Local Notes: SVP looking for home visitation members, choir news, panto time, church nes and more
Lots of events are happening in the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas of Waterford
We have welcomed many new individuals and families into our area in recent times, and we hope that they are all settling in well. Getting involved in different aspects of community life is a great way to get to know people and make new friends. Our community has many different clubs and organisations to join and enjoy. These notes provide details of the organisations, and most groups have a very active Facebook page. Keep an eye on these local notes for notice of events, meetings etc. I also encourage clubs and groups to get in touch with me to promote your club or group activities and give people the information they may need. 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.
The Portlaw/ Ballyduff Bridge Club played their latest game on Monday January 12th, in Ballyduff Community Centre and the results were as follows: 1st: Kate Hayes and Nano Fitzgerald 2nd: Anne Marie Brown and Bernie Dwyer 3rd: Peggy Murphy and Elizabeth Murphy. New members are always very welcome. Please contact Anne Marie Brown on 087 6722482.
Our parish choir enhance our weekend masses and their beautiful Christmas concert in aid of the church renovation fund was something we will all remember for a long time. The choir practice every Wednesday night in the church from 8pm to 9pm and would love to welcome some new members. This is a perfect time to join and so all men and women are encouraged to take that next step. The choir love to learn some new hymns and will introduce many of those pieces in January. If you would like any further information, please contact Eamonn on 086 8592014 and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Our community alert group are a very important group in our area, and the text alert scheme is invaluable and has helped on numerous occasions to apprehend those involved in a crime. It alerts people of crime in other areas so that we are aware of suspicious vehicles or activities. Please spread the word about this text alert scheme to your friends and neighbours as together we are stronger. The €10 text alert fee is now due. To renew your subscription, please contact any of the following Jay Dowdall, Chris Pragnell or MJ Healy. The group will hold their AGM on February 4th, at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre and you are asked to put this date in your diary and spread the word to your friends and neighbours. We are very lucky to have a low level of crime in our area, and this is due to having a brilliant community alert scheme which highlights any possible problems in our area. It is important that we attend our community alert meetings and give our full support to them. A drop in attendance or payment of text alert fees would be very damaging to the group. The meetings are a wonderful way to come together to discuss any worries or concerns we may have. The local Gardaí are always in attendance and there is always an interesting speaker on the night.
Renovations are making great progress on our church but there is still a lot of work to be done. All donations are very welcome and can be made online or to any committee member or can be dropped into the weekly collection basket in an envelope marked Church Fund. You are asked to keep Fr. Francis in your thoughts and prayers. He became ill while visiting his family in India and cannot travel back for a while. We all wish him a speedy recovery. We are blessed to have some wonderful priests helping but not all masses can be covered so for the moment our masses at the weekends are as follows Saturday at 6pm in Portlaw Church and Sunday at 10am in Ballyduff Church.
As the club looks forward to the new junior season, they are looking for some new players to join the Division 3 squad. This a young team with a lot of potential who would benefit from experienced players. If you are interested please fill out the form on the club’s Facebook page or contact 087 2764883. The club would also like to invite some new players to their Over 35’s men’s squad. This group train every Wednesday night at 8.30pm on the Astro pitch so pop along or check out more details on their Facebook page. The club are really looking forward to 2026, as there are many exciting plans in place with plans for the clubhouse extension firmly in place. The extension plans include a gym, community meeting rooms, Female changing and shower rooms, disabled toilets and a balcony. The club also plan an energy efficient upgrade to the existing clubhouse and a full size, floodlit all weather pitch for their Football for All group. One of the main fundraisers for this project is their monthly draw and they are inviting everyone to join the draw and support your local club. To join the draw just log on and follow the details https://hub.klubfunder.com/BallyduffAFC/payit/ticketsales
Ballyduff Lower club have begun their Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps challenge and are inviting everyone to download the MyLIFE app, go to section social-Challenges-Munster-Join and then choose Ballyduff Lower club, connect your phone or fitness watch and start recording those steps. You do not have to be a member of the club to join, so please spread the word to your friends and family. Every step you take, gives your club a chance to climb the leaderboard and gives them a chance to win a share of €30,000 and you can also improve your health and boost your energy.
Our neighbouring friends in Portlaw Pantomime Society are busy rehearsing for their annual Panto. This year’s production is 'Rapunzel and the league of Princesses' and will take place in the Premier Hall, Portlaw from Thursday, February 5th, to Saturday, February 7th, at 7.30pm and a matinee performance on Sunday, February 8th, at 1pm. Check out their posters or Facebook page for information about tickets.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is currently seeking new Home Visitation members to establish an SVP branch in the Kilmeaden Area. The SVP members provide direct support to people in need in the community who request assistance from the Society. This entails visiting people in their homes with another SVP member to offer support, guidance, and friendship. The support provided by our members can be extremely heartening for people who are struggling and can offer hope to them and their families. For more information on what’s involved and how to apply, please contact Sinéad Wall, SVP Member Support Officer, on 086 0412328 or by email on sinead.wall@svp.ie . Full training and support will be provided. Your time can make a difference to someone in need.
