Local Notes: Carols by candlelight, have your say and family fun

Events and happenings from in and around the St John's Park/ Kilcohan areas
Local Notes: Carols by candlelight, have your say and family fun

The Annual Parish Carol Service takes place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning at 7:30pm. Stock Image.

Bereavement 

The death has sadly occurred on Friday, November 28, 2025, of Mr James O’Brien (Jimmy The Hoover), Avoca Drive, Avondale, Waterford. 

Formerly of Leamy Street, Late of Waterford Crystal. Predeceased by his loving parents, Mary and James O’Brien, daughter Mary O’Brien, brothers Michael and Laurence, sisters Anne, Stella and Patricia. 

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, son Kevin, daughter Bernadette, grandchildren Lorna, Conor, Josh and Luke, sisters Eileen, Mary, Dinah, Kathleen, Berna, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. 

James will be sadly missed by all his relatives, extended family, neighbours and friends. Requiem Mass took place on Monday, December 1, in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, Waterford, at 1pm, followed by burial in St Otterans Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh, Cork Road, Waterford. 

Condolences are extended to James' family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

 Bereavement 

The death has sadly occurred on Sunday, November 30, 2025, of Mr Paul Cunningham, St Ursula’s Terrace, Ballytruckle Road, Waterford. 

Formerly of Morrison’s Avenue, Late of Waterford Crystal, The Crystal City Bar and A-Class Cleaners. 

He is survived by his loving wife Carmel, sons Bernard and Paul, daughter-in-laws Alana and Lesley-Ann, grandchildren Leah, Jamie, Jack and Alice, brother-in-law Kevin, sister-in-law Debbie, dearest friend Joan, wonderful neighbours Kevin and Stacey, extended family and friends. 

Paul will be sadly missed by all his relatives, extended family, neighbours and friends. 

Requiem Mass took place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, on Saturday, December 6, at 10:30am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. 

Condolences are extended to Paul's family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Sacred Heart Parish Baptism Celebration 

We welcome David Michael Grabowy, Sophie Grace Hanrahan and Alan Junior (A.J.) Hanrahan into our Christian Community through Baptism. 

Please keep them, their parents and godparents in your prayers. Baptism enquiries / bookings please email: sacredheartparishinfo@gmail.com.

Carols by Candlelight 

The Annual Parish Carol Service takes place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning at 7:30pm. 

This is always a very special part of the preparation for Christmas, and we are hoping to have a full church for the event. 

All are welcome.

Advent Encounter For Young Adults 

Advent Reconciliation Service for Young Adults – a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Friday, December 19, in St John’s Church, Parnell St. at 8pm. 

A time of adoration, music, confession available, followed by food and chat! Aged 18-35. 

More info on: www.waterfordlismore.ie/youth-ministry.

Advent Penance Service 

The Advent Penance Service will be celebrated on Thursday, 18 of December 2025 at 7pm.

Little Nellie’s Baby Bank 

Little Nellie’s Baby Bank: A pro-life and pro-family charity serving local families, located at John’s Hill, Waterford. 

Volunteers wanted: two hours per week. Roles include: * Van Drivers: weekly two - hour delivery/ collection run (full licence). * Baby Bank/Shop: sort donations, prepare baby packs, help on the shop floor. Sign up today: phone Pamela on 085-8623705.

Christmas at Christ Church

Waterford Musical Society, in collaboration with Waterford Centre of Music, proudly presents Christmas at Christ Church- a heartwarming, festive concert, set in the stunning surroundings of Waterford's Christchurch Cathedral. 

Bathed in the warm, flickering glow of candlelight, the rich acoustics of this historic building and the festive sounds of two of Waterford's leading musical ensembles, the true spirit of Christmas will come to life in an evening of song. 

Featuring well-known, local performers, soaring choral arrangements and a children's choir from WCM Stage School that will touch the hearts of all. 

Christmas at Christ Church will be a beautiful evening of Classic Carols, Seasonal Favourites and Christmas Hits the whole family will love.

Tickets are €12.50 and available on Eventbrite. 

Have Your Say

The Department of Education is currently conducting a Primary School Survey that will determine the future provision of Primary Schools and could lead to lasting changes in your school. 

In simple terms, parents and guardians are being asked if they want their school to stay a Catholic school or if you want that to change. Have your say before 16 December. 

Celebrate Family Time at Your Library

Storytime and monster Doodle in Central Library on Saturday, December 13. The monster doodle will be out all morning from 10am to 1pm and the Storytime will begin at 10:30am. Bring your little ones for an interactive, fun storytime.

Butler Community Centre 

Golden Girls Aerobic Fitness:  Golden Girls aerobics Fitness in Butlers Community Hall €6 pay-as-you-go on Mondays from 10.15am – 11am Circuit training: All levels class that includes exercises to increase strength and improve coordination. 

Fitness and memory retention in a fun, non-intimidating environment. 

On Wednesday from 11am – 11.45am chair exercise class: low impact fitness class geared to Active Adults 50+. 

Great class for those who wants to improve bone density, cardio fitness, balance to stay strong, mobile and independent. 

On Fridays from 11am – 11.45am, a gentle pilates class combines very gentle mat Pilates exercises for over 50’s who want to develop core strength, find relief from tight muscles and back pain. 

Take the class at your own pace and have fun. 

For further information, contact Anna on 0872881173, email: annahawrylak@icloud.com.

Table Tennis: Whether you're brand new to table tennis or looking to sharpen your basics, come join us in a friendly and fun environment, led by qualified coaches who will guide you every step of the way. 

Our Open Play sessions on Tuesdays, 8–10pm Fridays, 6–8pm, in Butler’s Community Centre, Waterford, let’s play, have fun, and grow together as a community.

Walking Football Initiative:  Walking football is a fun, non-contact sport is in Butler’s Community Centre, Waterford every Thursday from 11am – 12 noon. 

It offers significant physical and mental health benefits. 

As a team-based activity, walking football is a great way to socialise and meet others. 

The game has simple rules designed with health and safety in mind. 

Only non-contact tackling is allowed and the ball must never go above head height. 

Walking football is played on small pitches with small goals and five, six or even seven-a-side teams. It can be played on natural grass, on 3G/4G artificial pitches or indoors.

Whist Club:  Whist Club (card game) at the Butler Center, St. John's Park is changed to Wednesdays at 7pm -9pm. 

They would love to see all their old players and new players would be most welcome €5 per person. All new members welcome.

Care and Repair

Free Service for Older People Over 65 years of age and living in Waterford City? 

Garden Care and maintenance, smoke alarm installation, Power Washing, Minor DIY and repairs and more Just contact the Care & Repair Team for your free on site visit. 

0830927806/051841740 or email: careandrepair@wap.ie.

Our Care and Repair Team is experienced and fully Garda Vetted.

Solas Cancer Support Centre

Support services @solascancersupportcentre 051 304604 / info@solascentre.ie.

Free professional support services are available to those affected by cancer, their families and carers in the Waterford and West Waterford area. 

A wide range of services are available, including counselling, art therapy, acupuncture, music therapy, reflexology reiki, Cranio Sacral therapy, and life coaching. 

One-to-one support for children and adolescents. art therapy, music therapy, play therapy and Counselling. 

For enquiries, please feel free to call the Solas Cancer Support Centre on 051 304604 or email info@solascentre.ie.

Services are free of charge. 

For enquiries, please feel free to call the Solas Cancer Support Centre on 051 304604 or email info@solascentre.ie.

The Solas Men’s Hub 

The Solas Men’s Hub is a new monthly activity-based group for men living with a cancer diagnosis. 

Join a group of men who understand what you’re going through. 

Our group offers connection and support through shared activities. 

Gentle group activities once a month - gentle sporting activities, games, visits to places of interest. 

Peer support from men who’ve been there. Relaxed, friendly meet-ups.

Southland Roller Derby's free Open Night in Kingfisher, Waterford

Looking for a new, fun activity for the new year that's not weather permitting? 

Beginner's Skating is just the thing for you! 

If you’re interested in learning how to skate, come along to Southland Roller Derby's free Open Night in Kingfisher, Waterford, to learn more about our upcoming eight-week Learn to Skate programme starting in February 2026. 

Our league trains everyone over 18. 

Absolutely no experience on skates required.  

We’ll teach you everything from the very start. 

We weren’t born with wheels on our feet but some of us spent our childhood on skates and some of us never wore a pair of skates but it’s never too late to give it a go.

So how about you take the chance and come along on Tuesday, January 27 and have a look to see what exactly we do and maybe try on a pair of skates.

We will have skates and protective gear if you'd like to try them on before committing to the programme. 

If you've any questions, you can email southlandsirens@gmail.com.

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