Tuesday, March 30, 2010

2 pm
Material for Dressing Rooms Opening Programme: Re. the Dressing Room Opening on May 1st. We are putting together a small programme for same. It will concentrate on the period April ’05 (when we published the last programme for the then pitch opening) and the present. If anyone has photographs of teams and so on, since then, I’d appreciate same. Just put your ownership name on them and give to me or Conor Tivnan. They will of course be returned immediately post publication. Also we again hope to have a picture of all current teams and managements. So I’d ask managers to arrange same. Let me know when their team is in Boyle or bring my camera to an away fixture. With these teams I’d appreciate if they included the management and full panel.
Also if anyone has Annual Secretaries/Chairperson/Treasurer Reports (Senior & Minor), for any past years, you could pass them on or a copy. We will try and keep those for the record or when someone does an extensive history of the club. Thanking you T.C.
The U 14 Feile team play St. Aidan’s this Wed. evening in the park. Don’t forget the very important O’Rourke Cup game on Good Friday v Pearses.

Monday, March 29, 2010


1 pm.
Minor Board Meeting tonight, Monday, with a Senior Club Meeting on Tuesday night. The Golf Classic on the Sat. and Sun. 10th and 11th is the immediate project and there is a very good response that I am aware of. Ml. Gilmartin is co-ordinating this also.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team had a well merited one point win over St Aidan’s (Boyle 0.11 St. Aidan’s 0.10) in the O'Rourke Cup on Sunday in Ballyforan, thus achieving their second away win in the competition. This was always expected to be a stiff challenge and so it turned out to be. Aidan’s a physically strong side were in control in the first half and led at time by 7 points to 3 and were well worth their lead. They also had a considerable number of wides and Tomas McGarty also pulled off a fine save when a goal looked a certainty. When Aidan’s widened the gap to 9/3 after eight minutes of the second half they looked to be cruising. However Boyle stepped up to the plate and from then to the end frustrated Aidan’s whose earlier composer and discipline deserted them by giving away a series of frees which Cian Smith converted, 6 in that second half. Boyle. The game was delicately balanced in the final five minutes and could have either way. Aidan's got their 10th point on 25 minutes to go a point ahead but another Smith pointed free levelled matters and this seemed as the probable result. However St. Aidan’s conceded a disputed 45 and Mark O’Connor converted his second 45 of the game to give Boyle the minimum lead. However Aidan’s did get a last gasp chance to level matters with a close in free but failed to convert and Boyle had pulled off a very, very, good result. The Boyle team was as follows: T.McGarty, B.Supple. T.Egan, C.Beirne, A.Sharkey, Mark O’Connor (0.2, 2 45s’) , Ml. O’Donnell, K.McLoughlin, A. O’Connor, L. Conboy (0.1), D. Callaghan, R. O’Donohoe, L. Conroy (0.1), D. O’Connor, C. Smith (0.7 frees) with J. Lyons. While all did their part and put in a very good shift especially in the last twenty minutes or so the free-taking of Cian Smith and Mark O’Connor were crucial as was the save of McGarty in goals in that first half. Also there was a lesson there in the way that St. Aidan’s first half composed game deteriorated with lack of discipline and frustration with the referee allied to Boyle upping their game in the second half.
They will now play Padraig Pearses in the next game of this competition in the Abbey Park on Good Friday-see fixtures for starting time. Your support for this game especially could be encouraging and helpful so please try and make the extra effort to attend. They will be in action again on Easter Sunday when they travel to O'Rourke Park to take on County Champions Castlerea St Kevins-again see fixtures for time. Two big games in three days is not very good scheduling but the focus should certainly be on the first one on Good Friday as another two victories from the remaining six games or so would go a long way towards the year’s target of cementing Division One League status.
The U14s' will make the long trip to Ballyforan on this Wednesday evening to play St Aidans in the first round of the Feile competition. The game is fixed for 6.45pm and players are asked to assemble at St Joseph's Hall for departure at 5pm.
The U16s’ drew with Castlerea St Kevin’s in an exciting Division 1 League game played in Castlerea on Sunday. This was a game of constantly changing fortunes with both sides experiencing periods of dominance. It finished on a scoreline of Boyle 5.07, Castlerea 3.13. This team will not be in action again until the 18th of April.
The minors will entertain St Aidan’s in the Division 1 Minor League on Easter Monday in the Abbey Park.
Preparations are well in hand for the official opening of the new clubrooms in the Abbey Park on Saturday the 1st May. The opening will be performed jointly by two former Roscommon greats-current County Board President and All Ireland medal winner John Joe Nerney and by one of Roscommon's greatest ever players-Gerry O'Malley. The programme of events for this special day in the life of the Club is currently in preparation.
A "meitheal" is being organised to carry out works in the Abbey Park in advance of the opening. All Club members and indeed anyone else who wishes to give a hand are asked to assist in the works on Saturdays 17th and 24th April.
Entries are pouring in rapidly for the Club's fundraising golf classic which will be held in Boyle Golf Club on 10th and 11th April. Entries are welcomed from GAA clubs or from any grouping of four and they should be made to Michael Gilmartin at 086 2039182 as soon as possible.
A meeting of the Club will be held on this Tuesday at 8.30pm to progress arrangements for the golf classic and the opening of the clubrooms. The Club wishes good luck to Ciaran Cox and the Roscommon U21 team and management in the Connacht Final against Sligo on Saturday next. Good wishes for a speedy recovery are extended to Boyle and Roscommon star David Casey.
The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Royal Hotel recently; Barbara McQuaid, Gerard Lavin, Martin Henry, Barry Lowe, Bernie and Maurice Mullins, Donna Roddy, Thomas Goldrick, Oliver O'Reilly, Ronan Smith and David Regan. The jackpot was not won and it will stand at €3,700 for this week's draw which will be held in Creighton's Bar on Saturday night next. Team "E" will be in charge.

Friday, March 26, 2010

High Noon:
Boyle play St. Aidan’s this week-end in the O’Rourke Cup in Ballyforan.
The Club is involved in a wide variety of activities at the moment. The Senior Club meeting last Monday night covered a wider range than a ‘cabinet’ meeting and many of those present would make capable Ministers.
The Junior Ministers meet at a Minor Board meeting in Royal hotel Boyle on Monday 29th March at 8.30pm all managers or at least one representative from the underage teams are encouraged to attend as we wish to compile a programme of events for the opening of the new dressing room on Saturday May 1sth 2010.
The opening of the dressing rooms is a major and proud event for the Club and it will take place on Saturday May the 1st (the May Bank Holiday week-end). The official opening will be performed by Gerry O’Malley and John Joe Nerney. It has been said to me that few young players/people will know anything of Gerry O’Malley. I respond by saying it a chance for them to meet arguably the greatest Gaelic footballer Roscommon ever had and they can say in years to come, if the opportunity arises, that they met Gerry O’Malley. As a history anorak I regret missing the opportunity I had of going to Galway and being there when John F.Kennedy visited in ’63 and also when John Hume opened the O’Carolan festival in Keadue once. These opportunities can colour our lives and give us conversational material through them. In GAA terms I’ve been pretty lucky in having met nearly all the great Roscommon players from the forties on. Not alone would I say that they were great footballers but also that they were just great men. So that is my reason for encouraging people especially young GAA players to take the opportunity to come and talk to Gerry O’Malley and meet great people when they can. Sometimes it might entail an effort but don’t dismiss its impact. I’ll move on…….
In preparation for the opening there are two Saturdays down for a ‘Meitheal’ to prepare the Abbey Park and they are the Saturday of April the 17th and 24th. We generally get a very good response to those calls and there have been memorable ‘Meitheals’ working in the Park previously.
The Annual Golf Classic takes place on the week-end of April 10t and 11th. It is €160 for a team of 4. The fee includes lunch. So if anyone who can put together a team it would be great and you should contact Ml. Gilmartin.
Thanks were expressed to the participants of the St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps we need to get thinking of making an even bigger impact next year and begin harvesting ideas from much earlier.
Funding: Due to some overruns for extras in the dressing rooms our financial deficits have been enlarged. Regrettably there has a reduction in those with ‘standing orders’ in the Lotto draw. Some of this may be just forgetting. Also the Saturday night income from the Lotto take is also down because people are just not out so all this is placing a strain on resources. So if anyone reading this has not signed up perhaps they might do so. It would be appreciated.
Lotto: There was no Jackpot winner from the draw in the Royal Hotel on the 20th. The numbers drawn were; 5/11/22/25. The €20 winners were: Barbara McQuaid, Gerard Lavin, Martin Henry, Barry Lowe, Bernie/Maurice Mullins, Donna Roddy, Thomas Goldrick, Oliver O’Reilly, Ronan Smith, David Regan. The Jackpot stands at €3,700 with the next draw in Creighton’s on April the 3rd with team ‘E’.
Also if anyone wishes to help with sponsorship, in any way, for the Opening Event, it too would be very welcome. In any event we will prevail and it is fair to say everyone is very pleased and proud of the new dressing rooms which are a credit to all involved: the club people central to it, Chris O’Dowd for his sensitive design and especially builder Frank Dwyer and Company for the quality and pride he obviously took with the building and the other ancillary providers. All of these will be mentioned in a more organised way in the ‘Opening Programme’.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Noon Monday March 22nd:
It was a successful weekend on the playing fields for Boyle teams.
The U 16s’ had a comprehensive win over Roscommon Gaels in the Abbey Park on Sunday in the Division 1 League. They will travel to O'Rourke Park on Sunday next to take on Castlerea St. Kevins-see fixtures for time.
The Feelystone Tansey Cup team had a good win over Clann na Gael in Johnstown on Sunday in the Tansey Cup. This was a good team performance in a very lively game. They have defeated Oran, Castlerea, Kilglass Gaels and Clann with one defeat to Elphin. This has certainly helped in the formation of the Senior League team.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team will travel to Ballyforan on Sunday next to take on St Aidan’s in their second game of the O'Rourke Cup. This will be a sterling challenge from the ’09 County Semi-Finalists. Please note that this game will be at the early time of 12 noon because the county team will be in action later in the day at Hyde Park against Wexford. So Boyle followers have a real choice on Sunday.
Congratulations to Paul and Tracey Simon on the birth of a baby girl.
Well done to Tadhg Lowe and Donal Smith who made winning debuts with the Roscommon minor team against Mayo in the Connacht League in Ballyhaunis on Saturday evening last. Tadhg kept a clean sheet in goal while Donal scored the clinching goal towards the end of the game.It is hoped that Ciaran O'Neill will recover from injury in time to join them in later games.
Ciaran Cox was part of the Roscommon U 21 panel which had a great win over Mayo in the Connacht semi final on St Patrick's Day.The U21 Connacht Final will be played in Markievicz Park, Sligo on Saturday April the 3rd –Easter Week-End- and the Connacht Minor League game between Roscommon and Sligo, which was to have been played in Boyle, will now be the curtain raiser for the U21 Final.
Thanks to all who helped, and participated, in the Club's float in the St Patrick's Day Parade.
The Club will hold a defibrillator refresher training course in the Resource Centre on Saturday next. All who have been trained as AED users are required to undertake the refresher course. Please contact Kathleen Hanmore for details of times etc.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Meeting: A very important Club meeting will be held in the Royal Hotel on Monday night next, March the 22nd, at 8.30pm, to make arrangements for the forthcoming opening of our new Club facilities on the May weekend. It is essential that there is a full attendance of playing and non-playing members as there is much work to be done in advance of the opening.
Lotto: The following were the €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw; Michael Costello, Kay Baxter, Christy Grehan, Tom Mullaney, Matt Smith, Damien Casey, Regina Walsh, Gerry Regan, Lorraine Toman and Maura Shannon. The house prize was won by Cian Beirne. This week's draw will be held in the Royal Hotel on Saturday night next. The Jackpot will be €3,600 and Mary Clifford's team will be in charge.
Arrangements are currently at an advanced stage for participation in the St Patrick's Day parade. All involved are asked to assemble in the Abbey Park not later than 1.30pm on the day.
The minor team were 1 point winners over Roscommon Gaels on Sunday in the Division 1 League at Boyle 1.8 Roscommon Gaels 0.10. Boyle seemed to be struggling a little in the first half though playing with the strong breeze. However, a goal strike by Cian McLoughlin was to prove vital as the half time score stood at Boyle 1.4 Roscommon Gales 0.7. Boyle re-jigged things in the second half and all contributed to a fine performance with the winning score coming from a fine free by Donal Smith. There were fine performances by McLoughlin, Lowe, Cox and Smith but in essence it was a fine team performance. The team is short on numbers and with two key players- Roddy and O’Neill-injured yesterday the options were limited so it is important that all players commit to the team for the season. They have three league games in April with the next against St. Aidan’s. In the championship the group is Roscommon Gaels/Boyle and Clann na Gael with two going into the semi-finals. The Boyle team yesterday was: B. Furey, P.Sweeney, M.Goldrick, L Harrington, C. Lavin, C.Cox, Ml. Hanmore, E. Smith, T.Lowe, T. McKenna, D. Smith, C. McLoughlin, J. McCrann, C. Griffin, M.O’Connor. It was an excellent team performance and a great boost for the team and mentors.
The U 16s’ will host Roscommon Gaels in the Abbey Park on Sunday in the Division 1 League-see fixtures for details.
The Feelystone junior team had a 3 point victory over Kilglass Gaels, in the Tansey Cup, on Saturday evening, in the Abbey Park, by 12 points to 9. Boyle led 7 points to 4 at half time. Playing some scrappy football in the first half of the second half and missing a number of opportunities led to Boyle having an edgy ending and a Kilglass shot off the post could have spoiled the result. They will make the long trip to Johnstown on Sunday next when they take on Clan na Gael at 1pm.
Preparations are under way for the forthcoming golf classic in Boyle Golf Club on 10th and 11th April. This event is a fundraiser for the new club facilities and it is anticipated that there will be a huge number of entries. Details from Michael Gilmartin at 086 2039182.
Congratulations are extended to Club referee Michael Brennan and his officials who officiated at the recent Connacht Colleges Senior B Final in Charlestown.
Boyle Ladies Club;
The U16s had a comprehensive win over St Barry's in the Abbey Park recently. Their next game will be on St Patrick's Day against Western Gaels in Frenchpark. The Junior ladies' first game of the season against Strokestown which was due to have been played on Sunday was postponed as a mark of respect to the Gaffney and O'Hara families on the death of Boyle player Danielle Gaffney's grandmother. The Club extends it sympathy to both families. Details of the re-fixture will be announced shortly.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

ntdwgaa; The classic Brian Friel play, Dancing at Lunghasa, Boyle Town Hall, Sat. the 13th at 8.30.
Thursday: the 11th GAA Meeting at 8.30 to discuss the St. Patrick's Day entry.
Sat. 5pm Tansey Cup, Boyle V Kilglass Gaels at Boyle.
Sunday: Roscommon V Antrim @ Roscommon 2.30.
Sunday: Boyle Minors V Roscommon Gaels at Hyde Park at 4.30.

Monday, March 8, 2010


ntdwgaa: Ciaran Beirne and Jarlath Tivnan, Beckett Theatre, Trinity College play this Monday evening, the 8th, at 7 pm.
Saturday night, 8.30, in Boyle Hall, Brien Friel's Dancing at Lunghasa by Splodair Drama Group adults €15 younger €10.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were:1/5/23/28. The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Mattimoes;Geno Mattimoe, Owen Garvin, John V. Kelly, Christy Grehan, Tom McGarty, Fiona Mattimoe, Kyran Downes, Dan Kennedy, Aine Moran and Catriona Feely. The house prize was won by Alice Mattimoe. The jackpot was not won and it will stand at €3,500 for this week's draw which will be held in Smith's Abbey Bar on Saturday night next. Team C will be in charge.
Bowling and Pre-Oscar Night: The big social event of the weekend was our bowling night which was held in the Mulvey Centre, Cortober on Saturday. It was a tremendous success with 59 teams. Thanks is due to all who participated and to Michael, Kathleen, Mary,Tony and especially Stephen Bohan for the time and effort that they put into it.Thanks is also due to the Minor Club and the Ladies Club for their excellent support. The ‘Pre-Oscar’ night went off well and was a mark of the regard for the achievement of Paul Young and Co. in being nominated for the Oscar. Our party did not, as it turned out, influence the final results. It was nice to see Sean and Anne Young relaxing by the pool at their Los Angeles, Hollywood hotel on the main news bulletins on Saturday night. The Club also wishes to express its appreciation of the efforts of Sean, Paul, Martin and Marian Purcell in the Moylurg Inn in staging the post bowling Oscars prize-giving ceremonies on Saturday night.
Tansey Cup: Elphin, 2.10 Boyle, 1.4. On the playing field, our Tansey Cup team suffered from the post-bowling blues when losing to Elphin in the Orchard Park on Sunday, thus sustaining their first defeat of the season. This was something of a reality check. Perhaps an element of over confidence had crept in after the facile wins over Oran and Castlerea. Elphin were a good side, like an under 21-side, bright, fit, and playing good football. Boyle, in a sense, did an anticlockwise selection, perhaps in terms of player rotation, starting with a less experienced side and finding that they had to bring more experienced players on at half time. Also there were some eligible players absent. At half-time the score was: Elphin 0.6 Boyle 0.3. All three points for Boyle coming from frees. Boyle’s first and only point from play came from Donal Kelly 27 minutes into the second half. Mark O’Connor got a consolation goal for Boyle a minute later. Hopefully they can bounce back to winning ways when they entertain Kilglass Gaels on Saturday evening next at 5pm in the Abbey Park.
The minors will also be in action at the weekend when they travel to Hyde Park to play Roscommon Gaels on Sunday next-see fixtures for details.
Thanks to those who represented Boyle in the Scór Sinsear County Finals on Saturday night in Ballyleague, Billy in solo singing and Mary, Ciaran and Martin in the quiz.
Congratulations are extended to our newest All-Ireland medalist, Michael Hanmore who was part of the UCD Freshers’ team which defeated Cotk IT in the National Final last week.
A meeting of the Club will be held in the Royal Hotel on Thursday night at 8.30pm to make arrangements for the Club's participation in the St Patrick's Day parade.
Boyle Ladies Club;
Under 10 girls training will continue each Monday and Friday from 5.45pm to 6.45pm in the Abbey Park training pitch. Registration forms are still available for new members.

Friday, March 5, 2010

For Saturday Night: Would anyone have a C.D. of film themes.
Tony......Here is the most up to date list of captains. There are over 60 teams. We would request team captains to make sure of their team's time and inform their teams accordingly. Teams should be present 15 minutes before take off. I think they may be allowed to wear runners otherwise bowling shoes will be provided-no boots please! There will also be a wee raffle and the 'prizegiving' of course will take place in the Moylurg after. Thanks to all for the great response. It is most encouraging.
Thanks
Michael (Gilmartin).
Captains, Captains, Captains,
Martin Purcell, Stephen Bohan, Blaithin & Pauleen,
Jan Flanagan, Gerry Emmet, Darren O Connor,
Gerry Cregg, Trevor Conroy, Rory O Donoghue,
Pat Goldrick, Kit O Connor 1, Mark O Connor,
Regina McLoughlin, Fiona Mattimoe, Tonka,
Michael Brennan, Michael Furey, Brian Supple,
Billy Hanmore, Olive Roddy, Peter Gavigan,
Tom Kearney, M Gilmartin, Sean Purcell,
Aaron Sharkey, Amy Sweeney, Kieran Supple,
Charlie Candon, Mary Halligan, Kieran Cox,
Martin Dolan, Ciaran O Connor, Monica Commons,
Mary Smith, Karl Keenan, Kyle McLoughlin,
Gerard Sheerin, Alan Tiernan, Kit O Connor 2,
David O Connor, Cian Smith, Brid Connolly,
Joe Sweeney, Michael O Donnell, Jackie Brennan,
John Finneran, David Monson, Richard Kennedy,
Seamus Gallagher, Yvonne, Eastern Harps,
Barry Lowe, David Callaghan, Mary Clifford,
Aidan Lavin, Liam Conroy, Len Sutton, Henry Clifford,
John Cummins, Johnny Lyons.
Paul Beirne, Aaran O Connor, Kevin O Connor.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ntdwgaa: Just a 'heads up', as it is called in arts circles(!), about 2 events. If you are in Dublin, on Monday March the 8th, two Boyle students, of NUIG Dramasoc Galway will be performing in the Becket Theatre in Trinity College, at 7pm, in a play titled: 'The Last Days of Judas Iscariot'. This is part of the All-Ireland Drama competition for Third level Colleges. The two Boyle actors, who give stunning performances, are Ciaran Beirne, Boyle GAA Minor Player of the Year 2009 and Jarlath Tivnan.
On Saturday March the 13th the Brien Friel classic play 'Dancing at Lughnasa' comes to Boyle performed by Splodoir of Manorhamilton. This is a great play perfomed by an almost semi-professional company. So spread the word. I believe it is on the Leaving Cert. course also.

Monday, March 1, 2010


Code of Ethics and Best Practise in Abbey Community College on this Tuesday night the 2nd at 7pm. This is mandatory for all involved in under-age coaching.
Senior League, Very Good Win: The McGovern Directional Drilling team got off to a winning start in the O'Rourke Cup with a hard earned, but merited, two point win over Strokestown in Strokestown on Sunday, Boyle 0.7 Strokestown 0.4. Playing with a stiff breeze the half-time stood at Boyle 0.3 Strokestown 0.1. This looked a precarious lead, considering the wind factor, for the second half. The anticipation of Strokestown taking it on did not happen and it was all members of the Boyle team playing at a level I haven’t seen, I feel, since the defeat of Kilbride in the Intermediate Championship in ’08. Boyle added four good points to go 7 to 1 in front by the 20th minute of the second half. Some of these were fine scores from Callaghan, Sharkey, Rory and Kyle. Boyle went on the defensive from then and Strokestown did score three points at the death but needed a goal. Apart from one drive, they were well shackled by the Boyle defence. The Boyle team was as follows: T. McGarty, C.Beirne, T. Egan, B. Supple, A. Sharkey, S. Purcell, Ml.O’Donnell, C. Cox, K. McLoughlin, D. Casey, D. Callaghan, Rory O’Donohoe, L. Conroy, D.O’Connor, C. Smith with P.Hunt. I will not go into the best for theme as Boyle were well served by all with good passing and especially the appetite for the broken ball around midfield. Their next outing will be a trip to Ballyforan to play, what I imagine will be more competitive, St Aidan's on March 28th March.
The U 16s lost their first Division I outing to a stronger Oran outfit in Rockfield on Sunday.Their next game will be at home to Roscommon Gaels on March 21st.
The Feelystone junior team will travel to the Orchard Park to play Elphin on Sunday next, the 7th, at 2.30pm.
The minors will have their next game on Sunday March 14th when they will play Roscommon Gaels away.
The Club extends its thanks to Majella and Keith of Wynne’s Bar for their generous sponsorship of club tops.The senior team looked resplendent in them on Sunday for their game in Strokestown.
Boyle will be represented in the Scór Sinsear in Ballyleague on Saturday night next.
Saturday night will also be the occasion of our monster Bowling competition which will commence in the Mulvey Centre in Cortober at 6pm.There is a huge entry and all teams will be notified of their starting times and because of the large entries, all teams are required to be present in advance of their scheduled times. The Club will be in celebratory mood at the weekend in support of Paul Young and Cartoon Saloon's participation in the Oscars in Hollywood. The participants in the bowling competition will return to the Moylurg Inn for the prizegiving in a special Oscar style glitzy ceremony that will, no doubt, befit the occasion. This is of course open to the public at large!
Boyle Ladies Club:
The U16 girls had comprehensive win over Kilmore on Sunday in Kilmore in the first round of the championship. Their next game will be on Sunday next in the Abbey Park versus St Barry's at 5pm. Support will be appreciated. Well done to Nicole Kearns, Saoirse Noone, Natasha Regan and Melissa Goldrick who were successful in the recent county U16 trials. The U 1O girls will resume training on Monday 8th March in the Abbey Park training pitch from 5.45pm to 6.45pm. Registration will take place on this Friday evening March 6th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. All girls aged 8 to 12 are eligible. A parent/guardian must accompany the child to register. The registration fee is €40 per child or €70 for two children from the same family.