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.