GAA Lotto

The lucky numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 2,14, 18 and 27. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Brianan Cornwell, The Sweep Gang and Eamon Kelly. The next draw will take place on October 2nd and there will be a jackpot of €7,550 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale on Saturday October 1st at Centra in Kilmeaden. Drop along and choose those four lucky numbers and you may be planning how to spend that jackpot.

Bridge Club.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge Club are delighted to return to their games. The club meet every Monday night at 7.30pm in Ballyduff N.S and would like to extend a warm welcome to any new members who would like to join the club and enjoy a game of bridge. It is not necessary to have a partner. If you have any queries or would like some more information, please contact Elizabeth Mooney on 087 2067920.

Community Alert

Our local community alert group will hold their AGM in Ballyduff Community Centre on Tuesday September 27th at 8pm. All are welcome to attend, and the group really look forward to meeting everyone again. The €5 text alert fee will be payable on the night and as always new members are welcome to join this scheme.

Tournament Champions

Ballyduff’s U10 camogie girls recently travelled to Mount Sion to take part in The Danny Bowe Memorial Camogie Tournament. The girls were up against three teams to qualify for the final. They played three great games against Tramore, Mount Sion 1 and Mount Sion 2 and came out on top in all three games. They met Mount Sion in the final and played very well coming out on top again. What a fantastic achievement for these girls to be crowned Tournament Champions. The club would like to thank Mount Sion for inviting them to participate in the tournament and for the reception held afterwards.

Diamond Couple

Congratulations and best wishes to local couple William and Mary Harrington, Ballyduff Hill who recently celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss. They celebrated their special day in their beautiful home on Ballyduff Hill with their children Megan, Katie and Jack and other members of their family and friends and I have no doubt that a great night was had by all. We wish this very special couple many more years of good health and happiness.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathies to Miriam Daly on the recent death of her beloved mother. Mrs. Bridie Griffin (nee O Connell) was a resident of Thurles, Co. Tipperary and will be deeply missed by her sons Martin, Peter and Kieran, her daughters Pauline, Una and Miriam, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers Paddy and Joe, sister Mag and all the extended family and friends. Bridie’s funeral mass took place in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles, and she was laid to rest to rest in St. Patrick’s cemetery. We pray that she now rests in the peace and love of God and that her family will find comfort in the wonderful memories they have of her. Ar Dheis De go raibh si.

Local Death

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Terence (Terry) Kinsella late of Carrickphilip and formerly of Crossabeg and Castlebridge Co. Wexford who died suddenly in recent days. Terry will be greatly missed by his loving partner Gillian Whelan, his son Cian, his mother Margaret, his brothers, sisters, extended family and his many friends. His funeral mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Crossabeg and we pray that Terry is at peace in the love of Christ in God’s heavenly home.

Wonder Woman

Our very own Wonder Woman from Fan Glas has done it again and added another title to her repertoire. Diane Behan was recently crowned winner of the European Sprint Duathlon Championships in Bilbao. Diane has had an amazing year, winning the World Duathlon Championships in her age group and the National title for sprint distance. Huge congratulations to Diane on her fantastic achievements. She is extremely dedicated to her sport and always puts 120% into her training schedule. She is now enjoying a well-deserved rest but if I know Diane, she will be already planning her next adventure!

Cross Country Success

Pupils from 2nd to 6th class in Ballyduff N.S recently took part in the Waterford city Primary Schools Cross Country Competitions in the Regional Sports Centre. It was a beautiful sunny day, and everyone enjoyed a great day of competitions and meeting new people. Hundreds of primary school pupils took part and a big well done to the pupils from Ballyduff N.S who brought home a total of 14 medals. A big thank you to Ferrybank AC who organised the event and to the very helpful staff at the RSC. A great day was had by everyone, and all the competitors did themselves and their school proud.

Beginners Yoga

Are you interested in taking some yoga classes which is proven to be very beneficial for both mind and body. Beginners’ yoga will take place on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm. The classes will take place in The Kilmeaden Room at Ballyduff Community Centre. These classes are suitable for all levels, and all are welcome. The class will be at a slow pace which is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to nourish and protect their body and mind and learn a safe and mindfully guided Hatha practice, focusing on body alignment, holding postures for longer and calming the mind through breath work. The class can be as challenging or relaxing as you want it to be. To book your spot or find out any other information please contact Ginni on 083 3717354.

Tesco Community Fund

Ballyduff AFC have been chosen as part of the Tesco Community Fund. For the coming weeks if you shop at Tesco Ardkeen, you will receive some blue tokens and the club ask you to please place your token in the Ballyduff AFC token box. As you are aware the volunteers and coaches at Ballyduff AFC do a fantastic job and the club offers some brilliant facilities to our community. The club caters for all age groups and is always very welcoming to new members. Check out their excellent Facebook page for details of teams and events.
The club also have a wonderful initiative called Club Boot Recycling Scheme. They realise how quickly children’s feet grow and that buying new boots can be very expensive for parents. Within this scheme players can donate their old boots which they have outgrown and can drop them off at the dressing rooms. These boots need to be in good condition when they are being donated. Other club members can then take a pair of this preowned boots free of charge. This is a brilliant scheme and a fantastic way to save money.

Community Alert

Our local Community Alert group will host their AGM on Tuesday September 27th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend. The annual €5 text alert fee will also be payable on the night.

Church News

The annual Autumn collection for the support of the priests is being taken up at weekend masses this week. You can place your contribution in the envelope provided in your annual pack of envelopes or any envelope and place it in the collection basket at mass or it can be dropped in the letterbox on the sacristy door in the church.
Our local parish choir rehearse every Monday evening from 7.45pm to 9pm and are always happy to welcome new members. This is a lovely way to be part of your community and make new friends and remember that when you sing at mass you pray twice so that can’t do any harm.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 8, 17, 19 and 21. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Bree Griffin, Anna Hearne and Catherine Power. The next draw will take place on September 18th and there will be a jackpot of €7,400 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. Tickets are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale on Saturday September 17th at Centra in Kilmeaden.

Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club

The recent charity tractor run hosted by Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor was a huge success. The 24th of July was a day of great enjoyment, and a wonderful day was had by all. There is also a serious side to this great day of fun and last weekend the club members presented representatives from this year’s chosen charity, Pieta House with a cheque for €3,795. What a wonderful amount for any charity to receive and it will be put to great work for everyone using the services. The club have raised an amazing amount of money for charities over the years and this money has helped many people. A big well done to all the organising committee and all the volunteers who help on the day and of course all the participants and donators. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.

Centra Kilmeaden

The management and staff at Centra in Kilmeaden have made a wonderful thoughtful offer to parents and students returning to school. As the dark Winter evenings approach, they are aware that many students are dropped home from school by bus or car near the store. They ask parents to tell their children that if their lift is late or they have missed their lift to please feel free to go into the store and wait out of the dark and weather and if they need to phone home, they are welcome to use the store’s phone. This is a lovely kind gesture from all at Centra and many parents will feel relieved to know that this option is there to keep their children warm and safe as the Winter months arrive. Well done to all at Centra.

Recent Death

We send our sympathies and condolences to all the O Keeffe family on the recent death of Des O Keeffe, late of High Street, Cheekpoint and formerly of Ross, Kilmeaden. Des joined the crew at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in 2017 and gave generously of his time. He had a great wisdom and loved a good laugh and a chat withal the other volunteers. The crew at the railway and The Whistlestop Café closed early so that they could attend the funeral of their friend and fellow crew member.
Des’s funeral mass and burial took place at Faithlegg church and cemetery. Des is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Aoife, son-in-law Brendan, his grandchildren Rory and Eimear, sister Phyllis, extended family, and his many friends.  We pray that he now rests in peace and that his family will find comfort in their memories of him.

Ballyduff AFC

Our local soccer club are asking for your support. They have been nominated in the Tesco Community Fund at the Tesco stores at Ardkeen. They are asking you to shop there and then add your blue tokens in the Ballyduff AFC box.
You don’t need me to tell you all how lucky we are to have such a wonderful soccer club with state-of-the-art amenities. Many young boys and girls benefit immensely from their involvement with the club and the volunteers and coaches give generously of their time and talents. The club always support and help out in all community events so now it’s our turn to help them out.

Date for your Diary

Our local community alert group will hold their first meeting following the summer break on Tuesday September 27th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting as we all work together to keep our community safe. The annual fee for the text alert scheme will also be taken up at that meeting. Please spread the word to your neighbours.

Goalkeepers Workshop

Ballyduff GAA were very grateful to John Quinn Waterford GDA for coming along to the club and providing a goalkeeping workshop. 10 budding goalkeepers were put through their paces and learned many skills. Part 2 takes place this week, so we look forward to hearing all about that.

Leaving Cert

Congratulations to all the young men and women from our parish who received their Leaving Cert results recently. We wish them all well as they now make decisions about their future. There are many different routes and roads to take, and we hope they choose to take the one that will make them most happy. Wherever their journeys take them we wish them safe travels and exciting new adventures.

Local Wedding

St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff was the tranquil setting for another beautiful wedding last weekend. Local Ballyduff lady Caroline Power who grew up just around the corner from the church made her way to the church on the arm of her very proud Dad Michael Junior Power to finally wed the love of her life Jimmy Butler. This couple have had to rearrange their plans a couple of times due to Covid, but nothing was going to get in their way this time. Caroline looked simply stunning as she arrived surrounded by her beautiful bridesmaids Amy, Stephanie, Miriam and Shannon. Her groom was beaming as he laid eyes on his bride. His nerves were kept in check by his bestmen Josh and Tyrone and groomsmen Kevin, Kieran and Ronan. Mass was celebrated by the very popular Fr. Pat Fitzgerald who kept everyone at ease with his lovely calming manner. The music and singing throughout the ceremony were just breath-taking with solos from father of the bride, the bride’s sister Stephanie and of course we were treated to the beautiful voice of Sandra O Keeffe accompanied by guitar maestro Anthony Wilmott and keyboard king David Hayes. 25 years ago, this October Caroline, Stephanie, Miriam and Sandra all sang at my wedding so I must admit that my heart was bursting with pride as I watched them all.
After beautiful photos taken in Mount Congreve it was off to The Woodlands Hotel for a beautiful meal and dancing to the sounds of Brass and Co. followed by a disco. A great night was had by all, and my feet felt all the dancing the next day. The happy couple continued their celebrating the following day with music and food at the very popular Sweep Bar. We wish the very best of luck to Jimmy and Caroline in their married lives together and hope that their days are full of love, fun and laughter.

Martin Centre

Our friends in The Martin Centre, Portlaw have asked me to let you all know that they are now open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. They will hold a recruitment and registration day in the centre on Wednesday, September 7th for ETB computer courses. Mary Curtis and Margaret Howard will be at the centre to met and talk with any potential learners and explain what is available to them. Drop along to the centre and you will be given any information that you need.

Beautiful Wedding

We extend warm wishes and congratulations to local hairdresser Christine Rockett who celebrated her marriage to Paul Sheridan recently. The happy couple exchanged their vows in front of their friends and family in the lovely setting of The Tower Hotel. Christine looked stunning as she made her way to marry her handsome groom.  Following the ceremony, they were wined and dined and then it was straight to the dance floor to dance the desserts off. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.

Back To School

We wish all the boys and girls of our parish the very best of luck as they returned to school this week. There were many happy and excited faces heading off to playschool and primary school for the very first time. Our secondary school first timers were both anxious and excited, but everything will settle down for them soon. We wish them all the best of luck and we hope that their schooldays will be full of fun and laughter.

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club.

Ballyduff Lower Camogie Club played hosts for a camogie blitz at Tom Cheasty Park on August 27th. The day was lovely and sunny, and the girls all enjoyed themselves. A big well done and thank you must go to the parents and coaches for organising the day.

Church News
As you know our beautiful church will be 200 years old this year and to celebrate, Bishop Cullinan will celebrate the morning mass at 10am on Sunday September 11th. Everyone is invited to come along and celebrate this mass of thanksgiving

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest GAA lotto draw were 2, 7, 16 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Lisa Burns, Mary Crowley and Tony Kirk. The next draw will take place on September 4th and there will be a jackpot of €7,250 on offer. Tickets are available from all committee members and are just €2 each or three for €5. All you must do is choose four lucky numbers and that fantastic jackpot could be yours. Tickets will also be on sale on Saturday September 3rd at Centra in KIlmeaden.

Terry Butler Cup

Each year Ballyduff AFC host the Terry Butler Memorial Cup in memory of a man who gave so much to the club and to his native Portlaw club . Having played on both Ballyduff and Portlaw teams Terry was always a great promoter of the game and was wonderful to encourage young players coming up through the ranks.
This year Portlaw’s U11’s travelled down to take on the Ballyduff U11’s and both teams showed great heart and determination. Portlaw came out victorious on the day but both teams can be very proud of their performance, and I have no doubt that Terry would have been impressed with the level of skill on display.
Terry’s son Darren was on hand to present the cup to the Portlaw captain, and we already look forward to next years game. The club would like to thank the Butler family for their continued support and to Portlaw for always proving to be such worthy opponents.

Local Wedding

St. Nicholas’s Church in Ballyduff was the setting for the wedding of popular local couple Valarie Bagge and Stephen Bourke. The Lord was certainly beaming down on the couple as he sent his most glorious sunshine for them. The bride looked simply stunning as she arrived at the church with her bridesmaids and of course a very important flower girl. The couple’s daughter Neasa was must certainly the belle of the ball as she beamed at her Mammy and was ready to lead the way to Daddy. Valarie was walked up the aisle by her very proud Dad, the one and only Val Bagge to meet her sweetheart Stephen and become the new Mrs. Bourke.
Once all the formalities and photos were taken care of, it was off to The Minella Hotel in Clonmel to be wined and dined and then dance all the treats off for the rest of the night. I spoke to many of the guests who spoke of the wonderful day and weekend they had although I had to wait a few days before some of them could speak to me!
We wish Valarie, Stephen and Neasa every happiness for their future and hope that their lives are filled with every blessing and happiness.

Wedding in the Sun

We send warm congratulations to Dawn Roberts, Dunhill and Emmet Power, Gortaclode who travelled to Lanzarote with family and friends to celebrate their wedding day. The bride looked so beautiful as she arrived in the Lanzarote sunshine to meet her handsome groom. The happy couple were delighted to be joined by so many family and friends as they exchanged their wedding vows. A wonderful time was had by all, and the celebrations continued for many days and will continue now that they are back on home soil. We wish the happy couple every happiness in their future lives together.

Breaking News

I was delighted to be the recipient of some hot news about Ballyduff Youth Drama but am sworn to secrecy about some of the details. I can however inform you that the group are planning another fabulous show which is always eagerly awaited each year. The group have treated us to great nights of fun, colour, song, and dance over the years and continue to go from strength to strength every year.
The group will host a special open night on Monday September 5th in Ballyduff Community Centre from 7pm to 8pm. This is the perfect way to hear and see what the group gets up to and see if it is for you. If you would like to join on the open night, registration forms will be available and the yearly insurance payment of €15 will be payable. The drama will then begin on Monday September 12th and continue every Monday from 7pm to 8.30pm at a cost of €30 per month.
Ballyduff Youth Drama is open to all young boys and girls from 5th and 6th classes. This is not restricted to just 5th and 6th class students from Ballyduff, the group would like to extend a warm welcome to people from surrounding areas. The only little clue that I can give about this year’s show is that the cast will have many male and female roles so drop along and hear all about what is planned.  This is a brilliant way to make new friends and a wonderful way for our young people to become more confident and self-assured.
If you would like some more information then please contact Helen on 087 6493657 or drop her an email on milleahelen@gmail.com

Thought For the Week

Many people will walk in and out of your life
But only true friends will leave footprints in your hearts

Contact for Notes

Now that school and college days return, you or your club may want to let people know about your club activities or events. You may also want to send good wishes for a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding, new baby or any other occasion that may be special to you. Please get in contact with me Linda Spillane and I will have pleasure in including it in these community notes. You can reach me on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com or you will find me around Kilmeaden somewhere, more than likely talking!!

Recent Wedding

We send our warmest congratulations to local lady Rachael Butler from Gortaclode who recently said “I do” to the love of her life Paul Wall. The bride looked beautiful as she arrived at the beautiful venue of Langtons in Kilkenny ready to become Mrs. Wall. Walking her up the aisle was her very proud brother Darren who looked very handsome in his wedding attire. I have no doubt that as she made her way up the aisle, a very proud Dad beamed down from the heavens above also and took every step with them. In her bouquet Rachael carried a photo of her dad Terry and of her uncle Kevin so they were part of her very special day. Following a beautiful ceremony and photos, the guests were treated to a beautiful feast and then it was time to dance the night away. Day two saw everybody meet at The Sweep in Kilmeaden to continue the celebrations where I have no doubt, the hospitality was second to none. Speaking to some of the guests they all spoke of the wonderful time they had for the weekend. Mother of the bride Eleanor was beaming as she told me about the wedding and how delighted she was to see Rachael so happy. We wish the happy couple every happiness for the future and may their lives always be full of happiness and joy.

Birthday Boy

We extend every good wish and happiness to popular Ballyduff man, Dixie Larkin who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Dixie celebrated in the garden of his beautiful home in Ballyduff Village with his beloved wife Maureen and all the family. I’m sure Dixie enjoyed his celebrations doing what he loves most, surrounding himself with his family We wish many more happy birthdays to Dixie for the future.

Church News

Bookings are now being taken for anniversary masses during the months of September and October and there are also a couple of dates left in August. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Back To School

It’s hard to believe that we are already thinking about our children heading back to school and our young people beginning a new chapter in their lives, heading off to college or university, beginning apprenticeships, new jobs etc. There are many little children feeling that mix of nerves and excitement as they prepare to head off to playschool or Montessori, National school, or Secondary school for the first time. Books and uniforms are being bought and labelled and the school bag is being packed and unpacked numerous times.
The most important thing for us to remember though is that every child and young person is different, and all react to different situations differently. We must allow each of them the space they need to deal with things themselves. Some will be nervous, some excited, some are shy, some are outgoing, some have ways of dealing with pressure, while others struggle. Whatever happens they all find their way and the best gift we can give them is to listen and encourage. Of course, now as adults we know that your schooldays can be a wonderful time in your life but when we were that age, we thought our parents and grandparents were crazy to say that.  Remember “Nobody is perfect, that’s why pencils have erasers”

Knockaderry Investment.

We here in Kilmeaden are very proud of our beautiful lake in Knockaderry. It’s gentle tranquil setting gives people that feeling of calmness as they stroll by it and take it the stunning views. The swans glide across the water and sometimes if you are lucky, they may treat you to a display of little dips and dives. Waterford City and County Council have recently been allocated €145,787.00 for the development of six outdoor adventure projects in Waterford. This investment under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will enhance some of Waterford’s best outdoor amenities. €29,700 has been allocated for the undertaking of a feasibility study for a walking trail at Knockaderry Lake. We await the plans and look forward to showing off our beautiful lake to many more people.

Thought For the Week.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.

GAA Lotto

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 13, 17, 19, and 25 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Margaret O Keeffe, Mary Kenny and Nicola O Rourke. The next draw will take place on August 21st and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €7,100 up for grabs. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday August 20th. Choose four numbers carefully and you could be thinking about how you will spend that lovely jackpot.

Church News

Bookings are now being taken for anniversary masses during the months of September and October and there are also a couple of dates left in August. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392.

Recent Wedding

We send warm congratulations to Jack Kennedy and Tara Heffernan on their recent wedding. The bride looked beautiful as she arrived at Crooke church to say her “I do” to her handsome groom. As Tara is involved in the music industry, the guests were treated to wonderful music and song throughout the ceremony. The bridal party and their guests then made their way to the fabulous Faithlegg House Hotel where they were wined and dined and then danced the night away to the sounds of Brass and Co, followed by a disco. The entertainment didn’t stop there though it was then sing song time where the talent was abounding. We wish Tara, Jack and their beautiful daughter Ornaith every best wish for the future and hope that they enjoy many healthy and happy years in their beautiful home in Stonehouse.

Whistlestop Café

Congratulations to all at Whistlestop Café at Waterford Suir Valley Railway who recently celebrated their 3rd birthday. The café is a very popular spot for all who visit the railway and those who pass through on the Greenway. It is a beautiful spot to sit and relax with a cuppa and a delicious treat provided by Kilmeaden Bakes or indeed with the lovely sunny weather an ice cream is most definitely called for to cool you down. Why not stop by and give yourself a little treat. Take time to sit, relax and let the world go by.

Recent Death

We were all very saddened to hear of the death of local legend Michael (Mick) Sullivan from The High Road. Mick was a well-known character in our area and was our very own answer to Michael Flatley. He must certainly knew his way around the dancefloor and was never short of a partner as he was such a good dancer. He was a great lover of music and loved to have a request played on the John O Shea show. Mick will be sadly missed by his sons Ollie, Paul, Gary, Dermot and James, his daughters Ursula and Eileen, his grandchildren, sister Sheila and all the extended family. He will also be missed by his many friends and his wonderful neighbours whose visits he really looked forward to. He will now be reunited with his wife Maura, and I have no doubt that he will take her for a twirl around the heavenly floors. May he now rest in peace in the joy and love and Christ.

All Ireland Champs

Congratulations to local lady Meabh Counihan who is a member of the U14 Waterford stripes team who recently took part in The All Ireland U14 Camogie Blitz which was held at O Tooles GAA club in Dublin. They played four matches in total against Cavan, Roscommon, Laois and Meath. The girls came out on top in their division and brought the trophy home. A big well done to Meabh who has worked hard and given great commitment to her sport and deserves great credit. We look forward to following her very bright future.

The beautiful season of Summer…..The air is filled with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

Local Death

We are all saddened to hear of the death of Eddie Gahan, Killotteran, Butlerstown and formerly of the High Road. Eddie is predeceased by his beloved wife Anne. They lived out their lives happily in Killotteran, raising their family and lovingly welcoming their grandchildren. Eddie never forgot his Kilmeaden roots and was a regular visitor to family.
Eddie will be sadly missed by his sons Martin, Tom, Edward, Larry and Nicky, his grandchildren, brothers Michael, Paddy and Davy, sisters Diane, Ann and Margaret and extended family. Eddie’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that Eddie now rests in peace, and we hope that his family will find comfort from their lovely memories and from knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved Ann

A Real Gentleman

Our community and parish were saddened to hear of the death of local man Joe Faulkner. Joe was a quiet, unassuming gentleman who lived his life quietly in his home at Gortaclode. He enjoyed meeting up with people at the local shops and at mass for a chat. Joe will be sadly missed by his nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours, and friends. Joe’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s church, Ballyduff and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. May Joe now rest in the peace and love of Christ.

Our Sympathies

We extend our deepest sympathies to Noel O Sullivan, Matthews Cross on the recent death of his uncle. Tom Friend was a resident of Power Villa in Piltown and is predeceased by his wife Kathleen and daughter Catherine. Tom will be sadly missed by his daughters Sandra and Mary, his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, sons-in-law, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Tom’s funeral mass took place at The Church of the Assumption, Piltown followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Golden Couple

Congratulations and warm wishes are extended to popular local couple Christy and Vera O Keeffe who recently celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. Living happily in their beautiful home in Ballyduff Village they are happy in each other’s company and enjoy quality time with their children Damien, Elaine, Edel and Sandra, their other halves and of course their beloved grandchildren. Christy and Vera are a very popular couple and are always described as wonderful neighbours and friends. Their home is a welcoming, loving place where everyone is meant to feel like part of the family. They are a fantastic example to us all of the beauty of married life. We wish them both many more happy and healthy years of marriage. Golden wishes for a golden couple.

Anniversary Wishes

We also send warm wedding anniversary wishes to Carrigadustra couple Michael and Marian Murray who recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. I have no doubt this couple, who love spending time together, enjoyed their day with their family. I’m sure Michael pulled out all the stops to treat his beautiful bride and we wish this happy couple many more happy years of marriage.

Famous Faces

There were a couple of sightings of some famous faces in recent times. Adrian Dunbar was in the vicinity of Kilmacthomas as he filmed some coverage for his new TV series, “Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland”. While in the area he couldn’t resist the lure of delicious coffee and tasty treats from Signal Box Coffee and Dearbhla ensured that he was treated to the famous Signal Box welcome.
While attending a wedding in the beautiful county of Donegal my own sister bumped into that well known Donegal native Daniel O Donnell. Daniel was there for The Mary from Dunloe festival but had the added pleasure of meeting Mary from Kilmagemogue instead.

6 Little Stories with lots of Meanings

(1) Once all villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy brought an umbrella. That is faith
(2) When you throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That is trust.
(3) Every night we go to bed without the assurance of being alive in the morning, but we still set the alarms to wake up. That is hope.
(4) We plan big things for tomorrow despite zero knowledge of the future. That is confidence.
(5) We see the world suffering but still we get married and have children. That is love.
(6) On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence “I am not 80 years old; I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience”. That is attitude.
Have a happy day and live your life like these six stories. Remember- Good friends are the rare jewels of life, difficult to find and impossible to replace.

GAA Lotto.

The numbers drawn in the latest lotto draw were 9, 16, 24 and 25 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Eabha Power, Eamon Kelly and Michael Gahan. The next draw will take place on August 7th and there will be a jackpot of €6,950 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 each or three for €5. The tickets are on sale from all committee members and will also be on sale at Centra on Saturday August 6th. Choose your four lucky carefully and that jackpot could be yours.

Recent Death

Our parish and community are saddened to hear of the death of Chrissie Mulcahy (nee Mooney), Carrickphilip. Chrissie was a hardworking, family woman and a force to be reckoned with on the camogie field. She had to deal with more than her fair share of tragedy in her life, but she was strong willed and battled through. Having suffered with illness for the past few years, we pray that she is now at peace and free from all pain. She will smile as she is reunited with her beloved husband Alan and her adored son Paul. We offer our sincere sympathy to Jacinta, Paschal, Joseph and all the extended family and hope that their wonderful memories will bring them comfort.

Ballyduff GAA

The club hosted a very successful Cul Camp last week with up to 100 boys and girls taking part. Everyone really enjoyed the fun and variety, and many new friendships were formed. A big thanks to the Waterford Coaching and Games Development Deise Og for all the coaches. Everyone was very excited when Austin Gleeson dropped in say hello and watch some of the skills on display.
The club would like to say a big well done and congratulations to clubman Alan Phelan who played for Waterford in the recent Jim Power U14 tournament. Alan isa huge asset to the club so it was no surprise to see him picked up at county level.
The U8 and U10 lady footballers travelled recently to Gaultier for a football blitz and enjoyed a great morning of football. Keep up the great work ladies.
The Junior hurlers had a great first outing, beating Clonea by 3 points. They fought hard and kept up the performance level and showed great strength and teamwork.
In a rip-roaring game the Portlaw/Ballyduff Minor hurlers beat Roanmore on a score line of 5-18 to 4-10. A big well done to all the players and the coaches for all their hard work.
There were many future stars on display as theU7 group entertained our neighbours from the Portlaw club recently. There were some great games played and everyone had a brilliant time.

Tractor Run

A big well done and congratulations to all the organisers and participants who took part in the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor run. This is always a great day out and raises a lot of money for charity. This years’ chosen charity was Pieta House and although I don’t have a grand total for you yet, I do know how generous people are and so have no doubt that the money raised will provide much needed funds for this charity.

Your Notes

If you would like to include anything in these weekly notes please feel free to contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com

Thought For the Week

Don’t start your day
With the broken pieces of yesterday
Every day is a fresh start
Every day is a new beginning
Every morning we wake up
Is the first day of the rest of your life.

Recent Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Morrissey, Ballyduff on the recent death of her son-in-law. Michael Whelan was a resident of Ballygunnermore, Granstown and is survived by his wife Angela (nee Morrissey) and his beloved daughters Ann- Marie and Sandra, his grandchildren and extended family. His funeral mass took place in Ballygunner Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that he now rests in peace and that his family will find comfort through their memories of him.

Big Day Out

Ballyduff Lower’s U11 hurlers are really looking forward to a great day out on August 4th. As a treat for all their hard work so far this year they will head to Thurles, the home of hurling to take part in a Munster Hurling Activity Day. On the day they will play three games against other counties in the historic Semple Stadium. They will also be given a chance to meet some famous players, get some signatures, ask questions, and have a tour of the stadium.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the players and will provide them with some wonderful memories. We hope they have a brilliant day and enjoy every minute of it.

Local Death

Our community and neighbourhood were deeply saddened on hearing of the death of local man Tony Whelan, Kilmagemogue. Tony had suffered the cross of illness for some time but did so with great bravery and courage. His wish was to be at home with his family and this was honoured by his loving wife and children. The care and support he received at home were exceptional and always given with a smile and reassurance. On the day that they were married, it is evident that Francis truly meant her vows, as she cared for Tony with true love and affection. The Whelan family have been given their own share of grief and hardship over the years, but they have faced it all together as a family with dignity and courage. Their world was turned upside down on July 16th 2005 when their beautiful daughter Tara was killed tragically and Tony and Francis had to face this heartbreak together and try to move forward. They did so because they were strong and had great faith. I have no doubt that Tara will wait at heaven’s gates for her Dad and the reunion will be beautiful. I know that Francis and her children are deeply upset following the death of Tony, but I hope in time they will draw comfort from knowing that Tony and Tara are now reunited and no doubt he is in his element as she sings for him again. Pain and suffering are no more, and they are at peace in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Tony’s funeral mass took place in Ballyduff Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Francis, his adored children Frank, Anton, Marianne and Lisa, his grandchildren, brothers, sister and all his extended family. His sweet gentle soul is now at rest, and we pray that he now enjoys the fullness of God’s kingdom and as such a stalwart of the GAA I am sure he will do his best to try secure a Waterford win in Croke Park soon. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Se.

Ballyduff AFC

Ballyduff AFC would sincerely like to thank all those who supported their Cash for Clothes collection and their scrap metal collection recently. These fundraisers are vital for the club, and they are very grateful for the support they received. The club has some wonderful facilities which they have worked hard for and are always looking to enhance the club more.
The club cater for all ages and have fantastic facilities. Check out their Facebook pages for all details of teams and training times. The club are always delighted to welcome new members so why not get involved and enjoy some sport, exercise and great fun.