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!