Local Notes: Sympathies, new houses, prayer group, singing group and more
New houses will be developed in the Ferrybank area. Stock image
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ritchie Aylward, late of Belmont Heights, Ferrybank, who died peacefully on Monday, September 30, aged 78. He was in the tender care of the staff at The South East Palliative Care Centre, Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford. Throughout his illness, Ritchie was lovingly cared for by his sisters-in-law Carol and Caroline, as well as his kind neighbours and friends Mick and Helen Chester, Ber and Laura Boylan, and especially Caroline Daly and her family, who were a great help during his final days.
A proud native of the 'Top of the Town', Ritchie spent his early working years at Clover Meats, until its closure in 1984, later finishing his career at Bausch & Lomb. He was a proud and esteemed member of the Ferrybank Cricket Club and a devoted supporter of Waterford hurling, often traveling with fellow fans to games across the country. A symbol of his passion, his cherished Waterford jersey, was brought to the altar during his Requiem Mass.
Ritchie was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean (née: Treacy) in 2017, as well as his parents Dick and Nancy, and his sister Barbara. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his sisters-in-law Caroline Tracey and Carol Tracey, the extended Treacy family, sisters Maria, Joan, and Caroline, brothers John, Tony, Eugene, and Dermot, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends and neighbours. Ritchie was remembered fondly by family and friends at his repose in Power’s Funeral Home, Ferrybank, on Tuesday. His Requiem Mass, celebrated by Very Rev Roderick Whearty PP, took place on Wednesday, October 2, followed by burial at St Killian’s Cemetery. Ritchie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
The new Waterford City & County Council development, The Lodges, is nearing completion and is set to bring a fresh look to the Fountain Street/Marymount area. According to Cllr Eamon Quinlan, the 14 dwellings are expected to be ready for occupation by late October or early November. The development features a mix of housing, including six, two-bedroom, two-storey duplex units, six, one-bedroom apartments, and two single-storey, one-bedroom units designed to accommodate wheelchair users. These units are designated for older persons over 55 years only and dogs and cats are not permitted.
A Taizé prayer service will be held this Thursday, October 10, at 7pm at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Ferrybank. The gathering will focus on prayers for vocations and is open to all members of the community. Following the prayer session, attendees are invited to join for refreshments and fellowship. Organisers extend a warm welcome to everyone, regardless of faith background, to come together.
The death occurred of Seamus O’Neill, Athlone, Westmeath and formerly of Ferrybank, on Monday, September 30, aged 99 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife Kitty and his brothers and sisters, he will be sadly missed by his loving sons Brendan, Eoin and Rory, daughters Caitriona and Clodagh, brother Bill, sister Josie (Whittle), daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
It's wonderful to hear that the Slieverue Simply Singing Group are back for their 10th year and welcoming both returning members and potential new ones. Singing in a group can be a fantastic way to connect with others and experience the joy of music. If anyone in the area is interested in joining, they should mark their calendars for Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Slieverue Parish Hall. It's an opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of singing and make new friends along the way. Singing together can be a deeply rewarding and uplifting experience.
Finn Homes Ltd have applied for planning permission to build 17 new houses in Oakridge, Belmont. The houses will be comprised of four detached, two-storey, four-bedroom houses along Road 6 (Oak View) and 13 semi-detached and terraced, two-storey, two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses, in an extension and in completion of Road 4 (Heather Grove).
Congratulations to Ken Browne on the third anniversary of Ken Browne Fitness in the Ferrybank Parish Centre. Providing 20 classes per week, along with personal training and nutrition services, demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting health and well-being. The popularity of the daily classes among locals and the support of both regular members and pay-as-you-go customers are a testament to Ken's dedication and the positive impact he has had on the community. Here's to many more successful years of helping people achieve their fitness goals and live healthier lives.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls National School in Ferrybank has received a generous donation of €369 from the local Tesco store, earmarked for new music equipment. The school expressed their gratitude to parents, students, and shoppers who supported their efforts over the past few months. In addition to the donation, external construction work at the school is ongoing. The boundary wall is nearing completion, and new fencing and gates are expected to be installed in the coming months to improve the drop-off and collection area. The school also made strides in sustainability over the summer, installing 16 solar panels on the roof of the main building. These panels will help reduce the school’s carbon footprint by generating electricity. To engage students, a new information screen has been set up in the entrance hall, displaying real-time data on the amount of electricity produced.
On Wednesday, October 9, Yoga sessions will take place in St Mary's Hall at 11.30am followed by a general meeting at 12.50pm. We are always looking for new members male and female and note we are on the bus route at suitable times.
