Monthly Archives: December 2024

Recent Wedding, Hurling League and Christmas Wishes

GAA LOTTO

Ballyduff Gaa club held their last lotto draw of 2024 and the numbers drawn were 4, 6, 10 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot. There were six lucky dip winners of €50 each were Michelle O Donoghue, Davy/Annie Gahan, Valarie Walker, Paula Gahan, Maurice Harris and John Fitzgerald. The first draw of 2025 will take place on Sunday January 12th with a jackpot of €12,500. The club would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and every good wish for 2025. They thank everyone for their wonderful support throughout the year and look forward to your continued support in 2025.

RECENT WEDDING

On Friday December 6th Ballinameela Church was the setting for a beautiful wedding. The proud groom Shane Fitzgerald from Kilmagemogue, Portlaw waited eagerly for his bride Kate Curran. Kate looked absolutely stunning as she arrived at the church to meet her handsome groom. The couple exchanged vows in a warm and relaxing ceremony conducted by Canon Brendan Crowley with proud parents John and Bernie Fitzgerald and Mairead Curran watching on. I have no doubt that Kate’s dad Jimmy was watching his little girl from the Heavens above.
The new couple, their family and guests then made their way to the Garryvoe Hotel where they were wined and dined in elegance and treated to a wonderful weekend of celebration. We wish this very popular couple every happiness for their future together and we hope they enjoy their first Christmas as a married couple.

CAMOGIE TRIALS

Congratulations to Ballyduff Lower camogie Club players Trudie O Reilly and Aisling Counihan who recently competed in the U14 County Camogie Trials and have been chosen as part of the U14 Camogie County Development squad for 2025. The club are very proud of the girls and are thrilled for them to get the chance to play at county level. This is a fabulous achievement for the girls and we wish them the very best of luck.

HURLING LEAGUE

Ballyduff GAA Lower have announced the start date for their boys Winter League. It will begin in January for boys from U11 to U16. It will take place over 4 weeks at the ball hall in Kildermody and more details will follow in these notes and on their Facebook page, so stay tuned.

BALLYDUFF AFC

Ballyduff AFC grounds is a very busy place with lots of activity happening on and off the pitch. The club would like to inform their members that a Re-Turn bin has now been installed at the clubhouse. You are urged to drop off any bottles and cans that have the Re-Turn logo. By doing this you are not only helping the environment but you will also be helping your club. All of the funds raised will be used for the club’s fundraising project.

The club have also installed a new boot cleaner which can be used after games to remove any mud from your boots before returning to the clubhouse or to your car.
The club are also hosting a fundraising scrap metal collection. You are invited to drop along to the club grounds any day between 10am and 9pm and drop off your old scrap metal, car parts, old washing machines, dishwasher or dryers, lawn mowers, bikes etc and all for free of charge. Please do not include any timber, plastic, glass, tyres, TV’s, paint tins etc. CCTY cameras are in operation in the club grounds.

CHURCH NEWS

As we enjoy the season of Advent we look forward to the beautiful season of Christmas. As we prepare outwardly for the holiday ensuring that we have everything we need and we also need to have ourselves prepared inwardly. A special Christmas Penance Service will take place in St. Nicholas’s Church on Wednesday December 18th at 7pm. Christmas Eve mass will be at 8pm and on Christmas morning at 10am. The annual Christmas collection will be taken up over the Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

As the writer of these notes, I Linda Spillane would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and every best wish for the New Year.
I really love where I live and truly enjoy writing our local notes each week and feel it is so important to tell people about what is going on in their area. I thank all who contribute to the community notes and look forward to your continued support in 2025. There are new people moving into our community every day and it is important to tell them about all the wonderful groups, organisations and events that take place in our area

Garda Reminder, Local Death and Message for Fr. Mick

CHURCH NEWS

Our parish choir rehearse every Wednesday night in the church at 8pm and are always ready to welcome new members. They are beginning to work on their chosen hymns for Christmas and we all look forward to hearing their beautiful choices.
Fr. Francis recently announced that the Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff will be cancelled from January. This is a diocesan decision as there is a shortage of priests and so the existing priests will be needed to cover weekend masses in other parishes. Bishop Cullinan has asked for special prayers for vocations.

SANTA EXPRESS TIME

There was great excitement at Waterford Suir Valley Railway last weekend as Santa arrived to climb on board the Santa Express and settle into his cosy cabin. Visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus at WSVR is a truly magical experience. You climb on board the Santa Express and travel along by the picturesque River Suir where you will meet Mrs. Claus and some of her friends in the Magic Wood. The fairies are very busy making magic dust which you will get going home to sprinkle by your house. This will help Santa to find your house on Christmas Eve. As you arrive back at the station you can use the many props to get some great photos and Santa’s reindeer Dasher loves to have his photo taken. Sit and enjoy a nice warm drink and tasty treats at The Whistlestop Café and then it is off to visit Santa in his railway cottage. Santa will have a little gift for all the boys and girls and will be eager to know what treats they plan to leave out for him and his reindeer. To book your spot with Santa contact the booking office on 051-384058.

GARDA REMINDER

At the most recent Community Alert meeting our local Garda reminded us to stay vigilant during these dark Winter days. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting around your property and that valuables are always locked away securely. They urged people to keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour in their area and to report any worries to them.
As the cold weather hits and the dark evenings are well and truly in place we are reminded to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours and those living alone. It is important to check that they have enough heat and supplies but most importantly just to call or phone and say hello. Often a little bit of company is all they need and a friendly chat can lift someone’s spirit and is something we can all do.
They spoke about a great new scheme beginning in December which will see a Garda van in place in different areas around the rural areas on pre organised days. At this van people will be able to get forms signed or stamped or speak to a member of the Garda about a query they have. This will be a wonderful service in many areas where there are no Garda stations.

RECENT DEATHS

We extend our deepest sympathy to Eddie O Brien, Gortaclode on the recent death of his father. Eamonn O Brien was a resident of Collins Avenue, Dunmore Road. He will be sadly missed by his wife Alice, sons Eddie and Liam, daughters Ethel and Deirdre and all his extended family. Eamonn’s funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
We send our deepest condolences to Marc O Neill, Ballyduff East on the recent death of his beloved mother. Frances lived in Upper Main Street, Donegal Town and is survived by her husband Bert, her children Ann, Tommy, John, Pauric, Marc and Bernie, her 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, her extended family and many friends. Frances was a regular visitor to Kilmeaden over the years and always a joy to meet and sampling her cooking and baking was a real treat. She was a lady of great faith and kindness, and care of others was part of her DNA. Frances’s funeral mass took place in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegal followed by burial in Clar Cemetery. We pray that Frances now rests in the peace and love of Christ and that her family will draw comfort from their wonderful memories. We offer our deepest sympathy to Marc, Isabel, Alanna, Oisin and all the family.

LOCAL DEATH

We were all heartbroken to hear of the death of Francie Crowley, Adamstown. Francie was a very popular gentleman and captured the love and respect of everyone he met. He had a wonderful warm nature and a cheeky little grin. He loved nothing more to be outdoors and was at his happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His wife Ann was most definitely his perfect match. They had one of those marriages everyone wishes for, happy to be in each other’s company in their beautiful home. Their home was full of joy and love and was one where all were welcome to drop in for a chat and a cuppa. Francie worked hard to care for his family and passed on this trait to his children.
Francie will be missed greatly by all who knew him and will never be forgotten. He has left an impact on all who met him and we are all better people having been in his presence. May he now rest in peace and may his family draw comfort in time from their wonderful memories. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Ann, Mark, Eoin, Francis, Benny, Joanne, Sarah and all the family.

MESSAGE FROM FR. MICK

On one of my recent visits to Fr. Mick O Byrne (former parish priest of our parish) asked me to write a piece for the notes on his behalf. He would like to express his grateful appreciation for all the lovely messages he received following the very sad death of his beloved niece Siobhan Lonergan. Siobhan played a big part in Fr. Mick’s life and he misses her every day. Siobhan was a beautiful person inside and out and made a lasting impression on all she met. Fr. Mick really appreciates all the kind messages he received and all the prayers and masses offered.

CONTINUED SUCCESS

Following a recent World Champion title, Michael Morrissey, Blacknock has continued on his winning streak. While attending the Motorsport Ireland Champions Awards dinner he was taken by surprise to be presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award for 2024. This award is richly deserved as Michael has given so much commitment and dedication to his sport over the years. He has a deep passion for the sport and this award shows the high esteem in which he is held. We congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.

CAMOGIE RAFFLE

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club will hold their annual fundraising raffle and have some brilliant prizes on offer. Tickets will be on sale at Centra on Saturday December 14th. Tickets cost €2 each or three for €5 and this is a wonderful opportunity to support your local club.

CROSS COUNTRY SUCCESS

Congratulations to three local girls, Nancy Maher, Roisin Cleary and Meabh Counihan who were part of the successful Waterford AC team who won bronze and 3rd overall in the recent U17 All Ireland Cross Country Championships. The championships took place this year in Tramore on home turf.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Just one small positive thought in the morning
Can change the whole day.

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 people about things happening within your club or organisation.

Rally Success, Christmas Cheer and Santa Express Time

GAA LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 9, 12, 13 and 27 and there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mairead Gooney, Valarie Carroll and Katie Harris. The next draw will take place on Sunday December 8th 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 volunteers will sell tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday December 7th. The lotto is a vital part of the club’s fundraising, and they appreciate the support they receive.

CHURCH NEWS

A big thanks you to all who took part in the November Novena masses. It was a lovely way to remember all our loved ones who have gone to their eternal reward. Thank you to all who gave their time to read and of course to our parish choir who sang so beautifully at the final candle mass for all who had died during the year. A big thank you also to the Sacristan Ann who always has our church looking beautiful and to Fr. Francis for giving us so many masses.
Fr. Francis recently announced that the Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff will be cancelled from January. This is a diocesan decision as there is a shortage of priests and so the existing priests will be needed to cover weekend masses in other parishes. Bishop Cullinan has asked for special prayers for vocations.

RALLY SUCCESS

Huge congratulations to popular Blacknock man Michael Morrissey who won the WRC Masters Cup for co-drivers in the World Rally Championship for 2024. He scored top points in Rally Japan to claim the title. After many rally wins, Irish National Championships wins, both tarmac and forest, and a couple of Group N titles in the Middle East, this was really the icing on the cake for him. Having been runner-up for the past two years Michael was thrilled to win the title. Michael co-drives with Wexford’s Eamonn Boland, and they compete in about 6 rounds of the World Rally Championship every year. Rallying has taken Michael all over the world and to see places many tourists don’t get to see. He has friends all around the globe and is a very popular member of the rallying world competing under the pseudonym “MJ”.
The car is prepared by Dom Buckley RSC in Kelso, Scotland, where the team is based. Christmas is a busy time for Michael as he gets ready to take part in The Monte Carlo Rally in January which will kick off the rallying year for him. This will be his 15th time competing in Monte Carlo and he is really looking forward to the experience. We wish him and his team continued success and look forward to hearing about his adventures.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

It is lovely to see all the wonderful colours and lights beginning to appear in our community for the Christmas season. A big well done to all the local businesses who have made a huge effort to bring festive cheer to their premises and all their customers.
We are very lucky to have such a variety of premises and shops in our area and all with great gift ideas. Please support these local businesses if you can and do your Christmas shopping locally. It is these businesses we turn to for sponsorship and donations throughout the year, so please support them in return.

SANTA EXPRESS TIME

There was great excitement at Waterford Suir Valley Railway last weekend as Santa arrived to climb on board the Santa Express and settle into his cosy cabin. Visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus at WSVR is a truly magical experience. You climb on board the Santa Express and travel along by the picturesque River Suir where you will meet Mrs. Claus and some of her friends in the Magic Wood. The fairies are very busy making magic dust which you will get going home to sprinkle by your house. This will help Santa to find your house on Christmas Eve. As you arrive back at the station you can use the many props to get some great photos and Santa’s reindeer Dasher loves to have his photo taken. Sit and enjoy a nice warm drink and tasty treats at The Whistlestop Café and then it is off to visit Santa in his railway cottage. Santa will have a little gift for all the boys and girls and will be eager to know what treats they plan to leave out for him and his reindeer. To book your spot with Santa contact the booking office on 051-384058.

GARDA REMINDER

At the most recent Community Alert meeting our local Garda reminded us to stay vigilant during these dark Winter days. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting around your property and that valuables are always locked away securely. They urged people to keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour in their area and to report any worries to them.
As the cold weather hits and the dark evenings are well and truly in place we are reminded to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours and those living alone. It is important to check that they have enough heat and supplies but most importantly just to call or phone and say hello. Often a little bit of company is all they need and a friendly chat can lift someone’s spirit and is something we can all do.
They spoke about a great new scheme beginning in December which will see a Garda van in place in different areas around the rural areas on pre organised days. At this van people will be able to get forms signed or stamped or speak to a member of the Garda about a query they have. This will be a wonderful service in many areas where there are no Garda stations.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A good life is when you assume nothing,
do more, need less, smile often, dream big
laugh a lot and realise how blessed you are.

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 people about things happening within your club or organisation.