Local Notes: Waterford Food Bank, cafe theology and Biodiversity Week
Waterford Food Bank’s mission is to eradicate food poverty in disadvantaged communities in Waterford by providing food parcels and support services
A very happy birthday is wished to James Higgins, Clonard Park, who celebrated his special day on Monday, April 13. James’s wife, Francis and all his family children and grandchildren and his many friends send birthday wishes to him. A very happy birthday is wished to Bernie Daly Glencarra, who celebrated her special day on Thursday, April 16. Birthday wishes come to Bernie from all her family and her many friends. A very happy birthday is wished to Catherine Ryan, Cork Road, who celebrated a milestone birthday on Wednesday, April 15. Birthday wishes come to Catherine from her husband Shaner, daughter Kathie, and the Laffan and Ryan families. Catherine is a popular employee of Dessert First and they all send their birthday wishes to her, as well as her many friends and all the Murphys, Templars Hall. A very happy birthday is wished to Eamon Byrne, Ballybeg Court, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, April 14th. Birthday wishes come to him from his wife Nicola, all his family and his many friends. A very happy 16th birthday is wished to Darragh Murphy Carraige, an Aird who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, April 18. Birthday wishes come to him from his mam Ita his sister Niamh his grandparents Tom and Marian Murphy Templars Hall his uncle’s Tommy and Sam, Barry and Laurie, David and Kathryn and Kieran and Clodagh his cousins Dylan, Siobhan, Aoife and Shea, as well as all his friends in St Saviours and Mt Sion GAA and Southend FC where Darragh is a popular team member. Edmund Rice ARA Our members welcomed the Chairperson of Waterford Hospice, Barbara Murphy, to their meeting on Thursday last, where she explained the wonderful work Waterford Hospice does with the Palliative Care team. We were delighted to have two of our members who have recently recovered from Cancer present to her a cheque for €1,000, which we raised at our annual Halloween night out. Once again, we thank the sponsors of our raffle and thank all our members for their wonderful support.
sympathy to Siobhan Flanagan, Priory Lawn, on the death of her mother, Cecilia Baxter, nee Whelan, St Stephens Terrace, Cork Road, formerly of Portlaoise, who died on Tuesday, April 7, in the care of the staff of Signa Care, Ferrybank. Her remains lay in repose at Tom Hennessy’s funeral home on Thursday, April 9. Cecilia's funeral cortege walked from Tom Hennessy’s Funeral home on Friday, April 10, to St John’s Church for a requiem mass on arrival, followed by Burial in St Otterans Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh. Predeceased by her husband, Paddy and son-in-law Robbie Bible. She is also survived by her daughter Bridhge, and Gwen's sons Declan and Aidan, eight grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, Shamie, daughter-in-law Lorna, sisters-in-law Chris, Lily and Monica, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May Cecilia rest in peace?
Juvenile Training Times 12/13 years boys born 2013/14 Every Wednesday 6pm to 7pm 10/11 years Boys born 2015/16. Every Monday and Wednesday 6pm to 7pm Age 8to 9 years Every Wednesday 6pm to 7pm Age 7years Saturday 11am to 12pm Little Saints 4/5/6 years St Saviours National School 11am to 12pm. The pitch is full of energy again and all our young players are doing what they enjoy. Whether your child is trying for the first time, coming back for more or dreaming of Croke Park, there is a place for everyone at St Saviours GAA. Fun and inclusive sessions with qualified coaches. Builds skills confidence friendships and a great way to stay active and be part of the club. Spread the word, bring a friend and get involved. New members are always welcome.
Deepest sympathy to Rosari Murphy Cluain a Laoi on the death of her sister Kathleen (Kay) Dowling Nee Doran Newrath Waterford/ Kilkenny and Clarina Limerick, Late of Georges Street, who died on Sunday, April 5. Age 91 years, Kay passed away peacefully in the tender care of her loving family and all the staff in the South East Palliative Care Centre, Oak Ward, UHW. Her remains lay in repose at Powers Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 8th. Her removal took place on Thursday, April 9, to St Senan’s Church, Kilmacow, for a requiem mass on arrival, followed by Burial in the adjoining cemetery. Kay was a dressmaker until she retired some years ago. She was a lovely, gentle person. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Kay will be sadly missed by family and friends alike. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Bridget Doran, sisters Anna, Phil and Tessie and brothers Willie and Francie. She is survived by her loving husband, Tony, her children, Paul, liam, Alan and Carl and Liz Spencer, daughters-in-law Reilly, Ann Ruth and Janice, son-in-law, Jeff, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, sister Rosari Murphy, brothers-in-law, Barry, sister-in-law Anna Dowling nieces, nephews extended family, neighbours and friends. May Kay’s Gentle soul rest in peace.
Southend Academy for boys and girls from four years to eight years every Friday Night 6pm to 7pm. Cost €2. Weather permitting. Training for all other schoolboys on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-15 to 7pm up to under 16 years St Saviours.
We say a big thank you to our nuns who made Easter very special In St Saviours and to Barry Murphy, choir master and The Choir, who also made our Easter very special in our church. Parish Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 12pm. E-mail stsaviourspo@outlook.com, or phone 051 376032 for booking masses, baptismal certificates, Mass cards, holy water. Also in stock are medals and baptism candles. First Holy Communion Cards and Confirmation cards. Parish text mobile 089 2395192 or phone 051 376032 Like us on Facebook: stsavioursbb. Mass time in St Saviours 10am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Sunday 8-30am, 11am and 5.30pm. Parish shop is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 12pm for all your religious needs. Baptism takes place on Sunday at 12pm. Please contact the Parish office to arrange a week's notice. If you have a birthday, anniversary, or any good news or any news you would like to promote from the community of St Saviours Parish, please send them in to marian.murphy@hotmail.com before Thursday each week.
Quote for the Week: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! “Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them. We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel.” Pope Leo XIV.
We greet Spring and Easter this year with particular welcome and relief, after a long, wet winter under constantly darkened skies. Our days were also dulled in a more ominous way by wars and rumours of war. We have said goodbye to many loved ones, some in the prime of life, some after years of love and service. So, we welcome the season of Resurrection, when the brightness of heaven shines upon us. The Lord is truly risen. May a fresh wind from the Risen One fill our “sails” and our souls this Easter. May the Eastertime and the Season of New Life renew us in body, mind and spirit. We wish you a Happy Easter as we thank you for all that you do for family and our Parish community. Sr. de Lourdes, Fr. Dawit, Fr. Pat and all the members of our Parish Pastoral Councils.
Easter was celebrated by Butlerstown Parish with a Dawn Mass at 6am on Easter Sunday. The Mass was held at Our Lady’s Grotto in Butlerstown Cemetery. It was a deeply spiritual and sensory experience. It was a voluntary effort where we all came together to help one another and the result was wonderful. Fr. Pat celebrated the Mass with Fr. Dawitt con-celebrating. It was so beautiful to see the moon in the darkness, followed by sunrise with the birds singing to their hearts' content. A truly joyous occasion. Followed by blaas and sausages as we looked after the body as well as the soul. And had time to chat and spend time together to mark this beautiful occasion. (Mary Power).
It is with great sadness that we note the vandalism which took place in Knight’s Templar Graveyard this week. It was such a shock for all the volunteers who work so diligently keeping the Graveyard in such a well kept, flower and plant-filled area and creating a spiritual and sacred place for all to avail of. It is so mindless that anyone could deliberately damage such an historical area. Several tombstones were broken and the flags were taken yet again. There has been a really good response to this action, with community leaders and the media condemning it. While the damage is shocking, already a skilled volunteer who is a professional stonemason has already come forward to help repair the tombstones. Historical tours are still ongoing, and Jane is available to welcome groups and individuals to explore this historical site. For further information, contact the Knights Templar Project Facebook Page.
Women aged 65+, we want to hear about your experience of home support. NWC is running a study on older women’s (65+) experience of Ireland’s home support system. This study will focus on how different factors shape older women’s access to home support, their experiences and outcomes. This study is open to older women who both receive and do not receive HSE Home Support. Eligible women age 65+ will be invited to take part in an online focus group lasting one hour, exploring experiences of care and support. The focus group will take place on the week of April 20. For more information, contact Dr Karen Hand, 087 224 3064 or email karenhand9@gmail.com.
The death has occurred of Michael Doody, Summerville Avenue, Waterford, on April 2. Former Waterford City Manager and Freeman of the City of Waterford passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his beloved wife Alice, his brothers, Jimmy, John and Teddy and his sister Eileen. Sadly missed by his children Eamonn, Catherine, Claire, Laura and Michael, his daughters-in-law Ann-Mari and Megumi, his sons-in-law Sean and Kevin and by his grandchildren Jack, Ciara, Ronan, Emeline, Kevin, Aisling, Katie and Lily, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh anam. Michael’s funeral cortege drove past City Hall, The Mall, Waterford on route for Requiem Mass on arrival in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown, on Thursday, April 9 at 12pm, followed by burial in the Adjoining Cemetery.
Previously Talk to Tom, is a completely volunteer-driven organisation run by the community for the community. We rely solely on the generosity of the public to fund our services. As we are run by volunteers, all funds raised go directly into funding the services we facilitate. You can be safe in the knowledge that 100% of the money we raise will go towards suicide prevention and awareness. We continue to receive referrals from state agencies and other charities – the need is greater than ever. The latest numbers from our helpline referrals show a 129% increase over the past two months. Our data reveals that 12-17-year-olds continue to present in large numbers, with young women particularly struggling with self-harm and the pressures of social media use. Referrals aged in range between 5 and 75 years old. Self-harm was reported in 31% of all referrals. However, the rate is significantly higher among minors, with 35% of under-18 referrals involving self-harm. Suicidal ideation was reported 33% of all referrals. One in 3 Young people presented with neurodivergent needs, 80% had visited a GP prior to calling and 30% Reported current or past abuse. If you would like to support our services and ensure we’re always there for young people in crisis, consider pledging a small amount each month or a one-off donation. Your support changes lives. For further information: Phone: 0818 303061.Email: info@futureinmind.ie.
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service CLG is recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators to support couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. The marriage preparation programmes are fun and interactive and very popular with couples. Working as part of an enthusiastic, friendly and experienced team, facilitators typically provide four marriage preparation programmes per annum. Each team works from Accord Centres, which are located in every diocese around the country. Successful applicants will receive training during seven in-person workshops. Closing date for applications: Friday, May 29. Contact Aisling on 01-505 3112 or by email marraigepreparation@accord.ie.
The new junior league season started and there is still work to be done on our pitch in the coming weeks. Our Club are looking for the support of our loyal supporters in the parish/and a far. The Club will be running a split-the-pot draw to raise funds for our pitch development. The cost of entry will be E10 per number. Choose 1 to 200. Cash/Revolut payments accepted. Details on Thursday. Once all the numbers are sold, the draw will be made live on our Facebook page. Winner guaranteed €500. Other prizes, too. Numbers will go live on our social media/Facebook page on Thursday, April 9, from 12pm. As always, your support of the “parish” is appreciated by us all.
“Birds are not just singing – they're tuning your brain! Morning bird calls vibrate at specific frequencies that boost serotonin, regulate cortisol, and align your body with the Earth’s natural rhythm. "It is not just sound – it’s frequency medicine!” Katelyn Simmons.
Be part of a global moment that truly matters. On April 12, people around the world came together for Good Deeds Day – a day dedicated to doing good and spreading positive action. Registration is now open. Sign up and help power a worldwide movement for good. Contact: info@good-deeds-day.org.
Takes place on April 14 at 7.30pm in the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross. The event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age at which your child died, the circumstances of their death, or how recent their death was. No need to register in advance. We also offer an online support group meeting. For more information, call 01 4045378 or email info@anamcara.ie.
Butlerstown Camogie Club is well represented on our Waterford Senior Camogie team. Katelyn Lyons will be playing forward, Rebecca Farrell mid-forward, Rachael Walsh, back. Wishing you all and your team mates the best of luck in the coming season. At the Waterford Camogie Skills Grace Godkin, Butlerstown, was crowned the overall winner. Another winner for Butlerstown was Lily Codd for free-taking. Well done, girls – a great achievement.
Cafe Theology on Thursday, April 23, at 7pm in St. John’s Pastoral Centre, Waterford. A New Vision for Catholic Education in Ireland: Opportunities and Challenges for Engaging Families, Schools, Parishes and State to foster a Catholic Ethos in building communities of faith, inclusion and excellence. All are welcome!
A big celebration for the ARCH Club, Tramore, on coming second in St Patrick’s Day Parade, Tramore. Well done to Mark, Wayne, Darragh and David who took part in the Parade. They received second prize from Journi Credit Union. What a great achievement for all of the club, especially our friends from St Paul’s Parish.
Drivers and Relief Drivers Needed Monday to Friday from about 11.15am to 12.15pm. Please contact Paula 051 – 874 056 or ladylanehouse1@gmail.com.
We are excited to announce that this year’s Biodiversity Week is taking place May 15 – 24. Events are already available to view on our website, with more being added each week. Celebrate Ireland’s fascinating wildlife and habitats this year at free events nationwide. Learn more about the natural world surrounding you and how to take actions that support wildlife and our own health. Explore all events now at www.biodiversityweek.ie and keep an eye out for more being added each week.
The Hospitality Group are meeting in the Parish Centre at St Paul’s Church on Monday, April 20, at 7pm. The Hospitality Group is divided into teams, and each team is available for one morning a week every three months. Each group offers hospitality and a friendly space to get to know our neighbours better. We would love to have you come and join us. New members are also welcome to help support this service. All are welcome.
Kind-hearted people wanted. Could you offer safety, stability, and care to a child who truly needs it? At Origins Foster Care, you’re never doing this alone: 24/7 Support whenever you need guidance. Specialist training built around real-world challenges. A trauma-informed, child-centred approach. An experienced social work team beside out. Fostering does not just change a child’s life – it can change yours too. Take a first step – phone: 01-627 5713 or email: info@orchardfostering.ie. We look forward to hearing from you.
The Waterford Minor Hurling Panel 2026 – The Waterford Minor Hurling manager, Darragh O’Sullivan and his management team have released their 2026 Panel, which includes two Butlerstown players – Cian Delaney and Ruairi Brennan. All in Butlerstown and Waterford would like to wish all involved the very best in the upcoming championship.
By bus Sunday, May 3, under the leadership of Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan. Departure times are as follows: Tramore: Church Car Park 6.30am. Waterford: Miller’s Marsh Car Park: 7am. There will be a break at Tipperary on each journey. The return departure from Knock is scheduled for 5.30pm. Tickets cost €35 and are available from the Parish Office at the Cathedral, Dominican, Ferrybank, Holy Family and St. Paul’s Churches during normal office hours. Contacts: Michael Drohan 089 4204804/Anne O’Connor 051 381351, Grace O’Brien 087 6354991.
Our Walking Football programme continues on Thursday at Butler Community Centre. Starting at 11am, our Walking Football group welcomes everyone over the age of 50 for an hour of fun and enjoyment, before refreshments afterwards, kindly sponsored by the Waterford Blues Supporters Club. Contact community@waterfordfcie for further information.
Do you want to reduce your alcohol use? CADS (Cabra Alcohol and Drug Service) is offering a free online eight-week alcohol reduction programme. This course will be running in April and is for Women only. If you are interested, then please contact Claire at 083 8663927 or Andy at 085 7672169.
Waterford Food Bank’s mission is to eradicate food poverty in disadvantaged communities in Waterford by providing food parcels and support services. Established in 2017 by Waterford Area Partnership, the organisation aims to bring about a change for the better in the community. Here’s what they do: Food Distribution - Deliver food parcels to organisations like SVP, MABS, and Focus Ireland, which will then distribute them to those in need; Support Services - Review requests for help from individuals outside formal services and refer them to support services where appropriate; Community Engagement - Work with local organisations and charities, such as Flahavan’s, to make a difference in the community; Financial Management - Managed by Waterford Area Partnership, ensuring donations are used effectively. Waterford Food Bank is part of the Food Cloud initiative and has charitable status under Waterford Area Partnership. They’re dedicated to making a positive impact in Waterford city and county. They are immensely grateful to all the businesses and individuals who make their work possible. This week in particular, they thank Snap Fitness Waterford members and staff for their donation of Easter eggs, which will bring a smile to some of our families this Easter. Many thanks to all our supporters and volunteers.
