Graveyard Mass
The annual Ballyduff graveyard mass will take place on Tuesday July 5th at 7pm. This is always a lovely occasion for people to come and remember their loved ones and have their family graves blessed. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet up with people you may not have seen in a while. The mass will have some specially chosen readings, prayers of the faithful and I’m delighted to say also that our parish choir will provide some beautiful hymns to enhance the mass. Please spread the word to people from other areas who may have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Following the mass there will be some light refreshments served in the community centre. This is a lovely opportunity to catch up with people you may not have seen for a while over a cuppa.
If you are visiting your family grave before the mass to tidy up or replace flowerpots etc, please bring a rubbish bag with you to take away your waste items. There are no dumping facilities in the graveyard so please help to keep it clean and tidy by bringing away your rubbish.
Sacristan’s Collection
Next weekend the annual sacristan’s collection will be taken up at all masses. There is an envelope in your yearly pack, or you are welcome to use any envelope and just mark it sacristan. I don’t have to tell any of you about the wonderful job our sacristan Ann Nolan does every day in our parish. Her dedication and commitment are fantastic. Our church is always presented in pristine condition, and all this is done a smile on her face. Anyone visiting our church always comment on the lovely friendly reception they receive. Fr. Francis and Fr. Mick are very well looked after with everything ready for them when they arrive to mass. We know that there are a lot of expenses in life at present, but we ask that you be as generous as possible
Ryan/ Cheasty Cup
Derek Ryan and Tom Cheasty are two well-known names connected with Ballyduff Gaa’s history and each year their Memorial Tournament is looked forward to. Following a two-year absence, I am delighted to tell you that it is back again this year. On Sunday July 3rd in Tom Cheasty Park Ballyduff’s U 12’s will take on Kilrossanty for the Tom Cheasty Cup at 12 noon, while the intermediates will take on Ballinameela at 2pm for the Derek Ryan Cup. There will be plenty of food, refreshments, and fun for all the family.
Ballyduff AFC.
Ballyduff AFC will host a clothes collection as a club fundraiser. This is always a wonderful opportunity to tidy up those wardrobes and presses and support your local club. You are welcome to drop your items any day between the hours of 10am and 6pm. This collection will take place up to July 23rd. They accept all women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys, curtains, towels, bedlinen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, throws) Please do not include any pillows, duvets or carpets. Please support your local club.
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
Confirmation Day
Congratulations to all the young people from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff NS who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday June 23rd in St. Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff. They were truly blessed with the glorious sunshine and we hope that they all enjoyed a lovely day with their families.
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.
There have been many school tours arriving to the train with the children enjoying their spin on the train and watching out for fairies in the woods, while the swans appeared out on the river for some of the children. I had a very excited niece and nephew who were thrilled to tell their classmates that their grandad would be driving the train.
Keep an eye out on their website for many exciting events coming up including the very popular Sunset Express which leaves the station at 7pm and includes Prosecco and strawberries and tasty treats from Waterford GIY. Get some friends together for a little treat or have an evening with workmates. Check out the website for dates and details because this sells up fast.