A FOND FAREWELL.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Andrew Bridgett from Kilmeaden Pharmacy. Andrew has been in the pharmacy business for 30 years and has spent the past number of years as the very popular pharmacist here in Kilmeaden. Andrew had a wonderful way with the public and had a vast knowledge of all things medical. He was always on hand to give advice and consultation no matter how busy he was. Everyone was received and welcomed to his pharmacy and everyone was treated to the same respect and dignity. During Covid times Andrew and his staff made sure that nobody went without their medicine and prescriptions. He was also a great supporter of all things local and was always ready to donate hampers and gifts as spot prizes. People developed a lovely relationship with Andrew, knowing they could trust him and that he always had their best interest at heart. In fact the one saying I heard many times was “He’s as good as any Doctor”. Andrew will pursue other interests and I have no doubt that we may see him around from time to time. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service to our community for his loyalty, respectfulness and sincerity and we hope that the future will be full of happiness.
BALLYGUNNER STALWART
What great excitement after Ballygunner beat Ballyhale Shamrocks and everyone enjoyed what a great and exciting game of hurling it was. However one local man here in Kilmeaden, Michael Hearn, Kildermody travelled with great anticipation to the game accompanied by his Grandson Rian. This was a very proud day for Michael and was made all the sweeter by having Rian with him. Michael was part of the Ballygunner team who brought home the first three in a row in 1966,67 and 68. In 1966 and 1968 they beat Mount Sion and it was Portlaw/ Ballyduff in 1967. He also served as Secretary of the club at that time too. Of course at that time Ballygunner didn’t even have a pitch and hurling was a great distraction for them all. Michael played in the half back position and in fact in that 1967 final he marked the late great Tom Cheasty. I have no doubt that Michael was full of pride as Harry Ruddle put that sliotar in the back of the net and that final whistle blew and Ballygunner brought the title back home. Having his Grandson Rian beside him who is himself a very keen hurler must have been very special and I’m sure Michael raised a glass or two to celebrate and I’m sure he treated everyone to a song or two also. Michael and some of his former teammates were invited to Ballygunner NS as they welcomed the victorious team home and I’m sure there were plenty of stories regaled on the day.
CLOSING DATE
A reminder that if you would like to enrol your child in Ballyduff NS for September 2022 then you need to have the application in by February 28th. Further information and application forms are available from the school office. If you would like to contact the office please call 051- 384414.
BALLYDUFF AFC
Ballyduff AFC continue their scrap metal collection and encourage all the community to support their fundraising efforts. For the next few weeks, there will be a skip at the club grounds. You are welcome to place your scrap metal, old bikes, dishwashers etc in the skip. You can drop your items any day during the hours of 12 noon and 8pm.
WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY
The guys and gals at Kilmeaden railway are delighted to re-open for the Mid-Term break from February 19th to 27th and they are really looking forward to welcoming all their visitors. Trains will depart from the station from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 2pm and from 12 noon to 3pm on Sundays. You can book your own private compartment online or by phoning 051-384058. What a lovely treat for all the family over Mid- Term, a beautiful scenic train ride taking in wonderful views of Kilmeaden Castle, Mount Congreve Gardens, Magic woods, lime kilns and the beautiful River Suir. On your arrival back to the station you can visit The Whistlestop Cafe and enjoy a nice cuppa and a delicious treat from the lovely friendly staff who will make you feel very welcome.
BALLYDUFF GAA
Applications are now being invited for positions of coaches for the Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps 2022. Camps will run in Waterford from July 4th to August 26th in Juvenile clubs across the County subject to GAA/ Government guidelines. You can register your applications on https://forms.office.com/r/WeMdC4HCXG Applicants must have current or previous coaching experience in a club, school or county development squad. Evidence of this coaching role may be required. Coaches will be required to coach both Hurling and Gaelic Football to children aged 6-13 in camps . Coaches will need to meet the following criteria, applicants need to be 18 years of age by July 1st 2022( Applications may be considered for those who are 17 as Assistant coaches). They must have completed a GAA Foundation Coaching Course which will take place in March and April of 2022. You will also be required to submit your GAA Garda Vetting Reference Number and also your GAA Safeguarding(Child Welfare) Certificate Number must be supplied. If you have not completed a safeguarding course then one will take place during the Easter holidays in April. All training will need to be completed by the beginning of the Cul Camps.
Many of the age groups have now returned to training. The Intermediate and Junior hurlers are back to light training. On Saturday mornings at 10am the U7/8 are back and the U 5/6/9&10 will return on March 5th. From February 22nd on Tuesdays at 6.15pm the U11/12’s are back while the U14/15 are back already in Portlaw. From February 18th the U12/13’s will return on Fridays at 6.15pm. These times and dates are subject to change as other club groups return. As always new members are always welcome. Please take a look on the clubs website or Facebook page for more details.
Club membership fees are now due and it is important that this is paid to cover players insurance.
Club lotto will return on March 5th. This is a very important fundraising part of the club and we ask you to be as generous as possible. Tickets will be on sale outside Centra on the week of the draw or online @Clubforce.ie Please support this fundraising effort and you could be the very lucky winner of the €12,500 jackpot.
LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL
The Ballyduff ladies Gaelic groups have released their training schedule for the season ahead. From March 3rd the U8’s will return at 6.30pm in Ballyduff. The U10’s will also return on Thursdays at 6.30pm from February 17th while the U12’s will resume on Thursdays at 6.15pm from February 17th in Ballyduff. The U16’s will train on Fridays from 6pm to 7pm in Portlaw while also in Portlaw the Juniors will train on Fridays from 7pm to 8pm. A training day and time has yet to be decided for the U14’s and the Minors. As always new members are always welcome so please check out their Facebook page for more details.
MARK YOUR DIARY
The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club hosts a very popular tractor run each year and this is much looked forward to. The club has raised a fantastic amount of money over the years for charity and they hope to do so again this year. Pieta House is this year’s chosen charity. We all know what wonderful work Pieta House does for so many families. Unfortunately we have all known someone who has found themselves in a dark desperate place where they can’t see that light of hope. We have seen the devastation a death through suicide can leave behind and we can only hope that we never find ourselves in such a situation. It is important therefore that we support each other and make sure that every help and support is in place for those who need it. Mark Sunday July 24th in your diaries and enjoy a wonderful day of fun at the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Run while supporting the great Pieta House .
MARTIANS ARE COMING
I’ve heard on the grapevine from all at Ballyduff Youth Drama that in the next few weeks Martians will be paying a visit to Ballyduff Community Centre. On March 10th,11th and 12th Ballyduff Youth Drama will take to the stage with their show “Out of this World”. This drama group consists of pupils from 5th and 6th classes and there is great excitement building as the time gets closer to opening night. Tickets will cost €10 and can be booked by calling Eleanor on 087-4046904. This show will treat you to great song and dance and where else would you see
Martian or two. Keep an eye on these notes each week and I will bring you the latest happenings, unless I am abducted of course!!!!
SUMMIT SUCCESS
On Saturday April 9th, The Marker Hotel in Dublin will play host to Ireland’s first ever Health at every Size summit and our very own local lass Sandra O Keeffe has been invited to present at this summit. Sandra has studied and worked in this area and is very passionate about challenging the critical, weight centered and body shaming culture that exists today. Her goal is to help clients finally find peace with their relationship with food and to develop a self-compassionate, caring and embodied relationship with themselves. The HAES Summit will take place on Saturday April 9th in The Marker Hotel, Dublin from 2pm to 6pm. The host on the day will be Sile Seoige and tickets cost €85
I have the honour of knowing Sandra for many years and I can honestly say that hand on heart I am truly delighted to see her excel in the area she is so dedicated and passionate about. She has worked so hard to get where she is today and through all the hard study days and through the sacrifices she had to make she remained excited and committed to her thoughts and beliefs. I am so very proud of this girl who is beautiful inside and out and I know that her partner Anthony will be so proud as her family Christy, Vera, Damien, Elaine and Edel and the extended family will be.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK.
Sometimes you will need to stop doing for others
And take care of yourself.
That is not selfish
It is necessary
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Remember that.