Seamus, I got your post today and tried to mail a reply but it boomeranged. My secretary says that hotmail can do that. Anyway thanks for that. It is nice to see that there is a constituency out there. Have a good 2012. Karl represented youse well over Christmas. I'd like to have had a pic. of the 9 in the bar for here so if any relevant and publishable pics develop there, you might forward one, whenever. I'll try to re-send post tomorrow. This is aholding statement. T.

Quiz & presentation Night Photos ... click on any photo to view a larger version ...

Boyle GAA Club concluded 2011 on a high both on the playing fields and on the social scene. The highlight of the week has been the winning by the National Automation Limited minor team of the Division 1 Minor League County Final on Friday in Lisnamult. This win copperfastens this panel's status as the top minor team in the County as they have now done the Championship and League double. This league final victory showed the strength in depth of the panel as it had to be achived in the absence through injury of some prominent members of the panel.They went in at half time just two points in arrears, having played against the elements. It was truly a team effort but special mention must be given to the goalkeeping heroics of Jason McDermott and the ‘Man of the Match’ scoring endeavours of Eoin Lavin. While some of the panel will now graduate from minor ranks and will, no doubt, achieve success in the adult grades, there is a sizeable number who will still be eligible for further success at minor level in the coming year. The Club expresses its gratitude to the entire panel and to the management team of Vinnie, Tom, Liam et al and to their sponsors National Automation Limited and to our loyal supporters who made the trip to Lisnamult in difficult weather conditions. I will have a pic. of the winning Boyle Capt. receiving the trophy tomorrow evening.

The Club was also honoured to have been given the opportunity to host the County Roscommon U21 Division 1 Final in the Abbey Park on Thursday last. Thanks to all Club members who helped in any way to ensure that everything was in readiness for the game.

The annual Christmas Quiz and Presentation Night which was held in St Joseph's Hall on Wednesday night was once again a resounding success. Thanks is again extended to the many people who were involved, including Tony Conboy who prepared an interesting and challenging set of questions and compered the quiz with his usual applomb, also to his team of elves who assisted with correcting etc, to those who prepared the venue and helped in the clear-up on the following day, and also to the DJ Francis Candon and to Aaron and Kevin of the Moylurg Inn and their staff, to Ciaran O'Connor and James O'Boyle for the provision of computerised scoreboard which added to the occasion, to the winning quiz yeam which kindly refunded its quiz prize winnings to the Club and to all who contributed to great night and not forgetting the massive turnout at the event.

The following were award winners;- U21 Player of the Year - Tadhg Lowe, Junior Player of the Year - James Suffin, Senior/Intermediate Player of ther Year - Seán Purcell, Club Person of the Year - Michael Gilmartin. The Hall of Fame winner was Christopher (Kit) O'Connor. Special awards were also presented to Gary Wynne and Barry Greaney who are stepping down from senior team management.

The next big Club undertaking will be the staging of the play "The Pitch", written by award winning writer Shane Connaughton and featuring a semi professional cast including All Ireland winning actor and former Leitrim footballer Seamus O'Rourke. This play has the endorsement of the GAA at national level and is compulsive viewing not only for those interested in top class drama but for all GAA enthusiasts. It will be staged in St Joseph's Hall on Sunday night 15th January. This is the only venue in the region in which it is being staged.

The Club expresses its sympathy to former Club Secretary Martin Henry, Drum, and to his son Derek and daughter Debbie on the death of their wife and mother Mary, also to Betty McDermott, Ardagh on the death of her father and to the Roe family, Greatmeadow on the death of Bobby.

The Club extends a wish of a happy and sporting New Year to all its members and supporters. We hope that these notes provide an informative link with all those –especially abroad- who have an interest in Boyle GAA Club’s affairs. Feel free to forward ideas/material in 2012 to tconboy1@eircom.net. We thank Sean and realboyle for hosting the blog. Slan 2011.

Go raibh maith agaibh,

Martin Dolan/T.C./Fiona Mattimoe.

P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club

086 2413529.

Quiz & presentation Night Photos ... click on any photo to view a larger version ...

Aidan Lavin, Chairperson

Tony Conboy, Quizmaster

Sean Purcell, Mary Smith

Aidan Lavin, Kit O'Connor

Jim Suffin, Martin Dolan

Tadhg Lowe

Mary Clifford made a presentation to Tadhg Lowe

Mary Halligan, Gary Wynne

Michael Gilmartin

Quiz & presentation Night Photos ... click on any photo to view a larger version ...

Sympathy: Boyle GAA club extends its sincere sympathy to the Henry family, Drum, Boyle on the recent sad death of Mary Henry. Martin Henry was a very active club officer some time ago and Derek was a regular player for us especially at under age.

• It is good to see some former GAA people 'HOME FOR CHRISTMAS' such as Karl Keenan from Oz and Caoimhin Young from London with others en route. We wish those abroad, especially our large constituency in Oz, the very best over the holiday period and in the New Year.
• I am still looking for information as to the whereabouts of the H.J. Feely Tropy which was traditionally awarded to the 'Player/Clubperson of the Year'. Perhaps someone might notice it mixed up with their other trophies and let us have it for Wednesday night.

If anyone has any Boyle bunting we could use same that night also.

Although it's Christmas Week, the Club will still have a busy schedule both on and off the field. The annual quiz and "Player of the Year" presentation night will be held in St. Joseph's Hall on this Wednesday night 28th December as advertised on Martin Purcell's poster above. This is traditionally the social event of the year and the amalgamation of the quiz and the awards presentations and the moving to the more spacious surroundings of St Joseph's Hall will add to the sense of occasion. Full bar services will be avaiable as will sandwiches and finger food and late night music. The all-in admission is €10 per person.

The Club Lotto will be held on Friday night in Dodd's with a jackpot of €5,000.

For those wishing to see a very attractive game in the Abbey Park, the Under 21 Division 1 County Final between Roscommon Gaels and Strokestown will be played in Boyle on this Thursday at 2pm. All Club members are asked to be present to help with stewarding. The Club intself is involved in a very important game when Boyle Minors play the County Division 1 League Final versus Clan na Gael in Lisnamult (Roscommon) on Friday at 2.15pm. Full support is requested for this game.

Preparations are also under way for the staging of the award winning play "The Pitch" in St Joseph's Hall on Sunday 15th January. This play will be performed by a professional cast, will be of special relevance to GAA supporters as well as drama enthusiasts and it will be its only staging in this region. Wishing everyone a happy and sporting New Year.

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

Tuesday 12.15 am.

Mary Clifford receiving a plaque in recognition of Boyle being confirmed as 'Roscommon Club Ground of the Year'. Left to right: Hugh Lynn, Dev. Officer Ros. Co.Bd. (Hugh lived in Boyle for a short time when young); Frank Kenny, St. Brigid's, Co. Parks Comm.; Micheal Fahey, Ch. Ros. Co. Bd., managed Boyle a few years ago. Mary, Boyle Co. Bd. Delegate; Martin Dolan of the Boyle GAA P.R. Dept. and More. Pic. taken at County convention at Kilglass.

Mon. 12.14am:

The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Moylurg Inn on Saturday night last;- John and Olivia Kelly, Brendan McQuaid, Rory O'Donohue, Aidan Sheerin, Lorcan Egan, Martin Lannon, Hal Cawley, Joe Kilcullen, Lochlainn Conboy and Lyndsey Masterson. The house prize was won by Patricia Cullen. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €5,000 for the next draw which will be held in Dodd’s on Friday night the 30th of December. The Club extends its sincere thanks to Pat Brogan of Brogan’s and Natural Options Pharmacies who has commenced sponsorship of the Club Lotto envelopes.
The National Automation Limited minors received an unsatisfactory entry into the Division 1 League Final following concession of the semi-final by Michael Glaveys. This concession is symptomatic of difficulties which are faced by fixtures committees and is a contributory factor to the late competion of fixture schedules. Boyle will play Clan na Gael in the final of this competition on Friday the 30th of December at a venue and time to be arranged.
The Club achieved a significant success last week when the Abbey Park was named as the Co. Roscommon ‘Club Ground of the Year’ winner. This is an honour which the Club deeply appreciates and it is just reward for the efforts of the hard working Park Committee which is ably led by people such as Michael Brennan, Martin Purcell, Aidan Lavin and others as well as the dedicated FáS workers led by Gerard Tivnan.
All is in readiness for our social event of the year which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Wednesday 28th December. The format is changed somewhat this year with the amalgamation of the annual quiz with the presentation of the player of the year awards. It promises to be a special night with the quiz and the awards followed by music, with bar facilities.
The Club is also pleased to announce that it will be one of the regional locations chosen for the staging of the play "The Pitch" which will star National award winning actor Seamus O'Rourke, on Sunday 15th January in St Joseph's Hall. More details nearer the date.
The Senior Club, the Minor Club and the Ladies Club extend Christmas wishes to all our supporters, players, officials, sponsors and our always helpful media.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The U16s held their last training session for 2011 on Friday last. The panel will be notified by text of the date of resumption of training early in January.

Go raibh maith agaibh agus Nollaig Shona dhíbh.
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Wed. 11.19 P.M. I just heard that Boyle won ‘The GAA Grounds of the Year’ in Co. Roscommon at the County Convention. That is a nice achievement especially for the principals Martin Purcell, Ml. Brennan, Aidan and Eoin Lavin, Shane Filan and Gerry Tivnan and his FAS group and x. It does not come as any surprise to me as it is a fine facility in a lovely, historic setting.
Odds: If you are outside the Abbey Park on a Wednesday evening and there are empty garbage bins there just drag them inside the gates if there are two of you there. As Tess Flaherty used to say: "An ounce of help is better than a ton of pity”.
At the Club convention a little important (oxymoron) detail was Barney Supple's request that ALL players should equip themselves with GUM SHIELDS. I endorse this fully. I thought it was par for the course now but apparently the efforts of a few years ago, to promote this, have eroded. So perhaps team managers might come up with some directive on the issue and perhaps an arrangement might be made with a local dentist, to provide same, as happened a few years ago.
I heard that there was a vote orchestrated for Team Manager of our sister club, St. Brendan’s, in Dublin in opposition to the incumbent. This came as a big surprise to me as the 2011 manager just had his team promoted for the second straight year. What else could he do? There is perhaps too much expected of managers. This shows the pressure they are under. What was the promoter of this coup thinking of? Anyway the coup was roundly defeated and it is onwards and upwards for St. Brendan’s in 2012 though I believe they ARE adhering to the Croke Park directive re. closed season in December for training.
How often can you recycle a bike?
Goodnight.
Regards to Oz/N.Z./Canada/London and New York Towns and Wolkingham.

Monday 1.50 am.
There was a large and enthusiastic attendance at Boyle Senior Club AGM which was held in the Clubroom on Sunday evening last. Chairperson Aidan Lavin welcomed the attendance and thanked all who have been involved in any way with the Club, including the many panels of players and their respective management teams, the many Club sponsors, those who participated in fundraising, the pitch co-ordinator and the Pitch Committe, Gerard Tivnan and the FAS workers,to the local media for their excellent coverage of our activities, the supporters and his fellow officers. He congratulated all teams and their managements on their successes in 2011 and those who had got chosen on County panels during the year and those from the Club who had formed part of County team managements. He especially congratulated Donal and Enda Smith and Tadhg McKenna on winning Connacht Minor Championship medals and Donal on being chosen as Roscommon's Minor Footballer of the Year. The Chairperson extended best wishes to the many representatives from the Club who are becoming involved with county team managements in varying roles, including Jonathan Conroy, David Casey, Barry Greaney, Joe Sweeney and James O'Boyle.

Club Secretary Kathleen Hanmore's report chronicled a busy year for the Club, the highlight of which was the winning of the County Minor Division 1 title.

The Treasurer, Mary Smith outlined the financial position of the Club and detailed the various fundraising initiatives which are required to keep the Club in operation.
The following officers were elected for 2012;- President-John Joe Nerney, Vice Presidents-Paddy McDermott and Barry Feely, Chairperson-Aidan Lavin, Vice Chairperson-Martin Dolan, Secretary-Kathleen Hanmore, Assistant Secretary-Mary Clifford, Treasurer-Mary Smith, Assistant Treasurer-Mary Halligan, PROs -Martin Dolan and Tony Conboy, Insurance Officer- Michael Furey, Registrar-Brian Supple, Childrens'/ASAP Offficer-Jan Flanagan, County Board Delegates and History Committee-M.Clifford, M.Dolan and T.Conboy, North Western Board Delegates-Michael Brennan and Paul Beirne. Pitch C-ordinator-Martin Purcell, Pitch Management Cttee-M.Purcell, P.Beirne, John Cummins and Shane Spellman.
Tributes were paid to Gary Wynne who is stepping down from the position of senior team manager after two years due to family committments. Gary, in giving a detailed account of his term as team manager returned thanks to the players and officials for their co-operation and he expressed his dissappointment that greater success wasn't achieved.

The new senior team manager is David O'Connor with Bernie Shannon, Dave O'Daly and Stephen Bohan. Junior team manager will be Bernie Shannon, with Aidan Lavin and Paul Beirne. The Under 21s will be managed by David Casey with Martin Purcell, Ciaran Supple and Joe Sweeney.
The meeting passed a vote of sympathy to all Club members who suffered bereavements in 2011 and it sent good wishes to all Club members and family members who are experiencing illness at present.
The long awaited U16 Division 1 League Semi Final versus Michael Glaveys is due to be played in the Abbey Park on Sunday next at 2.30pm. This depends on an U21 result next Friday.

Plans are being finalised for the social night of the year which will be held in St. Joseph's Hall on Wednesday 28th December. This year the format will be changed as the annual quiz will be amalgamated with the annual presentation of players of the year awards. The event will also feature music and bar facilities,to make a very interesting night's entertainment.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

The following are the Ballinameen and Boyle Senior teams above.(If someone can send me the under-age teams I'll post same if that is ok. tconboy1@eircom.net):
Boyle, Back; G.Wynne, T. McGarty, L. Harrington, Ml. O'Donnell, C. O'Neill, J.S. Lyons, S. Tonra, Ml. Bermingham, J. Suffin.
Front: E. lavin, M. O'Connor, K. Feighan, C. Beirne, A. Sharkey, M. Goldrick, D. Smith, B. Supple, M. O'Donohoe.
Ballinameen:
Back Row L – R:
?.Finneran, John McLoughlin, Aidan Cunningham, Alan Harrington, Gerard Mc Dermottroe, Noel Cunningham, ? Watson, Michael Corrigan, James Carty, John Murtagh, Robbie Wynne, Jason McDermott, Aaron Harrington, (Mark o'Connor, Boyle).

Front Row L-R:
Nathan Ward, Mark Ward, John Connolly, Declan Filan, Ciaran Harrington, Dessie Carlos, David Wynne, Lee Mc Killeen, Padraig Cryan, Padraig Brehony.

Thurs. 8.30 pm. Above and below are the Boyle and Ballinameen U 12 teams and the 'Senior' teams from both sides, from the Mari Connolly-Kane games on Sunday. Thanks to Mairead Supple for the pics. If I could get the names I'd add same. So if the people who know the names of some of the teams forward same to tconboy1@eircom.net I'll add them. Double click the pics. in the blog to enlarge same. Thurs. Dec. 8th 12 noon.

Boyle Band’s Dublin C.D. Launch.
The band ‘Come on Live Long’ which includes David O’Connor and Louise Gaffney will launch their C.D. in ‘Crawdady’s’ (which I presume is a pub, though I haven’t heard of it, odd) on tomorrow night Friday the 9th at 8. Since there are plenty of young Boyle people in Dublin perhaps they could spread the word on that or turn up at the gig please. it would be nice and reassuring for the Boyle membership. If we were sent a pic. from the launch it could be put up hereabouts. The band will play in Galway on Sat. night in Kelly's which is located beside O'Brien's Bridge on the edge of the Latin quarter. Pass the word to Boyle people in Galway.

The minor match on Sunday is OFF. It will probably/possibly be played the following Sunday or after that.....

Lotto: There was no winner in last Sat’s. Draw in Daly’s. The numbers drawn were 5/6/18/25. The €20 winners were: Gerry/Nuala Morris, Joe Mahon (shop)/Chris Callan/Ann Gilmartin/Gerry Nerney/ Alan McPadden/Josie Daly/Shane Feely/Jason Harrington/Micheal Rushe the House Prize was won by Sheila Cunningham. The Jackpot now stands at €4,900 and the next draw on Sat. the 17th of Dec. with Team ‘E’ in charge.

Lotto Team Members Please read the followig note!

A note of observation on the Lotto teams. If someone cannot turn up on the night team members SHOULD make every effort to;
1. Get a ‘SUB’ . Indeed a couple of draw people could come up with an understanding that they could call on each other to ‘SUB’ when necessary.
2. At least ring/text the team captain to say they cannot attend on the night and have failed to get a sub. It is not good form to leave the ‘Team Captain’ wondering. It is really necessary to have at least seven people on each night i.e. 3 teams of two and the Team Captain back at the venue. The Lotto is the lifeblood of the current expenditure of the club and even though it is under pressure and has contracted its return it has to continue and be maximised. In fairness the people and pubs are great in their support and the attitude is nearly always good. No one likes to interrupt what they are doing on a cold Sat. night but with the five teams of now it is only once every ten weeks or so. They seem to come around quickly but c’est la vie. It might be great to live life with the handbrake on but we seem to live it with a breaststroke. Hopefully it will be like the band name above.
P.S. To people with WITHELD NUMBERS please leave a message as I’ve given up answering such numbers as they are generally selling x/y/z and as Vincent Browne might say ‘They’d wreck your head’.

A.Y. enquire re the the origins of the phrase; 'The road to heaven is well signposted but it is badly lit at night'!

I am a collector of these phrases. eg. 'Home is a place, when you have to go there, they have to take you in'. 'I used to indecisive but now I'm not so sure' et al. They used to be on the desk calendars with the striking red date.

Thurs. 5 pm. I had always hoped that this blog would have generated a lot more interative input than it does -which is almost nil-however I did get a little bit today, Since it comes from M.O'D. I'll give it a whirl.
"There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did".

M. mentions a famous yellow card....I presume that is for the quality of the joke above!

Monday 9 pm. This is a very good picture of Boyle GAA personel (mostly) taken at John and Jackie Finneran's wedding in April (?) 1993 in County Down.
Back Row: Kit O'Connor, Tom Kearney, Gerry Hannon, Derek Caldbeck, Peter Bolger, Chris Callan, Kevin O'Connor, (back Frank Mescal/Miskell brother-in-law of John), Sean Young, John Finneran, Gabriel Lavin, Phonsie Gorman, John Finn, Jnr. Smith, Billy Roe, Frank Feighan, Joe Sweeney, Pat Leonard, Gerry Emmett, John Keenehan, Canon Peadar Lavin, John O'Dowd,.

Front; Seamie O'Dowd, Paul Kearney, Sean Kearins, Geno Mattimoe, Richie Fitzpatrick, Aidan Lavin, Francis Tarpery, Dessie McLoughlin, Ronan Hever, Vinnie Flanagan. (by kind permission of J.F.)

Sunday 11. 56 pm.
The Club extends its thanks to Canon Gerry Hanley for celebrating a very uplifting Mass for the speedy recovery of Kyle on Friday night last. The large attendance is testament to Kyle's popularity in the Club.
Thanks are also extended to all who supported the fundraiser on Sunday in the Abbey Park for the Mari Connolly-Keane Fund. Thanks to Pat Casey, Chairman and friends in Ballinameen Club for their work in jointly organising this fundraiser. Boyle had a narrow win over Ballinameen at under 12 where there was some good football on view from both sides. Ballinameen had reached the Division 3 final this year going down to St. Faithleach’s. Conditions were a bit severe on the day. Ballinameen had a comprehensive win in the Intermediate game which was played in a very good spirit but I thought was overlong, as it seemed to peter out, on a cold afternoon. Anyway it was nice to see an event organised on a joint basis and hopefully it is something that can continue, in what format I don’t know. Thanks to both referees and also the ladies who provided very welcome refreshments. It was nice to see Richard Connolly and extended family present and great to see Richard making good progress.
Congratulations are extended to Donal and Enda Smith and to Tadhg McKenna who were presented with their Connacht Minor Championship winners medals in Roscommon on Saturday night last. Special congratulations are extended to Donal on being selected as Roscommon Minor ‘Player of the Year’. It's a well deserved award for Donal.
The National Automation Limited U16s’ will play their long awaited Division 1 League semi final on Sunday next at 1 pm in the Abbey Park.
Sunday next the 11th, is also a big occasion for the Club as it stages its AGM at 5pm in the Clubroom. All who are in any way interested in the continued development of Boyle GAA Club are asked to attend. It is an occasion to take stock and to plan for the future and all are invited to come along.
Work is in progress in the planning of the big social night for the Club with the presentation of awards for achievements in the Club in 2011 and the annual quiz. This will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Wednesday 28th December.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan,
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Sat. 8 pm.
Luka’s Star Turn:
I had meant to mention this earlier but….I didn’t! Perhaps I was unwittingly waiting for the Ecumenical season. I’ve seen a good few fine performances this year, mostly, as it is my game, in Gaelic. I think of the Smiths, McKenna and a plethora of other under-age players such as Cian McKeon, Furey, Brennan, Lavin and co. However it was only on Friday night of last (not this) week that I saw a contender for the performance of the year on the field. It happened in soccer on a terrible evening at Celtic Park under lights.
I missed nearly all the first half and heard a groan as I entered the arena which meant that it was a goal for the opposition. So it was and so ‘City’ of Sligo had gone 2:1 up. Though Boyle had played against the elements, the fact that they had a player dismissed early on, did not bode well. I’m close to the point of this tale. Not long into the game’s second half came the first sign, with a headed goal from Michael Corrigan. 2:2. Then it started, as the star of the show, Luka Roddy, raced through for the third goal 3:2. Not long after, a similar scenario obtained for the same man, 4:2. The goals seem to mesh in my mind as they were of very similar origin and style of execution. In that they were clinical, precise, no fumbling or messing and were dispatched with the precision of an assassin. The great goal scorers I remember have been Gerd Muller, Van Basten, Rush and so on. Still I never remember x number of chances followed by x number of goals. Then came Luka’s third goal as City could not cope with the long high ball as it bounced over the last line of that defence, which was keeping a high line, 5:2. ‘Bomber’ reeled off; “5 chances 5 goals” as Johnny counted down the time, with veteran supporters Paddy and the Kearns clan in close attendance. We could relax. Then Luka got another chance with the same result. The goalie just shaking his head and Luka’s marker, who had earlier teased his young opponent, wasn’t smiling now though. In fairness to ‘City’ they seemed to go with the flow and no nasty stuff obtained. They might not have been amused but they could have been bemused. Anyways-as my old uncle used to say- then came number 6, same man, same route down the middle of the open highway, same clinical finish 6:2. Then came a consolation score for City to end 6:3 or was there another goal. I had forgotten the severe weather early in my stay which was made very almost benign by the fare on display and this from a team with the manager a pivotal on-field player. We left heads wagging, smiling and smug.
In any event Luka’s tally was four in one of the star turns, from a Boyle sportsperson, this year.
I had seen this side play some fine football in an earlier win against Cliffony, 2:1. So in the off –Gaelic-season if you see the lights beaming around Celtic Park you could do well to get down there for some good football, in great facilities and perhaps be lucky enough to see Luka or maybe Lee or someone else giving a star turn for the hoops.
The side was: Kyle Suffin, Ml. McHale, Ml. Corrigan, John Connolly, Noel McKenna, Owen O’Donohoe, Lochlainn Conboy, James Carty, Aaron Calpin, Luka Roddy, Lee McKilleen with Conor McPadden, Ciaran Harrington also Alan Duffy, Conor McGowan. Unavailable Sean Purcell, Colm Brennan and Dessie Carlos.
Here you have the legendary mix of youth and experience. Legends (not as in calendars or anything like that) like McKenna, McHale, O’Donohoe and the young guns of McKilleen, McPadden, Carlos and Carty with ‘Top Gun’, on this occasion, Roddy.
Happy Christmas.


Thurs. 10 p.m.
Mass this Friday evening at 8.15.
The Club has arranged a special Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Boyle on this Friday evening the 2nd of December at 8.15pm. The Mass will be offered for a speedy recovery, to good health, of our popular playing member Kyle McLoughlin, who is currently undergoing medical treatment. All who know Kyle and the McLoughlin family are invited to come along. Refreshments will be provided in the Clubroom after Mass.

Sunday Fundraising Game:
Boyle Club will join forces with neighbours Ballinameen on Sunday next 4th December with an attractive fundraiser in support of the Connolly-Keane fire tragedy, which will be held in the Abbey Park. It will commence with an Under 12 friendly between Boyle and Ballinameen at 1.30 pm. This will be followed by a game involving the adult panels from both clubs at 2.30 pm. Meet after in the Moylurg Inn. Support will be appreciated for this very worthy cause.

Boyle v Ballinameen Fundraiser Seeks Your Support:
Boyle Club will join forces with neighbours Ballinameen on Sunday next 4th December with an attractive fundraiser in support of the Connolly-Keane fire tragedy, which will be held in the Abbey Park. It will commence with an Under 12 friendly between Boyle and Ballinameen at 1.30pm. This will be followed by a game involving the adult panels from both clubs at 2.30pm. Support will be appreciated for this very worthy cause.
The following were €20 winners at the Club Lotto draw which was held in Creighton’s recently;- Aiden Sheerin, Joe McDermott, Christy Grehan, Sharon Conroy, Maura McGann, Marie Murray, Dylan Mattimoe, Martin McGrath, Mandy Toolan and Mary Rooney. The house prize was won by John Burke. The numbers drawn were: 1/6/9/26. The jackpot wasn’t won and it will stand at €4,800 for Saturday night’s draw which will be held in Daly’s. Team D will be in charge.
The National Automation minor team may have their Division 1 League semi final on Saturday next-check fixtures.
The Club has arranged a special Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Boyle on Friday next 2nd December at 8.15pm, to be offered for a speedy recovery to good health of our popular playing member Kyle McLoughlin, who is currently undergoing medical treatment. All who know Kyle and the McLoughlin family are invited to come along. Refreshments will be provided in the Clubroom after Mass.
All Club members and those interested in GAA activities in Boyle are reminded that the Club AGM will be held in the Clubroom at 5pm on Sunday week the 11th of December.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the Club’s annual Christmas Quiz and 2011 Club awards presentation night which will be held in St. Joseph’s Hall on 28th December.
Thanks are extended to all Club members and friends who responded to the request and participated in the Childline church gate collection at the weekend.
Ladies Club:
Training continues for U16 girls Wednesday and Friday evening at 7.00pm. Roscommon Ladies County Board AGM in Hannon’s Hotels Tuesday 1st December 2011 at 8.00pm.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Wed. 11 am.

Special Notice From Boyle G.A.A. Club

A special Mass will be held in St Joseph's Church, Boyle at 8.15pm on Friday Night 2nd December for a speedy recovery to good health of Kyle McLoughlin. Kyle is a senior playing member with Boyle G.A.A club and is a former panelist on a number of Roscommon underage teams. He is son of Dessie, (a former Roscommon Minor Star and present day great Roscommon Supporter) and Margaret McLoughlin. Kyle is currently undergoing treatment for Leukaemia in U.C.H.G. We look forward to your presence at the mass and request all of you to remember Kyle and his family in your prayers. (Boyle GAA Executive and Club).

Mon. 12.30 am. The weekend brought the curtain down on the playing season for our adult teams with the McGovern Directional Drilling team losing by five points to St Barry’s in Tarmonbarry on Saturday in the North-West Championship.
The National Automation Limited U 21s’ also exited the Championship by virtue of results elsewhere.
The National Automation Limited Minors are our only team remaining with football to be played as they wait the fixing of their league semi-final.
Club members are asked to confirm their availability to the Secretary to form a roster for participation in the church gate collection for Childline next weekend.
The Club extends its best wishes for a speedy return to good health to our highly regarded playing member Kyle McLoughlin.
Members and those interested in the promotion of Gaelic Games in Boyle are reminded that the Club AGM will be held in the Clubroom on Sunday the 11th of December at 5pm.
The Annual Christmas Quiz and Club Awards night will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Wednesday the 28th of December.
Best wishes are extended to Des Newton, Nigel Dineen and Gareth Carroll on their appointment as County Senior, U21 and Minor Managers respectively and also to the Boyle connections, Jonathan Conroy, Barry Greaney and David Casey with those management teams.
Congratulations are extended to Boyle Musical Society on putting on yet another excellent show and to St Brigid’s on retaining their Connacht Senior Club crown in a very interesting and competitive game at Kiltoom on Sunday.
Congratulations also to Liam Conroy and Damien Tiernan on winning the inaugeral Boyle Labourers 'Duathlon' in Boyle on Sunday afternoon. The fact that Nigel Clancy's whellbarrow wheel was deflated, when he called it into play, is being investigated. Shades of Dana sabotage, perhaps! The word is that this might become an annual, expanded, event, perhaps during Arts Week.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The U16 girls panel train every Wednesday and Friday at 7pm in preparation for the upcoming championship which commences early in the New Year. New players are most welcome.

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

Fri./Sat.am (late /early). I am not long after arriving home from a really spectacular Boyle musical, 'Beauty and the Beast'. If you read this, and have not been to see it, you really should go. It is probably the best show by B.M.S. yet. An added element is that kids should love it.

On my travels tonight/last night I was made aware of a fund-raising challenge which will take place on Sunday next, in Boyle, starting at 3.30 at the Abbey Bar. It is in aid of the Coombe Hospital Neo-Natal unit. Nigel Clancy, former Sligo full back, proprietor of the Abbey Bar, will compete with Boyle legend, Liam Conroy, in a kind of Irish construction worker's 'Duathlon' around a circuit of Boyle town. It will involve running from the Abbey Bar via Main St/Abbey Terrace/ Shop St. to the Royal Hotel where the final leg will involve taking a wheelbarrow with an individual in situ and ending at the Abbey Bar. Liam Conroy's second, in the wheelbarrow, will be, I am told, Damien Tiernan, while Nigel Clancy's will be Colin Garvin. It looks like a pretty even challenge at this point in time and I witnessed both principals in training in the Abbey Bar on Friday night. So if you see crowds assemble, on Sunday, at various elevated vantage points along the circuit, it is not a Formula One test but just an old fashioned Irish/Camden Town 'Duathlon'.
Goodnight. (American Papers please don't copy).

Fri. 4 pm.The McGovern Directional Drilling Intermediate team will play St Barry’s in the North-West Championship in Tarmonbarry on tomorrow Saturday at 2.30pm.
The big game on Sunday is St. Brigid's v Corofin in the Connacht Club Final. the weather is promised good so there should be a good crowd and atmosphere there.
Karl, I haven't heard from you in a while. Cen fath?
Kyle, if you are reading this, we wish you well with your recovery and to let you know that you are in the thoughts of all of us here in Boyle GAA.

Monday Nov. 14th, 10.30 am.
The following were €20 winners at the Boyle GAA Lotto which was held recently in Mattimoe's;- Mary and Cathal McGee, Gus Gannon, Vincent Grehan, Paul Simon, Eugene Halligan, Sean Carty, Sinéad Cummins, Laura Clarke, David Kelly and John Gallagher. The house prize was won by Vincent Brady. The numbers drawn were; 5/18/22/26. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €4,700 for the next draw which will be held in Creightons on Saturday night next. Team ‘C’ will be in charge.
The National Automation Limited U21s’ lost to a more experienced Padraig Pearses in the last of their group games in the Division 1 Championship in Woodmount on Saturday last. Their future in the Championship is dependent on the outcome of the remaining game between Padraig Pearses and Strokestown.
The McGovern Directional Drilling intermediate team will play St Barry’s in the North West Championship in Tarmonbarry on Saturday at 2.30pm.
The National Automation Limited minors now know that their opposition will be Michael Glaveys in the Division 1 League Semi Final. This will be a re-run of the County Minor Championship Final and the date of the fixture is dependent on the respective outcomes of adult competitions involving teams from both clubs.
Plans are being advanced for the Club's annual quiz and presentation night which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on 28th December.
The Club is anxious to receive motions from Club members for discussion at the Club AGM which will be held in the Clubroom on Sunday 11th December at 5pm.
Thanks to Michael Brennan and Bernie Shannon for their excellent efforts in ensuring that the re-sealing of the dressing room floors was completed as planned last week.
The Club extends its best wishes to St. Brigids in the Connacht Final versus Corofin on Sunday next. Check fixtures for venue.
Boyle Ladies Club;
The Ladies Club wishes to thank all who supported the recent Halloween fundraiser in St Joseph's Hall. The U16 girls have resumed training as their championship will commence early in the New Year. Training takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm. New players are welcome.

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

Boyle GAA. Mon. Nov. 6th 7 p.m.

The past weekend was the first, for a considerable length of time, in which there was no activity on the playing fields, by the Club. Action will resume this coming weekend. The National Automation U21s’ will meet Padraig Pearse's, in the last of the group games in the Division 1 County Championship, in Knockcroghery on Saturday next, November 12th, at 2pm.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team expects to play St Barrys in the Nort West Championship on the weekend of 18th November.
The National Automation Limited minors are still awaiting news of their league semi final game.
All team managers-adult, minor and ladies- are advised that the new dressing rooms will be closed from Friday the 11th to Tuesday 15th November to allow re-sealing work to be done on the floors.
Preparations are under way for the social event of the year, the Christmas quiz, presentation night and social, all wrapped up in one this year, which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Wednesday the 28th of December. So note that in your Christmas schedule.
Well done to the Ladies Club on their very enjoyable Halloween Social which they held in St Joseph's Hall on Sunday night last.
Another date for the diaries is the Senior Club's AGM which is scheduled for Sunday the 11th of December at 5pm in the Clubroom. Any member, with ideas regarding the club’s activities, should submit same, on the nomination papers which will be circulated closer to the date.
Congratulations to St Brigid’s on their fine victory in the Connacht Senior Club Semi Final over Tourlestrane at Sligo on Sunday last. It was refreshing to attend a good game in fine weather conditions. Certainly St. Brigid’s are in good shape to be real contenders against this year. They had many fine performances on Sunday with Senan Kilbride getting the ‘Man of the Match’ award and Frankie Dolan giving an exhibition of fine pass delivery/distribution The Connacht Club final is against Corofin at Kiltoom which should be a really good contest. Commiserations to Padraig Pearses on their loss in the Connacht Intermediate Final on Saturday.
I (T.C.) caught up on some reading last evening/night and there is always something interesting in the week end papers. Eamon Sweeney’s column, on the back page of the Indo. Sport’s section, is always worthy of attention with a varied, sometimes quirky, subject matter. Recently there were the comic book heroes of his youth, Sunday Oct. 30th the atmosphere in a small club area when their team gets to a county final and so on. In a sense Eamon has inherited the mantle of Tom Humphrey as a very interesting sports writer of real merit. Indeed sport's writing is a whole genre of literature where the Americans prevail. The French writer Camus said once that: ‘All I ever learned about life I learned from sport’. Camus was a soccer goalkeeper for a time.
Sport got little attention from the Presidential election candidates as outlined by John O’Brien in an interesting and informative piece in the Indo. Sunday Sport, page 4, Oct. 30th headlined ‘Our GAA President a hard act to follow’. I turned into the piece thinking it was the GAA President Christy Cooney that was involved and the headline would thus surprise me. However it was the understanding and supportive attitude of President Mary McAleese to the sport and recreational voluntary providers that he regarded and the lack of reference to sport during the election. This is though Ml. D. is President of Galway United and Mary Davis is a member of the Rooney clan of Mayo GAA background. Sporting grants and funding is getting hammered now and I suppose is an easy target for cuts. Of course there are a lot of clubs struggling with debt and current financing costs et al.
Go raibh maith agaibh,Martin Dolan/T.C.P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club086 2413529

Friday 1 p.m.
Boyle U 21s' will play Pearses on Saturday the 12th at Knockcrogery (as of now) at 2pm.
After the club meeting last Tuesday night (poorly attended!) the club will be putting forward motions to the County Board Convention on a couple of items. They are: 1. That the introduction of a clock/timing system as per Ladies football for the timing of games be explored.
2. That the All-Ireland hurling and football finals be played two weeks earlier to allow, essentially, for the possibility of holding important county club games at a more sympathetic time of year in terms of weather and conditions and also giving more space for the playing of club games at a more approriate time of year.

There may be other considerations such as the football final being less a victim of late September weather also. Another plus consideration would be the playing of the All-Irelands during the late summer period alowing more of a wide -world visitor attendance possibility.
If people have views on these motions please let us know. Apparently there is a similar motion going before the Dublin Convention.

The club's Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday December the 11th at 5 p.m. The County convention is on Wednesday, December the 14th in Kilglass Centre.
The main item for discussion, laqst Tuesday night, was the County Board's radical (punitive) proposals regarding the input of club's in financing the Board in terms of levies/draws etc. This is the bane of clubs, many of which are indebted themselves and who are really stretched to finance current club activity and meeting expenses in terms of insurance/registration fees/team preparation expenses/grounds maintainance and the myriad of other expenses which means that running a club now costs circa €50,000 per annum. The worrrying state of the County Boards finances has its origins in mismangement or whatever from a number of years ago. As Vincent Browne might say; "Wouldn't that do your head in'.

Anne O'Brien(Anne Hannon, Greatmeadow, P.R.O. Clonguish Club Newtonforbes) sent me the note below. It looks like an interesting production and I'll try and go myself. I was unable to paste the full poster with illustrations etc.

COMING TO A FOOTBALL CLUB NEAR YOU ...

THE PITCH

by Academy Award winning Shane Connaughton
starring Seamus O’Rourke, former Co. Leitrim footballer & RTÉ All-Ireland winner of Best Actor 2010
Philly lived and played for his team, the jersey, the parish, his friends −
the very pitch his enemies are now trying to take from him to turn into
a housing estate ...
‘Anyone who ever had the pride of playing for a jersey should make it their duty to see The Pitch.’ fiona heavey, leitrim observer
‘Excellent.’ liam lenihan, chairman, limerick gaa
‘Best night in town in years, outside the county final win obviously!’ liam reilly, pro, kingscourt starsCOMING TO NEWTOWNFORBES SPORTS COMPLEX ON FRIDAY 25TH OF NOVEMBER AT 8.30PM. TICKETS €10. FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT CATHERINE FAUGHNAN ON 087 9956496
www.themothmagazine.com

Monday October 31st. 1 pm. This really shows how our GAA top brass can identify a winner early. Certainly a pic. for the hallway!
There will be a very important club meeting on tomorrow night, Tuesday, at 8.30. Items for discussion include County board funding (which could be a headache T.C.); County Board Annual Convention and motions to it (one I would suggest is that the All-Ireland finals be brought forward by 2 weeks to facilitate earlier club championship conclusion); and the preliminary set up details of the Annual Club Quiz, which is moving to the hall and will carry with it the weight of a real Christmas social occasion for those at home and those coming home for Christmas.
For those who may be interested please note that the Co. board has four employment positions on their web site so see if that has any possibilities for you.
The following were €20 winners at the Club Lotto draw which was held in Wynnes's Bar on Saturday night last;- Michael Costello, Joe McGoldrick, Tommy and Monica King, Carmel and Gerard Tivnan, Vincent McDonagh, Geraldine Daly, Declan McQuaid, Kevin McDonagh, Mae Verdan and Doreen Caldbeck. The house prize was won by Colette Taylor-Greene. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €4,500 for the next draw which will be held in Mattimoe’s on this Saturday night. Team ‘B’ will be in charge.

The National Automation Limited U21s played Clan na Gael in the second round of the Division 1 Championship on Monday-see results. They have one outstanding game in the group stages of this competition-against Padraig Pearses. The Club extends best wishes to Pearses in the Connacht Intermediate Final on Saturday next.
The minors still await their league semi final opponents. There will be an important Club meeting in the Clubroom on this Tuesday at 8.30pm. It is essential that there is a full attendance as it will make arrangemnets for the forthcoming Christmas Quiz, end of year presentations and the County Board funding proposals.
The Club extends its congratulations to former club player Damien Keenehan who recently captained the Victoria State to the All Australion Football Championship title. Congratulations also to the Boyle Golf Club and to our former Treasurer Michael Gilmartin (pictured above with the President elect and another V.I.P.) who played a major role in the preparation of a wonderful history of the first century of Golf Club and indeed an excellent resume of the sporting and social history of Boyle in general.

The Club compliments the organisers of the most successful Boyle ‘Town and More’ event at the weekend. Certainly there was a great turn out in the complex on Sunday and a lot of positivity emanating from same. Perhaps Boyle GAA could have had a stand there if we had been, perhaps, more in tune with the social element of the expo. Next time, and St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps. Also those who were involved in the very succesful 'Back to Boyle' week-end of a couple of years ago (The Virginian and all that) might bear in mind that there is going to be a big national push towards attracting the 'diaspora' home to visit through 2013 so they might get reinvigorated for that. I know from talking to people that the 'Back to Boyle' week-end was very well thought of. Of course these things can only happen with decent time intervals etc. It is nice to see the fine facilities like the Complex and the Hall being so central to these events and so well regarded as ideal venues. Don't forget (now that I've drifted to general commentary) Boyle Musical society's annual offering which this year is, 'Beauty and the Beast'. This begins on Wednesday the 16th until Sunday the 20th.

The performance of the week-end- for me (T.C.)- was the win of James Stephen’s (The Village) over Ballyhale Shamrock’s (Henry and Co.) in the Kilkenny hurling final replay. I was at the draw which was played in terrible conditions and the pundits felt that the star studded Shamrock’s would take it and certainly the replay but……they didn’t.
If you are interested in Scor participation contact Martin Dolan. The ladies GAA had their Halloween Fancy Dress Ball last night.
Sympathy is extended to the Beirne Family, Boyle on the death of Mrs. Philomena Sharkey, Tibohine.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Thank You:
Boyle GAA wishes to thank the following for their invaluable support of ‘The Walk to Croker’. Tom Commins; Fergal O’Donnell; Tom and Anastasia Maye of Maye’s Bar, Dorset St., Dublin; Pat Burke; Ronan Hever and family with Hillary McCabe of Maynooth GAA; Alan Cooney of Cooney Motors; Adrian McKenna of McKenna Transport; Sean O’Dowd realboyle; The Roscommon Herald, Shannonside Radio; Liam and Mary Clifford for substantial fuel sponsorship; Neil Kennedy of Londis, Boyle; Padraig Langan, Martin Purcell Printing; Shane Kelly, Supervalu; Paul Byrne Signs; Eugene Murphy, Mayor of Roscommon; Ver. Rev. Canon Gerry Hanly; Pat Conroy; Mary Regan; Seamus Nugent. I apologise if anyone is omitted in error and I’d be happy to rectify same. Posted, with appreciation, by Boyle GAA Club Executive and membership.

Monday 8 pm.
Boyle GAA Club extends its deepest sympathy to our Club President, John Joe Nerney and to the Nerney Family, Mockmoyne on the passing of John Joe's wife Agnes. As a mark of respect, all Club activities were suspended at the weekend.
The Club Lotto has been re-scheduled for this Saturday night in Wynne's Bar with Team ‘A’ in charge. The jackpot will be €4,500.
The National Automation Limited U21 team will play Clan na Gael in the Abbey Park on Bank Holiday Monday next 31st October at 2pm. Their postponed game with Padraig Pearses will be re-fixed for the coming weeks.
The National Automation Limited Minors are still waiting the fixing of their Division 1 League Semi Final.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra juniors are also waiting the playing of their final round game in the Tansey Cup versus Creggs-see fixtures.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team is due to face St Barry’s in the semi-final of the Special, North West Championship at the weekend-again check fixtures.
All team managers are advised that the main pitch in the Abbey Park is NOT to be used for games, training or warm-ups until further notice as a consequence of the inclement weather. Consent must be obtained from pitch co-ordinator, Martin Purcell before any use of the pitch.
This Wednesday 26th October is the closing date for entries for Scór Na nOg. The semi finals are scheduled for Elphin on 11th and 12th November. The Club is seeking entries for Set Dancing, Figure Dancing, Instrumental Music, Quiz, Solo Singing, Novelty Act, Ballad Group and Recitation. Entrants must be Under 17 at 1st January 2012. Boyle has participated in a number of those categories in recent years and the Club is anxious that we are represented in all or most of them this year. Those interested in taking part or in seeking more information are asked to contact Martin Dolan at 086 2413529.
Best wishes are extended to Boyle Golf Club which is holding its Centenary Celebrations in St Joseph's Hall on Saturday night.
Sympathy is extended to the Taylor Family, Boyle on the death of William Taylor.

Sunday 23rd at 8.50.
Ladies Club Notes:
U10, U12 and U14 presentation evening this Friday in Abbey Park Clubrooms at 7.00pm, all Managers, players and parents are asked to attend.
Please support Halloween Fancy Dress, Sunday 30th October in St Joseph’s Hall. Doors open at 7pm, Music by Canon Dogs, Mucca and a DJ after. Fancy Dress is not essential but prizes for best dressed. Free drink on arrival, lots of fun and tricks on the night. Tickets €10, available from An Craoibhin, The Railway Bar and committee members. Contact Sharon 086-1953474 or Sinead 086-3797370 for further info….
Fiona Mattimoe
Boyle Ladies PRO

The sympathy of the Club is extended to John Joe Nerney and the Nerney family on the death of John Joe's wife Agnes whose burial takes place tomorrow Monday to Assylinn Cemetery after Mass at 11am in St. Joseph's Church.

Thursday 11.25 pm. The U 21 game v Pearses has been moved to Kilbride at 6.30 on Saturday and is not now in Athleague.
Wed. 19th 11 am. I had a nice email from my friend and former(50s' early 60s') Boyle GAA stawlart Austin Beisty long since domiciled in the exotic sounding address of Babylon (New York). He keeps a sharp eye on Boyle GAA and Boyle itself. Among his comments were:
Hi Tony, Congratulations to the Boyle minor team and their mentors, a long time coming. Hopefully, they will be a foundation for a championship senior team.
A small correction (to my T.C. post below). I always considered O'Malley to be the best. Fr. Dockery (R.I.P.) would be in my top 5 or 6, the others being: Boland, Earley, K. Winston and T. McManus. I consider the 1980 team to be maybe one of Roscommon's best ever.
Slan for Now,
Austin Biesty.
Boyle U 21s’ take on Pearse's in -****Athleague*** changed... on Sat. next at 6.30. Creggs are in the Connacht Junior semi final which has implications for Boyle Juniors. In the North-West Intermediate competition Boyle’s next opponents look to be Tulsk. It’s a shakey competition.
There is a very good pic. of Roscommon players in Oz on the Ros. Herald Sport page 12, this week. Mentioning Oz I see the authorities there are getting very strict with Irish who are overstaying their visas or who cannot prove they did the right thing to get extensions or some such.
There is a general Club Meeting on this Thursday at 9 pm. Mary Clifford will have a comprehensive report from the County Board meeting of last Monday night incl. emphasis on insurance and draining water for periods of frost plus some coaching positions and if clubs wish to recommend managers for the three County teams now seeking managers et al. Gate receipts are well down (€30,000 overall, €13, 000 at the County final) this year for county championship fixtures. Finals are too late with the weather just putting people off in October. A motion could be teased out to have the All-Ireland’s brought forward by perhaps two weeks which would put the onus on inter-county championships to be resolved earlier clearing the way for inter club games.
I’m looking forward to your report Karl!
Monday 4 pm. I have no reports from Roch Hanmore's wedding as of yet.
The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Kate Lavins;- Francis Gaffney, Olive and John Filan, Margaret McKenna, John and Olivia Kelly, Adrian McKenna, J.P. Molloy, Mary Moran, Majella Hynes, Michael Beirne (Ballinameen) and Joanne McPhearson. The numbers drawn were: 4/12/22/24. The house prize was won by Barry Harvey. The jackpot wasn’t won and it will stand at €4,500 for next Saturday night’s draw which will be held in Wynnes’ Bar. Team 'A' will be in charge .
It was another week end of mixed results on the playing fields with the Club represented at games in three different locations on Sunday. The O’Connor Auctioneering U16 team lost narrowly to St Croans in the Division 1 League County Final in Elphin, thus failing to make it three in a row U 16 League titles. This team has had a great year in reaching both the Championship and League Finals, but unfortunately they don’t have silverware to show for their hard work. Thanks to the entire panel and to Jonathan and the rest of the management team for their unstinting efforts.
The National Automation Limited U21s drew with Strokestown in Strokestown in their first game in Division 1 of this competition. They will meet Padraig Pearses in their next outing at a neutral venue and under lights on Saturday evening next-see fixtures.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team defeated St Ronans in the first round of the new North West Special Intermediate Championship in the Abbey Park on Sunday. The Cooney Motors/ Cooneys Centra juniors are scheduled to play Creggs in the last round of the Tansey Cup on Sunday-sees fixtures.
The National Automation Limited minors are awaiting a play-off to determine their opponents in the Division 1 League Semi Final.
The will be a full Club meeting in the Clubroom on this Thursday night at 9pm. All members are requested to attend.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529
Boyle Ladies are holding a Halloween Fancy Dress Party in St Joseph’s Hall on Sunday 30 October, more details next week.
Fiona.
I attended the Roscommon GAA Supporters Club dinner in Dublin on Saturday evening in Croke Park. We visited the GAA Museum and the Dermot Earley section therein. It is very impressive and interesting and if you are in Dublin and have a couple of hours to spare, you should arrange a visit. Talking of museums and exhibitions one of growing importance is the Derryglad Museum of Charlie Finneran near Brideswell/Curraghboy in South Roscommon. You turn off the main Roscommon/Athlone road at Kiltoom near a prominent pub there, whose name escapes me. Anyway Derryglad is an expanding gem. It is made up of social, farming machinery and other artifacts and a small but very well presented GAA section. I recommend it especially if you are in the area and have a couple of hours. As the ad says tell tell them I sent you!
Getting back to Saturday night the team being honoured was the, in a sense forgotten, Roscommon team of the early sixties. They got to the League Semi-Final of '61 being beaten by Keery in a replay. They won a great Connacht final v Galway but were beaten by a fine Offaly team in the All-Ireland Semi Final. 1962 is remembered as the year of the broken crossbar Connacht Final in Castlebar which is now part of the folklore of Ros. football with the display of Gerry O'Malley. After defeating Cavan in the semi-final they were well beaten by Kerry in the final after and early disabling injury to Gerry O'Malley and a supreme performance by Mick O'Connell.
A number of the team are now deceased including 1. Aidan Brady, 2. Fr. Des Dockery (said by Austin Beisty as probably the finest player he saw playing for Roscommon) 3. John Oliver Moran, 4. Bernie Coyne (just a few months ago). Those present on Saturday evening were: Goalies 5. Mickie Kenny, Oran; 6. Christy Grogan, St. Croan's; full backs, 7. John Lynch, 8. Dickie Beirne,Shannon Gaels, (9. John Joe Breslin absent); half backs, 10. Gerry O'Reilly, Rooskey; 11. Gerry O'Malley (Capt.), St. Brigid's; 12. P.J.Shine, Clann na Gael; 13. Aidan Kelleher, Shanon Gaels; 14. Ronan Creaven with 14. G. Geraghty, Ballintubber; 15. Micheal Shivnan St. Michael's; 16. Tony Whyte, Clann na Gael; 17. John Stafford Kelly, Elphin; 18. Seamus Keane, Creggs; 19/20 Don and Des Feely, St. Brigid's; 21.Tony Kenny and 22. Peter Watson, Clann na Gael; 23. Cyril Mahon, Roscommon Gaels; 24. Brian Mitchell, St. Aidans; 25. Tom Turley and 26. Eamon Curley, Pearses. There was also a Tom Flanagan 27. That is 27 so I have two or so to add. The Supporters Club Roscommon Player of the Year went to Ml. Finneran of St. Dominick's.While Ballinameen won the Ml. Cox Award for best under-age club this year. I presume there will be coverage of the evening in the Roscommon Herald this week. those present from Boyle were Tom Mullaney and the Clifford family. While the President of the Club in Dublin is Bill Corcoran.
On Friday night I attended John Scally's 'Best of the West' awards, faciltated in the County Council Chamber in Roscommon Courthouse. This is the establishemnt of a 'Hall of Fame' in Roscommon. Those honoured this year were John Joe Nerney, Liam Gilmartin, Danny Murray,Donie Shine senior and Gay Sheeran. The 'Guest of Honour' was Donie Shine Jnr. Also present were Mary and Dermot Earley jnr., Charlie Finneran of Derryglad Museum, John Boyle of Goal whose annual fundraiser is the St. Stephen's Dy Walk in Ballintubber.
On Sunday I missed the U 21 draw in Strokestown and the 'seniors' win over St. Ronan's but saw Boyle U 16s' leave the League title behind them in Elphin. I went to Athleague for the County Senior hurling Final in which Four Roads easily overcame Athleague in the second half in a very disappointing show from Athleague whose hurling was of poor quality. (I was sorry to miss Damien Regan's, Walk/Roll/ Run).
(The 'Big Issue' in Roscommon at the moment is the search for a seniror manager also U 21 and minor managers).
So that was a pretty full GAA week end, for the end of season. From November I intend to take a good break from all this apart from special occasions like the Boyle GAA Christmas Quiz which is pencilled in for Wednesday December the 28th in the Hall !

Thursday 11 am.
I thought there was going to be a lull but one could hardly call next Sunday’s schedule a lull. The following are the fixtures and times, as of now, for Sunday:

Under 21(First Round) Boyle V Strokestown at Strokestown at 12 noon.

U 16 County League final at Elphin @ 2 PM V St. Croan’s.

The new North-West Senior i.e. Open competition, Boyle V St. Ronan’s @ Boyle @ 4.30 P.M.

We wish former Boyle GAA legend Roch Hanmore and his lady, Mandy, a great day on their wedding on Saturday, in Sydney, Australia.

We hope everyone has a memorable day there.

Back Row:
Conor McPadden (sorry Conor, hopefully we'll come across a full pic.), Jonathan Regan, Diarmuid Boylan, Paul Sweeney, Evan McGrath, Paul McDermott, Tadhg McKenna, Micheal Lavin, Eoin Lavin, Jason McDermott, Jake McCrann, Brian Furey, Donal Smith.
Front: Jack Morris, Conor Tivnan, Dylan Mattimoe, Enda Smith, Colin Goldrick, Luke Harrington Capt., Mark Goldrick, Joe Sweeney, Dylan East, Luke Brennan, Shane Filan.
Front/Front....Luka Roddy.
(pic. per Kevin O'Connor)
Mon. 12.30 am.
A Claddagh Ring was lost in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening. If anyone comes across it please forward it to Club Chairperson Aidan Lavin who will reunite it with its owner. (It is always as nice to re-unite someone with something of sentimental value as it is to have it returned to yourself…..do unto those what you would wish them to do unto you knda thing, T.C.)

Charlie Candon, Micheal Lavin, Enda Smith, Paul McDermott,.... ?...., Luke Harrington, Tadhg McKenna, ....Majella Smith, (Secretary of the Minor Board), Eoin Lavin, Dylan East, Mark Goldrick. (Pic. per T.C.)

Sunday 6.30 pm.
‘Championes’
Boyle 0.11 Michael Glavey’s 0.8.
Boyle won their first straight ‘A’ County Minor Championship Final since 1939 (John Joe Nerney & co.) at Hyde Park, in miserble weather, this afternoon. The day was reminiscent of the Connacht Final day in that respect.
I fancied that, barring disaster, Boyle would prevail on this occasion as the minor age group was supplemented by some fine younger players. The first half was mundane enough and the teams went in level at 4 points each. Boyle switched Donal Smith to full forward on the resumption and he posed a considerable threat there as one would anticipate. Boyle had an excellent period through the early period of the second half and went into a four or five point lead. This could have been added to but for a couple of misses. Glavey's brought it back to 3 towards the end and this meant a few anxious moments for all of us but it ended in a worthy victory. The result means an excellent team and management team got their just reward. This championship was won not just in the Hyde but also in the Abbey Park in the classic game v Roscommon Gaels and that dogged encounter in Kiltoom v Clann na Gael. Today Boyle generally looked the most likely winners but it being the final meant it was only endorsed at teh final whistle. So congrats to all involved as I have said with the Minor and Senior Committees, the sponsors National Automation Limited, Conor McGowan physio., the fine support et al. With an excellent team and panel on board for the next few years we will be looking to build on this win. There are league finals at minor and under 16 also to come.

The team today was; J.McDermott, B.Furey, L. Harrington (Capt.), L. Brennan, E. McGrath (probably, considering his age, the player of the series), T. McKenna, P. McDermott, E. Smith (0.1), D. Smith (0. 2. 1 x 45), C. McPadden (0.2), J. McCrann (0.2), C. Goldrick (0.1), L. Roddy (0.2), M. Lavin, D. East (0.1). Subs used Mark Goldrick, Paul Sweeney, Eoin Lavin with C. Tivnan, D. Mattimoe, J. Regan, S. Filan, D. Boylan, J. Nally, J.Sweeney, J. Morris, P. Nally, J. Gunning. Manager Vinny Flanagan with J. Conroy, T. Kearney and L.Conroy with Pat Goldrick Jnr. and young Brennan. Sponsors; National Automation Limited who are based in the large green premises in Lower Deerpark.

Boyle Ladies Club.
Boyle Ladies GAA congratulation Boyle Minors on their great Division 1 Final win last Sunday in Hyde Park, well done to the panel and their Management.
A date for your diary, Boyle Ladies are holding a Halloween Fancy Dress party in St Joseph’s Hall on Sunday 30 October. More details to follow.

Mon. 12.30 am.
Pride of place this week must go to our magnificent National Automation Limited Minor football panel which bridged a seventy two year gap on Sunday in Hyde Park when they won the County Division 1 Minor Football Championship by defeating a gallant Michael Glavey’s team. The game was played in difficult weather conditions and it was a tribute to both teams that they battled to the end and the outcome was in doubt up until near the final whistle. Team Captain Luke Harrington, in accepting the cup, thanked the team management of Vinny Flanagan, Jonathan Conroy, Tom Kearney and Liam Conroy and the many other Club mentors and coaches who had worked with them since they first commenced playing football. He thanked the entire panel for their commitment throughout the year. The Club is grateful to all involved and to their sponsor National Automation Limited who sponsored a welcome homecoming meal for the panel and mentors in Mericks. Their season doesn’t end yet as they have the Division 1 League Semi Final to look forward to shortly. The Club will be involved in another final on Sunday next when the U16s’ travel to Elphin to take on St Croan’s at 2pm.
The U10 Roscommon Herald football blitz is scheduled for the Abbey Park on Saturday-weather permitting.
The National Automation sponsored U21 team is currently in preparation for the upcoming County Championship.
The McGovern Directional Drilling Senior team may have a fixture in the North West League at the weekend-see fixtures.
Thanks to all who helped with stewarding for the Division 2 Minor Semi Final game in the Abbey Park at the weekend.
Scór na nOg will soon be getting under way and those under age seventeen who wish to participate in set dancing, figure dancing, instrumental music, solo singing, novelty act, quiz or recitation are asked to contact Club PRO Martin Dolan.
A Claddagh Ring was lost in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening. If anyone comes across it please forward it to Club Chairperson Aidan Lavin who will reunite it with its owner. (It is always as nice to re-unite someone with something of sentimental value as it is to have it returned to yourself…..do unto those what you would wish them to do unto you knda thing, T.C.)
Congratulations are extended to Dessie McLoughlin on completing the “4 Peaks Challenge” at the weekend. Best wishes are extended to former Club player Roch Hanmore who gets married in Australia next weekend. The Club extends its deepest sympathy to the Connolly Family, Termon Road on the sad passing of little Mari.
Well done to Karen Carty who gave a beautiful rendition of Amhran na bhFiann at Sunday’s County Finals in Hyde Park.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Friday 1.10 pm.
Best wishes to Karen Carty, of Boyle Scor, who will represent the club singing the national anthem, Amhran na bhFiann, before the senior game on Sunday, in Hyde Park. I hope to have a preliminary report of the minor game up here on Sunday evening.
Best of luck also to a number of Boyle people who are on their way to two very different venues and events pretty far removed. They are those on their way to Wellington for the Ireland v Wales game (on T.V. here at 6am Sat.) Also there are is number in or en route to Barcelona for the Ireland v Andorra game.
In case it goes out of my head, and I imagine it will not, best wishes to Roch Hanmore and his wife to be, on their big day, next week, Sat. the 15th. Sans Souci Roch. The U 12 team (and management!) of ’85 will be there with you in spirit.
Thurs. 9.20 pm.
Suggestion to Boyle Supporters:
It has been suggested that Boyle supporters at the minor game on Sunday get together near the sideline, split between both sides to encourage the Boyle team. By staying way up in the stand (under the overhang shelter for instance) is so far removed from the team on the field, that support and encouragement is very much reduced in impact. So be flagged out and together on Sunday from kick off, if not before.
Thurs. 4.45 pm.
I set out to dedicate this post to the Minor team but... a couple of items have come on board.

I'll just mention the small item first i.e the Walk participants 'get-together' in the Abbey Bar tomorrow Friday night at 10ish. I was hoping for a few pics. of the Walk and so on to revive memories....like how Ml. Gilmartin got his tall hat to stay tall etc.

Fergal O'Donnell has stepped down from his position as manager of the Roscommon Senior football team following three years in charge.
During his tenure, Fergal led the team to the county's first Connacht Senior title in nine years by defeating Sligo in 2010 and made the team a competitive force again.
A statement from the Roscommon County Board read: "The Board would like to extend its gratitude to Fergal and his Management team. Their hard work, dedication and level of professionalism was greatly appreciated by the Board, the players and supporters."
Fergal has been highly regarded and has become an iconic figure in Roscommon's GAA structure. I think in terms of his visibility, acessibility (presentations/club visits etc...we saw this at the launch of the Walk night) identification with GAA and reputation as someone who has been there and done that in spades. This is against the backdrop of the exaggerated expectations of some Roscommon supporters, the passion of those supporters and their tendency towards criticism. I remember this after the debacle at McHale Park v Mayo in June 2009.
It comes as no great surprise to me (T.C.) that Fergal has made this decision. He has made a huge contribution and he must be lauded for that. I believe that the commitment now expected of county panel members and their management is o.t.t. This has also become the norm with clubs and it is said that it is necessary if a club hopes to progress. I do not know how this can be controlled but I feel that some efforts/consideration have to be made to give players back a slice of their summer lives.
We should thank (as I'm sure so many people will) Fergal and his team for their efforts and commitment over the years and I wish him well.

Back: Joe Sweeney (inj.), Mark Goldrick, Jordan Nally, Paul McDermott, Tadhg McKenna, Conor McPadden, Micheal Lavin, Jason McDermott, Donal Smith, Enda Smith, Eoin Lavin, Paul Sweeney.
Front: Conor Tivnan, Diarmuid Boylan, Jeff Gunning, Evan McGrath, Dylan East, Luke Harrington, Brian Furey, Luke Brennan, Dylan Mattimoe, Colin Goldrick.
Missing from photograph; Luka Roddy, Jake McCrann, Jack Morris, with Jonathan Regan and Shane Filan.
Management: Vinny Flanagan, Jonathan Conroy, Liam Conroy and Tom Kearney. Sponsor: National Automation limited.

Profile of Boyle Team Manager-Vincent Flanagan-and his Assistants.
Vincent (Vinny) Flanagan is this year’s Manager of Boyle’s minor football panel. Vinnie has devoted his life to the GAA, having come up through the ranks in the Club. He was equally adept in attack or in defence. He played in the half forward line in the Boyle team which won the County Intermediate title in 1983 and he played for many years thereafter with Boyle’s first teams. He was regarded as a teak tough, uncompromising, but skilful player who always gave 100% commitment. He was a leader on the field and it was no surprise that he gravitated towards team management and coaching on retirement from playing, where he has shown the same enthusiasm and commitment. Vinny has been involved in the management and joint management of different panels and age groups over the past decade, including a spell with the senior panel. Vinny lives at Sandhill, Boyle with his wife Jan (who is also a Club activist) and their three children, who are also showing considerable promise as footballers.
Vinnie’s management team includes Jonathan Conroy, who served as Boyle goalkeeper for many years and who has won honours in all grades with the Club. Jonathan also served as goalkeeper/ reserve goalkeeper on the County senior panel for two years and he holds a Connacht FBD League medal. He also holds a North American Junior Championship medal which he won with Chicago Wolfe Tones. Jonathan is also part of the County under 16 management.
Also in Vinny’s management team is Tom Kearney, another Club stalwart and former goalkeeper.
A more recent addition to the management squad is Liam Conroy (brother of Jonathan). Liam is a veteran of many years loyal service to the Club’s senior squad.
PROFILE OF BOYLE MINOR CAPTAIN-LUKE HARRINGTON.
Seventeen year old full back Luke Harrington captains the Boyle team in this year’s County Minor Final. Luke, who is son of Patricia (Tish) and the late Dermot, was born in Australia but he came to live in Boyle as a child when the family returned to Ireland. It was no surprise when he showed his aptitude for Gaelic football at an early stage as there are generations of talented footballers in both sides of his family-the Harringtons and Flahertys. Luke hold county league titles at Under 14 and Under 16 levels as well as holding Garda Cup and Ahern Cup medals as well as a Connacht Colleges Juvenile title with Abbey College, Boyle. He was full back on last year’s Boyle team which lost to Roscommon Gaels in the Division 1 County Minor Final and he believes in the adage that you need to lose one to win one. Luke is quiet spoken and not given to shouting instructions in the dressing room or on the pitch. However, when he speaks he immediately commands attention and he lets his actions do the talking on the field. He looks forward to bringing the Cup back to Boyle on Sunday evening.
PROFILES OF THE BOYLE MINOR PANEL
Jason McDermott; Age 17, Position-Goalkeeper. Honours won;-Keenan Cup (2), Garda Cup (2) U14 League(1), U16 League (2), Connacht Schools titles, U16 Ted Webb Cup with Roscommon(1).
Brian Furey ; Age 17, Position- Corner Back, Honours won; Keenan Cup (2),U12 League (3), Garda Cup (2),U14 League (1),U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3) Ted Webb Cup with Roscommon (1), Connacht Schools
Luke Harrington; Age 17, (Captain), Position- Full Back, Honours won; Keenan Cup (1), U12 League (2), Garda Cup (2),U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3), Connacht Schools.
Luke Brennan; Age 15, Position-Corner Back; Honours won; U12 League (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (1).Connacht Schools.
Evan McGrath; Age 15, Position-Half Back; Honours won; U14 League (1), U16 League. Connacht Schools, County U15 Development Panel.
Tadhg McKenna; Age 17, Position-Half Back. Honours won; Keenan Cup (2),Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3),Connacht Schools , Ted Webb Cup with Roscommon(1), Connacht Minor League(1),Connacht Minor Championship(1).
Paul McDermott; Age 18, Position-Defender, Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), Garda Cup (2),U12 League (2), U14 League(1), U16 League (1), Ahern Cup (1), Connacht Schools.
Enda Smith, Age 17, Position-Midfield/Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U12 League (3), Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3), Connacht Schools, Ted Webb Cup (1), Connacht Minor League (1), Connacht Minor Championship (1)
Donal Smith; Age 18. Position-Midfield/Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (1), U12 League (I), Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (1), Ahern Cup (2), U16 Championship (Div 2), Fr Manning Cup (1), Connacht Minor League (1), Connacht Minor Championship (1), All Ireland Colleges Freshers Title (DCU), second highest scorer in 2011 All Ireland Minor Championship.
Conor McPadden; Age 18, Position-Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (3), Garda Cup (1), U16 League (1) Ahern Cup (1).
Colin Goldrick; Age 16, Position-Centre Forward. Honours won- Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3), and Connacht Schools.
Paul Sweeney; Age 16, Position-Half Forward. Honours won- Garda Cup (2), Ahern Cup (2), and U16 League (2).
Luka Roddy, Age 18, Position-Corner Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), Garda Cup (1), U14 League (1), U16 League (1), Ahern Cup (3).
Micheál Lavin. Age 16. Position Full Forward/Forward. Honours won; U12 League (2),Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (2), Connacht Schools.
Dylan East. Age 17. Position-Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), Garda Cup (1), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (2).
Mark Goldrick. Age 17. Position-Defender. Honours won; Keenan Cup (I),U12 League (1),Garda Cup (1), Ahern Cup (2) U16 League (Div1), U16 Championship (Div 2), Fr Manning Cup-Roscommon U16.
Eoin Lavin, Age 16, Position-Forward. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U12 League (3), Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (2). Connacht Schools, County U16 panellist.
Jake McCrann. Age 16, Position-Half Forward, Honours won;-Keenan Cup (2), U12 League (1),Garda Cup, U16 League (1), Ahern Cup (2).
Jordan Nally Age 17, Position-Midfield. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U12 League (3), Garda Cup (2), U14 League, (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (3).
Jack Morris. Age 17. Position- Defender. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U12 Leagues (2), Garda Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (2), Connacht Schools, Talented musician –participated in Scór na nOg.
Dylan Mattimoe, Age 15. Position-Defender. Honours won-U14 League (1), U16 League (1), Ahern Cup (1), Connacht Schools, U15 County Development Panellist.
Conor Tivnan. Age 17. Position-Forward. Honours won- U12 League (1), Garda Cup (1), U14 League (1), U16 League (2) Ahern Cup (2).Connacht Schools, Accomplished musician-Scór na nOg participant.
Jeff Gunning; Age 17. Position-Wing Back. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (2).Connacht Schools
Diarmuid Boylan; Age 16. Position-Forward. Honours won-U12 League (1), U14 League (1), Garda Cup (1), U16 League (2) Ahern Cup (1).
Johnny (Jonathan) Regan. Age 16. Position-Defender. Honours won-Keenan Cup (2), U12 League (3), U14 League (1), Garda Cup (2), U16 League (2), Ahern Cup (1). Connacht Schools.
Shane Filan, Age 15. Position-Forward. Honours won-U12 League (2), U14 League (1), U16 League (1).Connacht Schools.
Joseph Sweeney. Age 16. Position-Half Forward/Half Back. Honours won-U12 League (1), U14 League (1), Garda Cup (1), U16 League (1), Ahern Cup