Guided walk, Communion Mass and Butterfly Barn

 

 

Spring Stations.

It is hard to believe that it is time for the Spring Stations already. The first of the station masses will be for the areas of Newtown, Cullinagh and Gortaclode on Wednesday February 25th at 8pm in the home of Paul and Helen Millea. On Thursday February 26th at 8pm it will be the turn of Ballygarron, Lisahane, Ardeenlone and Shanbally in the home of Tracy and Martin O Reilly.

The station mass is a lovely chance for neighbours to get together and pray for the intentions of their area.

Guided Walk.

The High Road Community Alert Group have organised a guided walk through the beautiful Curraghmore House Estate in Portlaw on Sunday March 1st. The walk will begin in the Main Square in Portlaw at 11.30am and all are welcome to come along. There is a €5 entry fee and children go free.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see for yourself this beautiful estate which is so steeped in history so come along and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Communion Mass

A huge well done to all the communion class in Ballyduff N.S who had the second of their special “Do This In Memory” masses last Sunday. They did a wonderful job again with the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. They are now busy preparing for their First Penance which will take place on Wednesday March 4th.

Butterfly Barn.

Unless you have been living under a rock you will know about the great success our local author Karen Power has been having following the release of her novel Butterfly Barn. Karen has been invited to Ardkeen Library this Tuesday February 24th at 7pm to read from her book and she will also hold a questions and answers session. All are welcome to attend and I am sure she would welcome some familiar faces.

Youth Drama.

Excitement is really building now as we draw nearer to the performance dates of the latest production from the Ballyduff Youth Drama. This years production of “Snow White and the eight lads” promises to be a funny and entertaining night to remember. The show will run for two nights on Friday March 20th and Friday March 21st in Garter Lane. Tickets are just €10 and are available from www.garterlane.ie or call 051-855938.

Irish Rural Link.

I have been asked to inform you all that Irish Rural Link in partnership with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are hosting a free seminar on the Future Energy Policy for Ireland in The Brandon House Hotel, New Ross on Friday February 27th at 9.30am. To book your place go to www.irishrurallink.ie or call Maria on 0906482744.

Choir News.

Our new adult choir are now busy rehearsing and it is great to see so many turn up. I am disappointed that I have other committments on the night they rehearse but I am trying my best to rearrange things because I am hearing great reports back. It is never too late to join so if you are interested please come along to the church on Monday nights from 8pm to 9pm and sing your little heart out.

 

Tidy Towns and Deise Greenway

 

High Road News.

A meeting of the High Road Community Alert Group will take place on Monday February 16th at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting.

Tidy Towns Appointment.

Our local tidy towns group are delighted to announce that Michael O Keeffe has been selected as the new Tus worker. Michael will be working and maintaining areas in the general Kilmeaden area. If there are areas which you are concerned about or feel need work please contact one of the following and they will pass the word on Leanne Kearns 086-8194328 or Sarah Walsh 086-1750370.

GAA Lotto.

There was no winner of the latest GAA lotto draw and the numbers drawn were 5, 17, 18 and 25. The three lucky dip winners of €50 each were Sarah Leahy, James Walsh and Renee Power. The next draw will take place on February 22nd in O Donnachas and there will be a fantastic jackpot of €11,000 up for grabs so get your ticket early. Tickets will be on sale all day on Saturday February 21st at Centra so put your thinking caps on and guess those four lucky numbers.

Community Centre News.

A second order is about to be placed soon for engraved bricks which will be put on permanent display in the community centre. Each brick costs €50 which includes up to two lines of text containing a maximum of 16 letters/ characters per line. Purchasing one of these bricks will see you become part of the history of the community and you will also be making a contribution to the ongoing fund raising efforts. To purchase a brick please contact Caroline Quinn on 087-2154981 or carolinequinn@live.ie The deadline for orders is February 27th.

If any of you out there have any ideas/skills or time to contribute to establishing weekly or monthly events in the community centre then you are asked to contact Alistair on 086-6063139. The committee plan to meet in the coming weeks to discuss options and requirements for our community.

Coffee Morning.

I recently hosted a coffee morning in Ballyduff Community Centre in aid of our local youth drama group. The youth drama group is made up of young people in 5th and 6th classes and is run voluntarily by Helen Millea, Eleanor Foley and Joan Cheasty. They are very busy rehearsing for this years show which will take place in March. As you all know there are many costs incurred in putting on a show and so that is why I decided to do something small to help because we as parents are very grateful for the confidence and pride our children get from being part of this group.

I was really overwhelmed by the support given to the coffee morning and raffle. It was a really lovely morning with great crowds turning up and plenty of chat and laughter filled the rooms. Of course we were spoiled by some of our top bakers in the parish who brought along an array of tasty treats for us to sample. I want to say a huge thank you to all who came along and all who donated money and raffle prizes and to all who baked and gave cakes. A huge thank you to Liam and David in the hall who were such a big help and finally I am very lucky to have a wonderful bunch of friends who never seem to tire of me asking for help and so to those who helped me set up, serve the teas etc and clean up after as well as baking too I thank you from the bottom of my heart and offer my services for your next event. Another fantastic display of community spirit and for a short mornings work we raised €510 so well done and thank you.

We will have details soon for you about the show and where to get your tickets so watch this space.

Deise Greenway.

The Waterford and Suir Valley railway is working closely with Waterford Council to ensure preparatory work including bridge surveys and site clearance work is carried out uninterrupted on the section of the Deise Greenway beside the railway. To facilitate the work the railway will not open for the February mid term and defer the usual season start date of April 1st. The railway will now open to the public with a full schedule from Friday May 1st 2015.

Although the railway say it is unfortunate that there will be a delay opening and they realise many families will be disappointed to miss the usual mid term and Easter activities it is a small sacrifice to make as in the long term the Deise Greenway will be a huge asset and a wonderful amenity on our doorstep when this section is finished in 2016.

 

Coffee Morning, Spring Stations and a Sad Goodbye.

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game from our local club are;

1st: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
2nd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
3rd: Sean Hennessy and Nano Fitzgerald.
4th: Margaret Power and Mary Prendergast.

Great Success.

We say a huge congratulations to local man John Kennedy of Carriganure who has once again been called up to serve on the 2015 Waterford Minor hurling team. John brought great dedication and committment to the team last year so it is no wonder that he has been recalled to take his place on the squad. We wish John every success and we join in his familys great pride at his achievements.

Coffee Morning.

A coffee morning will take place on Wednesday February 11th from 9.30am to 12 noon in Ballyduff Community Centre. This is to raise some funds for our local youth drama group who will stage their show in March. This group is run voluntarily by some local mammies and is an absolutely tremendous opportunity for young people to grow in confidence and self belief. Please come along and support while having a nice enjoyable cuppa and a chat and I can guarantee some very tasty treats. There will also be a raffle for some very nice prizes, tickets will be €2 or three for €5. I would really love to see you all but if by chance you cannot make it but would like to support please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

World Day Of The Sick.

Wednesday February 11th is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and is also World Day of The Sick. It is a special day to remember and pray for all our sick and to also thank God for the precious gift

of health. There will be a special mass on Wednesday night at 7.30pm in Ballyduff church to remember our sick. A special blessing will be offered to all during the mass and remember everyone gets sick from time to time so you do not have to be seriously ill to receive this annointing.

Spring Stations.

The Spring station masses will begin in a few weeks time so if you would like to host a station mass for your area then please text on your details to Fr.Mick on 087-9626618.

Ballyduff Brick.

A second order is being placed for engraved bricks which will be put on permanent display in the new Community Centre. Each brick will cost €50.00 and can include two lines of text containing a maximum of 16 letters/characters per line. When you buy a brick you will become part of the history of the parish and also help with the ongoing fund raising efforts. The deadline for orders is Friday February 27th so if you would like to purchase a brick please contact Caroline Quinn on 087-2154981 or at carolinequinn@live.ie

Calling Singers and Musicians!

A group of people met recently to discuss the possibility of starting up an adult choir. Rehearsals will now begin and a call is being put out to all singers and musicians to come along to rehearsals on Monday nights in the church from 8pm to 9pm. All are welcome to join whether you sing like Pavorotti or perform your own little concerts in the shower, you are welcome!

Bean Iontach

We said goodbye this week to one of the most remarkable women I have ever met. Joan Hayes of Ivy House left us at the young age of 94. Joan was one of the great characters of our community, a woman I loved to chat with as she was so interesting and could literally hold a conversation about anything. She took a great interest in parish life always getting involved and supporting her community. She had of course a deep faith and the church was a very important part of her life. She loved music and the Irish language but of course her greatest pleasure was to paint. Beautifully landscapes and country scenes adorned her walls and I loved staring at them nearly loosing myself into the scene. Her love of the outdoors and Gods creations was clearly evident in the tender way she looked after her garden and her beloved ducks and hens.

She did of course know tragedy and sadness in her life loosing her husband Roger and then the sudden and tragic loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth just 4 years ago. She showed tremendous strength of character as she bore her cross as best as she could and with the love and support of her family, great neighbours and friends she battled on like the true champion she was. We offer our deepest sympathy to her son James, his wife Anna and her trully beloved grandaughter Aine who lit up her life greatly. We shall never forget Joan and we sincerely pray that she is now reunited with her loved ones and will enjoy the peace of heaven. Is Feidir Si A Chuid Eile I Siochain.

 

Grandparents day, coffee and a catch-up

Bridge News.

The results of the latest bridge game are as follows:

1st: Nano Fitzgerald and Geraldine McMahon
2nd: Mary Kennedy and Ann Marie Brown.
3rd: Kate Hayes and Sean Hennessy.
4th: Mary Prendergast and John Fitzpatrick.

GAA Lotto.

Our local GAA club held their first lotto draw of 2015 last week and the numbers drawn were 8, 11, 15 and 21. There was no winner of the jackpot but the three lucky winners of €50 each were Kathleen Power, Pat Aulsberry and John Aulsberry/John Power. The next draw will take place in O Donnachas on Sunday February 8th and will have a fantastic jackpot of €10,850.

Tickets cost just €2 or three for €5 and are available from club members and will be on sale at Centra on Saturday February 7th. If you’re not in you can’t win.

Grandparents Day.

Our local national school marked National Grandparents day beautifully last Wednesday when they invited all the grandparents of the pupils to a special mass in which the children sung hymns and read poems and prayers. They were all then invited to come for a little tour of the school with some of the 6th class pupils acting as excellent tour guides. It was then on for a nice cuppa and a biscuit or two and of course the chat flowed freely. It was an absolutely lovely way to celebrate the day and everyone really enjoyed it. Grandparents play a huge part in childrens lives and it was a lovely way to honour them.

Coffee Morning.

I am organising a coffee morning on Wednesday February 11th in Ballyduff Community Centre from 9.30am to 12 noon. This is to raise some money for our local youth drama club who will stage their show in March. As we know there is a big cost in staging an event like this and so that is why I decided to try to help. The drama club is an excellent facility for the young people who gain such great self confidence and self esteem. You see children who may be shy or a little self confident come alive and shine on the stage. All they need is a chance and we as parents are very grateful to those who give their time and energy freely to run this club.

Please come along for a cuppa and a chat and some lovely treats and I will also be running a raffle for some lovely prizes. Tickets will be €2 or three for €5 so if you cant make the coffee morning but would like to support it in some way please let me know.

Church News.

The setting up of a new adult choir is underway at the moment and so I hope to have more news on this next week so watch this space.

As some of you may know I look after the readers rotas for masses. We like to involve the family of whoevers anniversary mass is taking place at the weekend masses but sometimes families do not want to read or the mass may not be booked for anyone and this is when I revert back to the readers rota. If you would be up to reading at mass and would like to place your name on the rota then please contact me Linda Spillane on 087-9838392.

 

Bridge, Community Centre and more.

Bridge News.
The results of the latest bridge game are as follows:

1st: Joan Whelan and John Fitzpatrick.
2nd: Peggy Murphy and Ann Cox.
3rd: Joan Hartery and Geraldine McMahon.
4th: Sean Hennessy and Michael O Donovan.

Community Centre Ideas.
As you all know our newly refurbished community centre is now up and running with lots of space and scope for some fresh and fun activities. Do you have ideas, skills or time to contribute to starting up some new classes,activities or programmes? If so please get in contact with Alistair Shute on 086-6063139. The hall committee would like to establish weekly or monthly events in particular for the senior residents in our area. They plan to meet over the coming weeks to discuss options and requirements required for our community.

Bingo Time!!
Have you been brushing up on your bingo skills in time for Ballyduffs bingo night. A fun and socialable game of bingo will take place on Tuesday January 26th at 7.30pm. Entry is €5 which includes refreshments. It is hoped to run this bingo game on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Come along and enjoy a night of fun.

Communion Mass.
Congratulations to all the pupils from 2nd class in Ballyduff N.S who celebrated the first of their Do This In Memory special preparation masses last Sunday in Ballyduff. The children did a wonderful job taking part in the prayers of the faithful and the offertory procession. I’m sure their teacher Mrs.Brennan is very proud of them all.

Tesco Tokens.
I have been asked to remind you all that if you are shopping in Tesco Ardkeen over the next few weeks not to forget to ask for your special blue tokens. Ballyduff Community Centre have been lucky enough to be chosen as one of three local groups to benefit from the Tesco Community Fund. So please place your token in the Ballyduff Community Centre slot.

New Choir.
Some people from the parish have decided to set about starting a new choir to sing at weekend masses. This adult choir will consist of male and female members and a meeting is scheduled for Monday February 2nd at 7.30pm in the church. This will be a simple meet and greet meeting to see what interest there is and hear peoples thoughts. If you are interested in joining please come along and maybe encourage a friend to come along too.

A Lady True and True.
We are all shocked and saddened when news broke of the death of Mary Kiely, Ballyduff. Mary was a gentle, loving woman who lived a nice quiet life enjoying the simple things in life. You were never left in any doubt about how much she loved and adored her family. Mary and Fintan loved to be in each others company and liked nothing more than to sit and chat to one another. Their daughter Colette was of course their pride and joy and Marys eyes would light up as she spoke about her. Apart from Fintan there was of course another young man who stole Marys heart and that was her grandson Jack. He was the apple of her eye and she trully adored him.

Mary loved life and everything about it. She never asked for any fame or fortune, she loved a spin out to Tramore or into town to rummage through the shelves of the discount shops. A coffee and a chat was high on her list of favourite things to do and of course she was a huge fan of our very own John O Shea on Wlr, she never missed his show and John always made sure he played a special request for her. Her faith was unshakeable and all those who were sick or troubled were always in her prayers.

I had the honour of calling to Mary regularly and I can honestly say that I will really miss her. Mary loved to have a chat and as any one who knows me knows , I’m never one to walk away from a chat. Her bright smile, her caring nature, her love for all around her these things never make the news headlines but in mind if we all followed this example, what a wonderful world we would live in.

Rest gently Mary your work here is done, we pray you are now rewarded for your kindness. Ar dheis De go raibh si.

Toddler Group, Bingo & more

Bridge News.
The results of the latest bridge game played by Ballyduff/ Kilmeaden Bridge Club are as follows:

1st: Teresa Phelan and Ann Marie Brown.
2nd: Kate Hayes and Nano Fitzgerald.
3rd: Mary Kennedy and John Fitzpatrick.
4th: Ann Cox and Kathleen Collins.

Parent and Toddler Group.
As I have mentioned in the past the Ballyduff/ Kilmeaden Parent and Toddler group meet in Ballyduff Community Centre every Friday morning from 10am to 12 noon. This is a perfect opportunity for new parents or people who have moved in locally to get to know people and the children love meeting new friends to have a play with. You can drop in for a few minutes or a few hours whatever suits you best.

The popular Gymboree morning will return to the Toddler group on Friday January 23rd so why not drop in and join in the fun. There’s nothing better than a little singing and dancing.

Eyes Down!!!
Ballyduff Community Centre committee will host Community Bingo in Ballyduff Community Centre on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This bingo will begin on Tuesday 27th of January at 7.30pm. The cost will be €5 which will include refreshments. Lots of you have been asking me if I knew when this was starting so I expect you to get your legs eleven up to the community centre and get your eyes down for a game of bingo.

Token Time.
Ballyduff Community Centre was lucky enough to be chosen as one of three local groups to be in with a chance to benefit from the Tesco Community Fund. For six weeks running from Monday January 12th if you do your shopping in Tesco Ardkeen make sure you ask for your token and pop it into the Ballyduff Community Centre redevelopment fund and don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and family.

 

Ballyduff GAA.
Our local GAA club were delighted recently with the turnout for their medal presentation night. They would like to say a huge thank you to Tony Browne who presented all the medals to players from the academy up to U15. There was success in the Roanmore Tournament, City League, U 14 County Hurling and U 15 Eastern Hurling. We can all be proud of our club who have enjoyed success every year since 2008. None of this would be possible without the dedication and commitment of the players, coaches, committee and parents so a well deserved pat on the back to you all.

A huge thank you and well done to all who made sandwiches and cakes for the night and the ladies who served tea and coffee and cleaned up after the night.

Nollaig na mBan, GAA, Bridge

GAA Juvenile AGM.
Ballyduff GAA club will hold the AGM of their juvenile section on Friday January 16th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre . All are welcome to attend this meeting.

Bridge News.
We welcome back the Ballyduff/Portlaw bridge club after the Christmas season and wish them all the best of luck in this New Year. The results of their first game of 2015 are as follows:

1st: Mary Flynn and Helen O Shea.
2nd: Margaret Power and Aileen Stephenson.
3rd: Patsy Roche and Kathleen Collins.
4th: Ann Kennedy and Anna Harney.

Communion Preparation.
It is hard to believe that we are already speaking about Holy Communion preparations but as we all know too well time goes by very fast. The children of 2nd class will make their First Penance on Wednesday March 4th and their First Holy Communion on Saturday May 9th. As in previous years a series of special preparation masses will take place in the coming months and the first of these will take place this Sunday January 18th at 10am. The children will take part in the mass by reading the prayers of the faithful and bringing up the gifts and some parents will read. This is a lovely way for the children to feel part of their community mass and I know they are really looking forward to it.

Shop For Tokens.
Ballyduff Community Centre are lucky enough to be chosen as one of three local groups picked by Tesco Ardkeen to be part of their Tesco community fund. So for six weeks starting from Monday January 12th when you do your shopping in Tesco Ardkeen make sure you remind them to give you a token which you then bring to the fund box and please pop it into the Ballyduff Community Centre slot. Spread the news to your friends and relatives.

Nollaig na mBan.
On Saturday January 3rd women of every age gathered together in Ballyduff Community Centre to celebrate Nollaig na mBan. This is traditionally a time when the ladies take a well deserved rest following the hustle and bustle of the Christmas preparations, cooking and entertaining. It is a time when the men in the family say ” sit back and let us treat you to some pampering in thanks for all your hard work”. This was certainly the case in Ballyduff as the ladies arrived into a beautifully decorated hall with candles flickering and the soothing sound of Michael Buble in the background ( unfortunately he was unable to attend himself but I’m sure he was there in spirit). As we took our seats our waiters for the evening Marc O Neill, Paddy Hennebry, William Harrington, Fergus Dunne, Micky Joe Morrissey, Paul O Shea, Keith Norris, Colman Power, Sean Lyons, Tommy Keegan and Alan Dempsey floated around making sure everyone was comfortable and that all our coats were taken care of. Our chef for the evening was the very talented Eamonn Reade and he treated us to a wonderful feast of chicken korma or lasange followed by apple pie or trifle. Empty plates went back to the kitchen where the men broke out the fairy liquid and got busy with the wash up. A huge well done must go to our chef and waiters who looked after us with care and attention and really entered into the fun of it all even taking on some fun dares we set for them hoola dancing to modelling a lovely shade of lipstick.

A fabulous raffle was held with some fantastic prizes on offer including a beautiful piece of artwork donated by local artist Lupita De Bhaill. As the tables were cleared back it was time to get the serious business of dancing under way and D.J Ricky O Brien treated us to hits from the past and present. The floor was full at all times with everyone thoroughly enjoying the fun.

I have to say I really enjoyed this night and have heard nothing but praise from everyone who went with all of them saying that they cant wait for next year. It was lovely to see all ages there, ladies who have lived here for many years, ladies who have moved into our area in recent years all join together and enjoy good company and many a laugh.

The committee of Siobhan Walsh, Sarah Walsh, Martha Fitzgerald, Marie Reade, Joan Stephenson, Isabel O Neill, Mary Power and Linda Spillane would like to thank everyone who attended for making this night such a success. We would also like to thank the News and Star and The Munster Express for sending their photographers. A fantastic amount of €2,278 was raised for Ballyduff Community Centre so well done to you all and roll on next year.

 

Mass Bookings, Christmas Thanks.

Mass Bookings.
In recent weeks we took the bookings for the anniversary masses for the weekend masses during January, February and March and there are still some dates available. If you would like to book a mass for a loved one during these months then please give a ring to Linda on 051-399925 or 087-9838392.

Christmas Thanks.
It was lovely to see such big crowds at the Christmas Eve and Day masses. Fr .Mick welcomed everyone especially those who had travelled home for Christmas. He reminded us to be aware of people around us who for one reason or another were not looking forward to the holiday season. Perhaps they were suffering from a sickness, bereavement, loneliness or other problems. He reminded us that sometimes the nicest gift can be a visit, a phone call, a simple hug.

During the Christmas Eve mass we were treated to a beautiful nativity play by some local children and this truly displayed the true meaning of Christmas. A huge well done to all the children who performed to perfection and to Joan, Christine and Isabel for arranging and directing it all. Thanks also to Christine who led the singing and James and John for providing such excellent music.

During both masses Fr.Mick said a big thank you to everyone who helps in the church every week of the year and without whom the church would not run so smoothly.

Juvenile AGM.
Ballyduff GAA club will hold their Juvenile section AGM on Friday January 16th at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Tragic News.
Our whole community was shocked and stunned this week when news spread of the sudden death of John Bran Walsh. John was a hardworking family man who lived a quiet life with his wife Alice on their farm where they raised 4 sons and 3 daughters. John had a great love and passion for the land and livestock. He loved farming so much that when he would have his own jobs done nothing gave him greater pleasure than heading off to the farm of his true and loyal friend Roger Shanahan to help him out. John also loved a game of cards so I am sure there is a great game going on up in heaven as we speak, I could nearly name a few who are joining in.

The family can be very proud of the funeral mass they prepared making sure readings, prayers, offertory gifts and music was symbolic for them. The large crowd who attended is a testament to the respect people had for John. We send our deepest sympathy to Alice and the children and the grandchildren and also to Johns sisters and brother. We know that your hearts are broken and we offer our support to you all. John and Alice raised their children to be hardworking, loyal and respectful and I know they will value these qualities and pass them to their children. We as a community share your grief and pray for you all. May the soil rest gently on him and may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Notes Contact.
As we start into the new year let us share the happenings of our community with others. If you are a member of a local club or organisation and want to let people know about your activities, then I have the answer. Also why not let people know if you have had a birth, a wedding, an engagement, a birthday or indeed any news, how I hear you ask?? Contact your local friendly local notes writer Linda Spillane on 051-399925, 087-9838392 or spillanelinda@eircom.net or drop in she loves visitors.

New Year Wishes.
As the writer of these notes I sincerely want to wish each and every one of you the very best for 2015. I hope you all enjoy good health, lots of laughs and the love and friendship of family and friends. We all know that hard or sad times will come to some of our doors and if they do then I hope you find the comfort and support you need.

I never really make new year resolutions but I try each year to be a little bit better than the year before so by the time I hit 100 I will be wonderful. So if you can be a friend to someone then do so, if you have the ability or talent to help in your church or community then do so, if you can simply listen, offer a hand or give a hug then do so.

All we can do each year is our best,
By doing this, we surely pass any test.
For life it is about taking chances,
Love and friendship are lives enhancements,
May everyone I meet each day,
Be touched by something I do or say.
So when indeed my time is done,
May people say she wasn’t so bad,
I’m sorry she’s gone!!!

 

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.