Local Wedding
St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff was the tranquil setting for another beautiful wedding last weekend. Local Ballyduff lady Caroline Power who grew up just around the corner from the church made her way to the church on the arm of her very proud Dad Michael Junior Power to finally wed the love of her life Jimmy Butler. This couple have had to rearrange their plans a couple of times due to Covid, but nothing was going to get in their way this time. Caroline looked simply stunning as she arrived surrounded by her beautiful bridesmaids Amy, Stephanie, Miriam and Shannon. Her groom was beaming as he laid eyes on his bride. His nerves were kept in check by his bestmen Josh and Tyrone and groomsmen Kevin, Kieran and Ronan. Mass was celebrated by the very popular Fr. Pat Fitzgerald who kept everyone at ease with his lovely calming manner. The music and singing throughout the ceremony were just breath-taking with solos from father of the bride, the bride’s sister Stephanie and of course we were treated to the beautiful voice of Sandra O Keeffe accompanied by guitar maestro Anthony Wilmott and keyboard king David Hayes. 25 years ago, this October Caroline, Stephanie, Miriam and Sandra all sang at my wedding so I must admit that my heart was bursting with pride as I watched them all.
After beautiful photos taken in Mount Congreve it was off to The Woodlands Hotel for a beautiful meal and dancing to the sounds of Brass and Co. followed by a disco. A great night was had by all, and my feet felt all the dancing the next day. The happy couple continued their celebrating the following day with music and food at the very popular Sweep Bar. We wish the very best of luck to Jimmy and Caroline in their married lives together and hope that their days are full of love, fun and laughter.
Martin Centre
Our friends in The Martin Centre, Portlaw have asked me to let you all know that they are now open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. They will hold a recruitment and registration day in the centre on Wednesday, September 7th for ETB computer courses. Mary Curtis and Margaret Howard will be at the centre to met and talk with any potential learners and explain what is available to them. Drop along to the centre and you will be given any information that you need.
Beautiful Wedding
We extend warm wishes and congratulations to local hairdresser Christine Rockett who celebrated her marriage to Paul Sheridan recently. The happy couple exchanged their vows in front of their friends and family in the lovely setting of The Tower Hotel. Christine looked stunning as she made her way to marry her handsome groom. Following the ceremony, they were wined and dined and then it was straight to the dance floor to dance the desserts off. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.
Back To School
We wish all the boys and girls of our parish the very best of luck as they returned to school this week. There were many happy and excited faces heading off to playschool and primary school for the very first time. Our secondary school first timers were both anxious and excited, but everything will settle down for them soon. We wish them all the best of luck and we hope that their schooldays will be full of fun and laughter.
Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club.
Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club played hosts for a camogie blitz at Tom Cheasty Park on August 27th. The day was lovely and sunny, and the girls all enjoyed themselves. A big well done and thank you must go to the parents and coaches for organising the day.
Church News
As you know our beautiful church will be 200 years old this year and to celebrate, Bishop Cullinan will celebrate the morning mass at 10am on Sunday September 11th. Everyone is invited to come along and celebrate this mass of thanksgiving