BABY news!
Congratulations to John McCann and Laura on the birth of their first child, a daughter Katie (Granny Deborah is only chuffed…).

Congratulations to Sheryl and Peter Horan on the birth of their son, Martin William, Great expectations for this chap, what with his great grand-uncle, Martin Deegan being one of our People of the Year winners.

And to Grainne and Gavin Grace on the arrival of their first-born, a son born on St Patrick’s Day, March 2008 – to be named as you’d expect………….. Aidan. May young Aidan have all the luck of the Irish!

Birthday wishes The Naas Road was busy with birthdays this month, what with Anne Clarke throwing a good bash in Toughers; well, Rita Garvey also celebrated the ‘Big 60’ and as everyone knows, Rita loves an excuse for a celebration – so she organised her own bash in Mick Reids of Blessing ton and had a ball, as did everyone else! Good neighbours, both the Clarke and Garvey families.

Happy Birthday to Hayley Barrett who recently celebrated her 18th Birthday.


Mother & Toddler Group
We meet from 10.30am to 12 noon every Tuesday at The Resource Centre excludingthe first Tuesday of the month when we go to The Playbarn in Blessington for 10am.Arrive or leave at any time and come as often or as seldom as you like. New Members always welcome! Contact Una Bagge at 085 7581600
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Your Local CDA
The Ballymore Eustace Community Development Association Ltd (CDA) represents the residents of the village. The CDA is the umbrella organisation for Tidy Towns, Meals on Wheels, Punchestown Festival Committee, Friendship Club, Community Alert, Bingo , Ballymore Bugle and Hall Committee. It is the owner of the River Walk and Resource Centre. It also intends to provide another community resource in the near future on the site of the old council library.
The CDA works to ensure the village grows in a sustainable and attractive manner; we have made submissions on the County Development Plan and will take a primary role in the Local Area Plan.
Any suggestions or comments welcome. Contact Fiona Breslin (Chairperson CDA), Honeysuckle House, Bishopsland, Ballymore Eustace. 087-9956085

Country Markets ad – as last month, just delete reference to Easter Market – Frances, this ad can be moved elsewhere to fill if necessary as the page looks a bit tight???


JASON
One of the saddest, most traumatic funerals we’ve seen in the village. Jason King, only eighteen years of age died on March 27th after a long illness. How his parents Kathleen and Tom, his brothers Stephen and David coped, we can only imagine. In fact, we can’t imagine or comprehend the pain they are feeling. Many of you will remember Jason as having worked in Costcutters and Ardenode, a young lad working maybe to buy his favourite CDs or a ticket to OXIGEN. Instead, his remaining teenage year was spent under medical supervision and treatment.

Last year, Jason, along with family and friends made a trip to New York with the MAKE A WISH foundation; he loved every minute of his five days there, embracing the atmosphere of the city and even went off on his own one evening for a few hours, off to Time Square to buy a watch (and nearly gave Kathleen palpitations). A normal teenager seeking normal independence………
We can only hope that Jason’s family, his grandmother Kitty, grandfather Tom and members of the extended family, can support one another through this nightmare; Jason, at least is not suffering any more pain and with God. Cold comfort to Kathleen and Tom right now.

Jason King, Broadleas – a life cut short, may he rest in peace, amen - Editors

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Murphy Family on the untimely death of Brendan. To Irene, and son Mark, his father Louie, his brothers and sister, relatives and friends.


We extend our sympathies also to the family of the late Kathleen Treacey, Blessington and to the family of Johnny Clarke, Broadleas who died recently.

Also to the Byrne family of Longstone Pet Farm & Ballymore Boarding Kennels; Lily’s sister Chrissie died suddenly (54) a few weeks ago. Chrissie was coincidentally married to a brother of pet farm proprietor, Paul Byrne – we extend our sympathy to Martin and family and indeed, to his niece Suzanne who is chairperson of this year’s festival committee.

May they rest in peace, amen

Turf Wars

Spring is moving on apace and any fancies-turned-to-thoughts-of-love, which haven’t borne results, should now be squarely shelved. Abandon that station underneath the balcony, where you’ve waited for a glimpse of the fair one, and instead apply yourself to more robust matters, such as TURF - the foremost topic discussed in Kildare and Wicklow during the month of April.

If your turbary rights haven’t been curtailed by the recent EU directive, consider polishing up your slean and hand-cart. If, for you, turf means less of the billy-can and more of the champagne flute, then reforge relations with your turf-accountant and begin studying the form for Punchestown. However, if you’re one of the remaining 90% who hears ‘Turf ‘and thinks ‘Lawn’, then stall the digger right there. April is considered the best possible time of the year to install a new lawn, and also to rejuvenate an older or problem one.

If you’re about to seed or turf an area, then remember that preparation is the key to success. Make sure the soil is well cultivated, fertilized, free of stones and weeds, and level - see details below of special deals on topsoil and compost currently available at the garden centre. Use good quality lawn seed, choosing one of the harder wearing types if your lawn is to be a playground or will be subject to a fair amount of traffic.
Once seeding or turfing has been done, irrigate during any dry spells.

If your lawn suffers from weed or moss infestation, you can kill a few birds with the one stone, by applying a 3in1, Feed, Weed & Mosskiller product - see details below of our special deal. Moss will blacken as it dies and will need to be raked out. Reseed any large bare patches. The ‘Feed’ aspect of the product will strengthen the grass and improve it’s appearance. It only remains to pray for a fine summer in order to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Ah, the smug feeling of gazing on the perfect sward from the back door, tall drink in hand, shed full of peat fuel for the oncoming winter and a nice healthy bank balance courtesy of your shrewd dealings at the National Hunt Festival…………
Mary Choiseul


Badminton.


Punchestown Tournament

ON SUNDAY 20TH APRIL AT: RYSTON NEWBRIDGE

Group’s 1 to3 play from 10am to 1pm
Group’s 4 to 6 matches from 1pm to 4pm

With 3 full courts to play on, this promise to be a very special and busy time for all 78 members. Split into 6 groups, each one will play to their very best as “all points count”! Every one at the club will very much welcome support at any time and from anyone on the day. A relaxed atmosphere, tea, coffee, refreshments and the best of entertainment all free.
Please come and go at any time! A full list of participants, winners and photos will feature in next months “Ballymore Bugle”.
(Awards on Tuesday 22nd – see below)

Tournament Awards

On: Tuesday the 22nd of April. At the square Ballymore Eustace
(Awards will follow after the parade at 7pm)

Every member in each group will receive a medal in recognition of their participation in another busy year. All winners and runners up will be well rewarded with a trophy presentation. To finish the awards our 2007 player of the year “Laura Cullen” will announce and hand over the cup to a new and well deserved “2008 player of the year”. Support very much needed and feel free to cheer!


Final Season

Our current season will finish on Thursday April 17th. A new season will begin on Thursday may 1st
(Please see note below for next year’s changes)

Beginners under 13’s over 13’s Adults
3 – 4pm 4 – 5pm 7 – 8pm 8.30 - Close
5 – 6pm
6 – 7pm

Pick your hour and (if possible) keep to the same time each Thursday a
Fee of €30 per member, per season
(New members add €8 insurance)




September 2008

In the best interest of all at the club as from September 2008, members can join on an annual basis only. Currently over 60 members have been a part of the club for more than 2 years. Each one playing and understanding the rules, the matches each week are not just competitive but so enjoyable for all. Anyone wishing to try badminton for the first time please use our final season (details above) for your chance.


Enquiries phone: 087/8218566 (Laura)
087/7557332 (Julie)