Exciting Visit.
There was great excitement in Ballyduff N.S last week when two members of the Irish Defence Forces came to visit the school. Sgt. Tom Mansfield and Sgt. Kieran Kennedy presented the assembled staff and pupils with an Irish flag and a copy of Poblacht na hEireann. They spoke to the pupils about the events surrounding 1916 which led to the eventual independence of the Irish Republic. Sixth class pupils Joanne Guiry and Scott Searson accepted the flag and the Proclamation of Independence on behalf of the school. Camille O Connor read paragraph four of the proclamation which refers to “cherishing all the children of the nation equally”. The pupils had an opportunity to ask questions and then the assembly ended with the singing of the National Anthem.
Autumn Stations.
The Autumn station masses continue and on Wednesday October 7th the station mass for Adamstown, Ballyduff East and Matthews Cross will take place in the home of Siobhan and Dick Walsh at 8pm. On Wednesday October14th it is the turn of Blacknock, Powersknock and Carrigadustra in the home of Jamesie and Renee Power at 8pm , It is the turn of Cullinagh, Gortaclode and Newtown on Friday October 16th at 8pm in the home of Carmel Ryan. Keep an eye out for your station mass.
Walk With Centra.
The management and staff at Centra in Kilmeaden have organised a charity walk in aid of Breast Cancer and are asking us all to join with them on Saturday October 17th . They leave from the shop at 2pm and return back to there where there will be some light refreshments served on your return. I will have some more information for you next week with regards the route etc but it will not be a very long distance and so will suit everyone.
Homework Club.
Homework club is now up and running every Saturday morning in Ballyduff Community Centre from 11am to 1pm.For just €5 secondary students are encouraged to come along to a distraction free environment and do their homework or indeed study for upcoming exams. People from the education profession will be on hand to give help and advice if needed.
Great Club Day.
Congratulations to all at Ballyduff GAA Club who put on a day of great hurling entertainment at the Tom Cheasty Tournament and The Derek Ryan Tournament. The day kicked off with the Under 10’s taking on Portlaw in the Tom Cheasty Tournament. Despite a great effort from Ballyduff it was Portlaw who emerged as winners and Kathleen Cheasty presented the cup and medals. There was then a display by our accademy players who showed us that the future is bright for the club. Next was the game everyone was waiting for with the current Junior team taking on Dereks team of 2002-2005. Dereks team dominated from the starting whistle and never left that lead go. They showed a fantastic level of fitness and determination and I’ve no doubt that thoughts of their great friend and team mate Derek spurred them on to a well deserved win. Captain John O Leary accepted the cup on behalf of the team from Carmel Ryan and Ger Harris was named as Man of the Match. Well done to the club on a great days entertainment.
Get Well Soon.
We send best wishes for a speedy recovery to John Kennedy, Carriganure who is recovering now at home following a recent operation. I have no doubt that he is receiving excellent care at home and will be back to full health very soon so that hurley and sliotar wont have long to rest.