See the times for two fixtures today Sat, at 3 and 4.30 U 16 and Junior. Does anyone have the loan of a copy of the Irish classic book 'Twenty Years A'Growing' (Fice Blian ag Fas)? If you do give me a call.

Week of Monday Sept. 27th 2010@5.30.
There will be a Club meeting on this Tuesday at 8.30pm in the Clubroom.
U 10 Blitz: The Club hosted a very successful Roscommon Herald U10 football blitz in the Abbey Park on Saturday. Thanks to all who helped to stage the event and to all who participated. Congratulations to the cup winners. Strokestown and to our own U10s’ who won the shield. Once again it was one of ‘the’ spectacles in the Abbey Park this summer.
The U12s’ defeated Padraig Pearses in the Division 1 Championship on Sunday. They have now finished their programme of games and they await the results of other outstanding games to determine whether they have qualified for the knock-out stage. (My information is that they have qualified).
Important week end fixtures: Every week-end seems to throw up important fixtures and next week end is no different. The U16s’ will play their league final in Elphin on Saturday next at 3pm. This will be part of a double header in which the Feelystone team will replay the North Junior B Championship final versus Kilmore at 4.30pm. Those teams played a draw, in a rugged encounter, in Kilbride on Friday night last.
The minors had a disappointing result and performance against Roscommon Gaels in the Division 1 County Final in Hyde Park on Sunday. The Gaels looked a very strong and well oiled machine and won comfortably. However, all is not lost for the season as they have a league final to look forward to. Also it is an achievement to get to a county ‘A’ final and if you’re not there you certainly have no chance at all. This is a young panel with most of them are eligible for minor again next year and indeed many players are still under 16. Thanks to the large Boyle support in the Hyde. Thanks also to Tom Kearney of Quality Meats, Sligo for his sponsorship of tops for the minor panel in which they looked resplendent on Sunday. So thanks to the team and their selectors Vinnie Flanagan, Jnr. Smith and Tom Kearney and those who assisted.
Well done to Michael Brennan and his team who officiated in the Senior Final in which St. Brigid’s showed their experience, strength and ability to pull away in the final quarter as they ran out convincing winners. However this is a young Elphin team and a lot has been achieved this year and hopefully they can build on same. There are plenty of Boyle connections with the team in terms of the Goldricks/Creggs/McCranns; the Collins family and the Kennedys and Paul Beirne’s nephews (Martin’s boys) also.
The U21s’ are in preparation for their championship opener away to Padraig Pearses on the weekend of 9th/10th October.
Congratulations to our neighbours, Eastern Harps on winning the Sligo senior title. I suppose there is no chance that the Connacht Club Championship fixture which I believe pits Eastern Harps against St. Brigid’s could be played in Boyle.
The Club expresses its deepest sympathy with Marian Aherne and family on the sad passing of Fergus.

Ladies Club
The U14 girls lost to St Ciarans in the U14 Division 1 championship, thus making qualification for the quarterfinals more difficult. They are depending on results elsewhere for qualification.
Boyle U14 girls are through to Division 1A semi finals and will play St Brigid's at 1pm in Boyle, on Sunday 3rd October. Support will be appreciated!
The Ladies Club would like to thank King & Moffatt and King Kebabish (Carrick on Shannon) for sponsorship of the new U14 tops.

Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club.
086 2413529

Week 37 Sept. 23rd:

Lotto:The following were the €20 winners at the last Club Lotto draw which was held in An Craoibhin;-Ciaran and Mairead McKeon, Donal Kelly, Michael and Michelle McGrath, Mary Keenan, David O'Connor, Kathleen O'Mahoney, John McPherson, Brian Moran, Tom Connolly,and Christian Richardson. The house prize was won by Mattie Lyons. There was no jackpot winner and there will be a jackpot of €1,700 for this weeks draw which will be held in the Royal Hotel on Saturday night. Team C will be in charge.

Pride of place this week goes to our minor footballers who had an excellent win over a gallant St Brigids in the Division 1 County Semi Final on Saturday last. They will play Roscommon Gaels on Sunday next in Hyde Park at 2.30pm in the County Final. This will be a major occasion for the panel and their management and the Club in general. Supporters are asked to travel in numbers to the Hyde and to perhaps congregate together in the ground with flags and banners to show support. The erection of flags and bunting in the town would also be appreciated.

Previous Boyle minor teams to win a county 'A' title equivalent as follows;

1931 included Mickie Morris, Paddy Maughan, M. Leonard, Tommy Gaughran, B. Beirne, Reddie Cryan, Dick Cryan, J. Sheerin?, Mattie MGill, J. Kilfeather, J.M. Earley??

1938: D. Kearns?, J. McCarthy, J.J.Nerney, T. Moran, N. Mullaney?, J. Casey?, Eddie McDermott, Tom Carroll, J. McCreevy. Tom Cox, D. Boyd, P. Dowd, Roger O'Hara, -Frizzel??, J. McDermott, P. Leonard, W. Burns, H. Daly, S. Gaughran, M.Ryan.

1939: P. Leonard (Capt.), S. Gaughran (Vice-Capt.), M. Ryan, T. Cox, N. Flaherty?, E. McDermott?, J.J.Nerney, H. Daly, R. O'Hara, P. McLoughlin?, D.Kearns, D. Boyd, S. Lavin, P.McDermott, J. Bambrick, P. Dowd, V. Beirne?,T. Moran. I have a question mark after a good few names and if anyone has any biographical info. on those I'd be glad to have it. (Note I've had a preliminary chat with John Joe on this so ....). John Joe reckons the main organiser of thsi team was Martin Regan who purchased the Abbey park at one stage.

The 1996 'B' winning panel who defeated Ml. Glavey's was as follows:

C. Nangle, S. Corrigan, C. Garvin, S. Cooke, D. Suffin, C. Shanley, S. Supple, M.O' Boyle, C. O'Dowd, K. McKeon, A. O'Connor, T. Garvin, S. Tonra, L. Conroy, A. Tiernan, L. Conboy, J. Healy, D. Woods, R. O'Donohoe, D. Kelly, P. Flaherty (Capt.), D. Conroy, D. Tiernan, J. Siggins, N. McCrann, E. Commins, and A. Cooke. this team had a wealth of experience in the management such as; T. McGovern, J. Keenehan, T. Kelly, T. Commins and J. Healy.

The minor final will be the curtain raiser to the County Senior Final between Elphin and St Brigids and the Club is honoured that our popular referee, Michael Brennan, has deservedly been appointed as referee for the game. We wish Michael and his team of officials-Billy Hanmore, John Brennan, Bernie Shannon and David O'Connor the best of luck on the occasion and we also wish Elphin every success in the final.
The U12s are due to host Padraig Pearses in the Division 1 Championship at the weekend-see fixtures .
The U10s participated in a blitz in Hyde Park on Saturday last. The U10 Roscommon Herald Blitz for teams from the north of the County will be held in the Abbey park on Saturday.
The Feelystone junior team will play the North Junior B Final versus Kilmore under lights in Kilbride on Friday night at 9pm. The Club wishes to thank Boyle Credit Union for its generous sponsorship of a set of kit bags for the McGovern Directional Drilling senior team. Congratulations are extended to all Club members who received their Junior Cert results last week.
Sympathy is extended to Pauline Carty, Knockarush on the death of her mother.

I attended a County Board meeting on Tuesday the 21st with a number of interesting items from that. I'll post here- as I seem to say a lot now- anon.
Ladies Club
Abbey Park hosted two County Finals on Saturday-the replayed Junior A Final and the Intermediate Final. Thanks is extended to the Park Committee for having the grounds and facilities in excellent shape and to the Boyle Ladies Club members who assisted on the day. The U14s had a good win over Strokestown during the week and they are on course for a semi final place.

Fergus Ahern R.I.P.

First of all I must express my and the club's deepest sympathies with the family of Fergus Ahern who died suddenly on Sunday night. The contribution of Fergus to Boyle town, especially in the area of the arts, has been immense. Fergus liked the good things and things of quality in life from art and artistic endevour, wine, music and rugby with hs passion for Munster. I remember following his blog, on realboyle, when Ireland did poorly in the Rugby World Cup in France and his texted blog became more a food lovers trail of Paris than much ado about rugby.

The death of Fergus follows a few short years after the death of his brother Rory who was prominently involved in Boyle GAA in the late sixties and early seventies. Shortly after Rory's sudden death the Ahern family generously donated a cup, to the GAA, in his memory. This is played for at U 16 level and Boyle have been most successful there. Fergus was present at the inaugeral final and was proud to present the cup to the winning Boyle team. It is difficult to imagine that we will not now encounter Fergus at various venues and events throughout the town but he will not be far from our mind's eye in those scenarios. May he rest in peace

Minors in County 'A' Final on Sunday:

I've had trouble with my email for a day or so hence the delay in updating the blog which will be done later tonight hopefully. Anyways just a couplr of preliminary notices. This is another big week end for teh club with the minors taking on Roscommon Gaels in the Hyde on Sunday at 2.30, before the senior Final of St. Brigid's v Elphin.

This is a great achievement for this talented team as they defeated St. Brigid's in the semi-final convincingly last Saturday in the replay. It is hard to credit but Boylw have not won a minor 'A' title (they won a 'B' title, with Paul Flaherty as captain, in '96 defeating Ml. glavey's) since the days of John Joe Nerney in '38 and '39. They had also won in '31. So it would be a great success if they were to win on Sunday. Hopefully the town will get behind the team as they alwys do for finals and that the flags will fly and the support get to the Hyde on Sunday.

I'll post the teams anon.

T.

Mon. 8.30. If anyone comes across a ticket for the All-Ireland football final give me a shout! o86 816 33 99. Tues. 1 pm and I haven't had any response to above yet! i.e. Friday night.

Friday the 18th, 10.30pm. The latest, latest on the Junior Fixture. It is now down for decision on Friday June 24th at 9pm @Kilbride. Because of the junior postponement there will now be practise game between the Juniors and the U 21s' in the AP on Sat. at 5.30.

Lotto: there was no jackpot-€1,600-winner in the Lotto in Scanlon's on the 11th. The numbers drawn were 4/7/8/13. The €20 winners were; Ciaran@Mairead McKeon/ Donal Kelly/Michael & Michelle McGrath/Mary Keenan/David O'Connor/Kathleen O'Mahoney/John McPhearson/Brian Moran/Tom Conneely/Christian Richardson. The House Prize, Mattie lyons. The next Jackpot stands at €1700 on Sat. the 25th in the Royal Hotel with team 'C'.

Wed. 9.30am Update. The U 8s' time for Sat. has been changed to 12 to 2pm leaving the Abbey Park at 10.30. Fixtures and times a moveable feast.
Tues. 3.30:We wish to congratulate Ml. Brennan who, I'm told, has been nominated to referee the County Senior final between Elphin and St. Brigid's on the 26th. Ml. I'm reliably informed, and it doesn't come as any surprise to me, has had a great year as referee. I think this is Michael's first senior final. It is a due accolade for one of Boyle's most loyal and longest serving officials and workers.
Minor Semi-Final at 12 on Sat. in Kilbride.

Tues. 2pm. The latest on the Jnr fixture, Elphin Sat. 5pm.

The U 8 Go Games will take pace on Sat. in the Hyde with Boyle's group on from 10 to 12.

Girls under 14 at 6.30 not 7 on Wed. per Fiona.
Mon. 12 noon:
To support Kilglass's effort for the €100,000 pitch makeover text: Kelloggs Connacht (to) 53799.

We would like to thank Boyle Credit Union for the sponsorship of a fine set of bags, to the senior team, which were presented at a photo op last Thursday evening. With the way the economy is now they they could could be used in a route we would not wish. Indeed the Credit Union is an organisation which people generally, and young people especially, should keep in mind when saving sorta (!) or borrrowing now that it is so difficult to get loans from the banking sector. As the logo on the bags says: 'Run by the People of Boyle for the People of Boyle'. Once again thanks to the people of the Credit Union in Boyle and best wishes with your fine and so important oganisation.
Congratulations to Elphin who have qualified for the County Senior Final for the first time in yonks. Elphin, in the fifities were the dominant force in senior club football and contested 11 of 13 finals from 1948 to 61 or so. I think theymay have only contested one final or best two since then. Anyways we always got on well with Elphin and it would be great if they took the senior cup north on a rare sojourn, the last time I think was Kilmore in '83, They will have a tough opposition in St. Brigid's of course but if you're not there you have no chance. Elphin's progress endorses an opinion I gathered on seeing them playing very well in the Abbey Park in the O'Rourke Cup earlier this summer.


The U12s had a mixed week in their Division 1 Championship. They had a hard earned win over Eire Og in difficult weather conditions in Loughglynn on Monday of last week while they had a one point loss to Clan na Gael in the Abbey Parkon Sunday evening. They will travel to Kiltoom to play St. Brigids at 6.30pm on Monday next 19th in their next outing. They are currently within the top four and victories in the remaining games are necessary to ensure qualification for play offs. The U12 B team is due to play St Barrys on Saturday evening next at 6.15pm in Tarmonbarry. T
The U16s are in preparation for their next outing.
The Minors drew with St Brigids in Ballyleague on Sunday in the Division 1 Minor Championship semi final. Both side had chances of victory, so a second chace should please all. The replay will be on Saturday at 12 pm in Kilbride.
The Feelystone junior team will meet Kilmore in the North Junior B Final on Sat.
The McGovern Directional Drilling senior panel and mamagement had a very enjoyable end of season dinner in the Moving Stairs on Friday night last. A feature of the night was the eagerly awaited announcement and presentation of awards to panel members who distinguished themselves in various categories during the year. It is felt that this will become an annual event that will become a Golden Oscar/Rasberry like event for the team.
All team managers are reminded that as the weather conditions are deteriorating the Abbey Park playing pitch cannot be used for training. All training MUST take place in either of the Park training pitches and the direction of the pitch co-ordinator must be followed in such matters.

Ladies Club
The U14 girls had a very creditable draw with Padraig Pearses in Pairc an Phiarsigh on Sunday. They will play Strokestown on Wednesday evening at 6.30 instead of previously nominated 7pm in the Abbey Park and they will meet St Ciarans in the same venue on Sunday next at 7pm.

Thurs. 8.30pm: There is a further change to the minor fixture. It is now on Sunday in Ballyleague at 12 due to a bereavement in St. Brigid's club area.
Item 2: Though he will hardly see this I send my heartiest congratulations to Eoin Kennedy. He secured his seventh consecutive All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles title at Abbeylara, Co. Longford on Sat. the 4th when he defeated Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy in a thrilling final 21 to 20 and 21 to 15. Eoin is the son of Eugene and the grandson of a former champion Paddy and the nephew of Pat and Joe. While Boyle was once the heartbeat of the great and noble game of handball producing such champions as Paddy Perry,the Clarkes, Gaughrans and Paddy Reid among others, Eoin has long since joined the pantheon of great handballers from or linked to Boyle. It is such a pity that the game has declined to such a degree now and it would be a real optimist that would envisage its revival to old glories of its golden age. Se mo thuarim nach bfeicmid sin go deo. I dteanga do sean-athair comhghairdeas a Eoin. (Forgive my gaeilge...I must do better!)

2. I was glad though I may be in the minority-not for the first time-that Croke Park succeeded in keeping the crowd off the pitch on Sunday after the game. It really gives the winning team a time to celebrate with their playing colleagues, manager, trainers and those central and closest to the effort, in a civilised way. This was only mentioned to me lately but it also prevents the losing side from getting abuse from disappoined supporters. It's hard to imagine that but apparently it happens. The Kilkenny dynasty has taken a hit. I'm a great believer in history and am aware that all dynasties tumble. Remember the poem 'Ozymandias'? Will Tipp. be able to establish one? Will the cats come back next year? Isn't it something to be wondering what might happen next year already?
3. There is a get-together for the Boyle senior players in the Moving Stairs tomorrow Friday night at 8.....though I just got a text for training at 7.30 so I might be a bit late!
4. For the funniest piece ever, bar none, you could try and locate Effin Eddie on U tube or the Aherlow GAA web site or get a D.V.D copy from the one and only Eddie Moroney, Ballycrehane, Aherlow, Tipperary for €25.

Thurs: 1.30. There is a change of venue and time for the minor game on Sat. the 11th. It is now in Ballyleague at 4.15.
Wed. 6.30pm. The week-end fixtures are as follows: Sat. at Tulsk the Minors play St, Brigid's in the county semi-final at 4.45 (pm in case someone calls me!). All support appreciated as always. This is a very good side who play top class football so be advised. Are Brigids going for a serious number of titles in a row?
(On Sat. evening in Boyle, Sh. Gaels v Eire Og at 6pm. Intermediate relegation play-off).
Sun Div. 1 U 12 s' play Cl. na Gael at Boyle at 12.
Mon. evening at 6.30 Div. 4 U 12s' v St. Ronan's.

*******Please support Kilglass in their quest to win €100, 000 pitch makeover in the Kelloggs promotion by texting: Kelloggs Connacht to 53799. You should get a response, apparently giving you a pin. from whoever. You are only allowed one vote per day. If you don't get a response check spelling etc.
You could forward this to Theresa Kenoy at 087 9877814 and I presume they might be able to use that pin to vote for you.*****

Mon. 12.50: I've had an almost immediate response to my cowboy note borrowed from the golf club notes. My contact suggested that the cast from Bonanza as appropriate. I am not casting it though!
Mon. 12 noon.
The Club requests all members and supporters to assist in the efforts of Kilglass Gaels in winning the top prize of €100,000 in the Kelloggs Field of Dream promotion. They have qualified to represent Connacht as one of the four provincial representatives. They need all our votes to come out on top. To vote for Kilglass, just text Kelloggs Connacht to 53799-you can do this once per day- or log on to the Kelloggs Field of Dreams website. It would be a fine achievement for Kilglass with a fine reward so do what you can for Seamie and co.

Borrowed from Ml's golf notes: "An finally…….one of the highlights of the weekend was standing on the first tee watching the fiveball of John Keenehan, Tom Commons, Denis Dodd, Michael & Brian Furey gracefully appearing over the horizon in a scene reminiscent of an old cowboy western". ('The Return of the Magnificent Five')
Did anyone get the picture or maybe like the raising of the U.S. flag on Iowa Jima during W.W.11 we might have to renact it?

I see an interesting concept coming to Boyle in early October that of an 'Open Day' to highlight what the town and area has to offer.
Lotto:The following were the €20 winners at the most recent Boyle Club Lotto draw which was held in Mattimoes; Martin Henry, Jonathon Lyons, Tommy Vesey, Joe Simon, Seamus Cooney, Oisin O'Dowd, Joe Ryan (taxi), Oriel Regan, Gregory Cunningham AND J. P. Molloy. The house prize was won by Alice Mattimoe. The jackpot was not won and it will stand at €1,600 for this week's draw which will be held on Saturday night next with Team B in charge.

The U 12s will entertain Clan na Gael in the Division 1 Championship on Sunday next in the Abbey Park at 12 noon.

The U16s are continuing their preparations for their upcoming Division 1 County Final and for the forthcoming Ahern Cup competition.

The minors who had a very goo win over Cl. na Gael last week, will play St Brigids in the Division 1 County Semi-Final on this Friday evening-see fixtures for details.

The McGovern Directional Drilling team finished their O'Rourke Cup campaign with a narrow loss to Western Gaels on Saturday evening last. This defeat means that they have missed qualification for the semi finals on scoring difference. They have had a very promising campaign in this competition against the top senior clubs in the county and we remember fine performances especially against St. Aidan's in Ballyforan. This ends their competitive season. Thanks is extended to Gary and his management team of David, Bernie and co. and the entire panel of players for their dedication and committment throughout the season.

the Feelystone Junior team had comprehensive win over Kilglass Gaels in the North Junior 'B' Championship in Croghan on Sunday. They will meet the winners of Michael Glavey's and Kilmore in the Northern Final.(Well done to Finbarr and company on the Triathlon event).

The U21 Division I Championship is due to commence in early October with an away game versus Padraig Pearses followed by a home game with Castlerea and a trip to Frenchpark to play Elphin.

The Abbey Park is scheduled to host an Intermediate Championship relegation game between Eire Og and Shannon Gaels on Saturday evening at 6pm. All Club officials are asked to be present circa 5pm to act as stewards.

Congratulations are extended to Shane Feely and Sharon McCormack who were married recently.

Best wishes to Tadgh and Tomas who are recovering from surjery to injuries incurred in action.

Best wishes also to our diaspora constituency in far flung places. X number of days to Christmas!

Ladies Club;
Boyle U14 Girls are scheduled to play Padraig Pearses in Pairc an Phiarsaigh on Sunday evening next at 7pm.

Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.Conboy,
P.R.O Boyle GAA Club.
086 2413529