hartery and Mary O Brien
and
Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.


RECENT DEATH

We send our deepest sympathies to John Carroll, Johnstown on the recent death of his mother. Mary (Maisie) Carroll was a resident of Havenwood Retirement Village in Ballygunner and formerly of Bishopsfield and Bishopscourt, Grantstown. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Denise and Deirdre, sons John and Tony, daughters-in-law Valarie and Joanne, her grandchildren, her brother Thomas, sister Rose, extended family and many friends.
Maisie’s funeral mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
We pray that she now rests in peace and that her family will draw comfort from their lovely memories.


CHURCH NEWS.

During the month of November, we remember our holy souls in a special way. There will be nine days of consecutive Novena masses with the dates listed in the church porch. On Wednesday November 29th there will be a special candle mass for all those who have died since last November. The names of those whose funeral took place in Ballyduff will automatically be added but if you would like to add the name of a family member or friend who died elsewhere then please drop the person’s name and your contact details into the Sacristan Ann or you can contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.


RECENT DEATH

We extend our condolences to the family of Pat Keating, Knockroe, Passage East who died recently. Pat was originally from the Lacka Road, Kilmeaden. He will be sadly missed by his sons John and Eoin, daughters-in-law Amy and Nicole, brothers Paul and Tony, extended family, neighbours, and friends. Pat’s funeral mass was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, Crooke followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that Pat now rests in peace.


AGM TIME

It’s that time of the year again when many clubs hold their AGM’s so if you would like to get involved with a local club or perhaps a couple, then head along to the meeting and see what is involved.
On Wednesday November 22nd the Ballyduff Lower Camogie club will host their AGM in Ballyduff Community Centre at 7.30pm. The club has been going from strength to strength with membership rising every year. Drop along to the AGM and listen to the plans for the future of the club.
On Friday November 24th Ballyduff Lower GAA Club will hold their AGM at 7pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The local GAA club is at the heart of every area and is always open to welcoming new members and volunteers.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Without ambition one starts nothing.
Without work, one finishes nothing.
The prize will not be sent to you.
You have to win it.

New Business, Camogie AGM and Spooky Halloween

NEW BUSINESS

We send warm wishes and congratulations to Rachael Wall (nee Butler) formerly of Gortaclode, Kilmeaden who has opened her new beauty salon in Kilmeaden in recent days. Radiance by RB is situated in the Centra Kilmeaden complex, and Rachael is looking forward to welcoming former and present clients along with some new customers. This bright and beautifully designed salon has lots of free carpark spaces outside and nice easy access to the building.
Rachael has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the beauty trade and her salon will be a very welcome addition to the area. We all need a little pampering in our lives so drop into Rachael where you can sit back, relax and allow her to work her magic.
We wish Rachael the very best for the future and thank her for seeing the wonderful potential that is in our area.


GAA LOTTO.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 8, 17, 18 and 20 and there was no jackpot winner. The jackpot now climbs to €11,600 and is just waiting to be won. What a lovely early Christmas present it would make.
The three lucky dip winners of €50 each on the night were Ann O Brien, Francis Walsh and Michael Fitzpatrick. The next draw will take place on November 12th. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are available from all club members, online and will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday November 11th. Get your ticket early and choose those four numbers carefully.


MICHAEL GAHAN RIP.
Our community and neighbouring parishes were all very saddened to hear of the death of Michael Gahan, late of Carriganure, Kilmeaden. Michael was a hard-working man who devoted his life to providing and caring for his family. He also enjoyed the company of friends and loved to meet for a chat and a laugh. He fought his battle with illness with great courage and strength. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Paula, sons Keith and Garreth, daughters Sarah, Michelle and Colette, his grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family, wonderful neighbours, and many friends.
Michael’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff and following mass Michael was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that he now rests in peace where there is no more pain or discomfort. May his gentle soul rest in the peace and love of Christ.


CAMOGIE AGM

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club will hold their AGM on Wednesday November 22nd 2023 at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. The camogie club has been going from strength to strength with membership up in all age levels. Why not get involved with your local club by heading along to the AGM and seeing what it is all about.


NOTICE OF AGM

It’s that time of the year for AGM’s and Ballyduff Lower GAA Club will hold theirs on Friday November 10th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Anyone who is interested in hearing about the club are welcome to attend and the club are always open to welcoming new members.


SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

Congratulations and well done to all at Waterford Suir Valley Railway who put on a fantastic display for Halloween. A great time was had by all who visited with ghosts and ghouls around every corner. Some of the fairies from the Fairy Woods headed off for a little mini break until all the scary characters had left the area.
A little bird has told me that there have already been a couple of discussions with Santa and his elves about his visit to Kilmeaden this year. The volunteers are very excited about preparing the railway for Santa’s visit and of course his beautiful warm cosy cabin will be ready for lots of little visitors and a few not so little visitors. If you haven’t booked your visit yet, please do soon by calling 051 384058.

Church News, Lets Cook and WSV Railway

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club played their latest game on Monday October 16th and the results were as follows:
1st: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Mooney.
4th: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
5th: John Fitzpatrick and William Tobin.


SCHOOL QUIZ

The Ballyduff N.S Parents Council held a very successful pub quiz in The Sweep Bar on Friday October 20th. A large crowd attended, and a great night was had by all. Teams comprised of 4 members and 23 teams took up the challenge. John Carey played the role of Quizmaster to perfection and the teams were tested with questions from all different topics. The Parents Council would like to thank all who supported the event and all those who purchased raffle tickets, the staff at The Sweep Bar for ensuring everyone was well looked after, those who sponsored prizes, parents who helped on the night, John Carey for doing an excellent job as quizmaster and Ricky O Brien for kindly supplying and setting up the microphone and speaker. The aim of the quiz was to raise funds to buy additional ipads for the school and other school facilities and they were delighted to raise a fantastic amount of €3,485. A big well done to all the organisers for such a successful event.


CHURCH NEWS

It is hard to believe we are heading into the month of November already. On November 1st mass will take place at 10am to celebrate All Saints Day and for All Souls Day on November 2nd mass will take place on the previous night at 7pm and on the day at 10am.
If you would like to read at mass please give your name and contact number into the sacristy.
The Parish Choir meet every Wednesday night at 8pm and are always very welcoming to new members.


CAMOGIE PROGRAM

The inaugural “Leading Provincial Females Program” which will take place in Connacht, Munster, Leinster and Ulster. 104 participants have been selected to represent 28 different counties in this 12-month program. Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club are elighted to announce that they will be represented by proud club lady Michelle Galvin. Michelle works tirelessly along with other club members to develop camogie within the club.
This program has been secured through the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund and will run from October 2023 to July 2024. It is designed for ladies over 18 (so Michelle just about qualifies) who are interested in personal development and potentially leading teams. It is a blended course with face-to-face sessions, online webinars and there are many benefits. Participants get to mix with like minded future leaders in Gaelic games. This course is aimed at females who wish to develop their leadership skills while furthering their development as a coach, match official, administrator or any volunteer roles within Gaelic games .we wish Michelle the very best with this course and look forward to her advice and suggestions for our club.


LET’S COOK

Are you looking for something fun and interesting for your child to do, then why not send them along to Ballyduff Community Centre from Wednesday November 1st to Friday November 3rd to enjoy a fun cookery camp. The camp will run from 10am to 1pm daily for children aged 6 to 12 years. For prices and further information, you can contact Siobhan on 087-9027425.


WSVRAILWAY

Drop along to the Waterford Suir Valley Railway over the mid-term break and enjoy The Spooky Express. Many spooky creatures move into the railway station for the week and like to roam around the area, some of the fairies even head off on holiday to make room for the ghosts and ghoulies. Trains operate on the hour from 11am with the last departure at 3pm. Booking is highly advisable on 051 384058