Monthly Archives: March 2024

Easter Raffle, Ballyduff Camogie Club and Easter Ceremonies

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest draw were 7, 9, 11 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Breda Murray, Niall Clifford and Jane Kelly. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 31st and there will be a jackpot of €12,500 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each and three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or volunteers will be selling tickets at Centra on Saturday March 30th. The committee and club would like to say a huge thank you to all who support the lotto which is a great fundraiser for the club.

EASTER RAFFLE.

Ballyduff AFC U10 White Team are hosting a special Easter raffle to raise funds for additional match kits and training gear and to help towards organising an end of year trip.
This panel now have a group of 15 very enthusiastic and dedicated young girls. They have a lovely hamper to win full of lots of delicious treats, a voucher for The Sweep Bar and UEFA Champions League Training set. To purchase some tickets please follow the link on their Facebook page.

EASTER COMMEMORATION

Following the 10am Easter Sunday mass on March 31st, there will be a special commemoration event at our 1916 plaque outside the church. This will consist of the raising of the flag, reading of the proclamation and the playing of the National Anthem by talented piper Tommy Kiely. It is always a lovely event where young and old join together with great pride to honour those gone before us.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

EASTER CEREMONIES

We are now approaching the glorious and joyful season of Easter and to prepare we will walk the path of the Lord throughout Holy week. The Holy Thursday celebration will take place on Thursday 28th at 6.30pm, on Good Friday, the celebration of the Lords Supper will take place at 3pm and the Stations of the Cross at 7pm. The Easter Vigil mass on Holy Saturday will be at 7pm and on Easter Sunday morning mass will be at 10am.
Details of all the ceremonies are printed on a card which is available in the church porches. The envelopes for the Easter collection are also available there.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Never give up on a dream just because of the time
it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

Presentation of Jerseys, Daffodil Day and Easter Celebrations

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game of bridge on Monday March 11th and the results were as follows: 1st: Iris Graham and Geraldine McMahon 2nd: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes and Peggy Murphy and Breda Murphy. 4th: Anne-Marie Brown and Sean Hennessy.

PRESENTATION OF JERSEYS

A big thank you to Michael Atkins, Kilmeaden Groundworks who recently sponsored a set of jerseys for the Ballyduff Lower U11 and U12 team. Michael is a great supporter to all things local and the GAA club are very grateful to him for his generous sponsorship. The team look forward to taking on their next few games, decked out in their club colours and we wish them the very best for the season ahead. We also wish Michael and all at Kilmeaden Groundworks the very of luck and success for their business and ask you to support them if possible.

DAFFODIL DAY.

Unfortunately, Cancer touches almost every family, and we are all aware of the great care patients and their families receive from many different organisations. National Daffodil Day is a special day where we all come together to raise awareness and much needed funds for The Irish Cancer Society. People all over Ireland volunteer their time and skills to sell bunches of daffodils and more merchandise outside shops, supermarkets, and other businesses. There is always a lovely atmosphere among all the sellers many of whom are cancer suffers themselves, others who are in remission and others who have had family members go through cancer. The one common denominator is that they all want to support the cause and help keep the doors of support and research open.
In Kilmeaden volunteers will be at Centra and Gala so please support if you can and remember every little bit helps. A big thank you to Elizabeth Mooney and her group of volunteers who will greet you with a chat and a laugh.

EASTER CELEBRATION

On Easter Sunday following the 10am mass in St. Nicholas Church, Ballyduff, there will be a special Easter commemoration at the 1916 plaque. This is a beautiful ceremony which includes the reading of the proclamation, the raising of our national flag and the playing of the National Anthem by talented piper Tommy Kiely. A large crowd gather for this event each year and young and old stand together with great pride.

BALLYDUFF CAMOGIE CLUB

A reminder that you can support our local camogie club while doing your shopping at Tesco Ballybeg or Tesco in Lisduggan. Just collect your blue tokens at the checkout and pop them into the Ballyduff Camogie Club slot. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Entries for the annual Easter Camp taking place from March 25th to 29th have now closed. For those attending the camp, it will run each day from 10am to 1.30pm.
A reminder that the Football Academy of Ireland two-day camp will run on April 3rd and 4th from 2pm to 5pm. This camp is designed for those aged 6 to 14 years. You can receive further information by logging onto www.footballacademyofireland.com

GREAT SUCCESS

The wonderful news coming in from the Ireland Tonight Radio Music Awards is that Ballyduff’s own Karan Casey has won the title of Female Vocalist of the Year for her stunning single and album “Nine Apples of Gold”. The awards formerly known as the American Celtic Listener Supported Radio Awards honour those who have impressed radio hosts and listeners with the excellence of their music. Karan is currently on tour and on St. Patrick’s Day she will perform in the Sandler Centre for the Performing Arts accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
We congratulate Karan on her success. Her true love and passion for music and song is evident in every performance and we hope it is not too long before we get to hear Karan perform on home soil again.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile.
But sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Glorious Tones, Triathlon Success and Easter Camp

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 3, 9, 21 and 24 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Eileen O Leary, Noel Flynn and Michael Hoban. The next draw will take place on Monday March 18th and you could be the lucky winner of the jackpot of €12,500. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members, online or they will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday March 16th. Choose four lucky numbers and you could be off on holiday of a spending spree.

BRIDGE NEWS

Congratulations to President Joan and her committee who attended a Daffodil Day Fundraiser last week and presented a cheque for €700 to Elma Walsh for Waterford Daffodil Day. This is a fantastic amount for the collection before National Daffodil Day on March 22nd.

RECENT DEATH.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Sheehan, late of Birchdale, Kilmeaden who died recently. Jack was a wonderful family man who enjoyed watching his family grow and welcomed his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren with great pride. The Sheehan family had a long association with the Post Office and Jack served as General Secretary of the Irish Postmasters Union for many years. Jack was a very knowledgeable man who had an interest in a wide variety of topics and kept up to date with the latest news and happenings. He enjoyed the daily newspaper and liked to complete the crossword. He loved his garden and liked to relax while listening to some opera. I had the honour of working for the Sheehan family throughout my teenage years, just as my sisters had done before me. We were always treated so well and felt more like family members than employees. That friendship has continued throughout the years, and we mourn the loss of a wonderful neighbour. Our sympathies go to Lupita, Eithne and Michael and all the family on their sad loss and we pray that their lovely memories will bring them comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Jack’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church Ballyduff, and he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest now in the peace and love of Christ.

GLORIOUS TONES

The Peace Proms concert is always a spectacular event, and this year was no different as the blend of the young voices and the glorious sound of the Cross Border of Ireland Orchestra filled the SETU Arena. Among those voices were the boys and girls from 3rd to 6th classes at Ballyduff NS. Following months of preparation, the students were very excited to get to the arena for their rehearsal with the orchestra. As the arena began to fill to capacity the children spotted their parents and other familiar faces arrive and when the show began the choirs and orchestra treated the audience to a night to remember. For two and a half hours the children and staff sang and danced their hearts out and the atmosphere in the arena was just electric.
This was a wonderful experience for all the students and staff to share with their teachers, SNA’s, parents and families and a memory that will stay with them forever.

CLUB VACANCY

Ballyduff Lower GAA Club have a vacancy for a groundsman at their grounds in Kildermody. If you are on a community employment scheme and are interested in the position, please contact club chairman John O Leary on 087 2154519.

TRIATHLON SUCCESS

Congratulations to local lady Diane Behan who took first place in her age group at the Athy Triathlon recently. Diane is a super athlete who trains hard and gives full commitment to every event she takes part in.

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL.

The girls at Ballyduff Lower Gaelic Football Club are encouraging new players to join them and enjoy the game. It is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to keep healthy, learn a new skill and make lots of friends. Ages are catered for so drop along to club grounds on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm to see what it is all about.

EASTER CAMP

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Easter Camp from March 25th to March 29th from 10am to 1.30pm daily. The camp is for boys and girls aged 5 years to12 years. The price for the first child is €60, €45 for the second and your third child goes free. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook Page for details. Last few places now available.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

I truly believe that everything we do
And everyone we meet.
Are put in our path for a purpose.

Scrap Collection, Game of Cards and Matilda the Bookworm

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their most recent game on Monday February 26th in Ballyduff Community Centre and the results were as follows 1st: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins, Joint 2nd: Mary O Brien and John Fitzpatrick and Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald and 4th Mary Prendergast and Kate Hayes. Congratulations to all the winners.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 with your preferred date. Saturday evening masses take place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning masses are at 10am.
There are still some boxes of weekend collection envelopes available in the church, so please pick up a box whenever you are passing.
Choir practice takes place on Monday nights at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir enhance our masses beautifully with their gorgeous selection of hymns and it is lovely to look around and see so many people singing along with them.
If you have forgotten to pick up your Trocaire box there are still some available on the steps of the altar.

SCRAP COLLECTION

Ballyduff AFC are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff Lower. Items can be dropped to the grounds any day between 10am and 8pm. Please do not bring any dishwashers or items with glass. This is a fundraiser for the club who have great plans for further development of the club and its grounds. Please support by having a tidy up of that yard or shed you have been promising to do and drop your items off at Ballyduff AFC. You’ll earn great brownie points for tidying up and supporting your local club.

GAME OF CARDS?

Do you fancy a game of cards in a nice relaxing environment? A weekly card game began on Thursday February 1 st at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and I hear that a great crowd have dropped along to enjoy a friendly game and share a bit of a chat and a laugh together. New players are welcome to drop along and enjoy a game of Progressive 30’s. The cost is €15 for a team of 3 and this is a fantastic way to meet up with others and enjoy a game and a chat. If you would like any further information, please call Tricia on 0872979332.

EASTER CAMP

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Easter Camp from March 25th to March 29th from 10am to 1.30pm daily. The camp is for boys and girls aged 5 years to 12 years. The price for the first child is €60, €45 for the second and your third child goes free. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook Page for details.

DAFFODIL DAY

Friday March 22nd will be National Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Each year in Kilmeaden, a group of volunteers set up at Centra to raise funds and this year it is hoped to set up also at Gala. If you feel you may have an hour or two to spare and would like to help out please contact Elizabeth Mooney on 087 2067920. Elizabeth and her group of volunteers are very grateful to the management of Centra and Gala for offering the use of their premises.

MATILDA THE BOOKWORM

Huge congratulations to all the young people in Ballyduff Youth Drama Group who recently staged their fantastic show Matilda the Bookworm. The show ran for three nights in Ballyduff Community Centre and there was a full house each night. Full of drama, colour, song and music, the audience were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment each night. A big well done to all the cast and crew, on stage and behind the scenes. A special thank you to three wonderful ladies Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty who volunteer their time each year to running this drama club and staging the yearly show. What a wonderful way to bring young people together doing what they love, and it is a fantastic way to build their confidence and self-esteem.

CAMOGIE NEWS.

We are all thrilled to welcome the brighter mornings and longer evenings and we look forward to activities resuming and getting out in the fresh air. The gates of Tom Cheasty Park are open and ready for the camogie season. Following a great season last year the club are looking forward to welcoming returning players and are also ready to welcome new members to the club.
Training will resume on Monday March 11th from 6.15pm to 7.15pm and every Monday following that. The U13’s and U14’s will be held every Friday from 6.15pm to 7.30pm. Get those hurleys and helmets out and head to Tom Cheasty Park and we look forward some great games during the season.
Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club have been chosen as a recipient of the Tesco Blue Token Community Fund in the Tesco Ballybeg store. It was launched on Monday February 26th and will run for the next 12 weeks. Even though it is titled Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club, the money will benefit the entire club. Please spread the word to all your friends doing their shopping and lets’ get those blue tokens in the Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club box.

COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

Let’s Cook Easter Camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre from March 25th to March 28th from 10am to March 28th from 10am to 1pm daily. For a cost of €90, all ingredients, equipment and recipes are included.
These classes are hand on, and the kids will do all their own cooking and will bring their creations home to the family. To book a spot please contact 087 9027425.

COMMUNITY ALERT.

The next community alert meeting will take place on Wednesday March 6th in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. Guest speakers on the night are Liam Daly and Inspector Dennis Murphy will also attend. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions to the inspector and local gardai about recent break-ins in the area and any other queries you may have. The text alert fee of €10 has now been taken up so if you have forgotten you can bring it along to the meeting. New members are always welcome to join the text alert scheme which has proven invaluable in many incidents. The only things are required are your name, number and there is an annual fee of €10.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.
It is about learning to dance in the rain.

Easter Camp, Daffodil Day and New Jerseys

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club held their latest game on Monday February 19th 2024. Joint 1st: Sean Hennessy and Geraldine Mahon and Mary O Brien and Kathleen Collins. 3rd: Kate Hayes and Nano Fitzgerald.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 5, 11, 15 and 23. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Kay O Brien, Richard Cullinane and Jack Laffan. The next raw will take place on Sunday March 3rd and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or they will be on sale at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday March 2nd.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 with your preferred date. Saturday evening masses take place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning masses are at 10am.
There are still some boxes of weekend collection envelopes available in the church, so please pick up a box whenever you are passing.
Choir practice takes place on Monday nights at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir enhance our masses beautifully with their gorgeous selection of hymns and it is lovely to look around and see so many singing along with them.
During the season of Lent we are all encouraged to go that extra mile to do something extra. Many like to give up some nice treats or take up a new activity. If you would like to attend the Stations of the Cross you can drop along to the Church on Thursday mornings after 10am mass during Lent.
Trocaire boxes are available in the Church. Please bring one home and put some spare change in it when you can.

EASTER CAMP

Ballyduff AFC will host their annual Easter Camp from March 25th to March 29th from 10am to 1.30pm daily. The camp is for boys and girls aged 5 years to 12 years. The price for the first child is €60, €45 for the second and your third child goes free. Check out the Ballyduff AFC Facebook Page for details.

DAFFODIL DAY

Friday March 22nd will be National Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Each year in Kilmeaden, a group of volunteers set up at Centra to raise funds and this year it is hoped to set up also at Gala. If you feel you may have an hour or two to spare and would like to help out please contact Elizabeth Mooney on 087 2067920. Elizabeth and her group of volunteers are very grateful to the management of Centra and Gala for offering the use of their premises.

RECENT DEATHS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We extend our deepest sympathy to the Larkin and O Brien families on the recent death of Johanna O Brien, Kilronan, Butlerstown and formerly of Powersknock, Kilmeaden. Johanna was a kind and caring family lady and loved spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed by her husband Pakie, sons, PJ and Liam, daughters Peggy, Tina, Aisling and Mary T, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, her sisters Moll and Doll and all her extended family, neighbours and friends. Johanna’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
 We also send our condolences to the Aulsberry family on the death of Nancy Aulsberry, Matthews Cross. Nancy was a beautiful gentle lady who always had a lovely story to tell. She was a lady of great faith and also loved spending time with all her family. She will be sadly missed by her daughters Angela, Nell, Annmarie, Margaret and Jacinta, sons Mossie, John William, Noel and Conor, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandson, extended family, friends and neighbours. Nancy’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, and she was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. May her sweet gentle soul now rest in the peace and love of Christ.

NEW JERSEYS

Ballyduff GAA Club are thrilled to receive a new set of jerseys for their U14/15 Squad. The jerseys were kindly sponsored by Dearbhla and Sorcha Barron from Signal Box. I am sure the team will wear their jerseys with great pride and they may even be persuaded to enjoy a nice cuppa and treat at Signal Box. It is great to see local businesses supporting their local clubs and we hope that they will be supported in return.

CAMOGIE NEWS.

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club have been chosen as a recipient of the Tesco Blue Token Community Fund in the Tesco Ballybeg store. It was launched on Monday February 26th and will run for the next 12 weeks. Even though it is titled Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club, the money will benefit the entire club. Please spread the word to all your friends doing their shopping and lets’ get those blue tokens in the Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club box.

COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

Let’s Cook Easter Camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre from March 25th to March 28th from 10am to 1pm daily. For a cost of €90, all ingredients, equipment and recipes are included. These classes are hand on, and the kids will do all their own cooking and will bring their creations home to the family. To book a spot please contact 087 9027425.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Keep your face always toward the sunshine
And the shadows will fall behind you.