Local Notes: Airport news, birthday corner, soccer and GAA, active retirement and much more
Work has begun on the expansion of Waterford Airport runway
It is great to see Waterford Airport back on track, following investment from a US investor. All of Waterford and the South East will be looking forward to travelling from our own airport again next year. What a difference it will make for those travelling for business or pleasure. Wishing everyone involved the very best of luck.
A very happy 70th birthday is wished to Winnie Cleary, Glencarra, who recently celebrated her milestone birthday with family and friends. Best wishes are sent from all her family, especially her husband Jimmy, her children, grandchildren and many friends. A very happy birthday is also wished to Johnny Kane, Ardmore Park, who celebrated recently. Best wishes come from all his family and friends. Jade Reidy celebrated her birthday on Monday, May 25. Birthday wishes are sent from her nanny Helen Power, Ballybeg Court, and all her family and friends. A very happy 5th birthday is wished to Seán Kavanagh, Congress Place, who celebrated on Sunday, May 31. Best wishes come from his mam and dad, Gemma and Dermot, his sister Lexi, and all his family, especially his nanny and grandad Gay and Paul Kavanagh, his uncle Gerard and all his cousins.
Junior Infants and 1st Class from St Saviour’s NS enjoyed a great day out recently on their summer outing to Jurassic Newpark. Thankfully, none were eaten by the dinosaurs. Well done to the teachers who organised the trip.
Members of Edmund Rice Active Retirement Association enjoyed a wonderful lunch on Wednesday, May 21, in the Marina Hotel, with music and dancing provided by Nicky. It was a beautiful day and a very enjoyable occasion. The meal was excellent, and sincere thanks are extended to Chris and all the staff in the Marina for their hospitality and service. Happy birthday wishes are also extended to those members who celebrated recently, especially BB Carpenter, who marked her 70th birthday.
Mass times in St Saviour’s Church for this week: Weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) – 10am; Sunday – 8.30am, 11am and 5.30pm. Baptisms take place at 12pm each Sunday. To arrange, please contact the Parish Office. A week’s notice is required. The Parish Shop is open daily from 10am to 12.30pm. Contact details: Email: stsaviourspo@outlook.com or phone: 051 376032. Facebook: StSavioursBallybeg Fr Grant PP is available after Mass on Sundays to take bookings for Mass intentions and other pastoral needs.
Southend United nursery football for boys and girls takes place every Friday night. Ages 5 to 9 years, from 6pm to 7pm at a cost of €2 and all are welcome. Training for all other schoolboys and girls takes place on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.15pm to 6.45pm. The club’s Split the Pot fundraiser takes place at the end of each month. Tickets cost €10 and are available from any committee member.
Attention all children and parents in Ballybeg and surrounding areas — new members are very welcome. Are you looking for a fun and friendly introduction to sport for your child? St Saviour’s GAA are running weekly sessions including Saturday morning fun sessions with no charge and no equipment needed. Just come along and join in. It takes place in St Saviour’s National School Hall. For boys and girls born 2020, 2021 and 2022 (ages 4–6 in 2026) for one hour of fun, movement and basic GAA skills. Astro Pitch sessions for boys and girls born 2019, take place from 11am to 12pm. The club has also formed an U13 LGFA team and welcomes girls of that age to get involved.
The Gaelic for Mothers & Others 2026 season is back after a fantastic response last year. All women in the community are invited to take part. No experience needed and no pressure - just fun, great exercise and great company. A chance to build friendships on and off the pitch on St Saviour’s GAA Astro Pitch every Wednesday at 7.15pm. Bring a friend and come along — you won’t regret it.
If you have any information you would like included in these notes, email marian.murphy@hotmail.com
Submissions should be sent before Thursday each week.
The Annual Diocesan May Rosary Procession will take place on Sunday, May 31st, leaving Ballybricken Green at 3pm and proceeding to St. Saviour's Church (Dominican), Bridge Street, for the crowning of our lady. All are welcome, especially those children who received their first Holy Communion.
Ballybricken Church Cemetery Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 27th, at 7pm.
“The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Mons. Pat Fitzgerald welcomed all to Mass on May 10, to celebrate the dedication of the Jubilee Clock and thanked all parishioners, friends and neighbours, near and far, for supporting its completion on this auspicious day.
The committee did an amazing amount of work, from fundraising through to planning, erecting and designing this new landmark in our area. The John Paul II team did the readings, gifts and welcome as they now complete their time with us here in St. Paul’s. Fr. Pat expressed how much their presence over the year has been appreciated.
Jake Tubritt, a Scout and member of the John Paul Group, gave a heartfelt thank you to all. Having travelled on the Waterford and Lismore Youth Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Jake lit a candle there for all our parishioners who supported his trip.
Congratulations to the Presentation TY students who have successfully completed the St. John Paul II Award in St. Paul’s Parish. We are so proud of the commitment, generosity and leadership they have shown throughout the year through their volunteering at weekly Masses, participating in the choir, readings, offertory processions and many other parish activities. Their willingness to give their time and talents to support the parish community is a wonderful example of faith in action.
Well done to all involved on this fantastic achievement. A special thanks to Ms. Batan, Jane, Emma, Tim, Nuala and Monsignor Pat for their support. On Sunday May 24, Fr. Pat wished our two 5th Year students, Alessandra and Sasha-Leigh, the very best of luck as they prepare to travel to Lourdes as volunteers on the diocesan pilgrimage with St. Paul’s Parish. This is a wonderful opportunity to support and care for pilgrims while representing our school community with kindness, generosity and compassion.
A special thanks to Jane and Tim from the parish for their support, and to Ms. Batan and Ms. Phelan for their help with fundraising. We are very proud of both students and wish them a safe and rewarding journey.
Thank you to all parishioners and friends who supported our Service of Remembrance & Hope. A special thank you to the wonderful High Hopes Choir, who gave us great hope with their uplifting music and new original composition. Ger shared his story, touching every heart and lifting spirits.
Ríona spoke about the range of support services available, including counselling and a bereavement course each September. Vince outlined services for those experiencing addiction, offering support and solutions. Fr. Pat Fitzgerald gave an inspiring reflection, assuring all of a spiritual presence in the world around us. Pauline and Nuala shared poems offering comfort and solace to those who grieve. Pathfinders St. Paul’s created a colourful and striking ‘Welcome’ poster — well done! Thanks also to John for his help preparing the centre for the event. The South Eastern Family Support Network and St. Paul’s Parish thank you all for standing in solidarity with those who grieve.
Parishioners and friends are invited to write the names of loved ones on special cards, which will be placed in the Jubilee Clock in remembrance of those who have gone before us. Cards are available at the back of the church. Please return them to the collection box, Sacristy or Parish Office.
A fantastic day was held recently in Croke Park for the ‘Learning Together, Learning Communities, Learning Neighbourhoods’, event as part of Shared Ireland Funding.
Thank you to lifelong learner Nuala Colfer, John Hearne (Larchville/Lisduggan Residents’ Association) and Sarah Jane Duggan (community development worker, BuiÌon Phort Láirge) for representing the parish on a panel discussing the development of our first pilot Learning Neighbourhood.
We are proud that it has been recognised as a leading example locally and nationally, with the hope that this marks the beginning of many such initiatives across Waterford.
Highlights include: A visit from James Moroney (‘As I Am’), who delivered an excellent presentation on autism and neurodiversity; JCSP workshops with David from Oceans of Discovery, giving students insight into marine life; Erasmus+ job shadowing in Germany by Ms. Giyazove, building valuable international links; Success in the SETU diorama competition with creative, sustainable projects; TY and 2nd year students becoming published poets with Inspireland; TY students achieving Platinum Award status at Microsoft Dream Space. Well done to all students and staff involved.
The death occurred of Elizabeth (Anne) Barrett ( née: Moloney), Larchville, Waterford, on May 8, 2026. Anne passed away peacefully in the tender care of staff at University Hospital Waterford, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her parents Dolly and Laurence (Cha) Moloney, and siblings Pat, Eily, May, Josie, Kitty, Jeannette and Alice. She is sadly missed by her husband Paddy, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.
Medjugorje Mass: Wednesday, May 27 - Rosary at 7pm, Mass at 7.30pm, Edmund Rice Chapel; Aqua Aerobics Programme: From June 17, 9–10am, Kingfisher Club. Cost €36 (6 weeks); Waterford Garda Open Day: June 1, 1pm–4pm (quiet hour 1–2pm); Beach Wheelchair Scheme: Available at Clonea Beach via STEED app; Bereavement Meeting: Tuesday at 10.30am, Parish Centre; Pilgrims of Light: For ages 18–30, Mary Morning Star Friary; Cemetery Clean-up: June 1, 10am, Ballygunner; Annual Cemetery Mass: June 18 at 7.30pm.
Happy 60th birthday to John Kennedy — best wishes from all family and friends. Happy 11th birthday to Calvin — enjoy your special day!
Community Hero Congratulations to Patsy Halloran, recognised for his incredible commitment to the club since its foundation in 2002. His dedication, from maintaining the grounds to supporting teams, has been vital in creating a welcoming space for all.
Le Chéile Mentoring Volunteer mentors are needed in Waterford. Recent training with new volunteers in Dublin South highlighted just how valuable this experience can be. Volunteers consistently report gaining new perspectives, practical skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges young people may face.
Seeing new mentors complete their training is always a reminder that ordinary people can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life. Full training and ongoing support are provided. For more information, please contact info@lecheile.ie.
Pope Leo will publish his first encyclical on May 25, addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The document is titled ‘Magnifica Humanitas — On Preserving the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’.
In January, Pope Leo chose the theme “preserving human voices and faces” for World Communications Day on May 17. After praying the Regina Caeli on Sunday, he renewed his appeal “to cherish the gift of communication as the deepest truth of humanity”.
In his World Communications Day message, he stated: “By simulating human voices and faces, wisdom and knowledge, consciousness and responsibility, empathy and friendship, the systems known as artificial intelligence not only interfere with information ecosystems but also encroach upon the deepest level of communication — that of human relationships.” Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, he said: “In this era of artificial intelligence, I encourage everyone to commit themselves to promoting forms of communication that always respect the truth of the human person, on which every technological innovation should be focused.” The Pope has also approved the creation of an interdicasterial commission on artificial intelligence, which will address the ethical challenges of AI and its potential effects on human beings and on humanity as a whole.
Join us at the Bealtaine Living Earth Festival for a series of inspiring talks, workshops and discussions exploring sustainability, science and our environment.
Discover what rare earth minerals are and where the materials we use every day come from at ‘Why Mining Matters’, taking place on May 19 at 6.30pm in Ardkeen Library, Waterford. Meet local scientists during ‘Pint of Science’, a nationwide event bringing researchers and the public together for engaging conversations, questions and discoveries, on May 20 at 7pm in The Woodman Bar, Waterford. All events are free. For the full programme, visit www.livingearth.ie.
The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore is developing its Diocesan Adoration Lay Team to promote, expand and strengthen Eucharistic Adoration throughout the diocese. You are invited to attend a special information evening on Wednesday, May 27 at 8pm in Hotel Minella, Clonmel and Thursday, May 28 at 8pm in St. John’s Pastoral Centre, Waterford. Registration and light refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. Please register your name with your parish office or priest. For further information, contact brendaycleary2@gmail.com or 086 102 7411. Booking closes May 25.
Carrickphierish Library will host a Music and Dance Party featuring No. 1 hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s, with WLR’s John Keane, at 6.30pm on May 21. This is a free event; booking is essential. For bookings, please phone 051 849 696.
The Rosary will be prayed for Peace in the Whole World each Thursday evening for the month of May at 7pm, at the Grotto in Butlerstown Cemetery. All are welcome.
A Day of Reflection for all parish ministries in the diocese will take place at Glencomeragh House, Co. Tipperary on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 10.30am. The facilitator will be Frances Rowland from the Diocese of Kerry. All ministries are welcome to attend this special day. There is no cost to attend, but please bring a packed lunch. Places are limited, and booking is essential. To book, call 051 874 199 or email marydee@waterfordlismore.ie.
St. Joseph’s & St. Benildus’ & St. Mary’s Parish is calling on volunteers to take part in a community clean-up of St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, on Monday, June 1 (June Bank Holiday) at 10am. This tidy-up is being organised in preparation for the Annual Cemetery Mass.
