Recent Death
We extend our deepest sympathy to Derek Troy in Cullinagh on the recent death of his father. James (Jamsie) Troy was a resident of Ballybeg Close and formerly Woodstown and Ballygunner. He is survived by his loving wife Esther, sons Ivan, Ciaran and Derek and daughter Deirdre, his beloved grandchildren, Jack, Cian, Emily, James, Anna, Adam, Elizabeth, Holly and baby Sean, his brothers, sisters, son-in law, daughters-in-law and extended family.
Jamsie’s funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that Jamsie now enjoys eternal peace and that his family will find comfort in the wonderful memories they made together. May his gentle soul now rest in peace.
Graduation.
We send warm congratulations to all in our community who graduated from secondary school. We wish them all the very best as they now prepare to sit their Leaving Cert exams and then hopefully go on to enjoy a long, warm Summer. We hope that they remember to include rest and relaxation into their studies and not become too anxious about their workload. We also wish all those in our community sitting the Junior Cert, the very best of luck.
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC have become in a new initiative which has really caught my attention. In collaboration with the FAI and the Waterford Sports Partnership they have launched the Football for All programme. Ballyduff AFC have wonderful facilities at their club grounds and love to share them with others for the pure love of the game. Football for All is aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 12 who have additional needs. All the activity takes place on their all-weather facility. All the children are asked to bring is a training kit or tracksuit, a drink, comfortable runners and the most important piece of equipment is a smile.
Ballyduff AFC will now serve the mid county as a Football for All club and they plan to develop the players over the coming months and years, but their most important objective is to create a safe space for family and players to enjoy themselves. This programme was launched in Ballyduff AFC on Saturday May 21st and what a great success it was. Six months of planning and consultation between the groups involved and the volunteers etc was soon forgotten when they saw the great big smiles on the children’s faces as the children and their parents enjoyed their morning of football. Special thanks must go to all the volunteers who are giving their time to this programme. How it lifts the hearts and spirits of everyone when you see parents, past and present club players and coaches come together to help bring the game of soccer to everyone. I feel very proud of our local club for getting behind this programme and making sure it became a reality. If you would like some more information about the programme, please contact the club through their Facebook page.
All Ireland Winning Mother and Daughter
On Sunday May 22nd the Waterford U14 lady footballers made their way to Abbottstown to meet Tyrone in the All Ireland U14 Silver Final. All the preparations were in hand and the training schedule had all gone to plan. These girls knew they had put the hard work in, and they were well capable of winning but of course they were also very aware that anything can happen on the day.
It was end to end scoring during the opening half and at the break it was Tyrone who led by 2 points. At one stage in the game Waterford trailed by 10 points but with sheer determination they came back which shows their strength of character. They returned with renewed fire in their bellies and two quick fire goals just before half time brought the Deise girls right back into the game and the game finished with a score line of Tyrone 5-07 to Waterford 5-08.
Super number 7 has been coming to my home since she was a toddler and I have watched Makayla inhale the game of football From an early age you could see she had inherited her mother’s left foot and her speed and ability to dodge and duck was brilliant to watch. The thing I loved to watch most though was the pure enjoyment she got from the sport, happy to kick a ball against the wall for hours. As the years moved on and she was playing competitively, she never complained about having training or missing out on other occasions because of a match. She put heart and soul into it, and it was obvious to me that I was watching something special and that she was destined to succeed. She is a real team player and I know she will be embarrassed by this piece, but I treat her as one of my own and so am bursting with pride.
Of course Makayla was born with Ballymacarbry blood in her veins as her mother Fiona is the understated owner of a vast amount of All Ireland and club medals with both Ballymacarbry and Waterford. She was appointed as Manager of the U14 Waterford football team last October and has been a true inspiration to the girls. She shares their passion and love for the game and was always eager for Makayla to get the opportunity to enjoy the experiences and friendships she had growing up in football. She was hugely instrumental here in the Ballyduff Lower club in setting the Lgfa section and it has proved very popular. These girls have no doubt benefited from her wealth of experience, but she also instilled in them of the importance of the life values you learn through sport, consideration of others, encouragement of others, the friendships made and of course as well as the many physical benefits it is also so important for mental health.
What a wonderful thing for Fiona and Makayla to share, both All Ireland winners playing a sport they live and breathe. We may not hear these matches headlined or mentioned in Sports bulletins on the television or radio but to me it is a fantastic achievement and one that Waterford should be proud of. All these girls represent clubs and communities all around Waterford and no matter what sport someone is playing, anytime you see Waterford mentioned in a success, is a wonderful moment for city and county. We look forward to watching this team as they move forward and we say a huge well done to all the team, manager, coaches, background team. Take a well-deserved bow because whether you scored a goal, filled a water bottle, brought the team snacks, you are part of an All-Ireland winning team and we are proud of each one of you.
School Success
Huge congratulations to all on the Ballyduff NS school team who beat Crehana in Walsh Park in the Cumann na mBunscoil Phort Lairge Thoir Hurling and Camogie Finals. What a wonderful way to end off the school year. School champions 2022 was a just reward for all their hard work and commitment. A big thank you must go to Mr. Stapleton and Miss Sinnott and the club coaches for all the time and work they have given to this team. The happy smiling faces of the glorious champions must be a real joy for these coaches to see.
Church News
If you would like to have your home, farm, business, livestock blessed Fr. Francis is very happy to do so please contact him and he will plan it with you.
Our parish choir have returned to rehearsals on Monday nights at 8pm in the church. They always welcome new members so come along and join in the fun
If you would like to become a reader at mass, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392