Recent Death
We send our deepest sympathies to William Harrington, Ballyduff Hill on the recent death of his father. Nicholas Harrington was a resident of Carrigrue, Ballinaneesagh and formerly of Ard na Greine. He is predeceased by his wife Phil and sisters Anna and Jenny.
Nicholas will be sadly missed by his children William, Niall and Gillian, son-in-law Chris, daughters-in-law Mary and Annette, grandchildren, his sisters Angela and Eily, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
The funeral mass for Nicholas took place in St. Paul’s Church, Lisduggan followed by private cremation. We pray that he now rests in peace.
Death of a Lady
Our parish and community are mourning the loss of one of its most valued parishioners. Mrs. Mary Shanahan, Amberhill was definitely a lady true and true. A lady in stature, a lady in word, a lady in heart and soul. She had a lovely way of making people feel comfortable in our presence and wanted to hear about your life and about how your family was. Her love for her family was evident to all, she beamed with happiness in their presence and was always so proud of her children and grandchildren.
Her faith was a very important part of her life and she was a loyal and dedicated supporter of our local church and loved meeting her neighbours and friends for a chat after mass. She was also a very talented bridge player and was a very proud member of the Portlaw/ Ballyduff Bridge Club. The club cancelled last weeks game as a mark of respect to their dear friend.
Mary will always be sadly missed and deeply loved by her son Roger, daughters Margaret, Helen and Moyra, sons-in-law Simon and Chris, daughter-in-law Sheila, her grandchildren, extended family and her many friends. We pray that Mary’s sweet, gentle soul now rests in peace and that she is now reunited with her beloved husband Roger.
Grease is the Word.
Rehearsals are now well under way for Ballyduff’s Youth Dramas production of Grease. Passing by Ballyduff Community Centre where rehearsals take place, I felt chills multiplying!! saw beauty school dropouts and the power was just electrifying. The stage is set for another super show from this drama group who treat us to a wonderful performance each year. This group consists of pupils from 5th and 6th classes and gives young people a fantastic opportunity to shine.
The show will take place on Thursday February 23rd at 7.30pm, Friday February 24th at 7.30pm and Saturday February 25th at 8pm. Tickets will go on sale from February 10th and will be €10. Book your ticket now by calling or texting Eleanor on 087 4046904 and remember Grease is the word!
Ballyduff AFC
Ballyduff AFC are hosting a fundraising clothes collection and invite you to clear out and declutter those wardrobes and hot presses. You are welcome to drop off your bags of clothes to the dressing rooms in the soccer grounds any day between 10am and 8pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some early Spring cleaning done while supporting your local club.
GAA News
Waterford Sports Partnership has partnered with Waterford GAA to offer men aged 35 and over a chance to dust off those hurleys and reintroduce themselves to a sliotar and ger involved in Waterford Social hurling. This is a6 week programme that will run from February 13th from 8pm to 9pm in both Butlerstown GAA club and Ballinameela Gaa club. You can register your name on www.eventbrite.ie. This is a great opportunity to play a game of hurling while enjoying a laugh or two along the way. I have no doubt that there are many candidates for this in our parish because many times outside mass or outside Centra I have had to dodge a sliotar or two as some men of this age have relived matches of days gone by. So pick up that hurley and bring all those great passes and free taking to the field of play.
Applications are now being taken for coaches for the Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps which will take place around Waterford from July 3rd to August 25th. Applicants must be 18 by July 1st and training for coaches will take place on Thursday April 6th in the SETU arena at Carriganore. Check out the Gaa website and Facebook page for more details.
Baby Burns
Warmest congratulations and best wishes to Ciara (Larkin) and Kevin Burns on the arrival of their beautiful baby son. Baby Liam, Ciaran Burns arrived on February 1st and has Mammy, Daddy, Grandparents and all the Larkin and Burns families very proud and excited. Ciara and Kevin will never be short of a babysitter, in fact they may have a stampede at their door. We wish this happy little family every good wish in the world, and we look forward to meeting baby Liam and having a little cuddle. Comhghairdeas ar bhreith do mhac alainn.
Thought for the Week
Before your head hits the pillow tonight
Remind yourself of the things you did right
Let go of the things you could have done better
Be patient with yourself and always remember
That big things are achieved not all at once
But rather one day at a time.