Bridge News.
The results of the latest game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge group are as follows:
1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
2nd: Joan Whelan and Michael O Donovan.
3rd: Peggy Murphy and Margaret Power.
4th: William and Ann Tobin.
Date For The Diary.
I know many of you have very busy social diaries so I am giving you plenty of notice for a fun table quiz because I know that like me you enjoy a good quiz. The High Road/Ballyduff Community Text Alert group will host a fundraising table quiz on Friday February 26th at 9pm sharp in O Donnachas. Quizmaster on the night will be Dermot Molloy and a team of 4 will cost €20. There will be lots of lovely spot prizes on the night. This is the groups’ main fundraiser for the year so please support if you can. Pick your team carefully and you have a nice bit of time now to get them to knuckle down to that studying!!
SLIM-SPIRATION.
I am delighted to report that our local Slim-Spiration group is going from strength to strength. Fitter and healthier lifestyles are to be seen everywhere, new friendships have been formed and the group walks are proving to be very popular and successful. As a member myself I cannot praise it enough, not only am I beginning to feel the health benefits but the encouragement and support we all receive from each other is completely priceless. We are very lucky to be receiving lots of nutrition and excercise tips from Jemma Kehoe, Sandra O Keeffe, Jason King and Cian Foley.Continued success to all the members and remember that little changes and taking things step by step is the key to a healthier you.
The Beauty Of Music.
Music as you know brings a lot of happiness to many people and there is nothing nicer than being able to play an instrument. Is this something you have regretted not doing well now is your chance. Music classes for the bodhran, guitar, banjo and mandolin will be given by a WIT music student in Ballyduff Community Centre. These classes are open to both children and adults and will take place whichever evening suits people best. To express your interest please contact 083-1614523.
Panto Time.
Our neighbours in Portlaw are very busy rehearsing for their annual Pantomime. This year they will stage Hansel and Gretel and Hansel will be played by our own local talent Darren Butler of Gortaclode. The Panto will run for 3 nights from Thursday February 4th and a matinee on Sunday 7th. To book your ticket please call 086-0519210. We wish all the cast and crew every success and look forward to seeing the show.
A New Little Man.
We send heartiest congratulations to Kelley Simpson and her partner Ian on the birth of their beautiful baby son Callum. Baby Callum arrived a little earlier than expected but not to worry big brother Bradley is ready to teach him all he needs to know. I know that grandparents Philip and Tina Simpson, Ballyduff West are delighted with his safe arrival and will be looking forward to spending many precious moments with their two grandsons.
Ballyduff Youth Drama.
Ballyduff Youth Drama group are very busy rehearsing for their performance of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” which will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th at 8pm and a matinee performance on Sunday 28th at 3pm. Tickets cost just €10 and are available by calling or texting Helen on 087-6493657 or tickets will be on sale from 6pm to 7pm on Mondays 1st, 8th and 15th of February. I happened to be up in the hall a couple of nights while this group were practicing and managed to catch some sneeky looks and may I say you are in for a real treat so get your ticket.
Benefit Night.
You have just read about Ballyduff Youth Dramas group production and as I am sure you all know these productions take money to put on. This group is run by three parents who give their time and talent freely and voluntarily and so the group is reliant on the generosity of the public. They have arranged a fun benefit night to raise funds for their production.” Wax The Boys” will take place on Saturday February 6th at 8pm in The Sweep followed by disco and D.J. This strictly over 18’s event will see some willing guys get some waxing done well I say willing some of them may appear to be tied down but don’t worry they will be fine. Please support this very worthwhile event and help this wonderful group who give children a belief in themselves and builds their confidence.
Remembering 1916
You will hear lots at the moment about the 100th anniversary of 1916 and Fr. Mick decided he would look at the baptismal records to see who was baptised here in Ballyduff in 1916. Take a look at the names and see if any of your relatives are there, I found my grandaunt Kitty Power, Whelansbridge whom many of you will remember from the Post Office for many years.
Thomas Mackey, Ballygarron.
Dennis Murray, Carrigphilip.
John Hennessy, Lisahane.
Thomas Galvin, Ardeenlone.
James Fitzgerald, Kilmeaden.
John Doyle, Lisahane.
Catherine Power, Whelansbridge.
Michael Sheehan, Ballygarron.
Laurance Power, Kilmagemogue.
Johanna Skehan, Carrigadustra.
Mary Fitzgerald Ballyduff East.
Michael Kiely, Fairbrook.
Mary Stephenson, Newtown.
Patrick Tibbs, Tigroe.
Robert Fleming, Blacknock.
Nicholas Cummins, Carriphilip.
Johanna Keane, Ross.
Mary Aulsberry, Kilmeaden.
Ann Brien, Ferrybank.