GAA LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 9, 12, 13 and 27 and there was no lucky winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mairead Gooney, Valarie Carroll and Katie Harris. The next draw will take place on Sunday December 8th and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €12,500 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and can be purchased from any committee member, online or volunteers will sell tickets at Centra in Kilmeaden on Saturday December 7th. The lotto is a vital part of the club’s fundraising, and they appreciate the support they receive.
CHURCH NEWS
A big thanks you to all who took part in the November Novena masses. It was a lovely way to remember all our loved ones who have gone to their eternal reward. Thank you to all who gave their time to read and of course to our parish choir who sang so beautifully at the final candle mass for all who had died during the year. A big thank you also to the Sacristan Ann who always has our church looking beautiful and to Fr. Francis for giving us so many masses.
Fr. Francis recently announced that the Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff will be cancelled from January. This is a diocesan decision as there is a shortage of priests and so the existing priests will be needed to cover weekend masses in other parishes. Bishop Cullinan has asked for special prayers for vocations.
RALLY SUCCESS
Huge congratulations to popular Blacknock man Michael Morrissey who won the WRC Masters Cup for co-drivers in the World Rally Championship for 2024. He scored top points in Rally Japan to claim the title. After many rally wins, Irish National Championships wins, both tarmac and forest, and a couple of Group N titles in the Middle East, this was really the icing on the cake for him. Having been runner-up for the past two years Michael was thrilled to win the title. Michael co-drives with Wexford’s Eamonn Boland, and they compete in about 6 rounds of the World Rally Championship every year. Rallying has taken Michael all over the world and to see places many tourists don’t get to see. He has friends all around the globe and is a very popular member of the rallying world competing under the pseudonym “MJ”.
The car is prepared by Dom Buckley RSC in Kelso, Scotland, where the team is based. Christmas is a busy time for Michael as he gets ready to take part in The Monte Carlo Rally in January which will kick off the rallying year for him. This will be his 15th time competing in Monte Carlo and he is really looking forward to the experience. We wish him and his team continued success and look forward to hearing about his adventures.
CHRISTMAS CHEER
It is lovely to see all the wonderful colours and lights beginning to appear in our community for the Christmas season. A big well done to all the local businesses who have made a huge effort to bring festive cheer to their premises and all their customers.
We are very lucky to have such a variety of premises and shops in our area and all with great gift ideas. Please support these local businesses if you can and do your Christmas shopping locally. It is these businesses we turn to for sponsorship and donations throughout the year, so please support them in return.
SANTA EXPRESS TIME
There was great excitement at Waterford Suir Valley Railway last weekend as Santa arrived to climb on board the Santa Express and settle into his cosy cabin. Visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus at WSVR is a truly magical experience. You climb on board the Santa Express and travel along by the picturesque River Suir where you will meet Mrs. Claus and some of her friends in the Magic Wood. The fairies are very busy making magic dust which you will get going home to sprinkle by your house. This will help Santa to find your house on Christmas Eve. As you arrive back at the station you can use the many props to get some great photos and Santa’s reindeer Dasher loves to have his photo taken. Sit and enjoy a nice warm drink and tasty treats at The Whistlestop Café and then it is off to visit Santa in his railway cottage. Santa will have a little gift for all the boys and girls and will be eager to know what treats they plan to leave out for him and his reindeer. To book your spot with Santa contact the booking office on 051-384058.
GARDA REMINDER
At the most recent Community Alert meeting our local Garda reminded us to stay vigilant during these dark Winter days. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting around your property and that valuables are always locked away securely. They urged people to keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour in their area and to report any worries to them.
As the cold weather hits and the dark evenings are well and truly in place we are reminded to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours and those living alone. It is important to check that they have enough heat and supplies but most importantly just to call or phone and say hello. Often a little bit of company is all they need and a friendly chat can lift someone’s spirit and is something we can all do.
They spoke about a great new scheme beginning in December which will see a Garda van in place in different areas around the rural areas on pre organised days. At this van people will be able to get forms signed or stamped or speak to a member of the Garda about a query they have. This will be a wonderful service in many areas where there are no Garda stations.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
A good life is when you assume nothing,
do more, need less, smile often, dream big
laugh a lot and realise how blessed you are.
ITEMS FOR NOTES.
If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact
me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com It is a
wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community
and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.