GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2, 12, 22 and 28 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Mark Dobbyn, Gavin O Rourke and Tommy O Brien. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on November 6th and there will be a fabulous jackpot of €5,150 on offer. Tickets are just €2 or three for €5 and will be on sale all day on November 5th at Centra so choose those four numbers wisely.
AGM
The AGM of the High Road/Ballyduff Community Alert group will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Monday November 7th at 8.30pm. All are encouraged and welcome to attend this meeting.
Bridge News.
The results of the latest bridge game played by the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club are as follows:
1st: Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy
2nd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.
3rd: Ann-Marie Brown and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Anna Harvey and Anna Ryan
Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon.
November Masses.
I really can’t believe that we are already talking about the month of November. I think I’ve missed a few months somewhere. November of course is the month we remember our departed relatives and friends in a special way. Although they are never far from our thoughts we offer special masses for them in November.
In Ballyduff church these masses will take place every Wednesday night in November at 7.30pm. The masses are offered for the intentions of all who place mass offerings in the special Holy Souls box which will be placed in front of the altar from November 1st.
A reminder that the final mass on November 30th will be offered especially for those who died in the past 12 months. Those who were buried in the parish graveyard will automatically be added to this list but if you have a relative or friend who died outside the parish and you would like to have them included please call Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 and their name will be added. At this mass a representative of the deceased will be presented with a candle in their memory.
Running Group.
A reminder that a beginners running groug will begin on Saturday November 5th at 11am in Ballyduff AFC grounds. This will run for four Saturdays at a cost of €25. Instructor Seamus Doyle from Balance Fitness will teach you all the correct techniques like posture, pace, and breathing. If you would like any more information or would like to book your place please call Seamus Doyle on 087-7864013 or Tony Latham on 087-2861430.
County Champs!
There was great scenes of excitement and delight in Fraher field last weekend when our Junior hurlers saw off a strong St.Marys team to become County Champions and put themselves back in the Intermediate field. Ballyduff were the stronger team from the start with great speed and level of fitness. There were some real standout performances but together they were a very tight unit and displayed a great committment and dedication to each other and their management and training team. It was heartwarming to see so many from the parish turn out to support the team. The club put in great work to encourage the game from academy level up and the excitement on the faces of the children is something I will never forget. Of course the reception the guys got when they brought the cup to Ballyduff N.S on the Monday was spectacular. The children cheered and waved their well made flags and signs. It was a great experience for the children to see lads from their own club show them what can be achieved with hard work and committment. As I write these notes the lads are getting prepared to take on Kilgarvan from Kerry but as you read these notes you will know what happened so hopefully you are smiling.
A Friend To All
Our parish is most certainly a much poorer place following the death of one of its most popular characters Willie Melvey. Willie was what I would describe as a lovable rogue. He had a natural charm that automatically drew people to him. There is no possible way you could count how many friends he had because he was a friend to everyone and could make you smile no matter what kind of day you were having. His great love and connection with nature was always evident as he fed the birds, took care of the swans on Knockaderry Lake and tended to his garden. He was a man of tremendous faith and I think Fr. O Byrne hit the nail on the head when he likened Willie to St. Francis of Assissi. May Willies’ gentle soul rest in peace and may his kind nature in spire us all.