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.