Local Notes: Sympathies, open evening, IFA awards and much more

Stradbally Market always offers up a great selection of produce and items
It is with sadness we record the death of Tom Hearne, Killelton, Stradbally Co Waterford, on Saturday, October 12. Tom was predeceased by his parents Michael and Catherine, his daughter Ann, his sister Peggy and uncle Tommy. He is deeply regretted by his loving wife Cess, his children John, Susan, Margaret, Nuala, Imelda and Tom, sons-in-law Martin, Luca, Lionel, Willie John, Noel and Ryan, daughter-in-law Emma, her daughter Savannah, sister Mary Ann, grandchildren, Vincent, Tara, Eoin, Rebecca, Andrea, Katie, Michael, Molly Kate, Chloe, Séan, Darragh, Tadgh and Liam, nephews Kieran and Tony, nieces, extended family, neighbours, and friends. Tom's reposing took place at Drohan's Funeral Home, Dungarvan on Wednesday, October 16, from 5pm to 7pm where large numbers attended to pay their respects. Tom's funeral mass was celebrated by Fr John McEneaney CC, Dungarvan, assisted by Fr Michael Enright. The beautiful music and singing during the mass was by Nollaig Hennessey. At the beginning of mass symbols of Tom's life were brought to the altar and narrated by Ryan. Susan brought sand from Ballydwane, Tom brought the newspaper, 'The Irish Field', Imelda brought Tom's mobile phone, Andrea brought a horse trophy, Margaret brought a mug of tea, Nuala brought a Stradbally jersey. Kieran Sullivan and Vincent Fitzgerald read the liturgy readings and the Prayers of the Faithful were shared by Rebecca, Tara, Eoin and Molly Kate. The gifts of bread and wine were brought to the altar by his wife, Cess, and Mary Ann Sullivan (his sister). After communion brother and sister John and Imelda, shared a fitting Eulogy with stories of their fathers life. Following the final prayers Tom was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Cess, children John, Susan, Margaret, Nuala, Imelda, Tom, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sister Mary Ann, nephews, nieces, extended family neighbours and friends. May Tom rest in peace.
St James NS, Stradbally is delighted to welcome you and your children to their Open Evening on Thursday, October 24, from 6pm to 7pm. Located at Church Lane in Stradbally. It is a small rural school with picturesque views of both the sea and the mountains. St James is a school in which everyone is equally valued, respected, and listened to. There is a holistic approach to education, setting each child up for life. Pupils experience a strong sense of community in a kind, caring and belonging environment with an emphasis on learning through play and in the outdoors.
Children learn the importance of sustainability and taking care of the natural world. St James NS is a Church of Ireland managed, co-educational primary school that welcomes children of all religions and none. The school is a place where all pupils and staff are equally valued and respected, irrespective of their differences and backgrounds. St James has two mainstream class teachers, and a learning support teacher, ensuring your child has an individualised education so that they can reach their full potential. All parents are welcome to enjoy a tour of the school, visit classrooms, and view the outdoor facilities. If you have any queries please feel free to contact office@stjamesns.ie or text/whatsapp 085 2289384
IFA nominees for the Paddy Fitzgerald 2024 Awards have been announced. Each of the nine IFA County Executives in Munster has put forward a nominee for the awards night, which will take place on Sunday, October 27, in Adare Co Limerick. Simon Coveney who has served as Tánaiste will be guest speaker on the evening. IFA Munster Regional Chairman, Conor O'Leary said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards represent the spirit of volunteerism and exemplary dedication of people striving to improve their communities. FBD will be supporting the event. We would like to congratulate Harry Gray, Ballinahila, Bonmahon, for being the Waterford nominee and wish him the best of luck on Sunday night in Limerick. With Harry's engagement in volunteering over the years in many local organisations and committees he ticks all the boxes.
Stradbally Tidy Towns committee would like to thank Stradbally GAA Club for allowing us one of their 50-50 draws as a fundraiser for Tidy Towns, to be held this coming weekend, on Sunday, October 27. Committee members will be selling envelopes at the market on Saturday, October 26 and also at the usual venues before the draw. Support would be appreciated.
Stradbally Tidy Towns Committee is delighted to have recently received an invitation for three members to attend the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards Ceremony that will take place at the Hogan Suite, Croke Park, Dublin on Friday, November 1, with refreshments and arrival and lunch after the awards. This was a pleasant surprise after a year of strife in losing all our equipment and the fall out from that.
With all the weather warnings it was hard to believe that the market was held outside again last Saturday in warm sunshine. Colette's, '2025 Stradbally Calendar', had arrived and was selling like hot cakes. Compliments to Colette on her local photographs; the colours and layout is superb. It is a must as a gift to those away from home. The usual stalls of fresh fruit and veg and home baking were available. Shoppers made choices at speed as everyone was aware the storm Ashley was on the way. You can preorder any product on sale by calling Margaret on 087 6337215 just drop by and pick up.