Local Notes: Church fundraiser, cross country champ and more from Ballyduff and Kilmeaden
O'Donnacha's, Kilmeaden, where a fundraiser will take place this Friday for the St Nicholas Church renovation fund.
It is wonderful to have our parish choir back after their short summer break. Their beautiful hymns and harmonies really enhance our weekend mass. The choir would love to welcome some new members. They rehearse every Wednesday evening at 8pm in St. Nicholas’s Church. Drop along for a chat and a listen and it may be just what you are looking for. When you sing in a choir it is said that you pray twice so remember every bit helps!
On Friday, October 10, there will be a special night of music and song in aid of the St. Nicholas Church Renovation Fund in O'Donnacha's, Kilmeaden. Music on the night will be by Mick O'Keeffe accompanied by a superb lineup of local talent. Proceeds will go towards the renovation fund for our church.
Congratulations to local athlete Cathal Dooley from The High Road, Kilmeaden who won a gold medal at the Boys Cross Country U12’s race, which was held recently in Tramore. Cathal is a member of Ferrybank Athletic Club, and his club and family are very proud of his achievement and dedication.
We were all extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of sister and brother Jim and Kitty O'Connor recently. Residents of Comeragh Green, they were former long time and popular residents of Whelansbridge, Kilmeaden. They were constant companions and so although sad, it was fitting that they died within hours of each other. Kitty was a very popular employee of the L&N and was widely known for her fantastic baking skills. I can boast the fact that I was the last wedding cake she made in October 1997. Jim was a truly talented craftsman and passed on his skills to many younger generations as an instructor in Anco/Fás. He reared and kept budgies and canaries for many years and was an excellent gardener.
Both Kitty and Jim had hearts of gold and were always so generous with their time and talents. I was lucky enough to call them family and have many wonderful memories of time spent with them. Their home was always a welcoming, loving place where they loved to welcome visitors for a chat.
Jim and Kitty will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know them but especially by their sister Maura, brother Terry and his family Theresa, Alan and Linda and all the extended family and wide circle of friends.
They were both laid to rest with their parents in Ballyduff cemetery and we pray that they now rest in the peace and love of Christ.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ryan and Clifford families on the recent sad loss of Mary Clifford, Gortaclode, Kilmeaden. Mary was a wonderful family person and loved to chat about her children Karen, Lorraine, Damian and Niall and her beloved grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time in her beautiful home with Mossie and the family. Mary’s popularity was shown by the huge attendance at her wake and funeral. The parish choir of which Mary was a member sang some beautiful hymns throughout her funeral mass.
Mary’s death came after a short illness which she bore with great dignity and courage. She will be deeply missed by her husband Mossie, her children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends. Mary was laid to rest in Ballyduff Cemetery, and we pray that she now rests in the arms of the Lord where there is no more pain or suffering.
A big well done to all the children and parents who turned up for the annual U6 blitz in Kilmacthomas. It was a debut event for some, and all the players played some great football. The club was very proud to see such dedication and commitment from their players and extend sincere gratitude to the Kilmacthomas club for hosting such a wonderful event.
There was disappointment for the U14 boys who lost out to a very strong Tramore side in the Division 3 Plate Final. The lads put in a brilliant effort, but it wasn’t to be. This was a disappointing game, but the lads can be very proud of the fantastic 2025 they have had so far. The future looks bright.
Circle K and FAI have launched their Cash for Clubs campaign in support of grassroots football clubs nationwide. Ballyduff AFC are asking for your support by downloading the Circle K app and choosing their club. There is more than €40,000 to be rewarded between October and March.
The U16 boys had to settle for a nil all draw against Piltown. There were some chances but unfortunately no scores. It was a fair result in the end for both teams.
The U13A girls had their first step out in the A league. Piltown came out as worthy winners with great skill and talent on show. The girls gave great effort in their first A league game and will continue to learn from the experience and improve with every game.
If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com
It is a wonderful way to keep in touch with what is going on in the local community and to inform people about things happening within your club or organisation.
