Local Notes: Spooky Express, beat the train, choir practice, quiz time and much more
Proud husband and dad Billy Laffan congratulating his wife Fiona and daughter Makayla on their County Final win
Waterford Suir Valley Railway are all set for their Halloween Spooky Express. This is always very popular and bookings are made very fast. Many scary looking individuals and creatures have now started to arrive at the railway to hide out for the chance to be part of the Spooky Express. It will run from October 27 to November 3. Bookings can be made online or by calling the ticket office on 051 384058 between 10am and 4pm.
It was wonderful to hear our lovely parish choir back singing at Sunday morning mass after their well-deserved summer break. Their beautiful collection of hymns really enhance our mass, and it is lovely to see members of the congregation singing along. The choir rehearse every Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm in the church and would be delighted to welcome some new members. Drop along to rehearsal and you will be made very welcome.
If you would like to volunteer to read at the weekend masses, please leave your name and number into the Sacristy. You would only be required to read on whatever days suited you. The Autumn collection for the support of the priests of the parish will be taken up at all weekend masses over the next couple of weekends. You can use the envelope provided in your yearly pack or any envelope of your choice.
The very popular game of 30’s has resumed on Thursday nights at 7.30pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. This is open to individuals and teams of three and proved very popular before they took a little summer break. This is a lovely way to spend a few hours during the Autumn and Winter months and a great way to meet people.
All the gang at Waterford Suir Valley Railway remind you to save Saturday, November 16 in your diaries as the very popular Beat the Train for DSI is due to take place. This is a very popular event which always attracts a big crowd. The train will depart from Kilmeaden station at 9.50am to get into position at the start line. All proceeds from this event go to Down Syndrome Ireland Waterford and South Kilkenny Branch. To book your spot please contact 051 384058 between 10am and 4pm.
It’s time to break out the encyclopaedias and general knowledge books as Ballyduff NS’s Parent Council invite you to drop along to The Sweep on Friday, November 8 and test your knowledge in their fundraising quiz for the school.
Quiz Master on the night will be John Carey and following the quiz, you can dance the night away with Dirty Dancing Disco. If you would like to purchase some raffle tickets before the event, please log onto https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/QuizNightRaffleBallyduffPC
We extend our deepest sympathy to our former Parish Priest and good friend Fr Michael O'Byrne on the recent sad death of his beautiful niece Siobhan. She most certainly had a heart of gold and was always so good to Fr Mick throughout his life. She was wonderful to have a chat and a laugh with. Siobhan Lonergan (nee: Byrne), Mountain Castle, Modeligo, Dungarvan died at home on October 13, surrounded by her loving family. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Ed, her parents Eamon and Mary, brother John, sisters Clare and Angela and all her extended family and many friends. A huge crowd attended Kiely’s Funeral Home, Dungarvan and Kilgobnet Church and Modeligo Cemetery. Siobhan was only a short time on this earth but made a huge impact on all those she met. May her sweet, gentle soul now rest in peace, and we pray that the Lord will comfort all those who mourn her loss.
As our neighbours in St Anne’s Ladies Football Club lined out in Kilmacthomas recently in their bid to take the County Final title, there was great excitement. It was an extra special day for two Kilmeaden ladies as Fiona Crotty Laffan (Ballymacarbry and Waterford stalwart) lined out with her daughter Makayla and the rest of their teammates to try take the title.
St Anne’s played with great skill and strength and showed excellent teamwork and communication. Their opponents Kilmac put up a great battle and showed great determination and commitment. Both Fiona and Makayla played a fantastic game and the similarities in their footwork and work ethic is evident. What a very proud moment and memory for them both. Congratulations to St Anne’s on a great win.
The new Waterford Manager and former Waterford player, Peter Queally dropped by to Kildermody to see the Ballyduff Lower U9/U10 and U11 players showing off their skills which they have learned throughout the year. He took the time to go through some essential skills and encourage them to keep practicing. A big thank you to the guys at Kilmeaden Groundworks for organising the visit.
Huge congratulations to Pat Fitzgerald (Jnr) Ballyduff West who was recently selected for the Irish and British Masters Cross Country Championships which will take place on November 16, in Belfast.
This is Pat’s second successive selection for the championships in the last year. Pat, who is a member of Waterford AC, puts a lot of time and commitment into his training. We wish him the very best of luck.
Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.
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.
