On Friday 14th January a cheque for € 17,530 was presented to Mrs Kay O’Byrne, representing Waterford Hospice, by the fundraising organizers and supporters at the Bally Inn, Ballylaneen.

This cheque represented €13,022 raised over the Christmas period plus €4,508 from earlier events.

The organizers would like to thank everyone who made this possible. Waterford Hospice is a very worthy cause and they would also like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for all your efforts and support. Once again the organizers wish to say “Thank you”.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

The members of St Vincent De Paul would like to thank everyone for their generosity at the annual church gate collection. Without this support the work of the Society would be impossible. Thank you.

SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is extended to Kitty Clarke of Fahafeelagh on the death of her brother Paddy Coffey, who left Fahafeelagh at an early age and was buried in Boston USA on Friday, January 21. The month’s mind mass for Billy Barry will be in Faha Church this Friday evening, January 28, at 7.30pm.

PARISH DRAW

The parish draw, which is the only fund raiser held every year, is upon us once again and it is hoped to have the first draw on Monday, February 14. The draw depends on the loyal promoters who do great work every year getting the numbers of cards filled up to ensure another successful venture. Cards are available from Mary Power, Carrigcastle, Nellie Casey of Faha and Margaret Corbett of Stradbally.

New promoters would be appreciated especially in the areas of the parish where new houses have been built in the recent past. The draw will be fore 12 weeks and at €20 it is great value with the chance of winning a prize every week.

TSUNAMI

There was a wonderful response to the appeal for the victims of the Tsunami Disaster in all three churches. The final total which has been sent to Trocaire was €12,065 which speaks for itself.

CONFIRMATION

The third of the four rituals being held as part of the preparation of the boys and girls for Confirmation on February 22 took place during 10am mass in the Holy Cross Church, Stradbally, on Sunday, January 23. This time it was the boys of Scoil na Croise Naofa took centre stage and they each played their part.

The ritual involved a reminder of their baptism and blessing of water which they in turn used to bless the congregation which included the other boys and girls also preparing for Confirmation. The boys involved were Gavin Kiely, Paul Connors, Joe Kett, Finbarr Power, Damien Sheehan, Mikie Kiely and Eoin McElduff. There was also involvement by some of the parents and thanks to Josephine and Nick Connors, Mary Sheehan, Sean McElduff and Mags Kiely for their help, not forgetting the boys teacher Connie Di Fusco.

The final ritual takes place during the 10am mass in Holy Cross Church, Stradbally, this coming Sunday, January 30. It is fitting that the children will again be involved, this time from Seafield School but all those for confirmation are requested to attend and this includes parents and where possible, sponsors. Sunday next is also Catechetical Sunday.

PARENTS ASSOCIATION RAFFLE

The results of the Parent’s Association raffle held in aid of the Scoil na Croise Naofa held on Friday, January 17 were as follows: 1, Mary Bowdren, 2, Jimmy Sandford, 3, Betty Croke, 4, Fionnuala O’Donnell, 5, Patricia Leonard, 6, Roisin Leonard, 7, Richard Hogan, 8, Jennifer O’Mahony, 9, Ann Cunningham, 10, Aidan Leonard, 11, Dave Philips.

Class room prizes went to: 1, Jack Navin, 2, Declan Leonard, 3, Mark Kett, 4, Paul Connors. Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to all those who bought the tickets. We would also like to thank our sponsors for the excellent prizes – Ann Cunningham (Spar), Hairzone, Liam Brazil, Bridgie Terries, Glanbia Durow, Paul Foley Oils, Niall Condon, Joe Curran, Englishtown Farm, Stradbally GAA and Stradbally AFC. Thanks to all who were involved in making this a fundraising success.

WHIST

The next whist drive will take place at 8pm sharp at Stradbally GAA centre on Friday night next, January 28. The organising committee wish to thank all who supported their recent successful Tsunami Appeal night.

BUDDING MUSICIAN

Congratulations to Eoin McElduf of Carrigahilla, Stradbally, who was recently successful in his grade 6 piano exam. Eoin is a pupil of Miss Mary Dunphy, Carrigahill. Eoin showed his expertise during the Christmas service in the Holy Cross Church when he played the church organ on Christmas Eve during the Communion celebration.

STRADBALLY TOURISM AND ENTERPRISE

Breda Kiely is new Chairperson. At the AGM of Stradbally Tourism and Enterprise (Jan 17th) Breda was elected Chairperson, out going vice-chairman Tomás Power holds his position. Tom Hickey takes over as Secretary from Don Sutherland. Don has put a lot of work and time into this committee and was one of the main instigators since the group was reformed five years ago. The ever reliable Kevin O Morchoe continues to manage the finances. The open meeting (re Submissions to Waterford County Council ) which followed the AGM was a very constructive and positive affair, topping the agenda was the need for an improved water supply and a new sewage system for the area, also the developments in Leamybrien which are upstream of the Stradbally water supply. A well thought out contribution was made on the value of the “Old Medieval Church”, because of its Historic value and the present danger of the building falling down it will be part of the submission, it needs immediate restoration. The “Barron Hall” a facility which is in need of modernisation and has a lot to offer, library, scouts, brownies preschool etc. One issue that keeps returning to the agenda is the lack of a Garda presence in the community, a number of phone calls from people who could not make it to the meeting, had a common line, we need a resident member of the Garda in Stradbally. The danger to pedestrian on Knockrour road, no footpath, cars speeding. Part of the submission will include the viability of generating alternative energy sources.

It is encouraging to see such support and people volunteering to come together over the next few weeks to help have all these issues refined during and ready to be presented to Waterford County Council the closing date for submissions being 14th Feb.