BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday April 15th and the results were as follows: 1st: Sean Hennessy and Mary Prendergast. 2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Geraldine McMahon. 3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Kate Hayes.

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GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 8, 11, 23 and 24 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mary Quirke, Calum Lyons and Tony Kirk. The next draw will take place on Sunday April 28th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets are available from all members, online and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday April 27th. Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5.

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LET’S COOK

Do you have a budding little chef on your hands who would like to take part in some cookery classes. Ballyduff Community Centre will host to “Lety’s Cook” Cookery classes for children from July 15th to July 19th from 10am to 1pm each day. What a great way to spend some of the Summer holidays, learning skills and making new friends. To book your place please contact 087 9027425.

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WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY.

WSVR in Kilmeaden is a hive of activity every day of the week with people enjoying a beautiful scenic trip on the train, visiting the Greenway or sitting enjoying a cuppa or an ice cream from The Whistlestop Café. There is something for everyone to enjoy and visitors come from all over Ireland and beyond to visit and enjoy a little piece of Heaven.
Presenter of The Good Morning programme on ITV Dermot O Leary was the latest celebrity to drop by for a visit and enjoy all that was on offer. Dermot was with his parents, his wife Dee Koppang O Leary and their son. They are regular visitors to Co. Wexford, and we are delighted that they chose to visit beautiful Kilmeaden.
WSVR is now open for the season so drop along and enjoy a relaxing trip on the train taking in all the stunning sights along the river Suir. Visit their Facebook page or their website www.wsvrailway.ie for times and booking information.

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RUGBY SUCCESS

Congratulations to local man Alan Phelan, Carriganure who has recently been chosen as part of the Munster Rugby U17 squad. He will be part of the team for the upcoming interprovincial. We wish Alan and all the team, management and coaches the very best of luck for the future and congratulate Alan on his fantastic achievement.

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TEA DAY

The annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day is always a very well supported event. Unfortunately, Alzheimers is part of many people’s lives now and we are all aware of the wonderful care which is provided by the Pine Grove and other care centres. Each year all over Ireland we do what we do best, we put the kettle on and organise a cuppa and a chat. Organisations and individuals arrange an event in their local and we all get a chance support this very worthwhile charity.
On Thursday April 25th you are invited to drop along to Ballyduff Community Centre between 9.30am and 12 noon to enjoy a nice cuppa, delicious treats and a nice warm and welcoming chat. Please support this very worthy cause and drop along to enjoy a nice relaxing morning.

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FIRST PENANCE

Congratulations to all the young boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who recently celebrated their First Penance in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff. Fr. Francis was on hand to hear all the things they were sorry for and to remind them that God forgave them and loved them. They sang some beautiful hymns and read readings and prayers of the faithful. They were so very kind to remember Fr. O Byrne in their prayers which I know he will be delighted to hear that.
The pupils are now very busy preparing for their First Holy Communion which will take place on Saturday May 18th. It is a very exciting time for them all as they prepare for this big milestone in their lives. It is lovely to see them at mass on Sunday mornings joining with the people of the parish to celebrate mass. They have been staying after mass for a little chat with Fr. Francis and he is never short of answers to his questions. We wish the boys and girls the very best in their final preparations for their big day and we will all include a little prayer for some nice sunshine.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

You can get everything in life you want,
If you will just help enough other people get what they want.

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday April 8th and the results were as follows, 1st: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes 2nd: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast 3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins. Congratulations to all the winners.

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DAFFODIL DAY

The organisers of the recent daffodil day collections in Kilmeaden on Friday March 26th would like to say a huge thank you to all who supported the event and donated so kindly. A big thank you to Donal, Ailish, Fiona and all the staff at Centra, Majella, Damien, Stephanie and staff at Gala and Jamie and his staff at Tirlan for their kindness in facilitating and supporting this worthy cause. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteer sellers who gave their time so freely. Thank you also to Margaret Pragnell, Pat Power, Linda Spillane, John O Shea, Elma Walsh and Des Daunt for their publicity, guidance, and continuing support. The day was a resounding success raising money for a very deserving charity.

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NEW KITS

The Ballyduff Lower U14 Camogie team were the lucky recipients of some lovely new gear recently. They were presented with beautiful new gear bags sponsored by Maria Smith, Aura Skin and Laser Clinic and were also gifted a new set of jerseys from Martin O Reilly, Concast Precast. The team and their team managers Tim Counihan and Dermot Dooley were thrilled with this very generous sponsorship and sponsorship and will display their gear with great pride.

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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. There are only five more weeks left and the club would be very grateful of your support. The money awarded will not only benefit the Camogie club but the whole club. Please spread the word to all your family and friends.

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CHURCH NEWS

A big thank you to everyone for returning your Trocaire boxes to the church. If you have forgotten there is still time to return yours. You can drop it into the sacristy or there a box on the altar steps.
Fr Francis would like to thank all who have dropped in their Easter dues and if you have forgotten your offering, you can place them in an envelope marked Easter Dues and place it in the weekly collection basket.
Weekend anniversary masses can now be booked through Linda Spillane on 087 98383932.

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QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Someday, everything will make sense.
So for now, laugh at the confusion
smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself
that everything happens for a reason.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 5, 15, 22 and 23 and there was no winner of the jackpot. There were three lucky dip winners of €50 each and they were Anne Phelan, Catherine Power, and David Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday April 14th 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 on Saturday April 13th a group of volunteers will sell the lotto tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden.
The lotto is a very important fundraiser for the club and they are very grateful for all the support they receive. Just four lucky numbers stand between you and that fabulous jackpot so choose those numbers carefully.

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CUL CAMP TIME

Registration has now opened for the Ballyduff Lower GAA Club Cul Camp. The camp will run from July 22nd to July 26th and is always a very popular event so early booking is essential. Check out the club’s website and Facebook page for more information.
Precious participants in the Cul Camp say that is a great week of fun. Many new skills are learned, and great friendships are formed, and your child is enjoying healthy fresh air and exercise.

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EASTER SUNDAY COMMEMORATION

Following a beautiful Easter Sunday morning mass on Sunday March 31st in St. Nicholas’ Church, Ballyduff, the congregation were invited to gather outside at our beautiful plaque to remember those gone before us. Cllr. John O Leary welcomed everyone and thanked them for taking the time to join together. Our proclamation was then read aloud with great dignity and pride by Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee who was visiting her family in Kilmeaden for Easter. Our National Flag was raised by loyal Ballyduff man Dermot (Dod) Whelan while talented piper Tommy Kiely played our national anthem. It was wonderful to hear the voices of young and old blended together. This was a lovely ceremony and a wonderful community remembrance service.

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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.

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CHURCH NEWS

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is now being taken up. There are envelopes available in the church porches or you can simply use an ordinary envelope and mark it for the Easter collection.
You can now light a candle for a special intention on the new candelabra in the church. We have now received a second one thanks to a generous sponsor. They are a lovely edition to our church so pop along and drop your coins in and watch your candle shine brightly for your intention. If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane

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EASTER WINNER

The U10 girls’ white team at Ballyduff AFC recently held a raffle and the lucky winner was Anne Clay whose grandson was very happy to see the lovely Easter hamper. The raffle was a huge success raising €675 and the girls would like to thank all who supported them.

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CABARET NIGHT

Ballyduff GAA Club will host a cabaret night in aid of the Lourdes fundraising appeal. Each year as a parish we send two people to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cabaret night will take place on Saturday April 13th at 8.30pm in O Donnacha’s Bar, Kilmeaden. Music will be by Dick Quinn and admission will be €10. Drop along and enjoy a night of music and song.

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QUOTE FOR THE WEEK.

Accept what is,
Let go of what was
And have faith in what will be.

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.

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BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club held their Easter Fayre on Monday March 2nd and the results were as follows: 1st: Iris Graham and Sean Hennessy 2nd: Kate Hayes and Anne Kennedy 3rd: Peggy Murphy and President Joan Hartrey 4th: Patsy Roche and Nano Fitzgerald.
The club would like to wish all their past, present and future members a very happy and peaceful Easter. The next bridge game will take place on Monday April 8th.

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BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC held their Easter Camp with 60 boys and girls enjoying a wonderful time. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends while enjoying fresh air and exercise. The club look forward to this camp each year and welcoming old friends and new.

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CHURCH NEWS

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish is now being taken up. There are envelopes available in the church porches or you can simply use an ordinary envelope and mark it for the Easter collection.
A big thank you to all who took part in the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies especially all those who volunteered to read, to the choir who enhanced the ceremonies with their beautiful choice of hymns. Joan treated us to some beautiful floral displays for Easter and of course as always, our Sacristan Ann had everything in tip top order.
You can now light a candle for a special intention on the new candelabra in the church. We are also going to receive a second one thanks to a generous sponsor. They are a lovely edition to our church so pop along and drop your coins in and watch your candle light up as you offer your intention.
If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one please contact Linda Spillane

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BALLYDUFF GAA

Tom Cheasty Park is a hive of activity with many matches and training schedules back on track. To check out the dates and times of training check out the clubs Facebook page. The club are always happy to welcome new members so whether you would like to play, coach, volunteer, there is a place at Ballyduff GAA club for you.

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DAFFODIL DAY

A huge thank you to all who supported The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day on March 22nd. A special thank you to Elizabeth Mooney and her group of volunteers who collected throughout the day at Centra and Gala and to Donal and Eilish Hickson and Damien and Majella Hennessy for accommodating the volunteers in their stores. The volunteers tell me that they received a very positive and generous welcome from everyone.

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CABARET NIGHT

Ballyduff GAA Club will host a cabaret night in aid of the Lourdes fundraising appeal. Each year as a parish we send two people to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cabaret night will take place on Saturday April 13th at 8.30pm in O Donnacha’s Bar, Kilmeaden. Music will be by Dick Quinn and admission will be €10. Drop along and enjoy a night of music and song.

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QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A good day isn’t always,
Perfect. It challenges you to
Release your potential and,
Inspires you to appreciate the
Little amazing things in life