Back to School, Homework, Coffee Morning

AGM Meeting.

The AGM of the Ballyduff Community Centre Development Co. Ltd will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Tuesday September 8th at 8.30pm. The hall is the property of the community and so it is hoped to see as many as possible at this meeting. If you have ideas for fundraising or ideas of classes or events which could be held in the hall then why keep them to yourself. You dont have to make any committment to anything just simply come along and share your views. Community is about coming together for the common good of ourselves and others.

She Said Yes.

We send our heartiest congratulations to local man Paul Leahy who popped the question to his girlfriend Rachael and thankfully she said yes. Paul now resides in Scotland but I know everyone here in Ballyduff and Kilmeaden wish the happy couple the very best in their future life together.

Parent and Toddler.

Our local Parent and Toddler group will return from their Summer break on Friday September 11th. The group takes place in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12 noon. You can pop in for an hour or stay for the full group there are no restrictions. This is an ideal opportunity for parents to get to know other parents of babies and toddlers over a cuppa and a chat while the children play together learning the very important social skills they need in life. Drop in and see what it is all about you will be very welcome.

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group will hold their next meeting on Wednesday September 9th at 8pm in the meeting rooms at Kilmeaden Village Centre. Volunteers are always welcome so keep an eye out for their next clean up date. They have made huge improvements around our area and we say a big well done to them.

Back To School.

The first week of school is done and dusted already and I am amazed at the amount of happy little faces I saw racing into school delighted to be back. I saw a few happy relieved faces on parents outside the gate too!! We welcome all the students and teachers back and a special welcome to all the new Junior Infants and the new families who have joined our school.

Coffee Morning.

On Thursday September 17th I will be helping out at a coffee morning in aid of The Hospice which will take place in O Donnachas from 9.30am to 12 noon. The Hospice as we all know provide a vital service not only to patients but also to their families who often feel lost and helpless. They rely heavily on the generosity of people to provide this service so please support if you can.

Homework Club.

Secondary school students are now back to the routine of homework etc and maybe some of them find it hard to concentrate on their work at home at the weekend. A homework club will begin on Saturday September 12th and run every Saturday from 11am to 1pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. For just €5 students can study or do their homework with help from education professionals if needed. If you require any further information please contact Sarah on 086-1750370.

Liz Hayes Run/Walk

The countdown is on now to the annual Liz Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk which will take place on Friday September 11th setting off from Ballyduff Village and taking in the breathtaking views of Knockaderry. The walkers will head off at 6pm with the runners following at 6.30pm. This year there is also the addition of the Junior One Mile race at 6.45pm. There will be cash prizes, spot prizes and refreshments and the runners will be chip pin timed. Check into the Liz Hayes memorial fun run facebook page and get all the latest details.

 

Liz Hayes Memorial run, Date for your Diary and Tractor run success

 

Play Success.

Well known actress and director Denise Quinn treated us to a showing of her one woman, one act play Bardot Bytes in Ballyduff Community Centre last weekend. The night was held as a fundraising night for The Irish Pilgrimage Trust who take around 450 children with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. I can only describe the play as one of the best I have seen in a long while. I laughed till I cried. Denise played the part excellently and she trully commanded the stage without any little slip ups which must be hard when it is just you and nobody else to prompt you. If you do get a chance to catch this play then do yourself a favour and get along to it.

Liz Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk.

Lots of training has begun for the annual Liz Hayes 5 mile fun run/walk which will take place this year on Friday September 11th beginning in Ballyduff Village and taking in the beautiful scenery of Knockaderry on its route. The walkers will set off at 6pm while the runners will go at 6.30pm. This year there is also the introduction of a junior 1 mile race taking off at 6.45pm.

There will be cash prizes, spot prizes and refreshments and the run will be chip pin timed. For more details see the Liz Eilis Hayes Memorial Fun Run/Walk facebook page and I will also carry more details next week.

Date For Your Diary.

We are all only too aware of the wonderful work being done everyday by the Hospice. They provide vital help and comfort not only to patients but to families who always need someone to turn to. As with all these fabulous organisations they do not receive the funding they deserve or need and so rely heavily on charitable donations.

All over Ireland on Thursday September 17th people and businesses will host coffee mornings in aid of the Hospice. Here in our area we will be able to show our support by attending a coffee morning from 9.30am to 12 noon in O Donnachas.Mark the date in your diary and I will remind you again in the coming weeks and we’ll meet for a cuppa.

Precious Little Girl.

We are delighted to congratulate Brian O Leary and Laura O Shea on the recent birth of their beautiful little baby girl Chloe. I got to have my first little glimpse of Chloe the other evening and wow what a little stunner she is. She will be well taken care of by her big brother Cathal who will teach his little sister all he knows. We wish this lovely little family every health and happiness.

Hall AGM.

The AGM of Ballyduff Community Centre Development Co. Ltd will take place on Tuesday September 8th at 8.30pm in the community centre. Our hall is the property of the community of Ballyduff and Kilmeaden therefore we encourage as many people as possible to attend. A lot has happend since the last AGM, the new building is now finished and in use. The Board of Directors merely serve the community and would greatly appreciate the attendance of a large crowd at the AGM.

Tractor Run Success.

On July 19th the Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club held a very successful tractor run. Last Friday in Haughtons a cheque for €4,770.00 was presented to The Solas Centre. This is a fantastic amount and the club would like to thank everybody who supported this worthy cause.

Sean Kelly Cycle.

The Sean Kelly Cycle Tour took place last weekend and I wish to congratulate all the members of our community who took part in the family cycle, the 50km, the 100km and the 160km. Our area was well represented so a huge well done to them all those individuals and of course all the members of the Village Wheelers who are a cycling group from Portlaw but who have also adopted some members from the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas. Well done to you all.

 

100 Birthday, Exam Results and School time

100 Years Young.

One of the finest gentlemen you could ever hope to meet reached the milestone birthday of 100 last Sunday. Maurice Nugent was born, reared and still lives in his beloved Brown Street in Portlaw. He is probably one of the most popular citizens of Portlaw and I know he was awash with good wishes for his birthday. I came to know Maurice because his son Pat is my neighbour and Maurice has been a regular visitor there over the years, driving himself down up to a few years ago. I know Maurice spent his birthday doing what he likes to do himself, sitting in his own armchair welcoming anyone who fancied dropping in for a chat. We wish Maurice continued good health and may his bright outlook on life be an example to us all.

Exam Results.

Congratulations and well done to all the young men and women from our area who received their Leaving Cert results last week. We hope they were all satisfied with their results and if not we hope they understand that there are a lot of options out there.

The arrival of college places the other day was a relief to most with many I spoke with delighted to receive their first choice. New adventures will begin for many of them over the coming weeks and we wish them all a wonderful experience.

School Time.

I know I will be hated for even mentioning it but schools reopen this week and next. It only seems like the other day that the children got their Summer holidays and here we are again covering books and trying on uniforms. We wish the very best to all the new First Years heading off to the various secondary schools. There are some very important Junior Infants heading up to Ballyduff N.S to begin their time there and Deirdre Giani tells me she is really looking forward to welcoming many new faces to Jelly Tots playschool. Exciting times ahead for them all and we wish them all every happiness.

Notes.

With the return of schools and colleges lives start getting back to what we call “normal”. Activities and clubs will resume so if you would like to let people know what is going on then please send me on

 

Bardot Bites, Homecoming for John

Tidy Towns.

Our local Tidy Towns group would like to thank everyone who contributed to their church gate collection last weekend. They raised €339.68 which they appreciate greatly. They are always looking for volunteers to come on board to help them out and have a great facebook page so you can check out which area they are targetting next. They would also welcome any donations of tools, shrubs and flowers.

One Act Play.

Many of you will have heard of the name Denise Quinn either as an actress or a director. She has in fact acted as director for the past few years productions from Dawn Players. Denise has recently wowed audiences and critics all over Ireland and the UK with her one woman, one act play, “Bardot Bytes”. Denise has very kindly agreed to stage her play for us here in Ballyduff Community Centre on Saturday August 22nd with proceeds going to The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Tickets will cost just €10 and will need to be booked on 087-2548640 or by email on declanfinn50@gmail.com . There will also be an excellent raffle on the night with fabulous prizes including a first prize of €500. Tickets will cost €5 each or 3 for €10.

Let me tell you a little bit about The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Each year at Easter they bring appoximately 450 young people with special needs from all over Ireland to Lourdes. All the young people travel free while the the helpers pay their own fares. The Trust also run two respite homes in Clarinbridge, Co. Galway and Rosslare. These homes are open all year round for the young people,their families and carers. Our own Declan Finn from the Lacka Road has been involved with the Trust for the past 17 years and has travelled to Lourdes each year except for the two years he himself was ill. They are currently looking for Waterford based helpers so if this is something you could give some time to please contact Declan. He is involved with Group 191 which covers the Waterford and South Tipperary areas. To fund the entire operation each group is expected to raise €14,500.

What a Homecoming.

We welcomed over 200 people to Ballyduff Village last weekend as we welcomed home our Olympic champion John Deevy. John is a regular Saturday night mass goer who does the important job of bringing up the gifts. During last Saturday nights mass John was called to the front of the altar by Fr. O Halloran where he encouraged everyone to give him a huge round of applause. Following mass John was escorted to the community centre next door. Leading him over were the fabulous Father and Daughter duo of John and Rachael Burke on bagpipes and drum and to whom we are very grateful to for coming up from Tramore to help us out. As they entered the hall which was decorated with balloons, bunting, flags and posters made by local children, Johns face was full of pride as all the people clapped and the children waved their flags and posters. With his medals hung proudly around his neck John and his father Anthony were welcomed to the stage by MC John O Shea where they were greeted by our Deputy Mayor John O Leary. Following the speeches there was a short DVD which we were able to show thanks to the expertise of James Tubbritt showing Johns winning moments in LA and then a presentation of some beautiful Waterford Crystal from the community. Presenting it on behalf of the community was another famous Kilmeaden man Tom Walsh. It was then time for a feast as everyone tucked into the huge amount of food which was donated by local businesses and residents and residents from other areas. John was presented with a beautiful cake made by the gifted Kathy Raher at Kilmeaden Cake Supplies which was a real work of art. As I write about this night I can still feel the warmth of the atmosphere, it was trully a night to remember.

I am not going to go down the route of naming names for thank yous because I would surely forget someone. You all know who you are. The hall was decorated and laid out beautifully, we were inundated with offers of money, food and drink to help. Flags were hung, places were tidied up after the event. All these things don’t just happen by accident. Community happens, people come together for the one common goal, to make the event as successful as it can possibly be. I don’t think I have to tell anyone how I feel about my community because I rave about it all the time but the pride I felt at this event was a bit overcoming to be honest.

Trad For John.

Kilmeaden is not finished celebrating Johns great achievement yet. John is a great fan of the Tuesday Trad night in O Donnachas and so this Tuesday night 18th with be a special celebratory night for John with Teddy Butler and friends with lots of music and song lined up. Come along and join in the fun.

 

Congratulations, Exam results and Memorial Run

Wedding Congrats!

We extend warmest congratulations to local girl Claire Gahan who married her sweetheart and became Mrs.Henry Power last weekend. Claire is the eldest daughter of Davy and Annie Gahan, Lacka Road and I think all will agree she made an absolutely stunning bride. The couple were blessed with fine weather for a change and I hear that everyone had a brilliant weekend. We wish this very happy couple the very best for the future and hope they enjoy a lifetime of happiness.

Newcastle Mass.

The old ruins of Newcastle church are in the townsland of Ardeenlone. Many people who died during the Famine are buried up there in unmarked graves. A large cross stands on the hill of Newlecastle as a reminder of all who are buried there. A former Parish Priest named Fr.Matt Power is buried in the ruins there and his tombstone saya that he died in 1810.

Each year we hold a graveyard mass in Newcastle to remember those who have gone before us and this mass will take place on Monday August 17th at 7.30pm. In remembrance of our ancestors who walked to mass each week a faith walk will leave Ballyduff church that evening at 6.30pm and walk to Newcastle. The walkers will carry with them a chalice which is over 300 years old and was used in Newcastle back in the day. If the weather is unsuitable for this mass then the mass will be said in Ballyduff Church.

Exam Results.

This is a very nerve wrecking and busy week for our young people as Leaving Cert results are out and college places begin to arrive. We hope that everyone gets what they have been wishing for but urge those who maybe are a little disappointed not to panic and weigh themselves down about it. Seek advice and maybe you just need to apply for something in a different way. Enjoy the celebrations and we wish you all the very best of fortune in your chosen paths.

Memorial Run/Walk.

A date for your diary is Friday September 11th when the Liz Hayes Memorial 5 mile run/walk will take place. This is a beautiful scenic route and will be chip pinned and timed. The walkers will leave from Ballyduff at 6.30pm with the runners following on at 7.30pm. There will also be a Junior 1 mile race at 6.45pm. There will be cash prizes,spot prizes and refreshments. I will have more details for you over the coming week.

Tidy Towns.

Following their recent meeting it has been decided that the next area they will tidy up is just above the Dragonfly monument where the ditch was cut back. Thet will meet there on Thursday August 13th at The Sweep at 6.30pm and volunteers would be greatly appreciated. They would also appreciate any donations of tools,plants, flowers, paint etc.

The next Tidy Towns meeting will take place Wednesday September 2nd.

Notes Time.

As clubs and organisations begin their activities again and want people to know about them why not use these notes to get your message across. I have heard that a few people read them. If you have

 

Tidy Towns, Newcastle graveyard mass and GAA Lotto

Tidy Towns Collection.

Many of you have been mentioning to me about the wonderful work our Tidy Town Group is doing and I must certainly agree. The neatly cut grass, litter free roads and the beautiful coloured flowers certainly add greatly to the beauty of our area. You might be wondering how you can become involved well there are many ways. Keep an eye out in these notes and on their facebook page for dates and places of litter picks etc. However not everyone may have the time or talent to help out manually but of course all groups need funds to keep going. Our local Tidy Towns Group will hold a church gate collection at the weekend masses in Ballyduff on Saturday August 8th and Sunday August 9th. We ask you to be as generous as possible.

GAA LOTTO.

The numbers drawn in the last lotto draw were 4,12,18 and 19 and they were the lucky numbers of local man Eamonn O Leary, Kilmagemogue,Kilmeaden. Eamonn is thrilled with his amount of €1,850 and I know he will spend it wisely and I expect he will buy something nice for his favourite sister in law!! The three lucky dip winners on the night of €50 each were The Harris Girls, Jacky Coughlan and Michelle Dunphy. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on August 9th and will have a jackpot of €500.

Newcastle Mass.

Over 200 years ago our parish of Ballyduff/Portlaw was known as the parish of Newcastle/ Portlaw. The ruins of the Newcastle church are located in the townland of Ardeenlone. Many people who would have died in the Famine are buried in the adjoining graveyard in unmarked graves. A large cross stands on the hill in Newcastle as a reminder of all who are buried there. A former Parish Priest is buried there and his tombstone tells us that he died in 1810. Each year on the first Monday after the 15th of August we offer a special mass for all who are buried there. This years mass will therefore take place on Monday August 17th at 7.30pm. In those times everyone walked to mass so in memory of those people there will be a faith walk from Ballyduff Church to Newcastle. They will leave the church gates at 6.30pm and they will carry with them an old chalice which is almost 300 years old and was used in Newcastle. If the weather is unsuitable for an outdoor mass then mass will be said in Ballyduff church instead

 

Wedded Bliss, Tractor Run and Memorial Cycle

Bridge News.

The results of the last couple of games played by the Ballyduf/Portlaw bridge club are as follows:

Monday July 13th:
1st: Kate Hayes and Michael O Donovan.
2nd:Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald.
3rd: Nan Murphy and Mary Prendergast.

Monday July 20th:
1st: Anne Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
2nd: Peggy Murphy and Aileen Stephenson.
3rd: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche.

Lifesaving Classes.

Irish Water Safety will hold classes in swimming and lifesaving in Boatstrand from August 3rd August 8th. Classes will start at 10am. Registration for these classes will take place on Saturday August 1st at 10am.

Sympathy Offered.

We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of the late Christopher Foran formerly of Carrickphilip whose ashes were recently buried in Ballyduff cemetery. May he rest in peace.

We also offer our sympathy to the family of Anna Murphy. Anna is a native of Cork but had been living recently with her son Pat Murphy in Powersknock.Ar Dheis go raibh si.

Butlerstown Cemetery Mass.

I know that like me there are a number of you who have relatives buried in Butlerstown graveyard. The annual cemetery mass for all buried there will take place on Thursday July 30th at 7.30pm. Please spread the word to anyone you know who might like to attend.

Wedded Bliss.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to local couple Mary T O Brien and Kenny Guiry who were married recently on the beautiful island of Lanzarote. Family and friends travelled with them to witness this very important event in their life. I have heard back reports of a stunning bride and a very handsome groom and an absolutely beautiful ceremony. While Mary made a beautiful bride two other young ladies caught the eyes of many too. The couples daughters Joanne and Evie assisted as bridesmaid and flowergirl and I am sure they did their mam and dad proud. We wish this lovely family many happy and healthy years together in their home in Stonehouse.

Memorial Cycle.

I am well aware that we have many keen cyclists in our parish so I thought I would let you know about the Fr. Colm O Brien Memorial Cycle which takes place this year on Saturday August 8th. Option One is a 60km cycle which goes from St. Peter and Pauls Church in Clonmel at 11am and goes directly to Tramore. Option Two is a 10km cycle which leaves from Kingfisher at 1.30pm and goes straight to Tramore. Please arrive 30mins early to register or you can register on www.frcolmobrienmemorialcycle.com All proceeds raised will go to Pieta House.

Tractor Run.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club held their annual tractor run on Sunday July 19th and it was a huge success. The convoy of almost 90 tractors left Haughtons at 1pm and took in a beautiful scenic route stopping off in Kill village where all the drivers were treated to refreshments in the community centre and then set off again to make their way back to Haughtons where a wonderful barbeque was waiting for them. This was a brilliant event with lots of interesting machines on show. Well done to Pat Fitzgerald and his committee who put a lot of work in to this event. A big well done also to those who provided the refreshments in Kill and Haughtons. Thanks also to the stewards on the day who kept everything going smoothly. All proceeds of this event will go to The Solas Centre and I will let you know the amount in the coming weeks when the presentation night takes place.

Your Notes.

If you would like to include an item in these parish notes then please contact me Linda Spillane by Thursday of each week. You can get me on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or drop me an email on spillanelinda@eircom.net

 

Communion to the Sick, Cemetery Mass

 

Communion To The Sick.

For a number of years we have had a scheme here in our parish where a team of Eucharistic ministers take turns to bring Holy Communion to those who are sick or housebound. They do this after the 10am mass on a Sunday morning. You can avail of this service whether you are sick for the long term or perhaps recovering over a short period.

If this is something you or a relative would like to avail of please send your details by text to Fr. O Byrne on 087-9626618 or you can let Linda Spillane 051-399925 or 087-9838392 know and your name will be added to the list.

Cemetery Mass.

Well after the very mixed weather we have been having it was touch and go whether we would be able to have our graveyard mass outdoors. However we woke on Wednesday morning to lovely sunshine and God ensured that it remained nice and dry for the day. It was lovely to set up an altar outside and as people gathered around the graves of their loved ones Fr. O Byrne and Fr. O Halloran delivered a beautiful mass reminding us that those whom we have loved and lost have simply gone to begin a new life with God. They also prayed for those who mourn and grieve the loss of a loved one. It was wonderful to see so many people attend this mass and a collection was taken up which will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the graveyard.

Our newly formed choir sang some beautiful hymns throughout the mass and are now on their Summer break.

Following the mass we had some tea and light refreshments in the community centre and it was lovely to have so many people come along and sit and have a chat. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all who helped me set up the hall, serve the teas and clean up afterwards. Also a big thank you to all the lovely people who brought along biscuits, cakes, buns and tarts. Once again the community that I live in never ceases to amaze me. You ask for help and it just arrives, that is what makes a parish and a community.

Sequence of Events.

I believe that sometimes different things happen in your life and when you sit and think about them you realise that they all tie together to maybe tell you something. This time last year I fell ill but thank God I am on that road to recovery but at times you doubt yourself and your influence on the world. While helping with the teas at the cemetery mass on Wednesday last I was given the wonderful gift of two single CD’s recorded by our own local girl Sandra O Keeffe and while listening to them at home all I could see was that shy little girl who used to come to my choir and sing behind the book in case someone might hear her. But over the years that book slipped further down and she let everyone hear that beautiful voice that I had heard. I was never so proud as the day of my wedding when she sang by herself in front of everyone. And now everytime she opens her mouth to sing my eyes fill with tears and my heart with pride. Later on that night I received a facebook message from another young lady who was a member of my choir and now lives in England. Some of you may remember Sophie Richings a litttle blond blue eyed girl who would melt your heart when she sang. I remember her crying when they left for England because her mam said she wouldn’t be able to come back for choir each week. That 26 year old beauty is now running her own singing school called Everybody Sing which encourages everyone to sing regardless of ability. The school has become a huge success and she sent me on a report of their grand opening by their patron Maureen Nolan from The Nolan Sisters. The last line of her message to me was “You always said I could be whatever I wanted to be”

I apologise for raving but as I said at the start of this sometimes things tie together and I trully believe this is all tied together by one special lady. On July 16th 2005 we lost one of the greatest talents of our parish. A lifelong member of my choir Tara Whelan was called back to God and so from that moment on Gods angels sang sweeter. A little light went out of me that day but I believed it flickered again this week. We are awash with talent in this parish and we must do all we can to encourage and support them all. These are just 3 from my choir there are many others who when they sing you see me blubbering in the corner.

 

Tractor Run and Bridge News

 

 

 

Tractor Run.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their annual Tractor Run on Sunday July 19th. This is always a lovely day with some fine machines on view. They will depart from Haughtons carpark at 1pm sharp and take in a nice scenic route. Remember to come out and wave to them if you spot them. All money raised will be donated to The Solas Centre so please be as generous as possible. If you require any more information please contact Pat on 087-2216589.

Graveyard Mass.

The annual graveyard mass for Ballyduff cemetery will take place on Wednesday July 15th at 7.30pm weather permitting. If the weather is unkind the mass will be said in the church. Please remind people living in other areas who have relatives buried in Ballyduff about this mass as it is a perfect opportunity for everyone to come together and remember our loved ones.

Following the mass there will be some light refreshments served in the community centre so please come along and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with people you may not have seen in a while.

If you would like to donate a cake or a bun for the refreshments you can contact me Linda Spillane 087-9838392 or I will be up in the community centre on Wednesday evening from 6.30pm.

Bridge News.

The Ballyduff/Portlaw Bridge club held their Summer bridge party in the Ramada Hotel on June 21st. Everybody enjoyed a lovely day and the results of the game played were: 1st: Helen O Shea and Fr. O Byrne.

2Nd: Peggy Murphy and Geraldine McMahon.
3Rd: Anna Ryan and Mary Kennedy.
4Th: Pauline Fanning and Nano Fitzgerald.
5Th: Annemarie Brown and Noreen Tubbritt.

The results of the game played on Monday June 29th are as follows:1st: Geraldine McMahon and Nano Fitzgerald. 2Nd: Ann and William Tobin. 3Rd: Breda and Peggy Murphy. 4Th: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.

The club is open every Monday in July at 7.30pm but the club will take a little Summer break for the month of August.

Twice The Fun.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Noel and Lorraine Reid on the birth of their beautiful twins recently. Baby Ben and baby Nessa have arrived safe and sound and I’m sure their big brother Bobby is delighted to have a brother and sister. We wish this happy little family a lifetime of health and happiness and look forward to watching them grow up.

 

Deputy Mayor, Wedding Wishes and a Baby Boy

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 10, 15, 17 and 19. The three lucky winners of €50 each on the night were Ryan Murray, Martin Murray and Michael Hearne. The next draw will take place on July 12th and will have a jackpot of €1,700 on offer.

Deputy Mayor.

Congratulations to our own local man Councillor John O Leary who was elected recently as Deputy Mayor of our city and county. I know that John is deeply honoured to accept this honour and will treat his position with great respect. We wish him every success and we have no doubt that his wife Eileen will make an excellent Lady Mayoress.

Graveyard Mass.

Another reminder to you that our annual graveyard mass will take place in Ballyduff cemetery on Wednesday July 15th at 7.30pm. Please remember if you are tidying up your grave before that then please bring home any old flowers or wreaths which you may have.

If you could please spread the word to anyone you know who may have a relative or friend buried in Ballyduff cemetery about this mass.

When mass is over there will be a chance to catch up with relatives and friends with a cuppa and some refreshments being served in the community centre beside the graveyard. This is always lovely as people get to chat to people they might only see an odd time.

If any of you kind people would like to give me a hand with these refreshments then I will be delighted to hear from you.

Wedding Wishes.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Cullinagh man Don Devine who married Imelda Kirwan from Ashtown, Kilmacthomas on Friday June 26th in the Tower Hotel. There’s was no way Don was going to get nervous or put a foot wrong with his family surrounding him in the wedding party. His eldest son Tom played the part of the best man and I hear he gave a fantastic speech. The handsome groomsmen were Mick and John while Dons daughter Liz made a beautiful bridesmaid and she was joined by Imeldas sister Eileen who will indeed be a bride herself in a few weeks so this was a practice run for her. Our own John O Shea kept the guests on the floor all night as they danced the night away. We wish Don and Imelda every happiness.

Beautiful Baby Boy.

We send our warmest congratulations to Seamus and Michelle Dunphy, Gortaclode and of course O Donnachas on the birth of their beautiful baby son. James Michael Dunphy is named after his two very proud grandfathers and what a fine strong Irish name it is you can tell already that he is destined for great things. I have no doubt that big sister Holly is willing and able to show him the ropes and teach him all the tricks of the trade in no time. We wish this happy little family every happiness in the future.

Tractor Run.

The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club will host their Tractor run on Sunday July 19th. They will leave from Haughtons carpark at 1pm sharp and take off on a nice leisurely spin. All proceeds on the day will go to The Solas Centre. If you require any further information please contact Pat Fitzgerald on 087-2216589.

Tidy Towns.

The people involved with the local Tidy Towns have contacted me and asked me to say a big thank you to those people who tidied up and cleaned up at the roundabouts and green areas. The next litter pick up will leave from the carpark of Ballyduff N.S at 6.30pm on Wednesday July 8th.

The Sweep area will be done again on Thursday July 23rd at 6.30pm.

Dr.Martin Day Care Centre.

I am sure that you aware of the brilliant work which is being done by the Dr. Martin Day Centre in Portlaw providing many facilities and services to the older people in our community and I know that many from the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas travel over to avail of these services. They are at the moment trying to fundraise to provide transport for people using the centre and they have come up with a great idea to raise some money.

As you know the 1 cent and 2 cent coins will soon be no longer in use so if you have some you can bring them along to the centre on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday or simply drop them in one of the collection boxes which are in local businesses in Portlaw. Support the “Cents For Transport” campaign.

 

In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in the southeast of Ireland, Ballyduff and Kilmeaden are about 23 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Waterford.