Local Notes: Soccer award, golf classic, tractor run and ladies soccer start-up
Irish soccer legend, John O'Shea and Ballyduff club stalwart, Paddy Kirk
We send many good wishes and congratulations to Paddy Kirk, from Amberhill, who was honoured by the Waterford Junior League last weekend when they presented him with a Special Recognition Award for his many years of service to his beloved club, Ballyduff AFC.
This award is richly deserved as Paddy has been, and still is, the very heartbeat of the club. His enthusiasm and affection for the club is infectious and is loved by players and coaches alike. His encouragement to all the players ensures that they are happy to stay on at the club and continue up through the ranks.
All this work is done with a smile on his face and a friendly welcome for players and visitors alike. Seemingly John O'Shea had been invited to the awards ceremony, but we all know that he wasn’t going to miss the chance to be in the presence of the great Paddy Kirk.
Ballyduff AFC are hosting a scrap collection at their grounds in Ballyduff Lower. Items can be dropped to the grounds any day between 10am and 8pm. However, please do not bring any dishwashers or items with glass. This is a fundraiser for the club who have great plans for further development of the organisation and its grounds.
Please support by having a tidy up of that yard or shed you have been promising to do and drop your items off at Ballyduff AFC. You’ll earn great brownie points for tidying up and supporting your local club.
If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one, please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392, with your preferred date. Saturday evening masses take place at 7.30pm and Sunday morning masses are at 10am.
The Summer collection for the priests of the parish is being taken up at all weekend masses. You will find an allocated envelope in the annual pack or you can simply use any envelope you have.
Ballyduff Lower GAA, LGFA and Camogie Clubs will host an open golf classic at Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club on Friday, July 26, from 8am to 5pm and on Saturday, July 27, from 8am to 2pm. Teams of three will cost €90. Booking can be made directly to Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club on 051-640047 or with Michael on 087 9247547. This fundraiser is a fun way to raise money for the club. The fun will continue in O Donnachas with music and finger food. This golf classic is open to all and it would be great to see as many of the businesses and members of the community as possible.
A huge thank you to Damien and Majella in Gala Kilmeaden who have sponsored some fantastic prizes for the winners.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Bernard Philips and his family on the recent sad death of his beloved wife, Marie. A gentle, quiet lady she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, having a chat and a laugh, and kept in regular touch with relations in England and abroad through social media.
Marie’s funeral mass took place in St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We pray that Marie now enjoys the peace and love of Christ. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Ballyduff AFC are hoping to start a ladies football team for the coming season and are putting a call out for all goalies, defenders, strikers and midfielders to get in touch through Facebook messenger or by contacting Paul on 086 3135984.
They are also on the lookout for coaches, junior men’s players, ladies’ senior players, schoolboys and schoolgirls players, academy players and coaches. Ballyduff AFC is a wonderful club with fantastic facilities and there are teams to suit every age.
The Gods were certainly shining on this year’s tractor run as the sun shone brightly on all those taking part and all the spectators along the route. This annual event attracts a large crowd each year and there is always a large display of machines for all to enjoy.
The route was a beautiful, scenic one through the nearby countryside. As the tractors finished up back at Ballyduff Community Centre, the drivers enjoyed a refreshing cuppa and some delicious food. Congratulations to a very hardworking committee who ensured that every detail was taken care of and that everyone taking part was kept safe on the roads. This annual event has raised a lot of money for deserving charities over the years and this year Pieta House will be the beneficiary. The money raised will help them to continue to offer their wonderful services to all those who need it.
Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.
If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact me Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or email 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.
