Monday, December 31, 2012

Friday 2 p.m.

**After a recent meeting of the joint organising committee of Boyle GAA Clubs (Ladies and Men) the following arrangements for the Dinner Dance and Presentation Night were endorsed. It will be held in Kilronan Castle on Saturday night the 9th of February. Every consideration was made to ensure that tickets were reasonably priced and they will now cost €35. They are available from any of the following; Karen Brogan (086 8046477), Mary Clifford (086 8164541), Martin Dolan (086 2413529), Laura Gannon (085 7298343), Kathleen Hanmore (086 1229421), Sabrina Kerins (086 1291908), Emer Killilea (086 3958181), Aidan Lavin (0872677865), Vivienne Moran (086 8957185) and Mary Smith (086 8211683). The Clubs are delighted to have secured a current All-Star as the special guest for the night. Medal presentations will be made to the County Junior A title-winning Ladies Footballers and to the Boyle minor team who were runners-up in the County Minor Division 1 Championship. Presentations will also be made to the; Players of the Year at  Intermediate, U21 and Minor grades as well as the Hall of Fame and Club Person of the Year, all of which will be announced on the night. Patrons are advised to get their tickets early for what promises to be a special night in Kilronan Castle as there are space limitations and indications are that there will be huge demand.
*****n.t.d.w.gaa I haave been asked if anyone would have an idea where there might be a 'wringer'. It was an old-fashioned way of of extracting water from washed clothes i.e. 'putting them through the wringer'. The purpose my enquiree has for one is much more artistic! t.c.

3.30....Just to let you know that the classic cartoon, 'The Secret of Kells', is on R.T.E. 2 today, Monday, at 6.30. Paul Young is the Boyle person with a huge input into this film which was nominated for an Oscar as best animation film in 2010. If you stick with the credits to the end you'll see some familiar names! t.c.
12.30 p.m. The Club's  Annual Christmas Quiz, in St Joseph's Hall, on Friday night last, was, once again, an unqualified success There was almost a full house and all were challenged and entertained by the 9 rounds of questions which were set and presented by Tony Conboy. The Club extends it thanks to all who supported the event, especially the many Boyle natives who were back amongst us for the Christmas and the team footballers who turned out in force. Thanks also to all who assisted in any way in the smooth running of the event and those who helped in the preparation and subsequent tidy up of the Hall. Thanks also to Aaron and his bar staff, to the effervescent DJ Francis Candon and to the always helpful Tommy Egan. (Indeed I(t.c.) take this opportunity to note how lucky we are to have Tommy in those situations especially King House where he does a really great job. I hope that this is recognised by the appropriate agencies). A jacket, scarf and bottle of wine were left in the Hall after the Quiz. They can be recovered by contacting Aidan Lavin at 087 2677865. Friday Dec. the 27th 2013 is pencilled in for next year’s Quiz. Any ideas etc. re enhancing the Quiz night would be very welcome to t.c. 086 816 33 99.
The next big event will be the presentation Dinner- Dance which the Club is arranging in conjunction with the Ladies GAA Club, in Kilronan Castle Hotel on Saturday the 9th of February. There will be at least one special guest present on the night--full details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will be on sale shortly and the cooperation of all who intend to attend, in letting the organising committee know, would be appreciated.
The Club's AGM will be held in the Clubroom on Sunday the 20th of January. Club members are asked to return any outstanding nomination forms to the Secretary, Kathleen Hanmore.
Boyle GAA Club expresses its sympathy to former Club Chairperson and player Kevin Young and his family, and to the O'Connor family, Boyle on the untimely passing of Barbara Young (nee O'Connor).
The Club wishes all our players, mentors, sponsors and supporters a very happy New Year.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529  

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Monday Dec. 24th ' 2 P.M. ish.
The big social event of the Christmas Holiday period will be the Club's annual FUN Quiz Night on this Friday night 28th December in St Joseph's Hall. The event will commence at 9pm and admission is €10 per person. Remember that while it will be easier if you have your team of four recruited in advance, it is fully acceptable to put together teams on the night by forming alliances with the most intellegent or best looking people in the hall!.Tony Conboy has compiled a suitable mix (hopefully) of fun questions, quirky questions and some serious ones..no need to be frightened. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams with a special prize for the most original or even funny answer!! There will be a full bar and a Francis Candon Disco (with all that entails!) following the Quiz. This will be a special night to meet up with our many returned exiles-so don't miss it!

The Club extends a hearty cead mile failte to the many Club connections who have returned for the Christmas. We hope that they will enjoy their stay.
Congratulations are extended to the Strokestown U21 team on winning the Division 1 County Championship.
Nollag shona daoibh go leir.
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

086 2413529 

Mon. 17th 1.30 am. The curtain came down on the playing season for Boyle GAA Club on Sunday when our gallant U21 team bowed out of this year's U21 Division 1 Championship in the Abbey Park when they lost to an excellent Strokestown team in the Semi-Final replay . The sizeable crowd was treated to a high standard of football on a heavy pitch. A total of 29 points, 17 by Strokestown and 12 by Boyle, the majority from play, were scored in the hour. (see match report in the R.H. tomorrow Tuesday). We extend our best wishes to Strokestown in the final. Thanks is extended to the entire Boyle panel and their management for their hard work and committment throughout the season.Goalkeeper Ciaran Beirne is the only panel member who will be over 21 next year and indeed most of the panel will be U21 for the next two seasons. We wish Ciaran continued success in adult football.Thanks also to National Automation Limited for their sponsorship of this team. The Club wishes to thank the many Club members who assisted at stewarding etc for Sunday's big game. A special thanks is extended to the ladies committee who provided festive spirit with mince pies etc.
All is in readiness for the Club's big social event of the Christmas - the annual Christmas Quiz- which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Friday week 28th December.This is traditionally an event which brings out big numbers for a fun quiz and a get-together for all our members, supporters and Christmas visitors. 
Plans are also progressing nicely for the joint Mens' Club and Ladies' Club dinner dance which will be held in Kilronan Castle on Saturday  9th February. Former Boyle star and Roscommon U21 player Roch Hanmore became the first of the former Club members to return from foreign parts for the Christmas. It was great to see him back in the Abbey Park on Sunday.
Congratulations are extended to the following couples who got engaged recently;- senior player Mark O'Connor to Amy Sweeney and also Boyle Ladies player Sinead Cummins to Trevor Conroy.
The Club wishes all its players, managers and assistants, officers, supporters, sponsors and patrons, those who support our fortnightly Club Lotto, and our lotto ticket sellers, as well as all who give us excellent media coverage, a very happy Christmas.
Mise le meas,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Thurs. 13th @ 1.50. For Sunday's game there will be a requirement for stewards for parking etc. So please make yourself available by 12 o' clock on Sun. It would be helpful if club members parked AWAY or at a distance from the ground e.g. Military Road, the Church or Convent car parks; thus leaving space for the inevitable late-comers etc.  

Tues. 11.50...The U 21 County Semi-Final replay Boyle v Str. is in BOYLE on Sun. the 16th @ 1. This I might refer to euphemisitically as an 'interesting' fixture. So we would hope for a BIG Boyle crowd there.
 
On a totally different note but theatrical nonetheless; on both Sat. & Sun. night next the 15th & 16th Maria Tivnan (Mr. Frank Tivnan's daughter) brings her play to Daly's Storehouse. The company is Maria'...
s 'Fregoli Theatre Company' and the title of the play is 'Home' starring Maria and Jarlath Tivnan, brother of GAA stalwart Conor Tivnan. Just note the time differential as follows Sat. @ 8 and Sun. @ 7. Tickets available from Daly's and it may be as well to get your ticket beforehand due to number availability. The play has been very well received in its outings in Galway and Dublin.


Sun. 11.30. The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Dodd's Bar;-Anthony and Bernadette Keenehan, Martin Purcell, Michael and Michelle McGrath, Marie Lavin, Eamon O' Connor, Grainne Sweeney, Shane Suffin, Xavier Keenehan, Pat Roddy and Joe Mullaney. The house prize was won by John McGuinn. Thanks to Dodd's for hosting the draw and to Brogan's and Natural Options Pharmacies for ticket sponsorship. The jackpot was not won and it will stand at €2,500 for this Saturday night's draw which will be held in An Craoibhin ,with Team 'E' in charge. 
Well done to Boyle National Automation sponsored U21 team and management on achieving an excellent draw with Strokestown in the County Division 1 Semi-Final in Strokestown on Sunday. The replay is expected to be next weekend--see fixtures for details.
The Club is getting enquiries about the Annual Quiz Night on 28th December in St Joseph's Hall and it is understood that many of the Club diaspora are planning to meet up at the event.
Plans are also afoot for the upcoming Boyle GAA -Mens and Ladies, dinner dance which will be held in Kilronan Castle Hotel on 9th February.
Congratulations to all who received their awards at the Roscommon Supporters Club Banquet on Saturday night last and especially to Paddy Brogan who won the U21 Player of the Year award in the category for which Donal Smith was nominated .

Go raibh maith agaibh.

Martin Dolan

P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

086 2413529  
testing 123

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Tues. 12.30....The U21 game WILL now go ahead this coming week-end when Boyle play Strokestown in Strokestown (on a toss for venue).

This on/off scenario makes the poster of notices like this look fairly ....I dunno....

Mon. 11.30.   Boyle National Automated Ltd. U 21s' have no game this coming week-end as was thought. Apparently Pearses and Strokestown have to 'replay' as they are both level on points. This is to decide who 'tops' the table which will decide who they play in the semi-finals...Ros. Gaels or Boyle. On looking at the table, in Roscommon's site, while they are both level on points Str. are ahead on scoring diff. but apparently that does not decide as there are rules that overplay that!  Of course this throws up the issues with running a competition at this time of the year because of the demands on these players through the year. The success of St. Brigid's seniors has meant a delay in the competion of a few weeks as far as I can gather. I remember in 2004 Boyle V Kilmore straddling Christmas and going on into Jan. and when Boyle won a 'B' under 21 in '94 it was late December.

***On a seperate note one has to commend again the Connacht final, St. Brigid's v Ballaghaderreen, for the true spirit in which it was played which was in stark contrast to the meaness of other finals as shown on T.G. 4 last Sunday. 

Sun. 11.55.
Make a note of the piece re. water damage to dressing-rooms in any freeze and the excess now standing at €25,000 in today's Sunday's Indo. Sport page 6 col
I presume every player is aware that from next year gum shields are compulsory. This is something I have advocated from time to time.
Plans are taking shape nicely for our Quiz night on 28th December in St Joseph's Hall. The indications are that there will be a full house on the night.

The Club is also joining forces in a formidable alliance with Boyle Ladies GAA Club to hold a presentation night dinner-dance in Kilronan Castle Hotel on the 9th of February. More details will be announced later.

The Club wishes to thank all those who act as loyal sellers of our Club Lotto tickets on a fortnightly basis. This is our main source of funding and we wish to also thank our numerous patrons and our envelope sponsors Brogans and Natural Options Pharmacies. The Club is disappointed that its plans for further badly needed facility development has had to be put on hold due to the Club being unsuccessful in securing Sports Capital Grant funding despite putting forward a very detailed application. The Club congratulates all groups in the region that have been successful.
Sympathy is extended to the Smith and Finn families, Boyle on the death of Mrs Bridie Finn, Marian Road and the Scanlon family, Deerpark on the death of John Scanlon.  
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529   

Monday, November 26, 2012


 Mon. 2 am. The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held recently in the Moylurg Inn;- Cathal and Mary McGee, Finbar Feely, Donal Kelly, Padraig Roddy, Paul Simon, Cian McLoughlin, Martina Furey, Josie Daly, Deirdre Davitt and Fiona Keenan. The house prize was won by Padraig Muldoon. The jackpot wasn't won and it will be at €2,400 for next Saturday night's draw which will be held in Dodd's Bar. Team D will be in charge.

There was no activity on the playing fields during the past week. The National Automation Limited U21s are in preparation for their Division 1 County Semi-Final which is scheduled for the 9th of December against opposition that is yet to be determined.

The Club is planning to start "The Gathering" in advance of the official commencement when it will welcome home many former players, supporters and friends to it big social event of the year-the annual Christmas Quiz, which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on 28th December.

 Congratulations to St Brigids on retaining their Connacht Senior Club title on Sunday with a polished display especially in the second half. While many  of these games, at this time of year fail to live up to expectations or hopes rather this was one where both teams are to be commended on their approach to playing top class football without displays of niggardly rancour.  

Well done to Boyle Musical Society on their as usual excellent show-"The Producers".

The Club wishes Donal Smith every success as nominee for U21 Player of the Year. The winner will be announced at the upcoming Roscommon Supporters Club banquet.

The Club extends its sympathy to the Neary family, Callow, Frenchpark on the sad passing of former Ballinameen player Benny Neary, and to the Roddy families Grange and Finisklin on the death of Mrs Rita Burke, Carrick on Shannon. 

The Club thanks those who assisted in the church gate collection at the weekend for the ISPCC and to all who contributed a substantial sum to this very worthy cause.  

Go raibh maith agaibh,

Martin Dolan,

P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

086 2413529    

Monday, November 19, 2012


 

The highlight of the weekend was the excellent victory of our National Automation Limited U21s in the final group game in the Division 1 Championship, over a gallant Clan na Gael team. It was one of the better games played in the County this year, by two fiercely committed team and the lead changing hands on a number of occasions. A report on the game  is available on the Boyle GAA Facebook page. This victory now means that Boyle has made the semi-final stage of this competition. The semi-final will be played on Sunday 9th December, and the opposition is yet to be determined.

Boyle natives who are looking for a special get-together at Christmas are asked to make a note of the Boyle GAA Club Annual Christmas Quiz/Social and Presentation Night which will be held in St Joseph's Hall on Friday 28th December. This has developed as the biggest social event of the festive season in Boyle and the ideal opportunity to ‘meet and greet’ friends home for Christmas in a spacious fun atmosphere. There are indications that there will be quite a few ‘home’ from distant parts so we are really looking forward to it.
The Club will assist the ISPCC in the holding of their annual church gate collection next weekend. All Club members are asked to help out and to contact Kathleen Hanmore immediatly to state their preferred availability.
The Club extends its sympathy to the Beirne Family, Granny, Ballinameen on the untimely passing of Attracta.
Congratulations are extended to Jonathan Conroy and Edel and also to Peter and Anne Gavigan on the recent births of their baby daughters. No doubt Boyle Ladies Club will be looking forward to their p articipation in the future!
Congratulationsare also extended to Club stalwart Liam Clifford on his recent retirement after 46 years in the bottled-gas delivery business. Enjoy your retirement Liam. You can forget about your (snow) shovel not going to work now.
Did anyone see the Galway Senior hurling final on T.G. 4 on Sunday? The performance of the referee in terms of ignoring blatant foul play was pretty extraordinary. If the eventual winners St. Thomas’s had lost on foot of this it would be a severe injustice. While one might suggest that we at this distance should not be getting too exercised about an issue in Pearse Stadium it reflects badly on our organisation. Now with the U Tube phenonoma it is possible that it will also travel as Roscommon’s search for a manager has done. On the same theme (and on the other side of the equation)  I read that Roscommon referee, Kevin McGeeney, was assaulted after a Connacht Junior hurling game in Ballyhaunis. Sunday Indo columnist Eamon Sweeney had a good –as usual- short piece on this issue on Sun. the 18th.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529      

Monday, November 12, 2012


 
The Club hosted the Garda Cup Final on Sunday in a sunny Abbey Park. Congrats to the Strokestown team who won this coveted cup on this occasion, with a good victory over Elphin. Thanks to Gardai Michael Pilkington and Fergal O'Donnell who presented the medals and the cup and to Loyola, Melissa and Daniel Kelly who presented the John Kelly Memorial Trophy to the ‘Man of the Match winner. While the Boyle club Secretary was referee for the game I was disappointed that the general arrangements for the fixture was left in the hands of a couple of senior club reliables, who probably wanted to be with the U 21s' in Ros. 
The National Automation Limited U21s' lost to an excellent Roscommon Gaels team in Lisnamult on Sunday in the second game in the U21 Division 1 Championship. They will play Clan na Gael in a must-win final game in the group stages of the Championship on Saturday next. See fixtures for details of venue and time. The half-time score was Ros. Gaels 0.6 Boyle 1.2 the fine goal coming from Enda Smith. Dylan East added a second goal 5 minutes into the second half and it seemed as if the game was going to be a close encounter. However Gaels added a series of points and with a brace of goals mid-way in the half sealed the deal. As said above this Gaels team is the real deal and the pace with which they operate, in all elements of play, is very impressive. They have an all-round ability with no obvious weaknesses. Still I would like to see Boyle having another crack at them as it would haelp to mould their challenge c.v. for the future as this Boyle team is very young. they certainly tried their best on Sunday and if a number of breaks fell their their way it could have been a closer encounter.     
There will be an important one-agenda-only meeting at 8.30pm on Tuesday week, the 20th of Novemeber, to formulate motions for submission to the upcoming County Convention. It is important that club members give serious thought to the restructuring of the County fixture lists and motions are required to bring about any changes considered necessary.
The Club continues to express its gratitude to the Rural Social Scheme workers for the excellent improvement works that are ongoing in the Abbey Park. The Club continues to receive favourable comment on their work.
(I wish to sympathise with the family of the late Luke Hurley of Gortaganny and with his club, Michael Glavey's. Luke died and was buried last week. Luke was a staunch Ml. Glavey's man and was one of the 'ever visibles' at their games and occasions. Every club has a perhaps a half dozen whose names you know and another perhaps a dozen or so whose names you don't know but know by sight having seen them down the years following their club or at county games. Luke was a decent, good and helpful man. May he rest in peace .   
It was nice to see an extensive article, by Dermot Crowe, on one of my heroes, Liam Gilmartin, in The Sunday Indo. Sport's section, page 9 yesterday. Liam captained the first Roscommon team to win an All-Ireland i.e. the minors of 1939 and won 2 All-Ireland senior medals in '43 and '44 and never played on a losing Ros. championship team. With Eamon Boland he formed one of the great midfield pairings in the history of the game. He got T.B. at the age of 23 in late '44and thus his football career ended. Indeed staying alive was then the challenge but remarkably he is still to the good at the age of 91. He is just a remarable man and Ros. would almost certainly have added to the 2 All-Ireland senior titles had he been able to continue as a player. He was, in the words of many of his colleagues, 'irreplaceable'.  Coincidentally I have submitted a short piece, on the same man, to the Ros. Herald a short time ago. t.c.)    
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
PRO Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Tues. 10.20. The time for the U 21 game on Sunday is now 2 p.m (not 1 as listed below) v Ros. Gaels in Lisnamult.

Sun. 10.15 p.m.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team bowed out of the North Junior B Championship at the semi-final stage when losing to Kilmore in Kilmore on Saturday. Boyle were blitzed in Donegal like fashion in the first half, but they rallied well thereafter, but the gap was too great to bridge. Perhaps if Johnny Lyons had made the return trip from Australia it might have been different! Thanks again to  the entire panel and to their management and to their sponsors Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra.
The National Automation Limited U21s will play Rocommon Gaels on Sunday next at 1pm in Lisnamult in the second round of the Division 1 Championship.
******All underage team managers are advised that all underage players will be obliged to wear gumshields in all games and in training from start of 2013.****** (This is an advance that I applaud and have mentioned here from time to time......not very successfully as far as I could observe. t.c.).   
 
Congratulations are extended to the six people from Boyle who have direct or indirect connections with the Club, who competed and finished in high ranking positions in last Monday's Dublin City Marathon. They are Gerard Sheerin, Catherine Dolan, David McKenna, Kate Harrington, Laura Mahon and Marina Scally. If anbody else from Boyle participated, apologies for the ommission.
The Club extends its deepest sympathy to the Emmett family on the passing of Mrs. Tess Emmett, Ballyfarnon.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Club is extremely anxious to recover six Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra jersies which have been missing since the team's last outing against Michael Glaveys. It is essential that they are found as their absence renders the set useless. This is a mystery and we'd very much like to solve it so we ask people to keep an eye out in the relevant scenarios. Any info. re. same to Bernard Shannon or any club officer. 
The National Automation Limited U21s got their Division 1 Championship campaign off to a winning start with a three point victory over Castlerea St Kevins in winterly conditions in the Abbey Park on Sunday. It was great to see Kyle McLoughlin back in Club action, performing a mentoring role with the U21s. Their next outing in this competition will be a visit to Roscommon to play Roscommon Gaels on the weekend of 10th/11th November.
The Club wishes Castlerea goalkeeper a speedy recovery from an injury sustained in Sunday's game.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team will play Kilmore in the North  Junior B Semi Final on Saturday in Elphin at 2.30pm.
Details of Boyle's first outing in the Garda Cup will be notified within next few days. It is understood that they have received a bye into the second round. 
The Club extends its best wishes to Fergal O'Donnell on his ratification as County Minor Manager for 2013.  
Ladies Club
The Minor girls play their second Championship fixture on Bank Holiday Monday in the Abbey Park-result next week.
The Club is required to have all tickets and remittances for the County Board draw returned by 27th November. 
 
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Clubs
086 2413529

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

 



Left is the picture of Eugene Kennedy, being presented with his world handball C'Ship winning medals from Chris Curran CEO of the IHC. Eugene is formerly from Elphin St. Boyle, son of Paddy N.T. brother of Joe and Pat. Eugene won both the singles and doubles Diamond finals at the World Handball C'ship at City West in Dublin last week. As I said Eugene is the father of multi national title winner Eoin. Well done and best wishes Eugene. t.c. & co.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sunday 8 p.m.
Boyle GAA Club wish to express its deepest sympathy with Noel McKenna and family on the death of Noel's mother, the grandmother of Tadgh. The funeral arrangements are as follows. The removal to Riverstown church takes place on Tuesday for 12 0'clock Mass with burial afterwards in Sooey cemetery.
Mrs. McKenna's remains will be resposing at her home in Riverstown on Monday from 12 noon. House private on Tuesday morning. T.C.

Mon. 12.30.
We are still awaiting Garda Cup fixtures as we head towards the end of October.
Our National Automation Limited minors had to give second best to an excellent Strokestown team in the County Minor Final replay in Kiltoom on Saturday evening. Boyle Club congratulates the Strokestown panel and management on their victory and on their sportsmanship and support to our Club in what has been a difficult season. Thanks to our panel of minors who gave 100% at all times and who went so close to retaining their County Minor Title, especially in the drawn game.We wish those who have now graduated from the minor ranks the best of luck in the coming years in the adult competitions and we have no doubt that those who are still eligible for minor next year will bounce back with new colleagues and be challenging for honours again next year. Thanks also to the management of Vincent Flanagan, Jonathan Conroy, Liam Conroy, James Goldrick and Aidan Lavin and to Ciaran Phelan of National Automation Limited for his generous sponsorship of our minor and U21 teams. The fine support of the team in both final games –considering the distance to travel-is appreciated by the club.
The Ciaran Phelan of National Automation Limited U21s will commence their Division 1 Championship campaign on Sunday next at 3.30pm in the Abbey Park when they will take on Castlerea St Kevins.
Date for you diary--the Boyle GAA Ckub annual Christmas Quiz has been fixed for Friday the 28th of December.
The Club extends its sympathy to the McKenna Family, Aughnagrange, Boyle on the passing of Mrs McKenna, Riverstown, mother of long time senior player Noel, and grandmother of minor player Tadhg.
The Club extends its congratulations to Boyle Family Life Centre on its celebrating its silver jubilee.
A further reminder is issued to those who wish to participate in Scór na nOg to contact the PRO at 086 2413529.
Commiserations to St. Michaels after their defeat in the Intermediate Final by a strong St. Aidan’s side. Still I’m sure they can look back with satisfaction on a good campaign and can look forward to next year.
We hope the heat isn’t getting to Johnny Lyons in Oz.
Boyle Ladies Club
The Minor girls made a losing start to the County Minor Championship when they went down to a very skillful Western Gaels team in Frenchpark on Sunday. They have a chance to get into winning ways on Monday next 29th when they will play St Marys in the Abbey Park at 1.30pm.
The Ladies Club extends its congratulations to former Club player Aine O'Connor who is representing Ireland in the Auckland World Triathlon this week. No doubt her training in Community Games athletics and with Boyle Ladies footballers will stand to her in this big event!.
Mise le meas,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Clubs
086 2413529     

Monday, October 15, 2012

 
Mon. 1 am.....The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Mattimoes recently;- Bernard Hickey, Michael Costello, Pat Carty, Kevin Young, Michael Smith (Jnr), Padraic Callaghan, David Connolly, Maura Callaghan and Aoife Mullen. The house prize was won by Evelyn O'Donnell. The jackpot wasn't won and it will be at €2,100 for the next draw which will be held in Creighton's on Saturday night next. Team A will be in charge.
The highlight of the wekend was the thrilling draw which was achieved by the National Automation Limited Minors in the Division 1 County Final in Kiltoom on Sunday. It was a game that could have gone either way and supporters will have another opportunity to see Boyle and Strokestown do battle on Saturday next at 6.30pm in Kiltoom. The Club extends its best wishes for a speedy return to action of Brian Furey who suffered an accidental injury in the game. Thanks is extended to the St Brigids Club for the manner in which they facilitated all aspects of Sunday's Finals.
The National Automation Limited U21s will have no fixture this coming weekend because of the Minor Replay. They will, however, play Castlrea St Kevins in Boyle on October 27th and Clan na Gael at a neutral venue on 3rd November. The re-fixture with Roscommon Gaels will be announced shortly.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra junior are awaiting the fixing of their North Junior B Semi Final.
The Keenan Cup Final between Strokestown and Eire Og was postponed last week as a mark of respect to the late Liam Elwood, Gorthaganny. The Club extends its sympathy to his family.
The Club is still awaiting details of Garda Cup fixtures.
Full time third level students who are on county panels are reminded of bursaries that are available from the Connacht Council. Details are available on www.connachtgaa.ie.
Scór na nOg is commencing shortly with competitions in ballad group, solo singing, set dancing and figure dancing, recitation, instrumental music, novelty act and quiz. Details are available from the Club PRO at 086 2413529. 
Congratulations are extended to Shane Spellman and Louise Kennedy on their engagement.
Best wishes to Jonathan Lyons on his travels to Oz and places far…take care.
Ladies Club;
The Boyle Ladies bowed out of the Connacht Junior Championship on Sunday when they went down to St Farnan's of Sligo in the Connacht Semi Final on Sunday. In recent games the Boyle girls have been making strong starts, but on this occasion the opposite was the case, and were eleven points in arrears after fifteen minutes. They recovered well for the remainder of the game and finished up losing by three points. Thanks to the panel of girls and their management for having given us a memorable year in which they won the County Junior 'A' Title and achieved promotion to Intermediate ranks for next year and winning a Connacht Championship game.       

Monday, October 8, 2012

7.45. The main event of the week was the victory of the National Automation Limited minors in the County Minor Division 1 Semi-Final over Castlerea St Kevin's in Kiltoom on Friday evening last. It was a close encounter all through and Boyle were glad to survive with a three point victory. They will lay their County Title on the line on Sunday next in Kiltoom at 2pm in the County Final when they will take on Strokestown. Good luck to the panel and to their management team of Vincent Flanagan, Jonathan Conroy, Liam Conroy, Aidan Lavin and James Goldrick. Supporters are asked to decorate the town with Boyle colours and to go along and support the lads. if at all possible.
The Keenan Cup Final between Eire Og and Strokestown which was scheduled for last week had to be postponed because of the adverse weather. It has been re-fixed for this Wednesday at 6pm in the Abbey Park.
The Garda Cup is about to commence and management and players will be notified of details.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra juniors had a good win over Kilglass Gaels in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening last. This brings them into the final stages of this competition. (Apparently this was an amazingly high scoring game but I need to have confirmation of same before I can trust printing it).
The Club wishes "bon voyage" to Jonathan Lyons who is heading for Australia in the coming week. Jonathan signed off, for the present, in the Boyle colours by scoring a spectacular goal against Kilglass Gaels on Saturday evening.
The National Automation Limited U21s will commence their campaign on Saturday the 20th of October with an away game against Roscommon Gaels.This will be followed with a fixture against Castlerea St Kevins in Boyle on 27th October and against Clan na Gael on the 3rd of November at a neutral venue. Their management team of David Casey, Ciaran Supple, Martin Purcell and Joe Sweeney are wished every success.
The Club extends its thanks to Tony and Mark McGovern of McGovern Directional Drilling for their generous sponsorship of our Intermediate team. Thanks is extended to the intermediate panel and their management team of David O'Connor, Bernard Shannon, Peter Gavigan and Dave O'Daly  for their committment throughout the season. 
The Club sends its best wishes to the Boyle Ladies in their Connacht Junior Semi Final in Strokestown on Sunday. It's a pity that both the Ladies and the Minor Final have to clash as many families have connections on both teams.
The Club extends its sincerest sympathies to the McKenzie family, Boyle, on the tragic passing of Paddy McKenzie. A former player himself Paddy had a lifelong interest in the GAA
Boyle Ladies;
Boyle Ladies footballers will play their most important fixture to date on Sunday next in Strokestown at 2.30pm when they will take on Sligo champions St. Farnans in the Connacht Junior Semi Final. They girls have had a great run of success this season and they are hopeful of reaching a Connacht Final. As many supporters as possible are asked to go along and cheer on the girls.
The U14 Girls bowed out of the County Championship on Friday evening last in Kilbride following a heartbreaking one point defeat to the home side in a thriller. Thanks to the girls and their management for their commitment throughout the season.
The Ladies Club extends its best wishes to the Minor boys
 Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Clubs
086 2413529  

Monday, September 24, 2012


 
Mon. 9.3am. It has been a very busy week in the Club. The U10s' provided two teams in a blitz in Oran on Saturday last and they both performed excellently.
The U11 Keenan Cup team defeated Western Gaels in a game that went to extra rime last week. They play Eire Og in the semi final on this Monday evening. The winners will play Strokestown in the Final which will be played in the Abbey Park on Tuesday next 2nd October.
The 12s' will play Clan na Gael in Roscommon on Thursday evening next. Both U12 panels will be in action in the Abbey Park on Sunday next  with teams from Roscommon Gaels providing the opposition.

The U14s' are in preparation for their Garda Cup opener which will be played next week. In the meantime they will make their debuts as film stars as they will be involved in the filming of the "Moone Boy" St Patrick's Day Parade in Boyle on Tuesday.

The Club is delighted that one of its former star underage player Chris O'Dowd made an appearance on the "Sunday Game" on Sunday night re. his Gaelic football heroes which wer Shane Curran and John Newton. I do not know if it has made it to U tube yet but it certainly should and it would be another hit.
The performance of the week goes to the National Automation Ltd minors who produced an excellent team performance in defeating Roscommon Gael in the Division I Quarter Final on Friday night last in Lisnamult. They will play Castlerea in the Semi Final on Friday evening 5th October under lights in a venue to be determined.The Club wishes to thank John Finneran for his generous sponsorship of a set of training tops for the panel.
The U21s' will commence their championship very shortly.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team lost narrowly to Michael Glaveys inthe Junior B Championship in Ballinlough on Saturday. They will face Kilglass Gaels in a must-win game in the next round of this competition on a date to be arranged.
Junior B team vs Michael Glaveys
Tomas McGarrity, Michael Bermingham , Mark McGovern, Michael Hanmore, Luke Harrington, Jonathan Lyons, Brian Supple , Stephen Tonry, Peter Lavin, Shane Spellmen, Noel McKenna, Karl Kelly, Liam Conroy, Connor McPadden, Marc O'Connor, Colin Goldrick, Conor Tivnan. 
The McGovern Directional Drilling Intermediate team will face their most important outing of the year to date on Saturday next when they will play St Aidans at 3.30pm in Hyde Park in the George Bannon Sport Intermediate Championship Semi Final. Full support will be appreciated.
The Club extends its heartiest congratulations to the Boyle Ladies on winning County Junior 'A' Championship and it welcomes them to intermediate status like their male counterparts.
The Club's supporters are encouraged to make the effort to travel from Hyde Park to Charlestown to support the ladies in the Connacht Junior Championship.
Congratulations are extended to all our
Donegal natives in the Club on Donegal's great win in the All Ireland Football Final. Comisearations to Mayo once again . However if they can give it another year of full committment they have to be real contenders in 2013. We also wish our Galway the best in the Hurling Final Replay on Sunday next.
Boyle Ladies;
History was created in Boyle Ladies Football on Saturday last in Strokestown with the winning of the County Junior A Championship following a 4  9 to 2  8 win over a gallant Ballinameen side. This victory now secures Intermediate Championship status for 2013, a great achievemnent for a club that is only in its seventh year in existence. The old adage of "tosach maith leath na hoibre" was certainly  true as the Boyle girls started powerfully with Nicole McDermott finding the net within minutes of the start. This was followed by a string of well taken points from Danielle Gaffney Brid McGowan and Sinead O'Donoghue before Ballinameen had a chance to open their account.Danielle Gaffney put daylight between the sides with a well taken goal around the twentieth minute. Ballinameen replied with two further points beofre half time to leave the score at the interval at Boyle 2  8, Ballinameen 0  3. The anticipated Ballinameen revival made for nervous third quarter as Emer Casey and her able colleagues narrowed the gap to three points. However, the Boyle girls lifted the seige with a well taken goal by Captain Sinead O'Donoghue. The introduction of fresh legs helped the revival and O'Donoghue put the issue beyond doubt with an expertly taken penalty after Brid McGowan was grounded in the square. Congratulations are extended to the fifteen girls who started and the 2 subs who were introduced and the eleven other panel members all of whom had the ability to answer the call if needed.Congrats also to the managemnt team of Michael Kerins, Pat Leonard, Brendan Davis, Eugene Sheerin and Sarah Keenehan and the team;- Laura Gannon. Shauna Moran, Saoirse O'Flaherty, Jenny Conroy, Suzie Keenehan, Catriona Leonard, Sinead Cummins, Maria Keenehan, Catriona Hanmore, Danielle Gaffney, Nicole McDermott, Orla Nicholson, Sinead O'Donoghue (Captain), Sinead Keenehan and Brid McGowan. Subs used;- Danni McLoughlin and Natasha Regan.Other Subs; Sarah Halligan, Sharon Conroy, Devon Cleary, Emer Killalea, Aisling Dolan, Nicole Kerins, Colleen Regan, Sarah Walshe, Stephanie Lowe, Dayna Farrell and Roisin Brennan.The Player of the Match Award was won by Sinead O'Donoghue . The girls now embark on the Connacht Club Championship and they are scheduled to play St Brigids from Co. Mayo in Charlestown on Saturday at 5pm. It is dissappointing that both the male and female adult teams have very important games on the same afternoon, but it is hoped that as many supporters as possible can make the trip to Charlestown.The Ladies Club thanks those who came in huge numbers to support the girls in Strokestown on Saturday, to those who decorated the town in Boyle colours and especially to Aaron Sharkey of the Moylurg Inn for providing  a welcome meal for the panel on their return to Boyle. The girls look forward to Ballinameen joining them in the Intermediate grade in the near future..
Go raibh maith agaibh,

Martin Dolan/t.c.

P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Clubs

086 2413529            

Sunday, September 16, 2012


Dia dhibh,
The following were the winners at the most recent Boyle Club Lotto draw which was held in Kate Lavins;- Mary and Liam Clifford, Mary and Liam Coyle, Martina Mullaney, Brian Kennedy, Nuala and John Diffley(Kilglass), Tommie Scanlon, Clodagh Sweeney, Teresa McQuaid, Sally Murtagh and Terry Mattimoe. The house prize was won by Ruth Candon. The numbers drawn were; 16/20/21/27. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €1,900 for next Saturday night's draw which will be held in Wynnes Bar.Team E (Pat Goldrick's team) will be in charge.  
An enjoyable day was had by our U8s and their managers at the U8 Blitz in Kilbride on Saturday last.
The U12s played Eire Og in the Abbey Park on Sunday last but were unsuccessful. They will play Clan na Gael on Sunday the 30th in Boyle.
The Keenan Cup team had a good first round win over Western Gaels last week. They are scheduled to play Eire Og in their next outing on this Tuesday at 7pm in Boyle.
The Garda Cup competition will commence shortly and preparations are getting under way for this important competition.
The National Automation Ltd minors put their Division 1 Minor County Title on the line on Friday evening next when they face Roscommon Gaels under lights at 8pm in Lisnamult. All Club menbers are asked to travel to Lisnamult to lend their support.
The Cooney Motors/Cooney's Centra Juniors will play Michael Glaveys in round 2 of the Junior B Championship in Frenchpark on Saturday at 5.30pm.
The highlight of the past week was the three point victory of the McGovern Directional Drilling Intermediates in the George Bannon Sports Intermediate Chamionship Quarter Final over Eire Og in Elphin on Saturday evening last-see rmatch report elsewhere and on Club Blog. They will now face St Aidans in the County Semi Final within next two weeks.The Club wishes Cillian Cox a speedy recovery from an injury sustained in this game.

 All Club members are reminded that the Month's Mind Mass will be offered for the late Eoin Lavin in St Joseph's Church on Saturday at 10am. 

 All team managers and mentors are asked to ensure that all equipment is returned to its proper place in the Club premises at end of use and also that all buildings are locked after use.The person(s) who removed a tackle bag and a first aid kit are are asked to return those important items as soon as possible.
Congratulations are extended to the Roscommon U21 hurlers on their All Ireland Title success.
Best wishes are extended to all our Mayo and Donegal friends for next weekend.
Best of luck especially to Boyle Ladies in the County Junior Final listed below and hopefully as many as possible will be present to support them.

Boyle Ladies;

All roads will lead to Strokestown on Saturday when Boyle Ladies footballers will go in quest of the County Junior A Title against neighbours Ballinameen. The game will commence at 2.30pm. It is the second game in a double header. It will be preceeded by the Junior B Final at 1pm. All Boyle supporters are urged to go along and give the girls and their management, who have worked so hard to reach the decider, the support that is needed to help them secure the title. 
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/t.c.
P.R.O. Dept. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529 
Sun. 10.40 pm.

Boyle Advance to Semi-Final against St. Aiden’s.
Boyle 0.14 Eire Og 1.8.
Boyle had a good win over a determined and resilient Eire Og at Elphin yesterday –Saturday- evening. There  was a feeling through the game that Boyle would actually win and I suppose that this might be seen better by neutrals. As a Boyle supporter, while Boyle did build up a decent lead through the second half, a very late goal gave an edgy end to the game. Alas it was too late for real concern and when Boyle added the last point of the game it calmed nerves. It was a good performance by Boyle where different players are emerging in each game.
While it took six minutes to get on the scoreboard it was followed by three further points at regular intervals in the 8th, 10th and 11th minutes. There was a gap of 9 minutes before point number 5. This had Boyle leaders by 5 to 2.  Both teams added 3 points each in the closing stages of the game. The first half scores were spread between the Smiths; Enda 2, Cian 2, Conboy 3 (I free)and Darren O’Connor 1 to leave the half time score Boyle 8 Eire Og 5. Three late Eire Og points, a couple which might have avoided, left the Boyle lead narrower than it could have been though it has to be said that Eire Og had at least four wides, some from good opportunities.  
Both teams added 3 points each in the early minutes of the second half and a fine Cian Beirne score was followed by two Donie Smith points to leave Boyle at a 13 to 8 advantage.  Eire Og never gave up as Boyle fell back on defence and a significant gap emerged between the front line and the half back midfield zone. However the defence was good with gaolie Ciaran Beirne again being prominent.
Eire Og were not going to win without a goal which duly arrived on the 29th minute or so but it was too late.
The game was a tough test while a sporting one well refereed by Sean Feeney, a referee I am not familiar with. ‘Man of the Match’ on this occasion goes to Enda Smith who with Ciaran Cox were a formidable midfield against a good Eire Og pairing. Ciaran Beirne was excellent in goals and his kick outs, especially in the first half, were great. The Boyle full backs had a busy time keeping tabs on good, busy and elusive opponents but O’Donnell and Goldrick did well after the loss of Cillian Cox-a real loss- through injury. Aaron Finn was back to his best. Up front  Donie Smith did well, especially in the second half. Cian Smith had his best game for some time. Darren O’Connor, again, put in the miles and did very well. Conboy-with a lot of ball- and Feighan had their moments but the ‘snappy biting play’ as personified in say the goal against Fuerty was not as obvious. The way the play got strung out in the latter stages  -creating that linking vacuum and the through the middle killer support- and how the Boyle forwards found themselves, a good few times, pinned in the corners are issues. I have written before of that dead zone triangle from the corners out to the 20 yard lines as opposed to the danger/scoring zone. (No fisted points attempts…but I’ll give up on that).  Also that ‘snappy shooting’ as opposed to just getting smothered in possession after a slowness in decision- making are other items. There were a number of ‘give aways’ and misdirected or anticipatable passes or even trying to achieve too much in a pass. These of course are inevitable in the hurly burly of a championship game but the number reduction is always a work in progress.
Still the overall assessment is that it was a very good performance with some very good play, performances and some fine scores. Fourteen points is not to be sneezed at considering the minimal scoring opportunities from frees. This is by and large a young team and as I said before the future for Boyle with some other young players like Furey, McKenna, Goldrick and co. stepping up.
Championship favourites St. Aidans overcame St. Barry’s so they will now be Boyle’s opponents in the semi-final in two weeks’ time. St. Michael’s defeated Clan na Gael ‘B’ team and meet the winners of St. Dominick’s/Kilglass Gaels who drew this week end.
We wish Cillian Cox a full and speedy recovery from his injury and also the Eire Og player who also had a shoulder injury. Mention too of Eire Og’s manager Ml. Jordan’s generous and encouraging words afterwards in the Boyle dressing room. As I said the game-though tough/ hard/uncompromising- was played in a very good spirit between two sides who seem to have met numerous times in recent years especially.
The Boyle team; C. Beirne/Ml. O’Donnell/D. Callaghan/ Cillian Cox/A. Sharkey/ C. Brennan/ C. Beirne/E. Smith/ C. Cox/ J. Suffin/D. Smith/K. Feighan/C. Smith/ D. O’Connor/ L.Conboy with M.Goldrick/M. O’Donohoe/B. Furey.
Thanks also to the fine support from Boyle who attended. (t.c).