Local Notes: Tractor Run anticipation, Garda clinic and more upcoming in Ballyduff and Kilmeaden
Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Run will set off from Haughton's on Sunday, July 13. Photo: Joe Evans
The week has finally arrived for the annual Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor run and great excitement is building. To kick start the weekend, the guys in Haughton's will open their doors to everyone on Saturday, July 12, with live music from two great bands. Taking to the stage at 7pm are the winners of WLR FM’s Local Hero Award, Washed Out, followed by Woody at 9pm. This is a free event but there will be a bucket collection during the night for the Hospice. As you all know at this stage Haughton's is now run by a group of local lads who are passionate about their area and have been avid supporters of the tractor run over the past number of years. They take great pride in ensuring that this event is a huge success and will be pulling out all the stops.
The tractor run will commence from Haughton's on Sunday, July 13, at 1pm. The route will take you through some beautiful scenic areas taking in the sights and sounds of nature. This year the run will travel through the fabulous Curraghmore Estate and back down to Kilmeaden and Ballyduff before making their way back to Haughton's where once again the friendly hospitality of the lads will shine. There will be a free barbeque for everyone to enjoy and there might be a few lemonades consumed. Tractors will be parked up or delivered home in time for all the drivers and spectators to enjoy a chat and a laugh, meeting up with friends from far and near. This is always a wonderful family day and is always organised to precision by a fantastic organising committee. For more information about the run please contact Pat on 087 2216589.
This charity run has raised much-needed funds for many charities over the years and this year all proceeds will go to Waterford Hospice, who provide public benefit to patients and their families known to the Southeast Palliative Care Service. Waterford Hospice provide invaluable support not only to their patients but also to the families affected by a loved one’s illness. During Saturday night’s music event and Sunday’s tractor run and barbeque there will be donation buckets available, and you are asked to be as generous as possible. We have all witnessed the wonderful work being done by this charity and how our support is vital to the continuation of its vital work.
Huge congratulations to Dylan Murphy, Coolagadden who is part of the All-Ireland winning Waterford Minor team. Dylan put in a wonderful performance on All-Ireland day, and he and his teammates treated us all to a fantastic game of hurling. A game of excitement and skill, we were all on the edge of our seats. What a wonderful achievement by this youthful team and their coaching and management team.
It was wonderful to see such a crowd of supporters travel to the game and enjoy a superb game of hurling. Two great friends who are staunch Waterford supporters, Elizabeth Barry and Brenda Foley, travelled to the match decked out in the Déise colours. Their beautiful scarfs were knitted by Brenda and proved very popular with everyone, including the mother of the captain James Comerford, who asked Brenda to make one for James, which she kindly did and the scarf was handed over at Faithlegg Hotel. James gave Brenda a lovely bunch of flowers and greeted her with a big hug as he headed up the steps on Saturday to receive the cup.
The club would like to give a special mention of congratulations to their division 3 manager John Walsh, who was part of the Irish U14 coaching team, who recently returned cup winners from the six-team tournament held in Ballymena.
The club enjoyed a fantastic summer camp with the weather remaining good for most of the days. Everyone enjoyed great fun and learning new skills. Great new friendships were made, and the club would like to say a big thank you to their coaches Alannah, Roisin and Ben, who ensured that all the young people had a great time.
If you would like to join the club’s development fund, please contact any of the committee or check out details on their Facebook page. The proceeds of this draw will support the club’s upgrade plans, which include a clubhouse extension and gym and all-weather pitch. To mark Men’s Health Week Ballyduff AFC will facilitate a four-week block of Yoga with Ginni. This is proudly funded by Waterford Sports Partnership and is a wonderful way to improve your wellbeing. This free event will take place on Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15 and 22, at 7pm. To book your place please contact Brian on 087 6392452.
There was disappointment for the U13 hurlers when they were defeated by a very strong Ballygunner side in the city league final. The boys have put in some fantastic performances throughout the league and despite a strong effort in the final, it wasn’t their night. A big thank you to Kilmeaden Groundworks who treated the team to Supermacs after the game.
The U8 camogie girls visited Gracedieu to play two games against Gailtir and De La Salle. The girls put in a huge effort and showed some great skill.
The final Deise Og U7 football blitz took place in Gaultier recently and they played three great games. Congratulations to all the players who put in a great effort and smiled through them all, even through the rain.
For the foreseeable future there will be no Saturday evening mass in Ballyduff Church. The only weekend mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10am.
The annual Newcastle cemetery mass will take place on Wednesday, July 23, at 7pm. Our church choir will take a well-deserved break now for the summer and we thank them most sincerely for all the joy and warmth they have brought to our masses during the year. They will recharge their batteries and return in September with some more beautiful music and hymns.
Fundraising is now underway for the renovation of our beautiful church. Each household has now received an information letter about the project and how to donate. All details are also available on the parish website. The renovations are making steady progress. A few of the windows have had glass replaced and have been leaded.
The next part of the renovation will include the replacement of gutters and downpipes to prevent dampness and moisture. The committee would like to sincerely thank all those who have made donations so far and ask those who haven’t to consider donating so that these renovations can continue.
Choo Choo days are back every Sunday and Wednesday in July and August at Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Enjoy a beautiful scenic 40-minute trip through the countryside beside Waterford Greenway and the River Suir. Take a glimpse at Mount Congreve gardens, make a wish at the Magic Wood and see four good examples of lime kilns. When you check in at the ticket office children will receive a treasure hunt page and map to enjoy on the way. Honey and Barry Bear will be there to greet you, and face painting is available. You can also enjoy some lovely homemade treats and souvenirs from the Whistlestop Café. To book your ticket contact the ticket office on 051 384058 or visit their website or Facebook page.
The Garda community clinic van will be in Kilmeaden on Wednesday, July 9, from 2pm to 3.15pm; in Kill from 10am to 11.15am and in Dunhill from 11.30am to 12.45pm. This is a great opportunity to have any necessary forms signed, receive information or speak to a member of the Gardai about any worry or concern you may have.
Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, as we shall never cease to be amused
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.
