Graveyard Mass
The Lord was certainly watching over us all on Tuesday night last when we held our annual graveyard mass in Ballyduff. The sun shone through the trees and glistened on the altar. It was wonderful to see such a large crowd attend. Our graveyard is very important to us and people are wonderful to keep their loved ones resting places looking beautiful with colourful scented flowers. During the mass and as part of the prayers of the faithful we were asked to remember and pray in a special way for all those in the older parts of our graveyard who are buried in unmarked graves or who no longer have anybody left to pray for them. During the mass Fr. Mick blessed some holy water and asked everybody to bring a plastic cup full to their loved one’s graves and bless them.
After mass it was lovely to see so many come to the community centre and enjoy a cuppa and light refreshments but most of all it was nice to see people meet some people that they had not seen in some time. There were lots of chats and reminiscing and lots of laughter as stories of old were told. I must say a big thank you to those who donated some tasty buns, cakes and biscuits, they were very much appreciated.
Birthday Boy
I will probably land myself in trouble for this, but we send warm birthday wishes to my husband Brian Spillane, Matthews Cross who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. He had a wonderful day being spoiled. Ava, Adam and I took over all the household jobs and cooking for the day to give him a break. Anyone who knows him will know he’s a slave to the housework. He enjoyed his day and loved reading all the lovely messages he received. The celebrations will continue, and he’ll surely get a couple of weeks out of them. Happy birthday Brian, hope your 50th was one to remember.
Birthday Girl
Warmest birthday wishes also go out to popular Ballyduff lady Margaret Carlin who also celebrated a milestone birthday recently. She wasn’t 50 like Brian but I think it may have been 40. I have no doubt that Margaret was treated to a lovely birthday and of course there was the bonus of having her daughter Nicola and family home from America on their holidays. I’m sure her sons Anthony, Michael and David were on hand to treat their Mam on her birthday with their better halves and of course the grandchildren. Whatever happened on the day I hope this lovely lady enjoyed every minute and felt the level of affection in which she is held. Happy birthday Margaret and we wish you many more of them.
Ballyduff AFC
The guys have been running both a metal scrap collection and a clothes collection and both have been proving so popular that they have decided to continue them both on for another few weeks. There is a skip in the grounds for the scrap collection so gather up your scrap, old bikes, dishwashers etc and bring them along. Please do not put items like washing machines, tv’s, paint tins, glass objects etc.
They are also holding a clothes collection, so it is 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. 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 while clearing your home of unwanted clutter.
Golden Couple
I missed a very important occasion and only heard about it this week because this couple were so loved up, they only had eyes for each other and so we on the outside didn’t spot the event. Pat and Kathleen Hennessy celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss and Pat pulled out all the stops whisking his bride away for a romantic hotel break. I heard stories of chocolates being left on pillows and Kathleen being wined and dined.
We wish this happy couple many more years of happiness and good health in the company of their children and beloved grandchildren.
Soccer Camp
A big well done to all involved in the Ballyduff AFC Summer Camp last week. All the participants had a brilliant time and lots of new friendships were born. It was lovely to see some of the older teenage members acting as coaches and leaders. The young children looked up to them and enjoyed the games and skills. Keep your eyes peeled elsewhere in the paper for some photos from the camp which that wonderful man John Hearne took for me
Tournament Day
A great day was had by all recently in Ballyduff GAA grounds as the annual Tom Cheasty and Derek Ryan Memorial Tournament. This is always a very proud not only for the Ryan and Cheasty families but also for the club. There was a two-year break due to Covid so the club were very excited to see its return this year. It is always a day to remember with two games of hurling and lots of chats and stories being told over some delicious refreshments. Once again watch out for some fantastic photos taken by the gifted John Hearne