Coffee Morning.

The annual coffee morning in aid of the Alzheimers Society will take place on Thursday May 7th and we here in this parish will have our chance to support this very worthwhile cause. Our coffee morning will take place in Ballyduff Community Centre on Thursday May 7th from 9.30am to 12 noon. This is always a lovely morning with some of the finest bakers in the parish providing tasty treats for the occasion so get yourself there early.

Unfortunately Alzheimers is all too common now and affects many families so all we can do is our best by supporting events like this to ensure that vital services are maintained in our area and that imrovements are catered for.

I look forward to seeing you there but if you are unable to attend please pop your donation into an envelope and give it to me and I will make sure that my good friend Niamh Larkin who hosts this event gets it.

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Field Day.

Our neighbours in Kill have asked me to let you know that the Sean Lodge Classic and Vintage Group will host a charity field day on Sunday May 10th starting at 12 noon. There willbe a vintage display, a country market, bouncy castle, threshing demonstration, BBQ and much much more. Your MC will be John O Shea and there will be live music from Teddy and Cathal Barry and Bachelor Boys. Kill Harriers will have a jumping competition beforehand at 10am. Admission is just €5 and all money raised will be divided between the local Red Cross and The Theresa Heffernan Mulcahy Fund.

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Television Debut.

As you are all well aware our local author Karen Power has been going from strength to strength and her fabulous novel has now been read in all corners of the globe. Recently the Nationwide crew came to Kilmeaden to interview Karen and find out more about the girl behind the author, her family and her inspiring story of self publishing. I am delighted to tell you that this programme will be aired on Friday May 8th at 7pm so have the kettle boiled or set the record and enjoy a little local scenery.

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Soccer Camp.

Ballyduff Soccer Club will host their soccer Summer camp this year from Monday July 6th to Friday July 10th from 10am to 2pm daily. The cost is €45 for the first child, €35 for the second and the third of a family goes free. If you are interested contact PaddyKirk

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Clean Up.

A few people have asked me to say a big thank you to those members of the council etc who did a clean up of all the overgrown shrubs and weeds on the walkway at the top of Matthews Cross recently. This walkway is used by many people as a nice little safe walk or it is lovely to walk over there with children or leave them cycle their bikes safely without the worry of traffic.

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Holy Communion.

We wish the very best to the 25 boys and girls from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who will make their First Holy Communion on Saturday May 9th at 11am. We hope that the Lord will send his sunshine and that each child has a trully memorable day. All are welcome to attend this beautiful ceremony.

 

Pharmacy Raffle.

A recent raffle held in Kilmeaden Pharmacy in conjunction with Daffodil Day raised a wonderful sum of €130 and the organisers would like to thank all who supported it. The winner of the delicious Easter egg was Mrs. Ellen Prout, Whitfield and we hope she enjoyed her prize.

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Gaa Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 4, 11, 14 and 28. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Don Doyle, Pat Power and Annie Gahan. The next draw will take place on May 3rd in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €950.

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Bridge News.

The Portlaw/Ballyduff Bridge Club meet every Monday night in the meeting rooms in Kilmeaden Village Centre and the results of the game played on April 7th are as follows:

1st: Mary Flynn and Michael O Donovan.
2nd:Kate Hayes and Joan Whelan.
3rd:Margaret Power and John Fitzpatrick.
4th:Nano Fitzgerald and Sean Hennessy.

Presidents Day took place on April 19th and the results were:

1st: Mary Shanahan and Nano Fitzgerald.
2nd: Anna Harney and Margaret White.
3rd: Kate Hayes and Margaret Power.
4th: Mary Cummins and Breda O Donnell.
5th: Geraldine McMahon and Joan Whelan.
6th: Noreen Tubbritt and Nan Murrphy.
7th: Breda Murphy and William Tobin.
8th: Ann Tobin and Margaret Sweeney.
9th: Anne Kennedy and Celia Nugent.
10th: Monica Sullivan and Michael O Donovan.

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Community Centre News.

Three of the original board directors of the Ballyduff Hall Redevelopment group have now completed their 3 year term at the helm and have now been replaced by Colette Murphy , Marie Reade and Marc O Neill. We sincerely thank Alistair Shute, Patricia Latham and Carolne Quinn for the time, energy and committment they have given the project since day one, the parish indeed owes them a debt of gratitude. Thank you also to Tony O Leary who has kindly being helping out since the latter part of last year. The full board of directors is asfollows:

Chairperson: Declan Finn.

Secretary: Colette Murphy.

Treasurer: Mary Dunne.

Event Directors: Siobhan Walsh and Marie Reade.

P.R.O: John O Shea.

Maintenance Co-ordinator: Marc O Neill.

If you wish to book the hall for a meeting or an event please call 087-4487648.

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Mark Your Diary.

Jot a note in your diary for Thursday May 7th from 9.30am to 12 noon for the annual Alzheimers Coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre. This is always a lovely morning and one I look forward to every year. Unfortunately we all know someone who is affected by Alzheimers and so it is important we make sure all the facilities they need are accessible to them . Don’t worry I will remind you all again next week.

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Bluebell Festival.

On Sunday May 3rd Curraghmore Estate in Portlaw will play host to the Bluebell Festival with the proceeds on the day going between Curraghmore Estate and SERT(South East Radiotherapy Trust).SERT is a voluntary organisation which aims to transport cancer patients requiring radiotherapy as part of their treatment from their homes to the radiotherapy centres in either Cork or Waterford free of charge.

Gates will open at 11am and a fun filled day for all the family is promised. Admission is €10 for adults, OAP/Students €5 and under 12’s are free.There are many attractions on the day including a tour of the gardens including the shell house every hour. Vintage tea on the lawns with the Irish Historian costumes on display. Waterford Hunt will be on display, spinner, kids activities, carousel, amusements, Dog show and birds of prey. In the courtyard many stalls will be set up and there will be musical entertainment throughout the day. Come along there really is something for everyone. For more information log on to their facebook page.

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Graveyard Mass.

Another date to mark in your diary is our annual graveyard mass which will take place on Wednesday July 15th at 7.30pm. Please spread the word to people in other areas who like to attend this mass.

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Stars In Your Eyes.

What a night is all I can say! People are talking non stop about this night. This sell out gig had people beaming from ear to ear all night. We had a lot to live up to following the success of our previous productions of the fashion show and Nollag na mBan and I believe that we once again gave people a well arranged, professionally run event. I must say that I really enjoy working with this group of women on these one off events because it is literally all hands on deck and everyone gives 110%.

The job of sound and lights was left in the hands of the expert duo James and Christine Tubbritt and everyone was left dumbfounded and astounded. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Our choreography and act preparation was handled by the talented Clare Bowman, the girl who never stops smiling and so puts everyone at ease.

The gifted Marc O Neill made sure our stage was in top shape and we also thank the TUS workers Liam and David who had the hall painted in record time.

Our MC on the night John O Shea did a fantastic job as always and Declan Finn gave a fabulous welcome and thank you speech. Our three judges Tony Coffey, Lupita De Bhail and Gerry Walsh for giving their time.John Carey did a brilliant job on individual videos of the acts. Mags Murphy for the wonderful make up.

A huge thank you goes to our 14 acts who put themselves out there and really got into the spirit of the event, some have been spotted still wearing the costumes this week. Our overall winner on the night was Eamonn O Leary who performed as Colm CT Wilkinson.His performance of Bring Him Home received a standing ovation and he was accompanied on stage by Ava Spillane playing the harp.

I believe this night will be remembered for a long time and am delighted to announce that the amount raised was €3255.00 and so on behalf of myself Linda Spillane, Isabel O Neill, Mary Power, Marie Reade, Siobhan Walsh, Martha Fitzgerald, Joan Stephenson and Clare Bowman we would like to thank each and every one of you who supported the event and made it such a success. Whats Next????? Watch This Space!!!!

 

Kilmeaden Tidy Towns.

With the onset of Summer we are eager to brighten up our lovely village. There are key areas of concern in the parish which need to be addressed and proposals of ongoing structural works to be decided. We would urge as many of you as possible to attend our next meeting which will take place on Wednesday April 29th at 8pm in the Village Bistro. It is important that all areas of the village are represented.

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Birthday Girl.

We send warmest birthday wishes to well known local lady Helen Millea, Newtown who recently celebrated her 50th birthday in style with her twin sister Anne. The girls partied the night away and everyone had a great time. We hope Helen and Anne enjoy lots more happy birthdays.

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Baby Boy.

Congratulations to Kevin and Mairead Gooney on the birth of their son Matthew recently. Poor Mairead will be surrounded by men as Matthew has two big brothers John and Luke ready to show him all the tricks of the trade. We wish this happy little family the very best for the future.

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Hurling News.

A reminder to you all that the academy hurling has now begun for Under 6’s in Kildermody on Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am. Under 8’s also train at the same time.

The Kelloggs GAA Cul Camp will come to Ballyduff from June 29th to July 3rd. To book on line please log onto http://www.kelloggsculcamp.gaa.ie

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A Day To Remember.

I was really delighted to be able to attend the ordination of our new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Bishop Cullinan last week. The sun shone brightly as we all entered the spectacular cathedral and from start to finish we were treated to a beautiful ceremony full of joy,hope, and friendship. There were many highlights throughout the ceremony but the one which sticks out in my mind was when our new Bishop and his 9 brothers and sisters got up to sing the responsorial psalm together. During the ceremony I sat beside Ollie and Kathleen Harris who must have been bursting with pride as they watched their son John play such an important role in the ceremony. It was great to see a Ballyduff man play such a huge part in the event.

Following the ceremony we were all directed out to the WIT where we were treated to a lovely meal. It was piping hot and delicious to taste . I really enjoyed the day and was delighted to have the opportunity to go.

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Drop a Note.

If you would like me to cover an event or anything in these notes please contact me on 051-399925 or 087-9838392 or drop me an email at spillanelinda@eircom.net

 

Easter Ceremonies.

A huge well done and thank you must go out to everybody who helped in any way during the Easter Ceremonies. There are many extra little jobs which need to be looked after around Easter time and we are very lucky here in our parish to have some wonderful people who step up to take care of these things. In fact these people keep things running all year. These people volunteer their time and talent for the good of their community and if you think you could spare some time why not take a look on our parish website ballyduffparish.com and take a look at all the parish teams which are in place and always welcome fresh help.

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Stars In Their Eyes.

The week of the show has finally arrived and the place is buzzing. As I write these weekly notes I am just home from rehearsals and wow the competition is really hotting up. There are hips swaying, knees knocking and that’s before the music even starts! Many people have told me that they intend to stay in character throughout the week so keep an eye out and see if you can spot any of them.

This night promises to be full of entertainment, fun and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. There are sights up on that stage that I never thought I would see and people who swore their singing days were over until that is they were given the chance to perform as their idol. Tickets for this event cost €15 and are selling like hotcakes. Tickets need to be prebooked and paid for and you can do so my calling the lovely Marie Reade on 089-4348844. The price of the ticket includes your entry, a voting card and some delicious refreshments at the interval. This promises to be a night to remember with all money raised going to our community centre redevelopment fund.

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Parent and Toddler.

A reminder to you all that our local Parent and Toddler group meet every Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon in Ballyduff Community Centre. This Friday April 17th is gymboree day so why not come along with the little people in your life and have some fun while making new friends.

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Our Little Lady.

We are all feeling over the moon this week in my family following the safe arrival of my precious little niece. Lily Rose O Sullivan has now arrived home to her home in Matthews Cross and her parents Neil O Sullivan and Liza O Neill are overjoyed and thrilled to have her home. Grandparents Noel and Nancy and Leonard and Peggy will be on hand to babysit as will all her aunties and uncles. We are all so happy to have her home in Matthews Cross and look forward to being part of her life.

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Do This In Memory.

It is hard to believe that the children of the First Holy Communion class will have the last of their special Do This In Memory masses this Sunday April 19th. They have been preparing wonderfully for their First Holy Communion which will take place on Saturday May 9th at 11am

 

Stars In Their Eyes.

There is a huge buzz about the place in the build up to Stars In Their Eyes which will take place in the community centre on Saturday April 18th. Everywhere I go people are stopping me to tell me that they have seen video cameras following people around the green in Ballyduff!!!They have seen people they have known to be nearly bald suddenly showing a lovely flock of curls and strange dance routines steps have been heard through the walls of local establishments. I can reveal that I am a committee member and I know everything that is going but I was forced to sign a secrecy pact and if I leak any information I dread to think where I will end up!!!

There is only one way to find out the real truth: you need to make sure you get your ticket early. Tickets are priced at €15 which includes refreshments and a voting card. You can book your ticket with Marie on 089-4348844 so do yourself a favour and book early. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed and there are some sights that believe me you do not want to miss.

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New Choir.

Our newly formed adult choir had their debut performance recently and everyone agreed it was a lovely addition to the mass. The lovely mix of male and female voices blended nicely together and they chose some beautiful hymns which we the congregation could join in with.

The choir meet each Monday night in the church from 8pm to 9pm and all are welcome to come along.

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Parent and Toddler Group.

Our local Parent and Toddler group will meet in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to noon on Friday April 10th. This is a lovely chance for people to get to know each other and the children adore the fun they have making new friends.

A date for your diary is Friday April 17th when a gymboree will be held at the group and this is always very popular with parents and children alike. Come along and join in the fun.

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Holy Week Ceremonies.

Fr. Mick has asked me to say a huge thank you to all who helped in any way during the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies. There are a number of extra jobs which need to be done around this time and I am sure Fr. Mick realises how lucky he is to have so many people at is disposal to help. May the Lord continue to bless them all.

 

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 13,17,20 and 22. The three lucky winners of €50 each were David and Dean Murray, John O Donnell and Dermot Murray. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on April 5th and will have a jackpot of €650 on offer. Tickets cost just €2 or 3 for €5 and are available from committee members and will also be on sale on April 4th outside Centra in Kilmeaden. Pick your four lucky numbers and hopefully your luck will be in.

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Clean Up Thanks.

The High Road Community Alert Group have asked me to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came along to help at the recent Spring clean up of the area. The weather on the day was perfect for the job and the large number of local residents did a brilliant job removing every bit of litter from the area. Special thanks to Greenstar who supplied a skip for the rubbish and also to Waterford Council who provided the cleaning materials.

It is sad to say that the majority of the rubbish was made up of packaging from snacks, takeaways and drinks obviously thrown out by passing motorists. Maybe if they slowed down and took in the beauty of the area they may realise how easy it is to bring your litter home with you and keep the countryside looking so scenic.

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Stars in their Eyes.

Excitement is certainly building for Stars in their Eyes. Locals have been spotted in their kitchens singing into a banana! I was nearly blinded the other day in one house by the sparkle from sequins being sown onto a dress! Backing tracks are being recorded! Videos are being shot on location. This event has certainly captured the minds of people and the contestants are out to impress. Mark the date in your diary and watch out as tickets will go on sale very soon. April 18th is the date in Ballyduff Community Centre and tickets will cost €15 which includes entry, a voting card and refreshments.

There are already lots of enquiries about tickets so they are sure to go fast so watch this space for news of the release day.

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Youth Drama Show.

Ballyduff Youth Drama Group staged their show Snow White and the Eight Lads in Garter Lane recently and what a show it was. Each member of the cast gave it 100% and we the audience were treated to a fabulous nights entertainment. From the moment the show began you were hooked till the very end. My daughter took part so even though I was familiar with the script it didn’t stop me laughing hysterically on both nights. The main characters were chosen brilliantly as each actor/actress fitted their part perfectly. This show was full of brilliant acting, beautiful singing, energetic dancing and hilarious comedy but most of all it was full of fun.

Being in a show likes this gives these young people so much. They make new friends, grow in self confidence and learn about supporting others. We as parents are very thankful to Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty for running the drama group. We know they are all busy women but they still chose to give their time every Monday night to run the group and we salute them. Congratulations to all the young people who took part ye have done yourselves and your drama group proud and we as your parents are immensely proud of your fabulous achievement.

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Easter Wishes.

I would like to wish each and every one of you a very happy and peaceful Easter. I hope the children enjoy their time away from school and hopefully we will be blessed with some nice weather. Enjoy whatever treats the Easter bunny may bring you and I hope you have some egg-citing treasure hunts.

 

Mass Bookings.

The booking of anniversary masses for the months of April, May and June took place last weekend but there are still dates available. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one please contact Linda Spillane on 051-399925 or 087-9838392.

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Community Centre News.

The community centre committee would like to say a big thank you to all who supported their Easter Egg hamper raffle. €640 was raised and the committee are very grateful. The lucky winner of the hamper was Deirdre O Connor from Fan Glas and we hope she enjoys her lovely prize.

The next event to mark in your diary is a disco to kick off the Easter holidays from school. The disco will take place on Thursday March 26th from 6.30pm to 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. Grab your friends and come along for a boogie!!

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Paintball Trip.

Our local GAA club are organising a trip to the IPG Paintball on Good Friday. The minimum age for this trip is 14. If you are interested in going please contact Alan Dempsey.

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Football Training.

Girls football training has now resumed on Saturday mornings in the GAA pitch in Kildermody at 10am sharp. All girls aged 8 to 13 years are welcome to attend including those who turn 13 in 2015.

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Reconciliation Service.

With Easter just around the corner there is a need for us all to pull out all the stops to do the best we can for the glorious season of Easter. A reconciliation service will take place in our church on Tuesday March 24th at 7.30pm. This is open to everyone whether you are a church goer or not. Gods forgiveness is there for everyone.

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Holy Week Ceremonies.

The list of times for the Holy Week ceremonies are as follows:

Holy Thursday: We celebrate mass of the Last Supper at 7.30pm. This mass will include the washing of the feet with the pupils from the First Holy Communion class playing the role of the apostles.

Good Friday: Kissing of the cross, reading of the Passion and Holy Communion at 3pm and at 7.30pm the stations of the cross will take place.

Holy Saturday: Mass of the ressurection and the blessing of the Easter fire, candle and water at 9pm and we are also delighted this year to have a baptism during the mass too.

Easter Sunday: There will be morning mass as normal at 10am.

It is a good time Holy Thursday to return your Trocaire boxes, there will be a basket in front of the altar to place them in.

The Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish will be taken up during the Easter masses and you are asked to be as generous as possible. Fr. Mick and Fr. Richard have asked me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.

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Portlaw Parade.

I really want to say a big well done to all who organised and participated in the Saint Patricks Day parade in Portlaw. The sun shone beautifully as the array of clubs, businesses and organisations marched up Queen Street and back down Brown Street and then came to pass the viewing stage situated in the Square. A large number of people attended far more than was expected and they were not left disappointed. The sence of community spirit was abundant and as the musicians played from the stage people chatted and laughed in the sunshine. As you all know my dad is a Portlaw man and so I have grown up hearing him tell stories of parades gone by so it was nice to stand with him and my aunties watching the return of the Portlaw Parade after 30 years of an absence. Congratulations to all who were involved and we look forward to a bigger even better parade next year.

 

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses continue this week. On Thursday March 19th the mass for Raheen and Amberhill will take place in the home of Biddy Power at 8pm and on Friday March 20th it will be the turn of Carriganure Upper, Knockaderry and Carrigphilip in the home of Tom and Mary Phelan at 8pm.

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Community Alert Meeting.

The High Road community alert group will hold their next meeting on Monday March 23rd at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

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High Road Clean Up.

Following previous very successful clean ups, the next High Road clean up will take place on Saturday March 21st. All are welcome to come along to the meeting point which is the ESB entrance at 10am and please wear a high vis vest. Many chats and laughs while you work are guaranteed.

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GAA Lotto.

Great excitement at the lotto draw recently when the numbers drawn 2, 11, 15 and 17 proved to be the lucky choice of local man Donnacha O Fuarthain and he scooped the fabulous jackpot of €11,150. I spoke to Donnacha and Aedin during the week and they still can’t believe their luck. I hope it brings them lots of happiness and I’m sure Roisin, Padraig, Maebh and Diarmuid will give them lots of ideas on how to spend it.

The three lucky winners of €50 each on the night were Noel McCarthy, Teresa Hurley and Vincent Behan. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 22nd in O Donnachas and will have a jackpot of €500.

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Exciting Win.

Congratulations to all our local lads who were part of the St. Declans community college senior hurling team who beat St.Louis from Ballymena, Co.Antrim in the All Ireland Semi Final which was played in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Following some extra time the scoreline finished St.Declans 2-17 St. Louis 1-12. Roll on the All Ireland and hopefully a triumphant return.

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Eyes Down.

Get your legs 11 up to Ballyduff Community centre on Tuesday March 24th at 7.30pm for a nice social game of bingo. Any of you lucky enough to drive maybe have a little think of people on your way who maybe don’t have a lift but would like to get out and have a game and a laugh. Come along and join the fun.

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Break A Leg!!

We wish the very best of luck to all involved in Ballyduff Youth Drama who are all set to let loose their latest production “Snow White and the Eight Lads” They will take to the stage in Garter Lane on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st of March at 8pm. Tickets are on sale for just €10 from www.garterlane.ie or phone 051-855038. I know the young performers are really looking forward to giving you a great nights entertainment and fun. They have been working very hard at their rehearsals so come along and show your support, tickets are just €10.

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Mark your diary.

You remember the success of the Fashion Show and Nollaig na mBan well that committee have had their thinking caps on again and next on the agenda is Stars In Your Eyes. Many local familiar faces will get to act out their greatest wish and perform on stage as their musical hero. April 18th will see people gather to the community centre to see and hear some of the greatest musical acts of our time. I don’t want to give too much away all I can tell you is we have been stocking up on hairspray, fake tan, eyelashes and thats just for the male performers!! Watch this space for further news and when the tickets are released I suggest you get one early and soon you will hear our contestants say Tonight I’m going to be ?????????????????

 

Guided Walk.

The High Road Community Alert committee would like to say a big thank you to all who attended their guided walk through the beautiful Curraghmore estate. This very successful event was a great opportunity to see the estate and hear about its history. Why not take a look at the committees facebook page and see some of the lovely photos taken on the day.

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Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses are now well underway and on Wednesday March 11th the station mass for Powersknock, Blacknock and Carrigadustra will be in the home of John Skehan at 8pm. On Thursday March 12th it will be the turn of Stonehouse, Lacka Road and Whelansbridge in the home of Carol and Liam Casey at 8pm and on Friday March 13th the mass for Ross, Kildermody, Kilmagemogue and Carriganure Lower will be in the home of Gillian and Gerry Kennedy at 8pm.

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Mass Bookings.

If you would like to book an anniversary mass for a loved one during the months of April, May or June then booking will take place after the weekend masses on March 14th and 15th. If you have a first anniversary mass to book during those months please contact myself Linda Spillane (051-399925 or 087-9838392) before the bookings as you will be given preference of dates for a first anniversary mass and that mass will not be shared. However all other masses are shared. If you do not wish to share you will need to be present at the bookings do try to get the date you want and please state to the person taking the bookings that you do not wish to share.

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First Penance.

Congratulations to the boys and girls of 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who made their First Penance last Wednesday night. They decorated the church beautifully with their artwork and sang some beautiful hymns. You could hear their prayers said to perfection and I know that their teachers were very proud of them. This was another great occasion in the childrens lives and they are now preparing eagerly for their First Holy Communion which will be on May 9th.

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Trip To Lourdes.

Our local Lourdes committee would like to send two people from the area as part of the invalid section of the forthcoming annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. If you would like to nominate somebody please contact one of the following Noel O Sullivan, Eugene Power, John O Leary or Donal Daly.

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Drama Dates.

A reminder to you all that tickets are now on sale for Ballyduff Youth Dramas production of “Snow White & The Eight Lads” which will take place in Garter Lane on Friday March 20th and Saturday March 21st. Tickets cost just €10 and are available on www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855038. Don’t miss your chance to see this song filled magical journey with plenty of fun and laughter thrown in for good measure.

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Love in the Air.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to local lady Louise Mackey, Ross who has announced her engagement to Ian Doogue. Wedding arrangements are well underway and I know Louise will get plenty of help from her mother Maria and sister Deirdre to ensure the day goes perfectly. We wish Louise and Ian every happiness and wish them the very best for the future.

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Spring Has Sprung.

There are certainly lots of signs of Spring appearing around us. The daffodil blooms are popping up everywhere, baby calves and lambs are arriving to the world and our evenings are brighter for that little bit longer. It is most certainly my favourite season it always reminds me of hope and inspiration. I would like to share this little verse with you all if I may:

Love and laughter, whispers and smiles,
Gifts of kindness, all spread for a while.
Dancing leaves and flowers,
spreading their scented spell.
As Spring is here again,
with its magical dwell.
Smiling sun and moon,
spreading the music of life,
with bright colours of love,
flowing smoothly to survive.
Where sunshine brings hope,
with warm memories of Spring,
and touch the day with a smile,
to brighten everything.
Where colours play with magic
and show us a beginning new
that brings with it for all
joy and pleasure true.
For Spring is here again
with its scented spell
to bring life to the world,
with its magical dwell.

 

 

 

GAA LOTTO.

There was no winner of the latest lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 2, 3, 10 and 21. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sean Atkins, Daniel Power and Helen Power. The next draw will take place on Sunday March 8th in O Donnachas and will have a fabulous jackpot of €11,150. Everybody is trying to get their hands on this jackpot so get your tickets early and choose those numbers carefully.

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LITTLE LADY.

We are delighted to welcome a new little lady to our community. Baby Emily Counihan is the newest resident to the Lacka Road and her very proud parents Brendan and Una are thrilled with her safe arrival. Emily is of course a very lucky little girl because she has two wonderful big sisters Maebh and Ellen who are ready and willing to show her all the tricks of the trade and she also has a very handsome big brother Liam who has already mastered the art of charming the birds out of the trees. We wish this very special little family the very best of everything and look forward to watching them all growing up happy and healthy together.

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YOUTH DRAMA.

Ballyduff Youth Drama will present their 2015 production of “Snow White and The Eight Lads” on March 20th and 21st at 8pm in Garter Lane. They are delighted to present this well known fairytale as you’ve never seen it before. This song filled magical journey follows Snow White and her eight little friends, her loyal supporter Niall, her fearless protectors Graham and Norton and her wicked step mother who wants to be the most beautiful woman in Ballyduff. When she discovers through the talking mirror that she has competition she sets out to destroy Snow White but Snow White is deeply loved by the woodcutters, the eight lads and is guided to safety by the Forest Fairies. Will Snow White fulfill her hearts desire and find Prince Charming? You will have to drop along to the show to find out what happens. Tickets are selling fast so get ordering today on www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855038. At just €10 each you are in for a real treat.

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MUNSTER WIN.

Congratulations to all the lads from our parish who were part of the Saint Declans, Kilmacthomas team who won the Munster schools title in the Munster Senior Colleges Hurling final recently in Killeagh. The game ended with a score line of St. Declans 3-7 Blarney 1-8 and the team now go on to the All Ireland Semi Final in March. The future for Waterford hurling looks good with these guys displaying great skill and style. Well done lads and also to your parents who I know are your biggest fans.

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BRIDGE NEWS.

There has been lots of activity from our local bridge club who have been hosting their club championship. The results are as follows:

1st: William and Ann Tobin.
2nd: Anna Harney and Anna Ryan.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Ann Marie Brown and Mary Prendergast.
5th: Ann Cox and Joan Hartery.

First Session Winners were:
Margaret Power and Peggy Murphy and Nan Murphy and Margaret White.

Second Session Winners were:
Sean Hennessy and Kate Hayes.

Results from Monday February 23rd:

1st: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins
3rd: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon
4th: Marion Cleary and Margaret White.

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SPRING STATIONS.

The station mass for the areas of Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode will take place on Tuesday March 3rd at 8pm in the home of Paul and Helen Millea. On Thursday March 5th at 8pm it is the turn of Ballyduff East, Matthews Cross and Adamstown in the home of Karen and Michael Power and on Friday March 6th mass for Ballyduff Hill, Village and West will be in the church at 7.30pm.

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A  REAL GENT

Matthews Cross is certainly a poorer place this week following the death of one of its most popular residents Tom Kennedy. We were all numbed with shock at his sudden passing as were his many friends all over the county and beyond. The crowds of people who attended Toms wake and funeral mass was a true testament to the high regard in which he was held. Tom was first and foremost a true christian and his faith was of utmost importance to him. His true love Mary died just 18 months ago and Tom missed her dearly indeed after 49 years of wedded bliss together. His other love was of course the GAA and he was a staunch supporter of the Waterford hurling team and loved to travel to the matches. He was also a great gardener and kept his garden in perfect order. I think the only comfort we can draw from Toms sudden departure is that lovely thought of him being reunited with Mary because they were never meant to be apart so they can now tend to the gardens of heavens together. We shall miss you Tom from our road but we will never forget you. May yourself and Mary fly the Deise flag high and if you could sort out a few medals too we would be eternally grateful. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.