Dinner Dance.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the recent GAA dinner dance but I did however send several spies to report back to me. Anyone I have met who was there have given rave reviews. A great night was had I hear back and true to form The Granville served up a delicious meal. The announcement of Ollie Harris as an honourary president got a great reaction. This is a just reward to a man who has given a lifetime service and dedication to the club. My brother Neil was presented with the piece of crystal the club won for Club of the Year. I believe I missed a great speech from Neil but I can imagine it as I know what passion and committment he gives to whatever he gets involved with. After the presentation of medals to the teams everyone danced the night away to Tequila Sunrise and I hear there were some fantastic movers and shakers on the floor. Well done to everyone who had any part in organising the event and we hope there wasn’t too many sick heads or sore feet!!
Ballyduff Youth Drama.
The time has come for Ballyduff Youth Drama to raise the curtain on their production of Grease. The show will run in Ballyduff Community Centre on Friday 17th of February and Saturday 18th of February at 8pm and on Sunday 19th at 3.30pm. Tickets cost just €10 and are available by calling or texting Helen on 087- 6493657. We wish all the cast and crew the very best and hope all the audiences will end up “hopelessly devoted”.
Spring Stations
It is so hard to believe that it is already time to begin the Spring stations masses. The first of these masses will take place on Tuesday February 14th in the home of Ann and Luke Fitzgerald for the areas of Ross, Kildermody, Carriganure Lower and Kilmagemogue at 8pm.
Community Alert
Our local community alert group will hold their next meeting on Tuesday February 21st in Ballyduff Community Centre at 8pm. Speakers on the night will be crime prevention officer Sgt. Brendan Roche, Margaret Quinn from Muintir na Tire and Peter Butler from Task. Local Gardai will also be present. The €5 year text alert fee is now due and is payable at the meeting.
This group have been doing brilliant work in our area and it would be great to see more people attending these meetings. It is vitally important that we all do all we can to prevent crime in our area. You are asked for nothing from this group just a committment to keeping your area a safe and crime free.
GAA Academy
I am delighted to hear that the very popular GAA academy training has started up again. Meeting on Saturday mornings at 10.30am on the astro turf pitch at the grounds of Ballyduff AFC. This group is aimed at boys and girls aged 4 to 10 inclusive and teaches them about having fun and developing skills. During the session football and hurling is covered so you are asked to bring your mouthguard and hurleys and helmets. In the coming weeks blitz competitions will be arranged for U7 and U8 in both codes. The U9’s will have league games coming up in April.
Fashion Show.
The Belles and Beaus fashion show will return this year due to popular demand. First held here in 2014 it was an outstanding success so mark April 1st in your diary and this is no April Fools joke. Models are being put through their struts and poses as we speak and fashion stores are begging to be included so this should be a brilliant night. Watch this space and I will bring you all the details hot off the press in the coming weeks.
Book Return
Any of you who managed to get your hands on the fantastic book about the Kilmeaden Co op and creamery will agree that it was a brilliant read and an excellently put together book. The photos and memories in the book are outstanding. The book has proved so popular that all copies sold out. A waiting list has been in place and I received a phone call from the great Martin Kennedy to tell me that the book is now available again at Countrylife in Kilmeaden. Due to extra printing costs the book now retails at €15 and I can tell you that is worth every penny. If you had put your name on the waiting list or would like a copy please get along to Countrylife in Kilmeaden as soon as you can.