Boyle GAA Blog ...by Tony Conboy

2012-02-13T02:00:00.002Z

Mon. 2 am.
Roscommon Coaching and Games Development will be holding a Foundation Course in Abbey Community College, Boyle for clubs in the area on Friday 17th February from 7.30pm to 10.30pm and Saturday 18th February from 10am to 1.30pm. A Code of Ethics course will be held at the same venue on Thursday 1st March from 7pm to 10pm.All clubs should ensure that their coaches have the necessary qualifications before they start coaching. Many thanks, Seamus.
Sport continues to amaze, amuse and exasperate. This past weekend a friend of mine rushed from the National League game, Mayo v Dublin, in McHale Park, called of due to fog, back to Beirne’s bar for the Ireland v France rugby international!
I saw another dust up on the Sunday League game this time between Kildare and Monaghan. While club teams can blow county teams should know better.
The AGM of Boyle Minor Club will be held in the Clubroom on this Wednesday 15th February at 8pm. All Club members and those who are interested in the continuing development of Gaelic Games in Boyle are asked to attend. The Club have been very successful at minor and all other underage levels in Boyle in recent years. This is mainly due to the dedication and selfless commitment of a group of Club officials and team managers and their assistants who all put in many hours to the development of the skills of Gaelic football in the children of Boyle Parish. We would appreciate further involvement from the parents and we would like to see them attend this AGM in large numbers.
The County Minor League will commence on 26th February.
The U16 League is due to commence in early March.
The Mc Govern Directional Drilling team and management will be looking forward to locking horns once again with Fuerty, St Barry’s and Eire Og in this year's Intermediate Championship following the draw which was made last week. They will commence their O'Gara Cup campaign on the first weekend in March. More details in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to Donal Smith on being presented with his Roscommon Sports Star of the Month award at the weekend and to Club member Barry Lowe on being elected County Board Integration Officer last week.
The Mobile Blood Transfusion Service is due to Visit St Joseph's Hall, Boyle on 7th March. All Club members aged over eighteen are encouraged to donate blood.

The closing date for entries for the upcoming County Scór competitions is Monday next 20th February. Those wishing to participate should contact Martin Dolan at 086 2413529 before the weekend.
The Club was delighted to see Damien Keenehan home on a short break from Australia.
Those who wish to acquire Club jackets should conatct Aidan Lavin at 087 2677865.
Club members are asked to make themselves available for stewarding duties at the upcoming County Ploughing Championships which will be held in Boyle for the first time in many years.
Well done to Sean Purcell and his Roscommon colleagues on their fine National Football League win over Offaly on Sunday.
Best wishes are extended to St Brigid's in the All Ireland Club Semi Final on Saturday next.
The Club extends its sympathy to the Fitzpatrick family, Abbeytown on the death of Richard Fitzpatrick senior and to Noel and the Sheerin family on their bereavement.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./F.M.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2012-02-10T13:55:00.000Z

Intermediate Championship Draw and Analysis:
The draw for the County Intermediate C’Ship took place at the recent Co. Board meeting. In Boyle’s Group are: Boyle, Fuerty, Eire Og and St. Barry’s. So this is a pretty competitive group. St. Barry’s felt they had been the victims of poor referring last year. I forget who they lost to. They will be out to show their potential this time. Eire Og are unpredictable and Boyle did not get it all their own way with them was it last year up there? Fuerty were beaten by the eventual county winners Pearses after a tough struggle last year. They have a number of very good young players who have come through the county minor ranks so they will feel that they will have a good chance against Boyle. So it all to play for and if Boyle are to be serious contenders these are the challenges that present themselves and have to be overcome. A good run in the O’Gara Cup is very important in the preparation. All teams prepare pretty well now so there are no real walkovers though emigration is telling in many clubs.
The other groups are: St. Dominick’s, Clann na Gael 2nds, St. Brigid’s 2nds and St. Michael’s. Dominick’s will be favourites there and I believe they have some good young players coming through also.
Then there are: St. Ronan’s, St. Aidan’s, Tulsk and Kilglass. St. Aidan’s are the tip for title winners and with Francie Grehan managing there should be an impetus with them to get back to senior level where they have been very competitive in recent years and were real contenders a short few year ago. Tulsk are always possibilities it just depends on the year and how things are going for them. Kilglass are an inconsistent unit and I am told St. Ronan’s are depleted of resources coming through though if they get going they are always competitive.
I presume it is two from each group so I go for; Boyle and Fuerty with St. Barry’s the real threat.
In group 2 it is St. Dominick’s and it should be Michaels but both Brigid’s and Clann have put out good second teams in recent years and they are serious about this team.
In group 3 St. Aidan’s are a definite with again little between the other three. If St.Ronan’s don’t get going it is Tulsk.
In the final shakeup it is; St. Aidan’s, St. Dominick’s, Boyle, St. Barry’s or Fuerty. With three from Boyle’s group it shows, by my assessment, that this is the tightest group.

2012-02-06T03:16:00.004Z

Monday 3.00am (after watching The New York Giants just scrape past The New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. It was a pretty technical game with not much real drama.The again perhaps I'm wrong.I used to be indecisve but now I'm not so sure)
The following were the €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Railway Bar on Saturday week last;-Christy Dolan, Vincent McDonagh, Aidan Sheerin, Michael and Sheila Furey, Stephen Langan, Michael Walsh, Christy Wynne, Frank Kearns, Noel Sharkey and Cathal Brown. The house prize was won by John Duignan. The numbers drawn were 8/13/15/19. There was no jackpot winner. The jackpot will be €5,300 for this Saturday night's draw which will be held in Clarke's Bar. Team ‘D’ will be in charge. We thank Brogan’s & natural Options for their sponsorship.
The Minor Club AGM will be held in the Clubroom on Wednesday 15th February at 8pm.
County Board delegates are advised that there will be a County Board meeting on this Wednesday night in Roscommon at which the championship draws for the year will be made.
The Club extends its congratulations to Ann and Gary Wynne on the birth of their son Thomas Patrick.

Congratulations are also extended to the North Roscommon Athletics Club on the successful staging of the All Ireland Cross Country Championships in the Forest Park on Saturday last. It is testament to their dedication and that of the County Roscommon Athletics Association that it was given the honour of hosting this major event in the Forest Park for the second time in two years.

The Club extends best wishes for a speedy recovery to Jim Suffin who sustained a football injury at the weekend. Damien Keenehan showed he retains his fine football ability when donning the maroon again in the challenge v Ballinamore.
Well done to Roscommon, for whom Seanie Purcell did very well, on their League win over Tipperary in Kiltoom on Saunday last. It must have been one of the smallest crowds at a first Roscommon League game in a long time but if you schedule your game against the potential attraction of Ireland v Wales in rugby then something is going to give. Next week Roscommon play Offaly away. Offaly were well beaten by Longford this week end so it is has potential for Ros.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The Ladies Club held its AGM on Sunday in the Clubroom. The outgoing Chairperson John Cummins reported on a successful year for the Club at all levels and he thanked all who played their parts in the Club's activities. The Secretary Sinead Cummins presented a very comprehensive report on the year's activities, the highlights of which were; the winning of the County U16 title, the ongoing development of girls football at all underage levels, the participation of Boyle players on the County panels an U14, U16 and adult levels, and the reaching of the championship and league finals by the Junior Ladies.Treasurer Sharon Conroy outlined the cost involved in running the Ladies Club and she appealed for fundraising ideas. The following officers were elected;-Chairperson, Laura Gannon: Vice Chairperson- Vivienne Moran; Secretary- Emer Killalea; Joint Assistant Secretaries- Sinead Cummins and Sharon Conroy. Joint Treasurers-Karen Brogan and Majella Dodd; P.R.O.- Martin Dolan; Children's Officer-Caroline Carty; Registrar-Sabrina Kerins; Development Officer/ Coaching Officer-Emer Killalea.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./F.M.
P.R.O Boyle GAA Club

2012-02-03T15:17:00.001Z

Feb. 3rd 3.15 pm. St. Blaise’s Day….Blessing of the throats Day….still a chance at 7.30 Mass this evening.
Boyle Ladies AGM on Sunday next Feb. 5th at 5. (I presume pm).
It is great toe see the continued increase in numbers of people out walking and now cycling around the Boyle circuits. Well done to Aaron and co. with the revival of cycling and good luck to the newly organised walking group. As short a time ago as 2007 when I restarted using the bike I was one of just a few and the use of the bike seemed terminal. There were a few old timers and I remember a Mr. Feely from Deerpark and a German (I believe) gentlemen and of course James Candon had his own design. The bike scheme in Dublin has proved a great success also. So we CAN emulate the Dutch when given the chance and encouragement. We are very lucky in Boyle to have such a selection of interesting safe walks.
Do not forget the Masses on Sunday in memory of Sean Kenny at 9.30 and Daragh Dooley at 11.30am.
This is a forward planning notice. There will be a Quiz on Saturday March 3rd in Kilronan Castle. I am coming out or retirement as quizmaster, for this occasion, with its implications! This is in aid of cystic fibrosis unit in St. Vincent’s hospital (I believe). It is being organised by the family and friends of one of my favourite students at St. Mary’s College i.e. Cian Costello who died in October 2010 aged 26. He was an outstanding student at the highest levels. At his funeral Mass in Ballyfarnon, Professor Dunne who was supervising Cian’s PhD studies spoke in glowing and moving terms of Cian as a person and as a scholar. There was a lovely graduation pic. of Cian on the Roscommon Herald at the time of his death. His dad Ben is the first person one meets, in his top hat, at Kironan Castle and his uncle Joseph, an old student pal of mine, works in Supervalu meats, Boyle. So spread the word on the date for this quiz night especially those who knew Cian at St. Mary’s.

2012-01-31T22:25:00.002Z

Tues. 11 pm. The following paragraphs re. Pieta House West have been circulated to all clubs in the county and I bring your attention to this very important issue.

Subject: Pieta House West
To assist individuals, families and society deal with the challenge of suicide and
self-harm, a charitable organisation called Pieta House has been established by Joan Freeman a Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Already four such Centres exist in Dublin and one in Limerick. A Pieta, to be
known as Pieta House West, is in the process of being established for the
Counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon and everyone is invited to a
public launch for Roscommon in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Monday
6th of Feb. at 7.30 pm.

This is a bottom up approach where individuals, by working together, bring strength of purpose to their Community.

'We're back for 2012'.
The above is the headline notice (a bit of Arnold S. tone there) from our sister club in the capital. I hear, on the grapevine, that they had an impressive opening challenge which again raises the suggestion as to how the embargo on training was observed. Anyway we wish them the best of luck and look forward to reports from the Eastern Front.
Well done to the irrepressible Ml. McHale- a Gallowglass of a GAA player- on his sterling performance v Sligo Rovers on Sat. evening.
The coming week end is just full of great sport. On Sat, evening there is a big double header in Croke Park, Kildare v Tyrone and Dublin v Kerry. Sunday Ros. V Tipp. at Kiltoom (!!). A nice bonus for Season ticket holders is that the ticket entitles the holder free access to the Sat. night games and any other Sat. night game even if it is not for the participating counties.
Ir. v Wales on Sunday starts the 6 Nations Rugby Championship. Rugby now poses a huge challenge to the GAA.
Sunday/Monday morning is booked out for sport also with the 46th Superbowl American Football Final with the New York Giants v the New England Patriots at Indianapolis. It could be a cracker if you can cope with the ad. breaks
For those who were lucky enough what a tennis game they saw in the final of the Australian Open last Sunday…a classic. Mention of Oz reminds me of this weeks topic by Supervalu Sam in The Roscommon Herald on an Irish sporting icon in Oz, Jim Stynes check it out on page 3 of the Sport section. While the writer contributes under a bye line I know him and keep an eye on his topics as I do Tommy Conlon ‘On the Couch and Eamon Sweeney ‘Hold the Back Page’ in the Sunday Indo. plus Father Liam Devine…this list is getting out of hand.
It is a big week-end for Athletics at Lough Key Forest Park on Sat. /Sun.
Do not forget to vote for Chris O’Dowd by linking in to: Orange BAFTAS Rising Star Awards. I don’t know when the closing date fro voting is. I presume you’ll be informed of that. The Awards take place on Sunday Feb. 12th.

Heartiest congratulations to Gary and Ann Wynne on the birth of a baby son [Thomas (Tom) Patrick this very evening. All are well.

2012-01-30T00:25:00.003Z

Monday 12.30 am.
Brian Supple, Club Registrar, will attend at both training sessions for the intermediate and junior panels on the coming weekend to collect club registration fees from all who propose to play adult football with the Club during the coming season. All players are reminded that club registration is an essential prequisite to playing for the Club and this has to be universally enforced.

Those wishing to participate in any of the forthcoming Adult Scór competitions are asked to contact Martin Dolan at 086 2413529 as soon as possible.

Martin Purcell, Pitch Co-Ordinator will be holding a meeting with all team managers of adult and minor teams as well as managers of the various Ladies Club teams in order to plan a schedule of use of the pitch and training facilities in the coming season.

The Club wishes to congratulate Danny Burke, Castlerea on being announced as the worthy winner of this year's Roscommon/Herald SuperValu, ‘Sports Hall of Fame’ award.

The Club extends good wishes to Des Newton and the Roscommon panel as they commence their National Football League campaign against Tipperary on Sunday next at Hyde Park. Following that the League schedule is as follows: Feb. 12th v Offaly A/ March 4th v Longford A/ 11th v Antrim H/ 18th v Wexford A/ 25th v Cavan H/ April 8th - Easter Sunday- v Sligo A. The St. Brigid’s v Garrycastle game is on Sat. Feb. 18th in Longford.

Good luck is also extended to Donal Smith and his DCU colleagues in the upcoming O'Byrne Cup Final and also in the Sigerson Cup which I imagine is in full flight now as the finals are in Galway on Feb. 24th and 25th.
Boyle Minor Club will hold two important events within the next few weeks and dates will be confirmed shortly; first the Minor Board AGM and second the Annual Presentation Night on which night their medals will be presented to the very successful minor panel of 2011.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The Ladies Club AGM will be held in the Clubroom on Sunday next the 5th of February at 5pm. All players, parents and supporters are invited to attend. It is important that this meeting is well supported as a lot of good work is ongoing in the development of ladies football in the Club at all age levels. The U16 girls commenced their season with a challenge game against Western Gaels last week. Thanks to Western Gaels for providing a useful workout for both panels. U16 training continues on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

T.C. Errata- Don’t’ forget to vote for Chris O’Dowd in the Rising Star category for the BAFTAS. Sean had a vote link up last week but I imagine you can source it on the Meteor BAFTAS site.
I hope to begin having this blog linked or whatever on Facebook shortly….or have Boyle GAA on Facebook if you like. I am told that it is so simple (technology wise) that even and adult can do it! comprende!
There was an interesting little column by Eamon O’Hara regarding the paying and development of an elite group of professional referees on Sunday’s Independent Sport's front page.
Next Sunday’s 9.30 Mass in Boyle is the first Anniversary Mass for Sean Kenny a gifted musician but also a Boyle GAA player in his young days. The 11.30 Mass remembers Darragh Dooley who played with us as an excellent young player on very good St. Joseph’s National School and club teams but died tragically in February 2001.
Congratulations to Boyle Celtic on their event last Saturday evening at Celtic Park. It was such a pity that the weather played the bad on their prestige event.
As I watch sport I notice how prevalent the rash of the tattoo has become especially in English soccer. Of course David Beckham was a trailblazer in a fashion I find very distasteful. It was once the signature of many British Merchant Navy seamen and Popeye but I really hope it doesn’t catch on around here.
I mentioned before that I was looking for shelving that can be assembled and dismantled (if you get my drift). I’ve had one guide but maybe there are other possibilities.
I think that is enough to be going on with! You have done well to reach here. You could possibly now consider reading Ulysses. Joking of course.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./ F. M.
PRO Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2012-01-24T16:00:00.002Z

Tues. 4.05. pm.

Dia dhibh,
There will be full meeting of the Club in the Clubroom on this Wednesday night 25th at 8.30pm. All members are requested to attend
The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw, which was held in An Craoibhin; -Eugene Cregg, Odran and Pauline Feely, Liam Mullaney, Tom and Pat Cox, Cathy and Steve Garavan, Michael Paul Gilmartin, Katrina Rodden, Paul Condron, Joe McDermott and Richie Walsh. The house prize was won by Danny Mulryan. The lotto envelopes are now sponsored by Brogan’s and Natural Options Pharmacies.The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €5,200 for this week's draw which will be held in the Railway Bar on this Saturday night. Team C will be in charge.
The Minor Club registration evening for all U10 boys will be held in the Sports Complex on this Tuesday (tonight as I post) from 6.30pm to 8pm. All boys born in 2002 and 2003 and who would like to play for Boyle in the coming season are asked to attend. Each boy must be accompanied by a parentor guardian. Those registering for the first time must bring along their original birth certificate (long version).
Errata…..How is the advocacy for GUM SHIELD use progressing?

People might consider the purchasing of SEASON TICKETS covering League/Championship first round/Al-Ireland Club Final and so on costing €75 for early purchase and €85 later. To find out about it log into the Roscommon GAA web site.

Does anyone have a copy of Sean Og O’Ceallachain’s book of say five years ago, for sale, called ‘Giants of Gaelic Football’ which includes a series of essays on the likes of Gerry O’Malley and Packie McGarty and so on?
The Club is making a special effort this year to get widespread participation in Adult Scór. The County Semi Finals of Scór will be held on 25th February and entries must be with the County Scór Committee by 20th February. The Club is hopeful of having participation in set dancing, figure dancing, instrumental music, question time, ballad group, recitation, solo singing and novelty act. Those wishing to participate should contact Martin Dolan on 086 2413529.
Congratulations are extended to Club member Pat Goldrick on his appointment as County Minor Board Secretary.
The Club extends its sympathy to Sean and Ann Young and Family, Carrick Road on the death of Ann's sister Pat who was buried on Tuesday the 24th in Belfast.
The GAA certainly has a battle on two fronts currently.
1. The scenes of indiscipline at the week-end games in Portlaoise were totally unacceptable. I have observed the inadequate provision of stewarding from time to time at very crucial games and a study of the St. Brigid’s v Corofin game (which could have been much worse) is an education in those inadequacies. I have mentioned before the attitude to referees and decisions by rugby players and seeing the reaction of players as they are being sent off there, is illuminating. I remember Paul O’Connell being sent off (sin binned) was it last season (?). Last week end I saw the captain of Ulster-a south African if I am not mistaken- remonstrating with the referee-for just few seconds-even after Ulster had got a crucial penalty. The referee, quick as a flash, changed his decision and gave the penalty to the opposing side.
2. The payments to managers issue is going to be game changing. How it can be resolved is impossible to see. If managers are clearly paid then players will have a totally legitimate claim to be paid also. But…..where is the money going to come from? It is not there. I believe that the game has gone too far away from being the amateur game it really should be. The demands on players and County Board and Club Officers are too much. The financial requirements are too demanding. Is the development of the GAA in these ways an image of the Celtic Tiger? Like all things it better return to reality and have the courage to do so though the current Croke Park hierarchy don’t give me the sense that they have the imagination, courage to recover the position. Clubs and their active membership will have to more vocal as to their views. Of course how they can do that is almost like the position of the ordinary people in the wider living sense in this country.
Ladies Club;
The A.G.M of Boyle Ladies GAA Club will be held in the Clubroom on Sunday 5th February at 5pm. Arrangements are in progress for the recruitment of a new management team for the juior ladies panel. Those wishing to be considered are asked to submit proposals to John Cummins not later than Friday next 27th January.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./F.L.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

2012-01-16T13:08:00.004Z

Thurs. 12.45am. The Hasting's Cup U 21 fixture listed below is not now going ahead. I am not aware of the reason but just in case anyone organises to be there on foot of my notice I am advising re. the change. T.C.
MINOR CLUB REGISTRATION EVENING
The Minor Club registration evening for all boys under 10 years (born in 2002 and 2003) who wish to play football for Boyle GAA in 2012 will take place in the Sports Complex on next TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 TH, FROM 6.30 P.M. TO 8.00 P.M.
Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration fee will remain as at 2011 level. First Time Registrations must have Original Birth Certificate (Long version).

This column has been remiss in not congratulating Pat Goldrick who has been elected as Secretary of the County Minor Board, so congratulations Pat and I hope you have a successful term and that you enjoy same. This extends the number of Boyle people who are actively involved at county level in coaching and admin. to a very generous degree.

I meant to mention this earlier but didn't. In the Supervalu Sam col. 'Ros. Her. Sport' page 3 of Jan. 10th there was a very good/interesting article about the loss of fun in the aproach to Gaelic games. The writer referred to the amount of training and the commitment apparently required for success now and so on. He suggested that people were turning away from these intensive games because of the commitment required. One sees the demands with County players and it has extended proportionally to club team preparation. I imagine that for St. Brigid's panellists it as near to professionalism as they can go. While I think it has gone much too far I do not see it being reversed to a reasonable situation. How often do players really enjoy the actual time spent playing in games? You probably enjoy participating in games that you win but do you enjoy the time spent playing? Then there are the games that you don't win! Generally former players look back, in an overall sense, with a degree of nostalgia on their time as players, the friends they make, the battles fought, the cameraderie and so on. I suppose this is despite all the sacrifices required. Have these demands become a critical issue for our games? I am just writing as I am thinking and these thoughts are not fully polished.

A seperate serious issue (not new) is the ongoing danger of 'burn out' for talented players.

Monday 1.37 pm.

Dia dhibh,
Abbey Park will play host to a Hastings Cup U21 game between Roscommon and Leitrim on Saturday next at 2pm. Club members are asked to assemble at the grounds at 12.30pm to take up duties as stewards. Well done to Tadhg Lowe who made his debut by keeping a clean sheet as goalkeeper with the Roscommon U21s’ on Saturday last against Longford, and also to Donal Smith on his goal scoring performance for DCU in the O'Byrne Cup on Sunday v Longford. The Roscommon, albeit from an experimental side, was disappointing.

Now for the League where the fixtures are as follows:
Feb. 5th Ros. v Tipp home. Feb. 12th v Offaly away. March 4th v Longford away. March 11th v Antrim home. March 18th v Wexford away ( a busy week-end there). March 25th v Cavan home. April 8th (Easter Sunday) v Sligo away.

Those who had the pleasure of attending the play "The Pitch" in St. Joseph's Hall on Sunday night were treated to a night of the highest quality drama. It is a pity that the attendance was not better. C’est la vie. Thanks to the Club members who helped in any way in making the night a success, especially those who did the catering and had tea available to all.
Sympathy is extended to the Maden family, Forest View and the McDermott family, Ardagh on recent bereavements and to the Mahon family Tibohine and to the Western Gaels Club on the death of their former CLub Chairperson, Thomas Mahon.

Ladies Club;
The AGM of Boyle Ladies Football Club will be held on Sunday 5th February at 5pm in the Clubroom. All are welcome to attend. The Club is looking to put together a new management team for the Junior Ladies panel for the coming season. Further details can be obtained from John at 086 8234050 no later than Friday 27th January.

Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./F.L.
P'R'O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2012-01-09T20:27:00.003Z

Thursday 12.30 am***** Apparently there are 4 'Job Bridge' positions in Roscommon GAA from February 1st to October 31st. For details see The Roscommon Herald, Sport, page 6 'Closing date for..'. The closing date for applications is tomorrow Friday Jan. 13th...hence its posting up here. Spread the word with people who may be interested.******

In the picture above taken in the Cassius Clay tunnel in Croke Park are Sean Kilbride of the GAA's Social Initiative which is promoting the play and the cast and producer of 'The Pitch' Play. In St. Joseph's Hall, Sunday the 15th at 8.30 pm. Admission €10. A Boyle GAA initiative.

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, Kingcourt Stars.

2012-01-07T20:00:00.004Z

(Mon. 12.30 am. see Boyle Minor final report and this week's notes below the press release).

The Pitch Press Release (Illustrations to follow......It's a busy week-end with deligtful visitors from Oz getting priority.) (Does the full stop go inside or outside the bracket there?)

SHANE CONNAUGHTON’S “THE PITCH” COMES TO ST. JOSEPH’S HALL, BOYLE

“The Pitch” ……Coming to St. Joseph's Hall, Sunday Jan. 15th at 8.30 Adm €10. A Boyle GAA Project.
Philly lived and played for his team…. the jersey… the parish…. his friends - the very pitch he gave to the community is under threat, his enemies want to take it from him and turn it into a housing estate…..
A brand new production of Shane Connaughton’s play “The Pitch” is coming to St Joseph’s Hall in Boyle on Sunday next January the 15th in association with Boyle GAA.

“The Pitch” is on a nationwide tour of GAA and Social Clubs in association with The GAA Social Initiative and Calor Gas. The tour follows a successful summer production which featured the writer, Shane Connaughton, in the leading role. Now, former County Leitrim footballer and well known actor, Seamus O’Rourke stars in this fine original production.
“I am delighted that Seamus has taken the part. He is a huge character and an extraordinary talent who is not only perfect for the role but has made a massive contribution to the direction of the play. It was a major coup to get him on board! We are all looking forward to being in Boyle” says the play’s producer Will Govan of Moth magazine.
The production will be touring Ireland extensively during January.
“Best night out in town in years, outside of the county final win, obviously! A great fundraiser for the Scor and the Juvenile Club.” Says Liam Reilly, PRO at ‘The Kingscourt Stars’.
“We are delighted that Boyle GAA Club has been given the opportunity to stage this excellent play. This is its only staging in the North West Roscommon/South Sligo/South Leitrim region. It is a must-see not only for those with an interest in the GAA psyche, but for all drama enthusiasts. It should make for a great night's entertainment”-says Aidan Lavin, Chairperson, Boyle GAA Club.
A night not to be missed!

County League Division One Final

Boyle 1.5. Clann na Gael 1.3.

On a wet and windy afternoon of Friday the 30th December, in Lisnamult Roscommon, Boyle captured the Minor Division One County League Title defeating Clann na Gael. Boyle opened the scoring with a well taken free from wing back Colin Goldrick on six minutes. Clann na Gael responded two minutes later with a point of the game from their half forward. The conditions were proving a difficult obstacle for both teams but it was Clann who coped better playing with the aid of a stiff wind. Clann added a second after twenty one minutes. Still this was meagre return for their efforts which were stifled by the Boyle keeper McDermott and the woodwork. As the half time whistle was about to sound Clann added a third point from their prominent midfielder McManus. This left the half time score at Clann na Gael, 0-3 Boyle 0-1.

Boyle came out in determined fashion at the beginning of the second half and points from half forward Eoin Lavin and corner forward Dylan East put Boyle right back in contention, on level terms. Clann were reeling as Lavin put over his second point of the match after nine minutes. Clann launched attack after attack but couldn’t find a way past the influential Jason McDermott in the Boyle goal. Even though Clann hit the bar twice and struck the post, McDermott stopped numerous shots that came his way. Those missed opportunities by Clann and their slender haft time lead were to ensure that the title went to the north county team. The match winning score came as Boyle engineered a swift counter- attack with Lavin somehow wriggling his way past the Clann corner back to hit the ball low and hard to the corner of the net. This gave Boyle a five point advantage going into the last 15 minutes. Boyle were now defending for their lives as Clann pushed forward for a prolonged late surge. The task became more difficult for Boyle after their full forward was dismissed. Almost at the death Clann were thrown a lifeline when midfielder Ultan Harney goaled but it proved only a consolation score as the final whistle blew and Boyle were crowned County Minor Division One League. Clann were unlucky in their efforts but Boyle deserved the win for their gritty determined performance. This win gives Boyle the status of a top minor team in the County in 2011 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 achieved in the absence, through injury, of some prominent members of the panel.
This minor double is perhaps the most notable achievement, for a Boyle team, in the history of the club.
Congratulations the Boyle team and their managers, Vinny Flanagan, Jonathan Conroy, Liam Conroy and Tom Kearney.
Boyle Team: J. McDermott, L. Brennan, L. Harrington (Capt.), J. Regan, M. Goldrick, B. Furey, C. Goldrick (0-2), E. McGrath, T. McKenna, P. McDermott, J. McCrann, E. Lavin (1-2), L. Roddy, C. McPadden, D. East (0-1) with C. Tivnan and S.Filan.

Boyle Notes: The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Dodd's;- Joe Sweeney, Geraldine and Eddie Goldrick, Ann Conboy, Eugene Halligan, John Caroll, Emily Morris, Maxwell Gardiner, Paul Dolan, Joanne McPherson and John Gallagher. The house prize was won by Sean Nevin. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €5,100 for the next draw which will be held on Saturday night next in An Craoibhin with Team"B" in charge. The club acknowledges the kind sponsorship of the Lotto envelopes by Brogans and Natural Options.
The big event of the coming weekend will be the staging of the highly acclaimed play "The Pitch", written by award winning author Shane Connaughton, in St Joseph's Hall on Sunday night next 15th January. Doors will open at 7.45pm and the curtain goes up at 8.30pm. The play will be performed by a semi professional cast with the lead role played by All Ireland Drama Festival winning actor Seamus O'Rourke from Carrigallen.
There will be a meeting of the Club on Wednesday night at 8.30 pm in the Clubroom to make final arrangements for the play.
The Club will host the Roscommon versus Leitrim Hastings Cup U 21 game on Saturday 21st January at 2pm in the Abbey Park. Club players Sean Purcell and Donie Smith were on the Roscommon senior and U 21 teams respectively at the weekend. The Club extends congratulations to former Boyle player and former County minor goalkeeper Chris O'Dowd who will put Boyle on the cinematic map this coming week when filming of his six part comedy sitcom will be done in Boyle and Lough Key Forest Park.
Sympathy is extended to the Dolan Family, Carrick on Shannon and to his beloved Shannon Gaels Club on the sad passing of Andrew Dolan. Sympathy is also extended to the Hannon Family, Greatmeadow on their recent bereavement.
Boyle Ladies;
The U16 Girls have resumed trainingevery Wednesday and Friday at 7pm in the Abbey Park. Full attendances are requested as their Championship will commence in early February.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/F.L./T.C.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

Boyle GAA will proudly present:

2012-01-05T16:29:00.003Z

"THE PITCH"

A play 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.

COMING TO ST. JOSEPH'S HALL, BOYLE, SUNDAY JANUARY 15th, 8.30PM. TICKETS €10.

2012-01-04T19:56:00.004Z

Events Diary of a Sort (at least the bones of my 'to look out for') in 2012...a busy sports year..

Jan. 9th Chris O’Dowd’s T.V. series filming in Boyle.
Feb. 5th American Superbowl.
6 Nations Rugby Sun. Feb 5 Ir. v Wales.
6 Nations Rugby Sat. Feb. 25th Ir. v Italy.
6 Nations Rugby Sat. March 10th Ir. v Scotland.
6 Nations Rugby Sat. March 17th England v Ir.
Golf; U.S. Masters April 2nd to 8th.
Connacht GAA C’Ships…Sun. May 6th New York v Sligo. Sun. May 20th. Roscommon V Galway. Sun. June 3rd. London v Leitrim. Semi-Finals Sat. June 9th. Ros./Galway v N.Y./ Sligo. Sun. June 24th Mayo v London/Leitrim. Connacht Final Sunday July 15th. Minor C’Ships. Sat. June 23rd Ros. v Leitrim (Preliminary Round). Sat. June 30th Ros./Leitrim v Galway @Galway if Ros.
(The All-Ireland Finals, this year, are a week later due the American football game on Sat. Sept. 1st).
FBD Preliminary Sun. Jan. 8th Ros. v G.M.I.T. @Ballyforan. Sun. Jan. 15th Leitrim v Ros. @ Cloone.
Sigerson is being hosted this year by NUIG on the week-end of Friday February 24th and Sat. the 25th.
European Soccer. C’Ships. Begin on Friday June 8th. Sun 10th Spain v Italy and Ir. v Croatia @Poznan. Thurs June 14th Ir. v Spain @ Gdansk and It. v Croatia.
June 18th Ir. v Italy @Poznan and Croatia v Spain. ….In the quarter finals on the 23rd the winner of Ireland’s Group C v Runner up Group D and on the 24th the runner-up Group C v winner Group D. (Group D = England, France, Ukraine and Sweden).The Semi-Finals are on Wed. /Thurs. June 27th and 28th. The Final is on Sunday July 1st.
Golf U.S Open June 14th to 17th.
Eucharistic Congress in Ireland Sun. June 10th to the 17th.
Wimbledon Mon. June 25th to Sunday July 8th.
Golf British Open July 19th to the 22nd.
Boyle Arts Festival end of July
Olympics Friday July 27th to Sunday August 12th.
Golf U.S. PGA Aug. 9th to the 12th.
All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil the week end of August the 26th in Cavan.
Sept. 9th. All-Ireland Hurling Kilkenny v ?
Sept. 23rd All-Ireland Football Kerry v ?
October 7th Intermediate C’Ship Final.
Notre Dame V Navy in American football is at Lansdowne Rd. Dublin, on Sat. Sept. 1st.
The Ryder Cup in golf is on in the Medinah Country Club Chicago from Wed. September the 25th to Sunday Sept. 30th.
Sept. Paralympics.
U.S. Presidential Election Tues. Nov.
Boyle GAA Quiz Thursday Dec. 27th ...possibly.

Apologies for the delay in posting this pic. of towering, popular Boyle minor team captain, Luke Harrington, accepting the Minor League Shield (has it a name Luke?) after their fine win over Clann na Gael at a wet/windy artic Lisnamult, Roscommon Gaels grounds on Friday December the 30th. This ensured the 'Double' of League and Championship in 2011...probably the best show by a Boyle team....ever? Presenting the Shield is my pal for yonks Gerard Shannon of Ballinameen GAA. In the background left is team manager Vinnie Flanagan with messrs Regan, Goldrick, East, Filan, Lavin (who, with goalie McDermott was my joint 'Man of the Match') and the injured track-suited Enda Smith. I didn't venture asking the team to pose for a team pic. due to the conditions. Well done to all.

2011-12-31T21:44:00.006Z

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.

2011-12-30T20:23:00.022Z

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 ...

2011-12-23T09:41:00.003Z

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

2011-12-19T23:02:00.003Z

2011-12-18T23:42:00.006Z

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

2011-12-14T23:22:00.001Z

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.

2011-12-12T01:36:00.003Z

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

2011-12-08T12:01:00.018Z

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!

2011-12-04T22:44:00.010Z

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

2011-12-01T21:44:00.001Z

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.

2011-11-28T13:11:00.002Z

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

2011-11-21T00:06:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-18T14:43:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-14T10:20:00.002Z

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.

2011-11-07T19:02:00.000Z

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

2011-11-04T12:10:00.002Z

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

2011-10-28T11:36:00.001+01:00

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

2011-10-17T12:58:00.008+01:00

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 !

2011-10-13T10:44:00.002+01:00

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.

2011-10-09T18:39:00.010+01:00

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

2011-10-06T14:32:00.004+01:00

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

2011-10-02T13:54:00.005+01:00

11 pm. per. Martin Dolan:
There were no winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Patrick's Well. The €20 winners were; Pat Brogan, Christopher O'Connor, Pat Conroy, Seán McLoughlin, Damien Killoran, Pat Gormley (Ballinafad), Dan Kennedy, Maureen McQuaid, Pat Mullaney and Hugh McPadden. The house prize was won by Christine Keane. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €4,400 for this week's draw which will be held in Kate Lavin's on Saturday night next. Team E will be in charge.

Sunday next will be a major day for the Club when our National Automation Limited minors take on Michael Glaveys in the Division 1 County Minor Final in Hyde Park. The game will commence at 2pm and all with an interest in Boyle GAA are asked to go along and lend their support. Boyle supporters are asked to try to congregate together in the grounds and to bring flags and banners. It is also hoped that flags and bunting will be erected around the town during the week.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team performed disappointingly against Castlerea St Kevins in the Tansey Cup in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening last. They have one remaining game in this competition-against Creggs in a few weeks time and it is to be hoped that they will get back to winning ways then and thus make the semi finals of this competition.
The U12s have finished their activities for the season. Thanks to the entire panel and their management for the great efforts.
The U16s' are awaiting the fixing of their league final.
The Abbey Park will host a Division 2 Championship Semi Final on Saturday next at 5pm between Strokestown and St Croan’s. Club members are asked to attend to do stewarding.
There will be a get-together in the Abbey Bar on this Friday night at 10pm for those who participated in the recent Walk to Croker. This will be an opportunity to review photographic and video footage of this historic event. All are invited to attend.
Congratulations are extended to Blaithín and Gerry Cregg on the recent birth of their daughter and to Maura and Noel Casey on the birth of a son.
Sympathy is extended to the McMorrow Family, Carrick Road on the death of Mrs. Eithne McMorrow. (I remember Cyril being a good under-age player for us in the late seventies and his son Aaron likewise in the nineties T.C.).
Boyle Ladies;
The Junior Ladies suffered a four points loss to St Marys in the Division 3 League Final in Croghan on Saturday. A much improved second half display almost resulted in victory. This brings their season to an end. While it was disappointing to lose both the championship and league finals, it is important to remember that they reached those finals and defeated almost all the teams in their groups and that there is now an extended panel with a promising blend of youth and experience which should reap dividends next year. Thanks to all the girls and to the management for their comittment and hard work throughout the year.

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

Sun. 9.43 pm.
The Boyle Minor Team who will contest next Sunday's County 'A' final v Michael Glavey's. The Club's next big occasion. More updates through the week.
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.

Tansey Cup Division 3 League: Determined Castlerea Overcome Boyle.
Castlerea 2.4 Boyle 0.5.
A poverty of capability was very evident, from a Boyle perspective, in this game. I don’t know where the result leaves Boyle after this poor performance. Boyle just managed one point in the first half, which ended; Castlerea 1.3. Boyle 0.1. Castlerea showed a commendable determination, despite being short a number of players, as we were told. Boyle did show some more ambition in the second half, and hope flickered, but a second Castlerea goal quenched the light.
Boyle Junior Team: T. McGarty, Ml. Hanmore, J. Healy, J.S. Lyons, C. Beirne, C. Cox, Ml. McHale (0.1 fr.), S. Tonra, P. Lavin, C. Lavin, D. Callaghan (0.3, 2frs, 1 45) , N. McKenna, J. Suffin, D. O’Connor (0.1), B. Harvey with S. Spellman and D. Kelly.

Presidential Candidate, Michael D. Higgins meets two Boyle V.I.P.s' the efferescent Michael Gilmartin and the irrepressible Kathleen Hanmore, near Croke Park. All three would make excellent candidates.....maybe next time.....whatever the Presidential model.

'There is no Show like a Joe Show'.....Boyle walkers pay homage to Joe Dolan in Mullingar on the Wednesday. Mary Clifford, Jan Kennedy, Bernie Mullens, 'Joe Dolan', Keith Suffin, Fidelma Morris, Owen Garvin, Michael Costello, Bernie Shannon.

Sunday 2 pm.

Final…Final… Walk to Croker review.
The above will take place in The Abbey Bar on Friday October the 7th .People with pictures of the Walk etc. could pass same on for a display on the night. A comprehensive list of ‘thank yous’ will be posted here shortly.
(Ireland v Andorra on T.V. @ 8.30 pm Friday. Ireland v Wales Sat. at 6.30 am)
Just to refresh peoples’ memories the following are the daily roll calls:
Monday: A. Lavin, Paul Beirne, Mary Smith, Charlie Candon, Mark O’Connor (Capt.), Sean Purcell, Cillian Cox, Colin Garvin, Brian Supple, Jonathan Lyons, Cian Smith, (Liam Conroy), David Callaghan, Brian Furey (Seamus Nugent), (Canon Gerry Hanly, and a good few more who saw the ‘Walk’ off). i.e. 13 ish
Tuesday: John Cummins (Capt.), John Filan, Sinead Cummins, Patricia Cummins, Laura Gannon, Loyola Kelly, Liz Gannon, Paul Beirne, Mary Flynn, Aidan Lavin, Martin Dolan, Martin Purcell, Tom Commins, Fiona Mattimoe, Mary Conroy, (The Mayor of Roscommon, Cllr. Eugene Murphy, Anne O’Brien-Hannon, Newtownforbes). i.e. 15 ish.
Wednesday: Jan Flanagan (Capt.), Bernie Mullens, Fidelma Morris, Paul Beirne, Aidan Lavin, Martin Dolan, Bernard Shannon, Sandra McCrann, Mary Clifford, Liam Clifford, Keith Suffin, Michael Costello, Owen Garvin.i.e. 13
Thursday: Margaret O’Neill (Capt.), Carmel Goldrick, Eilish Goldrick, Aidan Lavin, Mary Smith, Regina McLoughlin, Claire Conway, Pat Duignan, Tony Conboy, Barry Lowe, Ernie Keenan, Mary Clifford (x2). 12 ish.
Friday: Aidan Lavin, Martin Dolan (Capt.), Brian Furey, Eileen Callaghan, Zita Griffin, Donal O’Connor, Mandy Toolan, Maurice Mullens, Michael Brennan, Marina Beirne, Eugene Halligan, Gary Wynne, Odran Feely, Ciaran O’Connor, Mairead Horan, Megan Morris, Gillean Cleary, Cian Smith, Ronan Hever, Adrian Hever and families. i.e. 20 ish.
Saturday: Aidan Lavin (Capt.), Kathleen Hanmore, Margaret O’Neill (x2), Michael Gilmartin, Stephen Bohan, Eugene Halligan (x2), Pat Goldrick, Marina Beirne (x2), Paul Beirne, (Rory O’Donohoe), Cianan Conboy, Justin McCormack, John Healy, Michael McHale, Owen Garvin (x2), Tom Kennedy (Leixlip), Michael Furey, Tomas Halligan, (Roger Mullarkey, Lucan). 17 ish.
Sunday; Fiona Mattimoe (x2), Aidan Lavin (x7), Mary Smith (x2), Kathleen Hanmore (Capt.) (x2), Martin Dolan (x4), John Brennan, Michael Brennan (x2), Paul Beirne (x4), Donal O’Connor (x2), Mandy Toolan (x2), Regina McLoughlin (x2), Bernard Shannon (x2), Michael Gilmartin (x2), Martin Purcell (x2), Dessie McLoughlin, Ben McLoughlin, Kyle McLoughlin, Mary Halligan, Olive Filan, Cian Smith (x2), Brian Supple (x2), Ciaran Supple, Gary Wynne (x2), Michael O’Donnell. [Cian Beirne, Darren O’Connor, Ciaran Cox, Conor Tivnan, Eoin Lavin] i.e. 24 ish. About 83 different people participated.
It would be a surprise if there were no mistakes in the above and I will accept corrections, no problem.
It was a brilliant and memorable effort, with fantastic organisation and while the net results were somewhat below what the effort might have deserved it was still very worthwhile. One cannot know what the result is until one tries and the project is completed.

2011-10-01T09:38:00.001+01:00

Sat. 10am.

Two games today.

Boyle Junior Ladies play St Mary's in the Junior 'A' League Final this Saturday (today)
in Croghan, throw in 2.00pm, please support.

Boyle Juniors (men) play Castlerea St. Kevin's at 5.30 in the Tansey Cup at the Abbey Park.

2011-09-29T22:25:00.002+01:00

Thurs. 10.30.
Ad spaces are available in the County Finals programme and are priced at €50 for a half page. Rates for other sizes are available on request. Ads must be paid for no later than Wednesday October 5th. The payment can be dropped into the Roscommon GAA Office. No money = No ad.

Boyle Junior Ladies play St Marys in the Junior A League Final this Saturday
in Croghan, throw in 2.00pm, please support

Roscommon County Board Golf Classic:
Roscommon County Board together with the Roscommon GAA Golf Society are holding a fund raising Golf Classic on Friday 30th Sept and Sat. the 1st Oct. in Roscommon Golf Club.
The golf competition will be a four man Stableford team competition, €240 entry fee, which includes Steak Dinner on your return to the clubhouse. Prize giving will take place on Saturday evening with prizes for teams finishing in the top seven places.
If you are aware of any keen weekend golfers who might be interested please spread the news.
If you would like to enter a team, or for all Tee time information, please contact Eddie Miley at 086 2561563.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and looking forward to a great turn out on Friday/Saturday next.
Brían Mác Stibhin
Runaí

2011-09-28T09:25:00.003+01:00

Thursday 9 am.
Charlie Candon, Sec. of the Minor Club will call to minor training tonight, Thurs., to get details of relevant people for the County final programme.

Also there is a request for ads. from the participating club areas. It would be nice to have your ad. in the Boyle notes or beside the Boyle team minor pic.in the programme, for future refence etc. especially if the team wins....which of course we all hope they do.
Details here: Ad spaces are available in the programme and are priced at €50 for a half page. Rates for other sizes are available on request. Ads must be paid for no later than Wednesday October 5th. The payment can be dropped into the Roscommon GAA Office. No money = No ad.

The Walk to Croker review meeting tonight at 9. All associated asked to attend for report etc.
If you are a member of the Boyle minor panel or management please read below and forward your required piece to me tconboy1@eircom asap. (TO CHARLIE CANDON NOW, THURS. AM) I don't know if the Minor Club officers have this in hand but just in case. And if you are a member of the panel and see this please alert the other members to it and the requirements. The County Final programme is a very good production and it will act as a fine souvenir of the occasion for you. So it is in your interests as well as everything else. T.C. (Help me out here, please!)
A chara,
I know that your Division One Minor Football Cship Semi-Final has not take place yet but as the date for the final, and the deadline from our printer is fast approaching I thought that I would give you advanced notice of what is required for the Match Programme, in the event that your Minor team is successful.
In order to produce a suitable souvenir for your players and supporters I'd appreciate it if your committee could get the following information for me:
• A brief History / profile of your Club, including a list of major achievements and the names of the current Officers - Approx 300 words
• A profile of your Team Manager - A short paragraph, max 150 words
• A profile of your Team Captain – A short paragraph, max 150 words
• Players Pen Pics – name, age, honours won
• A photo of the panel, including a caption
I will need the above information no later than October 1st
Finally, I will require the team list / line-out of your panel, with the players names in English and Irish (and their jersey number) submitted in Word format.
I'll need this information before 9:30am on the Wednesday prior to the final (October 5th). This is for programme purposes and will not be released to anybody apart from the printers. Changes to the line out can be announced on the PA system prior to final and players should be reminded that they have to wear the jersey numbers they were given in the programme. As this is the last item that goes into the programme it needs to be on time, as the programme has to be proof read on the Wednesday evening for printing on the Thursday morning in order to have it ready for the Friday.
Ad spaces are available in the programme and are priced at €50 for a half page. Rates for other sizes are available on request. Ads must be paid for no later than Wednesday October 5th. The payment can be dropped into the Roscommon GAA Office. No money = No ad
In addition to the programme I'll be producing a poster for you to display in your locality and graphics that can be used on your Club website. These will be forwarded to you over the coming days. If you have any questions about any of the above don't hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Colm

2011-09-26T10:48:00.001+01:00

Mon. 11 am per Martin Dolan.
It was weekend of mixed fortunes for Boyle on the playing fields. The National Automation Limited minor team had an impressive win over Clan na Gael in the Division 1 County Minor Semi Final in Kiltoom on Friday night last. They are now looking forward to a County Final date with Michael Glaveys in Hyde Park on Sunday week 9th October.

The McGovern Directional Drilling team completed their O'Rourke Cup programme with a narrow loss to Kilmore in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening last. This defeat unfortunately results in their relegation from Division 1 after a season which promised so much. The panel should take encouragement from the fact that in most years four wins would see them safe and a number of their defeats were by minimal margins. Their objective should be to achieve promotion back to Division 1 next season. Thanks is extended to the entire panel and the management team and to sponsor Tony McGovern.

The Cooney Motors/Cooney's Centra juniors will play Castlerea St Kevin’s in the Tansey Cup in the Abbey Park on Saturday next at 5.30pm.

The U14s’ have completed their activity for the season. Thanks to the panel and the management for their efforts and looking forward to seeing the lads back in action at U14 or U16 levels next year.

The U16s’ are waiting the fixing of their Division 1 League Final versus St Croan’s.

There will be a Club meeting on Thursday night at 9pm to wrap up all outstanding matters relating to the recent "Walk to Croker". All who participated in the walk and representatives from the three sections of the Club are asked to attend.
Boyle Ladies Club;
Boyle Junior Ladies are scheduled to play the Junior League Final versus St Mary's on this Saturday-time and venue to be confirmed. The Club wishes to thank King and Moffatt Electrical and King Kabish for their sponsorship of a set of training tops for the U14 girls panel. This panel bowed out of the U14 Championship in a keenly contested semi final with Shannon Gaels last week. Thanks is extended to the panel of girls and to the management team of Pat Leonard and Mary Flynn for their work during the season.

2011-09-24T21:33:00.002+01:00

Sat. 9.40 pm ish

Fine Boyle Effort—But No Dividend.
Kilmore 2.10 Boyle 1.11.
In a keenly contested game Boyle came up just short in a championship style encounter, in the Abbey Park this evening. Kilmore just shaded the result deservedly so I imagine. Their forwards threatened consistently and got some good scores. The two goals were of course the winning of the match and despite a game effort by Boyle, especially towards the end; Kilmore had moved too far ahead to be reeled in. So it is back to Division Two League next year. It is not a nice prospect but has to be dealt with and didn’t just happen because of tonight. At the end of the 11 game campaing the stats saw us come up short and perhaps the stats didn't lie.I said after the C’Ship loss to St. Dominick’s that next year’s Intermediate C'Ship would present an achievable challenge. After tonight we have a second achievable challenge, that of coming back to Division 1. So it all starts next spring or whenever.
If one was a neutral I imagine that this evening’s game would be regarded as a pretty good, fast paced encounter. There were a number of very good scores, lively performances and a question if Boyle could engineer a winning comeback at the end.
Seani Purcell, my Boyle player of the year, started off with a good point on 3 minutes. Boyle were 4 points to 3 up on 18 minutes following points by Aaron O’Connor, Donie Smith free and Aaron again. Boyle had a chance of a goal or least a fisted point before Kilmore’s 4th point which Donie Smith trumped a moment later on 21 minutes. No fisted points and another thing completly missing in recent games that I've observed is the demise of the good shouler over the sideline! Then came one of the crucial goals as Kilmore, moving at pace, cut through the Boyle defence. They added three points on 27, 28 and 30 minutes to go in at half time with a good lead of 5 points 1.7 to 0.5.
There was a Boyle resurgence at the start of the second half with points from Lochlainn Conboy and Donie Smith, both frees and a fine point from Mark O’Donohoe on eight minutes. The score now stood at Kilmore 1.7 Boyle 0.8. Kilmore added an eighth point but midway in the half cut the Boyle defence open again (aided by some wayward Boyle passing if I remember rightly) on 15 minutes for their second goal. Kilmore 2.8 i.e. 14 points Boyle 0.8. Kilmore went further ahead on 18 minutes but Cillian Cox surged up field and started a Boyle revival with a great goal on 22 minutes. This reminded me of the Pat clarke 'let's get stuck into this' attitude. 2.9 to 1.8. Mark O’D. added another good point to leave just three in it with 5 minutes remaining. However Kilmore got an insurance point a minute later. There were a couple of occasions at this juncture when a cooler approach to setting up scores might have paid dividends but chance were forced and went astray. Despite two pointed frees from Lochlainn Conboy in those tense dying minutes Boyle did not create a goal chance that might have put them in the necessary winning position (due to results elsewhere a win was needed). The Kilmore goals were decisive. They were too far ahead at half time and still so midway in the second half. Their attack was potent, mobile and got some fine scores. Some traditional errors repeated for Boyle despite the fine efforts of all. So the season ended disappointingly despite the huge effort of management and the team. I have suggested how 2012 might be approached in my notes after the championship defeat on Sat. the 10th.
The Boyle team tonight: T. Lowe, A. Finn, C.Cox (1.0), Ml. O’Donnell, S. Purcell 0.1, M.O’Connor, C. Beirne, C. Cox, K. McLoughlin, D. Callaghan, D. O’Connor, A. O’Connor 0.2, Donal Smith 0.4. ( 3 fr.), L.Conboy (0.3 fr.), Mark O’Donohoe 0.2. with Tadgh McKenna, Cian Smith, S. Tonra.
P.S. I am putting this together at 9ish on Sat. evening and if playing is tiring being a Boyle supporter is, let’s say, testing/challenging/stressful also.One could say kinda shreddded on the evening of Strokestown. I’ll have to take a break!
I say all the above with the awareness that all do their best. Some go above and beyond the call of duty. One should not forget the club executive and the supporters.I am assuaged by the suggestion somewhere that we all do our best (translated I suppose that means; what we do is the best we can do!) and that the term, I used so often in another life, ‘Could do better’ is invalid.
And now up on the horse again for the U 16 League final v St. Croan’s and the County minor Final v Ml. Glavey's!

Slan

T.C.

2011-09-23T09:23:00.006+01:00

Sat. 1.40 pm.
THE BIG GAME TODAY (Sat.) IS BOYLE SENIORS V KILMORE IN A MUST WIN GAME (for keeping their Division One status) AT THE ABBEY PARK AT 5.30. HOME ADVANTAGE WILL HELP. GOOD SUPPORT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED SO MAKE AN EXTRA EFFORT TO GET THERE. …please!

Friday 12.30am.

Minor Co. Semi-Final. Boyle not at their best but reach their second minor final in a row.

Boyle 1.11 Clann na Gael 0.11.

The positive element is that Boyle ARE IN the County Minor Final for the second year in a row. Also this is a very good team as demonstarted in the classic game v Roscommon Gaels some weeks ago in the Abbey Park.It struggled somewhat tonight against a team not as good as Roscommon Gaels in my view.

The performance was inconsistent tonight and I'm sure that both they and their management will know that the mistakes will have to be reduced, the performance, tempo and will to win bar raised. There were uncomfortable periods and,while Boyle overall were a better side, Clann missed a lot of chances, had goal opportunities and Boyle can thank goalie Jason McDermott for a fine end-of-the-boot save late in the second half when Clann were putting the Boyle rearguard under severe pressure.

While Boyle got off the mark early with a good point from Donal Smith this was cancelled out and Clann went ahead on 14 minutes. It took Boyle nearly 18 minutes before they came good. They added another five points before half time and looked as if they were going on to a comfortable win, leading 7 points to 3 at half time.

While Clann opened the second half with a point a good Boyle move ended with Enda Smith punching the ball across the square for Dylan East to finish it to the net on four minutes. Boyle 1.7. Clann 4 i.e. a six point lead and it looked good for Boyle. However the Boyle performance dropped for the next 15 minutes and the Clann performance improved consideably tacking on points on 5,11,12,16 and 18 minutes. Now the score stood at Boyle 1.7 Clann 0.9. Also during this period only last ditch defending kept the Boyle goal intact. A Micheal Lavin point stemmed the tide followed by a Jake McCrann point and Conor McPaddden's 4th point in the 24th minute. Boyle 1.10. Clann 0.9. Clann didn't give in and a goal was always a danger. A Clann point in the 28th minute left 3 between the sides and still we feared the drawing goal. Boyle had some chances, one of a goal which would have sealed the issue but the chance passed due to the lack of the clinical touch. A point might have been a better option. Substitute Eoin Lavin soothed things with a good point to leave a gap of 4 which Clann brought back with a further point deep in injury time. So while it was a close run thing it was a win that leads to another big occasion on County Final day on October the 9th v Michael Glavey's before the St. Brigid's v Elphin game. Boyle have now overcome two top sides in close encounters which is a good sign of a team that can roll with the punches and come through because it has the quality and top players and players who come through for the occasion. All now need to make the final push in preparation for the final and it looks as if there will be competition for a number of places.

Amongst the things I saw this Friday evening was:1.the sloppy handling 'not securing the ball' in terms of holding onto possession. It was a pinball machine effect at times. Perhaps the conditions were a little greasy but they looked fine on a perfect pitch.2. In the second half especially Clann cleaned up a lot of the breaks at midfield. Young Evan McGrath had done a good deal of work in this department in the first half but in the second half this reduced. Donal Smith was double marked for quite a bit of the second half and the second Clann player cleaned up the breaking ball. (Damo Keenehan was an expert at this, a Richie mcCaw at the breakdown). 3. There were a few times as a forward Enda/Donal or whoever was coming through the middle but the zone in front of the goal was occupied by Boyle players and their defenders.4. The old thing of passes going astray, one particularly around the Boyle 30 yard line at a crucial time in the second half led to a point for a Clann. 5. While I might exaggerate this sometimes, forwards coming out the field with their backs to the kick out bugs me. Judging the bouncing ball on a soild ground is a skill and sometimes a forward could gamble and turn and hope it goes over the back to a clear space behind. Perhaps remedial action in terms of substitutions might be accelerated.

Still having given my observations we ARE in a county minor 'A' final for a second year in a row. That is a great achievement for all involved and a real bonanza for us to look forward to and I hope that the town rises to that occasion.

The team: J.McDermott, L.Brennan, B.Furey, L.Harrington,P.McDermott, T.McKenna, E. McGrath, E. Smith 0.1, D. Smith 0.2, P. Sweeney, C. Goldrick 0.1, C. McPadden 0.4, D. East 1.0, M.Lavin 0.1, L. Roddy with J.McCrann 0.1, M. Goldrick, E. Lavin 0.1 and Conor Tivnan, Dylan Mattimoe, Shane Filan.

Best for Boyle were the goalkeeper McDermott, backs McKenna, Furey and McGrath, the Smiths at midfied, upon whom the team hinges, and in a forward line that is much more potent than it showed tonight the go to player was McPadden with a good contribution from Lavin on his appearance.

Friday 9.30am.

Two big games tonight and tomorrow: The minors take on Clann na Gael in Kiltoom at 8 pm tonight.

The seniors have a vital last home game at 5.30, tomorrow, Sat., against Kilmore. Both teams require a win to stay in Division One so it all to play for. Hopefully home venue will be helpful.

One thing we could look at, in these times, is the travelling arrangements for games. Someimes when I arrive in say Johnstone or worse Woodmount and then see another Boyle car arrive with say two people I think there must be something we can do to coordinate travel arrangements.

I am going and have two seats available tonight for instance if you call me. T.

2011-09-21T13:45:00.009+01:00

Thurs. 8.30 pm.

The minor game is still in Kiltoom tomorrow night at -8- definitely.

I've just finished another GAA book, basically on the All-Ireland of 1982 when Offaly stopped Kerry's 5 in a row bid. Simply, I recommend it. It is called 'Kings of September' by

Michael Foley.

Thurs. 1.45 pm. The following may be of interest to some club members, I have in an email an application form for anyone interested.

Connacht GAA Bursary Awards 2011/12
Connacht GAA, in support of the National Student Bursary Scheme, will once again award bursaries of €1,000 to students attending Higher Education colleges as part of its ongoing commitment to Player Welfare.
The scheme, which is now in its fifth year, will be open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course and who are active participants in their Higher Education club. Students who hold other GAA-related or a college scholarship/bursary will not be eligible to apply.
Connacht GAA welcomes applications from those students in our province, (Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon & Sligo), regardless whether their attendance is at a college inside or outside of Connacht”.
Each bursary granted will be for €1000 and payment will be made annually in two instalments of €500. Further information and application forms for this year’s scheme are currently available to download from www.connachtgaa.ie.
Connacht GAA Office,
Clare Streeet,
Ballyhaunis,
Co. Mayo
www.connachtgaa.ie
Phone: 094)9630335
Email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie
The closing date for application will be October 14th, 2011.
Applications received after the closing date will not be eligible for consideration.

Thurs. 8.30 am. Thanks for that Karl (Keenan) in Western Oz. The team in the Laegue v St. Dominick's was; T. Lowe, A. Sharkey, Cillian Cox, Ml.O’Donnell, C. Beirne, S. Purcell, J.S.Lyons, Ciaran Cox 1, K. McLoughlin 1, A. O’Connor 1, Donie Smith 3, D. Callaghan 2, M.O’Donohoe 4, D. O’Connor 1, L. Conboy1(pen.) 4, with C. Cmith 1 and J. Suffin.
Half time Boyle 0.7 St. Dominick’s 0.2 Final score 1.18 to 0.4.
Wed. 9pm.The minor fixture is like the stock echange (which I watch all the time) in terms of movement. The minor game has now been switched to Kiltoom on Friday night at 8 or is it 8.3o? (Maybe somone might book a bus instead of 4/5cars going up!)

The Senior game stays put as is in the Abbey Park on Sat. at 5.30 v Kilmore.The junior game has gone out to Sat. October 1st (!) already and if the response from the panel does not improve it might be scrubbed.

It is hoped to have a get-together of those who did the Walk maybe around Friday the 30th. the review notes and list of participants will be posted soon. In the overall context the Walk was a success, not the major success that we had hoped and that our efforts deserved but it generated a nice sum that we didn't have previously. Of course the event had to be done to know the ins and outs of it all. Also it generated a fine camaraderie amongst the people who participated and was enjoyable to boot. So apart from the money collected there were other positives from which the club will benefit. While the contribution of a number of people like Aidan Lavin, Martin Dolan and Mary Smith was just phenomenal many more came up very much trumps, like those who did a number of days on the road, those who helped along the way, and of course all our sponsors. This is only a preliminary note and a comprehensive approach to recognising those who deserve to be so recognised will follow.I haven't heard from Oz or Canada for some time. What's the story?

Slan for now.

Wed. 1.50pm.
I have been asked to post that the Minor C'Ship Semi-Final v Clann na Gael has been moved from Ballyforan to KILBRIDE at 9pm on Friday night under lights of course. The change of venue allows for a bigger support from Boyle so make the effort if you can.
The very important Division One O'Rourke Cup game is on Sat. in the Abbey Park at 5.30 v Kilmore.
The Juniors play a deciding league game on Sunday at 1.3o(?) v Casterea.
So another busy and important week-end for the club with very important games.
I'm hurrying so....
Slan

2011-09-19T13:33:00.000+01:00

Mon. 1.50 pm. Welll Done To All INVOLVED IN THE MAJOR ‘WALK’ (AD)VENTURE. We will be reviewing the project anon and will post a list of the many people to be thanked here. For the moment I post Martin Dolan’s post.

The Club has successfully accomplished its historic "Walk to Croker" project. After six long days of walking and fundraising, the Club members arrived in Dublin on Saturday afternoon last and carried out an intensive bucket collection mission around the City Centre and Croke Park area until after the conclusion of the All Ireland Final on Sunday. The proceeds have not yet been tallied but it is anticipated that they will help with the financing of the Club in the short-term without having to burden the local community. The Club extends a sincere "thank you" to the many members of the three sections i.e. the Senior, the Minor and Ladies Club who participated in the walking and the fundraising and who gave unselfishly of their time. Thanks is also extended to the many others from within the community and in the various locations along the route who participated so actively in the project, and to the many who provided for the practicalities of the venture such as collection buckets, drinks and fruit for the walkers, those who sponsored the vehicle and those who sponsored the fuel. All will be acknowledged in the coming weeks.

Lotto: The following were the winners of €25 each in the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Abbey Bar;Peter Wynne, Michael Costello, Karl Keenan, Peggy Feely, Joe Simon, Mary Rushe, Mary and Michael Brennan, John Nevin and Joe McDermott. The house prize was won by Mary Moran.This weeks draw will be held in The Patrick's Well on Saturday night next with Team D in charge. As the jackpot was not won last week it will stand at €4,400 on this weekend.

The McGovern Directional Drilling senior team picked up two valuable O'Rourke Cup points when they overcame St Dominic’s in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening last. They will meet Kilmore in the last round of the O'Rourke Cup on this Saturday at 5.30pm in the Abbey Park. Support is requested for this important fixture.

The National Automation Limited minors will face Clan na Gael in the Division 1 County Semi Final in Ballyforan on this Friday evening (under lights) at 8.30pm. Support is also requested for this major fixture.

The Cooney Motors/ Cooneys Centra junior team will play Castlerea St Kevins in the Abbey Park on Sunday next at 1.30pm in the Tansey Cup. The Club extends its sympathy to the Keenehan families, Boyle and Galway and to the relatives of the late Peter Burke, Lucan and formerly of Lahausk, Strokestown.
Boyle Ladies Club;
The Ladies lost to a stronger Western Gaels team in the Junior A County Final which was played in Cootehall on Saturday last. The girls will have an opportunity to return to winning ways when they play the Junior League County Final on circa 1st October. The Club wishes Western Gaels every success in their forthcoming Connacht Championship.
Mise le meas,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529.

2011-09-18T08:45:00.001+01:00

Sunday's Team - Click on photo to view a large version

2011-09-17T08:52:00.005+01:00

Saturday's Team - click on photo for a larger version

Above; Owen Garvin, Aidan Lavin,Kathleen Hanmore, Ml.gilmartin (a formidable front row). Margaret O'Neill, Stephen Bohan, Pat Goldrick, Eugene Halligan, Thomas Halligan plus the Dub. diaspora below.

******MEET ON THE CRESCENT AT 7.50 AM SUNDAY FOR TRANSPORT TO THE EASTERN FRONT ******.

This is just a holding statement (Sat. 8.30 pm). This was a better Saturday for the club. A preliminary report from the Walk epicentre at Croke Park was that they had a ‘pretty good day’ on the collecting front. The count is where it all becomes concrete. The bus is just leaving Dublin at 8. The group pictured on the bus were joined in Dublin by Tom Kennedy now resident in Leixlip, John Healy, Mick McHale, Cianan Conboy and Justin McCormack. I expect to see a pic. of John and Mick on some of the Sunday papers! We sincerely thank Tom K. and the lads for their help. It is greatly appreciated. I am told that the group were treated regally in Tom Maye’s pub in Dorset Street. Tom is originally from Croghan area and I call into his pub on Dorset St. when I am in the area not that I’d be much good as a customer. But if anyone from this area is in the vicinity you might support someone who is a great supporter of all things Roscommon in Dublin. I do not imagine that Tom tunes in here but thanks a million Tom. Just one more river to cross tomorrow and if anyone can dredge up the energy for one more whack at this they should come to the Crescent for 8am tomorrow and I’m sure that transport will be available.
Tomorrow may be the All-Ireland but it is also the ‘Walk’ final and could make the venture a real success. So set the clocks and go to bed early and maybe encourage your Boyle contacts to give it one more effort anytime from 10.30 in Dublin meeting around Maye’s or contact Aidan.
The Senior League McGovern Directional Drilling team had a resounding win over St. Dominick’s this evening the Abbey Park. This was done in a refreshing, creative, direct and relaxed style. The half time score was Boyle 0.7 St. Dominick’s 0.2. I know Doms. Were missing a number of players and perhaps were not ‘really up for it’ but the final score of Boyle 1.18 St. Dominick’s 0.4 tells a tale. I’ll list the team et al later.
Commiserations to the Ladies team who went down to a very strong Western Gaels side on the score of Western Gaels 1.15 Boyle 1.5. I await the report on same. Well done on your season.
Congratulations to our twin club in Dublin, St. Brendan’s Grangegorman, Dublin who had had a convincing win by over 30 points this evening. There is a big Boyle influence on this team and they are in Smithfield-a pub nothing to do with horses- tonight. This could be the start of major career for their manager Justin McCormack and now the management avenues are all opening up for Justin whose phone will be sparking in the management recruitment season.
Was that not a really great marvelous performance by Ireland in the rugby World Cup? A thriller, even on the radio!

2011-09-16T16:01:00.007+01:00

Sat. 1am. The two key days of the Walk are Sat. and Sun. so all can go to Dublin are earnestly asked to make the effort and all who are in Dublin, and can lend a hand, for whatever period of time, on either day, are asked to do so.
The two big games this Sat. are; 1. the Ladies Junior 'A' Final v Western Gaels at Cootehall at 1.30 and 2. the very important Corrib Oil Senior League game which sees a rematch of Boyle v St. Dominick's in the Abbey Park at -note- 5.30. The minors have a challenge in the College Field v St. Croan's at 3(?)
8.45pm. Pictured above are the Boyle collectors and members of the Hever family outside Maynooth GAA Club's premises. Apart from the Boyle resident crew the picture above includes: Maynooth Club Secretary Hilary McCabe and the Hever Clan including Ronan and Adrian, Adrian's wife Cathy along with Paddy, Roisin, James, Clodagh and Sean Hever after refreshments in the clubhouse. (Thanks for that Ronan).

Fri. 6.45. I'd like to remind GAA people, who can, that the Anniversary Mass for Fergus Ahern takes place tomorrow Saturday at 11am. Fergus was instrumental in the donation of the Ahern Cup, in memory of Rory Ahern, for the U16 tournament.
Friday 6.15pm. I have just had a preliminary report from Aidan from Maynooth. The first thing he wishes to do is to thank Ronan and Adrian Hever and their wives Kathy and Michelle for their welcome and help in Maynooth. Also included in his thanks is the dynamic Club Secretary, Glaswegian Killary McCabe 'the hearbeat of the Maynooth Club'. Hillary proudly informed the Boyle contingent that the first 'Walk' from Maynooth to Dublin took place in the first days of the Easter Rising. Proposals are being exchanged regarding inter-club games and exchanges at under-age level. So today's collaboration could see a more long-lasting relationship emerge between the clubs. Aidan wished the Maynooth Club well with their 20 acre development of 6 pitches and state of the art facilities and he felt the Hever families could not have done more for them and it was a great boost coming towards he end of long, tiring but 'interesting' week. (It is what I would have expected from these Elphin St./Forest View gentlemen. So take a bow the hever families of Maynooth. T.C.) I have some more pics. which my pic. posting dept. hopefully will get to a bit later!

Update from Maynooth ... photo courtesy Brian Furey

2011-09-16T12:26:00.002+01:00

Update from Enfield... photo courtesy Brian Furey.

2011-09-16T09:11:00.002+01:00

Friday's Team - Click on photo to view a larger version

2011-09-15T09:06:00.020+01:00

Thursday 11.55pm.

Friday leaving the Crescent at 8.20. Saturday and Sunday leaving at 8.

The main message from tonight's meeting is the hope that more collectors will make themselves available for Sat. and Sun. in Dublin. If that does not happen then we will not nearly maximise our possibilities and the enormous efforts that have gone into organising the whole project. Perhaps there are people who might come on board again for Sat./Sun. even if they have done a day already.

The schedule for Sat. is arriving in O'Connell St. (maybe based close to Tom Maye's Pub Dorset St.) between 1 and 1.30pm. The schedule for Sun. is to meet up at 10.30 ish. There are 10 to 12 venues identified such as 3/4 train stations/Bus Aras/O'Connell St./Dorset St./Drumcondra pubs eg. Kennedys & Fagan's/Quinn's and McGrath's pubs/ North Circular Rd. past Jones's Rd., Gills Pub et al / Barry's Hotel and that particular ST. to Mountjoy SQ with the buses there etc/Car Parks and so on i.e. approx 12 to 15 teams of 3 people each.

Thursday 4/7. 8.45 pm. I arrived back an hour ago from today’s ‘Walk’. I had wondered, in the accounts coming back from the first three days, of people having, we’ll call it, ‘a fun day’/'enjoying themselves'. Well our team had a ‘fun/enjoyable’ day today also. We had a GREAT team ably led by Margaret O’Neill who started the day talking to Hector on 2FM’s ‘Breakfast with Hector’ Radio Show. A number of people along the route referred to hearing about us on that show, that we were coming! Thanks to the Bonnicci family for arranging same. We did pretty well considering the testing environment out there. But one has to emphasise that the reception we got was very good/considerate/decent and from time to time appreciative of what we were about. Our team engaged with potential customers with courtesy/humour and the kind of sales pitches which might take a long,long time to learn at ‘sales colleges’. They were brilliant. Do not be shy, ask, do not ignore places as ‘not worthwhile’. Judge how many might go into a premises. Don’t overpower. Humour/Smile. Let the adrenaline take over. Be polite and thankful always. Try and get a hook into a potential customer. What breed of dog is that? Does that dog bite? An easy one would be a car reg. for say LM; what part of Leitrim do you come from? If someone says, going into a shop, ‘I’ll get change and see you when I come out’…wait. Use the van to catch up on your group. In Enfield, as it will be tomorrow, divide either side of the street and work the street like politicians used to do. Try and come up with a strategy that you know what has been ‘done’ by other groups. Bowl into bars etc. Don’t be shy. Engage…lovely day. When asked a question such as; ‘What are you collecting for?’ ‘I am collecting for Boyle GAA Club. We overstretched ourselves, during the Celtic Tiger and owe a lot of money. The answer I got, along with a few euros, was, ‘I know all about that’. Enjoy and be seen as if you are enjoying yourself and if someone does not come up trumps it isn’t the end of the world. The first few approaches are the hardest. Get confidence from each other and create a team bond. Go for it. I’m sorry if the teacher is breaking out in me!

We are back to Sat./Sun. of course and people there coming out to help and people in Boyle contacting their Boyle friends in Dublin et al to come out and help for an hour or two. Boyle Junior Ladies team sponsored by Green Veterinary and Kennels play Western Gaels this Saturday 17 Saturday in the Junior A Championship Final in Cootehall, throw-in 1.30pm. Please support. I'm going to a meeting now, 8.45pm, and I may post some ideas from that later plus posting a representative pic. from today. Slán.

Back:Pat Duignan, Regina McLoughlin, Mary Smith, Claire Conway, T.C., Aidan Lavin, Barry Lowe. Front: Eilish Goldrick, Carmel Goldrick, Margaret O'Neill (Team Capt.), Mary Clifford.

Thursday's team - Mullingar to Moyvalley

2011-09-14T10:02:00.005+01:00

Mary Clifford, Jan Flanagan, Bernie Mullens, Keith Suffin, Fidelma Morris, Owen Garvin, Michael Costello, Bernie Shannon.

Wed. 8.50 pm.
1. The team worked hard today in Mullingar and I am told they had some fun despite the difficult collecting environment out there. I will post a ‘night watchman pic. in a short while.
2. If you are an early bird then tune in to R.T.E. 2FM ‘Breakfast with Hector’ which begins at 7am.I am told he will be talking to Thursday’s captain Margaret O’Neill at 7.15 am. The team move from Mullingar through Kinnegad to Moy Valley tomorrow.
3. There will be a short meeting, tomorrow night Thurs. at 9pm, to discus arrangements for the big Dublin week-end push on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning before the game and after the game. Some ‘briefing notes’ for the week end will be posted here afterwards. It is a tremendous effort by so many people and of course there is the hard core whose contribution is above and beyond the call of duty.
4. The call is still out for people to contact their friends in Dublin to lend a hand for whatever period of time they may be able to give at the week-end. We would like the St. Brendan’s lads to let us know what their position is and anyone else available. R.O’D. and co. please copy.

Wednesday's Team - click on photo for larger version

2011-09-13T23:30:00.000+01:00

Tues. 11.35 pm. A note from Kathleen; There will be a short meeting on Thursday night at 9 pm to review progress and finalise arrangements for Saturday and Sunday especially.

2011-09-13T09:40:00.000+01:00

Click on any photo to view a larger version

Some of Tuesday's group (including Roscommon Mayor Eugene Murphy in Rooskey): Martin Dolan, Mary Flynn, Lyola Kelly, Liz Gannon, Aidan Lavin, The Mayor of Roscommon, Eugene Murphy, John Cummins, Patricia Cummins, Laura Gannon, Paul Beirne, John Filan

Tuesday 8.30. Day 2/7. The second day completed. The message coming out that it is a pretty dificult market out there. So well done to today's team. Tomorrow's captain is Jan Flanagan, meeting on the Crescent at 9, and the route is from Edgeworthstown to Mullingar. I feel Jan has her homework done so hopefully things will go well. There are a couple of cars going to Mullingar for the afternoon, say for 2.45 or so, in the old Mullingar road, with a particular meeting at Lidl at 3. So if anyone feels like going tomorrow please contact Jan.

Thursday it is Margaret O'Neill's team from Mullingar to Moy Valley, not a very urban area. Friday Martin Dolan's team and Saturday it is Aidan Lavin with Kathleen Hanmore (and everyone) on Sunday.

I have tried to rustle up support in Dublin for the week-end so if any of you have Boyle friends in Dublin try and enlist them, if even for an hour or so for Sat. afternoon or Sunday morning or evening.

Tuesday's Team. Click on photo to see a larger version

Tuesday 9.40....I should be gone.

John Cummins, Captain of todays team led his group off from the Crescent to start in Rooskey through Newtownforbes with the main pitch being Longford arriving there at 1 ish. They end up in Conefrey's bar in Edgewortstown.

They are gone and so should I....

2011-09-12T13:26:00.000+01:00

Click on any photo to see a larger version...

Cian, Mark, Colin and Seanie meet up with the Heineken Cup (on its way to a function in Geevagh per Master Hughes) in Carrick on Shannon.

?, Aidan, Johnny, Colin (again!), Mark, Seanie, David and Seamus Nugent of Kilglass Gaels arrive at goal number one....a couple wilting a little.

Mon. 11.45 pm. Round two of the Roscommon GAA Members Draw took place yesterday at half-time in the St. Brigids v Western Gaels Senior Football Championship Semi-Final and the prize winners were as follows:
1st Prize: Marian Rice and Maura Reddington, (Seller - Fuerty)
2nd Prize: John Callaghan, (Seller - Ballinameen)
3rd Prize: Ciaran Guihan, (Seller - St. Ronans)
4th Prize: Tommy Beirne, (Seller - Kilglass Gaels)

Mon. 8.45pm.

As related at midday, the Walk got off successfully and with Martin Purcell beating out the step on the drum with the flags flying. Carrick was quiet today as people were wondering about the possible storm. However it was mission accomplished as the group proceeded through Jamestown, Dromod, Drumsna and on to Rooskey. Seamus Nugent of Kilglass Gaels joined the group in Dromod and the day ended in Cox’s bar in Rooskey. All went fine with the proceeds and the day being analysed. There were no hitches and by the week end it should be a well oiled machine. Tomorrow’s group backboned by the ladies group, captained by John Cummins, travel via Rooskey, Newtownforbes, Longford and end up in Conefrey’s Bar in Edgeworthstown. The big venue here is of course Longford and all energies and collecting strategies will be required there. The group leave from The Crescent at 9am. If anyone wished to join the group, especially in Longford at midday, there is, I believe, transport going which will facilitate that with transport home by the bus. So that is it, less dramatic than I imagined. I suppose that is a plus! One down 6 to go. Tune in to Sean's pics of the setting off on realboyle.
Once again the call is still out for the week end in Dublin.

Mon. 1.40.

‘Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday and all is well’. I know I’ve used that phrase a few days ago but I should have kept it for today when it is more appropriate.
The WALK got on the road successfully this morning with a fanfare and what pomp and pomposity we could muster. Well done to the principals of course and well done to the supporters who came and gave encouragement this morning. There are many ‘spakes’ to encompass a project like this such as; ‘Every journey begins with the first step’ and so on. While there are many to thank and that will be done in as fulsome a way as possible later first thanks to Canon Gerry Hanly for setting us off on a positive note with his blessing. Scoil na nAingeal Naomha provided the first of the really nice touches that we hope will decorate this week when they provided a ‘guard of honour’ outside the school for the walkers and the entourage. Well done all for that and especially the Principal, John Francis McLoughlin for his endorsement. The initial report from Carrick is tentative so I’m off now as the fingers trying to type quickly are throwing up errors by the new time. So a good start. We again ask for support from collectors and 'encouragers' in the big centres Longford/Mullingar/Maynooth and especially Dublin.

2011-09-11T13:33:00.000+01:00

Below there are 3 posts as follows: Sun. 1.45/Sun. 6.30pm/Sun. 11pm.
It has been suggested that this blog will be the notice-board for the coming week and the ins and outs of the Walk. So I’ll do my best, if I get material, to facilitate that role. I hope to post at least three times per day. Circa 9am; 1.45 pm; and a review of that day circa 8 pm. Hopefully this will include useful information/tips from day to day.
The first notice:
Walkers and supporters are asked to attend at the Abbey Park on Monday morning (tomorrow) by 9.25am as Canon Gerry Hanly will inaugurate the walk with a blessing for success and the safety (which is paramount) of participants. So all WALKERS and SUPPORTERS PLEASE attend at 9.25. There will be no ish involved here. This is where serious starts.
The Walk will proceed through the town to the Crescent and back to the Carrick Road and East to Carrick-on-Shannon where they will be at approx. 1pm. Their day will conclude in Rooskey. The Captain for the day is Mark O’Connor with his team drawn from the Intermediate panel.
Sun. 6.30pm.
Boyle Junior Ladies "Green St Veterinery & Kennels" sponsored team overcame
Shannon Gaels last Saturday to reach the Junior A Final. The opposition for
the final is Western Gaels and this game is fixed for Saturday 17 September
time and venue to be confirmed.
Boyle U14 girls had a good win V Padraig Pearses and are through to Division
1A semi final when they meet Shannon Gaels this Friday 16th in Croghan throw
in 6.45pm. Full details will be given at training.
Please support both teams in these games.
The Club wishes everyone involved in the Walk to Croker a SAFE TRIP.

Sun. 11.00 pm. per Martin Dolan. The Boyle GAA Club (Senior, Ladies and Minor) are currently participating in their historic "Walk to Croker" fundraising walk. The entourage departed from the Abbey Park on Monday morning, with a blessing from Canon Gerry Hanley. Stage one took the group from Boyle to Rooskey. Tuesday sees the walk arrive in Edgeworthstown. Mullingar will be the main fundraising location on Wednesday, while it will travel to Moyvalley on Thursday and on to Maynooth on Friday. The intrepid walkers will arrive in Dublin on Saturday afternoon and they will be augmented by maximum club members on Saturday and Sunday in the City. It is expected that club members will travel to the larger towns during the week and to Dublin at the weekend to assist in the fundraising. Details are available from the Club Secretary and the Walk Captains.

It was a mixed weekend on the playing fields. The U14s started what was hoped to be the first leg of a treble when they won the Garda Cup Final against Elphin in the Abbey park on Thursday last. The U16s went down in the U16 Division 1 County Final when they lost narowly to Clan na Gael in a game that never reached any great heights on a fine new Strokestown pitch. Thanks to the lads and the management who have given us an enjoyable year and hopefully they will show their true form in the upcoming league final. Congratulations to the Clan lads.

Our woes continued in Strokestown on Saturday when the McGovern Directional Drilling team lost narrowly to a St Dominics, who were the better side on the day,in the Intermediate Championship semi final. The Boyle lads will meet St Dominics again in the O'Rourke Cup in Boyle on Saturday next at 5.30pm. The Senior Club extends its congratulations to the Boyle Ladies who had more luck at the weekend when they qualified for the County Final on Saturday and they are wished every success in the County Final against Western Gaels on Saturday next. Thanks is extended to Paul Purcell who looked after the Abbey Park on Saturday while the rest of the Club were away in Strokestown and Ballinameen.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The Junior Ladies had a good win over neighbours Shannon Gaels in the Junior A County Semi Final in Ballinameen on Saturday evening last in Ballinameen. They will be in action again on this Saturday in the County Final against Western Gaels at a time and venue to be confirmed. Full support is requested for this important fixture. It is not the only important upcoming fixture as the U14 girls had a good win over Padraig Pearses in the Division 1A semi final last week and they are through to the County Final when they will also meet Shannon Gaels in Croghan on this Friday evening 16th at 6.45pm. Support is again requested for this important event. Many Ladies Club members will be participating in the "Walk to Croker". It is hoped that members will travel to the major towns and to Dublin at the weekend to assist the collectors and the walkers,
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000+01:00

Sat. 10.45pm. Boyle Disappointed on the Double.
Boyle set out today with good hopes that they would bring home a cup and get to another final. Alas through the vicissitudes of sport it didn’t turn out that way. I am not really going into the fine detail of the games, I was too involved and then too disappointed at the end. The first thing to say is that everyone involved put in a huge effort, players, management and executive and deserve great credit for that. The supporters too were out in force. It is suggested that when a man falls off a horse that he must try and get back on there as soon as possible. Boyle has a bright future and we saw a good deal of that this evening in terms of the coming generation of Boyle teams. The Intermediate team has an opportunity to get back in the zone on Saturday night next with an important O’Rourke Cup game on Saturday next against their victors tonight, St.Dominick’s. Maybe even how they respond on Monday to the Walk will test their resilience and spirit. (weather and all that considered). The U 16s’ too have another big game with a league Final outing v St. Croan’s plus involvement with the minors.
I gather you know the results from above.
The under U 16s’ went down to Clann na Gael by the narrowest of margins on the score of Clan na Gael 0.7 Boyle 0.6. After a very poor first half the score stood at 2 points each. Boyle levelled the game 23 minutes into the second half but Clann had two winning points on 27 and 28 minutes despite a late Boyle point. There were massive efforts by many players but Evan McGrath was fantastic at midfield with Dylan Mattimoe, Thomas Halligan and Cian McKeon also to the fore. Hopefully I’ll have a team pic. up anon. So well done to all and hold your heads up and look forward to the next game and days like the semi-final in Elphin.
The Intermediate side were beaten by a St. Dominick’s side that maximised their strengths and were resourceful, clever and resilient. Boyle crept into an early lead but St. Dominick’s got the final 4 points of the first half to go in with a lead of 7 points to 4. The teams were level by the 13 minute of the second half at 8 all. But Boyle were unable to tack on any more scores subsequently and St. Dominick’s added two, number 9 on fifteen minutes and a clincher in a nail biting finale. In this period Boyle shot a number of wides from a variety of angles, from play and frees and this was the dividing line. The introduction of David Casey in the second half seemed as if it was going to provide the momentum but it too got stifled. Even in defeat there were a good number of pretty good performances such as those of Donal Smith (0.3), Darren O’Connor (0.2), Cillian Cox, Aaron Sharkey, goalie Tadgh Lowe, and Seanie Purcell.
From now the target remains for next year when I believe that Boyle will be a more formidable force with attainable objectives. So next spring we do as we always do and start again with today’s disappointment-and it was not just both teams disappointment but the broader clubs also- recorded but behind us.

There will be brighter days.
3pm.
It is batten down the hatches as there is a storm on the way due Sunday evening/night.

2011-09-09T23:24:00.000+01:00

Sat. 11am. 'The day dawns with scent ofmust and rain...

Below my window the awakening trees

Hacked clean for better bearing, stand defaced

Suffering their brute necessities,

And how should the flesh not quail that span for span

Is mutilated more? In slow distate

I fold my towel with what grace I can

Not young and not renewable, but man.'

(Mirror in February by Thomas Kinsella)

I miss Ciarain Mac Mathuna's 'Mo Cheoil Thu' on Sunday mornings.

I hope to give reports on the two big games below by, say, 9pm ish! So if you wish tune in then! (I am constantly using exclamation marks. As Sean O'Dowd sometimes says oops!). By the way there are fine sets of pics. on realboyle' flickr on the happenings of the week including the fine concert of last Wednesday which demonstrated-again-the plentiful and varied talent of the region.

Friday 11.30pm.

'Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday and all is well'.

The U 16 County 'A' Final, Boyle v Clann na Gael, is at 4, in Strokestown's new pitch, near the secondary school, on the Tulsk Road.

Boyle Intermediates v St. Dominick's in the Co. Semi-Final at 6.

2011-09-08T21:02:00.000+01:00

Brian Conway, Captain of the successful Boyle U 14 Garda Cup winning team, with his acceptance address and thank yous. In the background is Miss Kelly who presented Cian McKeon with his 'Man of the Match' award; Supt. Mullarkey of Boyle Garda Station who made the medal presentation and Seamus Nugent of the Northern Board who run this prestigious competition.

Thursday Night.

U 14s’ Cruise to Garda Cup Win.
Boyle had a pretty easy win over Elphin at the Abbey Park on Thursday evening. Cian McKeon put his stamp on the game in the opening minutes and barring a major change of direction Boyle were always in the driving seat from there to the end. I was surprised that Elphin were not near the Elphin young teams I became accustomed to some years ago. Anyway Boyle can only do their best and it was a very comfortable win here and the score was pretty high by the end though Elphin played to the end. So congratulations and well done to the team and management, Kieran McKeon and Johnny Lyons. I was pleased for two players whose fortunes I tend to follow here, Jack Moran and Sean Mullens. Sean got a cracking goal with a firm fist midway in the first half.
The team lined out thus: S. Brown, L.Casey, J. McKeough, A. Bonnici, C. Beirne, M.Austin, J.Cox, D. Gardiner, B. Conway (Capt.), C. Flanagan, C. McKeon, G. Gilmartin, Ml. Lavin, C. Deery, S. Mullens. The subs listed, most of whom played were; D.O’Driscoll (inj.), M. Doherty, K.O’ Connor, J. McDonnell, E. O’Driscoll, J. Rhodes, O.Regan, J. Moran.
The medals were presented by Supt. Mullarkey of the Garda Siochana with Garda Fergal O’Donnell also in attendance. Seamus Nugent of the Northern Board presented the Cup to the winning Capt. Brian Conway who thanked all appropriately. Miss Kelly, daughter of the late Sgt. John Kelly, presented the ‘Man of the Match’ award to Cian McKeon whose scoring average prospered on the evening! There are a number of excellent players on this side also and there are some very big men to boot. I am led to believe there is a significant rugby influence involved. If they can give Gaelic the commitment then there is no reason why they should not be challenging for top honours in the years ahead.
There was a large gathering present and again as Seamus Nugent remarked the final was well presented by Boyle Club. A minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect in memory of recent bereavements. The referee was Pat Casey, a Ballinameen stalwart.
Now it is on to Super Saturday and the Co. U 16 Final v Clann na Gael and the Co. Intermediate Semi-Final v St. Dominick’s at Strokestown’s new pitch.

2011-09-07T09:40:00.000+01:00

Slight editing 1.15pm.
Wed. 9.30am
2 Disperate (not desperate) events this evening:

The Garda Cup Final Boyle v Elphin (like old times) in the Abbey Park at 6.30 not 7 on tomorrow Thurs. not Wed.

This will be followed by a Walk detail meeting. There is an urgent need re. the walk/collection for MORE volunteers so PLEASE contact Kath. or any of the Day Captains and contact people you know in Dublin for the Sat./Sun.

The Benefit Concert from 8.30 in The Hall with a host of musicians and performers. M.C./T.c. Entry €10 approx. but remember the 'widows mite' story.

Majella Dodd and Co. have a road race (distance?) starting at the back of the Post Office at 7 to do with the Athletic club.

I'm off.........

2011-09-05T00:19:00.000+01:00

Mon. 12 midnight approx. (This is a rolling blog but that cannot continue!)
The Garda Cup final has been brought forward from 7 to 6.30 on Thurs. because the lights at the Abbey Park are not adequate. Someone took this evening’s early black skies really to heart. ‘Walk Meeting’ on Thursday not Wed. because of the Concert.
I’ve been told that the minors will ‘probably’ be contesting their semi-final v Clann na Gael on Friday Sept. the 23rd. Venue etc t.b.a.
The Intermediates will meet St. Dominick’s on Sat. in the C’Ship semi-final but it seems as if they will meet again in the Senior League on the following Saturday in Boyle though the Walk is at a crucial stage that day!
I believe the GAA are threatening the full house All-Irelands with the big increase in ticket prices from 70 to 80 euro for top price tickets. It is a real issue for families where a number of people wish to go to the final and can get tickets. I see John Power former Kilkenny hurler complaining about that this past week-end. One also has to bear in mind the number of other games in a campaign plus the extras in going to a game in Dublin. There were tickets on sale by genuine individuals on Sunday and also at the GAA shop on Dorset Street and opposite Gills Bar. With the Dublin population there should be no issue with having a full house on the 18th but say it was Donegal v Kerry what might the story be? The least that should have happened is that the prices should have remained as of last year. In no way should they have gone up.
It's a while since I've seen a programme with as much rubbish content as last Saturday night’s R.T.E.’s ‘Up for the Match’. The two items with Marty Morrissey were dire. You wouldn’t use them as 11th hour Scor entrants. The Tipp. musical contribution was embarrassing while the Cats group were no great shakes. The personnel for these programmes is becoming pretty predictable and Micheal is just everywhere. If someone comes up with a prize I’d run a competition here for predicting the ‘guests’ for the football ‘Up for the Match’. Possibilities would include Paddy Cullen, Jimmy Keaveney, Pat Spillane, Darragh O’Shea, Micheal again, President C.L.C.G. again or U 2!

Mon. 1.30pm. There is a planning meeting for the 'Walk' captains tonight at ? Captains have been advised.

The big games this week: Thurs. Garda Cup Final in Boyle v Elphin @ 7.
Sat. in Strokestown the U 16s' play Clann na Gael in the County Final at 4 followed by the County Intermediate Semi-Final, Boyle v St. Dominick's @6. So a really bonanza double header for Boyle fans there. Put into your week-end planner.
The Ladies play Shannon Gaels on Sat. also details to follow.
Sun. Night the 4th of Sept. 12.00 midnight approx.
Just a reminder. On Wednesday night next the 7th, in St. Joseph’s Hall at 8.30, there is a big concert of the top entertainers in traditional and other genres being organised by Bernie Flaherty. The concert is in aid of the East Africa Famine Relief. The artists include Patsy and Pauline Hanly, Harry Bradley, James Carty, Breda and Aiden Shannon, Tommy Finn and Fiona Doherty, Colm O’Donnell , Brendan Maloney, Paul Emmett , Brendan Howley, Derek Caldbeck, Matt Burke and many more. Please try and support and spread the word on same in the few remaining days.
A lot of text tonight, so good luck. As Kieran Emmett used to say: ‘It’ll shorten the Winter’.
I have seen the very good Sunday Game coverage of the All-Ireland final. I was at the game. I don’t know if it was a great game but Kilkenny were pretty awesome in the sense that they dominated this game. The only analytical question is how Tipp. finished as close as they did on the final scoreline. It is hard to mention a Kilkenny player who had other than a top game today and that extends to 17 players. Some of the performances were magnificent. While J.J.Delaney got the panel’s ‘Man of the Match’ from Tommy Walshe and Michael Fennelly I was surprised that Noel Hickey wasn’t in the hat. What was Tommy Walshe doing with the mild swing that clipped the referee? While Henry was very good but not brilliant what an achievement to come back from two cruciate injuries to take his eighth medal and challenge Ring and Doyle who have 9. It is probably the only significant record that Kilkenny do not have. As Michael Duignan said: 'with a fit Henry, Kilkenny are almost unbeatable in the games that count'. Anyways there is a lot of material for posting here so I’ll post the business letters. (T.C.)
'Walk to Croker’ (update) per Martin Dolan: There was a large and enthusiastic gathering at the Official Launch of Boyle GAA Club's forthcoming "Walk to Croker", which was held in the Clubroom on Wednesday night. Tony Conboy M.C., "interviewed" the various dignitaries, including Shannonside fm commentator Willie Hegarty, Club President John Joe Nerney, Senior Club Captain Ciaran Supple, Ladies Club Captain Sinead O'Donohue and Minor Club player Donie Smith. The Club is deeply indebted to Roscommon Senior Manager Fergal O'Donnell who attended and gave an inspirational address and formally launched the project. Club Chairperson Aidan Lavin returned thanks on behalf of the Club.
The historic "Walk to Croker" project will commence on Monday next Sept. 12th, with assembly in the Abbey Park and a ceremonial walk around the Town before departure on this epic journey. The walk will be done in six stages and the walkers will arrive in Dublin on Saturday afternoon the 17th of September. Six Team Captains have been appointed to take charge of each day of the walk. The Captain for the first day-Monday 12th- will be senior player Mark O'Connor and he will be accompanied by many of the Club's current senior male panel. They will travel from Boyle to Rooskey, via Carrick on Shannon, Jamestown, Drumsna and Dromod. Seamus Nugent, who did a similar and very successful walk for Kilglass Gaels in 2007, will join the walkers in Dromod. Day 2-Tuesday 13th is "Ladies Day" when the Ladies Club with their Chairperson John Cummins at Captain. They will walk from Rooskey to Edgeworthstown ending at Conefrey’s Bar which has Boyle connections. The big location on this section will be Longford Town. The walkers will arrive there circa 1pm. It is hoped that Club members might travel to Longford to augment the numbers of collectors for an hour or so. Day 3 -Wednesday 14th will have Jan Flanagan in charge. They will travel from Edgeworthstown to Mullingar. We are being helped there by connections with the Downs Club. Again it will be appreciated if extra personnel might travel to Mullingar in the mid afternoon to augment the number of collectors. Day 4- Thursday 15th will be led by Margaret O'Neill and it will move from Mullingar to Moyvalley via Kinnegad. Day 5-Friday 16th will have Club P.R.O. Martin Dolan in charge. The walk will advance from Moyvalley to Maynooth via Enfield and Kilcock. Maynooth is the big one on this day and the Club is appealing to Club Members living or working in the Dublin area and those on the way home for the weekend to meet up with the collectors in Maynooth on Friday afternoon. We will have the assistance of Boyle connections in Maynooth. Saturday 17th is the last day for walking as the entourage moves from Maynooth to Dublin. The leader on Friday will be Club Chairperson Aidan Lavin. This day will take in Leixlip and Lucan and the entrance to Dublin, finishing in O'Connell Street circa 4pm. We will have Boyle in the city coming on board there. Kathleen Hanmore, Club Secretary will be the leader in the Capital on Sunday the 18th (All-Ireland Football Day) when collectors will be in action around the Croke Park area before and after the All Ireland Football Finals. The Club is appealing to as many Club members as possible to make a special effort to get to Dublin to help on the two weekend days. Assistance from ex-Boyle and ex-Co. Roscommon people in the Dublin area will be much appreciated. While the Walk can be a significant social and historic project the objective is a very serious one of collecting money. So collectors need to very conscious of that objective. Another thing is to be careful on the roads as the last thing we need is an accident.
General Notes: There are a number of very 'big' games this week listed below.
The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Clarke’s recently;-Vincent Egan, Paul Kelly, Eugene Cregg, Jonathan Wynne, Colm Loftus, Elaine Purcell, Dillon McGovern, Vicky Emmett, Colm Brennan and Claire Kelly. The house prize was won by John Mitchell. There was no jackpot winner and it will stand at €4,200 for this week's draw which will be held in the Abbey Bar on this Saturday night. Team "C"-Kathleen Hanmore's team will be in charge.
The U 12s’ are continuing their competitive season. The U14s have a big game this week as they face Elphin in the Garda Cup Final in the Abbey Park on this Thursday at 7pm. Support will be appreciated for this important game. The David O'Connor Auctioneering U16s’ also have a big engagement as they will take on Clann na Gael in the Division 1 County Championship Final in Strokestown (new pitch Tulsk Road near Convent Secondary School) on Saturday next at 4pm. This will be the curtain raiser to another major game involving the Club as our McGovern Directional Drill team will take on St Dominick’s in the Intermediate Championship Semi Final at 6pm. Clearly this is the biggest competitive weekend of the year to date for the Club. The National Automation Limited minors had a great win over Roscommon Gaels in the Division 1 Minor Championship in the Abbey Park on Wednesday evening last. They will meet Clann na Gael in the semi-final of this championship. The Cooney Motors/ Cooney Centra juniors are awaiting news of their next outing. The Club is appealing for more walkers on each of the days, and especially for the weekend in Dublin--see above. All team managers are asked to ensure that pitch co-ordinator Martin Purcell is advised of any proposed fixtures, be they games or training sessions. If anyone finds an umpire's green flag, please leave it at the Clubroom!
Boyle Ladies Club; The Ladies Club hosted a very successful Sean Daly Memorial Cup U14 competition on Saturday in the Abbey Park. Congratulations to Shannon Gaels on winning the cup. Thanks to Paddy and Monica Daly who presented the trophy to winning captain Aisling Egan. The Boyle U14 girls were very busy last week. They defeated Padraig Pearses in the Abbey Park on Monday and they lost to Clan na Gael in Johnstown on Wednesday. They play St Ciaran's in Fuerty on this Monday. They are scheduled to play the championship quarterfinal on this Friday evening. Details will be provided at training. Boyle Junior Ladies sponsored by Green Veterinary Centre and Kennels had a great win over Western Gaels in the Abbey Park on Tuesday last. This was an excellent display by both teams win Boyle coming out on top by two points. This ensures that they have topped the group table. They are scheduled to take on Shannon Gaels in the County Junior Semi Final on Saturday-see fixtures . The Ladies Club thanks Barry Lynch of Green Veterinary Centre and Kennels for sponsorship of a set of jerseys for the girls. The "walk to Croker" project requires more volunteers for the Ladies Club. Those wishing to take part should contact John Cummins or any of the Team Captains. The Ladies Club wishes good luck to the various male and female club teams in action in important games this week.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/Fiona Lavin/T.C.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2011-09-01T21:52:00.000+01:00

Fri. 10.15 pm. The ladies team names has arrived:

Laura Gannon, Angela Moran, Saoirse O Flaherty, Jenni Conroy,
Suzie Keenehan, Sinead Cummins, Caitriona Leonard,
Maria Keenehan, Caitriona Hanmore,
Emer Killalea, Nicole Mc Dermott, Danielle Gaffney,
Sinead O'Donohoe, Sinead Keenehan, Sharon Conroy.
Subs used: Coleen Regan, Nicole Kerins, Aisling Dolan, Natasha Regan, Orla Nicholson. (Thanks Angela).

Fri. 9.30am:

I missed out on one team list of the last few days below and that is the Ladies team who turned their game around so well against Western Gaels on Tuesday evening. So someone might forward same please...always please even if not mentioned!

I see from this am's paper reviews considerable resistance-especially in Kilkenny- to the prices for All-Ireland Final hurling tickets of €80. Very understandable in these times and compounded if you have family multiples. The market and times dictate. It would be some indicator if there was a significant fall attendance. Anyone going from Boyle Sat. or Sun. early might let me know as I'm going up for one more time. It looks as if it will be a special game.

Thursday 11pm.

I’d just like to add the names of the teams who gave the outstanding performances of the last few days with three wins:
The David O'Connor Auctioneering U16s’ was as follows; Kuba Karpowicz, P.Goldrick, P.Nally, J. Regan, R. Finneran, L. Brennan, D. Mattmoe, E.Lavin (0.1), E. McGrath, S. Filan, C. Goldrick (0.4), C. McKeon (2.0), D. Boylan, T.Halligan, Ml. Lavin (3.1) subs B. Conway, D. King, E. Beirne, E. Reid (The club would like to welcome Ewan Reid to Boyle and GAA activities here), J. Sweeney injured. They defeated Strokestown in Saurday’s cracker at Elphin. They play Clann na Gael in the Co. Final shortly.
The McGovern Directional Drilling Intermediate team which overcame Kilglass Gaels was; T. Lowe, A. Sharkey, S. Purcell, Ml. O’Donnell, C. Beirne, M.OConnor (0.1), D. Casey, C. Cox, S. Tonra, D. Callaghan (0.2), D.O’Connor (0.1), K. McLoughlin, D. Smith (0.6), C. Smith (1.0 pen.), M.O’Donohoe (0.1) Subs used J. Suffin, A.O’Connor, C. Cox.
The National Automation minors: J. McDermott, L. Brennan, B. Furey, L. Harrington, E. McGrath, T. McKenna, G. Gunning, D. Smith (0.3), E. Smith (0.4), E. Lavin, C. Goldrick (0.4), C. McPadden (0.2), D. East, Ml.Lavin, P. McDermott (0.1) subs. P.Sweeney (0.2), L. Roddy (1.0) with M. Goldrick, J. Nally, C. Tivnan, D. Mattimoe, D. Boylan. Their probable opponents in the semi-final are a very strong Padraig Pearses.

I'd also like to add the fact that Eoin Kennedy of Dublin (son of Eugene and nephew of Pat and Joe of Boyle) remains on course for a phenomenal eighth successive All-Ireland senior singles title after defeating Dessie Keegan of Ballaghaderreen in the semi-final. He now meets Robbie McCarthy of W'meath in Abbeylara on Sat. next at 4pm. If Eoin wins, then he will surpass the record of the the prince of Boyle handballers Paddy Perry of the 30s'. (Paddy Perry won 3 Dublin senior titles in the one day....Gaelic football and hurling with Garda and handball defeating Peter Berry even though Paddy played with a serious ankle injury). It is a great pity that handball, where Boyle was once supreme, is not being played in the town now.

I'd like to compliment Sean O'Dowd of realboyle.com for the fine set of pics from the unveiling of the Dermot Earley memorial last Saturday morning in Gorthaganny.
View a slideshow of the Dermot Earley photos [here...]

and also the photos posted of the Walk launch [here...]

Query: Does anyone remember a Mister McNicholas who won an All-Ireland senior medal with Mayo probably in '36. He was a schools inspector and was down as having lived in Boyle for a time.

2011-09-01T17:16:00.000+01:00

(Click on photo above to view a larger version...)

A quick post. I told you (so) this was going to be a game not to miss and so it transpired. The minors had a fine win over Roscommon Gaels at the Abbey Park last evening. I attended a cracking U 16 game in Elphin on Sat. but this was even better as a nail biting classic with fine football by both sides and a Boyle win with the dream late goal. Hopefully I'll get back to this tonight but in the meantime well done to all involved. This was just the quarter final and there are other big obstacles to climb. I felt that the crowd (though there were a lot of Gaels fans also) and the Abbey Park played a significant role.

The Ladies had a fine win over old rivals Western Gaels on Tuesday evening. They got off to a bad start. I had to leave and I was very pleasantly surprised with the turn of events and the Ladies win.

The Walk to Croker was launched last night with Willie Hegarty, John Joe Nerney, Fergal O'Donnell, Aidan, Sinead O'Donohoe, Kieran Supple, Donal Smith, Seamus Nugent and a good and enthusiastic gathering.

Roch any pic. of the Oz team?

I'm off to the Abbey.

2011-08-30T23:07:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Saoirse Wynne All Ireland winner of the U10 hurdles 60m at the Community Games

Tuesday 12.00 midnight.

While there will be a bit of reference towards the end of this post the TWO main messages tonight are:

1. At 6.30 tomorrow Wednesday the Minors play Roscommon Gaels in the C'Ship Semi-Final. Your support is earnestly requested. These are two top teams at this level so it should be a cracker as Carson used to say.

2. The launch of the 'Walk to Croker' takes pace in the Club rooms at 8.30 (also tomorrow Wed. night)with a number of GAA legends in attendance. It is hoped that there will be a top crowd there also. The posters are out and about. There is still a need for people to 'firm up' the days they are available. Of course there is a need for a substantial number more of volunteers. There is also a requirement for a large number for Saturday and Sunday in Dublin. We were hoping that Boyle people living in Dublin would help out.

We have had very encouraging contact with Marc Cunningham in 'The Downs' Club outside Mullingar and with Ronan Hever in Maynooth and Conefrey's Bar in Edgeworthstown amongst others.

Errata: There is a very good letter in this week's Roscommon Herald -page 8- regarding the illogical/ irrational/ conflicitng/ contradictory/ chaotic/ vexing and downright anti-west of the Shannon fare-pricing structures of C.I.E. The letter is headlined: 'Shame on Iarnrod Eireann'. Apparently one can get a return to Dublin for €15 from Longford (but this was pulled at the eleventh hour on a recent Sunday) while it is €44 from Boyle. (While I am not good at internet booking it is said that there are concessions there).

Another recent vexing thing was the sight of perhaps 30 cars 'clamped' near Croke Park on the Sunday of Ros. v Tyrone. Some people seem to think that Croke Park is a major irritation rather than bringing millions of euro and major employment to that area of Dublin city. Maybe Croke Park should have moved to a green field site in the midlands, a few years ago, since it is such a frustration to so many people in its present vicinity!

There was another interesting letter by accomplished letter writer and Sunday Miscellany contributer Jack Fallon on Saturday's Irish Times.

It was nice to see, on the Sunday Independent Sports section, page 6, reference to the Boyle Walk to Croker thanks to Eamon Sweeney.

I see that Steve Earl's (Galway Girl composer) latest album is titled 'I'll Never Get Out of this World Alive'. Groucho Marx (I think) said: 'I don't mind dying, I just don't want to be around when it happens'.

Just a reminder for people using the bins in the park: I am not convinced that the recycle bin is the correct bin for: used tea bags, sour milk cartons and banana skins!

2011-08-29T01:08:00.000+01:00

Monday 1.15 am.
Congrats to the Irish Warriors team in Oz on their great win in the International Oz Football competition final there on Sat. Further details on the 'Australian Football International Cup' web site.

Note the details below of the 'Walk to Croker' launch on Wed. at 8.30 and the very important minor c'ship game the same evening at 6.30 v Ros. Gaels, for which support is canvassed.

It was a successful week on the playing fields for all Boyle teams.

The U14s had a good win over Strokestown in the Garda Cup semi final. They will play Elphin in the final in the Abbey Park on Thursday 8th September.

The U16s had a well merited win over old rivals Strokestown in the County Division 1 Championship semi-final in Elphin on Saturday last.This was a superb match with the lead changing hand frequently. The old cliche that goals win matches was never so appropriate as on this occasion. Boyle won this game through two excellent goals from Cian McKeon and a further three goals from Micheal Lavin. Final score Boyle 5 7, Strokestown 2 6. Well done to the lads and the management on this never say die performance.They now await their County Final opponents from the other semi final.

The entourage moved on from Elphin to Kilmore on Saturday evening to the Intermediate Championship Quarter Final in which the McGovern Directional Drilling team had a clear cut win over Kilglass Gaels. They will meet old rival St Dominics in the County Semi Final.

The National Automation Limited minors will commence their championship campaign when they take on Roscommon Gaels in the Abbey Park on this Wednesday at 6.30pm.Please spread the word.

Many thanks to Michael Brennan, Paul Beirne, Martin and Paul Purcell and others who ensured that everything was in readiness for the St Ronan's versus Eire Og game in the Abbey Park on Saturday evening.

All fully paid up Club members are eligible to make application to purchase a limited number of All Ireland Football Final tickets. Applications must be made to Club Secretary Kathleen Hanmore by 7pm on this Wednesday evening 31st August and a draw will be held to determine the successful purchasers.

The official launch of the "Road to Croker" fundraising walk will be held in the Clubrom on this Wednesday evening at 8.30pm. All club members and all who are intending to participate in the project are invited to attend. There is already a considerable number of volunteers listed to walk but the Team Captains for each day of the walk are anxious to hear from those who have not yet indicated their intention to walk. The following are theTeam Captains;- Monday -Mark O'Connor, Tuesday-John Cummins, Wednesday-Jan Flanagan, Thursday-Margaret O'Neill, Friday-Martin Dolan, Saturday-Aidan Lavin, Sunday-Kathleen Hanmore.

The sympathy of the entire Club membership is extended to the O'Donnell Family, Roscommon and Boyle on the sudden death of Mrs. Ada O'Donnell, mother of Fergal, and to Michael Furey and Family on the passing of Michael's aunt,

Ladies Club;
The Boyle Ladies will play Western Gaels in the County Junior Championship on this Tuesday at 7pm in the Abbey Park. Your support is requested as this game will determine who will top the table in this group. The U14s played Padraig Pearses on Monday evening. They will travel to Johnstown on this Wednesday to play Clan na Gael. They will also be in action on Saturday next in the Sean Daly Memorial Cup competition in the Abbey Park. All teams who have been invited to participate in this competition are asked to confirm their attendance immediatly.

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

2011-08-27T08:46:00.000+01:00

9am.
Ireland came from 5 goals or so down with a dramatic late charge to win the Int. World Cup in the M.C.G. in Melbourne over favourites Papua New Guinea. Log into Austr. Football Int. Cup for details. T.C. Congrats Roch/John/ and JOE Cunnane. T.C. the same one. I'm rushing!

2pm. Back from Gorthaganny and the Dermot Earley memorial I'll refer to same anon. Off now to Elphin and Boyle U 16s' v Strokestown.

5pm. Two up one to go. I am just after coming home from a cracking U 16 win over Strokestown at Elphin. Boyle 5.7 to 2.6. It wasn't as easy as the score suggests and there were many swings and roundabouts. A class goal from young Cian McKeon on 19 minutes of the second half led to a Boyle winning revival. Cian addded another great goal two minutes later with Ml. Lavin getting 3 goals but probably my 'Man of the Match' would go to Evan McGrath. Cian's was one of the great goals like Paraic Downes in Oran v Pearses at U 16 in 1996, though we lost that semi-final. If you do not come to see the U 16 team and the minors next WED. (not Sat.) at Boyle v Ros. Gaels in th C'ship then you are really missing out.
And so to Kilmore for Boyle V Kilglass in the Int. C'Ship.

11/12pm.
3 out of 3 then.
Boyle advanced to the Intermediate C'Ship Semi-Final with a comfortable win over a below par Kilglass Gaels at Kilmore. Boyle had a winning lead at half time 0.9 to 0.3 and it looked as if they would pull even further away after a penalty three minutes into the second half. They could only add 2 further points in that unsatisfactory second half while Kilglass could only add one. The final score was: Boyle 1.11 Kilglass Gaels 0.4.
The Boyle team was: T. Lowe, A. Finn, S. Purcell, Ml. O'Donnell, C. Beirne, M.O'Connor 0.1, D. Casey, S. Tonra, C. Cox, D. O'Callaghan 0. 2, C. Smith gl. pen, K. McLoughlin, M. O'Donohoe 0.1, D. O'Connor 0.1, D. Smith 0.6- 1 fr. with J. Suffin and A. O'Connor that I saw.
Among the better performances from Boyle Seanie Purcell: did well in the unaccustomed role of full back. David Casey showed power and experience while C. Cox had one of his best games for some time but the performance of the day, in terms of many aspects, such as scoring, vision and football nuance, was that of Donie Smith -on his week's journey from Croke Park to Kilmore- . I imagine we'll be hearing a bit of that 'into the future' as they say in the States.
In the other Intermediate results; Pearses-C'Ship favourites- beat Tulsk and now meet the winners of St. Ronan's (who defeated Eire Og in a qualifier) and Fuerty while Boyle play traditional rivals of late, St. Dominick's. This Sun. evening's top game is Castlerea V Western Gaels in Elphin.
Sin e after a busy Sat. Tomorrow's highlights (!) a 'Church Gate Collection' and M.C.n the 'Wheel of Fortune' in the Gym for the Summer Show. This a throwback to the very old days at St. Mary's College. Of course there is also the Dubs. v Donegal and the Galway minors v Dublin and the 'long sod of turf competion' at the show.
Goodnight T.C.

2011-08-26T19:22:00.000+01:00

I'll deal with the Walk poster above anon.

Friday. 7.30.

3 Big Games tomorrow. First up is Roch and the boys in green, Roch/John Tierney and Mr. Cunnane in Melbourne. I wonder is there a streaming recording of this?

Then the Boyle U 16 team take on Strokestown in Elphin at 2.30. Is this the Co. Semi-Final?

Then at 7, in Kilmore, the Boyle Intermediate side play Kilglass in the Co. C'Ship quarter finals.

The best of luck to all involved in these games.

In the morning there is the unveiling of the Dermot Earley memorial at his home at Gorthaganny at 11am.

The fine Irish poet, Paul Muldoon, is in The Dock at 2pm!

Mae Moran is making s presentation on Paddy Moran in Ardcarne Church at 9pm.

That should sort out most of the day with a few items from the domestic list! So I don't think I'll not stir out tonight. (That sounds like a tweet).

'And so to bed' (Samuel Pepys) blog.

2011-08-24T13:42:00.000+01:00

Wed. 2pm.

I see Ireland has qualified for the final of the AF Cup in Oz with Roch Hanmore mentioned in dispatches and with other local connections in John Tierney (son of Christine O'Callaghan and grandson of Micheal and Nellie) and x Cunnane from Tulsk. They beat New Zealand in the Semi Final last night and meet Papua New Guinea in the final on Saturday before a regular game-Hawthrons v Western Bulldogs- at the MCG in Melbourne. So a quiz question looming there; What two well connected Boyle men played in a World Cup Final in the MCG in Melbourne?
So Roch/John and X, if you happen on this, the best of luck on Sat. It is a fine achievement.

For further info. and an a/c of the Semi Final chase it up on the web as I'm sure the vast majority of youse are more adept at that than I am.

Ciaran got your post. Thank you.

2011-08-22T11:15:00.000+01:00

Mon. 11.20am.

Road to Croker Meeting Wed. at 9 and each Wednesday night with the 'Official Launch' onj Wed. the 31st. Along with the 'full day' walkers/collectors people who might be able able to give a part of a day to give a 'dig out' in say Longford/Mullingar or some such place on an evening are also asked to contact Kathleen or Aidan or one of the captains whose names I'll have here anon. It is necessary to 'firm up' the names and days NOW so we know the picture.

The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held recently in the Railway Bar; Finola Doherty, Paul and Anita Kearney, Tom McGarrity, Eileen McGowan, John Joe Carty, Paddy Doran, James McGee, Damien Wallace, Marie McPadden and John Mitchell. The house prize was won by Alice Mattimoe. The numbers drawn were: 1/7/8/27. There was no jackpot winner and it will stand at €4,100 for this week's draw which will be held in Clarke's Bar on Saturday night next. Team B will be in charge.

The U14s have their Garda Cup game with Strokestown in the Abbey Park on this Thursday at 7pm.

The U16s will also play Strokestown opposition on Saturday next at 2.30 pm in Elphin in the Division 1 Championship semi final.

The National Automation Limited minors and the Cooney Motors/ Cooneys Centra teams will have no action this weekend.

The McGovern Directional Drilling team will travel to Kilmore on Saturday evening next to take on Kilglass Gaels in the Intermediate Championship quarterfinal at 7pm. All supporters are asked to come along for this important fixture.

The Club extends its thanks to the Roscommon minor team panel and management for having given us such an enjoyable year. It was a wonderful achievement to reach the All Ireland Semi Final and to go down narrowly to an excellent Tipperary team. The Club is proud of them and especially Donie, Enda and Tadhg.

Thanks is extended to the minor club who brought a coach load of underage members to Croke Park on Sunday. An enjoyable day was had by all.

The Club extends its congratulations to Saoirse Wynne, daughter of Boyle senior team manager, Garry, and Ann, who won the Community Games National title in the U10 hurdles on Sunday in Athlone and to Kate Murphy who won bronze in the U8 gymnastics.

The Road to Croker fundraising project is taking shape. Team captains have been appointed to take charge of each of the six days of walking. It is anticipated that ALL adult club members-male and female, will participate on at least one of the days. Those who have not already done so are asked to confirm with Club Secretary Kathleen Hanmore (086 1229421) regarding which day they will be available to participate in walking or collecting. The next planning meeting for this project will be held in the Clubrooms on this Wednesday at 9pm. Members of all three sections of the Club are requested to attend.
Go raibh maith agaibh
Martin Dolan
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529.

2011-08-18T19:42:00.000+01:00

I am posting this on Thursday night at 10.45pm. If there is anyone coming through Roscommon town to Boyle tomorrow perhaps that person might contact me on 071 9662436 as I need a message collected in Ros. I seem to have 'lost' my mobile today hence the landline no.

Paddy, received your post with enclosure for which many thanks.

Last night's 'Walk to Croker' meeting advanced the planning process. There is a great need for volunteers who say they are interested in walking/collecting to 'firm up' the exact dates in which they will be available between Monday the 12th to Sunday the 18th. There is a real need for at least 12 people per day. Captains for each day are in place to coordinate each day's Walk. Hopefully there will be a mix of personnel and not a concentration of a particular group on any day.

While there is a social/cameraderie notion to the project let there be no doubt but that the underlying very serious core reason for this project is the collection of a substantial amount of money. This is necessary to reduce the debt burden from the approx. €130,000 owing at the moment. Without doing this the option is to reduce current expenditure and postpone, indefinitely, any futher development plans. It may be necessary to realise that this is not for the benefit of the likes of Tony Conboy, Aidan Lavin, Kathleen Hanmore, Martin Dolan, Martin Purcell, Michael Brennan or the other senior activists in the club. This is for the present and future generations who avail of the fine facilities now in place. Also the present executive would like to able to see a reasonable balance of payments balance sheet for any incoming AGM executive. So let everyone put the shoulder to the wheel...please... and give this project the push it deserves. It was great to see the number of fresh faces at the meeting of Aug. 11th. There is also the hope that Boyle people in Dublin and along the route will come on board. We are really appealing to the younger set in Dublin to come on board definitely. The Saturday/Sunday in Dublin is key.

That's my sermon for now !!

There will be meetings each of the three remaining Wednesday nights up to the event and there will be a 'Launch' on Wednesday August the 31st at 8.30 in the Club rooms.

2011-08-16T11:58:00.000+01:00

Tues. 12.30pm.
Walk to Croker Matting Wednesday 9pm.

I am keeping an eye on the AFL International Cup in Oz. Ireland has had two impressive wins to date over England and X. If you want to see more log on to AFL International Cup. Ireland meet Sweden tomorrow. The local interest is of course the inclusion of Roch Hanmore on the panel plus John Tierney granson of Micheal O'Callagahn and Cunnane x Tulsk GAA. Apparently Ireland have strengthened their team with the inclusion of eligible fringe AFL players like Asaki O'Hailpin and are expected to be in contention.
I had a newspaper interview extract forwarded to me showing Roch's soft and romantic side with his proposal to his Australian girlfriend Mandy et al.

2011-08-15T09:19:00.000+01:00

Mon. 9.30am.
Walk to Croker: The next meeting re. the 'Walk' is on this Wednesday night at 9.There is a most encouraging positive response to the request for volunteers to take part in the "Walk to Croker" fundraising project. Team Captains have volunteered and been appointed to take charge of each day of the walk. We are anxious that all interested in participating in walking or collecting would give their names to Club Secretary Kathleen Hanmore at 086 1229421 or to any of the Club officers, stating day or days of availability. The project will be undertaken over six days, commencing on Monday 12th September, with an average of twenty miles being covered daily. We ware hoping to have up to twenty volunteers in action from Monday to Saturday and we will need at least forty to cover collections in Dublin on All-Ireland Sunday. Hopefully our numbers will be boosted in Dublin by Boyle residents there on the Saturday evening and on Sunday before and after the All-Ireland...so please let us know or get a group organised to meet us when and where required in Dublin for a few hours.

Congratulations to Castlerea St Kevins on winning the Keenan Cup Final against Tulsk on Tuesday last in the Abbey Park. Thanks to all who assisted in the hosting of the final of this competition which is of special significance to Boyle. Special thanks is due to Martin and Paul Purcell and Michael Brennan who ensured that the pitch was in perfect condition.
Our U14s will commence their Garda Cup campaign on Thursday evening at 7pm when they travel to Ballyfarnon to play St Ronans.
The U16s are awaiting details of their upcoming County Semi Final fixture. Three members of ths panel were in Fr Manning Cup action in Longford on Wednesday last. Regrettably the side lost to Westmeath.
The National Automation Limited minors have been busy preparing for their upcoming championship with some useful challenge games.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra junior team had a good win over Elphin in the Tansey Cup on Saturday evening in the Abbey Park.This leaves them well positioned in this competition. They have no game this weekend.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team will play the County Intermediate Championship Quarter Final against Kilglass Gaels in Kilmore on Saturday week the 27th at 7pm.
The Club extends best wishes to the Roscommon minors, especially Donal, Enda and Tadhg when they take on Tipperary in the All Ireland Semi Final on Sunday next in Croke Park.

Ladies Club:
Boyle U14 girls Championship games resume this week, on Friday they play St Barrys away, on Monday 22 August they play Clann na Gael away. Full details will be given at training.
Boyle Junior Ladies are scheduled to play Western Gaels in Boyle this weekend, check fixtures for details.
Boyle Ladies GAA wish Donie, Enda and Tadgh the best of luck in Minor Semi final this Sunday.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/Fiona Mattimoe/T.C.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

2011-08-12T23:16:00.000+01:00

Sat. 11.30 pm.

‘The Walk to Croker’ will be an ongoing theme of this blog for the next month or so. It will probably become one of the Club’s most notable events. Years ago Tulsk Club engaged in a re-creation march of the Tain, Queen Maeve and the brown or was it white bull of Cooley epic. A couple of years ago Seamus Nugent headed up a Kilglass Gaels walk to Croke Park. Both are now parts of the folklore of those clubs. This is our time to create our folklore. Below is a summary of last Thursday night's planning meeting by the ‘Walk’s’ originator, Kathleen Hanmore.

Tony,
Tus mhaith leath na h-oibre (a good start is half the work).This motivational sean-fhocail could certainly be applied to the Planning stages of the Clubs' Walk to Croker. All three sections of the Club, together with a number of parents, attended the second planning meeting on Thursday night last. Enthusiasm and energy were palpable and many useful and well thought out ideas were proposed to make ‘The Walk’ a success.
Plans are ‘afoot’ to undertake a ‘recce’ of the proposed route to ascertain the best collection points. It is encouraging, that even at this early stage, Captains for the six days of the walk have emerged. Their details will appear on all pre- walk publicity which is being produced by Purcell Print. So please do get in touch and join the fun!
It has also been decided to seek the support and publicity of all forms of media along the route and nationally. GAA clubs on the route will also be contacted.The assistance of Boyle ex-pats, family and personal connections in the various towns and especially those in Dublin will also be sought.
It is planned to "kit" out walkers with a t- shirt and high-vis vests. While conscious and appreciative of the many demands on local businesses for sponsorship, any support and every contribution towards the walk will be much appreciated.
While Barack Obama's visit may be a distant memory, his mantra of "Is feidir linn" is very much in evidence in Boyle GAA Club.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday (please note change of day) at 9pm.

2011-08-11T00:23:00.000+01:00

Thurs. 12.50ish(am) and it is just pouring rain outside.

Road to Croker Meeting tonight, Thurs., at 9. If there are readers in Dublin or along the route please contact us as we will need all the support and contacts that we can muster, along the route, for that week.

Roscommon Co. Board €100 Members Draw winners August 2nd
posted 2 Aug 2011 11:46 by PRO Roscommon. [ updated 2 Aug 2011 11:54 ]
Congratulations to the following who were winners at the first Roscommon GAA Members Draw which took place at the Roscommon Races a few moments ago:
1st Prize - €10,000: John Callaghan (Seller - Ballinameen)
2nd Prize - €3,000: Alana Glynn (Seller - Roscommon Gaels)
3rd Prize - €1,000: Paddy & Phil Kenny (Seller - St. Brigids)
4th Prize - €1,000: Rory Naughton (Seller - St. Dominics)
The next draw will take place in September and the final draw will take place in October.

I really recommend the Sunday Indo back page with Eamon Sweeney. Last Sunday he had a good piece on the GAA polituburo seeking an apology from the Wexford goalie for remarks made on twitter or where ever. Also there was an excellent account of the incremental confrontation between Kildare and Donegal from Tommy Conlon (who once worked with the Ros. Her.)with; "...if ever there was a game quarried out this was one. Cassidy arrived at the end of it and unleashed the long-distance shot that travelled all the way into Donegal folklore. ... Michael Murphy,with a deft chip up, that bought the two most precious commodities on the night; a second of time and a pocketful of space." (Does the full stop go inside or outside the quotation marks? Please advise!) Amongst the great writing of modern times is that of sports jounalists a number of them being American but I think Keith Duggan's piece on the Connacht final the equal of any. Eamon Sweeney, of Gurteen and St. Mary's College, is not be missed either.

I had a chat with a former 70s' Boyle under-age star, home from East London, yesterday, Declan Fitpatrick of Forest View. He told me his brother is now the proprietor of the pub at the foot of Croagh Patrick so perhaps I'll give it a go.

There is a return of the North-West C'Ship (in a number of grades) this year with Boyle v St. Ronan's as the club's opening Intermediate fixture. Fixture dates etc. t.b.a.

The Dermot Earley memorial beside his home in Gorthaganny, being produced by Feeley's, will be unveiled on Sat. August the 27th by President Mary McAleese at 11.30am. It's a great pity that Dermot wasn't around to contest the Presidency. It would be something to see the percentage turnout in Roscommon if he was.

Roscommon's Supporters Club in Dublin will honour the 1961/62 Roscommon senior teams at a dinner in Croke Park on Saturday October the 15th. There will be a visit to the GAA museum incl. the Dermot Earley section, beforehand, at 5pm.

For details of the various ways of accessing tickets for the All-Ireland Semi Final it is best to see the Roscommon Herald outline on page 10 of its Sport's Section. It shows there are more ways to skin a cat than one. If there is a club bus going let me know in time so that I can mention same.

I got a complimentary missive from Melbourne yesterday, for which I thank the sender, with the additional info. that: "you will see Stuart Daly (Glaveys & Ros) far left back row (bush hair) playing with us, great bitta stuff" on the green and gold team. If anyone knows connections of Stuart you could guide them to the pic.

If there are spelling mistakes above it is that my head is going faster than my fingers and then my fingers often insist on taking two keys instead of one, to be sure, to be sure, like the double yellow line outside the Abbey! No spell check on blog I think.

'Goodnight and Good Luck' Ed. Murrow.

2011-08-09T23:07:00.000+01:00

Tues. 11.15ish pm:
We wish Eoin Lavin, Luke Brennan and Colin Goldrick the best of luck tomorrow evening (Wed.) in the Fr. Manning Cup Final at Longford v Westmeath, and also Ml. Lavin in the Shield final for Leitrim v Sligo. It is great to see 3 Boyle players on the County Minor side and 4 involved at U 16 level.
The Tansey Cup game v Elphin is on Sat. evening at 7.30 in Boyle.
Plans for the Walk to Croker are gathering momentum with the next meeting on this Thursday night the 11th at 9pm.

2011-08-08T21:50:00.000+01:00

A la v Kilbride in Kilbride July 6th '08.

I'd like to thank Tadhg Egan, Vancouver, for forwarding me these pics. of two Boyle legends now plying their football trade in Melbourne. Apparently Killian (with a K) Egan and Damien Keenehan (not Keeneghan) are staying in the same house but playing for different teams. Damien was captain of the winning team. Apparently the weather for the game was pretty Irish. Damo's hairstyle has a disticnt Oz flow to it. Killian is in the team picture above, third from right, back row.

2011-08-08T09:27:00.000+01:00

Mon. 9.32am ish..Road to Croker (R.T.C.).... A full attendance of the three sections of the Club-the senior and minor clubs and the ladies club-is expected for the next meeting which will be held in the Clubroom on this Thursday 11th August at 9pm to advance plans for the "Road to Croker" fundraising walk to Croke Park in September.

The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in An Craoibhín recently;-John Healy, Dermot Hayden, Pat Wynne, James and Ailish Goldrick, Seamus Cooney, Jason Harrington, Christy Dunne, Sean Cooney, Karen Purcell and Oriel Regan. The house prize was won by T.J. McDonagh. The jackpot wasn't won and it will stand at €4,000 for the next draw which will be held on Saturday night next in the Railway Bar. Team A will be in charge.
The Keenan Cup Final between Tulsk and Castlerea St. Kevins will be held in the Abbey Park on this Tuesday at 7pm. This is an important annual fixture for the Club as the trophy for this competition for U11 teams from north west Roscommon is in memory of the late Ernan Keenan from Boyle.
The U12s "A" team will play Castlerea St Kevins in Castlerea on Sunday at 12 noon. The U12 "B" team will play Padraig Pearses in Woodmount on Monday next 15th at 7.30pm.
The U14s will commence their Garda Cup campaign within the next week or so.
The U16s had a vital win over St Croans in Enfield last week, thus qualifying for the Division 1 County Semi Final. Club members are asked to support the County U16 team which will play the Final of the Fr Manning Cup competition in Longlord Slashers grounds, Longford on this Wednesday evening at 7pm. There are a number of Boyle players on the panel.
The National Automation Limited minor team had a useful outing recently in preparation for the upcoming championship.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooneys Centra junior team had mixed fortunes recently. They bowed out of the County Junior A Championship against Clan na Gael in Boyle last week, but they beat the same opposition a few days later in the Tansey Cup. Thanks to Kathleen who organised the catering on both evenings. They are scheduled to play Elphin in the next round of this competition in the Abbey park on Saturday evening at 7pm.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team suffered a two point defeat to St Brigids in the O'Rourke Cup on Friday evening last in Kiltoom. This was a lively encounter with a lot of positives to be taken from it.
Thanks to all who purchased full or shared tickets for the County Board draw, thus enabling the Club to achieve its target.
Supporters are reminded that tickets for the All Ireland Semi Finals on Sunday week may be purchased from the County Board of direct from Croke Park at www.tickets.ie . It's expected that large numbers from the Club will travel to support Donal, Enda, Tadhg and the rest of the Roscommon Minors when they take on Tipperary.
All users of the Abbey Park facilities are reminded to ensure that all doors, windows, gates etc are secured on leaving the premises.

Boyle Ladies Club:
Boyle GAA Club (Mens, Minor & Ladies) are walking to Croke Park on the week
leading up to All Ireland Finals, Boyle Ladies Club require volunteers to
walk, collect and assist with this fund raiser to reduce the debt on the
Clubroom. Meeting this Thursday night at 9.00pm in Abbey Park. Please
attend.
Boyle U14 girls train every Wednesday and Friday, next game v St Ciarans
(away) Monday 12 August full details will be given at training.
Boyle Junior Ladies next Championship game v St Mary's weekend of 21 August.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C./Fiona Mattimoe.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529.

2011-08-06T21:40:00.000+01:00

Sat. 9.49.'The Road to Croker' Notes.

There was a large and enthusiastic attendance at Thursday night's meeting in the Clubroom to unveil preliminary plans for the forthcoming "Road to Croker" project when members of the three sections of Boyle GAA -- the adult and minor male clubs and the ladies club will join forces for a fundraising walk to Dublin in the week leading up to the All Ireland Football Final.

The walk will be undertaken in stages commencing in Boyle on Monday 12th September and arriving in Dublin on Saturday afternoon 16th September, with collections being done in towns and villages along the route and in Dublin on Saturday and Sunday when Dublin will be crowded with supporters for the All Ireland Finals. The route to be taken will follow the "old" road to Dublin, thus avoiding motorways.Approximately thirty kilometres will be walked daily.

Team leaders are being recruited, and some have already volunteered, to take charge of each day's walking and collecting. A minimum of a dozen volunteers will be required on each of the six days so as to share the walking and to ensure that there are sufficient numbers to collect in the towns and villages. While a dozen is the minimum, it is hoped that there will be nearer to twenty per day.

We will also need substantial numbers to assist with collecting in Dublin on Saturday evening and again on All Ireland Sunday, when hopefully we will be supporting the Roscommon minors.
We are encouraging club members and parents of players etc to give some of their time during the course of the week. If we get sufficient numbers, there will be no need for anyone to give more than one day to the cause.

The enthusiasm shown at Thursday night's meeting was most encouraging and it is evident that there is already a substantial core group enlisted.

Those wishing to become involved in this historic and important project are asked to text Club Secretary, Kathleen Hanmore at 086 1229421 or to contact any of the officers of any of the three clubs. The next meeting re the project will be held in the Clubhouse on Thursday next 11th August at 9pm and all interested in becoming involved are asked to attend.
The Club is also appealing to the many Boyle natives and indeed those interested in Gaelic Games in Boyle or Co. Roscommon, who live in Dublin or in any of the towns along the route, to contact us if they wish to help in any way with the effort .
Thanks,
Martin

2011-08-03T00:33:00.000+01:00

Wed. 12.40am..also Wed. 11.56 pm below.
Just to let you know there is a revised time for the Walk to Croker meeting on Thursday night is now at 9.30 not 8.30 as previously advised. Hopefully there will be a big turnout for same as it's all shoulders to the wheel time again.

I have had some additional information on the composition of the Irish/Autralian Football team with Boyle connections. As already posted Rock Hanmore will join up with the Irish AFL team in Oz....(The Irish Warriors), and one of the Irish based players heading out to play is John Tierney from Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. John is the son of Christine Tierney and grandson of Micheal O'Callaghan and could easily have represented Forest View Green Warriors as a youngster. John has been in Oz with a Gaelic football yonks ago and played for Cavan for I think four years as a minor and later the Cavan teams including senior but injury and maybe playing too much too young blighted his GAA career.
He has been with the Warriors for 2 seasons and was on the team that won the European Cup last year in Sweden. So thats another player with Boyle connections. The best of luck to all involved.
I got a very good note from Canada, parts of which I will post, maybe tomorrow night. I'm in the middle of a turf campaign in my spare time these evenings. There is a bit of Dunkirk feel, at the moment, about getting it home.

Wed. 11.56. Turf home.
Extract from Canadian reader's letter:
“Interesting article about Roch, I see big Joe Cunnane from Tulsk is also on the panel of players. Joe was once on the Underdogs on TG4 I think.
I also saw a very interesting picture of Killian and Damo on facebook. They both live together but both were on different teams in the final in Melbourne a week ago. The pitch was a mud bath, not very Australian like weather! Damo was the captain of the winning team. I can send ya the pics if you are not linked up on facebook yet.
I also won a championship myself here this weekend. I was playing midfield no less for the Vancouver Harps in the Western Canada GAA championship held in Calgary this weekend. My partner at midfield Cillian Finn played Midfield for Meath against Roscommon in the 2006 All-Ireland Minor Semi so he lorded it for us in the middle, good player. Before the game I told him " Look Cillian .. you do the jumping and I'll do the thumping"... joke.. but I remember Tom Ryan regaling that story of his first game for Boyle when John Finneran was his midfield partner! It was weird before the game they would call out the team and say "Cillian and Tadhg at midfield", I hadn't heard that for a while. It was a 12 hour drive from Vancouver through the Rockies, pretty spectacular drive. I used to complain when we had to travel 1 hour to play Pearses back in the day! We now get to play in the All-American championship finals in San Fran in September.”
Lotto from last week end. It took place on Sunday night in The Craoibhin because of the games on Saturday. The numbers drawn were: 6/18/19/28. There was no Jackpot winner. The €20 winners were: John Healy/Dermot Hayden/Pat Wynne/James and Ailish Goldrick/ Seamus Cooney/ Jason Harrington/Christy Dunne/Sean Cooney/Karen Purcell/Oriel Regan. The house prize went to T.J.McDonagh. The next draw, for a Jackpot of €4000, will take place in The Railway Bar on Sat. August the 13 with team ‘A’.

2011-08-01T22:48:00.000+01:00

Monday 11pm (Not long after coming home from the U 16 win over St. Croan's in Ballintuber!)
Boyle GAA Clubs (Adult Males, Minor Males and Ladies Club) are joining forces to embark on its most ambitious fundraising project ever in this coming September. It is intended to walk to entire journey from Boyle to Dublin, starting on Monday 12th September, collecting funds along the way and in the various towns and villages along and in proximity to the route. The journey will be undertaken in stages and we will arrive in Dublin on the evening of Saturday 17th September, the eve of the All Ireland Football Final. This is a massive undertaking which will require the committment of very many members of the three clubs. It is intended that different club members will volunteer for walking and collecting on the different days throughout the week, so that the burden can be shared. It should be a fun occasion and a great chance for the many club members to get to know each other in an environment other than in the context of playing or attendance at football matches. It is estimated that at least 20 volunteers will be needed on each day.
The full support of all three football clubs is earnestly needed to make this event a success. The Clubs are in need of the funds to help expedite the clearance of the debt that has been incurred in the developments in the Abbey Park in recent years and to enable the Club to embark on further enhancements to Club facilities to cater for the needs of future generations of Boyle footballers-male and female.
Just think of the comraderie that can be built up from this undertaking-don't even think of sore feet etc! To paraphrase a more famous person-ask not what your club can do for you, but ask what you can do for your club and for the future generations!
There will be a special meeting in the Clubroom on this Thursday evening at 8.30pm to announce details of the project. It is essential that the three clubs-senior and minor, male and ladies clubs are all represented.
Martin Dolan
P.R.O.

2011-08-01T02:02:00.000+01:00

Monday 2.05 am.
The big games for the club this week begin this evening Monday with the trip of the U 16s’ to Ballintubber to play St. Croan’s at 7.30. Any support would be very much appreciated. The seniors have a difficult task on Friday evening when hey travel to Kiltoom to take on St. Brigid’s in the Abbey Hotel Division One League.
The Club will host the Keenan Cup Final between Tulsk and Castlerea St. Kevin's in the Abbey Park on Tuesday next 9th August at 7pm.
Our U14s are awaiting the commencement of the Garda Cup competition.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team lost to a stronger Clan na Gael outfit in the Conty Junior ‘A’ Championship on Friday evening last in Boyle. Special thanks to Kathleen who organised the catering at short notice in Friday evening. They will meet the same opposition on this Wednesday evening in the Tansey Cup at 8.15pm in the Abbey Park.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team will resume their O'Rourke Cup campaign on this Friday when they will make the long journey to Kltoom to take on St Brigid’s at 8pm.
Thanks to all who purchased full tickets or shared tickets for the upcoming County Board Draw and thus enabled the Club to achieve its sales quota. Hopefully some of the prizes wil come our way.
There will be a very important meeting of the Club on this Thursday night in the Clubroom at 8.30pm to advance the preparations for the Club's ambitious fundraising project-"The Road to Croker" when the Club will walk to Dublin on the week leading up to the All Ireland Football Final. All members of the Senior and Minor Club and the Ladies Club are asked to attend as this is a joint effort involving the officials and players from all three sections of the Club.
Congratulations to Donal, Enda and Tadhg and the entire Roscommon minor panel and managementon their excellent victory over Armagh in Croke Park on Saturday. Comiserations to Sean and the Roscommon senior team and management who bowed out of this year's championship with a brave performance against Tyronee. Hopefully they will build on the sound foundation that has now been established.
(ntdwgaa; I believe there were a number of thefts from cars in the Forest Park over the week end so if going there of having friends go there be vigilant and alert the Gardai if you see something obviously amiss. It is a holiday spoiler for visitors. T.C.)
Is it Ml. Gilmartin who is the pro for the golf club? Nice one in the golf notes this week. "The prize for the longest drive on Ml. Keville's Captain's day went to Gerry Lavery who drove all the way from Kerry".It was great to see Mayo upset the odds with their fine win over Cork. Another bad call in the disallowed Kildare goal. I was pleased to catch up with Justin McCormack, in Maye's bar in Dorset St. Dublin on Sunday before the big game. Justin is making a name for himself in team management in the capital as manager of St. Brendan's who are nicknamed 'The Dark Force'. A touch of Star Wars Jedi/ Darth (?) Vador about that. The clampers were out in force for GAA supporters around Croke Park on Saturday afternoon].

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

2011-07-29T08:51:00.000+01:00

A few people have forwarded a link to below for me re. the role of Roch Hanmore and co in Aussie Rules.
It includes an action pic. of Roch.
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/newsid/119425/Default.aspx

"Irishman Roch Hanmore in his second year at Sydney’s UTS Bats will play for his country at the 2011 International Cup

Make no mistake; Ireland’s here to win next month’s AFL International Cup. They’ve had an army of talented players learning the intricacies and skills of Australian football, too. Some, for more than two years.

The man who has been compared to “Matthew Scarlett but looks like Max Rooke”, Roch Hanmore, is one Irishman who has risen through the ranks of AFL Sydney in his second year at UTS Bats.

The 27-year-old has served a long apprenticeship in preparation for the Cup having played AFL intermittently in Australia since 2006. It’s been a long build up but the Irishman-turned-Aussie is confident his country will take out the coveted title for the second time.

Hanmore, along with seven UTS Bats teammates and a representative each from Sydney University and Manly will make up almost half of Ireland’s team for IC11. The remainder will fly in from Ireland or are already in Australia playing local football in Melbourne.

“I would hope the UTS players form the backbone of the squad and I think that’s an advantage that we’ve got - that core group that will push us through to the final stages,” Hanmore said.

“The Aussies will be surprised by how good the amateur players are. They’ll be surprised by the level of professionalism as well.”

Hanmore graduated from college in Ireland on a Friday in November 2006 and then “was on the plane [to Australia] on the Monday.”

A Gaelic football trip to Sydney two years later, while he was playing for Power House in Melbourne, resulted in not only victory for his team but an attraction to the harbour city. He was later sponsored by a Sydney-sider and it is here where he is now living with his Australian fiancée.

While UTS have become accustomed to Hanmore’s match rituals and quirky personality it will be something his new Irish teammates will need to get used to.

“After every game I sit on my own and I go silent for about half-an-hour - I call it Roch time. I reflect on the whole day and just sit on my own. Everyone latches on to it and just leaves me alone,” he said.

“I don’t do the jig but I do sing a couple of songs after the odd game.”

Eighteen countries, including five women’s teams, will compete in this year’s IC11 being held in Sydney from August 12 to 27.

To coincide with the event, the UTS Bats will be hosting the Irish team for a training, BBQ and meet and greet session.

UTS president John Colbert said it’s the least the club could do for the contribution Irish players have made over the years.

“One of the things that has become a huge part of our club over the last five years has been the Irish contingent. They’re a very special part of the Bats now,” Colbert said.

“This year, we’ve got at least 20 to 30 Irish players … they’ve given us so much.”
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2011-07-29T08:33:00.000+01:00

Friday am early:
A number of people have forwarded the link below referring to the nexploits of our old pal Roch Hanmore in Aussie Rules football.
So if you want to see the original including an action pic. use the link below someway.

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/newsid/119425/Default.aspx

Make no mistake; Ireland’s here to win next month’s AFL International Cup. They’ve had an army of talented players learning the intricacies and skills of Australian football, too. Some, for more than two years.

The man who has been compared to “Matthew Scarlett but looks like Max Rooke”, Roch Hanmore, is one Irishman who has risen through the ranks of AFL Sydney in his second year at UTS Bats.

The 27-year-old has served a long apprenticeship in preparation for the Cup having played AFL intermittently in Australia since 2006. It’s been a long build up but the Irishman-turned-Aussie is confident his country will take out the coveted title for the second time.

Hanmore, along with seven UTS Bats teammates and a representative each from Sydney University and Manly will make up almost half of Ireland’s team for IC11. The remainder will fly in from Ireland or are already in Australia playing local football in Melbourne.

“I would hope the UTS players form the backbone of the squad and I think that’s an advantage that we’ve got - that core group that will push us through to the final stages,” Hanmore said.

“The Aussies will be surprised by how good the amateur players are. They’ll be surprised by the level of professionalism as well.”

Hanmore graduated from college in Ireland on a Friday in November 2006 and then “was on the plane [to Australia] on the Monday.”

A Gaelic football trip to Sydney two years later, while he was playing for Power House in Melbourne, resulted in not only victory for his team but an attraction to the harbour city. He was later sponsored by a Sydney-sider and it is here where he is now living with his Australian fiancée.

While UTS have become accustomed to Hanmore’s match rituals and quirky personality it will be something his new Irish teammates will need to get used to.

“After every game I sit on my own and I go silent for about half-an-hour - I call it Roch time. I reflect on the whole day and just sit on my own. Everyone latches on to it and just leaves me alone,” he said.

“I don’t do the jig but I do sing a couple of songs after the odd game.”

Eighteen countries, including five women’s teams, will compete in this year’s IC11 being held in Sydney from August 12 to 27.

To coincide with the event, the UTS Bats will be hosting the Irish team for a training, BBQ and meet and greet session.

UTS president John Colbert said it’s the least the club could do for the contribution Irish players have made over the years.

“One of the things that has become a huge part of our club over the last five years has been the Irish contingent. They’re a very special part of the Bats now,” Colbert said.

“This year, we’ve got at least 20 to 30 Irish players … they’ve given us so much.”
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

2011-07-26T14:09:00.000+01:00

Tues. 215pm.

A Chara

Many thanks to those who co-operated with us in the ticket sales for the Connaught Final. Once again the Rossies are on the way to Croker. Unfortunately the time for ticket sales is limited on this occasion.

If your club wishes to cater for supporters we will have to ensure that only orders received by you can be catered for. Orders will have to be very specific i.e. breaking down family tickets as follows 2 adults + 2 juveniles and so on.As a result it will not be possible for general club sales.

In these circumstances I suggest that you advise members that tickets will be on sale from the County Board Office all week during office hours and on Wednesday night from 6.00p.m. to 8.30pm.

Tickets can also be purchased on line from tickets.ie

Attached also find details of Club and group passes .

Application for both these schemes must be forwarded directly to Croke Park.

Liam (Martin Adm GAA Office Roscommon GAA)

There are Club application forms and Group Pass Gen. Appl. Forms.

2011-07-25T20:23:00.000+01:00

Tues. very early:

2 " points (I hope I've spelt/spelled that right). A friend of mine has alerted me to good deals in terms of GAA match prices. I am very poor at internet research so I recommend you go to the GAA website to confirm what I am outlining here. 1. click gaa site. 2.click tickets and merchandise.3.click GAA tickets. 4.Click July/Aug.ticket packages. (Hurling apparently closed for the season). Football still on sale for €90 per person. It includes 2 quarter-final days and 2 semi-final days. Add U16s' at €5 per fixture each in section 308 Cusack Lower. Click buy now. That's the story. If anyone does this give me a call so that I can know how it pans out. Terms (extensive) and conditions apply....regulator ...and all that nonsense/fiction (I'm being polite) applies.

2nd Point I am hearing rumours of a bus to Croke Park for Sat. from Boyle Club activists. I'll confirm and add details by tomorrow evening. If u are interested I suppose u could ring me at 086 816 33 99 for when I contact the activists to see what the demand is or words to that effect.

Oiche mhaith.

T.C.

Best wishes are extended to the Roscommon senior and minor teams in their respective games this Saturday in Croke Park. The minors meet Armagh at 2pm. The seniors play Tyrone at 4 while the third game is Donegal v Kildare. Is there any mention of a bus to the game? I’ve already had enquiries regarding the possibility of a bus going from Boyle to Croke Park on Saturday. I can imagine that the demand would certainly be there. These are the games and opportunities to bring young teams to Croker when there is no number of ticket restrictions. Aidan and co. used to do that circa 2006 so I hope someone else steps up to the plate for the coming week end.
Thanks to my neighbour I was given an excellent article from Saturday’s Irish Times by Keith Duggan sports writer. It was an evocative encapsulation of the Connacht Final in Hyde Park and I empathised with it even though I was not the worst effected being in a good seat in the ‘stand’.
A good friend of mine tells me he has written to the County Board re. the behaviour of some Roscommon supporters behind the town goal end in booing the Galway minor free takers. It is certainly bad sportsmanship though I feel the County Board cannot do a lot about it only condemn it. I wonder how Roscommon supporters are perceived by our Connacht neighbours as a consequence.
I found it uncomfortable also to see a prominent Roscommon backer struggling to acquire a reasonable stand seat at the Connacht final though in truth I don’t know the background to it.
It is a great week in Boyle with the Arts Festival though the migration of Boyle footballers at the week end is confusing when we are encouraging people to come to town. It has been mentioned to me that Boyle GAA, as one of the most prominent clubs in Boyle, could play some role in this and such festivals. Recognising that there is a small core of people who do the bulk of the GAA club work I don’t know where the extra hands/heads would come from.

Lotto: The following were €20 winners at the most recent Boyle Club Lotto draw which was held in An Craoibhin;- Gerry Cregg, Tom Commons, Gerard and Sandra Sheerin, Stephen Langan, Finbar Feely, Tom Neville, Michael Smith, Daniel Kirwin, Mags Brady and Tom Browne. The house prize was won by Brendan Gaffney.
The U11s’ lost by the narrowest of margins to Ballinameen in the Keenan Cup.
The U16s’ had a good win by 2 points over St Brigid’s in Kiltoom on Friday evening last in the Division 1 Championship. They play their next round of this competition on Monday next 1st August against St Croan’s in Ballintubber at 7.30pm. Support will be appreciated for this very important and key game.
The National Automation Limited minor team is in preparation for the upcoming championship.
The Cooney Motors/ Cooneys Centra team had a good win over St Joseph’s in Kilteevan on Wednesday evening last in the Tansey Cup. Their next outing is in the Junior 'A' Championship against Clan na Gael on this Friday evening at 8pm in the Abbey Park.
There will be an important Club meeting in the Clubroom on this Thursday evening at 9.30pm to commence preparations for the forthcoming "Road to Croker" fundraising walk which will be undertaken in the week prior to the All Ireland Football Final. All members of the Senior and Minor Clubs and the Ladies Club are requested to attend. There are a few last tickets still available from Club members for the County Board draw. This is the final opportunity to purchase as all sold tickets and proceeds as well as any unsold tickets must be returned by this Thursday night.
The Club wishes to congratulate the U16 Girls on their roller coaster performance which yielded a magnificent victory in the County Final.
The Club extends its sympathy to the Killalea family, Rockingham on the death of Pat Killalea.
Boyle Ladies Club;
Pride of place this week goes to the Ultimate Insulation Services U16 Girls on winning the Division 1B County Championship against a gallant Padraig Pearses team in Ballyleague on Wednesday evening last. This was certainly a game of two halves. Boyle started brightly, playing with a good breeze and they were dominating all over the pitch. Goals and points were in plentiful supply. Boyle scored 4 4 to 1 2 for Pearses in this half. It appeared that the Boyle girls were assured of victory with a further goal just after the resumption, giving them a lead of 15 points. However, the Pearses girls steadied the ship and started to use the breeze to their advantage. They scored three goals in quick succession. They enjoyed practically all possession and they scored a further 3 3, thus leaving Boyle six points in arrears and staring defeat with barely five minutes left. The Boyle girls scored a goal to which Pearses replied with a point. Boyle came back and scored a further goal to leave them just one point in arrears.Deep in injury time Boyle secured the equaliser and they scored the winning point just before the final whistle. Captain Emma Roddy accepted the cup to scenes of unbridled joy. Well done to the girls and commiserations to a gallant Pearses panel. Boyle team;- Karen Kane, Blaithín Dodd, Saoirse Noone, Emma Roddy, Colleen Regan, Natasha Regan, Shauna Moran, Danni McLoughlin, Nicole Kerins, Stephanie Lowe, Orla Nicholson, Melissa Mattimoe, Sinead Dodd, Melissa Goldrick and Sarah Walshe. Subs; Sarah Halligan, Ciara Coleman, Tanya McGuinn, Ciara Brennan,and Emma Tiernan. Managers;-Michael Kerins and Teresa Ward. Sponsor;-Ultimate Insulation Services. Boyle Ladies GAA extends its thanks to the mangement and the entire panel of players, to Phil and Gerry Emmett (Boyle Golf Club) who provided refreshments and to Benny Morgan Photographer whose photos can be viewed on Flicker, Benny Morgan Photos. Boyle Junior Ladies continued their winning ways in the Junior Championship with a convincing 3 10 to 1 7 win over neighbours Ballinameen in the Abbey Park on Sunday. The U14s lost to Shannon Gaels in the Championship on Friday last. Training Continues for this panel on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club

2011-07-21T02:11:00.000+01:00

Thurs. 1.45ish.
Hiya Tony some recollections on an exciting game.

This was certainly a game of 2 halves. Boyle started brightly playing with a good breeze and were dominating over all the pitch. Goals and points were plentiful and Boyle scored 4-4 to Pearses 1-2 in this half. On resumption Boyle seemed assured of an easy victory with an early 2nd half goal to go into a 15 point lead. Much credit to the Pearses girls, they steadied and used the breeze to their advantage with their midfielders kicking long high ball into their forwards who scored 3 quick goals. All possession was with Pearses who scored another 3 points and another 3 goals. Boyle were looking at defeat with 6 points down and less than five minutes of actual time to play, Boyle went on the attack, which resulted in goal. Pearses replied with a point to leave it a 4 point game. Boyle worked the ball out of their own half and this run resulted in a lobbed ball over the keeper’s head. It was now a 1 point game. Deep in injury time, Boyle equalised to leave matters all square. On the 5th minute of injury time, Boyle managed to keep their nerve and the winning point was scored. Pearses had one last attack but this resulted in a wide. To the relief of all Boyle supporters the final whistle sounded. Final Score Boyle 7-7, Pearses 7-6. The 2nd half Novena had been answered and Emma Roddy, Captain, accepted the Trophy.

The Team and their large support returned to Boyle for the usual victory town drive and then to Boyle Golf Club where Phil and Gerry Emmett provided much needed refreshments.

This was certainly a great team performance and great credit to them, with their never- say- die attitude. The Team as lined out: Karen Kane, Blathin Dodd, Saoirse Noone, Emma Roddy (Captain), Colleen Regan, Natasha Regan, Shauna Moran, Danni McLoughlin, Nicole Kerins, Stephaine Lowe, Orla Nicholson, Melissa Mattimoe, Sinead Dodd, Melissa Goldrick, Sarah Walshe, Subs, Sarah Halligan, Ciara Coleman, Tanya McGuinn, Ciara Brennan and Emma Tiernan. Managers Michael Kerins and Teresa Ward and Team Sponsor, ‘Ultimate Insulation Services’.

Boyle Ladies GAA extend thanks to Team Sponsor 'Ultimate Insulation Services', Phil and Gerry Emmett (Boyle Golf Club), and the large crowd of parents and supporters who travelled to Ballyleague and especially our "Flag man" for flying the Boyle colours so well all along the Ballyleague pitch.

Fiona Mattimoe

Thurs. am early:

Boyle had two good wins on Wednesday evening. Congratulations to the Ladies U 16 team on their county final win over Padraig Pearses in Ballyleague. The final score was Boyle 7.6 Pearses 7.5. This suggests a thriller and I wait on Fiona's report to expand on same.

The Tansey Cup team had a very convincing win over St. Joseph's at Kilteevan. The half time score was Boyle 2.10 St. Joseph's 0.1. The final score was 4.12 to 1.8. Two early goals from Brendan McQuaid set Boyle on their way and they dominated in most sectors and played some excellent football. It was very good to see some players, who have not played a lot of football for some time, back in action and doing well. The team was: T. McGarty, C. Boylan, J. Lyons, M.McGovern, Cillian Cox, T. Tymon, Battles, P.Lavin, D. O'Connor, N. McKenna, C. Lavin, J. Suffin, P.Simon with C. Garvin, L.Harrington, D. Battles.

It would be invidious to nominate 'best for' from this game and while one always has to consider the quality of the opposition- it still was their first and only team- the backs were completly on top until a little slackness towards the end, when the game was well won, conceeded some scores. The centre field pairing did excellently and hopefully they can bring this level of performance in a more consistent way into their game. The score tells of the role of the forwards and they must have enjoyed the game. Tymon, Battles and Conor Lavin did very well.

2011-07-18T14:39:00.000+01:00

Wed. 1.30pm.

Boyle Ladies U16 Division 1B County Final v Padraig Pearses this evening in Ballyleague, throw in at 6.30pm, please support.

A prog. I suggest tonight on BBC 2. 'Ian Botham the Legend of '81' at 9.

Mon. 18th at 2.43.

Tansey Cup against St. Joseph’s in Kilteevan on Wednesday evening at 8. Leaving Abbey Park pitch at 6 please confirm availability.
The U16s’ will play St Brigids in Kiltoom on Friday evening next at 7.30pm in the next round of the Championship. Their game versus St Croan's which was due to have ben played on this Monday evening was postponed due to bereavement in the family of one of the players.
Training continues for the National Automation minor team. An understrength Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team suffered a narrow defeat to Oran in the Junior Championship in Oran on Saturday last. They have one further fixture in this competition which will be against Clan na Gael. They will play St Josephs in the Tansey Cup in Kilteevan on this Wednesday evening.
The McGovern Directional Drilling Intermediate team is awaiting news of their championship quarter final.
Eoin Lavin, Colin Goldrick and Luke Brennan were members of the Roscommon U16 panel which had a dissappointing outing in the Tedd Webb Cup (Are there two ds’ in Tedd?) competition in Tuam on Saturday last.
Well done to Sean Purcell who put in a fine performance with Roscommon in the Connacht Final on Sunday. Hopefully they will put this narrow defeat behind them and bounce back to winning ways in the Qualifiers in a couple of weeks time. Congratulations to the County Minors, and especially our Boyle representatives Donal and Enda Smith and Tadhg McKenna who won the Connacht Minor Title at the weekend. The Smith brothers now join older brother Cian as holders of Connacht medals. Congratulations also to Club Registrar, Mary Clifford, on the success of her native Donegal in the Ulster Final and comiserations to our Derry man Sean Young.
The Abbey Park will host a Division 3, U14 Semi Final between Castlerea and Shannon Gaels on this Thursday at 7pm. It will also host an U17 intercounty challenge game on Saturday next between the Roscommon and Sligo U17 development squads.
All Club members are advised to commence their fitness training in advance of the Club's proposed "Walk to Croker" fundraiser during the week prior to the All Ireland Football Final.
There are still a small number of tickets available from club members for the County Board €100 draw. The draw was postponed for a variety of reasons until August the 2nd.
Sympathy is extended to Jackie Finneran, Ballymore on the death of her mother.
The Club extends its best wishes to the U16 girls in their County Final on Wednesday evening in Ballyleague.

Ladies Club.
The big event of the week is the long awaited U16 County Final versus Padraig Pearses in Ballyleague on this Wednesday at 6.30pm. All football supporters are asked to go and cheer on the girls to success. The Junior Ladies will play Ballinameen in their next championship outing this weekend-see fixtures. The U12 girls hosted Mayo opposition in an end of season friendly in the Abbey Park on Saturday last. They have now finished their activity for the season. Thanks to all who played throughout the season and looking forward to resumption in 2012 and best wishes to those who will be graduating to U14 next year. Congratulations to the Boyle representatives on the Connacht Championship winning minor team on Sunday and hard luck on the Seniors.

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

2011-07-07T21:49:00.000+01:00

Sat. the 16th 10pm.
Tomorrow is D. Day. People often think that means Deliverance Day but I read somewhere that is not the case. Anyways I hope the rain that is beating a backdrop to this paragraph has subsided by tomorrow. Sunday…. Dinner at 9 is, to get a clear run at the day. Good luck to the Boyle lads, Fergal, Sean, Stephen, James, Joe and the minors Donal, Enda and Tadgh and all Ros. of course. The day has great potential. I’m off Monday! I imagine the lads in Oz will be tuning in ….let us know the result as youse are hours ahead of us here.
There is a late call for STEWARDS for the game. If you wish to do so just get there, I imagine early, and go through due procedure.
The Juniors lost to Oran at Oran on Saturday evening. The half time score was Oran 1.6 Boyle 1.4. The final score Oran 1.14 Boyle 2.6. The team: T. McGarty, C.Cox, J.Healy, Ml. Birmingham, B. Furey, C. Boylan, M.McHale, P. Lavin C. Lavin, B. McQuaid, L. Conboy, K. Feighan, C. Horan, P. Simon, C. Garvin with C. Beirne. A number of possible players were missing.
If people have kids who leave items behind in Boyle dressing rooms or grounds please contact us as early as possible. There is something akin to the Golden 24 hours obtaining in the case of mislaid items. The odds against recovery increase as the hours pass especially if it a designer item.
A good friend of mine, Jarlath Tivnan, will feature prominently in a NUIG play called Breathing Water at the Focus Theatre, in (I think) Pembroke St. off St. Stephen’s Green on Monday the 18th and Tuesday 19th at 8pm. If you are in the zone you could do worse than drop in and support.
The campaign of this week is the selling of Roscommon County Board €100 tickets. I presume all club members are aware of the importance of this and the fact that the club can either gain a little or lose considerably by not reaching the quota. Even people taking half shares or a group of four for a ticket would all help. So put your shoulder to the wheel for a last push…….please!
Lotto: The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Dodd’s; Peggy Feely, Cian Smith, Eamon O'Connor, Fergal and Marie O'Donnell, Martina Mullaney (Forest View), John Lynch, Bernadette O'Gara, Claire Kelly, Catherine Mattimoe and David Brennan. The house prize as won by Pat Kennedy. This week's draw will be held in An Craoibhín on Saturday night with Mary Clifford's team in charge.

The U14s lost to St Dominick’s in the championship play-off. They will now have a break until the Garda Cup competition in September.
The U16s’ were due to play St. Croans in the championship on Friday but it was postponed at St Croan’s request and it has been re-fixed for the Abbey Park on Monday the 18th.
The National Automation Limited minor panel is in training for the upcoming championship.
The Cooney Motors/Cooney Centra junior team will play Oran on Saturday next at 6pm in Oran in the second round of the Junior ‘A’ Championship.
The McGovern Directional Drilling team lost to Clan na Gael in the O'Rourke Cup in Johnstown on Tuesday evening last. They now have a short break before their Intermediate Championship quarter-final and their three remaining O'Rourke Cup games.
There are only a few days remaining for those who wish to purchase tickets from Club Officers for the upcoming County Board draw.
All team managers are asked not to use the main pitch in the Abbey Park for training until frther notice.
The Club and the Ladies Club wish the three Roscommon teams in action at the coming weekend the very best of luck, especially to Eoin Lavin, Colin Goldrick and Luke Brennan who are with the County U16 panel which will participating the Ted Webb Cup on Saturday, to Donal and Enda Smith and Tadhg McKenna who are on the Minor panel for the Connacht Final versus Galway, and to Sean Purcell, David Casey, Fergal, Stephen, James and the seniors who take on Mayo in defence of their Connacht title. It is shaping up to be a potentially great week end for the Rossies so fly the flag.
The County Board are urgently asking all clubs to provide a number of stewards for the games and guarantee that the stewards will have good views of the game. So it is really not such a sacrifice in those circumstances. Please let Kathleen know. It will be an early start on Sunday morning.
I see from Boyle golf notes that Gerry Emmett got a hole in one at Castlebar golf course recently. He must have been pleased with that.
One of the players we really miss here this year is Rory O’Donohoe. Rory was a great servant to Boyle GAA teams for yonks and I’ve seen him have many fine games, disputes with referees and debates with members of opposing teams et al. I remember when three O’Ds’ featured in the Intermediate winning team of 2005 and Niall being unplayable that day with a ‘Man of the Match’ performance as in 1995. Owen Jnr. was an underestimated player in my view and a great Boyle Celtic player to boot. The O’Ds’ cultivated their skills on the Forest View Green when Forest View could nearly have had a team of its own. It was a great time there and I especially remember the Italia ’90 house parties/viewing by the youngsters watching the games and the victory parades after the wins/draws. There is a great pic. I think taken by Christy Regan, of the panel celebrating the Irish win over Romania. I started off paying tribute to Rory O’D. and deviated, as I do. So the best of luck Rory and I hope you happy days playing for whatever club you are with now.
Is there any move on the suggestion of trying to involve out of Ireland nationalities in GAA activities and the GAA generally?
Liam Conroy, I heard (rightly or wrongly) was wondering if the 5 mph sign in the Abbey Park is for inside or outside the fence?

Ladies Club;
The U12s train on Mondays and Fridays while the U14s train on Wednesdays and Fidays. The U16s will play their Division 1B Final on Wednesday 20th July against Padraig Pearses at a venue and time to be confirmed. All Boyle GAA supporters are asked to come out on that evening to support the girls.The Junior Ladies will play Ballinameen in their next championship game on the weekend of 22nd July.

Martin Dolan/Adapted for the screen by T.C.

(11pm, the 11th hour) APPEAL:
I post above the ticket for the County Board €100 Draw. This draw is essential for the financing of the County teams. Each club in the county is given a certain allocation of tickets to sell, Boyle's quota is 150. If we do not sell our quota then we have to make up the difference between what we sell and that quota. If we DO sell our quota we make a dividend, for the club, at registration time, which is substantial. No one likes selling tickets, especially €100 ones, so we do ask our club and county supporters to bear that in mind and come on board generously even in say half shares in a ticket. There are probably people away from Boyle, abroad even (!) who could do this. The first draw will take place on Saturday the 16th the eve of the Connacht Final. So we ask people to buy and our members to sell even a couple of tickets so that the load is spread and is not left to the core officers and so on, as is often the case. So just make the call, make the offer. You might even win one of the very fine prizes on offer!

2011-07-06T11:20:00.000+01:00

Ros. Co. Hosp. protest outside the Dail from 6.30ish during Dail Debate….today Wed.

O’Rourke Cup League; Clann na Gael 3.6 Boyle 0.8.
Three first half goals in the first half left Boyle with a mountain to try and climb in the second half as Clann led by 3.4 to Boyle 0.5. Clann had their first goal in the opening minute and carved out a number of other chances before adding their second on 15 minutes and their third,a decisive goal on 24 minutes. They also created some more goal chances which Tadgh Lowe did very well with. Boyle added their five points intermittently through the half from David Callaghan, Mark O’Donohoe, Cian Smith 2 (1 free) and Darren O’Connor, after good work from Mark O’Donohoe. While Boyle had a couple of half chances for goals they lacked the incisiveness and speed to punch through a crowded Clann defence. Meanwhile Clann really dragged the Boyle defence to the sidelines and created the space for some powerful runs right down the middle which created the goal chances with a ruthlessness that Boyle can’t generate.
However if one looks at a positive it was that the team tried so hard in the second half and that is the ethic which keeps the possibilities alive. While Clann added another point after two minutes of the second half it was to be their last until injury time. Boyle, while stanching the first half haemorrhage, were not able to make significant inroads and the necessary goal injection did not materialise. Boyle still have three games in which they need 3 or 4 points to enable them to remain in Division 1 League as the cavalry from the under-age teams begin to come to the rescue and establish a more stable framework, hopefully. The games are against St. Dominick’s and Kilmore at home and St. Brigid’s away. The next game seems to be v Oran in the Junior ‘A’ C’Ship on Friday the 15th or Sat. 16th.
The Boyle team: T. Lowe, C. Boylan, J. Lyons, A. Sharkey, B. Supple M.O’Connor, C. Beirne, S. Tonra, C. Cox, A. O’Connor, D. O’Callaghan 1, K. McLoughlin, M.O’Donohoe 2, C. Smith 3 (2fr.), D. O’Connor 1 with P.Simon, L.Conboy 1, J. Suffin, C. Garvin, T. McGarrity. Declan Hunt did very well as referee.

2011-07-03T23:28:00.000+01:00

1. N.B. The County Board are earnestly asking for Stewards, from all the clubs, for the big day-the Connacht Final- on July 17th in Hyde Park. Hopefully there will be a positive response from the Boyle club old reliables and some new blood. Please let the Secretary, Kathleen know.
2. Boyle adult teams had two competitive games last week. In the Division One Senior League the McGovern Drillling team lost to Kilbride at Kilbride on Tuesday evening. This could be looked on as a missed opportunity. A win looked a definite possibility in the opening exchanges with Boyle getting two points from Mark O’Connor frees. Boyle had a good opportunity for a goal mid way in the half but Kilbride regained the initiative and ended with five points to Boyle’s 3 in the second quarter. The half time score Kilbride 6 Boyle 5. Kilbride opened the second half with a fine point from Eddie Lohan which was cancelled out by a good Mark O’Donohoe score. Then there was a dearth of scoring in the following ten minutes when Boyle had another goal opportunity. Darren O’Connor and Aaron O’Connor put Boyle into the lead and for a few minutes it looked as if things were going Boyle’s way. However the experienced Lohans’ orchestrated the finale for Kilbride as they scored three final points for the game to end, Kilbride 10 Boyle 8. Boyle had their opportunities but lacked the incisiveness and killer punch in front of goal. Despite a good work ethic players in possession ran into ‘traffic’ and there were few ‘killer’ passes of the 30/40 yard nature. For Kilbride’s last point, coming after a short free, the Boyle defenders took their eye off proceedings. Another note is never give he ball to an opponent to take a free…I seem to remember this once. Still one must give credit to Kilbride who had perhaps more composure and leadership, after a shaky start, in the later stages…the Lohans’ were key here. The absence of Sean Purcell as an orchestrator was significant. This week isn’t an easy ask either, against Clann na Gael away, but the side may get a break with more of the opportunities converted. Week day games are not easy but I presume they are now a fact of competition.
3. In the junior game v Castlerea, on Friday evening, in Boyle, the Cooney Motors/Cooney Centra side went into a 10 to 2 lead five minutes into the second half and then the graph went like an Anglo Irish share (a while back!). Boyle just held out in a nail biting finish still on 10 points with C’Rea adding six to make them 8. Some desperate defending left it a nail biting finish. Some Boyle players had put a lot into the earlier half and ran out of steam but also Castlerea improved considerably and their fitness levels seemed superior in the last 20 minutes or so. Still a win is a win and the first half was pretty good and perhaps Castlerea had a pretty handy side. There was some good performance here with Boyle really continuing the supply of very good goalkeepers in Lowe, McGarty and Beirne. The back line had a tough last 20 minutes but did well with Healy and Hanmore to the fore. Cillian Cox, when he gets some more game time could be an important option for Boyle this summer. Ml. McHale showed a good deal of his old appetite and leadership. Peter Lavin made a few impressive catches at midfield (reminiscent of his dad) and scored a couple of good points in the first half. Mark McGovern worked hard and was impressive but ran out of steam somewhat in the second half and Castlerea capitalised. The forwards did pretty well in the first half and early in the second but the supply dried up and they didn’t feature too much in the latter stages. This C’ship, in which Boyle has done well in recent years, should serve its primary purpose of giving games to borderline players. Oddly as the team played the second half their more senior counterparts were training in the background.
The Boyle team was; T. McGarty, Cillian Cox, John Healy, Ml. Hanmore, B. Furey, C. Boylan, Ml. McHale, M.McGovern 1, P. Lavin 2, K. Freehan, L. Conboy 5 frees, B. McQuaid, C. Garvin, P. Simon 1, B. McCrann 1 with C. Beirne and N. McKenna.
Our U16s’ opened their Division 1 Championship campaign with a loss to a strong Clan na Gael outfit in the Abbey Park on Sunday evening last. They will be in action on Friday next at 7pm when they take on St. Croan’s in Enfield (Ballintubber) in the next round of the Championship. The Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra team had a 2 point victory over Castlerea St Kevins on Friday evening last in Boyle. Their next outing will be against Oran on a date to be arranged. The McGovern Directional Drilling team let victory slip from their hands when losing to Kilbride in the O'Rourke Cup in Kilbride on Tuesday evening last. They make the long journey to Johnstown on this Tuesday evening to take on Clan na Gael at 8pm. The National Automation Limited minors have a challenge game in the Abbey Park on this Thursday evening. The U14s’ will play St Dominick’s in the Championship play-off on this Thursday evening at 7pm in Strokestown. Those who have not yet been approached to purchase tickets for the County Board €80,000 fundraising draw are asked to contact any of the Club officials immediately. There will be a meeting to review sales on Thursday night at 9pm in the Clubroom. Club members are advised that tickets for the forthcoming Connacht Finals are on sale in the County Board Office in Roscommon-check County Board website for details. Patrons are advised to book early to ensure that they get their requirements and to support the strong Boyle representation of players and management on both teams. The County Board is seeking at least 7 persons from the Club to act as stewards at the Connacht Finals. Those willing to volunteer are asked to give their names to Kathleen Hanmore, Secretary. The Club wishes bon voyage to Michael Hanmore who is about to embark on summer work in England. We hope to see him back in the Boyle colours in the autumn.
Boyle Ladies;
The following is the training schedule for our under age girls;- U10s’ every Friday, U12s’ every Monday and Friday, U14s’ every Wednesday and Friday. The U16s’ are awaiting confirmation of their long awaited Division 1B County Final versus Padraig Pearses. The Junior Ladies will play Ballinameen in their next championship outing on the weekend of 22nd July. They also await details of their Junior League Final versus St Mary's.
U10 girls continue training every Friday

U12 girls train Mondays and Fridays

U14 girls train Wednesday and Friday

U16 girls are awaiting confirmation of Division 1B Final v Padraig Pearses

Boyle Junior Ladies play Ballinameen in the next round of the Championship
on the weekend of 24 July 2011. They also await a fixture for the League
final with St Mary's.

2011-06-27T21:30:00.000+01:00

Lotto:The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in An Craoibhin; Tom and Mary McKeon, Jonathan Wynne, Karl Keenan, Christy Dolan, James Cox, Francis Harrington, Joe McDermott, Matt Tivnan, Michael Conroy and Cian Smith. The House Prize was won by Adrian King. There was no jackpot winner and the jackpot of €3,700 will be on offer for this week's draw which will be held on Saturday night next in Dodd's. Team C will be in charge.
Well done to all involved in organising the U8/U10 football blitz which was held in the Abbey Park recently. The U12s have finished their league programme. The U14s have qualified for the play-off stages and they await news of their next fixture. It is expected that the U16s will commence their championship on Sunday evening next 3rd July when they host Clan na Gael in the Abbey Park. The National Automation Limited minors await the commencement of their championship, but with the welcome success of the County team, its unlikely that there will be any fixtures in the immediate future. Well done to the County Minors on their great win over Mayo in Castlebar on Sunday and to our representatives Donal, Enda and Tadhg with special mention of the Smith brothers on their goal and point scoring exploits. The Cooney Motors/Cooney Centra team commence their County Junior A Championship on Friday evening next at 8pm against Castlerea St Kevins in the Abbey Park. The McGovern Directional Drilling team will play Kilbride in Kilbride on this evening (Tuesday) at 8pm in the O'Rourke Cup. They also await news of their Intermediate Championship Quarterfinal fixture versus Kilglass Gaels. Roscommon U16 panel will play Sligo in a friendly in the Abbey Park on this Wednesday evening at 8pm. Boyle has strong representation on this panel. The Club extends good wishes for a speedy recovery to senior team captain Ciaran Supple who hs undergone a knee operation. Club player Marcus Kennedy is wished "bon voyage" as he becomes another victim of emigration. Hopefully we will see him in a Boyle jersey before too long. The Club extends its appreciation of the catering staff who fed a multitude at the recent Intermediate Championship double header in the Abbey Park. All team managers and players are reminded to ensure that all plastic bottles are emptied and placed in the recycling bins that are provided in the pitch and also to ensure that the dressing rooms are left in clean condition following training sessions and games. They are also requested to ensure that the plastic bins in the dressing room are respected and not used as footballs. All motorists driving into and out of the Abbey Park are asked to obey the 5km/h speed limit which is being imposed. Football supporters who have not yet purchased a ticket for the upcoming County Board draw are asked to contact any of the Club officers. With the County teams enjoying substantial success, your support would be appreciated.

Boyle Ladies Club;
The Ladies Club hosted a very successful U10 girls football blitz on Saturday last in the Abbey Park, with teams from Western Gaels, Shannon Gaels and Boyle participating. A great time was had by all. Thanks to Fergal O'Donnell who presented the medals. Thanks also to referees Michael Brennan and Sarah Halligan and to the ladies who did an exellent job of catering. A special word of thanks to Mary Magee of Magee Fashions, Boyle who sponsored a set of jersies for the U10 panel. The U12 s continue training as usual. They will be hosting a friendly game with a club from Co. Mayo shortly. The U14s train on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Junior Ladies had a deserved win over Shannon Gaels in the Junior Championship in Croghan on Sunday evening. The Ladies Club congratulates Club player Sharon Conroy on celebrating a significant birthday recently and Donal and Enda Smith and the Roscommon Minors on their magnificent win on Sunday in Castlebar.

2011-06-27T01:55:00.000+01:00

Mon.2am!

Boyle Ladies hosted an under 10 girls Blitz last Saturday. Western Gaels,
Shannon Gaels and Boyle participated. A great time was had by all the girls.
Thanks to Fergal O' Donnell who presented the girls with medals. Thanks to
the refs Michael Brennan and Sarah Halligan and to the ladies who provided
refreshments after the Blitz. A special word of thanks to Mary Magee of
Magee Fashions, Boyle who sponsored a set of Jerseys for the under 10 girls
team.
U12s' continue training, as this panel are hosting a friendly game in July
with a visiting club from Mayo.
U14s' train every Wednesday and Friday.
Boyle Junior Ladies travelled to Croghan on Sunday evening and were
successful in their Championship game. Well done ladies.
Boyle Ladies Club congratulate Donie and Enda Smith who performed so well on
Sunday last in the Minor Semi final in Castlebar v Mayo.
Birthday wishes are extended to our Treasurer, Sharon Conry, on a significant
birthday.
Fiona Mattimoe

2011-06-24T15:46:00.001+01:00

Fri. 4.01

A Chara, Roscommon Coaching and Games Development in conjuction with Roscommon Sport Partnership board are holding a four hour training day for coaches who work with kids with disabilities in sport. The course is on next Wednesday June 29th in the Quad Centre Roscommon Town from 10am to 2pm. Places are limited and the cost is 20 Euro. Please check with anyone in your club that might be interested in doing the course. Please get back to me by Monday 27th at the latest.
Yours in sport
Willie Hegarty

There will be a month's mind Mass tomorrow Sat. the 25th at 12 noon in memory of Michael Feely brother of Barry, Veronica, and Pauline who live in Boyle.

Good luck to Donal, Enda and Tadgh with the Co. Minor team v Mayo on Sunday in C'Bar.

Did I, by any chance, give the loan of a GAA book called 'Greats of Gaelic Football' by Sean Og O'Ceallachain to anyone reading this? My success rate after appeals like this is poor.
Did anyone benefit from E.S.B discount flag?
This is National Bike week and there is a bike run on Sunday. Ireland is way behind other European countries in this regard. In the fifties we were ahead for a different reason! I met a Dutch lasdy studying here this week and she couldn't understand the culture of car ferrying children to school.
Can the County Board Draw Promoters send me some bumph (poster type stuff) via email to put up on this blog to help advertise it and spread the message to our customer base.
Boyle play Newcastle on Saturday i.e.tomorrow night.