Good Wishes.
Let me begin these notes by wishing each and every one of you every best wish for 2017. I hope the New Year brings you all good health, happiness and the joy of friendship and community. Always remember the gift of your presence is the best gift you can give to people. Many people long for a little company and a chat and remember some day you may be that person longing for a bit of company.
Thank you to all who contributed to these notes in the past year and I hope you will continue doing so in 2017 and I always welcome news from new groups or clubs or indeed individuals with an event to talk about. You can get me Linda Spillane on 051-399925. 087-9838392 or spillanelinda@eircom.net
Ballyduff GAA News
A couple of important dates to pencil into your diaries are January 15th when the club will hold their AGM and on February 4th the club are planning to have a dinner dance so keep your diaries free and watch this space for more information.
Tidy Towns News
Our local Tidy Towns group have done fantastic work since their formation and we are very grateful to them. The group will hold their AGM on January 17th at 7pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting so please spread the word.
Death of a Legend.
We extend our sincerest sympathy to Pat Nugent, Matthews Cross on the death of his beloved father Maurice Nugent who resided in Brown Street, Portlaw all of his life. Growing up I often heard my parents refer to certain men as a true gentleman and I knew I had met one when I met Maurice. He was a man of great integrity and one of the most knowledgable people you could meet. He had a fantastic love for his native place of Portlaw and could tell you story after story. At the age of 101 his memory just seemed to get better. I have fond memories of Maurice and my late grandad Sonny O Sullivan sitting on the bench in the square swapping memories and stories. I picture them now on a bench in heaven and Maurice filling grandad in on whats been happening since he left. We send our prayers and condolences to Maurices son Pat and daughter Margaret, his grandchildren Claire and David and his three great grandchildren. May they all find comfort in all the wonderful memories he left them.
Foley Celebrations.
What a great start 2017 got off to for the Foley family in Ballyduff. Joyce Foley and her partner Jason Alexander welcomed the early arrival on their beautiful baby son Charlie Oliver. What a beautiful strong name, the name of champions. I hear that mammy and baby are doing well and I know that there will be certainly no shortage of babysitters.
Keeping the celebrations going Ruth Foley announced her engagement to David Kirby. Ruth and David have been together for many years and have spent time travelling to other countries working but have now decided to settle down to married life. I’m sure David has been put through his paces by Ruths brothers to make sure he is suitable material for their little sister. We wish this happy couple every best wish for their future lives together and may their lives be full of good health and happiness.
Community Centre News.
The AGM of our local community centre committee will take place on Tuesday January 31st at 7pm in the community centre. Financial reports for 2015 will be available at the meeting as well as a progress report for 2016. All are welcome to attend this meeting.
Sincere Gratitude.
I was contacted recently by Kathleen Harris who has asked me on behalf of herself, Ollie and the family to express how grateful they all are to everyone who has contacted them during Ollies illness and spell in hospital. They have been so bowled over by the amount of get well masses, messages and phonecalls they have received. They want to say a huge thank you to all who have contacted them and those who travelled to see Ollie in hospital in Dublin and a special thank you to all of Ollies friends in Ballyduff church for their offerings of the holy rosary. The good news is that Ollie is recovering well now at home and I’m sure with the care and attention he will receive at home from Kathleen and all the family we will soon have him out and about among us where he belongs.
Slim-Spiration 2017
Following the great success of Kilmeadens Slim-Spiration last year, the group will begin again on Monday January 16th from 7pm to 8pm and will run until Monday March 6th at a cost of €5 per week. Class will comprise of a weekly weigh in followed by talks by nutrionists, personal trainers, medical professionals and motivational speakers. If you are interested then go along and register on January 16th.