DEATH OF MARY O BRIEN
We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Mary O Brien, Ballyduff Village. Mary and her husband Tommy have been a central part of the village for many years. Mary lived her life quietly, rearing her family and what a mother she was. She was so proud of all her family and loved celebrating their successes with them and all the occasions in their lives. I have always admired their closeness as a family, and this has all happened because of the example given to them by their parents. Family was everything to Mary and she welcomed every new member with open arms and took great pleasure in watching them grow up.
She had a wonderful love of music and had many requests sent in for her into John O Shea’s radio programme. I would often picture in my mind herself and Tommy taking a twirl around the kitchen to John’s choice of song. A lady of great style she could carry off any outfit. I was amazed looking at a recent photo of Mary attending her daughter Sally’s wedding. She looked a million dollars in her gorgeous blue dress with matching shoes. She looked like she had just walked off a film set.
Mary is survived by her beloved husband Tommy with whom she shared a lifetime of love and happiness, her devoted children Michael, Thomas, John, Joe, Ricky, Jacqueline, Kay, Mary Lou, Christina, Sally and Barbara, her sister Chrissie, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and many friends and neighbours.
Mary’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff followed by private cremation. Mary will be greatly missed not only by her loving family but by the community. She has left a lasting impression on all she met, and we pray that she now enjoys the peace and love of Christ. We hope that her family will find comfort in the wonderful memories they have of their Mother and that her good deeds here on earth will be rewarded in heaven . May her sweet, gentle soul now rest in peace.
WINNING ATTRACTION
Congratulations to all involved in Waterford Greenway on taking home The Best Visitor Attraction Prize from the Irish Independent reader travel awards. This is a wonderful achievement, and we are all delighted to see this fantastic amenity recognised. We are so lucky to have this facility on our doorstep and it is wonderful to know that visitors feel the same as we do.
BALLYDUFF N.S
Applications for enrolment for September 2022 to Ballyduff N.S are now being taken. Enrolment forms are available from the school office and more information can be obtained by telephoning the office on 051 384414.
The pupils from 5th and 6th classes can now make plans for their Confirmation. On June 23rd they will receive the sacrament in Ballyduff church at two separate ceremonies, the first at 2pm and the other at 4pm. This is to cater for the large number of children. Due to Covid for the past few years the bishop has only attended a small few of Confirmation ceremonies. This year he has decided to do all the ceremonies himself during the months of May and June.
CHURCH NEWS
The booking of anniversary weekend masses are now being taken for the months of February, March and April. If you would like to book a mass during these months please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392
Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard have asked me to say a huge thank you to all who contributed to the Christmas collection for the support of the priests of the parish. A fantastic amount of almost €7000 was handed in and they appreciate your generosity greatly.
If you are willing to help within the church, as a reader, eucharistic minister etc please contact Linda Spillane or give your name to Ann in the sacristy.
BIRTHDAY GIRLS
We send our warmest birthday wishes to popular lady Majella McGrath from Ballygarron who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. I am sure that her Dad and brother Trevor made sure she marked the day in style. I hope that this wonderful lady with a heart of gold enjoyed her special day.
Another popular lady celebrated a milestone birthday. Lizzie O Brien turned 40 with her husband Joe, and children Shannon and Shane making sure she was treated to a great birthday celebration.
BALLYDUFF AFC
All the members and management at Ballyduff AFC send their warmest congratulations to Sophie Power who has been selected to sign for the Waterford FC U17 ladies’ team. Sophie has played for Ballyduff for a few years and will be greatly missed but the club wish her the very best for the future and look forward to watching her go from strength to strength.
ANY IDEAS?
Before Covid I had started to make some enquiries about the possibility of starting a Men’s Shed in the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden area. There are many retired men, widowed men etc who are still extremely active and have wonderful talents and skills to share. A suitable premises would have to be found so do you know of any or have you got somewhere that would suit? Do you think a Men’s Shed would be popular? I would love your feedback on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com
BALLYDUFF GAA
The club are delighted to welcome back the ladies fun group back to the pitch. The feedback from last year was very positive so if you would like to exercise with no pressure while having a good laugh then drop along to the GAA pitch on Fridays at 7.30pm
SPECIAL LADY
Mrs. Nancy Aulsberry has been my neighbour all my life but in recent years her failing eyesight necessitated her move to the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Ferrybank where she is very happy and is receiving fantastic care. I was delighted to hear that Mrs. Aulsberry recently celebrated her 93rd birthday. It is brilliant to hear that she is in such good health and of course her mind and memory are sharper than a razorblade. She is the mother of 10 children, 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and in November 2020 she welcomed her great great grandson Lucas into the family. Mrs. Aulsberry would really put you to shame with her memory and she can still recite all the poems she learned in school. She is the last surviving member of the Murray family who lived at Matthews Cross and some of you may remember her father Willie Murray who was a great wordsmith and wrote many poems about local events. One of his most well-known poems was The Curraghamore Fox. Nancy must have inherited her father’s talent because she also liked to write poems and in fact when she was just 10 years old, she won a poetry competition and netted the grand sum of sixpence. Her family have very kindly given me permission to share this poem with you all. I know the Christmas season has passed but a good poem is a good poem any time of the year. We hope Nancy continues to enjoy good health and happiness.
BABY’S CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Hang up the baby’s stocking
And be sure and don’t forget
This dear little dimpled darling
Has never seen Christmas yet
I told her all about it
And she opened her bright, blue eyes
And I’m sure she understood it
She looked so funny and wise
I know what I’ll do for the baby
I thought of a first right plan
To borrow a stocking from Grandma
The longest one I can
And write a letter to Santa
And pin it on the toe
Saying “this is our baby’s stocking,
She’s our little pet you know”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
When you see something beautiful in someone,
Tell them
It may take seconds to say
But for them it could last a lifetime