Local Notes: Golden Jubilee, wedding anniversaries, birthday corner and more
Fr Ailbe Murphy OFM and his godparents the Eileen White and Tom Whittle RIP at his ordination 50 years ago
Congratulations to Fr Ailbe Murphy OFM, who celebrated his Golden Jubilee on Sunday, July 13, with a concelebrated Mass In St Johns Church. The readings were read by Barry Murphy and Albert Murphy and the gifts were brought to the altar by his three sisters-in-law Rose, Marian and Anne. The soloist and organist were friends of Fr Ailbe and after the mass a celebratory lunch was served in the Tower Hotel for family and friends. Fr Ailbe is a brother of Hilary, New Ross, Barry, who is the organist and choir Master in St Saviour's Church Ballybeg, Tom, Templar's Hall and Albert, Bawnfune, Butlerstown and the late George, Dunmore Road. Originally from Otteran's Place, Waterford, Fr Ailbe was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Micheal Russell, together with Fr Billy Hynes OFM. These were the first ordination’s in the Friary in Waterford. Fr Ailbe is son of the late Lawerance and Kathleen Murphy and he has served many places such as Clonmel, Waterford, Ennis, Galway to name but a few and is presentably serving in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. We wish him and his fellow priest Fr Billy Hynes OFM many more years of happy service to God.
Congratulations to Paul and Sarah Dower, Sherlock Walk, Grace Dieu who celebrated their wedding anniversary on Friday, July 18. Best wishes come to them from many more years of happiness from their children Eve and Finn and Paul’s Granny, Betty Dower, Priory Lawn and all their family and friends.
A very happy 8th birthday is wished to Padraig Mongey, Glencarra who celebrated his birthday with his family and friends on Friday, July 14. Birthday wishes come to him from his mam and dad Joanne and Eamon, his sisters Rosin and Eireann, his grandparents and his aunts and uncles as well as all his cousins and friends especially all in St Saviour's GAA where Padraig is a member. A very happy birthday is wished to Jack Laffan, Rathfadden Villas, and his brother-in-law Paul Kavanagh, Congress Place, who both celebrate their birthdays on Tuesday, July 23. Birthday wishes come to them from all their families and their many friends, especially all the Laffan and Murphy families Cork Road and Templars Hall. A very happy birthday is wished to Jill Collins who celebrated her birthday on July 12. Birthday wishes come to her from all her family and friends especially her mam Kitty Brown, Ballybeg Court.
A very happy wedding anniversary is wished to Catherine and Shaner Ryan, Cork Road who celebrate their special day on Tuesday, July 22. Best wishes come to them for many more years of happiness from all the Laffan families and Ryan families and especially their daughter Katie and all the Murphy's, Templar's Hall.
Congratulations and best wishes to Kelyn Cassidy who has been chosen to represent Team Irel
and in Boxing in the Word Championships in Liverpool this year. To quote Kelyn himself: “This is an incredible honour, especially as I made my debut on the world stage in 2021 World Championship. Stepping into the ring with an Irish singlet is a moment of immense pride and a reflection of the hard work and dedication I have put into sport. Exciting times ahead." Congratulations Kelyn from all in Saviour's Crystal Boxing Club and all your friends and neighbours in Ballybeg as well as all your fellow players in St Saviour's GAA.
Southend FC academy for boys and girls age 5 years to 7 years, Friday Night Lights, take place each Friday night from 6pm to 7pm. Why not bring your child along and see if they would like to play soccer. The cost is €2
Baptisms are on Sundays after the 11am Mass. A weeks notice must be given and please contact the Parish Office. The Parish Shop is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm for all bookings of Masses, Mass Cards etc. Any items for this column can be emailed to marian.murphy@hotmail.com
"Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are Anger, at the way things are and Courage, to see that they do not remain as they are.” St. Augustine.
Congratulations to Teresa Collins on receiving her Superhero Award recently from Pathfinders St. Paul’s, Tory Services and Brothers of Charity. Despite her own sad personal losses Teresa is always available to help neighbours and friends. This award is well deserved as Teresa has been collecting for Temple St. Hospital for the past 30 years. She has also done charity walks for the Solas Centre, the Carers' Association and the Hospice movement. The Mater Hospital Foundation also presented Teresa with a Special Certificate for walking 31 miles supporting Dementia Care in May, 2025. Another award she received was Carer of the Year in 2012. Famous for her wonderful cakes she also looks after her grandchildren and always has time to lend a helping hand to those in need. Truly a Parish Legend.
The Nationwide programme on RTÉ, on July 16, featured the wonderful talents of service users from the Tory Services run by the Brothers of Charity. Many of our own community took part including Kevin Brophy, Belevedere Grove, Dara Quinlan, Hennessey’s Road and Andrew Ryan, Ballybeg. Josh Keating made a great impact with his puppet show and Sean Doolan, just back from Rome where he represented Ireland in the International soccer competition. Music, art, dance and woodwork, painting and great work providing bird boxes, bug hotels and many other items to the Nature Park. All the participants showed wonderful and varied talents. Each did Waterford proud. Congratulations and well done all.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway would like to welcome everyone looking to make the most of their weekend while travelling by train. You, can grab a coffee and ice cream before or after your ride at Whistlestop Cafe. Our opening times every weekend are: Saturday, 11am to 4pm and Sunday, 12noon to 5pm. You can book your ticket online today or buy it on the day at the station. Look up waterfordsuirvalleyrailway.ie
The death has occurred of John (Johnny) McCarthy, Sunrise Crescent, Waterford, formerly of Browne’s Lane, Waterford and Waterford Crystal. John passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 1. May he rest in peace. Deeply mourned and sadly missed by his loving children John, Jennifer, Nicola, Tina and Mandy, his adoring grandchildren Kayleigh, Gary, Beth, Sian, Daniel, Kiera and John and his great-grand-children. John will be ever missed by his partner Fran. He will be fondly remembered by his brother Thomas, his nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. May his gentle and kind soul rest in everlasting peace. Reposing at Falconer’s Funeral Home, Riverstown, Tramore, on Friday, July 4, Requiem Mass took place on Saturday, July 5, in St, Paul’s Church, Lisduggan at 10am. Immediately afterwards Johnny's remains were laid to rest in St Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh, Waterford. The funeral cortege walked from Fr. Gregory Way at 9.50am on Saturday. The McCarthy family appreciates your sympathy, support and understanding at this difficult time.
Pathfinders St. Paul’s was with The Rod Iron Bar for an adventurous and sunny morning at Poulanassy Waterfall, Mullinavat, followed by drinks and cakes in the Rod Iron Bar. Everyone had a wonderful and fun time.
A special word of welcome to Baby Fiadh Murray who was Baptised and welcomed into our St Paul's Parish Community by Fr. Pat Fitzgerald recently. Her mother, Emma Keoghan and her Dad, Aidan Murray were present together with her godparents. Fiadh’s grandmother and grandfather Catriona and Ollie Keoghan, and her great-grandmother Eily Keoghan are from Arbour Road. Please keep them all in your prayers.
The death has occurred of Mary Walshe (nee: Flynn), 132 Larchville, Waterford. Mary passed away peacefully on July 11, and is deeply mourned and sadly missed by her daughter, Jacinta, son, Barry, son-in-law James Fitzgerald, daughter-in-law Jane, grandchildren Jessica, Kellie, Charlotte, Chloe, Rose, Emily, William and David, extended family and friends. Mary reposed at Kiely's Funeral Home, Dungarvan on Saturday evening, July 13, and Requiem Mass took place in St Paul's Church, Lisduggan on Monday, July 14, at 12 noon. Internment took place afterwards in St. Cronan’s Cemetery, Clashmore. May Mary rest in peace.
Larchville and Lisduggan Residents Association wish to thank everyone who supported our fundraising event. To the people who thanked us for our efforts in making our area a thing of beauty, we were humbled with your praise and gratitude. Kathleen White won the spot prize kindly sponsored by Dunphy Butchers. Money raised will be used to clean and paint the disabled and elderly resident’s homes in Francis Court and we will be hosting a BBQ and children’s event for all volunteers.
Michael Reilly of St. Paul’s Boxing Club reached the National U19 Championship Final recently. Michael defeated James McCann in his semi-final, having won by a unanimous 5-0 decision. He boxes Eddie Corcoran of Mullingar Elite Boxing Club in the 55kg final next week. Michael is an IABA youth champion and has already enjoyed considerable success. Good luck Michael from all your clubmates, family and friends here in Waterford.
The Lisnakill Cemetery Mass takes place on Thursday, July 24, at 7pm. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Pat Fitzgerald PP. Lisnakill Graveyard in Lisnakill, Butlerstown is a historical burial ground with deep cultural and local significance. The cemetery features a variety of headstones, some dating back centuries, reflecting the areas rich heritage and traditions. It is situated near the ruins of Lisnakill Church. Surrounded by the tranquil countryside of Waterford, it offers a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance. The graveyard remains an important landmark, preserving the history and legacy of the local community.
The First Bridge Lift was completed successfully on the new Sustainable Transport Bridge on Friday, July 11. The bridge was opened successfully to allow river traffic through with Fastnet Shipping’s, Fastnet Lir becoming the first vessel to pass beneath the span. This marks a small but key step in the ongoing commissioning and testing process. While progress continues, there is still more work ahead before the bridge becomes fully operational.
Congratulations to St. Joseph, St. Benildus & St. Mary’s Parish on receiving the Faith in Action Eco Congregation Award. This award recognises the efforts of churches across Ireland to care for God’s Creation through prayer, reflection, and environmental action, and we are so proud of all the hard work our community has done to make this possible. The award will be officially presented during the upcoming Season of Creation. More details at a later date. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our eco projects over the years. Together we can make a difference.
This is your chance to meet new people while staying active. The walks are suitable for older adult and people living well with long-term health conditions, as the distance can be adjusted to suit each person’s ability. We’ll have a leader to guide the group and a sweeper to ensure no one is ever left behind. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting, Summer Steps provides a welcoming environment to get outside, connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the season at your own pace. It’s a perfect way to stay active, social and healthy throughout the summer months. Join us for a walk in Dunmore East Woods on July 29, at 11am followed by refreshments. Meeting at Park opposite the Haven Hotel. Book your place on www.eventbrite.ie or ring Jordan on 086 1675642 or email jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie.
The Cemetery Mass takes place in the Knights Templar’s Graveyard on Sunday, August 24, at 3pm. Come and see the wonderful work done by the Knights Templars Project in restoring the cemetery to the tranquil, flower and plant filled area it is today. Many thanks to all the volunteers who have restored it. More details at a later date.
Family and friends gathered recently in Kilcohan Greyhound Stadium for a night to remember Daniel 'Danky' Collins. It was great to see so many wearing the parish colours on our special edition/commemorative jersey which was designed by Adam Caulfield in Klubsport. The family would also like to thank all the staff in Kilcohan Greyhound Stadium for the great evening.
The Grandparents Association Pilgrimage Mass at Knock Shrine takes place on Sunday, July 27, at 3pm. Full ceremony on EWTN at SKY 586, Virgin Media 815 or online at www.ewtn.ie. Bring the event into your own living room.
This summer discover Ireland’s rich heritage and vibrant culture at the National Museum of Ireland. We are delighted to announce our extensive programme of free tours, workshops and trails, offering engaging activities for all ages to enjoy across our three museum sites in Dublin and Mayo. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, learn and be inspired by Ireland’s fascinating history and heritage. Admission is free. All details available by email to museum.ie or phone: 01 6777444. Lots of events to bring all the family to enjoy during the school holidays.
