Monthly Archives: June 2024

Decade of Service, Medal Presentation and Vintage Run

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their most recent game on Monday June 17th and the results were as follows: 1st: Mary Prendergast and Geraldine McMahon 2nd: Anne Cox and Kathleen Collins 3rd: Sean Hennessy and Ann Marie Browne.

DECADE OF SERVICE

We send warm wishes and congratulations to Damien and Majella Hennessy and all the staff at Gala in Kilmeaden who are celebrating 10 years in Kilmeaden. We thank them for choosing Kilmeaden to base their business and for supporting so many charities and organisations over the years. We wish them many more years of continued success.

MEDAL PRESENTATION

There was great excitement recently in Ballyduff N.S as PwC 2023 Camogie Player of the Year Beth Carton visited the school. The U13 school team have had a terrific year and finished up the year as Cumann na mBunscoil Roinn B U13 Eastern and County Champions. This is a fantastic achievement for the girls and the school was delighted that Beth took time out of her busy schedule to present them with their medals. Pictured with them in the photo is their Principal Mr. C. Power, Deputy Principal Mr. P. Stapleton and members of the management team Ms. T. Sinnott and Ms. A. Halley.

VINTAGE RUN

The organisers of the annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Run are busy getting prepared for their very popular vintage run. The date set for this year’s event is Sunday July 14th. They will set off from Haughton’s Cross at 1pm sharp and follow a route taking in the beautiful surroundings along the way. This is always a lovely day full of lots of fun and laughter. There is always a fantastic display of vehicles of every size and make. This vintage run has raised a wonderful amount of money over the years for charity and this year the charity chosen is Pieta House. The work being done by this charity is phenomenal and their care and support is not just aimed at the individual client but to their families and friends also. All money raised on the day will go to Pieta House in Waterford so that they can continue this vital work. If you would like any further information about the event please contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087 2216589.

WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

We extend warm congratulations to Orla Mooney and Stephen O Neill who celebrated their wedding recently. The happy couple enjoyed a beautiful day with their friends and family who gathered to watch the popular couple exchange their vows. We wish them both every happiness in their future lives together.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book any of the weekend masses for a Months Mind, First Anniversary or any anniversary mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday evening mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning mass is at 10am.
You are invited to drop along to the church and light a candle for a special intention you may have. Our new candelabras are proving very popular. Just drop your coin in the slot and your candle will automatically light up.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir sing beautiful hymns at our Sunday morning masses and really enhance our liturgy.
If you are interested in reading at mass, new readers are always welcome. Please hand your name and number into the sacristy.
The annual cemetery mass will take place on Monday July 22nd. Please inform people who are living in other areas but may have relatives buried in our graveyard.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC are running their scrap collection at the moment. Items can be dropped to their grounds daily between 10am and 8pm. Please remember this is for scrap metal items only. If you are in doubt about your item, you can check with any committee member. This is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of any scrap you have and support your local club.
Congratulations to all the recipients to the end of season awards. A lovely evening of presentations took place at the club grounds and the awards were presented by former club and Waterford FC player Paul Leahy who is now based in Aberdeen. Congratulations also to Ben O Neill who was this season’s winner of the Johnny Millea Shield. Johnny died in 2008 aged just 47. As a player, coach, committee member he was a true clubman who gave his heart and soul to the club. I have no doubt that he would be very proud of the club today and its fantastic facilities.
The very popular Summer Camp will take place from July 8th to July 12th and spaces book up fast. The closing date for entries is June 30th and places can be booked through klubfunder.com

ITEMS FOR NOTES.

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community and to inform about what is going on in your club, organisation, event details or good news.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Having somewhere to go, is a home.
Having someone to love, is a family.
Having both is a blessing.

Happy Retirement, Ball Kid Duty and Exams Out

BALLYDUFF AFC

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.
A reminder that Ballyduff AFC will host their popular Summer Camp at their grounds from July 8th to 12th and the closing date for bookings is June 30th. You can book your place on klubfunder so book your place soon before they are all gone.

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn at the latest lotto draw were 1, 9, 13 and 27 and there was no winner of the jackpot of €12,500. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Linda Spillane, Leana Lynch and Dave Raher. The next draw will take place on Sunday June 23rd. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or from the volunteer sellers at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday June 22nd. This is a very important part of the club’s fundraising, and they are very grateful for the support given to them.

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday June 10th. The results of the game were 1st: Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes. 2nd: Mary O Brien and Joan Hartrey. 3rd: Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald. 4th: Mary Prendergast and Kathleen Collins.

HAPPY RETIREMENT
We express our heartfelt thanks and good wishes to Denis O Donoghue who has retired from his position of Postman. Denis has served the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas for many years and is very popular with everyone. He always had time to greet and chat with people and was often the only regular visitor to some people. He drew attention to people he may have not seen out and about and ensured they were checked on. His friendly, chatty personality made him very popular even when he delivered the dreaded bills!
We wish Denis a very happy, relaxing retirement with his wife Martina and I have no doubt that his grandchildren will find plenty of things to keep him busy.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book one of the weekend masses for a Month’s Mind, First Anniversary or any anniversary mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday evening mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning mass is at 10am.
You are invited to drop along to the church and light a candle for a special intention you may have. Our new candelabras are proving very popular. Just drop your coin in the slot and your candle will automatically light up.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir sing beautiful hymns at our Sunday morning masses and really enhance our liturgy.
If you are interested in reading at mass, new readers are always welcome. Please hand your name and number into the sacristy.
The date for the annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff cemetery has been announced as Monday July 22nd. Please spread the news to people living in other areas who may have friends or relatives buried in the Ballyduff graveyard. A reminder to please bring a bag with you if you are removing old flowers or wreaths from your family grave and take the rubbish home with you.

BACK TO SERVE

We send warm congratulations to Cllr. John O Leary, Blacknock who retained his seat in the recent local elections. Speaking with John he said he was so grateful to all those who had placed their trust in him and given him their vote. John has always served his electoral area with great pride and dedication and will continue to do so. We wish him the very best for the future and we know that he will continue to work hard within his area and listen to the people’s needs.

BALL KID DUTY

Congratulations to the players from the school boys and girls teams at Ballyduff AFC who recently carried out ball kid duty during the recent Waterford FC game against Bohemians. This was a wonderful experience for all these great soccer enthusiasts and great memories were made. A big thank you to Debbie at Waterford FC for facilitating this.

WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY

There is a lot of activity at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in recent weeks with lots of visitors including some very excited boys and girls out enjoying their school tour. There are also many visiting groups and organisations from all over the country out for their Summer trip. With stunning views all along the train route it is truly a trip which treats all the senses. The cool clear water of the River Suir glistening in the sun, the sounds of the birds and wildlife enjoying life in the woods and the beautiful sight of the glorious colours in Mount Congreve Gardens.
The Whistlestop Café at the station provides beautiful freshly baked treats and the very important ice cream which as you can see from the photo, is highly recommended by the volunteers who forced themselves to try it out for you.
Drop along to the railway and bring your relatives and visitors with you to treat them to a beautiful relaxing day out.

EXAMS OUT

We congratulate all the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students who have now completed their exams. The questions have been answered and there is nothing else which can be done. I wish you all a wonderful Summer and hope that you enjoy time with your families and friends. To those travelling abroad, we wish you all safe travels and hope that you make brilliant memories.

ITEMS FOR NOTES.

If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community and to inform about what is going on in your club, organisation, event details or good news.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

County Champions, Waterford Mascot and Invitation

CARDS

For the past number of months, a very enjoyable game of Progressive 30’s has been taking place in Ballyduff Community Centre and the organisers have asked me to let you all know that the card game will take a little break for the Summer months. The good news is that they will return in September and hope to see familiar faces along with some new ones. The final game took place on Thursday 30th and a few light refreshments were enjoyed after the game.
This weekly card game has been very popular and a wonderful way to meet up with people.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book one of the weekend masses for a Months Mind, First Anniversary or any anniversary mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday evening mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning mass is at 10am.
You are invited to drop along to the church and light a candle for a special intention you may have. Our new candelabras are proving very popular. Just drop your coin in the slot and your candle will automatically light up.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir sing beautiful hymns at our Sunday morning masses and really enhance our liturgy.
If you are interested in reading at mass, new readers are always welcome. Please hand your name and number into the sacristy.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC are running their scrap collection at the moment. Items can be dropped to their grounds daily between 10am and 8pm. Please remember this is for scrap metal items only. If you are in doubt about your item, you can check with any committee member. This is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of any scrap you have and support your local club.

BALLYDUFF GAA NEWS.

A reminder that booking has now opened for the annual Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camp. The camp will take place this year from July 22nd to July 26th and you are advised to book your place early.
Tom Cheasty Park is a hive of activity every evening and weekend with something for every age group. If you are interested in becoming part of the club, as a player, coach, volunteer, the club are always delighted to welcome new members. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of all fixtures, training sessions etc.

COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Ballyduff N.S U13 Camogie team who were crowned the County Champions of the Cumann na mBunscoil in Walsh Park recently. This is a fantastic achievement for the girls and their school and what a fantastic way to end off their school year. A very special thank you to all the school coaches for all their work and commitment and of course to all the parents for their support.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The annual Tom Cheasty and Derek Ryan Memorial Tournament Day is always looked forward to each year. These two men, both very talented hurlers gone way before their time brought great joy to the Ballyduff Lower club over the years and they will never be forgotten. Members of the club and the parish like to come together each year to honour their contribution to the club. On Sunday June 16th in Tom Cheasty Park the U12’s will take part in the Tom Cheasty Cup at 12 noon while the Intermediates will meet Kilrossanty in the Derek Ryan Cup at 2pm. There will be fun for all the family throughout the day with lots of fun activities and a BBQ. Drop along and join in the fun.

WATERFORD MASCOT

Two very excited young girls were thrilled to be the mascots for the Waterford Camogie team at the Waterford V Limerick game in Walsh Park on June 1st. One of those mascots was Ballyduff Lower’s own Lily O Sullivan who wore her Waterford jersey with great pride. The day was jam packed as the mascots were brought into the changing rooms to meet the team and take some photos and of course they always gave the team some words of encouragement. They each received a jersey, a sliotar and a goodie bag of treats. What a thrill for them to lead the girls through the tunnel and out onto the pitch to the roars and cheers of the spectators. Lily also had the added bonus of taking part in the Go Games at half time with the U10 Ballyduff Lower team and scored the winning goal. What a day for Lily to remember and she made lovely memories. Watch out for Lily as she could be running out as part of the Waterford Camogie squad in a few short years. I hope she remembers me for a ticket!

BIRTHDAY GIRL

We send warm birthday wishes and congratulations to the very popular Edwina O Leary, Blacknock who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. She arrived at Waterford Castle to join her immediate family for a meal but was surprised to find her relatives and friends there ready to help her celebrate. The O Leary and O Sullivan clans were thrilled to mark this very special occasion and I have it on good authority that everyone enjoyed a fantastic evening. Edwina’s parents John and Eileen were so happy to see Edwina enjoy herself and her brother Brian, sister-in-law Laura, nephew Cathal, nieces Chloe and Phoebe and boyfriend Keith helped her to make her 50th birthday celebration one to remember. We wish Edwina many more happy birthdays for the years ahead.

INVITATION

The Dr Martin Day Centre in Portlaw will hold an Open Day on Saturday 15th June between 2pm and 5pm and they will have some music and refreshments to celebrate twelve years in operation this year. They are extending an invitation to you all to attend their Open Day event as someone who has contributed to their success through your support, work or service to the Centre over the years. In September of this year they are celebrating their twelfth year in operation as a Day Centre that provides essential services to the elderly and vulnerable people in our Community. The Open Day is an opportunity for people in the wider community to come and visit the centre to see the activities and services that take place here and to view the premises as well as the new commercial kitchen that we developed last year .The services provided to the community has far exceeded expectations and they are proud to say that they have people travelling from up to 15km away to avail of their services. These services include, morning teas/coffees served with a scone, three course dinner, afternoon tea and biscuits as well as many other activities such as music, art and craft, games and exercise. For those unable to attend the centre they provide a meals-on-wheels service in the community.
They also provide chiropody and hairdressing services, and they make the facility available to local groups such as Red Cross, Active Retirement, Adult Learning & Education, Sewing and Knitting classes and a Prayer Group. They hope to see you on the 15th of June!

Cards, Eastern Champions and Playful Streets

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 1, 6, 10 and 14. There was no jackpot winner and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Alice Walsh, Pat Power and Nancy O Sullivan. The next draw will take place on Sunday June 9th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer.
Tickets cost just €2 each or three tickets for €5 and are available online, from all members or you can buy your tickets from the volunteer sellers at Centra on Saturday June 8th. Choose your four lucky numbers and that jackpot could be yours.

BRIDGE NEWS

The Ballyduff/ Portlaw Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday May 27th and the results were as follows: 1st: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald 2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche 3rd: Kate Hayes and Mary Prendergast 4th: Joan Hartrey and Geraldine McMahon.

CARDS.

For the past number of months, a very enjoyable game of Progressive 30’s has been taking place in Ballyduff Community Centre and the organisers have asked me to let you all know that the card game will take a little break for the Summer months. The good news is that they will return in September and hope to see familiar faces along with some new ones. The final game took place on Thursday 30th and a few light refreshments were enjoyed after the game.
This weekly card game has been very popular and a wonderful way to meet up with people.

CHURCH NEWS

If you would like to book one of the weekend masses for a Months Mind, First Anniversary or any anniversary mass please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392. Saturday evening mass takes place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning mass is at 10am.
You are invited to drop along to the church and light a candle for a special intention you may have. Our new candelabras are proving very popular. Just drop your coin in the slot and your candle will automatically light up.
Choir practice takes place on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the church and new members are always welcome. The choir sing beautiful hymns at our Sunday morning masses and really enhance our liturgy.
If you are interested in reading at mass, new readers are always welcome. Please hand your name and number into the sacristy.

EASTERN CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Ballyduff N.S U13 Camogie ladies who have been crowned the U13 Cumann na mBunscoil Eastern Champions. On Wednesday May 29th Ballyduff Lower took to the pitch in Walsh Park to take on The Mercy, Waterford. The Ballyduff girls played an excellent game, staying tight in all positions and came out as overall champions on a final score of 5-4 to 0-1. Congratulations to all the girls and their coaches on this terrific achievement.

PLAYFUL STREETS.

We have welcomed many new residents into Kilmeaden and Ballyduff over the past few years and we are delighted to see them all settle in a place we are very proud of. Becoming involved in your community is a wonderful way to make friends and feel more settled. We have many clubs and organisations in our area and they are always happy to welcome new members.
Playful Streets is an initiative between Waterford City and County Council and local areas to welcome new residents into areas of the city and county and encourage activity between all residents. On Saturday June 8th at 2pm in Kilmeaden’s newest housing estate Clochan there will be an opportunity to take part in some fun activities and receive information about different issues and about clubs and groups that take place in the area. An open invitation is extended to all who live in the areas of Ballyduff and Kilmeaden to drop along and extend that warm local welcome.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC are running their scrap collection at the moment. Items can be dropped to their grounds daily between 10am and 8pm. Please remember this is for scrap metal items only. If you are in doubt about your item, you can check with any committee member. This is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of any scrap you have and support your local club.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.