Girl Power.
A number of girls from our parish travelled to Croke Park at the end of July to play in a National Football Blitz. They played teams from Tipperary, Kilkenny, Athlone and Offaly and put on an amazing display of high class football. They showed tremendous team work and through their fantastic determination and fighting spirit many of the girls saw their names on the score sheet in Croke Park which is a brilliant achievement. To round off a great day the group went to an adventure centre for a friendly game of splatball and then got muddy and dirty on the assault course.
New members are always welcome to join the U8, U10, U12 and U13 teams so if you would like to find out more please call Mairead on 086-8656675 or pop down to the GAA pitch on a Saturday morning at 10am.
Newcastle Mass.
A reminder to you all that the annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Monday August 22nd at 7.30pm. In memory of all our ancestors who always walked to mass, a faith walk will depart from Ballyduff church from 6.30pm. The people on this walk will carry with them a 300 year old chalice which will then be used during the mass in Newcastle. If the weather is not suitable for this outdoor mass, it will be held in Ballyduff church on the same night.
Fun Run/Walk
It is getting very close now to the annual Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile run/walk. Friday August 26th is the date set with walkers leaving from Ballyduff at 6.15pm and runners at 7pm. The entry fee is €10 for adults and €5 for students and juniors. The race is chip pin timed with cash prizes for the winners and spot prizes along the way. There will be refreshments served afterwards in the community centre and WLR D.J supreme John O Shea will keep you entertained throughout the event. Hope all our local energetic runners and walkers support this wonderful event.
A Gent Like No Other.
Even when somebody is sick for a long time and you know that they are getting lower day by day, their death can still come as a huge shock. This was how many people felt upon hearing of the death of Oliver Foley. The word gentleman can be mentioned all too loosely at times but Oliver was indeed a gentleman through and through. He was a devoted husband, a nurturing father, a caring grandad, a supportive brother,a loyal friend and a wonderful parishioner.
He was a book of knowledge about the history of this parish and beyond and had a huge interest in antiques. During his many years as an auctioneer he saw many fine houses and parcels of land bought and sold and his own home in Ballyduff displayed his love of gardening.
His greatest love however was for his beloved wife Greta whom he met on a blind date and they were the nearest I have ever seen to a perfect couple. Their love and devotion to each other was evident to all, the vows they took on their wedding day were with them till Oliver closed his eyes on this life. Growing up my mother always told us about the angels in heaven who were protecting us but she also told us of that chosen few sent to show us the way, these were the living angels on earth, people who gave themselves body and soul to help, comfort and care for each other with never a thought for themselves. To me I met one of those angels when I met Greta. A lady who gave her husband everything he wanted by caring for him at home when he was ill knowing that home is where he wanted to be. Greta is surrounded by her children and grandchildren and we hope that they all will find some comfort in the care and love they gave Oliver. His eyes lit up when any one of them walked in the door. Even though I saw Oliver on some of his darkest days my only picture of him is that lovely gentleman with the open necked collar and his neatly place cravat. That silver hair brushed back and a glint in his eye as he held hands with Greta, the girl of his dreams. May he now rest in peace where sickness and pain are no more. May his sweet, gentle soul now know the peace and comfort of the loving God in whom he had such faith. Ar Dheis De go raibh se.