Local Notes: School open nights, jubilee news, best Déise butcher and more from St Paul's
St. Paul's Community College Graduation Class 2025. Photo: Joe Evans
“The earth is at the same time mother, She is mother of all that is natural, mother of all that is human. She is mother of all, for contained in her are the seeds of all. The earth of human kind contains all moistness, all verdancy, all germinating power. It is so many ways fruitful. All creation comes from it. Yet it forms not only the basic raw material for humankind, but also the substance of the incarnation of God’s son” - Hildegard of Bingen
A very successful meeting was held last week supporting the erection of our Jubilee Clock in Lisduggan.
“This clock will stand as a witness to the hours we’ve shared – the laughter, the labour, and the legacy of fifty years.”
In 2022, we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of our Parish of St. Paul’s, Lisduggan. For our year of celebration, we planned a number of events and projects, which proved very successful and enjoyable. One particular idea, which had much support, was the possibility of erecting a Jubilee Clock as a legacy item to mark our Golden Jubilee. The idea has persisted and has resulted in the formation of a Jubilee Clock Committee. They identified a site in front of St. Paul’s Church, a pivotal location, which would make the clock visible on all approach roads. The plan is to have the “opening” on May 7, 2026. In the meantime, we need to gather resources and raise funds to meet the requirements of bringing this project to completion. We are appealing to you, for any help, financial or otherwise, in bringing this project to fruition. Bank Details: Name: St. Paul’s Parish meeting Rooms (Fr. Patrick J. Fitzgerald Account Number: 80059618 Sort Code: 990635). The Design Video is available on http:/www.vimeo.com/user242687450/stpaulsclock.
“A Clock measures not just time, but memory, presence and promise.”
Larchville and Lisduggan Resident’s Association Book and Toy Sale takes place in Lisduggan Shopping Centre on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. Everyone who gives a donation will receive a free raffle ticket for a €50, voucher for €50 sponsored by Dunphy’s Butchers, winners of the recent Butcher of the Year award.
We appreciate all donations made in the past, which were used to fund restoration of the Grotto on Paddy Browne’s Road, the planting of Fr. Gregory Power Way, which is continuing with bulb planting by the community on November 1. Our new venture is supporting the funding for our Jubilee Clock. Thank you for all your support and we look forward to you becoming involved in our new project with the Jubilee Clock.
St. Paul’s Pathfinders Day Service Lámh Connects met on Wednesday, October 1, to teach the young beavers from St. Paul’s Scout Group some Lamh signs through songs. Lamh Connects is a choir that uses lamh signs as a communication system in Ireland for people with intellectual disabilities. The choir comprises of individuals attending Pathfinders and St. Paul’s Day Centres, supported by the Brothers of Charity. They received a lovely welcome, had great fun learning some Beaver songs and games too. Two great groups coming together. That’s what community is all about. Looks like it was a great evening. Well done all!
The Open Night takes place on Tuesday, October 7, at 7pm.This event provides an opportunity to explore the school and learn about the application process for First Year students. Important dates to note include: Application forms returned by 1pm on Friday, November 7. Places offered on November 17, places accepted and confirmed by 4pm on Monday, December 1. First Year Subjects: Core: Maths, English, Irish, History, Geography and Religious Education. Wellbeing: CPSE, SPHE, PE, Learning to learn, Speech and Drama, and Computer Studies. Options: French, German, Science, Business Studies, Home Economics, Graphics, Applied Technology and Visual Art. Choose four from the options band. We look forward to meeting you at our Open Night – a great opportunity to see all that is on offer in the Pres.
The monthly meeting of the Bereavement Support Group takes place on Tuesday, October 7, at 10.30am at St. Paul’s Parish Centre. Each person is very welcome. Whether your bereavement is recent or not we share our loss together and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee too. Everyone welcome!
Brown's Road Parent & Toddler Group are meeting on Tuesdays at 10.30am from October 7 to 21, ages 0 – 5 years are welcome. Parents, childminders, grandparents. All are welcome!
Halloween Crafternoons at Browns Road Library on Wednesday, October 8, 15 and 22. Craft materials will be available from 2.30pm – 4pm. This is a free event but booking is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Best suited to children aged 3 – 12 years.
More info: 051 849614 or brownsroadlibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie
The monthly Vincent de Paul Collection took place on Sunday, October 5, at all Masses in St. Paul’s & Butlerstown Churches. Thank you for your ongoing support which helps many struggling families in our Parish.
You are very welcome to join us for tea, coffee and a chat in St. Paul’s Parish Centre each Wednesday morning at 10.30am after Mass. Do come along! Meet friends and neighbours for a catch up and make new friends too. Everyone welcome!
2nd Division Result: Kilbarry Rangers FC 2, St. Paul’s FC 2. We started off slow but we had our chances as Kilbarry took a 2-0 lead. Josh Croke hit the bar and Callum O’Brien Conolly pulled off a few great saves to keep us in it but during the last 10 minutes we took over the game and two goals from top man Josh Fanning earned us a well deserved point. Best for Parish – Mikey, Josh and Toff but it was a whole squad to all his family and performance. Up the Parish.
A big thank you to Kilbarry FC for holding a minute's silence for Peader (Peter) Phelan as we send our deepest sympathy from all the committee, managers, players and friends.
St. Paul’s Community College is excited to invite parents, guardians and students from 6th class to our Open Night. St. Paul’s Community College is a multi-denominational, co-educational school providing an inclusive learning environment for all. Its slogan is “Care, Excellence in Education, Respect, Equality and Community”. For further information phone: 051 355816 or email: stpaulscc@wwetb.ie
A Prayer Meeting will take place in Butlerstown on Wednesdays at 7.15pm. What a beautiful venue where people get together to share their lives and experiences in the light of God’s Word accompanied by music and singing by Damien and his group. New members always welcome!
Congratulations and well done to Dunphy’s Traditional Family Butchers who took part in WLR FM's Best of Waterford Awards 2025 and was winner in the Best Butcher Category - recognised for consistent quality and service. An award well deserved as not only do they stock the best of meat at reasonable prices but always have time for a chat and some cheery words with their customers. All your customers are delighted for you!
At Soccer Stars Southeast we introduce children to sport through fun, friendly and pressure-free football games. Building coordination, confidence, and connection through soccer – for toddlers aged 1.5 to 5 in Carrickpherish Community Sport Hub on Wednesdays, Soccer Mini for kids 1.5 – 3 years old at 4pm; Soccer Stars for kids 3 to 5 years at 5pm. First month of classes for just €50 (jersey not included). Spaces are filling fast – book today at www.soccerstars.ie Questions? Email us at southeast@soccerstars.ie.
Happy 10th Birthday to Laylagrace, a funny, caring, sassy and sweet loving girl! Double digits already – time is just flying. The best big sister to Caroling-Rae even though she kills you sometimes! My best friend and daughter all in one! I love you so much, you continue to make me proud on a daily basis. We will all have a lovely time at your party on Saturday!
An Essential Workshop for School Leavers Aiseiri Recovery is bringing it’s “Understanding Addiction – Awareness, Intervention, and Hope” workshop to schools across Ireland. The workshop explains how addiction developed, the science behind it, and why early understanding can make such a difference. Students will also learn how addiction affects decision-making, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. The session also addresses common misconceptions – helping to reduce the stigma that often stops people from seeking help. Other topics include looking at what causes addiction, can addiction be cured, treatment and recovery pathways, stigma and bias, recognising warning signs, intervention and how we can help. The workshop is led by Sara Cassidy, Head of Clinical Services at Aiseri and a practising clinician with over 30 years experience. For more information email: info@aiseiri.ie or visit their website: www.aiseiri.ie.
A substantial cheque was handed over by Cllr John Hearne on behalf of St. Paul’s Parish Frank Leahy Run to Waterford Inclusivity Network, a vibrant new youth group doing community projects in Waterford.
They are the youth branch of Waterford Disability Network, another great community organisation. It is a fantastic organisation that aims to raise awareness about disability issues in Waterford. They provide a welcoming and accessible office where people can visit, call or contact them through social media. For further information phone: 051 873854.
If you have any notes for this column, please contact nualacolfer33@yahoo.co.uk or marian.murphy@hotmail.com before Thursday each week.
