Waterford Suir Valley Railway
All the volunteers and customers at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden have certainly being enjoying the beautiful weather. Following a lovely walk or run on the Greenway or a scenic train ride along by the river, people return to the station to sit and chat or maybe just sit and allow the world to go by. The Whistlestop café provides them with all they need to relax, whether that be a nice cuppa or a delicious creamy 99 ice cream.
I visited the station last Sunday and was just in time to catch a performance by the Intonations choir group. They treated us to some well-known songs with beautiful harmonies throughout. One of things that struck me most though were the happy faces on all of them as they sang together and swayed along to the beat. They weren’t doing this as a fundraiser for themselves or anyone else but simply to spread a little joy to people. They had already stopped in Kilmacthomas and were heading down past Mount Congreve after Kilmeaden station to sing again. I asked one of the members how it felt being able to perform again and she simply said, “like I can breathe again”. They will take a little break over the Summer but watch out for their performances when they return and give yourself a little treat.
The management and volunteers at the railway would like to sincerely thank all who visited the railway between April 1st and April 10th. Whether you came along and enjoyed a train ride or donated online or in the wishing well at the station, the proceeds of ticket sales on those days were deposited into the account for Unicef Ireland Ukraine appeal. The amount deposited was €3,294.00 which is just fantastic and will be put to good use. A big well done to everyone who contributed and congratulations to all at Kilmeaden railway for such a generous and kind idea.
Church News
Anniversary mass bookings for the weekends during the months of April and May are now taking place. If you would like to book a mass, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.
Great news to hear that our lovely parish choir will return to rehearsals on Monday May 23rd and Monday May 30th at 8pm each night. New members are always welcome so why not drop along and check out what it is all about. We really look forward to hearing their beautiful singing enhancing our ceremonies again.
Linda Spillane is on the lookout for some old photos or information about our parish church. As you know Ballyduff church is 200 years old this year and Linda is putting something together through her work with the paper and would love your input. Have you a wedding photo from years gone by or any other special occasion, any interesting information or articles? Please give Linda a call on 087 9838392.
Football For All
Ballyduff AFC have been delivering a Football for all programme over April and May in Ballyduff N.S. This is all in collaboration with the FAI and Waterford Sports Partnership. The Football for all programme will begin on Saturday May 21st from 11am to 12pm at Ballyduff AFC grounds for children aged 6 to 12 with additional needs. This programme is running exceptionally well in the East and West of the County and Ballyduff will serve the mid county. This programme will run initially for children within the local school and community and over time will be opened out to the wider community. If you would like information regarding places and availability and places, please send a message through messenger on the Ballyduff AFC Facebook page or contact one of the committee. Additionally, if you like to volunteer to support the programme, your support would be very welcome.
National Duathlon Success.
We heartily congratulate local Superwoman Diane Behan in Fan Glas on her recent fantastic achievement. Diane finished up in second place in this years National Duathlon Series. What an amazing achievement but not surprising from this lady supreme. Diane puts in 100% to all her training and her dedication is to be admired. I have no doubt that Jack, Sabrina and all the family are very proud of Diane’s achievement, and we all wish her the very best for the future.
Family Success
Congratulations to Makayla Laffan, Carriganure who is a member of the U14 Waterford Lady footballers’ squad who have successfully made their way into the All Ireland Final. Beating Donegal on a final score line of Waterford 7-08 to Donegal 2-04, they were thrilled to get themselves into an All-Ireland Final. What an achievement from this hardworking bunch of young ladies. Of course, Makayla is not the only young lady in the Laffan household who is involved. Her mam the great Fiona Laffan (nee Crotty) manages the team and has no doubt passed on great advice and coaching tips to this team. An All- Ireland medal winner herself her vast knowledge and her wealth of experience can only be an inspiration to these young ladies. We are so looking forward to the Final so best of luck to the team and management.
Not to leave the male side of the family down Makayla’s brother Charlie recently travelled to Donegal to take part in the UKF International, Ulster Karate Do Federation. Charlie returned home a gold medal winner and we are all so proud. Charlie puts a lot of hard work and dedication into his training and should be very proud of his fantastic and well-deserved achievement.
By the way in case any of you are wondering what their secret is, I have been promised that once the All Ireland is over, they will reveal the special potion but I’m not allowed tell anyone so I’ll just put it in the paper.
Tidy Towns
Our local Tidy Towns group will hold a fundraiser next weekend. A fantastic hamper full of lots of goodies will be up for grabs. Tickets will be on sale outside Centra, Kilmeaden on Friday May 20th so please support this very worthy cause.
Ballyduff GAA.
The Deise draw returns on May 18th and this is a vital source of income for our local club. The club have been lucky with a few winners so don’t miss out on your chance. Tickets are available from all committee members or by contacting Brian on 087 2486423. Treat yourself or maybe give as a gift. First draw is May 18th so get your skates on.
Our U13 footballers played a great game of football against Ferrybank/Sacred Heart. It was edge of the seat stuff for most of the game, but the opponents held on to the lead and the game finished Ballyduff 3-10 Ferrybank/Sacred Heart 5-8. This team have played their hearts out all year and have given their all. Well done to all the players and the coaches for giving their valuable time.
There was a very successful first training session for our Ballyduff Rounders team. A huge thank you to Mark and Karen who ran through the basic rules on the day. Social rounders will continue at the GAA grounds every Sunday morning from 11am to 12 noon weather permitting. It is hoped to develop a mixed adult team. No experience is needed for this fun and gentle exercise for adults and families of all fitness levels and abilities.
The club would like to express their heartiest congratulations to Makayla Laffan, her mam Fiona and all the squad who qualified for the All-Ireland U 14 Lgfa silver final.
A massive well done to our U15 footballers who beat Ardmore in the County Plate Final. It was a brilliant game and one the lads deserved to win. The game finished Portlaw/ Ballyduff 1-11 to Ardmore 2-4. Congratulations to all the players and coaches, this is a just reward for the huge effort they have put in over the past few months
Our U11 hurlers have been named champions of the U11 hurling city league. They took on De La Salle in terrible conditions in Gracedieu. As the wind and rain swirled, they played against a strong breeze in the first half. There were some great passes, which lead to some super scores and the backs remained tight in defence. De La Salle fought back in the second half and got some nice scores, but our lads dug in and came back to gain a well-deserved win. The city league now concludes for 2022, so having won all the games in the group year, we will now be crowned champions. What a fantastic achievement, well done to all and of course to all the parents on the line for all their support and encouragement. We look forward to having a medal presentation for these boys and girls later in the Summer.
Ballyduff AFC.
Our local soccer club are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff and are extending the collection for another two weeks. The skip is located at the grounds and items can be brought to it any weekday between 12 noon and 8pm. Please do not put any of the following items in the skip, TV’s, paint tins, glass objects, washing machines. You can include dishwashers, scrap metal pieces, bikes etc. You have no excuse now to clean up the place before that Communion, Confirmation or any family occasion or maybe someone has been gently asking you to get rid of stuff for some time now and think what brownie points you could earn.
Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools will host a Summer camp at Ballyduff AFC grounds from August 15th to August 19th. The camp will run daily from 10am to 1pm and will be open to all boys and girls aged 6 to 14. To book your place please log on to www.bookings.summer
First Holy Communion
On Saturday May 21st the boys and girls from Ballyduff N.S will receive their First Holy Communion in St. Nicholas’ Church. We pray that the Lord will watch over them all and we hope that they and their families will enjoy a lovely day together.
Thought For the Week
Every moment of life is precious and can never happen again