Ballyduff GAA
The club were thrilled to be back in the field celebrating the Derek Ryan/ Tom Cheasty Memorial Tournament and what a day they had. Superb hurling and socialising with some lovely food to boot. Two great games of hurling were played and lovely to see Ballyduff win both trophies. A fitting tribute to both men who will always be near to the hearts of all in Ballyduff. Thanks to Kilrossanty U12s and Ballinameela Intermediates for taking on Ballyduff in two great games. Special thanks to the Cheasty and Ryan families for supporting this event it means a lot. Thanks also to Dawn meats for sponsorship and everyone who volunteered and attended to make it such a lovely day. Hats off to Gavin Whelan and Tony Larkin for taking on the referee job
The Gaeltacht was an idyllic setting for a superb game of hurling from our U12’s. The whole squad played a brilliant game and gave 100% in what was a very competitive game. It was nip and tuck all the way until the team put the burners on late in the second half and pulled away. The final score was Ballyduff 4-5 An Gaeltacht 1-8. The main thing taken from the game was the will to win and fight for each other which is lovely to watch. Thanks to An Gaeltacht for hosting and adding to the spectacle. Thanks to the supporters for the vocal encouragement which drove the team on.
Well done to our u9s who played St Mary’s in a league game in Tom Cheasty Park. The visitors started the brighter but a good spirited second half performance brought the game to life. A very sporting game and played in the best of weather. 15 players acquitted themselves very well.
Our U8’s and U10’s camogie teams attended Mount Sion for some challenge matches against two Mount Sion teams and Butlerstown. All the girls played very well and came out on top for most of the games. Thanks to Mount Sion Camogie Waterford for hosting
GAA Lotto.
The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 3, 13, 14 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot and the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Caroline O Donnell, Laura Burns and The Sweep Gang. The next draw will take place on July 24th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €6,800 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday July 23rd. Choose four lucky numbers and they could prove very profitable.
Silver Medal Winner
Huge congratulations to Charlie Laffan, Carriganure who travelled to Florida to take part in the WUKF World Karate Championships. Charlie is a member of the Pat Rockett Karate and Kickboxing Academy and is very dedicated and committed to his training. The big news back from the championships in Florida is that Charlie has won a silver world medal. Charlie cruised through some very difficult rounds coming out on top against some very talented fighters from the USA. He put up a great fight in the final against Romania and will return home with a silver medal. What a proud moment for his parents Billy and Fiona and his sister Makayla and all the Laffans and Crottys here at home. We are all so thrilled for Charlie, he deserves every success because he has worked very hard to reach his success. We look forward to seeing Charlie’s medal and hearing all about his experience.
Stunning Wedding
St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff was the setting for a most beautiful wedding recently. The sun shone brilliantly as local lady Clodagh Fitzgerald arrived at the church to marry her sweetheart, Kavan Dee. The church looked stunning adorned with beautiful floral displays as Clodagh arrived on her proud Dad’s arm. Following the ceremony which was celebrated by Fr. O Byrne the happy couple and their guests headed off to The Ferrycarraig Hotel in Wexford where they were wined and dined and then danced the night away. Celebrations moved to Kavan’s home town of Kilmacthomas on the following day and I have no doubt that everyone enjoyed the famous Kilmac welcome. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their married life together in their beautiful new home in Carrickphilip.
Ballyduff AFC
The guys have been running both a metal scrap collection and a clothes collection. The scrap metal collection has now ended but the clothes collection is continuing 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.
Parish Choir
We were all delighted to have our parish choir back for a few weeks in June and they really enhanced our weekend masses with their beautiful singing. They returned for a few weeks to give us all a little treat following all the Covid restrictions. They now take their usual Summer break but will return in September with great enthusiasm. They are always very welcoming to new members so have a little think over the coming weeks and you might decide that you would like to take up a new pastime in September. Men and women of all ages are welcome and there is no pressure put on anyone. The old saying is that when you sing at mass, you pray twice so it’s a win win situation, good company, joyful singing and extra credits with the man above won’t go astray!
Colourful Displays
Well done to all in the community for the beautiful, colourful displays of flowers, shrubs and trees I see as I travel about. Everyone I speak to this year seem to echo the same thoughts, that there is wonderful growth this year. The greenery seems to be brighter, and the variety of colours are uplifting. Many people are enjoying their gardens more since the restrictions of Covid and are learning to love the joy of planting and sowing your own flowers and vegetables and watching them flourish. We are encouraged to give the wildflowers the space to grow to welcome the bees and butterflies to our garden. Taking the time to sit and listen in your garden is often better for the mind and body than any medicine. Within the space of minutes your mind which was full of tasks to be done and worries of the day, will relax, and blend in with its surroundings. The many different songs and whistles of the birds are mesmerising, and the colours and sights of the flowers and shrubs and the insects and butterflies remind us of freedom and living life to the full. Give yourself a little break from daily life sometimes, sit in your garden with a nice book, listen to the radio or simply just sit and let the sights and sounds of nature take over.
Tractor Run
It’s time to start the countdown to the annual Kilmeaden Tractor run. The date is set for July 24th and the starting point is Haughtons Pub at 1pm sharp. This is always a very popular event and is looked forward to by many people. There is always a vast selection of tractors on display and the day is full of great banter and stories. Over the years this group has raised a fantastic amount of money raised for charity. This year they have chosen Pieta House as their charity. Pieta House provides free 24-hour services to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self harm and those who have been bereaved by suicide. If you would like some more information about taking part, you can contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087 2216589