Boyle GAA Blog ...by Tony Conboy

Top Corner:
Club members are trying to sell the Club's 'generous' allocatiojn of €100 tickets for the County Board draw. We did not get too involved in this last year so the pressure is on this year. So if you are approached look sympathetically on the seller, if you can, please!!
La na gClub:
Preparations are well advanced in the preparation of Lá na gClub on Sunday 10th May. There will be a full range of activities on the day to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the GAA. It will be a special occasion for the Club and ALL past and present members, male and female are invited to participate. Team managers of all teams in both the men’s club and in the Ladies’ Club are asked to ensure that all their panel members are available to participate in the events which will commence with a parade through the town from the Crescent to St Joseph's Church for 11.30 am Mass .-full details next week. Of course if anyone has any brainwave, imaginative ideas (economical) that would enhance the day let us know!
The Lotto:
I returned to Lotto duty last Saturday night. It is an interesting experience and education. The ould neck needs to be as robust as a jockey’s nether regions. It gives one an excuse –if that is necessary- to visit all town hostelries. I was very impressed by our crew on the night with their efficiency and attention to the detail involved in the process. Openness and transparency. It really is the lifeblood of the club. One must thank the various pubs who allow us to promote the draw in their bars and the courtesy shown. A special word to John Cummins who had a very important night in Daly’s and still encouraged our slightly disruptive intervention. Thanks also to Dennis Dodd, where the draw was held, who was very amenable and helpful on the night.
U 14s’:
Boyle under 14s had a good win over Oran in the Abbey Park on Thursday eveing last, considering that they were short a number of regulars. Some people got animated with a slight confusion over the score but all was in order. The sides will meet again in the Championship. Their next league outing will be to Roscommon on this Thursday when they will take on Roscommon Gaels at 7pm.
U 16s’:
The Under 16s’ will play Michael Glaveys in Ballinlough on this coming Tuesday evening the 28th at 7pm in Ballinlough in the county ‘A’ Semi-Final. This is sure to be a keen encounter and whatever support that could make it to Ballinlough would be appreciated.
Intermediate Team Lose Out:
The McGovern Directional Drillin team suffered a two point defeat at the hands of Roscommon Gaels in Hyde Park on Saturday eveing last. Despite this I am told they still share top spot on the league table. This was a missed opportunity of getting at least a point against a mediocre Roscommon Gaels team. Gaels got a couple of soft enough goals in the first half which made the difference. The score at half time was Roscommon Gaels 2.5 Boyle 1.2. Boyle’s goal came from Cian Smith who was always a danger close to goal but did not get enough supply or support. Gaels seemed to be pulling away but Boyle came back mid way in the second half with another Smith goal and good points from Mark O’Connor and Tadgh Egan. Boyle got to within a point of their opponents and should have got on level terms but failed to do so and the Gaels finished with the telling scores one a free which was brought forward as a result of a Boyle player debating with the referee. The conditions were very difficult with a very slippery surface. Again the ball being given away or robbed on Boyle’s own forty yard line happened too often with the support too slow to get to Smith up front who was the main man here. They play Creggs in the Abbey Park on Sunday in their next O'Gara Cup game.
Juniors:
The Felystone junior team will travel to Ballyfarnon on Monday (May Bank Holiday) to meet St Ronan’s in the next round of the Division 4 North League.
Minors:
The Think Energy minors are expected to play Padraig Pearses on Monday next also.
Congratulations and Best Wishes:
Best wishes are extended to the Club's Assistant Treasurer, Peter Gavigan and his bride to be-Anne Regan- who are getting married on Friday.
Good Luck:
Good luck is also extended to Boyle Celtic Under 14s’ who will play Corofin in the Connacht Cup Final on Sunday next in Newbridge,Co. Galway at 1pm. Well done to Tadgh Lowe and Cillian Cox who starred for Sligo in the Connacht U 16 Rugby Cup last week against Buccanneers. I believe Cillian got a fine try. Maybe we have a future Lion in the club!
Minor Club Meeting:
A meeting of the Boyle Minor Club will be held in the Royal Hotel on this Wednesday at 9pm.

Ladies Club Notes:
Junior Ladies:
Boyle Junior Ladies play Ballinameen this Friday in Ballinameen, this will be an interesting local derby.
U 12 Girls (Lions):
Boyle U12 Girls Panel 'A' (Boyle Lions) had a win against St Croan's in Boyle last Tuesday and played St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom last Sunday, in a closely contested game, in very wet conditions. The game ended in a draw. They
next play Strokestown in Strokestown on Sunday May the 3rd at 6.30pm.
Boyle U 12 (Cubs):
Boyle U12 Girls Panel B (Boyle Cubs) played a much stronger Kilmore last Wednesday in Boyle.They have a bye this week. Great credit is due to this very young panel who give 100% in each game.
Training continues every Monday and Friday.
U14 Girls Training every Tuesday and Friday for this panel.
That's it
Fiona