Local Notes: Marathon man, 21st birthday, book publication, tractor run and much more
There are lots of events happening in the Ballyduff and Kilmeaden areas
Congratulations to Kim Bergin who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with family and friends in The Sweep Bar and Restaurant. Kim and her dad Stan are popular visitors to Kilmeaden where they love to enjoy the good food and friendly service in popular local venue. They were delighted to be joined by lots of the regulars to mark Kim’s special day. We wish Kim many more happy birthdays and hoped she enjoyed every minute of her birthday.
Congratulations and well done to Dr. Sophie van der Valk, a native of Coolagadden, Kilmeaden, who recently published her first book which is titled 'Overseeing Rights in Prison'. The book examines the Irish experience of human rights protection in prisons. Sophie is a postdoctoral researcher with the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice on the project, 'Transforming Justice: An All-Island examination of Justice Responses to Historical Institutional Abuse'. Sophie, who lives in Luxembourg, is continuing her work in human rights law and is looking forward to her book hitting the shelves. Congratulations Sophie.
Congratulations and best wishes to Shay and Edel Searson, Gortaclode who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. This lovely couple are still like newlyweds and there is no doubt that they celebrated their special day in style together with their daughter Amber and son Scott. We wish them many more years of happiness and laughter.
Huge congratulations to Shane McDonnell, Ballygarron, who recently completed his 50th marathon which is a fantastic achievement. The marathon took place in Limerick just one week after he had run the London marathon which had been a lifetime ambition. Congratulations Shane, your hard work and determination is greatly admired.
The Kilmeaden Vintage Tractor Club hold their annual tractor run every July. This year the date has been set for Sunday, July 13. This event is really looked forward to each year. It is a wonderful day for all the family with some fantastic vintage vehicles on display. The participants gather at Haughton's Pub and the run begins at 1pm. The route followed is a scenic country route bursting with the sights and sounds of nature and then when the run arrives back and parks up safely at Haughton's, there will be lots of refreshments on offer. For more information about the run please contact Pat on 087 2216589. This event has raised much needed funds for many charities over the years and this year all proceeds will go to Waterford Hospice which provides 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.
The annual graveyard mass for St. Nicholas’s Church, Ballyduff, will take place on Wednesday, June 4t, at 7pm. Please spread the word to people living in other areas but have relatives or friends buried in the graveyard. Our beautiful graveyard is kept in pristine condition by Maurice Doyle who puts tremendous work in on a weekly basis but if you are visiting your family grave with flowers or plants, we ask that you bring along a bag to take away any old flowers or pots home with you.
Last year’s open golf classic proved to be a great success and the dates have been announced for this year’s event. Get those clubs ready and get your team organised. The next Rory McIlroy may be just around the corner. On Friday, June 20, from 8am to 5pm and Saturday, June 21, from 8am to 2pm, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club will be the venue for the Ballyduff Lower, LGFA and Camogie Golf Classic. To book your time you can contact the Golf Club directly on 051 640047 or contact Michael on 087 9247547. For more details check out the Ballyduff Lower GAA Facebook page.
Ballyduff AFC have released a very important date in their annual calendar. Their popular Summer Camp will run from June 23 to June 27. This camp is very popular so check out the club’s Facebook page for booking details. The Miwadi football camp will take place in Ballyduff from July 7 to 11. Check out the club’s Facebook page for details of both camps. 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.
The registration for this year’s GAA Cul Camps have now opened. The Ballyduff camp will take place from July 21 to July 25. Book your place early as places fill very fast. Check out their Facebook page for details of future games and details of all events taking place.
The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.
If you would like me to include any items in these notes for you please contact Linda Spillane on 087 9838392 or spillanelinda2017@gmail.com
