Friday 10.40pm. It was great to see that Kilglass won their prize in the Kellogs promotion. Thanks to anyone who voted for them on my request. That is the second winner after John Hume.

Minor meeting on Tuesday night the 2nd at 9pm in the club rooms.

The U 16s' feature in the Ahern Cup in Boyle on Sunday at 12.30am v western Gaels.
Wed. 11pm.

The quarter final of the Ahern Cup takes place on Sunday next at 12.30 in Boyle; Boyle v Western Gaels. Strokestown v

The County Minor Board Convention takes place on Monday the 15th of November.

I have just received an email from the Club Sec. saying that he has circulated a form re. nominations and motions for above with a possible meeting on Monday the 1st as details are to be with the County Board by Wed. the 3rd.

Mon. It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for two Boyle teams who were in action against Elphin. The U16s' had a hard earned one point victory-scoreline Boyle 1.12, Elphin 2. 8, in the first round of the Ahern Cup, in the Orchard Park on Saturday last. They will entertain Western Gaels in the quarter final of this competition on Sunday next at 12.30pm in the Abbey Park. While I am a great admirer of the team I feel that they will have to up their game v Western Gaels who I’m told are a pretty good side. This I think is the last on-field action of the season.

The U21s' bowed out of this year’s championship with a defeat to Elphin in an excellent game of football in Croghan on Saturday evening. The half-time score was Elphin 3.1 Boyle 1.5. The final score was Elphin 4.9 Boyle 2.9. I was really impressed by the commitment and football of the side against what I expect is a good Elphin side. While there were good performances from the usual suspects the people who really impressed me were a group who haven’t played much Gaelic football in recent years i.e. Tomas Conroy, Shane Battles, Colin Brennan and Jim Suffin. As the Gospel says- approximately- ‘There is more joy in heaven (should that be a capital H?) for the lost person who returns’. Thanks to the management of Gary, David and Bernie and the entire panel for their committment throughout the season. The Club wishes Elphin –a club I have good time for- the best of luck in the remaining stages of the championship.
The Boyle starting team was as Follows: C. Beirne, Ml.P. Gilmartin, C. Boylan, T. Lowe, M. Goldrick, C. Brennan, Ml. O’Donnell. C. Cox, D. Callaghan, C. Cox, D. O’Connor (Capt.), S. Battles, D. Smith, T. Conroy, J. Suffin with P.Lavin and M.O’Connor.
Entries are being finalised for the Scór na nOg competitions which will be held in Elphin on Friday November the 5th and Saturday November the 6th. Those who have not done so are asked to contact Martin Dolan at 086 2413529 immediately.

There will be a meeting of the Club in the Clubroom (?) on this Tuesday night at 9pm.

This is a final reminder to support Kilglass Gaels in the Kelloggs Field of Dreams by text or by email as this Thursday 28th is the final date for voting. The result will become known generally during the first ad. break of the Late Late Show on Friday night.
It is great to see the development of the pitch at St. Joseph’s Boys School. The school will have a range of facilities second to none when this development matures. I don’t know the management committee but they are certainly doing a great at getting the funding for all the developments at the school.
Ntdwgaa
1. Why all the hoopla about Wayne Rooney in this country? Why does the national television station see fit to lead their sports news with such an innocuous item for Irish viewership?
2. I was really annoyed and embarrassed with the wallaby incident last week.
3. Did anyone see the Lynch lady on the Late Late Show, on October the 15th I think. It was just awful……….by me!
4. Reading a poem by Seamus Heaney from his collection Human Chain called ‘The Conway Stewart’ (pen) has prompted me to bring an old fountain pen I had out of retirement but I need ink. If anyone knows where I might source a bottle of ink (conveniently enough!) I would be thankful.

Thurs. 9.30. This is like CNN's rolling news....The U 16 Ahern Cup game takes place in Elphin on Sat. at 2.30 so it is a looped journey for the addicts.

Thurs. 8.30pm. I am informed that the U 21 game V Elphin is now in Croghan on Sat. at 4.30. I haven't heard if this has implications for the U 16 Ahern Cup game, also v Elphin, but I imagine it should logically as Dr. Spock might say.

The Late Late on Friday night is the final say for Ireland's Greatest and I am recommending votes for John Hume by texting Great -4 to 53125.

Also the Kellogs Field of Dreams for Kilglass has just 8 days to go so Seamus Nugent and Co. will be putting on ths final big push as they are leading. To vote for free online open Kellogs Field of Dreams/click on Kilglass/click on voting box and then enter your email address to register (I presume that is ok!) and you'll get instructions from there. Or vote by text to Kellogs Connacht to 52799. That is my last call on all that. Thank you in anticipation! T.

P.S. A friend of mine when asked why he wasn't on the Legend's Calendar replied: 'I didn't make the weight!'

11pm.

Lotto: The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Creightons;- Joe Sweeney, Eileen and Gerry Callaghan, Nora Pat Stewart, Finola Doherty, Marie Lavin, Paul Condon, C. Wynne, J.P. Molloy, Fiona O'Grady and Ronald Moffatt. The house prize was won by Ashton Coles. The next draw will be held on Saturday night next with Team E (Pat Goldrick's) in charge. The jackpot will be €1,900.
The Feelystone junior team fell at the final hurdle on Sunday in Castlerea when they went down to a four point defeat to St Faithleach’s in the County Junior ‘B’ Final. While this team has had a number of very good performances this season this wasn’t one of them. Though Boyle started well and went into a four point to nil lead they lost their way subsequently with a good goal chance going a begging and at half time the scores were level at 4 points each. Things started evenly enough in the second half were another missed goal chance led to a leak of confidence. and St. Faithleach’s gradually took control taking the last five points to win by 10 points to 6. Well done to the management of David O'Connor, Bernie Shannon and Paul Beirne and the entire panel for their committment throughout the year. Thanks also to Feelystone for their continued sponsorship.
The U 21s’ secured a hard earned draw with Castlerea in the Division 1 Championship in Abbey Park on Saturday evening last. This means that their final group game against Elphin on Saturday next at Frenchpark at 5pm is a "must-win" match and scoring differences may become a factor.
The U16s’ will play their Ahern Cup game against Elphin as a curtain-raiser to the U 21 game-see fixtures for starting time.
Well done to all three Roscommon teams on their successes in the Connacht Club Championships on Sunday.
Congratulations to Boyle matriarch Mary Kate Hanmore who celebrated her 101st birthday at the weekend.
Entries for the upcoming Scór na nOg competitions are to be in by the 27th October. The Club is anxious to have participation in all or most of the following events;-set dancing, figure dancing, solo singing, instrumental music, quiz, novelty act and recitation. Competitors must be under 17 as at 1st January 2011. Those interested should contact Martin Dolan at 086 2413529.
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Martin Dolan/T.C.
P.R.O. Boyle GAA Club
086 2413529

10.45
The minors brought down the curtain on their 2010 season with a loss to Roscommon Gaels in the Division 1 League semi-final in Abbey Park on Sunday. While no trophies have been won, the lads reached the championship final and the league semi-final with a team that contains many who are eligible again next year. They are a fine side with many fine players who we hope will form a big part of Boyle teams in the coming years. They were unlucky to have come up against what looks like an exceptional Roscommon Gaels side who have no obvious weak links and are a well oiled machine with a lot of skill and confidence. Well done to Vincent and his management team and the entire panel for their efforts throughout the year. Thanks also to the parents and loyal supporters.
The U21s lost by four points to another good side, Padraig Pearses in a windswept Pairc an Piarsaigh on Saturday evening. Pearses led by 7 points to 1 at half time playing with a strong wind. Hard as Boyle tried they failed to make serious inroads in the second half really needing a goal and the final score ended at Pearses 10 Boyle 6.They will entertain Castlerea on Saturday evening next at 5pm in a must-win encounter. The Club wishes Conor Boylan and Jim Suffin a speedy recovery from injuries sustained in Saturday's game. It is of course regrettable that the side are scarce in numbers a dilemma faced by many clubs with Failes having to pull out of the competition and other clubs struggling seriously. There must be a need for reduced number teams being allowed at this level as it is down the line or maybe it is time for clubs to face the reality of amalgamations.
The U16s’ are still awaiting the winners of St. Barry’s V Elphin this coming week end in the Ahern Cup. It looks as if this will be the end of the under-age season.
The Feelystone Junior team will play St Faithleach’s in the County Junior ‘B’ Final on Sunday next at 2pm. Training continues on Wednesday evening at 7.30.
All team managers are asked to ensure that the last person out of the Abbey Park following training secures the main gate.
There will be a Primary Schools football blitz in the Abbey Park on Wednesday morning next.
The Club extends its sympathy to the Beirne family Tarmon and to the Carney and Gunn families, Elphin on recent bereavements.
Boyle was well represented at the memorial mass for Dermot Earley in Micheal Glavey’s complex on Sunday last.
Ladies Club:
Commiserations to the U14 girls who lost out to a stronger St Brigid’s team in the county championship semi final. Thanks to the panel and the management for their dedication throughout the season and to the parents and supporters.

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

Wed. 4pm. 'Twenty Years a Growing' anyone?
The minor game is at 12 on Sunday not 2 as posted below!!
Boyle U14 girls, Division 1A semi-final game, has been rescheduled for Saturday 9th October in the Abbey Park at 5pm, versus St Brigids. Good luck to this team who have given huge commitment since training commenced in March. The Ladies Club wish to thank the following sponsors of the new kit bags for the U14 team; John Moran (Fruit & Veg), Michael Hunt (Veterinary Practice), Joan McLoughlin (Scissors Palace) and Matt Burke (Green Street Jeans). The girls on this U14 team must be commended for securing these sponsors, nothing like player pressure!
Mon. 4th 11.30pm.
PLEASE: I have asked before that people put CLEAN recyclables in the blue recycling bins and rubbish in the black bins only. I cannot try and fob off dirty rubbish as recyclable material. If the rubbish bins are full don’t then just use the blue bins for rubbish. Put it in a bag and leave in the building for disposal. I actually thought things had improved but this week showed a downturn. Also maybe people could empty the bottles. I pulled a bin out today and it felt as if there were blocks in it!
At a meeting last week the club’s difficult financial position was outlined. If anyone has new/reasonable/ imaginative/practical ideas to enable us raise funds short term or as a big project next year please let us know.
Lotto: The following were €20 winners in the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in the Royal Hotel;- Michael O'Dowd, Pat Carty, Finbar Feeley, Monica O'Connor, Marie Lavin, Stephen Hamill, Declan Sheerin, John Dennedy, Noreen Hurley and Paul Brehony. The house prize was won by Jim Clarke. There was no jackpot winner. This week's draw will be held in Creighton's on Saturday night next with Mary Clifford's team in charge. The jackpot will be €1,800.
The U12s lost their championship play-off game to Eire Og. This ends their playing season, but we look forward to seeing them back next year. Thanks to the entire panel and to Gerry Cregg and his management team and also to the parents for their co-operation throughout the year.
Pride of place this week goes to our U16 footballers who won the County Division 1 League with a very impressive win over a gallant Strokestown team in Elphin on Saturday. Well done to the panel and the management team of Jonathan Conroy, Garreth Doyle and Gary Goldrick for their hard work and committment throughout the season and especially in raising the team to the pitch of last Sat’s. gritty performance. Thanks also to Aidan and Aaron for their help in the final. The following is the title winning panel;-Jason McDermott, Jack Morris, Brian Furey, Paddy Nally, Luke Brennan, Tadhg McKenna, Dylan Mattimoe, Jordan Nally, Enda Smith (Capt), Micheal Lavin, Evan McGrath, Joe Sweeney, Dylan East, Eoin Lavin, Colin Goldrick, Shane Filan, Jonathan Regan, Conor Tivnan, Diarmuid Boylan, Brian McQuaid, Niall Brennan, Patrick Goldrick. Elphin was also the venue for the Feelystone Junior team's comprehensive victory over Kilmore in the North West Junior ‘B’ Final replay on Saturday. Record books are being checked to see if the club ever before won two trophies on the same day! They now look forward to a county final date with St Failes in a few weeks time. The two wins are a great morale booster for the club after a couple of disappointing results. The U 16 result shows that teams can have an off day and as the saying goes get right back on the horse successfully. Congrats especially to father and son Noel and Tadgh who were both central to the wins on Sat. It was great to see Dunsey (Mark O’Donohoe) back to his best and I think a 3.3 fest.
The Minors play their League Semi-Final on Sunday the 10/10/’10 at 2pm not at 12 as advertised in places.
The U21s will commence their Division 1 championship on Saturday next when they take on Padraig Pearses in Pairc an Piarsaigh at 5pm. They have a series of games in the coming weeks as they are in a four team group so they will have at least three games with I think two teams to qualify for the semi-finals. They had a worthwhile challenge with Western Gaels on Sunday last when a few old timers returned to the fold.
Congratulations are extended to Donal and Aideen Kelly on the birth of a baby son and to Stephen and Veronica Tonra on the birth of a baby daughter.
Well done to our neighbours Ballinameen on winning the county junior title on Sunday.
Boyle Club is delighted to welcome home former Ballinameen footballer Kevin McGarry who has returned from New Zealand, last week, following his unfortunate accident. We wish him well. Ladies Club;
The U14 semi final versus St Brigid's which was due to have been played on Sunday will be played in the Abbey Park on Saturday next.

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

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

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

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

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

Week 37 Sept. 23rd:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fergus Ahern R.I.P.

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

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

Minors in County 'A' Final on Sunday:

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

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

I'll post the teams anon.

T.