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. The closing date for this collection is February 25th so start sorting those clothes etc.
Community Garden
A beautiful piece of land has been made available with the possibility of building a community garden and this is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to design a garden with something for everyone. Some possible suggestions I have heard are a pond area, natural, wildflower section which attracts bees and insects, bird feeding area, benches to sit and ponder on, raised beds with plants or vegetables. Grants are available and the council will help with footpaths etc.
This piece of land is situated just off the Greenway between the entrance to the Greenway at the top of Matthews Cross and Kilmeaden Railway station. A place for all to enjoy together with no commitment needed from anyone, a place to meet and chat together, a place to learn from each other and share our skills and talents.An information meeting will take place on Tuesday February 21st at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and all are welcome to come along and find out more about this project.
Birthday Boy
We send warmest birthday wishes to the very popular Ardeenlone man Val Bagge who recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Val celebrated the way he loves best, with his family around him. I’m sure his lovely wife Joan, daughters Karen, Laura and Valarie, his sons-in-law and his beloved grandchildren made sure that he was spoilt and treated like a king. I hope Val was treated to a pint or two of Guinness and that he enjoyed his special day.
Recent Death
Our parish is mourning the loss of one of our oldest parishioners who at the wonderful age of 93 has returned home to God. John Hanley has lived in the shadow of the church all his life and received his dying wish to stay in his own home during his sickness. John Hanley was a highly intelligent, educated man who graduated from UCD at the tender age of 70. He loved nothing more than a good chat and most definitely had his own opinions. John worked for The Queally Family at Matthewstown for many years and was a much valued member of staff.
The funeral mass was celebrated by John’s nephew Fr. John Hennebry and he was joined by Parish Priest Fr. Francis Xavier. It was a beautiful mass of thanksgiving for John’s life and the family chose some lovely readings and prayers. Vanessa Whelan added some gorgeous hymns which really enhanced the mass. John was a man whose faith was very important to him, and it was a big part of his daily life. Since I was a child I knew exactly which seat I would find Johnny sitting in at mass. We extend our deepest sympathies to Johnny’s brothers Bill and Tommy, his nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Panto Time
My Dad and I enjoyed our annual night out at the Portlaw Panto last week. My Dad performed in many of these Panto’s when I was a child and we always enjoy our night out. This year the Panto was once again full of colour, laughter, fun, singing, dancing and of course that all important comedy. The work and commitment that goes into staging a show each year is phenomenal and the Portlaw Musical Society really put their heart and soul into it. There were many standout performances but the whole cast gave 100%. Well-done of course to local Kilmeaden man Darren Butler who entertained the audience with his singing, his dance moves and comedy. Watch out he’ll have his own one man show soon!! Congratulations to all the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast who entertained their audience and treated us to a wonderful night out. We look forward to next year’s production in their new hall.
Bridge News
The Portlaw/ Ballyduff Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday February 13th and the results were as follows:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy
2nd Joan Hartery and Mary Prendergast.
3rd: Gerald McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald
4th: Ann and William Tobin
5th: Ann Marie Brown and Iris Graham.
Engagement
Congratulations to local Dooneen lady Orla Mooney who recently announced her engagement to Stephen O Neill. We wish the happy couple the very best for the future and hope that they enjoy the excitement of planning their wedding.
Thought for the Week
What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you .