Local Notes: Summer camps, athletics success, women's shed news and more
Peader's Summer Camp will give children a chance to learn the basics of our national games. File pic
We extend our sympathy to the Little Sisters of the Poor Community, St Joseph's Home, Ferrybank, on the passing of Sr Marie Aimee du St. Rosaire (Griffin), late Castlebar, Mayo, who passed away on Monday, June 10.
Deeply regretted by her community, her sister Pauline (USA), nephews, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives, and friends. Having reposed in St Joseph’s Home, Ferrybank, on Wednesday, followed by reception into St. Joseph’s Home Chapel, Ferrybank, burial took place in Piltown Cemetery following Requiem Mass on Thursday.
The local women’s shed have been awarded €1,000 in funding as part of The Local Enhancement Programme 2024. The programme is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities. It provides small grants to community groups in a manner consistent with each area's Local Economic and Community Plan.
In the 2024 local elections, Ferrybank candidates in two different constituencies, did not secure seats. Fine Gael's, Damian O’Donoghue, a first-time candidate, garnered 358 first preference votes in the Piltown Electoral Area. His colleagues Pat Dunphy and Fidelis Doherty were successfully re-elected. However, it's good to hear the Damian will continue to work as a local representative for the Ferrybank area.
In the Tramore - Waterford City West LEA, Independent candidate Melissa O’Neill, who previously ran in Piltown, received only 69 first preference votes. Consequently, Ferrybank will continue without a local councillor to represent its evolving needs.
Peadars Summer Camp is a fantastic opportunity for children to engage in the skills of our national games. The 31st anniversary camp will take place during the week beginning July 15.
It will run from 10am to 2pm each day, providing a four-hour session for children to participate in various activities. The age range is for children aged between 5 and 15 years old. The camp will offer a wide range of age-appropriate activities and skill development opportunities. The cost of attending Peader’s Summer Camp will be €30 per child and applications forms can be dropped into the local schools. They are also available at Coffee by King, in the Ferrybank GAA grounds.
The fee covers the entire week of activities and instruction. Attending this summer camp can be a great way for children to learn and improve their skills in our national games while having fun and staying active. The annual fundraiser will take place in the Village Bar on July 12. Please support this event in whatever way you can, especially through buying tickets, as supporting us helps us keep the price down for the children and the adults who pay the fees. €2 a ticket is fantastic value and a great night’s craic is guaranteed.
Following on from the Irish athletics success at the recent European championships in Rome, our thoughts were with the Hallissey family and the input of their late father Andy, who passed away in February 2023.
Andy was one of the founding members of the highly successful Ferrybank Athletic Club, in 1980, which continues to flourish to this day and of which Thomas Barr is a member.
Andy was hugely involved in Waterford athletics and was a longtime secretary of Munster Athletics. He was also an international selector at national level for many years and widely known in athletics throughout Ireland. His family is also massively involved in athletics. His daughter Brid Golden, was a successful athlete, especially in the combined events where she set national records.
His son John was also successful as an athlete, clearing 5.02 metres for the pole vault, ranking No.3, which is still on the Irish all-time list. His daughter, Brid Golden, is the Deputy President of Athletics Ireland. She has been Chairperson of the Coaching and Development Committee since 2018 and was Chairperson of the High-Performance Committee for four years prior to this, so she has had an input in the Irish success in Rome.
The Annual St Killian’s Cemetery Mass will take place in Ferrybank, on Thursday, June 27, at 7.30pm. This is an opportunity for families to gather at the graves of their loved ones and meet with neighbours and friends.
In preparation of the cemetery for the memorial Mass please place all withered wreathes and flowers in the bin provided, as early as possible, to avoid a big accumulation nearer the time. Parking will be available in the Ferrybank GAA Grounds.
The Slieverue Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, July 4, at 7.30 p.m.
The Deise Draw, supporting Ferrybank GAA club, kicks off on July 12, live on WLR. Over €126,000 in prizes are up for grabs across six draws, starting with €10k top prize.
Last year, Kealon O’Hanlon won the €10k prize. This fundraiser aids Ferrybank GAA's growth, competing at senior level and fostering underage participation. The club is very grateful to Ferrybank locals for years of support and we hope for continued backing. Tickets are priced €100 for six draws, and are available from Nicky Heffernan (087 6724212), Deise Draw promoters, or any committee member.
On Tuesday June 18, KCETB Art classes will continue from 2pm to 4pm in St Mary's Hall, Slieverue, for members of the Slieverue Active Retirement Association.
Chair Yoga also continues on Wednesdays followed by bingo. We welcome new members, both male and female, and remember we are on the bus route and the times are suitable.
We are arranging a trip to the National Stud, Japanese Gardens and Whitewater Shopping Centre, Kildare on July 2. Also planned for September 6, is a trip to the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, for the comedy, 'Matches and Old Flames', by Tommy Marren.
We are also planning a trip to Waterford Whiskey Distillery and more details later. The last meeting for this term is on July 3, and we will then close until September.
