Tim’s Diary
Brought to you this month by Mary Lou McDonald. Hello Mary Lou Goodbye Lisbon.
So the motion is lost. We are all in trouble. Elsewhere you will read others take on the Lisbon adventure. I have a slightly different take on it. I think part of the No vote was against arrogance. The arrogance of the current Taoiseach. Over the last number of weeks he has proved just how arrogant power can make a person, Last month threatening members of his own party who would dare to oppose the motion with expulsion, today telling us that he must respect the wishes of the democratic majority. Democracy, my arse, a wise old solicitor friend of mine once told me “democracy, it is all right as long as you don’t let it get in on you.” The arrogance of Mr. Kenny, Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Gormley (how quickly he has forgotten his background) there was no arrogance form Ms.Harney, not because she is not arrogant, just that she didn’t open her mouth during the (so- called) campaign. How much do we mirror our near neighbours at the moment? The fate of Mr. Cowen may well match Mr. Brown., man that sounds like Reservoir Dogs. The poster campaign of the “Yes” side was pathetic lovely airbrushed images of the local councillor, T.D. or whoever, exhorting us, while the “No” side got the message across in one-liners.
Fr. Breen has commenced on the mammoth task of visiting each house in the parish. He made a start in Tipperkevin and tells me that he got a great welcome everywhere he went. And sure why wouldn’t he?
Ona a recent visit the O’Byrne siblings struggled to keep up with Mam & Dad, Brigid and Des, on hike through Glendalough recently. B & D were on a world tour, of Ireland, starting with a gathering of the mighty O’Byrne clan in Churchtown, a visit to the West, which included the Burren. They were accommodated by Anne Tutty in Hollwood for their eastern sojourn and are moving with amazing speed for a couple of old fogies…..
On a (very) personal note my nephew Leonard, the very apple of his Daddy’s eye, got a kidney transplant at thee end of last month and is making as they say in work, a bleedin rapid recovery. I know that he will enjoy the following yarn, told to me by Mr.Joe O’Callaghan. A fiend of Joes went on “Stars in their Eyes” a few years ago. You remember the programme hosted by Matthew Kelly where the victims pretend to be the star of their choice. The man, Simon, was asked by Matthew about his life. He told him that he had been in an industrial accident and had his lower body, from just above his arse removed. Luckily, his uncle was gravely ill and donated his lower half to him. In a ground breaking operation they were able to put this man back together again. When asked who he was going to be he said, “Tonight Matthew, I am going to be Simon & Halfuncle.
We celebrate another big family occasion when nephew Tim in London, celebrates his fortieth birthday. Now that does make me feel old.
Tim Grace asks me to remind you all that the Annual Summer outing for the Senior Citizens takes place on Saturday 28th of June, leaving the Square, for Galway at 9 a.m. sharp. Names to the Post Office or any member of the committee.
Mary Campbell would also like to remind you that the annual Cemetery Mass and blessing of graves will take place in St. Mary’s on Monday 21st July at 8 p.m. You may want to attend to your family plot.
It was ten years ago this month…..
The U-10’s winning Division 4 Final mead front page news in June 1998. Looking at the team photo showing the small boys who are now fine young men shows just how quickly time passes. The Tidy Towns were organizing a competition within the village for the bet maintained areas. For the carnivores amongst you Londis had chicken nuggets at 25 for £1.79 and four ¼ lb. burgers for £0.99. A young fella had a poem in for the first time about a Ballymore Childhood. Rose’s profile of Dick McKnight at seventy years of age. A photo shows the lineup of Ballymore Boxing club under the tutelage of ever youthful Mick Douglas.Eira Gorman wrote a mini-marathon diary, whilst we read abbot Oisin Daly & Graham Byrne having a toy sale which raised £12.19 for the local SVP. A full page ad in the Bugle would have set you back £20.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ballymore-Eustace’s Proud Handball Record
Part 2
From stories I was told by Bernard Purcell I gather the present 60 by 30 alley replaced an earlier alley which had its front wall running parallel to the road that is to say the players would have been facing towards the road instead of facing towards my late father's stables as at present. This is borne out by the remains of what was the old front wall and which is still in existence.
Tommy Leahy was one of a family of five children who lived with their parents, Michael and Ellen Leahy, in their farmhouse just above where the Golden Falls Dam was constructed and access to their home was by the Golden Falls Lane or Leahy's Lane as it was also known. In 1929 Tommy Leahy became the pride and joy of the local community when he became the first Ballymore man to win an All-Ireland title and more significantly still he won it at senior level. Tommy won that title in a memorable home and away encounter with the reigning IAHU senior hard singles champion, J. J. Kelly (champion from 1925 to 1929), of Dublin. The first leg was played in Weldon's "Boot Inn" alley in Ballymun while the second leg was played in Ballymore. Old-timers recall that the second leg was a great occasion with a capacity crowd present.
There is no doubt that Tommy Leahy captured the imagination of old time Ballymore fans in a way that no other player of his generation did. He was a powerful two-handed player, the best of a generation of good handballers, and he dominated the senior hard singles scene under IAHU rules from 1929 to 1933. He also won the corresponding doubles titles in 1932 partnered by Jack Byrne and in 1933 partnered by Jimmy Dolan. Tommy also played doubles partnered by Peter O'Rourke.
Other well-known players he defeated were Paddy Coyne of Carlow (champion from 1910 to 1912) and Morgan Pembroke of Dublin (champion from 1920 to 1925). Tommy's late sister Bridie was married to the late Mick McDonald who helped with the running of the Club and provided Tommy with transport for his away from home games. Bridie was featured in an article in the Ballymore Bugle of February 1998. After his successful handball career Tommy immigrated to England where he died on March 6, 1940.
Two generations of the Byrne family contributed to the Ballymore handball scene. Jack experienced All-Ireland success under IAHU rules while two of his sons had All-Ireland success under IAHA rules. His brother Christy was the first to come to prominence in his role as Secretary of the Club during the Club's first period of success (1929 - 1937). Christy was a top class hardball maker and supplied the hardball needs of the local players. He was also a very useful player with whom Tommy Leahy had many a tough work out in preparation for his big games.
The late Jack (died in 1970) made his breakthrough in 1932 when he partnered Tommy Leahy in his hard doubles success. Jack succeeded Tommy Leahy as senior hard singles champion in 1933 and held that title until 1935. I saw Jack in action in the early fifties and his talents were obvious even though he was then past his best. Jack was a great all round sportsman who played in goal in 1953 on Ballymore's only team to win the Kildare senior football championship.
Jack's third son Jackie won an All-Ireland minor hard doubles medal in 1960 and thus the Byrnes became the first Ballymore family to supply champions from two generations. During a short career Jackie won two minor hard doubles medals. He was a very fast two-handed player who could play hardball and softball equally well.
I can personally vouch for Jackie's abilities having had a number of stirring encounters with him in which neither of us asked for or were given any quarter and each of us had our own band of loyal supporters. Our personal battles to represent in singles over we teamed up successfully in hard and soft doubles. Like his father Jackie was a good all round sportsman.
Jack's youngest son Justin became the third member of his family to win All-Ireland honours when he won the 1973 junior hard doubles medal. Like all the Byrnes he was a stylish, two-handed player who was fast around the alley and a good all round sportsman.
Jack's other sons Myles, the late Tommy (died in March 1999) and Declan all were useful handballers while Tommy was a good hardball maker who kept the game alive in the sixties when he was the only one who possessed the skill of making hardballs.
© Matt Purcell (June 2008)
Part 2
From stories I was told by Bernard Purcell I gather the present 60 by 30 alley replaced an earlier alley which had its front wall running parallel to the road that is to say the players would have been facing towards the road instead of facing towards my late father's stables as at present. This is borne out by the remains of what was the old front wall and which is still in existence.
Tommy Leahy was one of a family of five children who lived with their parents, Michael and Ellen Leahy, in their farmhouse just above where the Golden Falls Dam was constructed and access to their home was by the Golden Falls Lane or Leahy's Lane as it was also known. In 1929 Tommy Leahy became the pride and joy of the local community when he became the first Ballymore man to win an All-Ireland title and more significantly still he won it at senior level. Tommy won that title in a memorable home and away encounter with the reigning IAHU senior hard singles champion, J. J. Kelly (champion from 1925 to 1929), of Dublin. The first leg was played in Weldon's "Boot Inn" alley in Ballymun while the second leg was played in Ballymore. Old-timers recall that the second leg was a great occasion with a capacity crowd present.
There is no doubt that Tommy Leahy captured the imagination of old time Ballymore fans in a way that no other player of his generation did. He was a powerful two-handed player, the best of a generation of good handballers, and he dominated the senior hard singles scene under IAHU rules from 1929 to 1933. He also won the corresponding doubles titles in 1932 partnered by Jack Byrne and in 1933 partnered by Jimmy Dolan. Tommy also played doubles partnered by Peter O'Rourke.
Other well-known players he defeated were Paddy Coyne of Carlow (champion from 1910 to 1912) and Morgan Pembroke of Dublin (champion from 1920 to 1925). Tommy's late sister Bridie was married to the late Mick McDonald who helped with the running of the Club and provided Tommy with transport for his away from home games. Bridie was featured in an article in the Ballymore Bugle of February 1998. After his successful handball career Tommy immigrated to England where he died on March 6, 1940.
Two generations of the Byrne family contributed to the Ballymore handball scene. Jack experienced All-Ireland success under IAHU rules while two of his sons had All-Ireland success under IAHA rules. His brother Christy was the first to come to prominence in his role as Secretary of the Club during the Club's first period of success (1929 - 1937). Christy was a top class hardball maker and supplied the hardball needs of the local players. He was also a very useful player with whom Tommy Leahy had many a tough work out in preparation for his big games.
The late Jack (died in 1970) made his breakthrough in 1932 when he partnered Tommy Leahy in his hard doubles success. Jack succeeded Tommy Leahy as senior hard singles champion in 1933 and held that title until 1935. I saw Jack in action in the early fifties and his talents were obvious even though he was then past his best. Jack was a great all round sportsman who played in goal in 1953 on Ballymore's only team to win the Kildare senior football championship.
Jack's third son Jackie won an All-Ireland minor hard doubles medal in 1960 and thus the Byrnes became the first Ballymore family to supply champions from two generations. During a short career Jackie won two minor hard doubles medals. He was a very fast two-handed player who could play hardball and softball equally well.
I can personally vouch for Jackie's abilities having had a number of stirring encounters with him in which neither of us asked for or were given any quarter and each of us had our own band of loyal supporters. Our personal battles to represent in singles over we teamed up successfully in hard and soft doubles. Like his father Jackie was a good all round sportsman.
Jack's youngest son Justin became the third member of his family to win All-Ireland honours when he won the 1973 junior hard doubles medal. Like all the Byrnes he was a stylish, two-handed player who was fast around the alley and a good all round sportsman.
Jack's other sons Myles, the late Tommy (died in March 1999) and Declan all were useful handballers while Tommy was a good hardball maker who kept the game alive in the sixties when he was the only one who possessed the skill of making hardballs.
© Matt Purcell (June 2008)
Bits n Bobs with Rose
A Date with Celine
Well Readers, having been given a present of tickets to the recent Celine Dion concert in Croke Park, I had the good fortune to join Trish and Frank Murphy’s gang on Eamon Deering’s bus and off to Croker for a touch of Celine. Trish’s sister and hubbies were all going too and the only mistake we made was arriving at Murphy’s on time. “Have a drop of wine” says Trish. “Or a beer” says Frank. “Will you have a bit of lasagne” says Frank. “Or a bit of chicken curry?” says Trish
Isn’t it typical of bus drivers that when you’d want them to be later, they will turn up on time and just as Trish was putting the curry into the microwave, Eamon arrives…..
Off we went and we were cruising; the slagging was great until we reached Harold’s Cross and then we hit tea-time gridlock. Smokers descended the bus and went through a pack of twenty before the bus caught up; as always we Ladies needed to make an urgent pitstop and so we hopped off, used the facilities of McCauleys near Leonard’s Corner and then into the chippie next door for a snack box and chips.
And we were finished smokin’, eating and any other business we had before the bus caught up on us. For a time, it looked like we weren’t going to see Celine, never mind ‘Il Divo’ but Eamon upped a gear and got us through every back street and landed there in time for the main act.
The next time you get wind of Trish and Frank Murphy organising a bus, let me know; I will arrive early, get fed and all wined up before Eamon arrives! And the service is great on the bus too, you can abuse Eamon and he will abuse you back but he did get us there on time.
Thanks Trish, Frank and Eamon!
LISBOA – NIL POINTS!!!
Well, for a country that has done so well out of EU membership we seemed to have come full circle and lost all sense of respect or loyalty to the European vision.
First we send a Turkey on a Toilet Seat to represent our country at the Eurovision (Yes, I know some of you would say it’s a crap competition anyway….) but a muppet on a toilet seat with horrid dancers – fellas sprayed in green and gold with Aztec feathers strapped to their butts – am I missing something here?
Then we have the Lisbon Treaty, with all the main leaders except Gerry Adams encouraging a “Yes” vote. Brian Cowen, new to the role of Taoiseach and showing it; Enda Kenny, immaculately groomed but with all the charisma of Pat Kenny and Eamon Gilmore, also having the Kenny appeal……..
What a pity one of the main parties didn’t advocate a “No” vote and then we’d have had a battle, something to interest voters, rather than put them to sleep. I think Bertie probably would have made a bigger impact with voters – maybe the ‘Biffo’ approach just didn’t gel with the electorate.
I made a stab at reading the website material on the Lisbon Treaty and, as Mike Edmunds said last month, it was turkey, not Dustin turkey, worse – Rodge and Podge turkey. It reminded me of studying English for the Leaving Certificate when you were given a topic to write 2000 words on.
You got off to a great start, dynamic opening paragraph, an idea or two, the lines filling up but after 400 words, your brain had dried up – so you fill four pages of foolscap with 1600 words of crap……
Plain English, simplified bullet points with links to more specific enquiries would have sufficed. Instead a confused public said, “Hey, I don’t understand it, it’s double Dutch, yez must be trying to trick me…….” and they voted “No” to something they didn’t understand anyway.
Its too late to be whinging about EU membership – we should have seized the opportunity to show what an educated electorate we are – or maybe that’s we did – rejected substandard information, blandly written with as much solid data as you’d get on a chewing gum wrapper.
Shame on us – I just hope our “Lisbon, nil points” won’t impress our fellow EU member states as little as Dustin’s Eurovision entry. I think we’ve shot ourselves in the foot and it could be “Irlande nil points” for the future…..
_____________________
Niall Mellon Township Trust
Denise Kelly and Janet Deegan have been accepted to join the Niall Mellon Township Trust on their Building Blitz 2009 in March next year to provide approx. 200 homes in the impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa. Approximately 1,000 volunteers will travel to Cape Town, South Africa next March to participate in this event. Over the next few months, fundraising will take place as both girls need to raise €5000 each to participate in this project - all support for upcoming fundraising events would be most appreciated.
____________________________
Alzheimers Thank You
Sincere thanks to all who supported the Tea Morning in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. €1250 was raised - a special thanks to our bakers’ supreme Mary H, Mary M and Sher H who supplied the wonderful scones and cakes! Many thanks again - Margaret McDonald, CDA.
_______________________
LOST
Basset Hound, tri-colour male, answers to the name of “Dudley”: Phone 087 6731 769 or 045 483 664
Matt’s Memories
Tramore
An older generation would know that each August our family headed for Tramore on holidays. Our late parents led the way. This we did continuously from 1952 to 1984. Usually we stayed in Tramore, but if a big crowd was expected there, we might head for Annestown or Kilfarrasy both of which were within seven miles.
For the first time in many years I visited Tramore with my brother James. The weather was lovely. One day, we decided we would go to Annestown; whilst preparing, we met Joan Cleary. Joan told us she had sold the house that we stayed in, in the seventies, and was now living in Lakelands, Tramore. Joan was looking very well and was going with the Tramore Active Retirement group on a trip to the races in Punchestown!
101st Birthday
My relation and friend, Margaret Rodney of Brisbane, recently celebrated her 101st birthday. For years Margaret corresponded with my Auntie Kit in Naas, unbeknown to me, and following Kit’s death in 1988 contact with Margaret was lost.
In 1995, I visited Sydney and rang an M.Rodney in Brisbane on the off chance that she might be related to my Rodneys. The phone rang and a lady answered. In no time at all, I realised I was talking to my Margaret Rodney. We had a great chat and I discovered that Margaret was then 88. The best part came when I discovered that not only was Margaret still with us but she had two other sisters and a brother still living. Originally there were seven children in Margaret’s family. Unfortunately, I could not meet her on that occasion but I have been corresponding with her ever since. Two years later I met herself, her family and her extended family. I again met them in 2000.
Margaret was the first one I knew who did a World Tour. This she did in 1955 with her cousin Mary Carey from New York. On that faraway occasion, we met Margaret and Mary at my grandfather’s place in Naas. In 1973, I again met Mary who was disappointed to find I was not the man she was expecting to meet. Mary was expecting to meet my uncle and namesake.
Margaret’s sister, May Keane, was 97 when she died in 2001 while her brother Philip was 88 when he died in 2003. Her sister, Kay Bahr, was 93 when she died in 2005.
The Butler
A long time ago, Tom O’Brien was a regular visitor to Ballymore. He was a butler in Fournaughts, Naas and got to know my late brother Paddy first. After Paddy died in 1963, Tom became friends with the rest of our family. Tom was a keen fisherman as was James, which created a bond between them. In addition to his interest in fishing, Tom also had a tram at Strafford-on-Slaney which he converted into living quarters for holidaying. When I had a house warmer at Braemor Avenue in 1975 Tom added a touch of class to the occasion by becoming my butler for the night. James and Marie prepared and served the food. Little did I think then that within seven months Tom would have died. Tom is buried at Four-Mile-Water, County Waterford.
Nancy and Mary
I never met Mrs Nancy Fitzgerald, Naas before but I learnt she was a friend of a friend of mine, Mrs. Carroll. As a result, I rang Nancy and had a great chat with her. The husbands of Nancy Fitzgerald and Mrs. Carroll had been guards.
Afterwards I rang Mrs. Carroll who had missed me from the Punchestown Festival but had heard I was unwell. I gather both herself and Nancy had prayed regularly for me while I was sick. The late Tom Carroll had been a guard in Ballymore for many years. While talking to Nancy, I learnt that Mrs. Carroll’s Christian name was Mary. (In times past, all married ladies were “Mrs”).
When Tom retired, himself and Mary headed for Ballylinan where they bought a disused house and farm. They modernised the farmhouse bit by bit. After nine years Tom sadly died aged 81. Mary continued on and is now in her nineties. Bobbie Grattan, who now lives in Athy, is a regular visitor to her while Peter McKnight and Seamie O’Brien recently called on Mary.
The Daily Independent
Recently I got a great welcome from my neighbour Imelda Gorman when I dropped in to Janet’s for my paper. I noticed many changes were made to Janet’s in the last year or so.
© Matt Purcell (May 17, 2008).
A Date with Celine
Well Readers, having been given a present of tickets to the recent Celine Dion concert in Croke Park, I had the good fortune to join Trish and Frank Murphy’s gang on Eamon Deering’s bus and off to Croker for a touch of Celine. Trish’s sister and hubbies were all going too and the only mistake we made was arriving at Murphy’s on time. “Have a drop of wine” says Trish. “Or a beer” says Frank. “Will you have a bit of lasagne” says Frank. “Or a bit of chicken curry?” says Trish
Isn’t it typical of bus drivers that when you’d want them to be later, they will turn up on time and just as Trish was putting the curry into the microwave, Eamon arrives…..
Off we went and we were cruising; the slagging was great until we reached Harold’s Cross and then we hit tea-time gridlock. Smokers descended the bus and went through a pack of twenty before the bus caught up; as always we Ladies needed to make an urgent pitstop and so we hopped off, used the facilities of McCauleys near Leonard’s Corner and then into the chippie next door for a snack box and chips.
And we were finished smokin’, eating and any other business we had before the bus caught up on us. For a time, it looked like we weren’t going to see Celine, never mind ‘Il Divo’ but Eamon upped a gear and got us through every back street and landed there in time for the main act.
The next time you get wind of Trish and Frank Murphy organising a bus, let me know; I will arrive early, get fed and all wined up before Eamon arrives! And the service is great on the bus too, you can abuse Eamon and he will abuse you back but he did get us there on time.
Thanks Trish, Frank and Eamon!
LISBOA – NIL POINTS!!!
Well, for a country that has done so well out of EU membership we seemed to have come full circle and lost all sense of respect or loyalty to the European vision.
First we send a Turkey on a Toilet Seat to represent our country at the Eurovision (Yes, I know some of you would say it’s a crap competition anyway….) but a muppet on a toilet seat with horrid dancers – fellas sprayed in green and gold with Aztec feathers strapped to their butts – am I missing something here?
Then we have the Lisbon Treaty, with all the main leaders except Gerry Adams encouraging a “Yes” vote. Brian Cowen, new to the role of Taoiseach and showing it; Enda Kenny, immaculately groomed but with all the charisma of Pat Kenny and Eamon Gilmore, also having the Kenny appeal……..
What a pity one of the main parties didn’t advocate a “No” vote and then we’d have had a battle, something to interest voters, rather than put them to sleep. I think Bertie probably would have made a bigger impact with voters – maybe the ‘Biffo’ approach just didn’t gel with the electorate.
I made a stab at reading the website material on the Lisbon Treaty and, as Mike Edmunds said last month, it was turkey, not Dustin turkey, worse – Rodge and Podge turkey. It reminded me of studying English for the Leaving Certificate when you were given a topic to write 2000 words on.
You got off to a great start, dynamic opening paragraph, an idea or two, the lines filling up but after 400 words, your brain had dried up – so you fill four pages of foolscap with 1600 words of crap……
Plain English, simplified bullet points with links to more specific enquiries would have sufficed. Instead a confused public said, “Hey, I don’t understand it, it’s double Dutch, yez must be trying to trick me…….” and they voted “No” to something they didn’t understand anyway.
Its too late to be whinging about EU membership – we should have seized the opportunity to show what an educated electorate we are – or maybe that’s we did – rejected substandard information, blandly written with as much solid data as you’d get on a chewing gum wrapper.
Shame on us – I just hope our “Lisbon, nil points” won’t impress our fellow EU member states as little as Dustin’s Eurovision entry. I think we’ve shot ourselves in the foot and it could be “Irlande nil points” for the future…..
_____________________
Niall Mellon Township Trust
Denise Kelly and Janet Deegan have been accepted to join the Niall Mellon Township Trust on their Building Blitz 2009 in March next year to provide approx. 200 homes in the impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa. Approximately 1,000 volunteers will travel to Cape Town, South Africa next March to participate in this event. Over the next few months, fundraising will take place as both girls need to raise €5000 each to participate in this project - all support for upcoming fundraising events would be most appreciated.
____________________________
Alzheimers Thank You
Sincere thanks to all who supported the Tea Morning in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. €1250 was raised - a special thanks to our bakers’ supreme Mary H, Mary M and Sher H who supplied the wonderful scones and cakes! Many thanks again - Margaret McDonald, CDA.
_______________________
LOST
Basset Hound, tri-colour male, answers to the name of “Dudley”: Phone 087 6731 769 or 045 483 664
Matt’s Memories
Tramore
An older generation would know that each August our family headed for Tramore on holidays. Our late parents led the way. This we did continuously from 1952 to 1984. Usually we stayed in Tramore, but if a big crowd was expected there, we might head for Annestown or Kilfarrasy both of which were within seven miles.
For the first time in many years I visited Tramore with my brother James. The weather was lovely. One day, we decided we would go to Annestown; whilst preparing, we met Joan Cleary. Joan told us she had sold the house that we stayed in, in the seventies, and was now living in Lakelands, Tramore. Joan was looking very well and was going with the Tramore Active Retirement group on a trip to the races in Punchestown!
101st Birthday
My relation and friend, Margaret Rodney of Brisbane, recently celebrated her 101st birthday. For years Margaret corresponded with my Auntie Kit in Naas, unbeknown to me, and following Kit’s death in 1988 contact with Margaret was lost.
In 1995, I visited Sydney and rang an M.Rodney in Brisbane on the off chance that she might be related to my Rodneys. The phone rang and a lady answered. In no time at all, I realised I was talking to my Margaret Rodney. We had a great chat and I discovered that Margaret was then 88. The best part came when I discovered that not only was Margaret still with us but she had two other sisters and a brother still living. Originally there were seven children in Margaret’s family. Unfortunately, I could not meet her on that occasion but I have been corresponding with her ever since. Two years later I met herself, her family and her extended family. I again met them in 2000.
Margaret was the first one I knew who did a World Tour. This she did in 1955 with her cousin Mary Carey from New York. On that faraway occasion, we met Margaret and Mary at my grandfather’s place in Naas. In 1973, I again met Mary who was disappointed to find I was not the man she was expecting to meet. Mary was expecting to meet my uncle and namesake.
Margaret’s sister, May Keane, was 97 when she died in 2001 while her brother Philip was 88 when he died in 2003. Her sister, Kay Bahr, was 93 when she died in 2005.
The Butler
A long time ago, Tom O’Brien was a regular visitor to Ballymore. He was a butler in Fournaughts, Naas and got to know my late brother Paddy first. After Paddy died in 1963, Tom became friends with the rest of our family. Tom was a keen fisherman as was James, which created a bond between them. In addition to his interest in fishing, Tom also had a tram at Strafford-on-Slaney which he converted into living quarters for holidaying. When I had a house warmer at Braemor Avenue in 1975 Tom added a touch of class to the occasion by becoming my butler for the night. James and Marie prepared and served the food. Little did I think then that within seven months Tom would have died. Tom is buried at Four-Mile-Water, County Waterford.
Nancy and Mary
I never met Mrs Nancy Fitzgerald, Naas before but I learnt she was a friend of a friend of mine, Mrs. Carroll. As a result, I rang Nancy and had a great chat with her. The husbands of Nancy Fitzgerald and Mrs. Carroll had been guards.
Afterwards I rang Mrs. Carroll who had missed me from the Punchestown Festival but had heard I was unwell. I gather both herself and Nancy had prayed regularly for me while I was sick. The late Tom Carroll had been a guard in Ballymore for many years. While talking to Nancy, I learnt that Mrs. Carroll’s Christian name was Mary. (In times past, all married ladies were “Mrs”).
When Tom retired, himself and Mary headed for Ballylinan where they bought a disused house and farm. They modernised the farmhouse bit by bit. After nine years Tom sadly died aged 81. Mary continued on and is now in her nineties. Bobbie Grattan, who now lives in Athy, is a regular visitor to her while Peter McKnight and Seamie O’Brien recently called on Mary.
The Daily Independent
Recently I got a great welcome from my neighbour Imelda Gorman when I dropped in to Janet’s for my paper. I noticed many changes were made to Janet’s in the last year or so.
© Matt Purcell (May 17, 2008).
Ballymore Ladies GAA
Hey all, welcome to another month in the lives of us BME Ladies types................
The Ladies would like to congratulate all the girls who sat their Leaving and Junior certificates at the start of June. We hope their hard work pays off and we can’t wait to have them back training.
Hurry up lads!!! We miss ye!!!1
We would like to say a big thank you to Barry and Georgina O’Sullivan from the Ballymore Inn for their kind sponsorship of our new tracksuits. Which are straight off the O’Neills catwalk. They have already been worn with pride at our recent matches. Check out the pictures to see how hot the girls look in them (insert very loud wolf whistle)
We would also like to thank EBS, Citywest who generously provided us with a first aid kit for the tough matches ahead. Hopefully Sinead won’t get too much use out of it!!
We had an impressive victory over Moorefield in Moorefield on May 6th with Ballymore scoring 5-16 on the night to Moorefields 1-04. Moorefield have been strong opponents in the past but on this occasion Ballymore led from the start and never let the gap close.
Ballymore proved the better side on the day when they took on Rheban at home on 25th May. Rheban got a shock having beaten Ballymore convincingly at home and the home side finished 5 points ahead of in the end.
Until next month........................Jackie & Louise
The News:
The last month has been another busy time for hurling and football. The U8 and U10 teams took part in a hurling blitz and the U12's are taking part in the South Board hurling league. The U8 & U9 football teams played in Eadestown. The U12 girls won their first game in Kilcock and played Castledermot in the League semi final. The U11 team had a brilliant run in their league getting through the play off's and to the league final in the County Grounds.
West Wicklow U8 & U10 Hurling blitz
On Saturday 17th May the hurlers travelled to Dunlavin and took part in another very enjoyable hurling blitz. The teams put in a great performance with the U8's winning 3 out of their 4 matches and the U10's won all their games. Taking part were St. Nicholas (Dunlavin), Stratford, Blessington, St. Kevin's (Hollywood) and Michael Dwyer's (Kiltegan). A special thanks to Dunlavin for a great day.
U12 Hurling South Board League
The first game was against St Laurances on Saturday May 17th. Due to previous CLASHES with St Laurances there was some anxiety on how the Ballymore players would respond in this match. They certainly weren’t afraid of them and with excellent team work and scores from Shane Barrett Ballymore won 3-3 to 2-2. The next encounter was against Nurney in Ballymore on Monday 6th June. This match was quite one-sided with Ballymore going 5 goals up within the first 10 minutes. Goals from Thomas Mc Guirk and Joshua Burke Hayes were added on before halftime. Shane and Niall then suggested that they could play for Nurney in the second half to even things up. Despite the lad’s best efforts for Nurney, Ballymore still won the second half. The experience gained from playing the school hurling matches has developed this team considerably over the last few months. The difficulty now is to find decent opposition for them. They are certainly serious contenders in the Southboard league. Watch this space.
U12 Girls
The Girls team won their first match v Kilcock (the photo captures the excitement) and played Castledermot in the league semi-final on Tue. 10th June. In the best display of football to date the team (panel of 27) were just pipped by a gallant Castledermot side.
U11 Football league
The U11 boys team beat Milltown and Kildangan to reach the league final. The semi final against Kildangan was a tremendous game of football between 2 evenly matched sides. The game was won with a goal from Ross Fennell in the last minute on a score of 3-5 to 2-6.In the U11 final Ballymore lost to Athgarvan, 1-3 to 1-9, in a game played in the County Grounds. This was a very close game, which was only decided in the last minute when Athgarvan scored their goal. The Ballymore team battled hard to the end despite losing Niall Murphy to injury following a bad tackle and having a goal not given by the referee at a crucial stage in the game. The Ballymore Goal was scored by Harry Murphy with Shane Barrett scoring 3 points. Patrick Murphy, Joshua Burke-Hayes, Tadhg Dooley, Niall O’Neill and Ross Fennell as well as the rest of the lads had fine games.
This Duck Race will now take place on the 29th June at 5:00 pm., ducks are currently on sale (€5 a duck) and proceeds will go to the Ballymore Eustace Community games and the Juvenile Football & Hurling Club.
Congratulations to St Oliver Plunketts on getting to the Division 2 final of the Leinster Football Feile last weekend. Unfortunately the lads were beaten by old rivals St Coco's but beat teams from Laois, Offaly and Kildare on the way to the final.
U8 Hurlers in Dunlavin 17th May 2008:
Back row: Cian Duggan, Kevin Kelleher, Ben Noone,
Tadhg Barrett, Daire Clarke, Darragh GilroyFront row: Jack Murphy, Conor Gilroy,
Simon Murphy, Colm Daly.U10 Hurlers in Dunlavin 17th May 2008
Back row: Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly,
Enda Stewart Byrne, Robbie Noone, Ciaran Kelleher.
Front row: Aaron Deegan, Caolan Halpin Graham,
Tom Carter, Sean Murphy.
Fixtures
Hurling fixtures: West Wicklow U8 & U10 hurling blitz on Saturday 21st June in Blessington
U12 Southboard games on Saturday 14th June and Saturday 21st June
South Board U12 League 2008 (All games at 7:00)
10th June Monasterevin at home
17th June Rathangan away
24th June Castledermot at home
1st July Ballyteague away
8th July Rest
15th July Suncroft at home
22nd July Two Mile House away
South Board U10 League 2008 (All games at 7:00)
12th June Rathangan at home
19th June Monasterevin away
26th June Rest
3rd July Kilcullen away
10th July Two Mile House at home
The U12 Girls in Kilcock
Back row: Eve Maguire,
Grace Kerr, Shannon Brown, Hazel Stewart Byrne,
Lucy Field, Natasaha Murphy, Ellen Carter, Finola O'Connor, Amy Kelly Aoife Murphy,
Heather Sammon,
Shannon Doyle, Siobhan Murphy, Jennifer Mahon,
Annie-mae DeClare, Cody Behan,
Amy Mahon, Ciara Langan
Front row: Amy Horan,
Beth Doyle, Mayah Sammon,
Eve Carter, Ciara Fennan,
Oonagh Deegan.
The U11 team in St. Conleth's Park for league final on Sat 7th June
Back row: Ciaran Kelleher,
Zak Kinsella, Pascal Thompson,
David McAtamaney, Tom McQuirk, Harry Murphy, Niall O'Neill,
Ross Fennell, Shane Barrett,
Tony Og Sheridan, Joe Hayden,
Carl Jones, Mark Daly
Front row: Sheridan Kearns,
Tom Carter, Conor Lipsett,
Robbie Noone, Caolan Halpin Graham, Patrick Murphy, Tadhg Dooley,
Joshua Burke Hayes, Adam Murphy, Niall Murphy, Enda Stewart Byrne, Rossa Doyle, Ryan Murnane ,
Conor Nolan. Mentors: Johnny Murphy, Noel Thompson, Paul Murphy ( Eoghan Barrett behind the camera)
The U12 Hurlers in St. Laurence's
Back row: Calom O'Doherty Stephen Doyle, Dylan Waters, Kildare Feile Laighean 2008
Shane Barrett, Niall O'Neill Conor Davis, Robbie Boland
Front row: Darragh Kelleher, Stephen Davis, Stephen Murphy, Michael Stewart Byrne
Tadhg Dooley, Tom Murphy (Leinster Final Silver Medal Winners)
St Oliver Plunkett's.
The U14 team have played two league games just loosing out to Sarsfields and a good win over Raheens. They took part in Feile Laighean 2008 (Division 3) and reached the Leinster Final only to come second again to St. Coca's. To reach the final they had great wins over Dunderry of Meath, Rhode of Offaly and Confey of Kildare. Congratulations to all the panel, the BME players were Stephen Murphy, Robbie Boland, Michael Stewart Byrne & Conor Davis.
The U16 team have taken a short break from training due to exams and will restart soon.
Congratulations to the Kildare U15 team on their win over Wicklow in the replay of the Kavanagh Cup. Eddie Davis & Cian O'Neill are the Ballymore players on this squad.
Hey all, welcome to another month in the lives of us BME Ladies types................
The Ladies would like to congratulate all the girls who sat their Leaving and Junior certificates at the start of June. We hope their hard work pays off and we can’t wait to have them back training.
Hurry up lads!!! We miss ye!!!1
We would like to say a big thank you to Barry and Georgina O’Sullivan from the Ballymore Inn for their kind sponsorship of our new tracksuits. Which are straight off the O’Neills catwalk. They have already been worn with pride at our recent matches. Check out the pictures to see how hot the girls look in them (insert very loud wolf whistle)
We would also like to thank EBS, Citywest who generously provided us with a first aid kit for the tough matches ahead. Hopefully Sinead won’t get too much use out of it!!
We had an impressive victory over Moorefield in Moorefield on May 6th with Ballymore scoring 5-16 on the night to Moorefields 1-04. Moorefield have been strong opponents in the past but on this occasion Ballymore led from the start and never let the gap close.
Ballymore proved the better side on the day when they took on Rheban at home on 25th May. Rheban got a shock having beaten Ballymore convincingly at home and the home side finished 5 points ahead of in the end.
Until next month........................Jackie & Louise
The News:
The last month has been another busy time for hurling and football. The U8 and U10 teams took part in a hurling blitz and the U12's are taking part in the South Board hurling league. The U8 & U9 football teams played in Eadestown. The U12 girls won their first game in Kilcock and played Castledermot in the League semi final. The U11 team had a brilliant run in their league getting through the play off's and to the league final in the County Grounds.
West Wicklow U8 & U10 Hurling blitz
On Saturday 17th May the hurlers travelled to Dunlavin and took part in another very enjoyable hurling blitz. The teams put in a great performance with the U8's winning 3 out of their 4 matches and the U10's won all their games. Taking part were St. Nicholas (Dunlavin), Stratford, Blessington, St. Kevin's (Hollywood) and Michael Dwyer's (Kiltegan). A special thanks to Dunlavin for a great day.
U12 Hurling South Board League
The first game was against St Laurances on Saturday May 17th. Due to previous CLASHES with St Laurances there was some anxiety on how the Ballymore players would respond in this match. They certainly weren’t afraid of them and with excellent team work and scores from Shane Barrett Ballymore won 3-3 to 2-2. The next encounter was against Nurney in Ballymore on Monday 6th June. This match was quite one-sided with Ballymore going 5 goals up within the first 10 minutes. Goals from Thomas Mc Guirk and Joshua Burke Hayes were added on before halftime. Shane and Niall then suggested that they could play for Nurney in the second half to even things up. Despite the lad’s best efforts for Nurney, Ballymore still won the second half. The experience gained from playing the school hurling matches has developed this team considerably over the last few months. The difficulty now is to find decent opposition for them. They are certainly serious contenders in the Southboard league. Watch this space.
U12 Girls
The Girls team won their first match v Kilcock (the photo captures the excitement) and played Castledermot in the league semi-final on Tue. 10th June. In the best display of football to date the team (panel of 27) were just pipped by a gallant Castledermot side.
U11 Football league
The U11 boys team beat Milltown and Kildangan to reach the league final. The semi final against Kildangan was a tremendous game of football between 2 evenly matched sides. The game was won with a goal from Ross Fennell in the last minute on a score of 3-5 to 2-6.In the U11 final Ballymore lost to Athgarvan, 1-3 to 1-9, in a game played in the County Grounds. This was a very close game, which was only decided in the last minute when Athgarvan scored their goal. The Ballymore team battled hard to the end despite losing Niall Murphy to injury following a bad tackle and having a goal not given by the referee at a crucial stage in the game. The Ballymore Goal was scored by Harry Murphy with Shane Barrett scoring 3 points. Patrick Murphy, Joshua Burke-Hayes, Tadhg Dooley, Niall O’Neill and Ross Fennell as well as the rest of the lads had fine games.
This Duck Race will now take place on the 29th June at 5:00 pm., ducks are currently on sale (€5 a duck) and proceeds will go to the Ballymore Eustace Community games and the Juvenile Football & Hurling Club.
Congratulations to St Oliver Plunketts on getting to the Division 2 final of the Leinster Football Feile last weekend. Unfortunately the lads were beaten by old rivals St Coco's but beat teams from Laois, Offaly and Kildare on the way to the final.
U8 Hurlers in Dunlavin 17th May 2008:
Back row: Cian Duggan, Kevin Kelleher, Ben Noone,
Tadhg Barrett, Daire Clarke, Darragh GilroyFront row: Jack Murphy, Conor Gilroy,
Simon Murphy, Colm Daly.U10 Hurlers in Dunlavin 17th May 2008
Back row: Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly,
Enda Stewart Byrne, Robbie Noone, Ciaran Kelleher.
Front row: Aaron Deegan, Caolan Halpin Graham,
Tom Carter, Sean Murphy.
Fixtures
Hurling fixtures: West Wicklow U8 & U10 hurling blitz on Saturday 21st June in Blessington
U12 Southboard games on Saturday 14th June and Saturday 21st June
South Board U12 League 2008 (All games at 7:00)
10th June Monasterevin at home
17th June Rathangan away
24th June Castledermot at home
1st July Ballyteague away
8th July Rest
15th July Suncroft at home
22nd July Two Mile House away
South Board U10 League 2008 (All games at 7:00)
12th June Rathangan at home
19th June Monasterevin away
26th June Rest
3rd July Kilcullen away
10th July Two Mile House at home
The U12 Girls in Kilcock
Back row: Eve Maguire,
Grace Kerr, Shannon Brown, Hazel Stewart Byrne,
Lucy Field, Natasaha Murphy, Ellen Carter, Finola O'Connor, Amy Kelly Aoife Murphy,
Heather Sammon,
Shannon Doyle, Siobhan Murphy, Jennifer Mahon,
Annie-mae DeClare, Cody Behan,
Amy Mahon, Ciara Langan
Front row: Amy Horan,
Beth Doyle, Mayah Sammon,
Eve Carter, Ciara Fennan,
Oonagh Deegan.
The U11 team in St. Conleth's Park for league final on Sat 7th June
Back row: Ciaran Kelleher,
Zak Kinsella, Pascal Thompson,
David McAtamaney, Tom McQuirk, Harry Murphy, Niall O'Neill,
Ross Fennell, Shane Barrett,
Tony Og Sheridan, Joe Hayden,
Carl Jones, Mark Daly
Front row: Sheridan Kearns,
Tom Carter, Conor Lipsett,
Robbie Noone, Caolan Halpin Graham, Patrick Murphy, Tadhg Dooley,
Joshua Burke Hayes, Adam Murphy, Niall Murphy, Enda Stewart Byrne, Rossa Doyle, Ryan Murnane ,
Conor Nolan. Mentors: Johnny Murphy, Noel Thompson, Paul Murphy ( Eoghan Barrett behind the camera)
The U12 Hurlers in St. Laurence's
Back row: Calom O'Doherty Stephen Doyle, Dylan Waters, Kildare Feile Laighean 2008
Shane Barrett, Niall O'Neill Conor Davis, Robbie Boland
Front row: Darragh Kelleher, Stephen Davis, Stephen Murphy, Michael Stewart Byrne
Tadhg Dooley, Tom Murphy (Leinster Final Silver Medal Winners)
St Oliver Plunkett's.
The U14 team have played two league games just loosing out to Sarsfields and a good win over Raheens. They took part in Feile Laighean 2008 (Division 3) and reached the Leinster Final only to come second again to St. Coca's. To reach the final they had great wins over Dunderry of Meath, Rhode of Offaly and Confey of Kildare. Congratulations to all the panel, the BME players were Stephen Murphy, Robbie Boland, Michael Stewart Byrne & Conor Davis.
The U16 team have taken a short break from training due to exams and will restart soon.
Congratulations to the Kildare U15 team on their win over Wicklow in the replay of the Kavanagh Cup. Eddie Davis & Cian O'Neill are the Ballymore players on this squad.
Tidy Towns 2008 Competition
The BME Tidy Towns Group submitted their entry, on behalf of the village, for the 2008 competition in May. Assessment of participating towns is carried out by an independent panel of adjudicators appointed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and takes place during the months of June, July and August each year. This assessment is conducted in secret and on unspecified dates.
Each entrant is assessed under ten criteria with a total of 400 marks available as follows -
Overall Developmental Approach (50 marks)
The Built Environment (50 marks)
Landscaping (50 marks)
Wildlife and Natural Amenities (50 marks)
Litter Control (50 marks)
Tidiness (30 marks)
Waste Minimisation (20 marks)
Residential Areas (40 marks)
Roads, Street, and Back Areas (50 marks)
General Impression (10 marks)
Hopefully, we will improve our score this year. Keeping the village free of litter and tidy is a daunting task, but it can be relieved if everybody – residents and visitors alike – do their bit. Please, do not drop litter; place it in the bin or take it home with you. Residents of the village can be a great help, providing they are able, if they maintain the immediate area around their doorstep litter and weed free.
Don’t forget! The Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns Group carries out a clean-up around the village every Monday evening, weather permitting, throughout the summer. We meet in the Square at 7pm. All are welcome to join us and lend a hand! Bring gloves, a trowel, and yourselves to help us pick up litter and rubbish, and to remove weeds along the walkways and paths.
Ballymore GAA Notes Thanks to everybody who bought a club membership. The moneyis needed to help runthe club for the coming year. The first draw for 500 euro took place and the lucky winner is Michael Grace.Match ReportsBallymore V BallyteagueBallymore finished this game with a 2 point loss to Ballyteague.Ballymore had a poor first half performance and went into the break 5 points to 2 behind. Ballyteague started the second halfwith 3 unanswered points. Ballymore respondedwith their best spell of the game. They scored 6 six points to level the game. However Ballyteaguerallied and scored the final two points to win the match.Ballymore V ConfeyBallymore travelled to Confey on a bright Sunday evening.The match was played in dry conditions and Ballymore had the aid of a strongwind in the first half. Confey scored the first two points before Ballymore got their first score of the game. The first half ended with Ballymore 2 points in front.With the aid of the wind Confey started the second half well and soon were onlevel terms. Confey soon strected their lead to 3 points. Ballymore rallied but couldonly cut the difference to two points. The game ended with Confey winnning on ascore line of 12 -10.Ballymore V KillBallymore played Kill on Thursday the 5th of June. Kill got the openingtwo scores from frees, both converted by their full forward Tony Spain. Ballymorewere finding it hard to settle however Tommy Archibold scored their first pointfrom a very tight angle. Chris Dowling added to this a few minutes later. Kill continued to dominate and were soon 3 points in front.Ballymore ended the half with two excellent goal opportunities. Firstly HughKeogh picked up a breaking ball and raced towards the Kill goal. His shot was wellsaved by the goalkeeper. In the final few minutes of the first half Archibold wasfouled in the large rectangle. He took the subsequent penalty but his shot was saved.Ballymore trailed at half time on a scored line of 0-7 to 0-3.Ballymore started the second half brightly with 2 points from Archibold. After narrowing Kills led by 2 points Shane Kavanagh fisted a the ball to the back of thenet. Kill responded and levelled the scores. Garlath Gilroy then setup Chris Dowling, whofinished the ball to the corner of the Kill net. For the final 5 minutes Kill tried to score the 2 points that would levelthe game. However Ballymore defended bravely to win the game. Best for Ballymore were Gerry Fennell, Kevin Murphy,Pat Browne, Shane Kavanagh and Tommy Archibold.Ballymore V GrangeGrange travelled to Ballymore on Sunday night the 8th June. The visitors started well and raced into a 4 pointlead before Tommy Archibold opened the scoring for Ballymore with a fine point. This was folllowed by a goal from Archibold after a pass from James Kavanagh. Both teams had a man sent off after an off the ball incident.Balllymore ended thehalf with a 1 point lead after Chris Dowling struck fortheir second goal. James Kavanagh scored the first 2 points of the second half, both where free kicks. Grange then had another man sent to the line. Both teams lost their shape for the following few minutes and great scoring opportunites where missed for both teams. Ballymore finished thegame with pointsfrom Kavanagh and William O Donoghue while Grange had athird man dismissed. The scorelinewas 2-08 to 1-07, a victory for the Ballymore men.The Intermediate 'B' team had a number of good performances. After a narrow loss over St. Kevins they responded by beating Sarsfields. The next game was anarrow loss to Kilcullen.The Intermediate 'B' team then played Castledermot in Ballymore in their last league game. With the aid of a strong breeze and a Gerry Fennell goal Ballymorewere leading at half time. However they did miss a number of good chancesto extend the lead.In the second half Castledermot used the wind well and started to narrowthe gap on the score board. Ballymore rallied but could not get the scoresin the second half. Castledermot ended the game winning by 2 points.Best for Ballymore where Ollie O'Neill, Gerry Fennell and Dean Fisher.Senior training is every Tuesday and Thursday night in the pitch at 7.30. All are welcome.
The BME Tidy Towns Group submitted their entry, on behalf of the village, for the 2008 competition in May. Assessment of participating towns is carried out by an independent panel of adjudicators appointed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and takes place during the months of June, July and August each year. This assessment is conducted in secret and on unspecified dates.
Each entrant is assessed under ten criteria with a total of 400 marks available as follows -
Overall Developmental Approach (50 marks)
The Built Environment (50 marks)
Landscaping (50 marks)
Wildlife and Natural Amenities (50 marks)
Litter Control (50 marks)
Tidiness (30 marks)
Waste Minimisation (20 marks)
Residential Areas (40 marks)
Roads, Street, and Back Areas (50 marks)
General Impression (10 marks)
Hopefully, we will improve our score this year. Keeping the village free of litter and tidy is a daunting task, but it can be relieved if everybody – residents and visitors alike – do their bit. Please, do not drop litter; place it in the bin or take it home with you. Residents of the village can be a great help, providing they are able, if they maintain the immediate area around their doorstep litter and weed free.
Don’t forget! The Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns Group carries out a clean-up around the village every Monday evening, weather permitting, throughout the summer. We meet in the Square at 7pm. All are welcome to join us and lend a hand! Bring gloves, a trowel, and yourselves to help us pick up litter and rubbish, and to remove weeds along the walkways and paths.
Ballymore GAA Notes Thanks to everybody who bought a club membership. The moneyis needed to help runthe club for the coming year. The first draw for 500 euro took place and the lucky winner is Michael Grace.Match ReportsBallymore V BallyteagueBallymore finished this game with a 2 point loss to Ballyteague.Ballymore had a poor first half performance and went into the break 5 points to 2 behind. Ballyteague started the second halfwith 3 unanswered points. Ballymore respondedwith their best spell of the game. They scored 6 six points to level the game. However Ballyteaguerallied and scored the final two points to win the match.Ballymore V ConfeyBallymore travelled to Confey on a bright Sunday evening.The match was played in dry conditions and Ballymore had the aid of a strongwind in the first half. Confey scored the first two points before Ballymore got their first score of the game. The first half ended with Ballymore 2 points in front.With the aid of the wind Confey started the second half well and soon were onlevel terms. Confey soon strected their lead to 3 points. Ballymore rallied but couldonly cut the difference to two points. The game ended with Confey winnning on ascore line of 12 -10.Ballymore V KillBallymore played Kill on Thursday the 5th of June. Kill got the openingtwo scores from frees, both converted by their full forward Tony Spain. Ballymorewere finding it hard to settle however Tommy Archibold scored their first pointfrom a very tight angle. Chris Dowling added to this a few minutes later. Kill continued to dominate and were soon 3 points in front.Ballymore ended the half with two excellent goal opportunities. Firstly HughKeogh picked up a breaking ball and raced towards the Kill goal. His shot was wellsaved by the goalkeeper. In the final few minutes of the first half Archibold wasfouled in the large rectangle. He took the subsequent penalty but his shot was saved.Ballymore trailed at half time on a scored line of 0-7 to 0-3.Ballymore started the second half brightly with 2 points from Archibold. After narrowing Kills led by 2 points Shane Kavanagh fisted a the ball to the back of thenet. Kill responded and levelled the scores. Garlath Gilroy then setup Chris Dowling, whofinished the ball to the corner of the Kill net. For the final 5 minutes Kill tried to score the 2 points that would levelthe game. However Ballymore defended bravely to win the game. Best for Ballymore were Gerry Fennell, Kevin Murphy,Pat Browne, Shane Kavanagh and Tommy Archibold.Ballymore V GrangeGrange travelled to Ballymore on Sunday night the 8th June. The visitors started well and raced into a 4 pointlead before Tommy Archibold opened the scoring for Ballymore with a fine point. This was folllowed by a goal from Archibold after a pass from James Kavanagh. Both teams had a man sent off after an off the ball incident.Balllymore ended thehalf with a 1 point lead after Chris Dowling struck fortheir second goal. James Kavanagh scored the first 2 points of the second half, both where free kicks. Grange then had another man sent to the line. Both teams lost their shape for the following few minutes and great scoring opportunites where missed for both teams. Ballymore finished thegame with pointsfrom Kavanagh and William O Donoghue while Grange had athird man dismissed. The scorelinewas 2-08 to 1-07, a victory for the Ballymore men.The Intermediate 'B' team had a number of good performances. After a narrow loss over St. Kevins they responded by beating Sarsfields. The next game was anarrow loss to Kilcullen.The Intermediate 'B' team then played Castledermot in Ballymore in their last league game. With the aid of a strong breeze and a Gerry Fennell goal Ballymorewere leading at half time. However they did miss a number of good chancesto extend the lead.In the second half Castledermot used the wind well and started to narrowthe gap on the score board. Ballymore rallied but could not get the scoresin the second half. Castledermot ended the game winning by 2 points.Best for Ballymore where Ollie O'Neill, Gerry Fennell and Dean Fisher.Senior training is every Tuesday and Thursday night in the pitch at 7.30. All are welcome.
.
Russborough House - The Art
Russborough House, venerable in age and character, once a home to lords and ladies of the realm, Castle to the old Irish ascendancy – Ireland rich in the ruins of lost generations yet this grand house stands gloriously proud of the craftsmanships that made it whole.
Twin sweeping colonnades embrace its hearth, its soul as ever, is in the charm of its welcome – a spirit pervading the entire, that same spirit, innate, imbued so naturally now in those who serve its needs and who good-naturedly greet and informatively guide those who come to visit, re-treading the footsteps of times past – people like Marian Kelly, Administrator; Anne Reynolds, Monica Brosnan, Alice Farrington, and Barbara Bolger among others. Barbara, who must now be doyen to this mansion, and who for nigh on thirty years has accompanied visitors through its labyrinthine ways on tours of the art and lives of its treasures; of Vermeer, Velasquez, Goya, etc. The presence and importance of those mentioned above, is that vital link with the past in continuity of its existence; and as they guide you through its wonders, they will tell you that all good paintings have a story to them, sometimes dramatic – of happiness, of loneliness, of the melancholy of artists, of love and sometimes of tragedy.
It was a pleasure to see again the Claude Joseph Vernet quartet, four works specially commissioned by Joseph Leeson (c.1750) which sit like treasured jewels within wonderfully decorated frames, the free-hand plasterwork of the unsurpassable Lafrancini brothers, designed specifically for these paintings depicting the four diurnals of shade, Morning, Midday, Evening, and Nightfall in subtleties of light and atmosphere. Such is the beauty that it would not be unjust to refer to each setting as magnified decorations of Benvenuto Cellini, the Renaissance goldsmith. The four were sold to an American collector during the 1920’s. On moving to Russborough (1952), Sir Alfred Beit went in search of them. In the early 1960’s they were re-instated to their natural home, a residency of some 260 years. It is said that these paintings were the prelude to Vernet’s commissioning by the hapless King Louis XV1 for a series, Harbours of France which brought him so much fame, and are now in The Louvre.
Not all of the pictures previously displayed at Russborough are on show for a variety of reasons, but apart from those mentioned within, prominent are the two famous Dutch artist friends, Van deVelde and Van Goyen showing two seascapes, one of Ships in a Calm, the other A Stormy Sea, along with Wm. Sadler’s View of Dublin, and two large canvasses by Jacques de Lajoue (1687-1761) from his Allegories of Science. Others include Gainsborough, Batoni, Joshua Reynolds, Chavennes.
Paintings with incident-packed lives and misadventures, as is well know, include the Rubens, Murillo, Metsu etc., and remain with the National Gallery for the present time. So, perhaps it’s the French (Royal) connection this time, and if the journey of the ‘Vernet four’ to America was unfortunate, the acquisition of Jean Baptiste Oudry’s (1685-1755) An Indian Black Buck (with three white hounds and still life of a pheasant and a duck) was a connoisseur’s dream come true, when intimate knowledge and limitations are masters of the art of collecting. It is admired as perfect a study of animal life.
Oudry was appointed court painter of the Royal Hunt by Louis XV, grandfather of the unlucky Louis XV1, and is considered one of the world’s foremost of that genre. When this large canvas last went to auction, the final bids were between J. Paul Getty and Sir Alfred Beit. Getty won the day, but lack of attention to detail caused embarrassment. Shortly after acquiring this prize, Getty offered the picture to Beit because it was too large for any of the walls of his house. Hail, to Russborough. Thus, a perceived grandeur was undone by an over-swelled wallet – no less an incongruity than owning a current model Rolls Royce while living in a 3bed semi with no garage!
Oudry, an amazingly versatile artist, was highly thought of by Louis XV and was asked to revive the Tapestry works in Beauvais, a complex task, for it demanded not simply art-work and design, but knowledge of the dying of colour threads. Curiously, there are two large tapestries in Russborough, both of French origin and dated to the time of Louis X1V, the Sun King, c.1690. In the same room is a work by Andre Derain (1880-1954), contemporary of Renoir, Lady with a Flowery Hat, blithe spirit, which it is said was one of Sir Alfred Beit’s favourites. Where he went, she went. I could not see the merit for such amiable feelings; but then, I was spoilt, for it called to mind a short-lived romance when I was 20, with a very pretty girlfriend, who, saying how thrilled she was that her portrait had been chosen to grace the millions of world-wide Irish Hospitals Sweepstake tickets, pretended to swoon. Gallantly, instant ignition spurred me to give her the kiss-of-(her)-life to revive her. I got a slap on the cheek for that bit of hospitality! The Lady with the Flowery Hat seemed to smile. Michael Ward.
Russborough House Demesne – Music - Outdoor Theatre - Entertainment
Web address: www.russborough.ie Phone: 045-865239 email: russborough@eircom.net
Eric Blatchford, the new Chief Executive Officer at Russborough, is an unusual breed, for while being well experienced in his approach to business, he is also one very nice chap, personable and sincere, and very much Lord of the manner, Crowned, one could say, for this appointment. The expansion of the activities at Russborough will not only help defray the running costs of the Beit Foundation, but importantly, it also interacts with the cultural aspects of existing activities, well suited to the manor.
The forthcoming appearance of Celine Byrne at Russborough - Soprano, winner of the Maria Callas Grand Prix, in Athens, 2007, and an already accomplished career as an international performer at Carnegie Hall, The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, on both operatic and concert stages including our own National Concert Hall and the Vatican - is in perfect harmony with the whole ethos of what Russborough means and why it was originally constructed. From Naas, Celine holds a Masters in Music from the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Included in this Summer’s plans, and by way of variety, the stage is also set for an outdoor performance of King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, an ideal family entertainment, to take place on the front lawn, with the house as a backdrop. For this exciting engagement, patrons are to provide their own low-backed seating and rugs where they may picnic before the performance, from 4pm.
A Scenic Walking Tour
Where before, visits to Russborough were more or less confined to the Art collection, with the Maze as an attraction for children, more lately the house was opened to musical evenings. Now an extensive walking tour has also been established, opening up the extensive grounds around the perimeter of the demesne, where the wonderful landscape exposes new vistas and panoramic views - ideal settings for artists. The walk takes about an hour to complete.
The Russborough Café
Situated below stairs (!) in the old kitchen is a wonderful Café run by Dawn and Kevin Farley with 30 years experience behind them. They serve wonderful food, lunches with fresh garden produce, home-baked cakes, pastries, buns and that lovely Italian illy coffee from 10am to 5pm every day. Each table is decorated with a vase of flowers, fresh as the morning dew, and a scent, sweet as a sunny day.
Looking Ahead
Eric Blatchford just will not stand still. Plans are well advanced to cater for Civil Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Corporate meetings and entertainment, and much more.
If you are about to pop the question, check with Eric or Marian Kelly first!
Upcoming events include:
13th July. Outdoor Theatre (Sunday, on the front lawn 4pm)
King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table
A Live performance by The Chapterhouse Theatre Company
It lasts for just over two hours. Bring your own low seats & rugs.
Picnic space open from 4pm. Refreshments available.
23rd AugustSummer Fest featuring
Celine Byrne. Concert. 8pm.
Fruit Punch reception 7.30pm
21st September Blessington Vintage Car
& Motorcycle Club. 10am-11.30am
18th October Liz Ryan Concert
Nobody loves a Fairy when she’s Forty
5th November Vanburg Quartet
Farmers Markets on Sundays
3rd August, 7th September, 5th October.
The well laid out web site for Russborough is designed by Haven Design; www.havendesign.ie Michael Ward.
Russborough House - The Art
Russborough House, venerable in age and character, once a home to lords and ladies of the realm, Castle to the old Irish ascendancy – Ireland rich in the ruins of lost generations yet this grand house stands gloriously proud of the craftsmanships that made it whole.
Twin sweeping colonnades embrace its hearth, its soul as ever, is in the charm of its welcome – a spirit pervading the entire, that same spirit, innate, imbued so naturally now in those who serve its needs and who good-naturedly greet and informatively guide those who come to visit, re-treading the footsteps of times past – people like Marian Kelly, Administrator; Anne Reynolds, Monica Brosnan, Alice Farrington, and Barbara Bolger among others. Barbara, who must now be doyen to this mansion, and who for nigh on thirty years has accompanied visitors through its labyrinthine ways on tours of the art and lives of its treasures; of Vermeer, Velasquez, Goya, etc. The presence and importance of those mentioned above, is that vital link with the past in continuity of its existence; and as they guide you through its wonders, they will tell you that all good paintings have a story to them, sometimes dramatic – of happiness, of loneliness, of the melancholy of artists, of love and sometimes of tragedy.
It was a pleasure to see again the Claude Joseph Vernet quartet, four works specially commissioned by Joseph Leeson (c.1750) which sit like treasured jewels within wonderfully decorated frames, the free-hand plasterwork of the unsurpassable Lafrancini brothers, designed specifically for these paintings depicting the four diurnals of shade, Morning, Midday, Evening, and Nightfall in subtleties of light and atmosphere. Such is the beauty that it would not be unjust to refer to each setting as magnified decorations of Benvenuto Cellini, the Renaissance goldsmith. The four were sold to an American collector during the 1920’s. On moving to Russborough (1952), Sir Alfred Beit went in search of them. In the early 1960’s they were re-instated to their natural home, a residency of some 260 years. It is said that these paintings were the prelude to Vernet’s commissioning by the hapless King Louis XV1 for a series, Harbours of France which brought him so much fame, and are now in The Louvre.
Not all of the pictures previously displayed at Russborough are on show for a variety of reasons, but apart from those mentioned within, prominent are the two famous Dutch artist friends, Van deVelde and Van Goyen showing two seascapes, one of Ships in a Calm, the other A Stormy Sea, along with Wm. Sadler’s View of Dublin, and two large canvasses by Jacques de Lajoue (1687-1761) from his Allegories of Science. Others include Gainsborough, Batoni, Joshua Reynolds, Chavennes.
Paintings with incident-packed lives and misadventures, as is well know, include the Rubens, Murillo, Metsu etc., and remain with the National Gallery for the present time. So, perhaps it’s the French (Royal) connection this time, and if the journey of the ‘Vernet four’ to America was unfortunate, the acquisition of Jean Baptiste Oudry’s (1685-1755) An Indian Black Buck (with three white hounds and still life of a pheasant and a duck) was a connoisseur’s dream come true, when intimate knowledge and limitations are masters of the art of collecting. It is admired as perfect a study of animal life.
Oudry was appointed court painter of the Royal Hunt by Louis XV, grandfather of the unlucky Louis XV1, and is considered one of the world’s foremost of that genre. When this large canvas last went to auction, the final bids were between J. Paul Getty and Sir Alfred Beit. Getty won the day, but lack of attention to detail caused embarrassment. Shortly after acquiring this prize, Getty offered the picture to Beit because it was too large for any of the walls of his house. Hail, to Russborough. Thus, a perceived grandeur was undone by an over-swelled wallet – no less an incongruity than owning a current model Rolls Royce while living in a 3bed semi with no garage!
Oudry, an amazingly versatile artist, was highly thought of by Louis XV and was asked to revive the Tapestry works in Beauvais, a complex task, for it demanded not simply art-work and design, but knowledge of the dying of colour threads. Curiously, there are two large tapestries in Russborough, both of French origin and dated to the time of Louis X1V, the Sun King, c.1690. In the same room is a work by Andre Derain (1880-1954), contemporary of Renoir, Lady with a Flowery Hat, blithe spirit, which it is said was one of Sir Alfred Beit’s favourites. Where he went, she went. I could not see the merit for such amiable feelings; but then, I was spoilt, for it called to mind a short-lived romance when I was 20, with a very pretty girlfriend, who, saying how thrilled she was that her portrait had been chosen to grace the millions of world-wide Irish Hospitals Sweepstake tickets, pretended to swoon. Gallantly, instant ignition spurred me to give her the kiss-of-(her)-life to revive her. I got a slap on the cheek for that bit of hospitality! The Lady with the Flowery Hat seemed to smile. Michael Ward.
Russborough House Demesne – Music - Outdoor Theatre - Entertainment
Web address: www.russborough.ie Phone: 045-865239 email: russborough@eircom.net
Eric Blatchford, the new Chief Executive Officer at Russborough, is an unusual breed, for while being well experienced in his approach to business, he is also one very nice chap, personable and sincere, and very much Lord of the manner, Crowned, one could say, for this appointment. The expansion of the activities at Russborough will not only help defray the running costs of the Beit Foundation, but importantly, it also interacts with the cultural aspects of existing activities, well suited to the manor.
The forthcoming appearance of Celine Byrne at Russborough - Soprano, winner of the Maria Callas Grand Prix, in Athens, 2007, and an already accomplished career as an international performer at Carnegie Hall, The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, on both operatic and concert stages including our own National Concert Hall and the Vatican - is in perfect harmony with the whole ethos of what Russborough means and why it was originally constructed. From Naas, Celine holds a Masters in Music from the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Included in this Summer’s plans, and by way of variety, the stage is also set for an outdoor performance of King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, an ideal family entertainment, to take place on the front lawn, with the house as a backdrop. For this exciting engagement, patrons are to provide their own low-backed seating and rugs where they may picnic before the performance, from 4pm.
A Scenic Walking Tour
Where before, visits to Russborough were more or less confined to the Art collection, with the Maze as an attraction for children, more lately the house was opened to musical evenings. Now an extensive walking tour has also been established, opening up the extensive grounds around the perimeter of the demesne, where the wonderful landscape exposes new vistas and panoramic views - ideal settings for artists. The walk takes about an hour to complete.
The Russborough Café
Situated below stairs (!) in the old kitchen is a wonderful Café run by Dawn and Kevin Farley with 30 years experience behind them. They serve wonderful food, lunches with fresh garden produce, home-baked cakes, pastries, buns and that lovely Italian illy coffee from 10am to 5pm every day. Each table is decorated with a vase of flowers, fresh as the morning dew, and a scent, sweet as a sunny day.
Looking Ahead
Eric Blatchford just will not stand still. Plans are well advanced to cater for Civil Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Corporate meetings and entertainment, and much more.
If you are about to pop the question, check with Eric or Marian Kelly first!
Upcoming events include:
13th July. Outdoor Theatre (Sunday, on the front lawn 4pm)
King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table
A Live performance by The Chapterhouse Theatre Company
It lasts for just over two hours. Bring your own low seats & rugs.
Picnic space open from 4pm. Refreshments available.
23rd AugustSummer Fest featuring
Celine Byrne. Concert. 8pm.
Fruit Punch reception 7.30pm
21st September Blessington Vintage Car
& Motorcycle Club. 10am-11.30am
18th October Liz Ryan Concert
Nobody loves a Fairy when she’s Forty
5th November Vanburg Quartet
Farmers Markets on Sundays
3rd August, 7th September, 5th October.
The well laid out web site for Russborough is designed by Haven Design; www.havendesign.ie Michael Ward.
The Late John Headon
My generation will remember John as “Big John”, the big man who marched with the Wolfe Tone Brass and Reed Band playing the base. He was an imposing figure, his height making him immediately identifiable in the many photographs taken of the band over the decades - and then the big broad smile… There’s the word “big” again and for generations of youth who learned to play music through the band, the genial giant certainly made a big impression.
Former pupils and parents contacted Tom and Niamh Headon after the funeral to say how they appreciated his patience and encouragement as a teacher in latter years.
John’s dedication to the band is unquestionable; he joined as a youth of fourteen and until his death in April, remained an active member and was serving the role of President. Coincidentally, his son Tom joined at the same age – albeit under the ‘persuasion’ of his late father – and remains a member today, never having regretted being bitten by the music bug.
John was born to Mary and Tom Headon of Chapel Street; Mary was an O’Toole of Lamingstown, Broadleas and Tom hailed from Sillagh. Tom was a widower with children Dennis, Joe and Tom (Kate had died young), from his first marriage. The love of farming was as deeply imbedded in John as was his love of music; it was always his aspiration to move back up to the farm at Broadleas and happily he did.
Tom Headon snr. passed away when John was a mere three years of age, leaving Mary to raise three children – Annie, Pat and John. For young John, walking the cattle from the yard at Chapel Street up to the farm at Broadleas before and after school was like saying his daily prayers and the only grief it caused him was when the flooding near the Old Schoolhouse prevented the herd from getting through.
Hard work never bothered him; in his time, he served as relief postman, joined Kildare County Council in his twenties, using the horse and cart before tractors and vans were available to crews. From the family home on Chapel Street, he ran a coal yard for years. In the the mid 1970s, he was appointed a Water Works Overseer with the Council covering a wide area from Castledermot to Ardclough to Brannockstown to Blessington and this was pre-mobile phones and email.
“There wasn’t even the two-way speaker system then” remarked Tom. “He would often be just back in from a call when there would be a message to go back out again – the flash-lamp got a lot of use in those days with up to 20 phone calls at home and no answering machine!”
“My father was the first person I ever saw with a mobile phone and it was a massive looking thing, about the size of biscuit barrel, with an ariel the length of a fly fishing rod! You couldn’t afford to buy them then, only to rent them and the battery was huge.”
Despite enjoying his time with the Water Department, John was not sorry to retire in 1996 as it gave him time to indulge in other passions – namely the brass and reed band and farming!
For Michael Kelly, the late John Headon was one of the central figures of the band. “John was one of the people who kept the band going through good years and bad, right up to the day he died. He totally believed in the ethos of the band, that “nothing was to be disposed of, until something of equal value to the band had replaced it.” Therefore, no musical instruments were disposed of, until a new one replaced it.
He was passionate regarding the implementation of the bandhall as a local facility and how right he was; today, the ‘new’ bandhall hosts underage and adult dramatic and musical presentations, bowling, weekly badminton to over 70 children, Irish dancing and has facilitated the community playgroup, planning meetings etc.
The original building of the bandhall was sheeted in 1939; we ran concerts, raffles and card-drives during Monsignor Browne’s time to upgrade the hall. It was extended and a new stage put in. For years, the cinema brought in revenue until it was moved to the parish hall. For a time, the bandhall housed a printing works but eventually it fell into dis-repair.
Under John’s leadership, a major fundraising drive was initiated and plans for a new hall incorporating two music rooms began; it was John’s foresight at this stage that the hall be designed to provide a community facility. He dealt with everything from the planning application and sourcing Government grants, to fundraising, making house-to-house calls for the non-stop draw.
His whole life he was the backbone of the band; from his days as a player – he started out playing the cornet, then an E Flat horn, the baritone and finally the base – he marched and travelled the length and breadth of the country with the band and in latter years, was one of our most patient and dedicated tutors, teaching newcomers the recorder.
Coincidentally, John was also involved in the dramatic society as was his good friend, the late Paddy Monaghan. The group performed in the Kildare Drama Festival and others.
I refer to the late Paddy Monaghan above; Paddy used to visit John occasionally after second mass on Sunday; indeed, John once joked that despite the fact he didn’t take sugar, he went through two bags a week catering for the many welcome visitors who crossed the door on Chapel Street!
Many homes in Ballymore proudly hang pictures of the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band taken at former Corpus Christi Parades, Easter Monday Ceremony (‘non-partition’ parade) field days, GAA championship finals, gymkhanas, Punches town Parades, Walking Sunday etc. One of the more familiar photographs was taken at the opening of Scoil Mhuire in 1953, the late Jack Twaite proudly leading the lads and of course, the imposing figure of “Big John” unmistakable.
Other occasions the band performed included marching Pat Buckley, winning jockey of the Aintree Grand National in 1963, from Naas into Two-Mile- House; the inauguration of Jack Boothman as President of the GAA – the band led Jack into Blessington; meeting the Bishop on arrival to Ballymore for Confirmations, official switching on of the Christmas lights/ arrival of Santa and of course, Christmas morning after mass.
It’s the local appearances I remember so vividly – the festival parade, the field day and Christmas morning in the Churchyard, the band looking so smart in their navy, gold trimmed uniforms.
Those uniforms tell their own story – in 1963, the Garda Suiochana changed their uniforms so John, along with other members, sourced surplus Garda uniforms, dressed them with gold braid and chrome buttons, added a musical lyre to the hats – and the ‘new-look’ band was complete! Even in later years, during the 1980s, when a lighter material was used, a similar design and overall look was retained.
It was 1967 that John married Eileen, nee Dowling of Brittas and their only son, Tom was destined to eventually join the band and continue the tradition. Whilst admits he was ‘persuaded’ to join, he remains a member today, loves it and played last Christmas outside the Church, much to the delight of the ailing John.
“My father had great patience; I worked with him (Tom also works with KCC Water Dept); played in the band with him and lived with him – if he put up with me for years, believe me, he had great patience! He was a great father and a good friend and I’m happy that his final years were spent here at Broadleas where he has always wanted to be.”
Their mutual interest in the band saw father and son travel to Worchester, Massachusetts and Holly Oak, Conneticut and around Ireland until sadly, the band could no longer sustain a marching element. Tom, like his dad, plays base and bears a striking resemblance to the early photos of his father.
For Tom’s wife, Niamh, John was an easy patient and he revelled in the view of the land from the kitchen window – only 2 miles up the road but he used to laugh and say it took him 30 years to get there! He had excellent memory and loved to talk about the history of Ballymore, the factual and the invented. He always praised his former neighbours on Chapel Street, never having fallen out with neighbours on either side.
For years, John was on the graveyard committee and held the key to the gates; he loved to bump into Bobby Grattan and Eddie Whelan there and go back over shared memories.
Sadly, Eileen died in 2001 so John became a more frequent visitor to St Mary’s.
John had been an alter boy as a child, a Minister of the Eucharist for years, collected at mass, was a lifelong pioneer and was involved in several associated fundraising drives – eg presentation to Fr Dunphy, Monsignor Browne’s headstone and was a Papal Steward for the Pope’s visit in 1979.
A film crew shooting in Maynooth chose John for a particular scene whereby they wanted a band member to take a slug of whiskey– whilst it was his physique that drew the crew’s attention, the other band members thought it amusing that the pioneer was selected and had no hardship in downing the cold tea for the scene!
For Michael Kelly, it was John’s modesty that made him stand tall: “He didn’t wear his deeds on his sleeve; he did a lot of good turns for people but never spoke of it afterwards and many people referred to this at the funeral.
Apart from his work with the band, he contributed to the dramatic society years ago, the church, was a member of the Fine Gael party – a good friend of Paddy Malone and Gerry Sweetman, was a member of the graveyard committee and his door was always open to anyone.”
Undoubtably, it is John’s contribution to the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band that he will be best remembered.
An anchor man over the years, he has been a performing member, Trustee, Secretary, Chairperson, President and Teacher – each role equal in importance. There is even the story that once, when the rest of the band failed to appear at a booking in Blessington due to transport problems – John, along with two other members marched down the street and honoured the booking!
A wealthy man is a man who lives as he wants to and the late John Headon spent the last few years ‘rolling in clover’ so to speak– on the land at Broadleas, living with his son Tom and daughter in law, Niamh; father and son both continuing their love of music and the brass & reed band, John with plenty of genuine friends and remembered fondly by many ex-pupils and fellow members.
Big John, the late John Headon, may he rest in peace, amen.
- Rose
My generation will remember John as “Big John”, the big man who marched with the Wolfe Tone Brass and Reed Band playing the base. He was an imposing figure, his height making him immediately identifiable in the many photographs taken of the band over the decades - and then the big broad smile… There’s the word “big” again and for generations of youth who learned to play music through the band, the genial giant certainly made a big impression.
Former pupils and parents contacted Tom and Niamh Headon after the funeral to say how they appreciated his patience and encouragement as a teacher in latter years.
John’s dedication to the band is unquestionable; he joined as a youth of fourteen and until his death in April, remained an active member and was serving the role of President. Coincidentally, his son Tom joined at the same age – albeit under the ‘persuasion’ of his late father – and remains a member today, never having regretted being bitten by the music bug.
John was born to Mary and Tom Headon of Chapel Street; Mary was an O’Toole of Lamingstown, Broadleas and Tom hailed from Sillagh. Tom was a widower with children Dennis, Joe and Tom (Kate had died young), from his first marriage. The love of farming was as deeply imbedded in John as was his love of music; it was always his aspiration to move back up to the farm at Broadleas and happily he did.
Tom Headon snr. passed away when John was a mere three years of age, leaving Mary to raise three children – Annie, Pat and John. For young John, walking the cattle from the yard at Chapel Street up to the farm at Broadleas before and after school was like saying his daily prayers and the only grief it caused him was when the flooding near the Old Schoolhouse prevented the herd from getting through.
Hard work never bothered him; in his time, he served as relief postman, joined Kildare County Council in his twenties, using the horse and cart before tractors and vans were available to crews. From the family home on Chapel Street, he ran a coal yard for years. In the the mid 1970s, he was appointed a Water Works Overseer with the Council covering a wide area from Castledermot to Ardclough to Brannockstown to Blessington and this was pre-mobile phones and email.
“There wasn’t even the two-way speaker system then” remarked Tom. “He would often be just back in from a call when there would be a message to go back out again – the flash-lamp got a lot of use in those days with up to 20 phone calls at home and no answering machine!”
“My father was the first person I ever saw with a mobile phone and it was a massive looking thing, about the size of biscuit barrel, with an ariel the length of a fly fishing rod! You couldn’t afford to buy them then, only to rent them and the battery was huge.”
Despite enjoying his time with the Water Department, John was not sorry to retire in 1996 as it gave him time to indulge in other passions – namely the brass and reed band and farming!
For Michael Kelly, the late John Headon was one of the central figures of the band. “John was one of the people who kept the band going through good years and bad, right up to the day he died. He totally believed in the ethos of the band, that “nothing was to be disposed of, until something of equal value to the band had replaced it.” Therefore, no musical instruments were disposed of, until a new one replaced it.
He was passionate regarding the implementation of the bandhall as a local facility and how right he was; today, the ‘new’ bandhall hosts underage and adult dramatic and musical presentations, bowling, weekly badminton to over 70 children, Irish dancing and has facilitated the community playgroup, planning meetings etc.
The original building of the bandhall was sheeted in 1939; we ran concerts, raffles and card-drives during Monsignor Browne’s time to upgrade the hall. It was extended and a new stage put in. For years, the cinema brought in revenue until it was moved to the parish hall. For a time, the bandhall housed a printing works but eventually it fell into dis-repair.
Under John’s leadership, a major fundraising drive was initiated and plans for a new hall incorporating two music rooms began; it was John’s foresight at this stage that the hall be designed to provide a community facility. He dealt with everything from the planning application and sourcing Government grants, to fundraising, making house-to-house calls for the non-stop draw.
His whole life he was the backbone of the band; from his days as a player – he started out playing the cornet, then an E Flat horn, the baritone and finally the base – he marched and travelled the length and breadth of the country with the band and in latter years, was one of our most patient and dedicated tutors, teaching newcomers the recorder.
Coincidentally, John was also involved in the dramatic society as was his good friend, the late Paddy Monaghan. The group performed in the Kildare Drama Festival and others.
I refer to the late Paddy Monaghan above; Paddy used to visit John occasionally after second mass on Sunday; indeed, John once joked that despite the fact he didn’t take sugar, he went through two bags a week catering for the many welcome visitors who crossed the door on Chapel Street!
Many homes in Ballymore proudly hang pictures of the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band taken at former Corpus Christi Parades, Easter Monday Ceremony (‘non-partition’ parade) field days, GAA championship finals, gymkhanas, Punches town Parades, Walking Sunday etc. One of the more familiar photographs was taken at the opening of Scoil Mhuire in 1953, the late Jack Twaite proudly leading the lads and of course, the imposing figure of “Big John” unmistakable.
Other occasions the band performed included marching Pat Buckley, winning jockey of the Aintree Grand National in 1963, from Naas into Two-Mile- House; the inauguration of Jack Boothman as President of the GAA – the band led Jack into Blessington; meeting the Bishop on arrival to Ballymore for Confirmations, official switching on of the Christmas lights/ arrival of Santa and of course, Christmas morning after mass.
It’s the local appearances I remember so vividly – the festival parade, the field day and Christmas morning in the Churchyard, the band looking so smart in their navy, gold trimmed uniforms.
Those uniforms tell their own story – in 1963, the Garda Suiochana changed their uniforms so John, along with other members, sourced surplus Garda uniforms, dressed them with gold braid and chrome buttons, added a musical lyre to the hats – and the ‘new-look’ band was complete! Even in later years, during the 1980s, when a lighter material was used, a similar design and overall look was retained.
It was 1967 that John married Eileen, nee Dowling of Brittas and their only son, Tom was destined to eventually join the band and continue the tradition. Whilst admits he was ‘persuaded’ to join, he remains a member today, loves it and played last Christmas outside the Church, much to the delight of the ailing John.
“My father had great patience; I worked with him (Tom also works with KCC Water Dept); played in the band with him and lived with him – if he put up with me for years, believe me, he had great patience! He was a great father and a good friend and I’m happy that his final years were spent here at Broadleas where he has always wanted to be.”
Their mutual interest in the band saw father and son travel to Worchester, Massachusetts and Holly Oak, Conneticut and around Ireland until sadly, the band could no longer sustain a marching element. Tom, like his dad, plays base and bears a striking resemblance to the early photos of his father.
For Tom’s wife, Niamh, John was an easy patient and he revelled in the view of the land from the kitchen window – only 2 miles up the road but he used to laugh and say it took him 30 years to get there! He had excellent memory and loved to talk about the history of Ballymore, the factual and the invented. He always praised his former neighbours on Chapel Street, never having fallen out with neighbours on either side.
For years, John was on the graveyard committee and held the key to the gates; he loved to bump into Bobby Grattan and Eddie Whelan there and go back over shared memories.
Sadly, Eileen died in 2001 so John became a more frequent visitor to St Mary’s.
John had been an alter boy as a child, a Minister of the Eucharist for years, collected at mass, was a lifelong pioneer and was involved in several associated fundraising drives – eg presentation to Fr Dunphy, Monsignor Browne’s headstone and was a Papal Steward for the Pope’s visit in 1979.
A film crew shooting in Maynooth chose John for a particular scene whereby they wanted a band member to take a slug of whiskey– whilst it was his physique that drew the crew’s attention, the other band members thought it amusing that the pioneer was selected and had no hardship in downing the cold tea for the scene!
For Michael Kelly, it was John’s modesty that made him stand tall: “He didn’t wear his deeds on his sleeve; he did a lot of good turns for people but never spoke of it afterwards and many people referred to this at the funeral.
Apart from his work with the band, he contributed to the dramatic society years ago, the church, was a member of the Fine Gael party – a good friend of Paddy Malone and Gerry Sweetman, was a member of the graveyard committee and his door was always open to anyone.”
Undoubtably, it is John’s contribution to the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band that he will be best remembered.
An anchor man over the years, he has been a performing member, Trustee, Secretary, Chairperson, President and Teacher – each role equal in importance. There is even the story that once, when the rest of the band failed to appear at a booking in Blessington due to transport problems – John, along with two other members marched down the street and honoured the booking!
A wealthy man is a man who lives as he wants to and the late John Headon spent the last few years ‘rolling in clover’ so to speak– on the land at Broadleas, living with his son Tom and daughter in law, Niamh; father and son both continuing their love of music and the brass & reed band, John with plenty of genuine friends and remembered fondly by many ex-pupils and fellow members.
Big John, the late John Headon, may he rest in peace, amen.
- Rose
Scoil Mhuire News:
6th Class in Scoil Mhuire made their Confirmation this year and gave a generous donation to two charities, the Irish Guide Dogs Association and the Irish Cancer Society. The children e-mailed the charities and invited them to Scoil Mhuire. Their teacher made out two large Presentation cheques and the real ones too! Representatives from the two charities came to Scoil Mhuire to accept the cheques. Paddy Coyle came from the Irish Guide Dogs Association and Kevin Delaney came from the Irish Cancer Society. They both gave interesting talks on how the donations would help the people in their charities who would benefit from the money. The 6th Class are really happy with the way that other people will be helped
Green school committee are holding a jumble sale on 11th June. This will give a chance for recycling of used toys, games, books, bric-a-brac etc. They have been busy collecting, sorting and pricing the goods, and proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of additional science equipment for the school.
It is the policy in Scoil Mhuire to consult annually the senior pupils when updating the school policy handbook. 6th class held discussions to review policies and give their opinions. Three representatives of the class then met with members of the school's board of management at its June meeting to outline their proposals. The board has agreed to study the propoasals as the pupils' ideas last year proved most beneficial to all.
The Scoil Mhuire Choir has recorded an original song, "The Parent" which was performed at the Balldonnell Singers concert in the Church last February. The song was recorded in the school and is available to anyone who wishes to purchase it on CD from the school office at 3. All profits from the CD will go towards the charity "Gach Duine" which involves a group of primary teachers who are building a community centre in the village of Adaba, Ethiopia during the summer holidays.
A new interactive whiteboard has just been installed in the infants classroom. This will bring the very latest technology to the classroom. The incoming Junior Infants will benefit greatly from this and if funding allows we will expand this technology to other classrooms.
We are grateful to Martin Kelleher and Mark McCarville for their patient and very enjoyable coaching classes in hurling and football. The progress made by pupils during this year was very evident in the enjoyment of the sports and in the teams performances at matches with a very spirited performance by the G.A.A. club under-11 football team last Saturday in the county grounds in Newbridge. Thanks to a donation from the Ballymore Junior Drama group we will be able to provide extra coaching in basketball for the 5th and 6th classes this month. Now all we need is a good dry day for sports day on June 20th!
Many thanks to the "Bugle" staff for their help with publishing our news during the year. It has been a busy but very successful year for the school and we wish all pupils and parents a good summer.
on passing by- again
First, apologies for a misprint in last months crossword. It was fine when it left me but obviously a gremlin has been at work subsequently. It is being ignored on all entries, even though nearly everyone got the correct answer. Clever bunch of solvers we have on the Bugle.
By the time you read this the Lisbon referendum should be all over bar the shouting. Depending on the result we will be the darlings of Europe or we will be watching all the foreign companies packing up and heading for the airport.
What I thought was particularly striking was the almost total absence of the Junior Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, in the last two weeks of the proceedings. Except for a small number of soundbites and two appearances on Sky it was as if he had disowned the whole project and gone on his holidays. Then again, in light of the fact that I know of almost no one who can stand Mr Roche’s particular brand of debate, perhaps he was told to keep a low profile. I suppose it is possible the No campaign was stronger than he expected and he decided to keep a pace behind his Leader in case the outcome was not to his liking. The limelight is something Mr Roche partakes of only if it is showing him in the best of ways.
I had thought that there was a statute which in effect forbids any canvassing the day before an election or referendum but in the Evening Herald on Wednesday there was almost a full page given over to Brian Cowen and his reasons to vote Yes. Talk about covering all the bases. He had something to say about tax, defence, abortion, euthanasia, investment and god knows what else. Someone really should keep a proper record of what all these people are telling us because as far as I can see the Lisbon Treaty is nothing but good news, and as we all know from previous elections and referenda the bad news usually only surfaces after we have committed ourselves to something. Then again it would make you wonder when you see a representative from IBEC lose his cool on the six o’clock news with someone from the No camp and almost shout out that the Treaty is not going to make any difference to anything. What’s all the fuss for so?.
So finally we get some truth from the Tribunal. All that ould sterling was just a bit of good luck on the gee gees. Absolutely nothing untoward or even extraordinary. Makes you wonder why Bertie didn’t just tell us all about it ages ago and save himself all the intervening hassle. For so long he was completely unable to remember having any sterling at all and definitely never had to lodge any. We now find he lodged quite a bit of it. Some he got in dribs and drabs because he was thinking of buying a flat in Manchester and some he had for going to football matches. And yet still he was unable to recall any of this until the tribunal reminded his then secretary exactly what the penalties for perjury were. Hey Presto, her erstwhile dodgy memory returned with a vengeance. Following this, Bertie himself seems to have had a damascene moment as long forgotten flats and horses came rushing back. What I cannott understand is if he had over eighteen grand in sterling, and over fifty five grand in pounds, why his “friends” thought he needed over twenty two grand of a dig out?.
The longer this goes on the more bizarre it becomes.
As the price of oil continues its inexorable rise the ripples are starting to spread and affect an ever widening section of Irish society. Fuel prices, obviously, are increasing almost daily but he problem for the general population is the rapid rise in the price of basic food commodities. Milk, bread, cereals and eggs are just some of the items which have seen massive surges in price over the last few months. Some of these increases can be justified but a lot of them seem to be blatant profiteering by importers and sellers. How can a product in a German Lidl cost 2.59, the same product in a U.K. Lidl cost 3.49 and in an Irish Lidl 4.59.
How can a basket of goods of comparable quality cost 30.68 in Lidl and a massive 47.85 in Dunnes Stores.? That’s a difference of almost 900 euro in a year and that’s just for 32 products. How can Lidl and Aldi sell pure fruit juice for less than half the price of Tesco? Or Irish Cheese? Or meat?
If the larger groups are doing what they advertise and bringing us the lowest prices, if they are as competitive as they say they are how could a recent National Consumer Association survey show just over a one per cent difference between Dunnes and Tesco for a basket containing the same 32 items.
As per usual we have sections of the farming community bemoaning the low prices available for their produce and at the same time we see the massive mark-ups achieved by Tesco, Dunnes et al.
Yet surely the answer to at least some of the farmers problems are in their own hands. Other countries have widespread farmers markets where fresh local produce is sold directly to local people. The larger markets include meat sales from local farms as well as the usual vegetables, fruit, etc. Using these markets the farmers can achieve a higher price for their goods than would be available from the supermarket groups and the buying public can buy cheaper than they can in the same supermarkets. Result: more money for producers, lower cost for customers, fresh produce consumed at its peak without preservatives, money kept in the locality, and a massive reduction in the dreaded food miles and carbon footprints.
Ireland at one time had large populations of what are normally called birds of prey. Unfortunately over time the largest of these were hunted or poisoned into extinction.
Over the last few years over 95 birds have been reintroduced to Ireland, including 50 Golden Eagles, 15 White Tailed Eagles and 30 Red Kites. Of that total at least eight are now known to have been shot or poisoned and the National Parks service believes the real death toll could be twice that. Three Eagles have been found dead in the same small area in Kerry and the same farmer is suspected of involvement in all three deaths. So much for certain people being trusted to be the custodians of our environment. I will return to this next month.
All for now. Mike Edmonds.
6th Class in Scoil Mhuire made their Confirmation this year and gave a generous donation to two charities, the Irish Guide Dogs Association and the Irish Cancer Society. The children e-mailed the charities and invited them to Scoil Mhuire. Their teacher made out two large Presentation cheques and the real ones too! Representatives from the two charities came to Scoil Mhuire to accept the cheques. Paddy Coyle came from the Irish Guide Dogs Association and Kevin Delaney came from the Irish Cancer Society. They both gave interesting talks on how the donations would help the people in their charities who would benefit from the money. The 6th Class are really happy with the way that other people will be helped
Green school committee are holding a jumble sale on 11th June. This will give a chance for recycling of used toys, games, books, bric-a-brac etc. They have been busy collecting, sorting and pricing the goods, and proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of additional science equipment for the school.
It is the policy in Scoil Mhuire to consult annually the senior pupils when updating the school policy handbook. 6th class held discussions to review policies and give their opinions. Three representatives of the class then met with members of the school's board of management at its June meeting to outline their proposals. The board has agreed to study the propoasals as the pupils' ideas last year proved most beneficial to all.
The Scoil Mhuire Choir has recorded an original song, "The Parent" which was performed at the Balldonnell Singers concert in the Church last February. The song was recorded in the school and is available to anyone who wishes to purchase it on CD from the school office at 3. All profits from the CD will go towards the charity "Gach Duine" which involves a group of primary teachers who are building a community centre in the village of Adaba, Ethiopia during the summer holidays.
A new interactive whiteboard has just been installed in the infants classroom. This will bring the very latest technology to the classroom. The incoming Junior Infants will benefit greatly from this and if funding allows we will expand this technology to other classrooms.
We are grateful to Martin Kelleher and Mark McCarville for their patient and very enjoyable coaching classes in hurling and football. The progress made by pupils during this year was very evident in the enjoyment of the sports and in the teams performances at matches with a very spirited performance by the G.A.A. club under-11 football team last Saturday in the county grounds in Newbridge. Thanks to a donation from the Ballymore Junior Drama group we will be able to provide extra coaching in basketball for the 5th and 6th classes this month. Now all we need is a good dry day for sports day on June 20th!
Many thanks to the "Bugle" staff for their help with publishing our news during the year. It has been a busy but very successful year for the school and we wish all pupils and parents a good summer.
on passing by- again
First, apologies for a misprint in last months crossword. It was fine when it left me but obviously a gremlin has been at work subsequently. It is being ignored on all entries, even though nearly everyone got the correct answer. Clever bunch of solvers we have on the Bugle.
By the time you read this the Lisbon referendum should be all over bar the shouting. Depending on the result we will be the darlings of Europe or we will be watching all the foreign companies packing up and heading for the airport.
What I thought was particularly striking was the almost total absence of the Junior Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, in the last two weeks of the proceedings. Except for a small number of soundbites and two appearances on Sky it was as if he had disowned the whole project and gone on his holidays. Then again, in light of the fact that I know of almost no one who can stand Mr Roche’s particular brand of debate, perhaps he was told to keep a low profile. I suppose it is possible the No campaign was stronger than he expected and he decided to keep a pace behind his Leader in case the outcome was not to his liking. The limelight is something Mr Roche partakes of only if it is showing him in the best of ways.
I had thought that there was a statute which in effect forbids any canvassing the day before an election or referendum but in the Evening Herald on Wednesday there was almost a full page given over to Brian Cowen and his reasons to vote Yes. Talk about covering all the bases. He had something to say about tax, defence, abortion, euthanasia, investment and god knows what else. Someone really should keep a proper record of what all these people are telling us because as far as I can see the Lisbon Treaty is nothing but good news, and as we all know from previous elections and referenda the bad news usually only surfaces after we have committed ourselves to something. Then again it would make you wonder when you see a representative from IBEC lose his cool on the six o’clock news with someone from the No camp and almost shout out that the Treaty is not going to make any difference to anything. What’s all the fuss for so?.
So finally we get some truth from the Tribunal. All that ould sterling was just a bit of good luck on the gee gees. Absolutely nothing untoward or even extraordinary. Makes you wonder why Bertie didn’t just tell us all about it ages ago and save himself all the intervening hassle. For so long he was completely unable to remember having any sterling at all and definitely never had to lodge any. We now find he lodged quite a bit of it. Some he got in dribs and drabs because he was thinking of buying a flat in Manchester and some he had for going to football matches. And yet still he was unable to recall any of this until the tribunal reminded his then secretary exactly what the penalties for perjury were. Hey Presto, her erstwhile dodgy memory returned with a vengeance. Following this, Bertie himself seems to have had a damascene moment as long forgotten flats and horses came rushing back. What I cannott understand is if he had over eighteen grand in sterling, and over fifty five grand in pounds, why his “friends” thought he needed over twenty two grand of a dig out?.
The longer this goes on the more bizarre it becomes.
As the price of oil continues its inexorable rise the ripples are starting to spread and affect an ever widening section of Irish society. Fuel prices, obviously, are increasing almost daily but he problem for the general population is the rapid rise in the price of basic food commodities. Milk, bread, cereals and eggs are just some of the items which have seen massive surges in price over the last few months. Some of these increases can be justified but a lot of them seem to be blatant profiteering by importers and sellers. How can a product in a German Lidl cost 2.59, the same product in a U.K. Lidl cost 3.49 and in an Irish Lidl 4.59.
How can a basket of goods of comparable quality cost 30.68 in Lidl and a massive 47.85 in Dunnes Stores.? That’s a difference of almost 900 euro in a year and that’s just for 32 products. How can Lidl and Aldi sell pure fruit juice for less than half the price of Tesco? Or Irish Cheese? Or meat?
If the larger groups are doing what they advertise and bringing us the lowest prices, if they are as competitive as they say they are how could a recent National Consumer Association survey show just over a one per cent difference between Dunnes and Tesco for a basket containing the same 32 items.
As per usual we have sections of the farming community bemoaning the low prices available for their produce and at the same time we see the massive mark-ups achieved by Tesco, Dunnes et al.
Yet surely the answer to at least some of the farmers problems are in their own hands. Other countries have widespread farmers markets where fresh local produce is sold directly to local people. The larger markets include meat sales from local farms as well as the usual vegetables, fruit, etc. Using these markets the farmers can achieve a higher price for their goods than would be available from the supermarket groups and the buying public can buy cheaper than they can in the same supermarkets. Result: more money for producers, lower cost for customers, fresh produce consumed at its peak without preservatives, money kept in the locality, and a massive reduction in the dreaded food miles and carbon footprints.
Ireland at one time had large populations of what are normally called birds of prey. Unfortunately over time the largest of these were hunted or poisoned into extinction.
Over the last few years over 95 birds have been reintroduced to Ireland, including 50 Golden Eagles, 15 White Tailed Eagles and 30 Red Kites. Of that total at least eight are now known to have been shot or poisoned and the National Parks service believes the real death toll could be twice that. Three Eagles have been found dead in the same small area in Kerry and the same farmer is suspected of involvement in all three deaths. So much for certain people being trusted to be the custodians of our environment. I will return to this next month.
All for now. Mike Edmonds.
A BIG THANK YOU!The CDA would like to thank the members of this year's Punchestown Festival Committee on behalf of the people of Ballymore Eustace.This energetic bunch of young women, Deirdre Hackett, Aisling Cronin, Suzanne Byrne, Sinead Cronin and Sally Anne Pallister, showed great initiative in taking on this very large task to continue a great tradition (which sadly did not happen last year due to a lack of volunteers).I don't think the girls actually appreciated how much work and effort has to be put in to making the Punchestown Festival in Ballymore Eustace a success so we can only begin to imagine!Their efforts were obvious because everything associated with the festival was carried out to an extremely high standard - they will be a tough act to follow next year. Hopefully they haven't been put off by the experience and will be involved again next year.The CDA will be communicating with the festival committee to get a review as to how they felt it went and how it might be possibly modified to ensure a successful festival annually supported by the people of Ballymore Eustace.Thanks again girls - great job!Fiona Breslin(chairperson CDA)
Tidy Towns successful in obtaining
KTK Levies to fund Street Signage
The CDA would like to congratulate the Tidy Towns committee in securing funding from KTK levies for street signage in Ballymore Eustace. The CDA has dappled with the concept of erecting street signage for Ballymore Eustace for some time now but this funding will now make it a reality. We are nearing the end of our street sign survey and so huge thanks to everyone who participated. The analysis of the results of the street sign survey will determine the colour scheme of all street signs for the village.
Members of the CDA committee will then do a walkabout of the village to ascertain where the signs need to be erected. The owners of the buildings where the signs will hopefully be located will be shown a sample sign and permission will be sought from these owners to erect a sign on their premises. The next step is to contact a fluent Irish speaker to ensure we have the correct names for the streets ‘as Gaeilge’. When we have all these tasks completed, we will hand over the information to Séan Deegan and let him work his magic. Then all that will be left to do is get the signs erected and voila – nobody will ever be lost in Ballymore Eustace again!!
We are hopeful that we will have this project completed by the end of summer 2008. The CDA would like to take this opportunity to thank Séan Deegan for producing sample signs for us free of charge – thanks a mill.
Editors comment: Well done to past and previous members of the CDA who have worked on this project; please note though, whilst the funding has been passed by the KTK KCC Community Levy Committee, it must be officially approved at the next sitting of the Naas Area councillors.
Housing Adaptation Grants for Private Dwellings
Minister for Housing, Michael Finneran TD has announced that a capital allocation of €1.64m has been allocated to Kildare County Council for the payment of Housing Adaptation Grants for Private Dwellings. The allocation to Kildare is for the payment of Disabled, Essential repair and Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with disability, for private dwellings. The announcement is part of a national €71.4m allocation for 2008. Contact Kildare County Council for further information.
Guide to walks along the canal towpath around Naas and Sallins
Kildare County Councillor Paddy Mac Namara has just written and produced a guide to walks along the canal towpath around Naas and Sallins. This guide is to be distributed free in Naas and Sallins. We are unaware as to whether the booklet is going to be distributed to homes in these areas or will be available in commercial outlets to pick up. If anyone obtains clarification on this, please let us know and we will inform readers in the next edition of the bugle. This guide will encourage people to use these walkways and thus get more enjoyment out of the amenity of the grand canal.
A GOOD READ with Angie
I recently read a review of Joseph O’Neill’s novel “Netherland” ( Paperback:4th Estate : 15 euro) and it sounded so good I went out and got hold of it straight away. I read it almost as quickly- what a book. It tells the story of Hans van den Broek, as Dutch financier who is based first in London and then New York. The story initially appeared as a thriller because it pivots on the mysterious death of Hans’ erstwhile friend, a Trinidadian, Chuck Ramkissoon. The novel flits between Hans’ present, working back in London and his somewhat dazzling experience of living and working in the Big Apple. The author himself is Irish born and lives in New York and his portrait of the city is superb, almost visceral.
The novel also has a sports theme, which wouldn’t be guaranteed to interest me, but it actually gave the book a great depth. Hans and Chuck become friends through their mutual love of cricket- a somewhat incongruous sport in the US context. As the story unwinds it takes the reader on a fascinating journey into Hans’ psyche, through the depiction of his relationship with his wife, his son, his mother and most rewardingly, with his m maverick friend Chuck.
It turns out to be not so much a thriller as an intriguing and complex tale of families; friendship and what it is that makes a home, or even makes us feel that we belong. O’Neill is a very gifted writer and I really warmed to this book, even though it was essentially a very masculine account. I found the central character to be engaging and interesting and above all totally believable as he struggles with making sense of his life and identity. I can highly recommend this novel.
The other novel I encountered was completely different- a rollicking Dickensian style roller coaster of a book situated in Barcelona in the post war years, and wild and hilarious in places. The only similarity with the first book was the evocation of place, in that it also made me want to visit the city where it was set. ”The Shadow of the Wind” By Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( Paperback: Phoenix fiction:12.00) has a sumptuous plot full of strange and sinister characters and follows the life and loves of Daniel, son of a bookseller. The context of the post war years in Spain proves to be an excellent backdrop for this atmospheric epic, with its corrupt officials and crumbling mansions.
Daniels’ adventures in the underworld of Barcelona have lots of twists and turns as we gradually learn more and more about the mysterious life of the author of a rare book “The Shadow of the Wind”: Julian Carax. It becomes a little like a novel within a novel as Daniels’ own story comes to reflect that of his hero. Although the book can be a little flowery and laboured in places, it is peppered with a lovely homespun wisdom, and it would be an ideal book to take on holiday, as the plot is compelling, so it can be difficult to put down once you get into it.
Enjoy your summer reading!
PS Sorry for the typo in last month’s review- Sephira’s album is actually called “Believe” not Angel! I reckon I made that mistake because the two sisters in the group look so angelic!
Angie Thompson
Tidy Towns successful in obtaining
KTK Levies to fund Street Signage
The CDA would like to congratulate the Tidy Towns committee in securing funding from KTK levies for street signage in Ballymore Eustace. The CDA has dappled with the concept of erecting street signage for Ballymore Eustace for some time now but this funding will now make it a reality. We are nearing the end of our street sign survey and so huge thanks to everyone who participated. The analysis of the results of the street sign survey will determine the colour scheme of all street signs for the village.
Members of the CDA committee will then do a walkabout of the village to ascertain where the signs need to be erected. The owners of the buildings where the signs will hopefully be located will be shown a sample sign and permission will be sought from these owners to erect a sign on their premises. The next step is to contact a fluent Irish speaker to ensure we have the correct names for the streets ‘as Gaeilge’. When we have all these tasks completed, we will hand over the information to Séan Deegan and let him work his magic. Then all that will be left to do is get the signs erected and voila – nobody will ever be lost in Ballymore Eustace again!!
We are hopeful that we will have this project completed by the end of summer 2008. The CDA would like to take this opportunity to thank Séan Deegan for producing sample signs for us free of charge – thanks a mill.
Editors comment: Well done to past and previous members of the CDA who have worked on this project; please note though, whilst the funding has been passed by the KTK KCC Community Levy Committee, it must be officially approved at the next sitting of the Naas Area councillors.
Housing Adaptation Grants for Private Dwellings
Minister for Housing, Michael Finneran TD has announced that a capital allocation of €1.64m has been allocated to Kildare County Council for the payment of Housing Adaptation Grants for Private Dwellings. The allocation to Kildare is for the payment of Disabled, Essential repair and Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with disability, for private dwellings. The announcement is part of a national €71.4m allocation for 2008. Contact Kildare County Council for further information.
Guide to walks along the canal towpath around Naas and Sallins
Kildare County Councillor Paddy Mac Namara has just written and produced a guide to walks along the canal towpath around Naas and Sallins. This guide is to be distributed free in Naas and Sallins. We are unaware as to whether the booklet is going to be distributed to homes in these areas or will be available in commercial outlets to pick up. If anyone obtains clarification on this, please let us know and we will inform readers in the next edition of the bugle. This guide will encourage people to use these walkways and thus get more enjoyment out of the amenity of the grand canal.
A GOOD READ with Angie
I recently read a review of Joseph O’Neill’s novel “Netherland” ( Paperback:4th Estate : 15 euro) and it sounded so good I went out and got hold of it straight away. I read it almost as quickly- what a book. It tells the story of Hans van den Broek, as Dutch financier who is based first in London and then New York. The story initially appeared as a thriller because it pivots on the mysterious death of Hans’ erstwhile friend, a Trinidadian, Chuck Ramkissoon. The novel flits between Hans’ present, working back in London and his somewhat dazzling experience of living and working in the Big Apple. The author himself is Irish born and lives in New York and his portrait of the city is superb, almost visceral.
The novel also has a sports theme, which wouldn’t be guaranteed to interest me, but it actually gave the book a great depth. Hans and Chuck become friends through their mutual love of cricket- a somewhat incongruous sport in the US context. As the story unwinds it takes the reader on a fascinating journey into Hans’ psyche, through the depiction of his relationship with his wife, his son, his mother and most rewardingly, with his m maverick friend Chuck.
It turns out to be not so much a thriller as an intriguing and complex tale of families; friendship and what it is that makes a home, or even makes us feel that we belong. O’Neill is a very gifted writer and I really warmed to this book, even though it was essentially a very masculine account. I found the central character to be engaging and interesting and above all totally believable as he struggles with making sense of his life and identity. I can highly recommend this novel.
The other novel I encountered was completely different- a rollicking Dickensian style roller coaster of a book situated in Barcelona in the post war years, and wild and hilarious in places. The only similarity with the first book was the evocation of place, in that it also made me want to visit the city where it was set. ”The Shadow of the Wind” By Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( Paperback: Phoenix fiction:12.00) has a sumptuous plot full of strange and sinister characters and follows the life and loves of Daniel, son of a bookseller. The context of the post war years in Spain proves to be an excellent backdrop for this atmospheric epic, with its corrupt officials and crumbling mansions.
Daniels’ adventures in the underworld of Barcelona have lots of twists and turns as we gradually learn more and more about the mysterious life of the author of a rare book “The Shadow of the Wind”: Julian Carax. It becomes a little like a novel within a novel as Daniels’ own story comes to reflect that of his hero. Although the book can be a little flowery and laboured in places, it is peppered with a lovely homespun wisdom, and it would be an ideal book to take on holiday, as the plot is compelling, so it can be difficult to put down once you get into it.
Enjoy your summer reading!
PS Sorry for the typo in last month’s review- Sephira’s album is actually called “Believe” not Angel! I reckon I made that mistake because the two sisters in the group look so angelic!
Angie Thompson
The Late Great
PADDY MONAGHAN R.I.P.
Not surprisingly, the church was packed for the funeral and removal of the late Paddy Monaghan. Here was a man truly loved by the community, a man who traversed so many groups and worthy causes in the village, that his nomination for Person of the Year 2003 drew the largest number of citations ever submitted for any one candidate. I refer to our articles of the Ballymore Bugle in January and February 2003 when so many genuine tributes were paid to the late, great Paddy Monaghan.
Amongst them, brothers Eamon and Ollie Deegan praised Paddy as “Caring, unselfish, dedicated and committed. In his role as secretary of the Community Centre, he negotiated and liaised with FAS agencies on the FAS staff programme at the Community Centre; he oversaw all enhancements to the site, spoke to sponsors and potential sponsors. Above all, he ensured that a very costly facility, built by the people of Ballymore, remained open for business and viable.
His work for the St Vincent de Paul and meals on wheels etc is lesser known. He is an ardent worker for the Church and if you ever needed a lift anywhere, Paddy was your man!”
Billy Gobbett: “He was pivotal to everything that happened in the Community Centre. When our FAS workers weren’t available, then it was Paddy who stepped into the breach to keep the centre open. When the shop had to be restocked, he drove to Newbridge for supplies. Paddy’s name is synonymous with the development and ongoing success of the Centre, virtually a one-man band.”
Matt Purcell, The Chronicle 2000:
“Paddy occupies an unique position in the local handball club. His playing career of over 60 years extends way beyond that of any other player. Originally overshadowed by such players as Bobbie Grattan, Jim Bolger, Bill Lawlor and Liam Evans, Paddy partnered Bill Lawlor in 1953 to success in the All-Ireland junior hard doubles championship, a match they had to win twice due to an objection. Paddy became a official in 1964 and since then, occupied various positions both at Club and County Board levels. He has the distinction of being the only Kildare man to hold the position of Chairman of the Leinster Handball Council; in 1974 the Central Handball Council presented Paddy with the Willwood Tailteann Medal for his work with juvenile handballers. Paddy made history in 1981 by being the first Kildare man to win the Leinster 40 x 20 Golden Master Singles.”
NB Matt also wrote a lovely tribute to Paddy in the September ’99 edition of The Bugle entitled “A Man of Many Parts” in which he pointed out that Paddy supported so many clubs during his lifetime: football, boxing and badminton clubs; the Dramatic Society; the Brass and Reed Band; Community Games and many local charities including the St Vincent de Paul Society.
John Browne
“After Paddy ceased playing, he turned his hand to coaching and trained one of the best handballers we ever had, Tom O Rourke, who won the World Handball Championship and many national titles. Paddy also coached myself for years and no matter where I was playing, he was right beside me and I will always thank him for that. Paddy had a thankless job of taking our youngsters up and down the country to handball tournaments, encouraging them, minding them and feeding them.”
Not only did Paddy train the promising players, the likes of Tom O’Rourke, Daragh Ward, Trevor Winders and John Browne and many others, but he encouraged and devoted the same time to tribes of young lads who would never win county or national titles. All-Ireland winner or ‘Always a Runner-up’, Paddy gave time to all.
Pat Hipwell, Secretary Moone H.C.
“He held every position on the County Kildare Handball Board and I was very privileged to be with Paddy when he was elected Chairman of Leinster Handball Council. He was tremendous with juveniles and a lot of the All-Ireland titles in Ballymore was down to the confidence and tuition they received from Paddy.”
John O Donnell, former Treasurer Kildare County Handball Board:
“Paddy was well-known by handballers all over Ireland as a gentleman, supreme sportsman and administrator. He has brought much honour and pleasure to his club and county during his long handballing career.
He refereed numerous County, Leinster and National Championship games and has served many terms on County and Leinster Committees.”
Jim Clarke:
“I have known Paddy since our school days. In the fifties, when we won Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championship titles in a row, Paddy was our team physio. Everyone associates Paddy with handball but his contribution to the parish of Ballymore is unbelievable, helping in the Church, the St Vincent de Paul, Meals on Wheels etc. He was a good boxer in his day too!”
Angela Cameron Toner from Scotland:
“He played a major part in our lives during our annual visits to Ballymore, when he made every effort to ensure that we enjoyed our summer holidays there. He always seemed to make time for each of us including numerous handouts of pocket money! He encouraged us to join him on regular visits to the ball-alley – a new experience for us – but with his patience, we soon started to enjoy it. We had a lot to thank him for and take this opportunity to say he was The Best Uncle in the World”.
The Late, Great Paddy Monaghan,
a true son of Ballymore.
Rose
The Late Great Paddy Monaghan
“I have been asked to say a few words about our great friend Paddy, and as everyone can see by the huge turnout, Paddy had many friends mainly through his long association with handball and those same friends have travelled from many parts of the country to send Paddy on his way, including President Tony Hannon and Secretary Lorcan O’Rourke of the Irish Handball Council, such was the esteem in which Paddy was held within the association.
Paddy was a very private man in his way but yet his door was always open for a chat and a cuppa, and many a night we sat up drinking tea and talking about the places he worked as a steel fixer, and the different houses he stayed in when he was working away from home.
When I was younger, Paddy was driving me to a match somewhere in the west – one of many - we crossed over the bridge in Athlone and he told me he built that bridge on his own over a week-end - and I believed him! He also built Shannon Airport, the Avoca Mines, Ardnacrusha Power Station…..I remember him telling me on one of his trips home from that power station, he was knocked off his motor bike and ended up in Portlaoise Hospital; after a few hours he was released, got back up on the bike and after about 20 minutes, realised he was going the wrong way! And I believed it all…..
He always looked forward to coming home at the weekends and his travelling ended when he got a job locally in the Water Treatment Plant where he would brag about pushing out 36 million gallons of water everyday on his own, right up to his retirement and he was missed greatly by all his colleagues in the job when he retired.
Paddy had many strings to his bow and at some stage in his life he was involved with almost everything in the village, G.A.A., the Band, Badminton, Boxing, Drama, St. Vincent de Paul, Church gate collections for various charities, even modelling!! He was a collector and Eucharistic minister here in the Church, meals on wheels and the list goes on… I used often slag him that it was a good job he didn’t have a ‘real’ job and that it was only the Corporation he worked in - or he wouldn’t find the time for half the things he was involved with.
Paddy loved Ballymore and the people who lived in it and that was proved in 2003 when he won the Ballymore Eustace Person of the Year, an award he was so proud of because it was the people of the village who voted for him. He had many “safe” houses in Ballymore where he could wander in at any time for a cuppa and a chat; I’m not going to name the houses but you know if yours was one of them, the hours of chat with Paddy will never be forgotten.
But of course Paddy’s first love was Handball and he got some reward in 1953 when he won his only All-Ireland medal partnering Bill Lawlor to win the Junior Hardball Doubles. On the other hand, there is well over 100 All-Ireland medals in Ballymore and I have no doubt that Paddy had a hand in every single one of them whether it was driving players or coaching.
And speaking of him driving, there was never a big rush to get in the front with Paddy; on one of those trips he nearly came a cropper when driving Tony Evans and Will Hennessy to a match in Kells, he turned around to say something to Will who was in the back when the car hit a ditch, turned over a couple of times and was hit by an oncoming car. When the three lads were removed from the wreck, Paddy turned to the other two and simply asked “What happened there, lads?”
I know on a personal note that the success I had through handball was 100% down to the hours of support that Paddy gave me, with thousands of miles clocked up driving me to training sessions and matches, and I can still see his beaming smile when I would come out of an alley after winning - such was the delight he got out of it.
As well as keeping the Ballymore Club alive for years, he also served as Chairman of the Leinster Handball Council, and it’s only a few short months ago that the handball world was in Kilkenny saying farewell to another stalwart of the game, Tommy O’Brien. I have no doubt the two of them are up there now having a good laugh and they deserve it, after the suffering they endured prior to their deaths.
I have been warned not to forget Paddy the swimming coach; years ago, every young boy and girl was taught how to swim by Paddy down at the back of the Ball Alley known as the ‘Pike Hole’, that was when we had long hot summer days and a man who didn’t care what time it was as long as the young boys and girls were happy.
On a personal note from Jacinta and myself, Thomas and Niamh, we could not have asked for a better neighbour when he moved up to live beside us, and his love for children continued with Thomas and Niamh. Many a time, they crossed the fence for their daily ration of bread, butter and sugar and he would tell them not to say they got sugar; home they’d come and stand in front of us with sugar from one ear to the other and say: “Paddy didn’t give us any sugar” - and he lookin’ out his kitchen window laughing at the innocence of it!
Paddy was just like a member of our family from his long friendship with my own Mam and Dad and was always included in everything with us and our extended family that was going on from birthdays, weddings, Christmas, holidays, Paddy will be sadly missed not just by us but by anyone that was lucky enough to have met him. Goodbye Paddy.”
Tom O’Rourke
PADDY MONAGHAN R.I.P.
Not surprisingly, the church was packed for the funeral and removal of the late Paddy Monaghan. Here was a man truly loved by the community, a man who traversed so many groups and worthy causes in the village, that his nomination for Person of the Year 2003 drew the largest number of citations ever submitted for any one candidate. I refer to our articles of the Ballymore Bugle in January and February 2003 when so many genuine tributes were paid to the late, great Paddy Monaghan.
Amongst them, brothers Eamon and Ollie Deegan praised Paddy as “Caring, unselfish, dedicated and committed. In his role as secretary of the Community Centre, he negotiated and liaised with FAS agencies on the FAS staff programme at the Community Centre; he oversaw all enhancements to the site, spoke to sponsors and potential sponsors. Above all, he ensured that a very costly facility, built by the people of Ballymore, remained open for business and viable.
His work for the St Vincent de Paul and meals on wheels etc is lesser known. He is an ardent worker for the Church and if you ever needed a lift anywhere, Paddy was your man!”
Billy Gobbett: “He was pivotal to everything that happened in the Community Centre. When our FAS workers weren’t available, then it was Paddy who stepped into the breach to keep the centre open. When the shop had to be restocked, he drove to Newbridge for supplies. Paddy’s name is synonymous with the development and ongoing success of the Centre, virtually a one-man band.”
Matt Purcell, The Chronicle 2000:
“Paddy occupies an unique position in the local handball club. His playing career of over 60 years extends way beyond that of any other player. Originally overshadowed by such players as Bobbie Grattan, Jim Bolger, Bill Lawlor and Liam Evans, Paddy partnered Bill Lawlor in 1953 to success in the All-Ireland junior hard doubles championship, a match they had to win twice due to an objection. Paddy became a official in 1964 and since then, occupied various positions both at Club and County Board levels. He has the distinction of being the only Kildare man to hold the position of Chairman of the Leinster Handball Council; in 1974 the Central Handball Council presented Paddy with the Willwood Tailteann Medal for his work with juvenile handballers. Paddy made history in 1981 by being the first Kildare man to win the Leinster 40 x 20 Golden Master Singles.”
NB Matt also wrote a lovely tribute to Paddy in the September ’99 edition of The Bugle entitled “A Man of Many Parts” in which he pointed out that Paddy supported so many clubs during his lifetime: football, boxing and badminton clubs; the Dramatic Society; the Brass and Reed Band; Community Games and many local charities including the St Vincent de Paul Society.
John Browne
“After Paddy ceased playing, he turned his hand to coaching and trained one of the best handballers we ever had, Tom O Rourke, who won the World Handball Championship and many national titles. Paddy also coached myself for years and no matter where I was playing, he was right beside me and I will always thank him for that. Paddy had a thankless job of taking our youngsters up and down the country to handball tournaments, encouraging them, minding them and feeding them.”
Not only did Paddy train the promising players, the likes of Tom O’Rourke, Daragh Ward, Trevor Winders and John Browne and many others, but he encouraged and devoted the same time to tribes of young lads who would never win county or national titles. All-Ireland winner or ‘Always a Runner-up’, Paddy gave time to all.
Pat Hipwell, Secretary Moone H.C.
“He held every position on the County Kildare Handball Board and I was very privileged to be with Paddy when he was elected Chairman of Leinster Handball Council. He was tremendous with juveniles and a lot of the All-Ireland titles in Ballymore was down to the confidence and tuition they received from Paddy.”
John O Donnell, former Treasurer Kildare County Handball Board:
“Paddy was well-known by handballers all over Ireland as a gentleman, supreme sportsman and administrator. He has brought much honour and pleasure to his club and county during his long handballing career.
He refereed numerous County, Leinster and National Championship games and has served many terms on County and Leinster Committees.”
Jim Clarke:
“I have known Paddy since our school days. In the fifties, when we won Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championship titles in a row, Paddy was our team physio. Everyone associates Paddy with handball but his contribution to the parish of Ballymore is unbelievable, helping in the Church, the St Vincent de Paul, Meals on Wheels etc. He was a good boxer in his day too!”
Angela Cameron Toner from Scotland:
“He played a major part in our lives during our annual visits to Ballymore, when he made every effort to ensure that we enjoyed our summer holidays there. He always seemed to make time for each of us including numerous handouts of pocket money! He encouraged us to join him on regular visits to the ball-alley – a new experience for us – but with his patience, we soon started to enjoy it. We had a lot to thank him for and take this opportunity to say he was The Best Uncle in the World”.
The Late, Great Paddy Monaghan,
a true son of Ballymore.
Rose
The Late Great Paddy Monaghan
“I have been asked to say a few words about our great friend Paddy, and as everyone can see by the huge turnout, Paddy had many friends mainly through his long association with handball and those same friends have travelled from many parts of the country to send Paddy on his way, including President Tony Hannon and Secretary Lorcan O’Rourke of the Irish Handball Council, such was the esteem in which Paddy was held within the association.
Paddy was a very private man in his way but yet his door was always open for a chat and a cuppa, and many a night we sat up drinking tea and talking about the places he worked as a steel fixer, and the different houses he stayed in when he was working away from home.
When I was younger, Paddy was driving me to a match somewhere in the west – one of many - we crossed over the bridge in Athlone and he told me he built that bridge on his own over a week-end - and I believed him! He also built Shannon Airport, the Avoca Mines, Ardnacrusha Power Station…..I remember him telling me on one of his trips home from that power station, he was knocked off his motor bike and ended up in Portlaoise Hospital; after a few hours he was released, got back up on the bike and after about 20 minutes, realised he was going the wrong way! And I believed it all…..
He always looked forward to coming home at the weekends and his travelling ended when he got a job locally in the Water Treatment Plant where he would brag about pushing out 36 million gallons of water everyday on his own, right up to his retirement and he was missed greatly by all his colleagues in the job when he retired.
Paddy had many strings to his bow and at some stage in his life he was involved with almost everything in the village, G.A.A., the Band, Badminton, Boxing, Drama, St. Vincent de Paul, Church gate collections for various charities, even modelling!! He was a collector and Eucharistic minister here in the Church, meals on wheels and the list goes on… I used often slag him that it was a good job he didn’t have a ‘real’ job and that it was only the Corporation he worked in - or he wouldn’t find the time for half the things he was involved with.
Paddy loved Ballymore and the people who lived in it and that was proved in 2003 when he won the Ballymore Eustace Person of the Year, an award he was so proud of because it was the people of the village who voted for him. He had many “safe” houses in Ballymore where he could wander in at any time for a cuppa and a chat; I’m not going to name the houses but you know if yours was one of them, the hours of chat with Paddy will never be forgotten.
But of course Paddy’s first love was Handball and he got some reward in 1953 when he won his only All-Ireland medal partnering Bill Lawlor to win the Junior Hardball Doubles. On the other hand, there is well over 100 All-Ireland medals in Ballymore and I have no doubt that Paddy had a hand in every single one of them whether it was driving players or coaching.
And speaking of him driving, there was never a big rush to get in the front with Paddy; on one of those trips he nearly came a cropper when driving Tony Evans and Will Hennessy to a match in Kells, he turned around to say something to Will who was in the back when the car hit a ditch, turned over a couple of times and was hit by an oncoming car. When the three lads were removed from the wreck, Paddy turned to the other two and simply asked “What happened there, lads?”
I know on a personal note that the success I had through handball was 100% down to the hours of support that Paddy gave me, with thousands of miles clocked up driving me to training sessions and matches, and I can still see his beaming smile when I would come out of an alley after winning - such was the delight he got out of it.
As well as keeping the Ballymore Club alive for years, he also served as Chairman of the Leinster Handball Council, and it’s only a few short months ago that the handball world was in Kilkenny saying farewell to another stalwart of the game, Tommy O’Brien. I have no doubt the two of them are up there now having a good laugh and they deserve it, after the suffering they endured prior to their deaths.
I have been warned not to forget Paddy the swimming coach; years ago, every young boy and girl was taught how to swim by Paddy down at the back of the Ball Alley known as the ‘Pike Hole’, that was when we had long hot summer days and a man who didn’t care what time it was as long as the young boys and girls were happy.
On a personal note from Jacinta and myself, Thomas and Niamh, we could not have asked for a better neighbour when he moved up to live beside us, and his love for children continued with Thomas and Niamh. Many a time, they crossed the fence for their daily ration of bread, butter and sugar and he would tell them not to say they got sugar; home they’d come and stand in front of us with sugar from one ear to the other and say: “Paddy didn’t give us any sugar” - and he lookin’ out his kitchen window laughing at the innocence of it!
Paddy was just like a member of our family from his long friendship with my own Mam and Dad and was always included in everything with us and our extended family that was going on from birthdays, weddings, Christmas, holidays, Paddy will be sadly missed not just by us but by anyone that was lucky enough to have met him. Goodbye Paddy.”
Tom O’Rourke
Scarlet O’Hara.
In the May issue of the Bugle Tim finishes his piece with a bit of reminiscing as to how things were ten years ago when the bugle cost 50pence. He mentions a young fella called Jeffers who managed to write an article about a favourite hound without any ‘giving out’! ‘A wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse’ its said, so, with only dull cross fire taking place in political circles, this young fella will take the hint and change the subject matter and do a bit of reminiscing himself.
For as long as I can remember cats and dogs have always been integral parts of our family. These animals could be divided into two sections; the yard cats, wild as all get out, and the domesticated ones, who had the privilege of living indoors. The yard cats varied in numbers; present number five, but sometimes got up to twelve or fifteen. Their purpose was to keep control of rats and mice. Wear, tare, and age, was the controlling factor in present and past times. The same criteria applied to dogs on the place. The outdoor dog, always a sheepdog, lived outdoors, with the exception of a very special one, and I once had a gundog who, when nobody was looking, managed to sneak inside from time to time. By accident or design, I can’t say for certain, some of these animals attached themselves to specific family members. Scarlet (a cat) attached herself to me. Maybe it was because when our family sat down to eat my chair was nearest her sleeping basket hence the nearest human to cadge some grub from. Sitting patiently but at full alert on my shoulder, when food was being transferred from fork to mouth a paw would reach out and the forkful of food would transfer to Scarlet’s. This procedure caused spillage and eventually my Mother, a patient woman, put her foot down; if I was that concerned about the cat’s welfare I could get down on my hands and knees and eat with her at her bowl, on the floor!
She was named after Scarlet O’Hara the principle actress in that classic film “Gone With The Wind” which was showing at the time in cinemas countrywide. Vivien Leigh was the real name of the actress and she played opposite Clarke Gable (Rett Butler). A real beauty she was, and so was our Scarlet. No fancy breed of cat just an ordinary tabby, but her markings were distinctive, and what really set her off were a white front, white paws, and a white tip on the end of her tail. Pretty ordinary for a tabby you might say, but she showed them off with style and a regal haughtiness.
Cats are independently minded creatures and don’t show the same attachment to humans as dogs do, or so we’re led to believe, nevertheless when one shadows your movements indoors or outdoors, and at the first opportunity jumps up on your shoulder, or curls up on your lap purring away to it’s hearts content that to me spells attachment, and so it was with Scarlet.
As most readers know, our house is a long way from the public road, a quarter mile give or take a few yards, and before cattle grids were invented there were two gates on that quarter mile; one at the road entrance and the other one at the entrance to a wood approximately half way. In those days a bicycle was my mode of transport and coming home between the hours of eleven and midnight, probably from the pictures in Kilcullen, Scarlet always greeted me at the second gate. Perhaps it was the click of the gate latch that announced my arrival, for when I pushed the bike though she would appear out of the boxwood tail straight up and purring to beat the band. I would pick her up, put her on my shoulder, mount the bike, and continue the rest of the way. How long she would wait there for my return I’ll never know.
From small kitten to full adult female is but a short space of time and she produced her first batch of kittens on the end of my bed. I awoke sometime in the small hours to the sound of kittens squawking and turning on the light beheld herself looking as pleased as Punch and fully stretched out, while a bundle of furry creatures struggled to get at the food bar. Come daylight my Mother went spare, and the lot of them got a quick dispatch to her basket in the kitchen.
I could end this story by saying that Scarlet gave me her full love and devotion, but that might draw the ire of another female, so I’ll conclude by saying that from a feline prospective Scarlet was top of the pops! Yrs Jeffers.
In the May issue of the Bugle Tim finishes his piece with a bit of reminiscing as to how things were ten years ago when the bugle cost 50pence. He mentions a young fella called Jeffers who managed to write an article about a favourite hound without any ‘giving out’! ‘A wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse’ its said, so, with only dull cross fire taking place in political circles, this young fella will take the hint and change the subject matter and do a bit of reminiscing himself.
For as long as I can remember cats and dogs have always been integral parts of our family. These animals could be divided into two sections; the yard cats, wild as all get out, and the domesticated ones, who had the privilege of living indoors. The yard cats varied in numbers; present number five, but sometimes got up to twelve or fifteen. Their purpose was to keep control of rats and mice. Wear, tare, and age, was the controlling factor in present and past times. The same criteria applied to dogs on the place. The outdoor dog, always a sheepdog, lived outdoors, with the exception of a very special one, and I once had a gundog who, when nobody was looking, managed to sneak inside from time to time. By accident or design, I can’t say for certain, some of these animals attached themselves to specific family members. Scarlet (a cat) attached herself to me. Maybe it was because when our family sat down to eat my chair was nearest her sleeping basket hence the nearest human to cadge some grub from. Sitting patiently but at full alert on my shoulder, when food was being transferred from fork to mouth a paw would reach out and the forkful of food would transfer to Scarlet’s. This procedure caused spillage and eventually my Mother, a patient woman, put her foot down; if I was that concerned about the cat’s welfare I could get down on my hands and knees and eat with her at her bowl, on the floor!
She was named after Scarlet O’Hara the principle actress in that classic film “Gone With The Wind” which was showing at the time in cinemas countrywide. Vivien Leigh was the real name of the actress and she played opposite Clarke Gable (Rett Butler). A real beauty she was, and so was our Scarlet. No fancy breed of cat just an ordinary tabby, but her markings were distinctive, and what really set her off were a white front, white paws, and a white tip on the end of her tail. Pretty ordinary for a tabby you might say, but she showed them off with style and a regal haughtiness.
Cats are independently minded creatures and don’t show the same attachment to humans as dogs do, or so we’re led to believe, nevertheless when one shadows your movements indoors or outdoors, and at the first opportunity jumps up on your shoulder, or curls up on your lap purring away to it’s hearts content that to me spells attachment, and so it was with Scarlet.
As most readers know, our house is a long way from the public road, a quarter mile give or take a few yards, and before cattle grids were invented there were two gates on that quarter mile; one at the road entrance and the other one at the entrance to a wood approximately half way. In those days a bicycle was my mode of transport and coming home between the hours of eleven and midnight, probably from the pictures in Kilcullen, Scarlet always greeted me at the second gate. Perhaps it was the click of the gate latch that announced my arrival, for when I pushed the bike though she would appear out of the boxwood tail straight up and purring to beat the band. I would pick her up, put her on my shoulder, mount the bike, and continue the rest of the way. How long she would wait there for my return I’ll never know.
From small kitten to full adult female is but a short space of time and she produced her first batch of kittens on the end of my bed. I awoke sometime in the small hours to the sound of kittens squawking and turning on the light beheld herself looking as pleased as Punch and fully stretched out, while a bundle of furry creatures struggled to get at the food bar. Come daylight my Mother went spare, and the lot of them got a quick dispatch to her basket in the kitchen.
I could end this story by saying that Scarlet gave me her full love and devotion, but that might draw the ire of another female, so I’ll conclude by saying that from a feline prospective Scarlet was top of the pops! Yrs Jeffers.
PAGE 2
Direct Bugle email -
For acknowledgements, births, anniversaries, wedding photos, birthdays etc, send them to:
ballymorebugle@eircom.net or drop them into Notes Box at Fogarty’s Post Office or Elizabeth’s Hair
BABY news!
A new baby boy for Barry and Lisa Glancy in Chicago – ‘Declan John’, a brother for Ciara and Sophie.
Congratulations to Conor Darker on overseeing the hatching of his first ever duckling…….ahhhhh, if only having children was as easy…..
Birthday wishes to Finola O’Brien - not to be confused with Lorraine seein’ as I always do – on reaching a certain birthday recently…..
To Shane Flynn on reaching his 21st recently
To Frances O Donoghue nee Clarke on the celebration of her 85th birthday.
Wedding bells Congratulations to Margaret McLoughlin, Boleybeg and Pierce Fitzgerald on their recent marriage; to Sara McGee, Glebe East, Ballymore-Blessing ton and James Cronin, Grangecon; Louise Kilbane, Cooloney, Sligo formerly Bishopland and Fergal Fearon on their wedding.
Congratulations to Fiona O’Driscoll and Robin White on their engagement.
To Lynsey O Reilly on passing her driving test recently – Good woman, Lynsey!
Congratulations to students who recently completed their third level education and indeed, to all students who have recently received their college results; if you failed a few subjects, knuckle down and start preparing for the repeats – it’s not over yet!
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. Bookings for the Resource Centre can be made by contacting Monica at 045-863363. An answering machine is in operation if the phone is not manned and all messages will be responded to. 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
The Late Katherine Geoghegan
There was much sadness felt within the community for the death of Katherine Geoghegan, Broadleas. It is a dreadful thing for any parents to watch their child suffer during a long illness and our hearts go out to parents, Kay and Tom Geoghegan. Aged only 37, Katherine’s death was premature and her family’s sense of loss must be unbearable; Katherine is survived by her sister Caroline and brother Noel, niece Danielle, aunts, uncles, cousins and members of the extended family.
May she rest in peace, amen.
Kay and Tom would like to thank all who attended the funeral and removal, sent mass-cards or flowers; to neighbours and friends for your kindness; to Dr Ni Bhrian and staff of Naas Hospital for your support over the year and to District Nurses, Ellen and Esther.
Special thanks to Katherine’s cousins, Juanita and Jen and husband, Thomas for your continued support over the years – The Geoghegan Family.
_____________
We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the late Paul Byrne, Kilcullen, may he rest in peace, amen.
______________________
We offer our sympathy to Irene Murphy and her son, Mark on the death recently of Irene’s mother, Tess Dempsey; Irene is recovering from the sudden shock of Brendan’s death and to lose her mother at this time must be doubly hard to bear.
Our thoughts are with you.
__________________
The Late Paddy Monaghan
Elsewhere in this edition we pay tribute to the Paddy Monaghan, truly a son of Ballymore. Paddy came to Ballymore as a youngster, adopted by Mrs Monaghan of Plunkett Road; Mrs Monaghan had a daughter Lil, and also adopted Mary and Rita (Nora), the latter who was traumatically placed with a family in Donegal after six years with the Monaghans. (Rita reports that no two children of the same sex were allowed to be adopted so, despite Mrs Monaghan’s appeal to the Bishop and all authorities, she was moved to another family). Happily, Rita and Paddy made contact again as adults and Paddy, she says, was simply the best and kindest brother anyone could wish for. Plunkett Road became a summer home to Rita’s children, the Toners and in recent years, Rita and her husband James have returned to Monaghan’s cottage to live.
The Toner children acknowledge the wonderful years Paddy gave them, opening his home to them, teaching them to swim, taking them on day trips to Glendalough, topping them up with pocket money…….. “Best Uncle in the world”.
We extend our sympathy to Rita, James and all the Toner children; to his many friends particularly Rita and members of the O’Rourke household where Paddy was also adopted! Ballymore has truly lost one of its finest sons.
May he rest in peace, amen.
Rathmore Area C.E. Ltd.
At present we have vacancies in the Ballymore Eustace /Rathmore area in Child Care, Shop Assistant. Caretaker, Clerical.
Eligibility: Over 25 years of age. In receipt of one of the following payments from the Department of Social Welfare. Unemployment Benefit/Assistance. Disability Benefit. Lone Parent Allowance. Widow Pension. !9.5 hours per week offered.
Applicants must be willing to participate in training.
C.V. to Ann O’Sullivan. Rathmore Area C.E. Ltd., Community Hall, Rathmore, Naas, Co.Kildare
St. John’s
Church of Ireland
Ballymore Eustace
Our new rector, the Reverend Leonard Ruddock will officiate at his first service in Ballymore on Sunday August 10th 2008. The service will commence at 09.45 with words of welcome from members of the community, followed by Holy Communion.
The members of St. John’s would welcome all those interested by asking them to join us in helping to celebrate the start of a new era in our church and in the community. This joyous occasion will be followed by refreshments in the Band Hall.
Let’s give Leonard, his wife Hazel and their children, Gary and Amanda a big Ballymore welcome.
Paddy Cook.
Rector’s Warden.
The Wizard of Oz
The final curtain has come down on the Ballymore Junior Drama production of the “The Wizard of Oz.” After many months of practice; learning lines, singing and dancing, the show was a great success. Congratulations to every child involved – you all played a vital part in making the show such a winner.
We would like to thank all the parents for their co-operation in providing costumes, props raffle prizes etc. This help is important when there are such a number of performers involved. We would like to thank the Band Hall Committee, particularly Tommy Dwyer and Sean Murphy for their patience and help. We would like to give an extra special thank you to our wonderful director, Brian Brady. His patience and good humour had to be seen to be believed. It is not easy to direct a show with so many “over- enthusiastic” performers. Lastly, we would like to say a sincere word of thanks to all of you who attended the shows in such great numbers and who gave such encouragement to all the children.
There were winter nights when you would be tempted to leave the band Hall and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” back to your fire in the sitting room, but these are long forgotten when show nights come. The nerves, the fun and excitement, the challenge of having to go on stage and perform your part, the hair styles, the make- up, are all part of what makes Junior Drama so unique.
Due to the large attendances this year we were able to give generous donations to St. Brigid’s Hospice and to Scoil Mhuire. The cast were treated to an evening in NRGY in Rathcoole.
At the moment we are “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” but shortly we will be planning for next year. No doubt, it will be bigger and better than ever. What wonderful talent the young people of Ballymore have! Today the Band Hall tomorrow Broadway!!!
The Junior Drama Group Committee.
Direct Bugle email -
For acknowledgements, births, anniversaries, wedding photos, birthdays etc, send them to:
ballymorebugle@eircom.net or drop them into Notes Box at Fogarty’s Post Office or Elizabeth’s Hair
BABY news!
A new baby boy for Barry and Lisa Glancy in Chicago – ‘Declan John’, a brother for Ciara and Sophie.
Congratulations to Conor Darker on overseeing the hatching of his first ever duckling…….ahhhhh, if only having children was as easy…..
Birthday wishes to Finola O’Brien - not to be confused with Lorraine seein’ as I always do – on reaching a certain birthday recently…..
To Shane Flynn on reaching his 21st recently
To Frances O Donoghue nee Clarke on the celebration of her 85th birthday.
Wedding bells Congratulations to Margaret McLoughlin, Boleybeg and Pierce Fitzgerald on their recent marriage; to Sara McGee, Glebe East, Ballymore-Blessing ton and James Cronin, Grangecon; Louise Kilbane, Cooloney, Sligo formerly Bishopland and Fergal Fearon on their wedding.
Congratulations to Fiona O’Driscoll and Robin White on their engagement.
To Lynsey O Reilly on passing her driving test recently – Good woman, Lynsey!
Congratulations to students who recently completed their third level education and indeed, to all students who have recently received their college results; if you failed a few subjects, knuckle down and start preparing for the repeats – it’s not over yet!
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. Bookings for the Resource Centre can be made by contacting Monica at 045-863363. An answering machine is in operation if the phone is not manned and all messages will be responded to. 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
The Late Katherine Geoghegan
There was much sadness felt within the community for the death of Katherine Geoghegan, Broadleas. It is a dreadful thing for any parents to watch their child suffer during a long illness and our hearts go out to parents, Kay and Tom Geoghegan. Aged only 37, Katherine’s death was premature and her family’s sense of loss must be unbearable; Katherine is survived by her sister Caroline and brother Noel, niece Danielle, aunts, uncles, cousins and members of the extended family.
May she rest in peace, amen.
Kay and Tom would like to thank all who attended the funeral and removal, sent mass-cards or flowers; to neighbours and friends for your kindness; to Dr Ni Bhrian and staff of Naas Hospital for your support over the year and to District Nurses, Ellen and Esther.
Special thanks to Katherine’s cousins, Juanita and Jen and husband, Thomas for your continued support over the years – The Geoghegan Family.
_____________
We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the late Paul Byrne, Kilcullen, may he rest in peace, amen.
______________________
We offer our sympathy to Irene Murphy and her son, Mark on the death recently of Irene’s mother, Tess Dempsey; Irene is recovering from the sudden shock of Brendan’s death and to lose her mother at this time must be doubly hard to bear.
Our thoughts are with you.
__________________
The Late Paddy Monaghan
Elsewhere in this edition we pay tribute to the Paddy Monaghan, truly a son of Ballymore. Paddy came to Ballymore as a youngster, adopted by Mrs Monaghan of Plunkett Road; Mrs Monaghan had a daughter Lil, and also adopted Mary and Rita (Nora), the latter who was traumatically placed with a family in Donegal after six years with the Monaghans. (Rita reports that no two children of the same sex were allowed to be adopted so, despite Mrs Monaghan’s appeal to the Bishop and all authorities, she was moved to another family). Happily, Rita and Paddy made contact again as adults and Paddy, she says, was simply the best and kindest brother anyone could wish for. Plunkett Road became a summer home to Rita’s children, the Toners and in recent years, Rita and her husband James have returned to Monaghan’s cottage to live.
The Toner children acknowledge the wonderful years Paddy gave them, opening his home to them, teaching them to swim, taking them on day trips to Glendalough, topping them up with pocket money…….. “Best Uncle in the world”.
We extend our sympathy to Rita, James and all the Toner children; to his many friends particularly Rita and members of the O’Rourke household where Paddy was also adopted! Ballymore has truly lost one of its finest sons.
May he rest in peace, amen.
Rathmore Area C.E. Ltd.
At present we have vacancies in the Ballymore Eustace /Rathmore area in Child Care, Shop Assistant. Caretaker, Clerical.
Eligibility: Over 25 years of age. In receipt of one of the following payments from the Department of Social Welfare. Unemployment Benefit/Assistance. Disability Benefit. Lone Parent Allowance. Widow Pension. !9.5 hours per week offered.
Applicants must be willing to participate in training.
C.V. to Ann O’Sullivan. Rathmore Area C.E. Ltd., Community Hall, Rathmore, Naas, Co.Kildare
St. John’s
Church of Ireland
Ballymore Eustace
Our new rector, the Reverend Leonard Ruddock will officiate at his first service in Ballymore on Sunday August 10th 2008. The service will commence at 09.45 with words of welcome from members of the community, followed by Holy Communion.
The members of St. John’s would welcome all those interested by asking them to join us in helping to celebrate the start of a new era in our church and in the community. This joyous occasion will be followed by refreshments in the Band Hall.
Let’s give Leonard, his wife Hazel and their children, Gary and Amanda a big Ballymore welcome.
Paddy Cook.
Rector’s Warden.
The Wizard of Oz
The final curtain has come down on the Ballymore Junior Drama production of the “The Wizard of Oz.” After many months of practice; learning lines, singing and dancing, the show was a great success. Congratulations to every child involved – you all played a vital part in making the show such a winner.
We would like to thank all the parents for their co-operation in providing costumes, props raffle prizes etc. This help is important when there are such a number of performers involved. We would like to thank the Band Hall Committee, particularly Tommy Dwyer and Sean Murphy for their patience and help. We would like to give an extra special thank you to our wonderful director, Brian Brady. His patience and good humour had to be seen to be believed. It is not easy to direct a show with so many “over- enthusiastic” performers. Lastly, we would like to say a sincere word of thanks to all of you who attended the shows in such great numbers and who gave such encouragement to all the children.
There were winter nights when you would be tempted to leave the band Hall and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” back to your fire in the sitting room, but these are long forgotten when show nights come. The nerves, the fun and excitement, the challenge of having to go on stage and perform your part, the hair styles, the make- up, are all part of what makes Junior Drama so unique.
Due to the large attendances this year we were able to give generous donations to St. Brigid’s Hospice and to Scoil Mhuire. The cast were treated to an evening in NRGY in Rathcoole.
At the moment we are “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” but shortly we will be planning for next year. No doubt, it will be bigger and better than ever. What wonderful talent the young people of Ballymore have! Today the Band Hall tomorrow Broadway!!!
The Junior Drama Group Committee.
Tim’s Diary
Brought to you this month by AA Roadwatch as they love Ballymore Huistis as they call it.
Punchestown reveled in five days of top quality racing, great crack and most of all fine and clement weather. I hope that you took full advantage of the wonderful festival. It far exceeded my expectations and I look forward to next year. The Breener was a casualty of the strong English raiding party when “Raise your Heart” went down gamely to ”I hear a Symphony” on the Friday. Billy Doyle, king of the silversmiths was delighted with the coverage that J.R. and Sue-Ellen from Dallas and said it was a great Kildare welcome. When the Dallas theme was played in Punchestown it was only punters of a certain vintage that turned to towards the stage. It went straight over the heads of the younger patrons.Bill looks forward to moving into Cnoc Avon in the middle of July and has promised us access to the first party.
Myself and the Guard were honorary Naas Traders for a day on Thursday. We had a great crack. Thanks to Kevin O’Ryan from At the Races for the free bets!!
A colleague of Colette’s, Aileen Fallon, who is based in the Bridewell introduced us to Lisa Murphy and, she is really a cracker, but very down to earth.
(
AA Roadwatch had a new take on pronunciation of the village when telling everyone of a diversion due to the closure of the Naas/Blessington road to go through Ballymore Huistis. Lucky there are no rindabytes to contend with.
Sunday 4th of May is designated World Communication Day by the Catholic Church. This year the theme was “The media: at the crossroads between self-promotion and service. Searching for the truth in order to share it with others.”
The Sunday Indo of the same day certainly had the scoop on this with a headline
“The World’s sexiest Catholic – Eva Longoria.” Good service guys. A lot of thought went into that one.
As AA were busy diverting the traffic through the village the path works were continuing merrily. A great piece of scheduling there…
Fourty Acers the Greg Lawlor bred popped up at Uttoxeter recently. Now in the charge of David Pipe he won by at least half a mile under Tom Scudamore.
The Premiership finally came to an end this month with the Red Devils coming out on top. It was a good season overall for the Irish interests with the exception of Reading with a combination of poor results and poor discipline saw them sink. Sunderland held steady after a bad run and live to fight another year. Closer to home Kildare County finally got off the floor of Division One of the Eircom League. Having got a severe beating 6-0 at the feet of Dundalk before coming good 4-0 against Monaghan.
Hedgehunter was paraded at Puchestown following his retirement. Happily there is a hedge hunter who has NOT retired.
The Parish had a consultation with its members during March. The result was an overwhelming majority requested to be allied with Blessington parish. For some reason the powers that be in the Deanery decided that Ballymore should be in a group of four parishes combined with Kilcullen, Dunlavin and Eadestown. Now I am sure that this makes perfect sense to someone,somewhere, but I am baffled by the decision. The populace of Eadestown also wanted a link with Blessington because of geographical and historical considerations. I am sure that you will be kept informed of subsequent developments.
It was ten years ago…..
Your 50 pence Bugle headlined with the two hundredth anniversary of the 1798 rebellion and the part played by the Ballymore rebels in the event. Containing eyewitness accounts of the happenings on the 23rd and 24th of May in Ballymore, Naas and Dunlavin it is a well crafted piece. Some young fella called Jeffers made his debut with a piece about his fox hound called “Fencer.” It is a lovely yarn without a bit of giving out. !!! The review of the Punchestown Festival of 1998 carries a great photo of the late John Headon. Rose also describes the floats, the drama group portraying the Flintstones, Liz’s Hair Salon depicting the Simpsons, with the overall winners The Thatch. That great traditional music competition of that year is well reviewed. On Saturday 23rd of May 1998 the FBD Milk Ras was due to finish in Ballymore. It was a busy week as the annual Field Day was due on the following Sunday with the Leinster Tug O War Championships as it’s feature event. With GAA News of the u-10’s contesting the divisional final, the Minor team going well, a very successful boxing tourney in poulaphouca with the highlight being Paul Douglas’s win over Micahel Joyce it was hectic sporting month. If you wanted a rest you could have gone to the Anvil to hear Joe Burke, “Ireland’s greatest accordion player”, 99 pence would have bought you a pound of collar bacon, a jar of Old Time Irish Marmalade or FIVE cans of beans! Keay headon told us all that the Irish Kidney Association raised £345.56 for Forget-me-not week. Geraldine Lawler was raising funds for Bosnia, an Ann McLaughlin had raised £2000 for the India Polio Fund.Ballymore Eustace Parish Pilgrimage to World Youth Day, Sydney
20th April 2008 Raffle Results
Prize Winner
Punchestown Tickets Joe Murphy, Ardenode
Punchestown Tickets Michael c/o Teresa Evans, Bishopslane
Luxury Hamper Sean Fogarty
Dinner For 2, Ballymore Inn Teresa Evans, Bishopslane
4 Ball, Tulfarris Paul O’Sullivan, Rathmore N.S
Galway Crystal Bowl John Brennan Jnr, Vallymount
Newbridge Silver Clock Jenny Conway, Bishopslane
Wine and Chocolates Christine Hughes, Blessington
Box of Chocolates Kieran McNamara, Rathcoole
Ballymore-Eustace’s Proud Handball Record
Part 1
My first attempt at recording the history of the Ballymore-Eustace Handball Club was done at the request of the late Father Browne when he sought a piece on the Club for the 1972 Chronicle. In the 1953 Chronicle Tommy Lynch (profiled in the Echo of September 1977) had covered the Club's history up to 1953 so I covered the period from 1953 to 1972. When the Gaelic Football Club brought out a commemorative book to celebrate the GAA's Centenary Year I was more ambitious and tried to tell the story of the Club's history up to 1984.
The first thing I discovered was the lack of firm information about the Club's early days. My original source of information was Bernard Purcell but Bernard was no longer with us having died in January 1962. I next spoke with Mickey (died 1978) and Margaret Dowling who suggested that I talk to Christy Byrne (died January, 1973) who had been Club Secretary during the Club's first period of success in the late twenties and early thirties.
Christy's sad story was that during a spring-cleaning of his house all his handball papers and records ended up being dumped. So I was back to square one. Research of old newspapers in the National Library has yielded no new information. I had some luck when the late John Clarke of the Dublin Metropolitan Club kindly supplied me with information about the Official Opening (or Re-Opening) of our 60 by 30 alley. John was a brother of one of hardball's "Greats", Austin Clarke, and in partnership with Austin he won the 1942 All-Ireland senior hard doubles title. John was a handball historian and an avid collector of handball memorabilia.
According to John, a group of four players from his Club were involved in the Official Opening of the Ballymore 60 by 30 alley following the plastering of the walls and the laying of a new cement floor and from information in his possession it seems that the Opening took place on Sunday October 27, 1912. The four players involved took part in exhibition games, which resulted as follows:
James Clarke and Tom Redmond (DMC) beat Jordan and Devey ;
Peter O'Shea and Joe Kennedy (DMC) lost to Farrell and Hickey.
John Clarke thought that Jordan, Devey, Farrell and Hickey were also from Dublin. Jordan and Devey at least would appear to have been Ballymore men as the late Tommy Nugent of Ballybought (Profiled in the Echo of November 1977) stated:
"He (Tommy Nugent) loved handball and he remembers Tom and Joe Morrissey building the Ball Alley in 1910. They lived beside the alley where Dr. Purcell (died June 1988) now has his stables. The very first Handball Club was formed by Bernard Purcell, Ned O' Rourke, Pat Conner (Blacksmith), Jimmy McGrath, Jim Byrne (Schoolmaster), Jack McGee, Myles McGee, Peter Nugent, and Myles Lawler. He remembers paying his first shilling membership fee. The first singles match played there was between Kit Jordan and Patsy Devoy and the first doubles match was between Art Doran and Myles Lawler versus Jimmy McGrath and himself. He and his partner won. Tommy Leahy was the top player of his time and "I remember playing him for a bet and winning" Tommy recalls gleefully".
A James Whelan of Ballymore was a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Club Committee at that time. The source of John's information was his own Club's tradition and a weekly Dublin paper called "Sport". The James Clarke who played in the exhibition games was John's father and he was also the Dublin Metropolitan Club Secretary. Leading handball figure of those days, John Lawlor, apparently was in attendance.
I understand from Paddy Monaghan that a relation of the late Hubert Jackson by the name of Conroy was also involved in the building of the 60 by 30 alley which had the gallery and roof added in 1928. In 1953 the walls were raised as softball was beginning to gain a footing. Dressing rooms were built in 1975. Thanks to the generosity of the Mullion Family lights were installed in 1962 and replaced by a new system installed by Eamonn Deegan in 1978. Since then many much needed smaller repair and maintenance jobs have been carried out. In 1997, Anthony Campbell replaced the floor and I suspect others probably helped.
Clearly those who built the 60 by 30 alley in 1910 were farsighted people but I doubt if they could have envisaged the degree of success that Ballymore players would have over the following one hundred years. Our players won many All-Ireland titles in hardball, softball and 40 by 20. Our finest hour came in 1984 when two of our players won World titles.
© Matt Purcell (April 29, 2008).
Matt’s Memories
The Senior Citizens Party
It was great to see Mrs Sheila Mooney (nee Doyle) of Alliganstown at the Senior Citizens Party. Mrs Mooney was in a wheelchair but I gather she gets around quite a bit in it. In my late father’s time we used regularly see Mrs Mooney and her late husband Jim at Sunday Mass. Jim died in 1996. I know Mrs Mooney’s sons Mick and Kieran both of who played handball. Additionally, Mick was also a top athlete. Mrs Mooney’s daughter Bernie was also a top athlete and for several years Bernie dominated ladies athletics in our area.
The Nugents
Tommy Nugent and his wife Margaret Nugent (nee Toomey) of Alliganstown had six children. I knew their two sons Pat and Joe and their daughters Lucy and Madge. Madge married a Tyrrell from Blessington. Sadly Lucy died in 1975, while Tommy died in 1982 and Margaret died in 1983. Some years later, Pat died in August 2000. Tommy was a keen handball player as was his son Joe. In his younger days, Tommy was a contemporary of the great handball player Tommy Leahy. In later life, Tommy often dropped into the alley after Sunday Mass and had a game there. Tommy played handball until late in life. Joe was in England for a number of years but took up handball again on his return to Ireland.
Mona’s Sister
Reading my April Bugle article I found that I wrongly referred to the married name of Mona Nugent’s sister as Patty Jennings whereas her correct name is Patty Lynch. Mona’s grandniece Paula Jennings used to work with me when we were both in the Law Department, South Dublin County Council.
How Do You Do!
On Saturday March 29 I was sitting in my car while my brother James was closing our front gate. I sensed that James was talking to someone and it turned out he was talking to C.J. Darby who was out walking his dog. On realising I was in the car C.J. came over to talk to me.
Ballymore Bugle
Thanks to the Ballymore Bugle I know my neighbours Peter Pearse and Liz Deegan are proud new parents and that Tommy and Mary Deegan have become grandparents again. On a sadder note, I see where Mrs Gale has died at an advanced age. As a racing fan I would be aware of her late husband Johnny’s exploits as a jockey. Johnny was 55 when died in 1978.
Damien’s Quest
I read with interest of Damien O’Sullivan’s quest for his genealogical roots. Hopefully what follows will be of help to him. It seems his great grandfather, John O’Sullivan (Sullivan), was a brother of the late Jim Sullivan and the late Dinny Sullivan who lived many years ago in a terraced cottage, now demolished, at Swordlestown. I understand another sibling may have lived at Beggar’s End.
I believe both Jim and Dinny did occasional work for the Punchestown Race Course. Dinny had breakfast each Sunday after Mass at Whelans beside the Catholic Church. The cottage where the Sullivans lived was located about half way between Ballymore-Eustace and Naas. I presume the reference to a Baroness would be reference to Baroness De Robeck who lived nearby.
Janet’s
I visited Janet’s on March 29 in the hope of buying a Bugle. While there I learnt that Brigid’s photo appeared on the front page of the Bugle. Initially, I could not see Brigid in the photo but when I put on my reading glasses I had no difficulty in finding her.
Celia
Recently I learnt that Celia Quinn is the Secretary of the Newbridge Chamber of Commerce. In former times, Celia was a Davoran of Dowdenstown and lived there with her late parents. In the late seventies, Celia married John Quinn of Newbridge. Her late father Jack was President of the Ballymore Eustace GAA for several years before he died in 2000 aged 86. His wife Sheila (nee Keane) celebrated her 80th birthday in February 2003 and died more recently on October 28, 2005. Photos of Celia and her mother appeared in the Bugles of July 2003 and January 2005 relating to Senior Citizens activates.
Fr Sean Breen
Following Cheltenham, Fr Sean Breen spent sometime in Mount Carmel Hospital being treated for a chest infection. Happily, he got home on April10.
Black Belt
Recently I learnt that Jim Sheridan got his Black Belt in judo. I gather it’s a very prolonged series of studies and tests and Jim stuck with it over the years despite many pauses as work and life issues rightfully got in his way.
Michael Mullally tells me “while Ballymore can rightly boast that it has more than its fair share of All-Ireland handballers it is probably not high on the rankings of its local sons ever achieving the elite Black Belt”.
As Michael rightly says this was “some achievement for a guy who remembers An Tostal in Ballymore”. An Tostal in Ballymore took place in 1953. Jim’s late father was a guard in Ballymore while his late mother Bridget died in 1979. The two of them lived at Assumpta Terrace.
The Keegans of Mullaghboy
In 1842, Patrick Keegan of Mullaghboy (near Coughlanstown) headed for Australia. A descendent of his by the name of Leo Keegan now lives in Sydney, Australia. I had the pleasure of staying with Leo, his wife Maureen and family for a week in 1995 and again in 1997. Leo Keegan and his wife Maureen have two daughters Donna and Teresa. Teresa got married last November 17 while Donna got married on April 19. Due to a gap in the records we will never know if Leo’s Keegans and my Keegans are related but they certainly lived close to each other.
Punchestown
On Tuesday April 22, 2008 my brother James brought me to Punchestown. This was the first race meeting I attended since my stroke over a year beforehand. The first one we met on our travels was Seamie Clarke who was pleased to see me out and about again. Others I saw that day were Peter and Katy Fisher, Brendan Graham, Eamonn Deegan, Tommy Deegan and Margaret Clarke (nee Murphy). Some of the time James was with me. At other times I was on my own. Brendan regularly enquired from my brother Billy as to my well being. Eamonn, for his part, made a special effort to see me that I appreciated. Meanwhile, family members surrounded Margaret.
As usual, we met Monsignor Seamus Conway, his brother Tommy and Tommy’s wife Mary on the stand. Late in the day we met Meahall Murphy – one of racings “regulars”. P. Murphy of Longhouse was another that I met. Earlier arriving at my brother’s place in Naas we met Martin Gavin and his friend from Manor Kilbride. Martin visited me the second time I was in Naas Hospital.
James again brought me to Punchestown on Thursday April 24, 2008. That day we met Fr Breen. His horse Show Blessed pulled up in the race won by ScotsIrish the following day. In the same race Sean Mulryan’s Ambobo was third while Bernadine Mulryan’s Le Toscan also pulled up. On the Thursday, we met Dan’s widow Joan and her friend Rita. Along the way, we exchanged greetings with Ollie Deegan and his son Fionn. Sister-in-law Carmel kindly provided us with meals on Tuesday and Thursday.
Happy Birthday
Recently Tom O’Rourke (Senior) celebrated his 86th birthday while him and Rita are 61 years married.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to Katty Mahon (nee Clarke) who I believe is in the Larchfield Nursing Home.
Departed
The death occurred suddenly of Brendan Murphy of Blackhall on April 4, 2008 R.I.P. Brendan was the son of the late Gertrude and brother of the late Anna. His wife Irene, son Mark, father Louie, mother-in-law Teresa, sister Trudy, brothers - John, Louie, Noel, Kevin, Harry, Joe and Paul, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces survive Brendan. I only became aware of Gertrude’s passing on reading of Brendan’s untimely death.
The death occurred of John Headon of Ballymore Eustace who died on April 21, 2008 after a short illness R.I.P. John was pre-deceased by his wife Eileen. His son Tom, daughter-in-law Niamh, brother Pat, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends survive John.
John was a big figure in Ballymore-Eustace and was closely associated with the Fine Gael party in the area and also with the local Brass and Reed Band. He was involved with both of these groups for many years.
The death occurred of Mary Healy (nee Clarke) of Redcross, Co. Wicklow (formerly of Broadleas) on April 25, 2008 R.I.P. Mary was pre-deceased by her husband Denis and her daughter Maura (Vickers). Her children Eamon, Ann (Ryan), Nuala (Lowen), Breda (MacFadden), in-laws Mary, Bernie, David, Aedan, sister Katty, brother Kevin, grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive Mary. Mary was a sister of the late Johnny Clarke who died suddenly a month ago and of Katty Mahon of St Brigid’s Park.
The death occurred of Doreen Mullen (nee Kilbride) of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (formerly of Tulfarris, Blessington) on April 28, 2008 R.I.P. Her husband Karl, daughters Louise, Niamh, Mary, Gaye and Anna, sons Karl, Paul and Marc, their partners and her grandchildren survive Doreen. In the late forties Doreen’s husband Karl was a top rugby player.
The death occurred of Frank Scott of Braemor Avenue, Churchtown on April 29, 2008 R.I.P. His wife Maureen, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survive Frank. Frank was one of my Dublin neighbours. He was aged 87 and was married to Maureen for 58 years.
The death occurred of Kathleen Kavanagh (nee Holohan) of Killester, Dublin on April 29, 2008 R.I.P. Her husband Brian, children Colm, Bernard, Maria, Annette, Catherine, Damien and Norah survive Kathleen. Kathleen’s brother Brendan worked with me for the Law Department, Dublin County Council
© Matt Purcell (May 1, 2008).
Part 1
My first attempt at recording the history of the Ballymore-Eustace Handball Club was done at the request of the late Father Browne when he sought a piece on the Club for the 1972 Chronicle. In the 1953 Chronicle Tommy Lynch (profiled in the Echo of September 1977) had covered the Club's history up to 1953 so I covered the period from 1953 to 1972. When the Gaelic Football Club brought out a commemorative book to celebrate the GAA's Centenary Year I was more ambitious and tried to tell the story of the Club's history up to 1984.
The first thing I discovered was the lack of firm information about the Club's early days. My original source of information was Bernard Purcell but Bernard was no longer with us having died in January 1962. I next spoke with Mickey (died 1978) and Margaret Dowling who suggested that I talk to Christy Byrne (died January, 1973) who had been Club Secretary during the Club's first period of success in the late twenties and early thirties.
Christy's sad story was that during a spring-cleaning of his house all his handball papers and records ended up being dumped. So I was back to square one. Research of old newspapers in the National Library has yielded no new information. I had some luck when the late John Clarke of the Dublin Metropolitan Club kindly supplied me with information about the Official Opening (or Re-Opening) of our 60 by 30 alley. John was a brother of one of hardball's "Greats", Austin Clarke, and in partnership with Austin he won the 1942 All-Ireland senior hard doubles title. John was a handball historian and an avid collector of handball memorabilia.
According to John, a group of four players from his Club were involved in the Official Opening of the Ballymore 60 by 30 alley following the plastering of the walls and the laying of a new cement floor and from information in his possession it seems that the Opening took place on Sunday October 27, 1912. The four players involved took part in exhibition games, which resulted as follows:
James Clarke and Tom Redmond (DMC) beat Jordan and Devey ;
Peter O'Shea and Joe Kennedy (DMC) lost to Farrell and Hickey.
John Clarke thought that Jordan, Devey, Farrell and Hickey were also from Dublin. Jordan and Devey at least would appear to have been Ballymore men as the late Tommy Nugent of Ballybought (Profiled in the Echo of November 1977) stated:
"He (Tommy Nugent) loved handball and he remembers Tom and Joe Morrissey building the Ball Alley in 1910. They lived beside the alley where Dr. Purcell (died June 1988) now has his stables. The very first Handball Club was formed by Bernard Purcell, Ned O' Rourke, Pat Conner (Blacksmith), Jimmy McGrath, Jim Byrne (Schoolmaster), Jack McGee, Myles McGee, Peter Nugent, and Myles Lawler. He remembers paying his first shilling membership fee. The first singles match played there was between Kit Jordan and Patsy Devoy and the first doubles match was between Art Doran and Myles Lawler versus Jimmy McGrath and himself. He and his partner won. Tommy Leahy was the top player of his time and "I remember playing him for a bet and winning" Tommy recalls gleefully".
A James Whelan of Ballymore was a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Club Committee at that time. The source of John's information was his own Club's tradition and a weekly Dublin paper called "Sport". The James Clarke who played in the exhibition games was John's father and he was also the Dublin Metropolitan Club Secretary. Leading handball figure of those days, John Lawlor, apparently was in attendance.
I understand from Paddy Monaghan that a relation of the late Hubert Jackson by the name of Conroy was also involved in the building of the 60 by 30 alley which had the gallery and roof added in 1928. In 1953 the walls were raised as softball was beginning to gain a footing. Dressing rooms were built in 1975. Thanks to the generosity of the Mullion Family lights were installed in 1962 and replaced by a new system installed by Eamonn Deegan in 1978. Since then many much needed smaller repair and maintenance jobs have been carried out. In 1997, Anthony Campbell replaced the floor and I suspect others probably helped.
Clearly those who built the 60 by 30 alley in 1910 were farsighted people but I doubt if they could have envisaged the degree of success that Ballymore players would have over the following one hundred years. Our players won many All-Ireland titles in hardball, softball and 40 by 20. Our finest hour came in 1984 when two of our players won World titles.
© Matt Purcell (April 29, 2008).
Matt’s Memories
The Senior Citizens Party
It was great to see Mrs Sheila Mooney (nee Doyle) of Alliganstown at the Senior Citizens Party. Mrs Mooney was in a wheelchair but I gather she gets around quite a bit in it. In my late father’s time we used regularly see Mrs Mooney and her late husband Jim at Sunday Mass. Jim died in 1996. I know Mrs Mooney’s sons Mick and Kieran both of who played handball. Additionally, Mick was also a top athlete. Mrs Mooney’s daughter Bernie was also a top athlete and for several years Bernie dominated ladies athletics in our area.
The Nugents
Tommy Nugent and his wife Margaret Nugent (nee Toomey) of Alliganstown had six children. I knew their two sons Pat and Joe and their daughters Lucy and Madge. Madge married a Tyrrell from Blessington. Sadly Lucy died in 1975, while Tommy died in 1982 and Margaret died in 1983. Some years later, Pat died in August 2000. Tommy was a keen handball player as was his son Joe. In his younger days, Tommy was a contemporary of the great handball player Tommy Leahy. In later life, Tommy often dropped into the alley after Sunday Mass and had a game there. Tommy played handball until late in life. Joe was in England for a number of years but took up handball again on his return to Ireland.
Mona’s Sister
Reading my April Bugle article I found that I wrongly referred to the married name of Mona Nugent’s sister as Patty Jennings whereas her correct name is Patty Lynch. Mona’s grandniece Paula Jennings used to work with me when we were both in the Law Department, South Dublin County Council.
How Do You Do!
On Saturday March 29 I was sitting in my car while my brother James was closing our front gate. I sensed that James was talking to someone and it turned out he was talking to C.J. Darby who was out walking his dog. On realising I was in the car C.J. came over to talk to me.
Ballymore Bugle
Thanks to the Ballymore Bugle I know my neighbours Peter Pearse and Liz Deegan are proud new parents and that Tommy and Mary Deegan have become grandparents again. On a sadder note, I see where Mrs Gale has died at an advanced age. As a racing fan I would be aware of her late husband Johnny’s exploits as a jockey. Johnny was 55 when died in 1978.
Damien’s Quest
I read with interest of Damien O’Sullivan’s quest for his genealogical roots. Hopefully what follows will be of help to him. It seems his great grandfather, John O’Sullivan (Sullivan), was a brother of the late Jim Sullivan and the late Dinny Sullivan who lived many years ago in a terraced cottage, now demolished, at Swordlestown. I understand another sibling may have lived at Beggar’s End.
I believe both Jim and Dinny did occasional work for the Punchestown Race Course. Dinny had breakfast each Sunday after Mass at Whelans beside the Catholic Church. The cottage where the Sullivans lived was located about half way between Ballymore-Eustace and Naas. I presume the reference to a Baroness would be reference to Baroness De Robeck who lived nearby.
Janet’s
I visited Janet’s on March 29 in the hope of buying a Bugle. While there I learnt that Brigid’s photo appeared on the front page of the Bugle. Initially, I could not see Brigid in the photo but when I put on my reading glasses I had no difficulty in finding her.
Celia
Recently I learnt that Celia Quinn is the Secretary of the Newbridge Chamber of Commerce. In former times, Celia was a Davoran of Dowdenstown and lived there with her late parents. In the late seventies, Celia married John Quinn of Newbridge. Her late father Jack was President of the Ballymore Eustace GAA for several years before he died in 2000 aged 86. His wife Sheila (nee Keane) celebrated her 80th birthday in February 2003 and died more recently on October 28, 2005. Photos of Celia and her mother appeared in the Bugles of July 2003 and January 2005 relating to Senior Citizens activates.
Fr Sean Breen
Following Cheltenham, Fr Sean Breen spent sometime in Mount Carmel Hospital being treated for a chest infection. Happily, he got home on April10.
Black Belt
Recently I learnt that Jim Sheridan got his Black Belt in judo. I gather it’s a very prolonged series of studies and tests and Jim stuck with it over the years despite many pauses as work and life issues rightfully got in his way.
Michael Mullally tells me “while Ballymore can rightly boast that it has more than its fair share of All-Ireland handballers it is probably not high on the rankings of its local sons ever achieving the elite Black Belt”.
As Michael rightly says this was “some achievement for a guy who remembers An Tostal in Ballymore”. An Tostal in Ballymore took place in 1953. Jim’s late father was a guard in Ballymore while his late mother Bridget died in 1979. The two of them lived at Assumpta Terrace.
The Keegans of Mullaghboy
In 1842, Patrick Keegan of Mullaghboy (near Coughlanstown) headed for Australia. A descendent of his by the name of Leo Keegan now lives in Sydney, Australia. I had the pleasure of staying with Leo, his wife Maureen and family for a week in 1995 and again in 1997. Leo Keegan and his wife Maureen have two daughters Donna and Teresa. Teresa got married last November 17 while Donna got married on April 19. Due to a gap in the records we will never know if Leo’s Keegans and my Keegans are related but they certainly lived close to each other.
Punchestown
On Tuesday April 22, 2008 my brother James brought me to Punchestown. This was the first race meeting I attended since my stroke over a year beforehand. The first one we met on our travels was Seamie Clarke who was pleased to see me out and about again. Others I saw that day were Peter and Katy Fisher, Brendan Graham, Eamonn Deegan, Tommy Deegan and Margaret Clarke (nee Murphy). Some of the time James was with me. At other times I was on my own. Brendan regularly enquired from my brother Billy as to my well being. Eamonn, for his part, made a special effort to see me that I appreciated. Meanwhile, family members surrounded Margaret.
As usual, we met Monsignor Seamus Conway, his brother Tommy and Tommy’s wife Mary on the stand. Late in the day we met Meahall Murphy – one of racings “regulars”. P. Murphy of Longhouse was another that I met. Earlier arriving at my brother’s place in Naas we met Martin Gavin and his friend from Manor Kilbride. Martin visited me the second time I was in Naas Hospital.
James again brought me to Punchestown on Thursday April 24, 2008. That day we met Fr Breen. His horse Show Blessed pulled up in the race won by ScotsIrish the following day. In the same race Sean Mulryan’s Ambobo was third while Bernadine Mulryan’s Le Toscan also pulled up. On the Thursday, we met Dan’s widow Joan and her friend Rita. Along the way, we exchanged greetings with Ollie Deegan and his son Fionn. Sister-in-law Carmel kindly provided us with meals on Tuesday and Thursday.
Happy Birthday
Recently Tom O’Rourke (Senior) celebrated his 86th birthday while him and Rita are 61 years married.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to Katty Mahon (nee Clarke) who I believe is in the Larchfield Nursing Home.
Departed
The death occurred suddenly of Brendan Murphy of Blackhall on April 4, 2008 R.I.P. Brendan was the son of the late Gertrude and brother of the late Anna. His wife Irene, son Mark, father Louie, mother-in-law Teresa, sister Trudy, brothers - John, Louie, Noel, Kevin, Harry, Joe and Paul, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces survive Brendan. I only became aware of Gertrude’s passing on reading of Brendan’s untimely death.
The death occurred of John Headon of Ballymore Eustace who died on April 21, 2008 after a short illness R.I.P. John was pre-deceased by his wife Eileen. His son Tom, daughter-in-law Niamh, brother Pat, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends survive John.
John was a big figure in Ballymore-Eustace and was closely associated with the Fine Gael party in the area and also with the local Brass and Reed Band. He was involved with both of these groups for many years.
The death occurred of Mary Healy (nee Clarke) of Redcross, Co. Wicklow (formerly of Broadleas) on April 25, 2008 R.I.P. Mary was pre-deceased by her husband Denis and her daughter Maura (Vickers). Her children Eamon, Ann (Ryan), Nuala (Lowen), Breda (MacFadden), in-laws Mary, Bernie, David, Aedan, sister Katty, brother Kevin, grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive Mary. Mary was a sister of the late Johnny Clarke who died suddenly a month ago and of Katty Mahon of St Brigid’s Park.
The death occurred of Doreen Mullen (nee Kilbride) of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (formerly of Tulfarris, Blessington) on April 28, 2008 R.I.P. Her husband Karl, daughters Louise, Niamh, Mary, Gaye and Anna, sons Karl, Paul and Marc, their partners and her grandchildren survive Doreen. In the late forties Doreen’s husband Karl was a top rugby player.
The death occurred of Frank Scott of Braemor Avenue, Churchtown on April 29, 2008 R.I.P. His wife Maureen, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survive Frank. Frank was one of my Dublin neighbours. He was aged 87 and was married to Maureen for 58 years.
The death occurred of Kathleen Kavanagh (nee Holohan) of Killester, Dublin on April 29, 2008 R.I.P. Her husband Brian, children Colm, Bernard, Maria, Annette, Catherine, Damien and Norah survive Kathleen. Kathleen’s brother Brendan worked with me for the Law Department, Dublin County Council
© Matt Purcell (May 1, 2008).
Ballymore GAA newsBallymore V MilltownBallymore were hoping to follow up a good win over St.Kevinsbut met a determined Milltown side. Ballymore started well but didn't converttheir possession into points. Milltown responded and finished the first half infront after converting 4 frees.In the second half Milltown kept up the pressure and kept adding to their lead.Ballymore had plenty of chances to level the game but wastedthe opportunities.Naas V BallymoreBallymore were outclassed for most of this game. Naas werein top form and converted any chances that came their way. A second half come-backappeared on the cards after Ballymore converted a penalty however Naas finishedthe second half strongly and ran out easy winners.Eadestown V BallymoreNeeding a win Ballymore dominated the first half of this game.After some impressive scoring, Ballymore led by 9 points at the break.The result was put beyond doubt when Ballymore scored an early second half goal.The result was a good win for the visiting team over their local rivals.Ballymore V BallyteagueBallymore’s latest game was a 2 point loss to Ballyteague.Ballymore had a poor first half performance and went into the break 5 points to2 behind. Ballyteague started the second half with 3 unansweredpoints. Ballymore responded with their best spell of the game.They scored six points to level the game.However Ballyteague rallied and scored the final two pointsof the game.The Junior team had a number of good performances. After a narrowloss over St. Kevins they -responded by beating Sarsfields. The final game was anarrow loss to Kilcullen.Senior training is every Tuesday night in the pitch. All are welcome.Thanks to everybody who bought a club membership. The moneyis needed to help run the club for the coming year. The first draw for500 euro took place and the lucky winner is Michael Grace.
kind regardsMark
Ballymore Ladies GAA
Welcome to another month in the life of we Ballymore Ladies types.............
A few congratulations are in order to begin with. Firstly, we would like to congratulate Dawn Murray who is the new captain of the team and also Fran Burke, the new vice captain who were voted in by secret ballot in a very close election. They have big football boots to fill, namely those of Ashling Rigney last years captain and Ann-Marie Gorman, retiring vice captain who both did a great job in 2007 and we have no doubt both Dawn and Fran are up to the challenge, each being longstanding pillars of the team.
Secondly, we would like to congratulate Cleo Hubbard and Teresa Gorman, both senior ladies players with Ballymore. They play underage football with Eadestown and were part of the team victorious in the under 16 division one Kildare final against St Laurences on 4th of this month. They were both exceptional on the day with Cleo scoring two goals helping Eadestown to victory. More where that came from girls!!
Since we have last written this column, A few matches have been played, won, drawn and lost. Milltown were beaten well by the ladies securing three points in the league. A draw was had against Balyna at home. Rheban and Balyna away proved a test for the girls and we unfortunately did not emerge victorious from these meetings. These results leave us at third place in the league table but there is all to play forin our next competitive match against Rheban at home on 25/5/08. Your support is always welcome. Following this match there will be no league matches until July ( We'll keep you posted)
The draw was made this week for the Kildare Ladies Division D Championship 2008. Ballymore drew Balyna, Castledermot and Robert Emmets in their group and games will commence in August.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this months article. You can check us out on our website at http://www.bebo.com/BME-LADIES.
Until Next Month.................... Louise & Jackie
Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace NS Senior hurling team
Shane Barrett, Robbie Boland, Mark Slevin, Declan Davis, Patrick Langan, Craig Byrne, Dylan Waters, Jake Meehan, Adam Keogh, Martin Kelleher (Banisteoir)
Tom Murphy, Calum O’ Doherty, Stephen Doyle, Niall O’ Neill, Darragh Kelleher, Shane Murphy, Michael Stewart-Byrne.
Ballymore NS hurlers beat Patricians NS Newbridge by 4 points
Ballymore Eustace NS Senior hurling team has played 3 games in the Cumman Na mBunscoil schools competition so far this year. This is the first time Scoil Mhuire has fielded a Senior Hurling team. The players should be complemented for undertaking this major challenge with confidence and enthusiasm.
The first game took place in the grounds of Maynooth College against Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich. This was the team’s first outing. Playing hurling against a team that is fluent in Irish was daunting and it took a while for Ballymore to settle. The team did get on top eventually half way through the second half. Although they lost the game, this recovery gave the team confidence. After the match some of the players were enquiring about going to Maynooth College when they finish school. Maybe Ballymore will have a plentiful supply of priests in the future!
The second match was against Patricians NS from Newbridge in Ballymore. This game was the highlight of the league so far. After the game in Maynooth the players realised they could play well. Ms O’ Flynn allowed them to practice over lunch-time, so they were well prepared for this match. There was a great performance from all players on both sides, scores were very hard to come by. But Shane Barrett made the difference for Ballymore scoring 4 excellent points from outfield. This was enough to secure a well deserved win.
kind regardsMark
Ballymore Ladies GAA
Welcome to another month in the life of we Ballymore Ladies types.............
A few congratulations are in order to begin with. Firstly, we would like to congratulate Dawn Murray who is the new captain of the team and also Fran Burke, the new vice captain who were voted in by secret ballot in a very close election. They have big football boots to fill, namely those of Ashling Rigney last years captain and Ann-Marie Gorman, retiring vice captain who both did a great job in 2007 and we have no doubt both Dawn and Fran are up to the challenge, each being longstanding pillars of the team.
Secondly, we would like to congratulate Cleo Hubbard and Teresa Gorman, both senior ladies players with Ballymore. They play underage football with Eadestown and were part of the team victorious in the under 16 division one Kildare final against St Laurences on 4th of this month. They were both exceptional on the day with Cleo scoring two goals helping Eadestown to victory. More where that came from girls!!
Since we have last written this column, A few matches have been played, won, drawn and lost. Milltown were beaten well by the ladies securing three points in the league. A draw was had against Balyna at home. Rheban and Balyna away proved a test for the girls and we unfortunately did not emerge victorious from these meetings. These results leave us at third place in the league table but there is all to play forin our next competitive match against Rheban at home on 25/5/08. Your support is always welcome. Following this match there will be no league matches until July ( We'll keep you posted)
The draw was made this week for the Kildare Ladies Division D Championship 2008. Ballymore drew Balyna, Castledermot and Robert Emmets in their group and games will commence in August.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this months article. You can check us out on our website at http://www.bebo.com/BME-LADIES.
Until Next Month.................... Louise & Jackie
Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace NS Senior hurling team
Shane Barrett, Robbie Boland, Mark Slevin, Declan Davis, Patrick Langan, Craig Byrne, Dylan Waters, Jake Meehan, Adam Keogh, Martin Kelleher (Banisteoir)
Tom Murphy, Calum O’ Doherty, Stephen Doyle, Niall O’ Neill, Darragh Kelleher, Shane Murphy, Michael Stewart-Byrne.
Ballymore NS hurlers beat Patricians NS Newbridge by 4 points
Ballymore Eustace NS Senior hurling team has played 3 games in the Cumman Na mBunscoil schools competition so far this year. This is the first time Scoil Mhuire has fielded a Senior Hurling team. The players should be complemented for undertaking this major challenge with confidence and enthusiasm.
The first game took place in the grounds of Maynooth College against Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich. This was the team’s first outing. Playing hurling against a team that is fluent in Irish was daunting and it took a while for Ballymore to settle. The team did get on top eventually half way through the second half. Although they lost the game, this recovery gave the team confidence. After the match some of the players were enquiring about going to Maynooth College when they finish school. Maybe Ballymore will have a plentiful supply of priests in the future!
The second match was against Patricians NS from Newbridge in Ballymore. This game was the highlight of the league so far. After the game in Maynooth the players realised they could play well. Ms O’ Flynn allowed them to practice over lunch-time, so they were well prepared for this match. There was a great performance from all players on both sides, scores were very hard to come by. But Shane Barrett made the difference for Ballymore scoring 4 excellent points from outfield. This was enough to secure a well deserved win.
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
The News:
The ball is in and the game is on, since last months
news a flock of games has been played, U8 and U10
hurling blitz, U10 hurling & football community
games, Scoil Mhuire senior boys football & hurling,
U12 girls league, U11 South Board league, U8 & U9
go-games, U14 (Plunketts) Feile final and league, U16
(Plunketts) league and ps if I have omitted anything I
apologise.
To date three BME players have been selected for
Kildare Co. Development squads, Eddie Davis and
Cian O'Neill at U15 and Amy Mahon at U12 girls.
Congratulations and best of luck to all concerned
The Summer Camp:
The GAA Summer camp will run from Mon June 30th
to Fri July 4th (More details later). The camp is open to
children from Senior Infants up, we have been told by
the organisers that this policy will be strictly enforced
this year due to insurance issues.
West Wicklow U8 & U10 Hurling blitz:
On Saturday 19th April Ballymore Eustace Hurlers took
part in the West Wicklow Hurling blitz in Hollywood.
Despite the bitter cold Ballymore preformed well. The
U10’s played 3 very competitive games and the U 8’s
also played 3 games with the players having to be
thawed out every 5 minutes. The drinks and crisps
given out at the end were well received. The other
teams involved in this blitz were Blessington, Michael
Dwyers (Kiltegan) Stratford, St. Nicholas (Dunlavin)
and St. Kevins (Hollywood). These blitzes are run from
April to September on the third Saturday of each
month.
The next blitz will take place on Saturday 17th May in
Dunlavin.
Community Games Hurling:
The U11 hurlers took part in the Kildare Community
Games over the last few weeks. This is the first time
Ballymore has entered a hurling team into the
Community Games. On Monday the 28th April the first
game was played in Ballymore against Nurney. This
was a very exciting match with Ballymore leading for
most of the game by 2 goals compliments of Aaron
Deegan. Eventually with very effective ground hurling
Ballymore won the game by one goal. They were now
in the semi-finals against Kilcock. This match was
scheduled for Thursday the 8th May in Kilcock.
Although Kilcock is a much bigger club Ballymore
matched Kilcock with their skill levels and a very close
contest ensued with scores very hard to get. Eventually
Kilcock came out on top winning by just one point.
(Martin Kelleher)
U15 County Development Squad
Cian O'Neill and Edward Davis.
An initial group of 65 players went forward for trial that
took place over 3 days. 30 were selected for the Kildare
team, Eddie and Cian were successful and have already
played against Wicklow in the final of the Kavanagh
cup, which ended in a draw. Replay to take place soon.
U12 Girls County
Development Squad
Amy Mahon
Hurling Fixtures:
West Wicklow hurling blitz on 17th May and U12
Southboard games 0n Sat 17th and Sat 24th May at
3pm.
U10 Hurlers in Hollywood
Back Row: Mark Daly, Caolan Halpin Graham,
Ciaran Kelleher, Tom McGuirke,
Carl Byrne (Hollywood)
Front Row: Sean Murphy, Tom Carter,
Niall Murphy, Enda Stewart Byrne
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
U12 Girls:
Finally, the day was here at last ! Having trained hard
before Christmas in the Handball Alley and in the
Kilcullen Sports Complex at the beginning of the year,
the first U12 girls team to represent BME took to the
field against Milltown on Sat. 5th April. It was great to
witness the excitement on the girls faces as each in turn
was given their jersey and told of their position on the
field, they were then lead cheering and bally-hooing
out onto the pitch by their captain, Siobhan Murphy.
The honour of scoring the first point for Ballymore fell
to Amy Horan, much to the joy of all on the team and
the supporters on the sideline.
Sat. 12th of April, the girls were at home against
Ellistown. Heather Sammon in goal, Grace Kerr and
Amy Mahon in defence, Aoife Murphy and Amy Kelly
in midfield, and Natasha Murphy, Aoife Luccan and
Amy Horan were in top form.
Sat. 19th April, the girls travelled to Carbury. Natasha
Murphy Ciara Langan Aoife Murphy, Amy Mahon and
Shannon Browne all had a great game.
Sat. 26th April, the girls had a home match against
Castledermot. Heather Sammon in goals and Grace at
full back both had excellent games
Mon. 28th April, was the Community Games quarter
final against St. Conleths. A lovely balmy evening and
the Ballymore grounds was packed to capacity as there
was also a juvenile hurling match, juvenile hurling &
Senior ladies training at the same time. While there
were plenty of supporters up at the pitch, many
couldn’t decide where to focus their attention such was
the choice on offer.
Against St. Conleths (Sarsfields/Moorefield combo ,
Newbridge in effect) Shannon Doyle, Grace Kerr,
Lucy Field, Evie Carter, Oonagh Deegan, Beth Doyle,
Amy Horan, Eve Maguire, Ciara Fennan and Mayah
Sammon really stood out.
On Sat 3rd May, 22 girls travelled to Suncroft who
could only field 13. Great to see Margaret Headon,
Ellen Carter, Jennifer Mahon and Hazel Stewart Byrne
getting stuck in and working hard during the game.
The team mentors are absolutely delighted at the level
of interest and commitment the girls have shown from
the very start. We would like to sincerely thank all the
parents for bringing the girls both to training and the
matches. Without your support, the girls wouldn’t have
got a chance to experience playing for the Ballymore
Club at such an early age. We would also like to thank
the Senior Ladies who have also assisted with the
coaching sessions and to wish them the best of luck in
their 2008 campaign.
(By Frank Murphy)
U12 Girls in Suncroft
Warn up
Amy Kelly
Amy Mahon
Oonagh Deegan
Hazel Stewart
Byrne
Lucy Field
posing for the
camera
Evie Carter &
Heather Sammon
eaves drop on
Frank &
Mick as the pick
the team
Cody Behan &
Natasha Murphy
have a rest at
half time
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
The U8 and U9 teams Go Games:
The U8 and U9 teams had their first outings of
the year in Two Mile House. There was great
excitement on the night as for many of the
children this was their first match for
Ballymore. Here’s hoping they’ll have many
more!
The U10 Community Games Football:
The team lost their first match to Monasterevin/
Ballykelly on a very wet day but followed this
up with a win against Confey. In the next round
they met Suncroft and after a close and exciting
game lost after extra time.
The U11 League:
The U11 team started their league with a good
win away in Milltown. Since then things have
not gone as well and the team has gone down to
defeats to Grange, Athgarvan and Kildangan.
The team are training hard and hopefully this
will be rewarded in the last 2 games against
Ballykelly and Ballytegue.
Help Required:
Training continues on Friday nights @ 6:30 for
all children attending primary school. This year
we have a large number of Junior infants and we
need extra help, if you are interested please
contact any of the coaches on the night.
PS: The reason I used the line ‘flock of
games’ at the start of the artical was to
remind myself that I had to mention the up
comming Duck Race.
This will take place on the 1st June, ducks
are currently on sale (€5 a duck) and
proceeds will go to the Ballymore Eustace
Community games and the Juvenile Football
& Hurling Club.
U8’s Two Mile House
Alan Gilroy, Michael Tutty, Jamie Mahon,
Evan Keogh, Sen McNally, Jordan Deegan,
Luke Maguire, Dara Clarke, Finn Breslin,
Brian Crowe, Ben Noone, Simon Murphy,
Conor Gilroy, Colm Daly, Darragh Gilroy,
Tadhg Barrett, Eabha Gilroy, Caoimhe Winders
U9’s Two Mile House
Amy Horan, Cian Duggan, Killian Barrett,
Aaron Deegan, Sean Crowe, Eoin Murphy,
Tommy Marsh, Kevin Mahon, Caolan Halpin
Graham, Stepen Davis, Rebecca Dooley ,
Mark Barrett, Thomas Byrne, John Daly
U10 Community Games Football
Sean Murphy, Tom Carter, Conor Nolan,
Enda Stewart Byrne, Mark Daly, Ciaran Kelleher,
Conor Lipsett, Kevin Mahon, Evie Carter,
Amy Horan, Tommy Marsh, Sean Crowe,
Aaron Deegan, Mark Barrett, Stephen Davis
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
St. Oliver Plunketts:
The U16 team finished up their league and are currently training every Monday evening in Eadestown
preparing for the championship
The U14 team have played 3 games to date in the league, loosing to St. Cocas in the first match and wins
over Confey (4-12 to 3-6) and Clane (0-17 to 1-6).
Upcoming matches v Sarsfields, Raheens, Round Towers and Sallins. The team will also take part in Feile
Laighean 2008 which will be hosted this year by Kildare Bord Na nOg. Boys and girls from the 12 counties
of Leinster will take part and this will take place in Newbridge on Sat. 31st May.
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Juvenile Football & Hurling
The News:
The ball is in and the game is on, since last months
news a flock of games has been played, U8 and U10
hurling blitz, U10 hurling & football community
games, Scoil Mhuire senior boys football & hurling,
U12 girls league, U11 South Board league, U8 & U9
go-games, U14 (Plunketts) Feile final and league, U16
(Plunketts) league and ps if I have omitted anything I
apologise.
To date three BME players have been selected for
Kildare Co. Development squads, Eddie Davis and
Cian O'Neill at U15 and Amy Mahon at U12 girls.
Congratulations and best of luck to all concerned
The Summer Camp:
The GAA Summer camp will run from Mon June 30th
to Fri July 4th (More details later). The camp is open to
children from Senior Infants up, we have been told by
the organisers that this policy will be strictly enforced
this year due to insurance issues.
West Wicklow U8 & U10 Hurling blitz:
On Saturday 19th April Ballymore Eustace Hurlers took
part in the West Wicklow Hurling blitz in Hollywood.
Despite the bitter cold Ballymore preformed well. The
U10’s played 3 very competitive games and the U 8’s
also played 3 games with the players having to be
thawed out every 5 minutes. The drinks and crisps
given out at the end were well received. The other
teams involved in this blitz were Blessington, Michael
Dwyers (Kiltegan) Stratford, St. Nicholas (Dunlavin)
and St. Kevins (Hollywood). These blitzes are run from
April to September on the third Saturday of each
month.
The next blitz will take place on Saturday 17th May in
Dunlavin.
Community Games Hurling:
The U11 hurlers took part in the Kildare Community
Games over the last few weeks. This is the first time
Ballymore has entered a hurling team into the
Community Games. On Monday the 28th April the first
game was played in Ballymore against Nurney. This
was a very exciting match with Ballymore leading for
most of the game by 2 goals compliments of Aaron
Deegan. Eventually with very effective ground hurling
Ballymore won the game by one goal. They were now
in the semi-finals against Kilcock. This match was
scheduled for Thursday the 8th May in Kilcock.
Although Kilcock is a much bigger club Ballymore
matched Kilcock with their skill levels and a very close
contest ensued with scores very hard to get. Eventually
Kilcock came out on top winning by just one point.
(Martin Kelleher)
U15 County Development Squad
Cian O'Neill and Edward Davis.
An initial group of 65 players went forward for trial that
took place over 3 days. 30 were selected for the Kildare
team, Eddie and Cian were successful and have already
played against Wicklow in the final of the Kavanagh
cup, which ended in a draw. Replay to take place soon.
U12 Girls County
Development Squad
Amy Mahon
Hurling Fixtures:
West Wicklow hurling blitz on 17th May and U12
Southboard games 0n Sat 17th and Sat 24th May at
3pm.
U10 Hurlers in Hollywood
Back Row: Mark Daly, Caolan Halpin Graham,
Ciaran Kelleher, Tom McGuirke,
Carl Byrne (Hollywood)
Front Row: Sean Murphy, Tom Carter,
Niall Murphy, Enda Stewart Byrne
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
U12 Girls:
Finally, the day was here at last ! Having trained hard
before Christmas in the Handball Alley and in the
Kilcullen Sports Complex at the beginning of the year,
the first U12 girls team to represent BME took to the
field against Milltown on Sat. 5th April. It was great to
witness the excitement on the girls faces as each in turn
was given their jersey and told of their position on the
field, they were then lead cheering and bally-hooing
out onto the pitch by their captain, Siobhan Murphy.
The honour of scoring the first point for Ballymore fell
to Amy Horan, much to the joy of all on the team and
the supporters on the sideline.
Sat. 12th of April, the girls were at home against
Ellistown. Heather Sammon in goal, Grace Kerr and
Amy Mahon in defence, Aoife Murphy and Amy Kelly
in midfield, and Natasha Murphy, Aoife Luccan and
Amy Horan were in top form.
Sat. 19th April, the girls travelled to Carbury. Natasha
Murphy Ciara Langan Aoife Murphy, Amy Mahon and
Shannon Browne all had a great game.
Sat. 26th April, the girls had a home match against
Castledermot. Heather Sammon in goals and Grace at
full back both had excellent games
Mon. 28th April, was the Community Games quarter
final against St. Conleths. A lovely balmy evening and
the Ballymore grounds was packed to capacity as there
was also a juvenile hurling match, juvenile hurling &
Senior ladies training at the same time. While there
were plenty of supporters up at the pitch, many
couldn’t decide where to focus their attention such was
the choice on offer.
Against St. Conleths (Sarsfields/Moorefield combo ,
Newbridge in effect) Shannon Doyle, Grace Kerr,
Lucy Field, Evie Carter, Oonagh Deegan, Beth Doyle,
Amy Horan, Eve Maguire, Ciara Fennan and Mayah
Sammon really stood out.
On Sat 3rd May, 22 girls travelled to Suncroft who
could only field 13. Great to see Margaret Headon,
Ellen Carter, Jennifer Mahon and Hazel Stewart Byrne
getting stuck in and working hard during the game.
The team mentors are absolutely delighted at the level
of interest and commitment the girls have shown from
the very start. We would like to sincerely thank all the
parents for bringing the girls both to training and the
matches. Without your support, the girls wouldn’t have
got a chance to experience playing for the Ballymore
Club at such an early age. We would also like to thank
the Senior Ladies who have also assisted with the
coaching sessions and to wish them the best of luck in
their 2008 campaign.
(By Frank Murphy)
U12 Girls in Suncroft
Warn up
Amy Kelly
Amy Mahon
Oonagh Deegan
Hazel Stewart
Byrne
Lucy Field
posing for the
camera
Evie Carter &
Heather Sammon
eaves drop on
Frank &
Mick as the pick
the team
Cody Behan &
Natasha Murphy
have a rest at
half time
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
The U8 and U9 teams Go Games:
The U8 and U9 teams had their first outings of
the year in Two Mile House. There was great
excitement on the night as for many of the
children this was their first match for
Ballymore. Here’s hoping they’ll have many
more!
The U10 Community Games Football:
The team lost their first match to Monasterevin/
Ballykelly on a very wet day but followed this
up with a win against Confey. In the next round
they met Suncroft and after a close and exciting
game lost after extra time.
The U11 League:
The U11 team started their league with a good
win away in Milltown. Since then things have
not gone as well and the team has gone down to
defeats to Grange, Athgarvan and Kildangan.
The team are training hard and hopefully this
will be rewarded in the last 2 games against
Ballykelly and Ballytegue.
Help Required:
Training continues on Friday nights @ 6:30 for
all children attending primary school. This year
we have a large number of Junior infants and we
need extra help, if you are interested please
contact any of the coaches on the night.
PS: The reason I used the line ‘flock of
games’ at the start of the artical was to
remind myself that I had to mention the up
comming Duck Race.
This will take place on the 1st June, ducks
are currently on sale (€5 a duck) and
proceeds will go to the Ballymore Eustace
Community games and the Juvenile Football
& Hurling Club.
U8’s Two Mile House
Alan Gilroy, Michael Tutty, Jamie Mahon,
Evan Keogh, Sen McNally, Jordan Deegan,
Luke Maguire, Dara Clarke, Finn Breslin,
Brian Crowe, Ben Noone, Simon Murphy,
Conor Gilroy, Colm Daly, Darragh Gilroy,
Tadhg Barrett, Eabha Gilroy, Caoimhe Winders
U9’s Two Mile House
Amy Horan, Cian Duggan, Killian Barrett,
Aaron Deegan, Sean Crowe, Eoin Murphy,
Tommy Marsh, Kevin Mahon, Caolan Halpin
Graham, Stepen Davis, Rebecca Dooley ,
Mark Barrett, Thomas Byrne, John Daly
U10 Community Games Football
Sean Murphy, Tom Carter, Conor Nolan,
Enda Stewart Byrne, Mark Daly, Ciaran Kelleher,
Conor Lipsett, Kevin Mahon, Evie Carter,
Amy Horan, Tommy Marsh, Sean Crowe,
Aaron Deegan, Mark Barrett, Stephen Davis
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
St. Oliver Plunketts:
The U16 team finished up their league and are currently training every Monday evening in Eadestown
preparing for the championship
The U14 team have played 3 games to date in the league, loosing to St. Cocas in the first match and wins
over Confey (4-12 to 3-6) and Clane (0-17 to 1-6).
Upcoming matches v Sarsfields, Raheens, Round Towers and Sallins. The team will also take part in Feile
Laighean 2008 which will be hosted this year by Kildare Bord Na nOg. Boys and girls from the 12 counties
of Leinster will take part and this will take place in Newbridge on Sat. 31st May.
Coaching motto: Children first, winning second
Ballymore Eustace Scoil Mhuire Do Their Bit for National Spring Clean
A willing, and enthusiastic group of students from Scoil Mhuire volunteered to clear the Ballymore streets of litter. On the last day of April - under the watchful eyes of Tommy Barker, Martin Deegan, Jimmy Pearse, and Eric Firth - they descended to attack the litter befouling the streets of the village. No discarded can, paper, or other item of rubbish escaped their sharp eyes and quick hands. In the end, they collected many large sacks crammed full with rubbish; and the village looked the better for it – let us hope it stays that way. The young people set a wonderful example to us all. Part of the Scoil Mhuire team was made up from their Green School Committee, which is under the leadership of school head, Mairead O’Flynn. They operate a very impressive, well-organised and comprehensive Green School Action Plan, with lots of great ideas, and a marvellous way of getting people involved and interested in environmental matters at an early age. Scoil Mhuire attained Green School status some two years ago – a very impressive achievement.
The Clean Up was part of National Spring Clean. Now in its tenth year, National Spring Clean is Ireland’s biggest anti‑litter campaign; it encourages people from all walks of life to take pride in their local environment and to take action against litter. The event runs throughout the whole month of April.
One lesson learnt from picking up other peoples’ litter is that it is far easier to discard litter without thought than it is to pick it up; but it is so easy to put the litter in a bin, in the first place, or take it home for safe and correct disposal later.
The BME Tidy Towns group will be submitting their entry, on behalf of the village, for the 2008 competition in May. During July and August Ballymore Eustace will be visited unannounced – on two or more occasions – by the Tidy Towns adjudicators. They will be looking at the village with a mind to the following judgement categories:
Overall Developmental Approach
The Built Environment
Landscaping
Wildlife and Natural Amenities
Litter Control
Tidiness
Waste Minimisation
Residential Areas
Roads, Street, and Back Areas
General Impression
Hopefully, we will improve our score this year. Keeping the village free of litter and tidy is a daunting task, but it can be relieved if everybody – residents and visitors alike – do their bit. Please, do not drop litter; place it in the bin or take it home with you. Residents of the village can be a great help, providing they are able, if they maintain the immediate area around their doorstep litter and weed free.
The Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns group carry out a clean-up around the village every Monday evening throughout the summer. We meet in the Square at 7pm. All are welcome to join us and lend a hand! Bring gloves, a trowel, and yourselves to help us pick up litter and rubbish, and to remove weeds along the walkways and paths.
`BALLYMORE EUSTACE BADMINTON CLUB
FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT – RYSTON, NEWBRIDGE
BIG SMILES, LOUD LAUGHS, HANDSHAKES AND “HIGH FIVES”! That’s how all our games and matches finished on Sunday 20th April as the club held its annual tournament in Newbridge. With 3 courts to play on, the members were split into six groups.
Groups 1 – 3 played from 10am to 1pm
Groups 4 – 6 played from 1pm to 4pm
All games and matches were played in great spirit and enjoyed so much by everyone. Thanks to all the folk who came to watch and support us, it is very much appreciated. Well done to all for taking part and for showing fantastic progress, which was kindly expressed by our supporters! Medals were awarded to all following their 3 hours of play and members had to wait till Tuesday 22nd April for results of winners in each group (see below).
* Absent from tournament but a big part of our club
GROUP 1
The players ; Hannah Molloy, Molly Butler, Michael Byrne, Ciara Mahon, Zoe Louise Rigney, Eabha Gilroy, *Roisin Murphy, *Orla Murphy, *Claire Murphy
The youngest members of our club started the tournament with the “Hoop” game. This followed with mixed games on Court 1 and from the start a clear leader Molly with Michael close behind. Ciara then narrowed the gap but Zoe Louise and Eabha were clocking up points fast. Molly and Hannah finished best for the final game.
Winner Molly Butler 2nd Eabha Gilroy 3rd Zoe Louise Rigney 4th Hannah Molloy
GROUP 2
The players ; Katie Gilroy, Cian Duggan, Zara Mc Mullen, Lee Mc Mullen, Jamie Mahon, Mary Kate Langan, Rayanne Butler, Emma Slevin Doyle, Abby Foster, Savannagh Fisher, Anna Conway, *Hannah Murphy.
On Court 2 Savannagh, Abby and Emma charged off in the “Champions” game of round 1. Then Lee, Katie, Rayanne and Zara had big scores in round 2. Cian, Mary Kate, Jamie and Anna played best in round 3 but the “Hoop” game really tested the serve and accuracy of all in this group. Back to the court for a final round and Lee, Savannagh and Abby all finished best.
Winner Abby Foster 2nd Savannagh Fisher 3rd Emma Slevin Doyle 4th Lee Mc Mullen
GROUP 3
The players ; Laura Darby, Simon Murphy, Jemma Molloy, Saoirse Byrne, John Charles Lawlor, Thomas Byrne, Cillian Barrett, John Daly, Stephen Davis, Aoife Luccan, Evan Keogh, *Kim Kelly, *Sean Murphy.
On Court 3 starting off with a “Champions” game this group was so competitive! Round 1 had Stephen, Laura, Simon and Aoife ahead. Jemma, Saoirse and John Charles all scored high in round 2. Then Cillian, John, Thomas and Evan really found their form in round 3. Three “Doubles” matches were also played with members mixed for each one and all points counted. Three clear rounds and winning scores of 21 for Saoirse, Laura, Jemma and Simon. Two wins and a 19 put both Cillian and Aoife in with a say too! So close at the finish with just 1 point separating 1st and 2nd place
Winner Simon Murphy 2nd Laura Darby 3rd Aoife Luccan 4th Jemma Molloy
GROUP 4
The players; Enda Stewart Byrne, Joe Hayden, Natasha Murphy, Lynn Barrett, Dylan Curran, Kismet Hamilton, Grace Kerr, Clodagh Barrett, Lauryn Mac Namara, Margaret Hayden, Amy Mahon, Mark Daly, *Rowan Hamilton, *Kiva Sammon, *Annie Mae De Cleir, *Jennifer Mahon, *Abby Harris.
The biggest group and hardest one to win in. Members were mixed for 4 full matches to 21 and all winning and losing scores counted. Margaret, Natasha, Amy and Mark won 3 of their 4, Kismet won 2 and high scores of 19 & 20 in her other 2 matches put her in with a big say. Enda, Clodagh, Joe and Dylan played very well and also had wins and close finishes. Lauryn and Grace battled out the longest rally of the tournament, so enjoyable for all to watch. Margaret and Lynn won a vital 21 in their final match to keep up their scores and again at the finish just 3 points separated 1st and 2nd place.
Winners Amy Mahon 2nd Natasha Murphy 3rd Margaret Hayden
& Mark Daly & Kismet Hamilton & Lynn Barrett
GROUP 5
The players; Harry Murphy, Mairead Byrne, Ciara Langan, Lucy Field, Shannon Slevin Doyle, Shane Barrett, Joanna Burke Hayes, Fionnuala O Connor, Kathleen Keane, Declan Davis, *Siobhan Murphy, *Amy Kelly, * Hazel Stewart Byrne, *Ryan Wilson Black, *Craig Byrne.
Each member mixed for five matches to 21 and from the start these were so competitive. As with Group 4, all winning and losing scores counted. Joanna won 4 and only dropped 2 points against Shane and Declan, who each won 3 of their 5 matches. Shannon, Harry and Mairead also won 3 and high scores of 19 & 20 in losing matches put them in with a big shout. Lucy, Ciara, Fionnuala & Kathleen played super and also finished very close. “Match of the Day” was Fionnuala and Joanna against Kathleen and Harry, a nail biting finish for all in this group!
Winners Joanna Burke Hayes 2nd Mairead Byrne 3rd Shane Barrett
& Harry Murphy & Shannon Slevin Doyle & Declan Davis
GROUP 6
The players; Simon Ellis, Laura Cullen, Stephen Murphy, Jude O Keefe, Aaron Slevin Doyle, Patrick Langan, Molly Cullen, Niamh Nolan, *Danielle Kelly, *Orla Whelan, *Jay Curley, *Sean Kelly, *Philip Tyrell, *Rebecca Kelly.
The over 13’s members of the club battled out 3 ladies and 3 mens doubles matches. Stephen and Aaron beat Simon and Patrick by just one point for the opening match on court 1. Laura and Molly had a hard fought opening game in just beating Niamh and Jude. Stephen and Simon refused to let any points go and played each match like it was a final! Some mixed doubles matches were played and finishing places remained the same.
Winners Stephen Murphy 2nd Niamh Nolan 3rd Molly Cullen
& Simon Ellis & Laura Cullen & Patrick Langan
AWARDS
The Ryston tournament awards were held in The Square following the Parade on Tuesday 22nd April. After playing their hearts out the previous Sunday, each member gathered together and hoped their name would be called for a trophy. Rose Barrett O Donoghue announced the winners from the six groups and reminded the members who just missed out “not to give up, your winning day will come soon”. Rose then announced a special Thank You to Jude O Keefe for her participation with both younger and older members at the club each week. Jude (with a beaming smile) then accepted a trophy in appreciation from all at the club.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The clubs perpetual cup was won for the first time last year by Laura Cullen. Each year various members “shine” at different times. So many members with so many wonderful qualities……All well behaved, kind, thoughtful and progressing super. Holder of the cup Laura was presented with an engraved trophy to remember her achievement in 2007.
Rose then announced Joanna Burke Hayes as the 2008 Player of the Year. A fantastic roar from her friends, family and fellow members was well deserved. Laura then presented Joanna with the cup and more cheers followed for a very popular young lady. Joanna is 12 years old and lives in Ballymore with proud parents Larry and Carol, siblings Joshua and Ruth. She is in sixth class in Scoil Mhuire and loves badminton! A member of the club since it began in 2005, Joanna hasn’t missed a season and never misses an hour each Thursday. She has made huge progress and despite beating everyone around her, she still finds time to encourage others in their improvement on court. Well done to Joanna from all at the club.
THE PARADE
The Black Hoodies loved every minute of our first march in a parade. A wonderful banner and nets were proudly carried by the members through the streets of Ballymore with beaming smiles amid great cheers from onlookers. The banner and nets were kindly made by Alan and Sandra Priestly, (Julie’s parents) and all at the club wish to thank them for their time and support.
L. B.
A willing, and enthusiastic group of students from Scoil Mhuire volunteered to clear the Ballymore streets of litter. On the last day of April - under the watchful eyes of Tommy Barker, Martin Deegan, Jimmy Pearse, and Eric Firth - they descended to attack the litter befouling the streets of the village. No discarded can, paper, or other item of rubbish escaped their sharp eyes and quick hands. In the end, they collected many large sacks crammed full with rubbish; and the village looked the better for it – let us hope it stays that way. The young people set a wonderful example to us all. Part of the Scoil Mhuire team was made up from their Green School Committee, which is under the leadership of school head, Mairead O’Flynn. They operate a very impressive, well-organised and comprehensive Green School Action Plan, with lots of great ideas, and a marvellous way of getting people involved and interested in environmental matters at an early age. Scoil Mhuire attained Green School status some two years ago – a very impressive achievement.
The Clean Up was part of National Spring Clean. Now in its tenth year, National Spring Clean is Ireland’s biggest anti‑litter campaign; it encourages people from all walks of life to take pride in their local environment and to take action against litter. The event runs throughout the whole month of April.
One lesson learnt from picking up other peoples’ litter is that it is far easier to discard litter without thought than it is to pick it up; but it is so easy to put the litter in a bin, in the first place, or take it home for safe and correct disposal later.
The BME Tidy Towns group will be submitting their entry, on behalf of the village, for the 2008 competition in May. During July and August Ballymore Eustace will be visited unannounced – on two or more occasions – by the Tidy Towns adjudicators. They will be looking at the village with a mind to the following judgement categories:
Overall Developmental Approach
The Built Environment
Landscaping
Wildlife and Natural Amenities
Litter Control
Tidiness
Waste Minimisation
Residential Areas
Roads, Street, and Back Areas
General Impression
Hopefully, we will improve our score this year. Keeping the village free of litter and tidy is a daunting task, but it can be relieved if everybody – residents and visitors alike – do their bit. Please, do not drop litter; place it in the bin or take it home with you. Residents of the village can be a great help, providing they are able, if they maintain the immediate area around their doorstep litter and weed free.
The Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns group carry out a clean-up around the village every Monday evening throughout the summer. We meet in the Square at 7pm. All are welcome to join us and lend a hand! Bring gloves, a trowel, and yourselves to help us pick up litter and rubbish, and to remove weeds along the walkways and paths.
`BALLYMORE EUSTACE BADMINTON CLUB
FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT – RYSTON, NEWBRIDGE
BIG SMILES, LOUD LAUGHS, HANDSHAKES AND “HIGH FIVES”! That’s how all our games and matches finished on Sunday 20th April as the club held its annual tournament in Newbridge. With 3 courts to play on, the members were split into six groups.
Groups 1 – 3 played from 10am to 1pm
Groups 4 – 6 played from 1pm to 4pm
All games and matches were played in great spirit and enjoyed so much by everyone. Thanks to all the folk who came to watch and support us, it is very much appreciated. Well done to all for taking part and for showing fantastic progress, which was kindly expressed by our supporters! Medals were awarded to all following their 3 hours of play and members had to wait till Tuesday 22nd April for results of winners in each group (see below).
* Absent from tournament but a big part of our club
GROUP 1
The players ; Hannah Molloy, Molly Butler, Michael Byrne, Ciara Mahon, Zoe Louise Rigney, Eabha Gilroy, *Roisin Murphy, *Orla Murphy, *Claire Murphy
The youngest members of our club started the tournament with the “Hoop” game. This followed with mixed games on Court 1 and from the start a clear leader Molly with Michael close behind. Ciara then narrowed the gap but Zoe Louise and Eabha were clocking up points fast. Molly and Hannah finished best for the final game.
Winner Molly Butler 2nd Eabha Gilroy 3rd Zoe Louise Rigney 4th Hannah Molloy
GROUP 2
The players ; Katie Gilroy, Cian Duggan, Zara Mc Mullen, Lee Mc Mullen, Jamie Mahon, Mary Kate Langan, Rayanne Butler, Emma Slevin Doyle, Abby Foster, Savannagh Fisher, Anna Conway, *Hannah Murphy.
On Court 2 Savannagh, Abby and Emma charged off in the “Champions” game of round 1. Then Lee, Katie, Rayanne and Zara had big scores in round 2. Cian, Mary Kate, Jamie and Anna played best in round 3 but the “Hoop” game really tested the serve and accuracy of all in this group. Back to the court for a final round and Lee, Savannagh and Abby all finished best.
Winner Abby Foster 2nd Savannagh Fisher 3rd Emma Slevin Doyle 4th Lee Mc Mullen
GROUP 3
The players ; Laura Darby, Simon Murphy, Jemma Molloy, Saoirse Byrne, John Charles Lawlor, Thomas Byrne, Cillian Barrett, John Daly, Stephen Davis, Aoife Luccan, Evan Keogh, *Kim Kelly, *Sean Murphy.
On Court 3 starting off with a “Champions” game this group was so competitive! Round 1 had Stephen, Laura, Simon and Aoife ahead. Jemma, Saoirse and John Charles all scored high in round 2. Then Cillian, John, Thomas and Evan really found their form in round 3. Three “Doubles” matches were also played with members mixed for each one and all points counted. Three clear rounds and winning scores of 21 for Saoirse, Laura, Jemma and Simon. Two wins and a 19 put both Cillian and Aoife in with a say too! So close at the finish with just 1 point separating 1st and 2nd place
Winner Simon Murphy 2nd Laura Darby 3rd Aoife Luccan 4th Jemma Molloy
GROUP 4
The players; Enda Stewart Byrne, Joe Hayden, Natasha Murphy, Lynn Barrett, Dylan Curran, Kismet Hamilton, Grace Kerr, Clodagh Barrett, Lauryn Mac Namara, Margaret Hayden, Amy Mahon, Mark Daly, *Rowan Hamilton, *Kiva Sammon, *Annie Mae De Cleir, *Jennifer Mahon, *Abby Harris.
The biggest group and hardest one to win in. Members were mixed for 4 full matches to 21 and all winning and losing scores counted. Margaret, Natasha, Amy and Mark won 3 of their 4, Kismet won 2 and high scores of 19 & 20 in her other 2 matches put her in with a big say. Enda, Clodagh, Joe and Dylan played very well and also had wins and close finishes. Lauryn and Grace battled out the longest rally of the tournament, so enjoyable for all to watch. Margaret and Lynn won a vital 21 in their final match to keep up their scores and again at the finish just 3 points separated 1st and 2nd place.
Winners Amy Mahon 2nd Natasha Murphy 3rd Margaret Hayden
& Mark Daly & Kismet Hamilton & Lynn Barrett
GROUP 5
The players; Harry Murphy, Mairead Byrne, Ciara Langan, Lucy Field, Shannon Slevin Doyle, Shane Barrett, Joanna Burke Hayes, Fionnuala O Connor, Kathleen Keane, Declan Davis, *Siobhan Murphy, *Amy Kelly, * Hazel Stewart Byrne, *Ryan Wilson Black, *Craig Byrne.
Each member mixed for five matches to 21 and from the start these were so competitive. As with Group 4, all winning and losing scores counted. Joanna won 4 and only dropped 2 points against Shane and Declan, who each won 3 of their 5 matches. Shannon, Harry and Mairead also won 3 and high scores of 19 & 20 in losing matches put them in with a big shout. Lucy, Ciara, Fionnuala & Kathleen played super and also finished very close. “Match of the Day” was Fionnuala and Joanna against Kathleen and Harry, a nail biting finish for all in this group!
Winners Joanna Burke Hayes 2nd Mairead Byrne 3rd Shane Barrett
& Harry Murphy & Shannon Slevin Doyle & Declan Davis
GROUP 6
The players; Simon Ellis, Laura Cullen, Stephen Murphy, Jude O Keefe, Aaron Slevin Doyle, Patrick Langan, Molly Cullen, Niamh Nolan, *Danielle Kelly, *Orla Whelan, *Jay Curley, *Sean Kelly, *Philip Tyrell, *Rebecca Kelly.
The over 13’s members of the club battled out 3 ladies and 3 mens doubles matches. Stephen and Aaron beat Simon and Patrick by just one point for the opening match on court 1. Laura and Molly had a hard fought opening game in just beating Niamh and Jude. Stephen and Simon refused to let any points go and played each match like it was a final! Some mixed doubles matches were played and finishing places remained the same.
Winners Stephen Murphy 2nd Niamh Nolan 3rd Molly Cullen
& Simon Ellis & Laura Cullen & Patrick Langan
AWARDS
The Ryston tournament awards were held in The Square following the Parade on Tuesday 22nd April. After playing their hearts out the previous Sunday, each member gathered together and hoped their name would be called for a trophy. Rose Barrett O Donoghue announced the winners from the six groups and reminded the members who just missed out “not to give up, your winning day will come soon”. Rose then announced a special Thank You to Jude O Keefe for her participation with both younger and older members at the club each week. Jude (with a beaming smile) then accepted a trophy in appreciation from all at the club.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The clubs perpetual cup was won for the first time last year by Laura Cullen. Each year various members “shine” at different times. So many members with so many wonderful qualities……All well behaved, kind, thoughtful and progressing super. Holder of the cup Laura was presented with an engraved trophy to remember her achievement in 2007.
Rose then announced Joanna Burke Hayes as the 2008 Player of the Year. A fantastic roar from her friends, family and fellow members was well deserved. Laura then presented Joanna with the cup and more cheers followed for a very popular young lady. Joanna is 12 years old and lives in Ballymore with proud parents Larry and Carol, siblings Joshua and Ruth. She is in sixth class in Scoil Mhuire and loves badminton! A member of the club since it began in 2005, Joanna hasn’t missed a season and never misses an hour each Thursday. She has made huge progress and despite beating everyone around her, she still finds time to encourage others in their improvement on court. Well done to Joanna from all at the club.
THE PARADE
The Black Hoodies loved every minute of our first march in a parade. A wonderful banner and nets were proudly carried by the members through the streets of Ballymore with beaming smiles amid great cheers from onlookers. The banner and nets were kindly made by Alan and Sandra Priestly, (Julie’s parents) and all at the club wish to thank them for their time and support.
L. B.
Jottings By The Way.
It has been difficult lately to put pen or pencil to paper and later to try and decode the written word, so I then took to the ‘Parker’ pen set as a comforting partner, a present which I received last Christmas, and the flipping thing just slid all over the paper, leaving totally disordered spider-like webs, without any mathematically perfect patterns whatsoever. I was beside myself with woe; to think that a common insect, a spider, no larger than the nail of my little toe could create within perhaps three minutes, a masterpiece of design and purpose, whilst I, who has had many hours and years in the study of art and geometrics, could not at that moment even complete a simple circle. However, not to be dejected, I remembered another gift I received on my last birthday, a ‘Cartier’ fountain pen, complete with its own gold-plated iridium nib, along with a bottle of pure India black ink, whence I started a draft of what I write.
Now, bearing in mind what I have just mentioned above and the near melancholic state of mind that came with it – being close to full distress - I was relieved as the new pen traced the pattern of words which you now read, but originally were hand-written. They flowed from the new pen across the clean white sheet of paper, and in no time at all, the first page was complete. I pressed on doggedly until quite a number had accumulated. Then my life changed.
My granddaughter, who had been visiting us (she’s a little angel), is as sharp as a tailor’s pin and has a keen eye for detail and on seeing the completed pages asked if they were “by my hand” and could she look at them. She held up the first page, and viewing it at arms length, her eyes wide open, this young visionary exclaimed the following; “It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and it’s all your own work” and calling out to her mother said how much it was like the Rosetta stone that they saw in the encyclopedia the other day. “What was it called mum?” the little vixen muttered, “it began with a H. Granddad can I have it, it’s really beautiful and I want to frame it. Does it have its own secret code?”
Her mother, my daughter, normally not vengeful, then uttered the dreaded word – “hieroglyphics, dear.” So much for bank-holiday Monday and family solidarity.
On Wednesday evening I needed a break from not being busy, so I paid a late visit to Paddy Murphys. It really is a delightful place to while away a half hour or more, especially out the back which was specially designed for the comfort of those who partake of the weed, and where of a near cloudless Summer night, twinkling stars expose the glory and vastness of the heavenly vault above, and where you might see a wisp of white cloud, drift, like a veil discarded to a breeze, towards the Moon.
For some reason – perhaps it is in the design of the enclosure fencing surrounding a terracotta styled heliocentric feature and its rustic-red stonework, the tables, chairs, the very business of the place and the rolling hillside behind - that it reminds me so much of evenings at the Piazza della Signoria in Florence as young people and visitors dressed in gaily coloured clothes congregate in romantic interludes of life sipping beer and smoking in the open air accompanied by the sound of live, lilting instrumental music of Italy.
Anyway, while in the back lounge I almost had to wait for a pint, but for Pat Murphy. “Here Mick, that’s the one you paid for the other night that was bought by the other person! Thank God for the strike at Dundrum asylum….but the company here only play half nuts, bordering on euphoria and the real thing, exhilarating, conditioned by laughter, lager and logic in continuity of Pushkin’s tale of the deaf man who summoned a deaf man to be judged by a deaf judge.
The deaf man shouted ‘my cow has been stolen by him!’
‘Indeed’, yelled the deaf man in reply, ‘my late grandfather already owned that waste plot.’
The judge decided the case, ‘so that there should be no impropriety, make the young man marry her, although the girl’s to blame.’ You see, no one gets hurt!
On Thursday morning I took my leg to the doctor. It’s knee was sore and needed medical attention.
Well, Dr. Andrina O’Brien, Ballymore’s new doctor, is the peach of politeness. “Michael” she said, “I don’t think we have met before”, and offering her outstretched hand, she disarmed me totally, and for one of those fleeting seconds of time-in-life, I was no longer in just some other dispensary in rural Ireland, I was in a palace, by the banks of the Seine, in Paris, being received by a princess, and while in that dreamy state, just as I was about to raise her hand to my lips, she smiled charmingly saying, “a sore knee, let’s see!”
Now, personality is surely a part of the cure in certain circumstances, and even after I left, if I did not quite cast away my crutch there and then so to speak, I did feel comforted. Should the said knee, knee again, I shall seek planning permission to open a Failte office in BME to give guidance and advice to the multitudes of pilgrims destined to call upon our new doctor. Indeed, I feel much, much better now, so book early.
On my way back home, I met a relic from the previous night who requested proof of his whereabouts during some lost hours (had I seen him!!), and assured that he was not looking for an alibi for some other poor lost soul, I mentioned the likelihood of his lengthy detention in purgatory in another state before he reached paradise. When I left him, he was scratching his head, wondering I suppose what state he was actually in. C’est la vie! Michael Ward.
CDA CORNER - NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING
We are delighted to announce that the CDA was successful in being granted permission for the construction of a new single storey detached Community Centre on the corner of Assumpta Terrace (site of the old council library) on the 2nd of May.
We would like to say a big thank you to Des Kennedy of D.G. Kennedy Architects, Chapel Street, Ballymore Eustace for all the work he has and continues to put into this project. Des has not charged us any fees for his professional service and rather is doing it as a service to the community of Ballymore Eustace for which we are very grateful.
Over 30 years ago, Kildare County Council built a council library in Ballymore Eustace on this site. More than 10 years ago, the library was closed due to arrival of the mobile library (from what I can gather).
In 2005, the CDA pressed Kildare County Council for ownership of this site and were granted a 21 year old lease for same at a nominal rent of €50 per year payable annually in Q1.
The CDA, through The Bugle, called on the people of Ballymore Eustace to suggest possible functions for this building and these included - Storage area for the
Tidy towns equipment, storage space for historical society and Bugle, Community office which would be used by CDA, parish, historical society etc. It is also intended that a computerised community diary would be set up on a PC in the office and a community noticeboard would be located on the exterior of the building. A computerised tourist information point as well as information on local attractions/ things to do in the area would also be available.
The community centre incorporates office space, kitchenette, sanitary accommodation and storage space.
The timelines of the project are:
Hired architect: Q4 2006
Met with architect to agree provisional design: Q1 / Q2 2007
Public consultation on proposed design: Q2 2007
Applied for KTK levies to fund project: Q2 2007
Applied for planning permission: Q3 2007 (June 07)
Reapplied for planning permission (due to KCC not informing us that site notice arrangements had changed): Permission Validated Q3 2007 (July 07)
Feedback from KCC: Additional Info request - Q3 2007 (24/09/07)
Review feedback from KCC and submit response to additional information request: Q1 2008 (04.03.08)
Decision to Grant permission KCC: Q2 2008 (02.05.08)
Final Grant by KCC due June 2008, subject to no appeals.
lodge Fire Certificate Application - end of June 2008, due to be granted (8-10 weeks after being lodged) which will bring us to September 2008.
We are then free to build this centre once financing is obtained and of course this is where even more work comes in. We have set up a financing/fundraising committee in the CDA to look after this area and will keep you updated as to progress made.
Any suggested sources of funds/private donations will of course be gratefully received!
Fiona Breslin
(Chairperson CDA)
Street Signs for Ballymore Eustace – have your say!
We are in the process of sourcing street signs for Ballymore Eustace and would like to get the opinion of as many local people as possible so that this process is as democratic as we can possibly make it.
We have settled on a simple design and a choice of three colour schemes which are:
GREEN background with WHITE type
BLACK background with CREAM type
BLACK background with GOLD type
and this is where you come in!
Mairéad O’ Flynn has given the CDA permission to temporarily set up the three sample signs on the window sills of Scoil Mhuire primary school on Wednesday the 28th May in order to assess opinions as to which colour scheme is preferred.
This survey is open to anyone who can make it to the school from 8.50am to 9.20am that morning.
Fiona Breslin
(chairperson CDA)
To All Concerned
Due to the lack of attendance & interest in the youth club we have no choice but to close it
We will review the situation in September but for now
the youth club is closed
"What? After all the time and effort that went into securing volunteers, an appropriate venue, funding the training of volunteers, getting proper accreditation, purchasing games...........and it was all for nothing?? We thought the Youth Club was out the door last year with memberships? Last year, a youth wrote a very entertaining letter to The Bugle bemoaning the fact that there was nothing for the youth in Ballymore during raceweek.Well, there weren't any teenage volunteers for the Festival Committee - except for the youths who helped Christy erect the flag poles and fencing - well done, you lot! And The Bugle started a Youth Corner a few months, lasted one edition. What's going on?" Editors.
PLANNING BRIEFS
Kevin & Triona Phelan File No 07/2849
Planning permission for change of use from public house to office use the demolition of a two storey extension to the rear which currently consists of ancillary public house accommodation the addition of a two storey extension to the rear to consist of office accommodation at Naas Road, Ballymore EustaceCo Kildare (premises formerly known as The Anvil/ Bryne’s)
Last File activity: 14/02/2008 further information requested
Ballymore Residential Ltd 08/691
Planning permission sought for demolition of a single storey cottage and the construction of 20 no. two bedroom apartments, 3 no. three bedroom apartments, 8 no. three bedroom townhouses and 461 sq m of office space in three blocks ranging in height from two to three & etc. at Naas Rd, Ballymore EustaceCo. Kildare (formerly known as Bonfield’s Factory)
Decision due: 11/06/2008
Decision Refused by An Bord Pleanala to Armston Developments 06/1454 for 72 dwellings, community building, crèche and site works at Ballymore East (Doran’s Meadow).
It has been difficult lately to put pen or pencil to paper and later to try and decode the written word, so I then took to the ‘Parker’ pen set as a comforting partner, a present which I received last Christmas, and the flipping thing just slid all over the paper, leaving totally disordered spider-like webs, without any mathematically perfect patterns whatsoever. I was beside myself with woe; to think that a common insect, a spider, no larger than the nail of my little toe could create within perhaps three minutes, a masterpiece of design and purpose, whilst I, who has had many hours and years in the study of art and geometrics, could not at that moment even complete a simple circle. However, not to be dejected, I remembered another gift I received on my last birthday, a ‘Cartier’ fountain pen, complete with its own gold-plated iridium nib, along with a bottle of pure India black ink, whence I started a draft of what I write.
Now, bearing in mind what I have just mentioned above and the near melancholic state of mind that came with it – being close to full distress - I was relieved as the new pen traced the pattern of words which you now read, but originally were hand-written. They flowed from the new pen across the clean white sheet of paper, and in no time at all, the first page was complete. I pressed on doggedly until quite a number had accumulated. Then my life changed.
My granddaughter, who had been visiting us (she’s a little angel), is as sharp as a tailor’s pin and has a keen eye for detail and on seeing the completed pages asked if they were “by my hand” and could she look at them. She held up the first page, and viewing it at arms length, her eyes wide open, this young visionary exclaimed the following; “It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and it’s all your own work” and calling out to her mother said how much it was like the Rosetta stone that they saw in the encyclopedia the other day. “What was it called mum?” the little vixen muttered, “it began with a H. Granddad can I have it, it’s really beautiful and I want to frame it. Does it have its own secret code?”
Her mother, my daughter, normally not vengeful, then uttered the dreaded word – “hieroglyphics, dear.” So much for bank-holiday Monday and family solidarity.
On Wednesday evening I needed a break from not being busy, so I paid a late visit to Paddy Murphys. It really is a delightful place to while away a half hour or more, especially out the back which was specially designed for the comfort of those who partake of the weed, and where of a near cloudless Summer night, twinkling stars expose the glory and vastness of the heavenly vault above, and where you might see a wisp of white cloud, drift, like a veil discarded to a breeze, towards the Moon.
For some reason – perhaps it is in the design of the enclosure fencing surrounding a terracotta styled heliocentric feature and its rustic-red stonework, the tables, chairs, the very business of the place and the rolling hillside behind - that it reminds me so much of evenings at the Piazza della Signoria in Florence as young people and visitors dressed in gaily coloured clothes congregate in romantic interludes of life sipping beer and smoking in the open air accompanied by the sound of live, lilting instrumental music of Italy.
Anyway, while in the back lounge I almost had to wait for a pint, but for Pat Murphy. “Here Mick, that’s the one you paid for the other night that was bought by the other person! Thank God for the strike at Dundrum asylum….but the company here only play half nuts, bordering on euphoria and the real thing, exhilarating, conditioned by laughter, lager and logic in continuity of Pushkin’s tale of the deaf man who summoned a deaf man to be judged by a deaf judge.
The deaf man shouted ‘my cow has been stolen by him!’
‘Indeed’, yelled the deaf man in reply, ‘my late grandfather already owned that waste plot.’
The judge decided the case, ‘so that there should be no impropriety, make the young man marry her, although the girl’s to blame.’ You see, no one gets hurt!
On Thursday morning I took my leg to the doctor. It’s knee was sore and needed medical attention.
Well, Dr. Andrina O’Brien, Ballymore’s new doctor, is the peach of politeness. “Michael” she said, “I don’t think we have met before”, and offering her outstretched hand, she disarmed me totally, and for one of those fleeting seconds of time-in-life, I was no longer in just some other dispensary in rural Ireland, I was in a palace, by the banks of the Seine, in Paris, being received by a princess, and while in that dreamy state, just as I was about to raise her hand to my lips, she smiled charmingly saying, “a sore knee, let’s see!”
Now, personality is surely a part of the cure in certain circumstances, and even after I left, if I did not quite cast away my crutch there and then so to speak, I did feel comforted. Should the said knee, knee again, I shall seek planning permission to open a Failte office in BME to give guidance and advice to the multitudes of pilgrims destined to call upon our new doctor. Indeed, I feel much, much better now, so book early.
On my way back home, I met a relic from the previous night who requested proof of his whereabouts during some lost hours (had I seen him!!), and assured that he was not looking for an alibi for some other poor lost soul, I mentioned the likelihood of his lengthy detention in purgatory in another state before he reached paradise. When I left him, he was scratching his head, wondering I suppose what state he was actually in. C’est la vie! Michael Ward.
CDA CORNER - NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING
We are delighted to announce that the CDA was successful in being granted permission for the construction of a new single storey detached Community Centre on the corner of Assumpta Terrace (site of the old council library) on the 2nd of May.
We would like to say a big thank you to Des Kennedy of D.G. Kennedy Architects, Chapel Street, Ballymore Eustace for all the work he has and continues to put into this project. Des has not charged us any fees for his professional service and rather is doing it as a service to the community of Ballymore Eustace for which we are very grateful.
Over 30 years ago, Kildare County Council built a council library in Ballymore Eustace on this site. More than 10 years ago, the library was closed due to arrival of the mobile library (from what I can gather).
In 2005, the CDA pressed Kildare County Council for ownership of this site and were granted a 21 year old lease for same at a nominal rent of €50 per year payable annually in Q1.
The CDA, through The Bugle, called on the people of Ballymore Eustace to suggest possible functions for this building and these included - Storage area for the
Tidy towns equipment, storage space for historical society and Bugle, Community office which would be used by CDA, parish, historical society etc. It is also intended that a computerised community diary would be set up on a PC in the office and a community noticeboard would be located on the exterior of the building. A computerised tourist information point as well as information on local attractions/ things to do in the area would also be available.
The community centre incorporates office space, kitchenette, sanitary accommodation and storage space.
The timelines of the project are:
Hired architect: Q4 2006
Met with architect to agree provisional design: Q1 / Q2 2007
Public consultation on proposed design: Q2 2007
Applied for KTK levies to fund project: Q2 2007
Applied for planning permission: Q3 2007 (June 07)
Reapplied for planning permission (due to KCC not informing us that site notice arrangements had changed): Permission Validated Q3 2007 (July 07)
Feedback from KCC: Additional Info request - Q3 2007 (24/09/07)
Review feedback from KCC and submit response to additional information request: Q1 2008 (04.03.08)
Decision to Grant permission KCC: Q2 2008 (02.05.08)
Final Grant by KCC due June 2008, subject to no appeals.
lodge Fire Certificate Application - end of June 2008, due to be granted (8-10 weeks after being lodged) which will bring us to September 2008.
We are then free to build this centre once financing is obtained and of course this is where even more work comes in. We have set up a financing/fundraising committee in the CDA to look after this area and will keep you updated as to progress made.
Any suggested sources of funds/private donations will of course be gratefully received!
Fiona Breslin
(Chairperson CDA)
Street Signs for Ballymore Eustace – have your say!
We are in the process of sourcing street signs for Ballymore Eustace and would like to get the opinion of as many local people as possible so that this process is as democratic as we can possibly make it.
We have settled on a simple design and a choice of three colour schemes which are:
GREEN background with WHITE type
BLACK background with CREAM type
BLACK background with GOLD type
and this is where you come in!
Mairéad O’ Flynn has given the CDA permission to temporarily set up the three sample signs on the window sills of Scoil Mhuire primary school on Wednesday the 28th May in order to assess opinions as to which colour scheme is preferred.
This survey is open to anyone who can make it to the school from 8.50am to 9.20am that morning.
Fiona Breslin
(chairperson CDA)
To All Concerned
Due to the lack of attendance & interest in the youth club we have no choice but to close it
We will review the situation in September but for now
the youth club is closed
"What? After all the time and effort that went into securing volunteers, an appropriate venue, funding the training of volunteers, getting proper accreditation, purchasing games...........and it was all for nothing?? We thought the Youth Club was out the door last year with memberships? Last year, a youth wrote a very entertaining letter to The Bugle bemoaning the fact that there was nothing for the youth in Ballymore during raceweek.Well, there weren't any teenage volunteers for the Festival Committee - except for the youths who helped Christy erect the flag poles and fencing - well done, you lot! And The Bugle started a Youth Corner a few months, lasted one edition. What's going on?" Editors.
PLANNING BRIEFS
Kevin & Triona Phelan File No 07/2849
Planning permission for change of use from public house to office use the demolition of a two storey extension to the rear which currently consists of ancillary public house accommodation the addition of a two storey extension to the rear to consist of office accommodation at Naas Road, Ballymore EustaceCo Kildare (premises formerly known as The Anvil/ Bryne’s)
Last File activity: 14/02/2008 further information requested
Ballymore Residential Ltd 08/691
Planning permission sought for demolition of a single storey cottage and the construction of 20 no. two bedroom apartments, 3 no. three bedroom apartments, 8 no. three bedroom townhouses and 461 sq m of office space in three blocks ranging in height from two to three & etc. at Naas Rd, Ballymore EustaceCo. Kildare (formerly known as Bonfield’s Factory)
Decision due: 11/06/2008
Decision Refused by An Bord Pleanala to Armston Developments 06/1454 for 72 dwellings, community building, crèche and site works at Ballymore East (Doran’s Meadow).
on passing by- again
The Lisbon Treaty. Yes or No?.
I had intended to try and give an in depth analysis of the Treaty but to be absolutely honest, after studying it for a month I just find the whole thing totally impenetrable. This may or may not be accidental but unless you have access to, and understanding of , all the treaties which have gone before I am at a loss as to how anybody could make any sense of it at all.
I did expect it to be couched in a semi legalese form, as these things always are, but it is just mind boggling how ordinary people are supposed to interpret something like this. To help the ordinary joe soap there are explanations provided for the different articles, such as the following:
Explanation on Article 16-Freedom to Conduct a Business.
“This Article is based on Court of Justice case law which has recognised freedom to exercise an economic or commercial activity ( see judgements of 14 May, 1974, Case 4/73 Nold [1974] ECR 491, paragraph 14 on the grounds, and of 27 September 1979, Case 230/78 SpA Eridiana and others [1979] ECR 2749, paragraphs 20 and 31 of the grounds and freedom of contract (see inter alia Sukkerfabriken Nykobing judgement, Case 151/78 [1979] paragraph 19 of the grounds, and judgement of 5 October 1999, C-240/97, Spain v Commission [1999[ ECR I-6571, paragraph 99 of the grounds and Article 119(1) and (3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which recognises free competition. Of course, this right is to be exercised with respect for Union law and national legislation. It may be subject to the limitations provided for in Article 52(1) of the Charter”.
And that’s just the flippin explanation!
It continues on in similar vein for about a hundred pages and most of it seems like gobbledegook.
The Government and most of the opposition parties are asking us to vote yes and yet they seem unable or unwilling to explain exactly what it is that we are signing up to. The first piece of psychology in their armoury seems to be their refusal to even call the treaty by its correct name. In continually referring to it as the Reform Treaty it makes it sound like we are just agreeing to a bit of tidying up and nothing more. The chief government spokesperson, Dick Roche, Junior Minister for European Affairs, does not appear capable or willing to tell us exactly what the treaty is going to do for us. In any interview I have seen or heard with Mr Roche I have come away with nothing except a growing dislike of the way he treats anyone who is opposed to the treaty. In his usual condescending manner he starts as he normally does by thanking the interviewer for asking a very pertinent question, to which the public is entitled to an answer, and then he goes off on tangent and forgets to answer the original question. Following an answer from the other person he tells how he respects the other persons view but regrets to inform him that he is wrong. This would be fine if he continued and told us why the other person was wrong but he won’t. He seems totally involved in a campaign of negativity towards the No voters instead of engaging in proper discussion and outlining the positives if we vote Yes. Maybe there are no real positives?
A large part of Mr Roche’s efforts appear to be concentrated on scaring us into voting yes. He recently told the Seanad that the European Union had given Europe the longest period of peace, tranquillity and progress in human history. “ How is it “ he asked “that any person with a sense of history could seriously destroy that. I do not understand the thinking”. Even by Mr Roche’s usual flowery standards this was indeed scary stuff, informing us by implication that if we had the gall to vote No then we could say goodbye forever to this peace, tranquillity and progress. Vote No and look forward to World War Three.
Bertie Ahern was singing from the same hymn sheet. A No vote would be “ a disaster for the country” and would have “ major repercussions that would do immense damage to Ireland”.
Gay Mitchell from Fine Gael told us that a Yes vote would enable a proper unification of Europe, only this time without the panzers and the gas chambers. Back to the world war scenario again.
Mary Harney tells us that unless we vote Yes all our foreign investment will dry up.
And yet not four years ago France and Holland voted no to essentially the same treaty. Have they been banished?. Have they lost foreign investment? Have they lost influence in Europe? No, they have not.
So what is going to change?
Well one of the points that Dick Roche made that was we were going to have more democracy as we were going to get an EU President. Unfortunately he forgot to mention that this is only a figurehead position and has no real powers. Some democracy.
Voting Yes means we agree to a constitutional amendment which allows us to ratify this treaty, but it also gives our permission to the Government to make future decisions on Europe without a referendum.
If we do ratify it we lose our permanent Irish commissioner and go onto a rota system.
Some of the trades unions are advocating a No vote but its hard to tell if this is a genuine feeling or just posturing.
Farmers are advocating a No vote but this seems more to show their anger at world trade talks than a genuine grievance with the treaty.
The main political parties are advocating a Yes vote. Unfortunately most of their public utterances seem more like blackmail than positive arguments.
If we reject the treaty it will come around again with changes. On the other hand if we accept the treaty we are stuck with it. It is, for all intents and purposes, irreversible.
So, the Lisbon Treaty. Yes or No?
Well I am not going to tell you how to vote, just urge you to actually use your vote.
For my own part I feel very reticent about voting yes if all the Government can do to explain the treaty is a poster which says “ Good for Ireland, Good for Europe, Vote Yes”. Not enough lads, not enough.
All for now. Mike Edmonds.
A GOOD READ…..AND A GOOD LISTEN
Reading for work and for study has definitely interfered with my reading for pleasure lately….I only managed one good book this month, but it was an absolutely excellent one. Having seen and enjoyed the film of “The Remains if the Day”, although not experienced the book, I was keen to see what Kazuo Ishiguro would be like in print. “Never let me go” (Paperback: Faber and Faber: 11.25 euro) did not disappoint. I had heard Ryan Turbridy describing the book on his review a few weeks ago, and although I am not really a fan of his book club, I was intrigued by the impact he said this novel had made on him.
It tells the story of memory and how our pasts make us what we are. It is narrated by Kathy H., now in her thirties and reflecting on her childhood and early adulthood. Kathy’s narrative voice is straightforward and deceptively simple as her tale unwinds, in terms of the major friendships she has formed, and draws us inexorably into her world. From a childhood spent in an apparently idyllic boarding school we see how Kathy makes her way in a strange, inverted world as a “carer”. Ishiguro creates a universe that is both familiar and horrifically alien- I was totally absorbed in the story of Kathy and her friends and like many of the best books I have ever read I am really reluctant to say a lot more about it in terms of the plot as it would be a great pity to give it away. I found it to be one of the most beautiful and poignant descriptions of humanity that I have ever encountered and I recommend it highly.
On a different note….I went o Russborough in April to see the wonderful “Sephira” in concert. I had seen them there last September so knew we were in for a treat and once more they were wonderful, particularly given the sumptuous setting of the saloon. An added bonus was the return of the art collection which coincidentally had occurred a couple of days before the concert- they certainly added to the ambiance.
Sisters Ruth and Joyce, accompanied by their pianist Brian were in great form and gave a lovely performance. The girls have beautiful voices, and gave good renditions of many of their own compositions from their album ”Angel”. Their violin playing is however magnificent, and was one of the highlights, particularly some of the classical pieces and “She moved through the fair”. The finale was also the pinnacle of the performance for me- I particularly enjoyed their tangos when I saw them last year and they did a fabulous back-to-back piece to finish off- it makes your senses tingle!
I think they are planning to come back to Russborough again, so if you missed them last time, make sure you catch them next……..As a venue it really is excellent, so fair play to Eric, Joan and the gang at the house for opening the doors to such delightful musical experiences- I am already looking forward to the next one!
ANGIE THOMPSON
The Lisbon Treaty. Yes or No?.
I had intended to try and give an in depth analysis of the Treaty but to be absolutely honest, after studying it for a month I just find the whole thing totally impenetrable. This may or may not be accidental but unless you have access to, and understanding of , all the treaties which have gone before I am at a loss as to how anybody could make any sense of it at all.
I did expect it to be couched in a semi legalese form, as these things always are, but it is just mind boggling how ordinary people are supposed to interpret something like this. To help the ordinary joe soap there are explanations provided for the different articles, such as the following:
Explanation on Article 16-Freedom to Conduct a Business.
“This Article is based on Court of Justice case law which has recognised freedom to exercise an economic or commercial activity ( see judgements of 14 May, 1974, Case 4/73 Nold [1974] ECR 491, paragraph 14 on the grounds, and of 27 September 1979, Case 230/78 SpA Eridiana and others [1979] ECR 2749, paragraphs 20 and 31 of the grounds and freedom of contract (see inter alia Sukkerfabriken Nykobing judgement, Case 151/78 [1979] paragraph 19 of the grounds, and judgement of 5 October 1999, C-240/97, Spain v Commission [1999[ ECR I-6571, paragraph 99 of the grounds and Article 119(1) and (3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which recognises free competition. Of course, this right is to be exercised with respect for Union law and national legislation. It may be subject to the limitations provided for in Article 52(1) of the Charter”.
And that’s just the flippin explanation!
It continues on in similar vein for about a hundred pages and most of it seems like gobbledegook.
The Government and most of the opposition parties are asking us to vote yes and yet they seem unable or unwilling to explain exactly what it is that we are signing up to. The first piece of psychology in their armoury seems to be their refusal to even call the treaty by its correct name. In continually referring to it as the Reform Treaty it makes it sound like we are just agreeing to a bit of tidying up and nothing more. The chief government spokesperson, Dick Roche, Junior Minister for European Affairs, does not appear capable or willing to tell us exactly what the treaty is going to do for us. In any interview I have seen or heard with Mr Roche I have come away with nothing except a growing dislike of the way he treats anyone who is opposed to the treaty. In his usual condescending manner he starts as he normally does by thanking the interviewer for asking a very pertinent question, to which the public is entitled to an answer, and then he goes off on tangent and forgets to answer the original question. Following an answer from the other person he tells how he respects the other persons view but regrets to inform him that he is wrong. This would be fine if he continued and told us why the other person was wrong but he won’t. He seems totally involved in a campaign of negativity towards the No voters instead of engaging in proper discussion and outlining the positives if we vote Yes. Maybe there are no real positives?
A large part of Mr Roche’s efforts appear to be concentrated on scaring us into voting yes. He recently told the Seanad that the European Union had given Europe the longest period of peace, tranquillity and progress in human history. “ How is it “ he asked “that any person with a sense of history could seriously destroy that. I do not understand the thinking”. Even by Mr Roche’s usual flowery standards this was indeed scary stuff, informing us by implication that if we had the gall to vote No then we could say goodbye forever to this peace, tranquillity and progress. Vote No and look forward to World War Three.
Bertie Ahern was singing from the same hymn sheet. A No vote would be “ a disaster for the country” and would have “ major repercussions that would do immense damage to Ireland”.
Gay Mitchell from Fine Gael told us that a Yes vote would enable a proper unification of Europe, only this time without the panzers and the gas chambers. Back to the world war scenario again.
Mary Harney tells us that unless we vote Yes all our foreign investment will dry up.
And yet not four years ago France and Holland voted no to essentially the same treaty. Have they been banished?. Have they lost foreign investment? Have they lost influence in Europe? No, they have not.
So what is going to change?
Well one of the points that Dick Roche made that was we were going to have more democracy as we were going to get an EU President. Unfortunately he forgot to mention that this is only a figurehead position and has no real powers. Some democracy.
Voting Yes means we agree to a constitutional amendment which allows us to ratify this treaty, but it also gives our permission to the Government to make future decisions on Europe without a referendum.
If we do ratify it we lose our permanent Irish commissioner and go onto a rota system.
Some of the trades unions are advocating a No vote but its hard to tell if this is a genuine feeling or just posturing.
Farmers are advocating a No vote but this seems more to show their anger at world trade talks than a genuine grievance with the treaty.
The main political parties are advocating a Yes vote. Unfortunately most of their public utterances seem more like blackmail than positive arguments.
If we reject the treaty it will come around again with changes. On the other hand if we accept the treaty we are stuck with it. It is, for all intents and purposes, irreversible.
So, the Lisbon Treaty. Yes or No?
Well I am not going to tell you how to vote, just urge you to actually use your vote.
For my own part I feel very reticent about voting yes if all the Government can do to explain the treaty is a poster which says “ Good for Ireland, Good for Europe, Vote Yes”. Not enough lads, not enough.
All for now. Mike Edmonds.
A GOOD READ…..AND A GOOD LISTEN
Reading for work and for study has definitely interfered with my reading for pleasure lately….I only managed one good book this month, but it was an absolutely excellent one. Having seen and enjoyed the film of “The Remains if the Day”, although not experienced the book, I was keen to see what Kazuo Ishiguro would be like in print. “Never let me go” (Paperback: Faber and Faber: 11.25 euro) did not disappoint. I had heard Ryan Turbridy describing the book on his review a few weeks ago, and although I am not really a fan of his book club, I was intrigued by the impact he said this novel had made on him.
It tells the story of memory and how our pasts make us what we are. It is narrated by Kathy H., now in her thirties and reflecting on her childhood and early adulthood. Kathy’s narrative voice is straightforward and deceptively simple as her tale unwinds, in terms of the major friendships she has formed, and draws us inexorably into her world. From a childhood spent in an apparently idyllic boarding school we see how Kathy makes her way in a strange, inverted world as a “carer”. Ishiguro creates a universe that is both familiar and horrifically alien- I was totally absorbed in the story of Kathy and her friends and like many of the best books I have ever read I am really reluctant to say a lot more about it in terms of the plot as it would be a great pity to give it away. I found it to be one of the most beautiful and poignant descriptions of humanity that I have ever encountered and I recommend it highly.
On a different note….I went o Russborough in April to see the wonderful “Sephira” in concert. I had seen them there last September so knew we were in for a treat and once more they were wonderful, particularly given the sumptuous setting of the saloon. An added bonus was the return of the art collection which coincidentally had occurred a couple of days before the concert- they certainly added to the ambiance.
Sisters Ruth and Joyce, accompanied by their pianist Brian were in great form and gave a lovely performance. The girls have beautiful voices, and gave good renditions of many of their own compositions from their album ”Angel”. Their violin playing is however magnificent, and was one of the highlights, particularly some of the classical pieces and “She moved through the fair”. The finale was also the pinnacle of the performance for me- I particularly enjoyed their tangos when I saw them last year and they did a fabulous back-to-back piece to finish off- it makes your senses tingle!
I think they are planning to come back to Russborough again, so if you missed them last time, make sure you catch them next……..As a venue it really is excellent, so fair play to Eric, Joan and the gang at the house for opening the doors to such delightful musical experiences- I am already looking forward to the next one!
ANGIE THOMPSON
Festival Week Results
Well, the Festival was back this year with mixed re-action to events and crowds varying from night to night. Despite all the disappointment voiced when last year’s festival was dropped, it still seemed that the five-female-strong committee pretty much did everything from start to finish without as much as one volunteer coming forward to help with traffic and crowd control. Suzanne, Aisling, Sally-Anne, Deirdre and Sinead can take a bow and an A+ for presentation – the stage for the Festival Queen was the best ever and the Festival Podium at the Square looked fantastic, very professional and the introduction of chair-o-planes and candy floss gave a real ‘carnival’ flair to events.
The Late John Headon
The committee also showed maturity and sensitivity on hearing of John Headon’s death; reluctant to go ahead with the parade and entertainment that might clash with the funeral, they contacted the family, offering to cancel the street festivities. It was very kind of Tom and Niamh Headon to allow the festivities to go ahead and they brought the service forward to accommodate the parade. The festival committee, with the help of Tara Wilson and Philip Black, quickly organised a banner dedicating the festival parade 2008 to John’s memory. And rightly so; this was a man who had joined the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band as a lad and remained a member for life, having spent decades as a committee member and marched in many a previous festival parade.
Road Rage
I was very disappointed to note that some motorists showed the usual respect for safety control at The Square. As before, the area in front of Headons’ premises was cordoned off with Garda barriers but when some motorists tried to force their way through and were reminded by the committee to drive to the right, they responded with “Who are youse to tell me where to drive, yez are nothin’ only blow-ins”……….Charming, Neanderthals Man strikes again!!
Louise is Queen
I was sorry I was away for this night – its always great fun! I heard MC, Tom O Rourke was in flying form the craic was mighty………
Louise Tutty of Silverhills was deservedly crowned Ballymore Festival Queen 2008. Representing the Ladies GFC, the bubbly social-care worker wowed the audience with her witty chat, followed by a rendition of the traditional classic, “Raglan Road”. Working within the social services, Louise liaises with persons and families coping with Aspergers Syndrome and also with members of the Travelling Community. Parents Margaret and Joe and brother Kevin were delighted when the winners were announced; Granmother Cathy Tyrell of Blessington and Auntie Maura were especially chuffed.
Caroline Hearns (nee Springate) who works at Costcutters on Chapel Street took the “Jennie Award”, an award commemorating the late Jennie MacDougald Caroline, a mother of two had lost an incredible 6 stone in weight over the past year – that won the judges over!
Sarah Deegan from Colbinstown representing Gallery & Gifts took second prize and received huge applause from the audience after she sang unaccompanied – stunning voice; Jennifer Bowes representing Versara’s Health & Beauty took third prize and opted to wax her brother’s leg as her party piece!
“I think the standard of all the girls was very high this year and the festival organisers did a great job”. said Frances Ward of Angel Eyes.
Sean hooks First Prize!
Whilst Louise Tutty scooped first prize in the Festival Queen Pageant, it was Sean Goulding of Tallaght whose 1lb 6 ozs catch of the day saw him take first prize in the fishing competition sponsored by Phil Murphy and family. Local Trevor Winders took second prize and young Patrick Langan of Chapel Street won the Juvenile Section with his catch of 1lb 3 ozs.
Scoil Mhuire and St Kevin’s Art Results
Overall winner of the inter-schools’ Punches town Art Competition was Cian Tyrell, 6th class St Kevin’s; runners up: Kathleen Keane, 5th Class Scoil Mhuire and Leanne Kiely, 6th Class, St Kevin’s.
6th Class Winners Scoil Mhuire
1st Fiona Field, 2nd Kate Curley; joint 3rd Sophia O’Sullivan and Alex Galoway.
5th Class 1st Kathleen Keane, 2nd Yasmin Winders; 3rd Declan Davis. 4th Class winners were Samara Keogh, 2nd Tadhg Dooley and 3rd Natasha Murphy.
6th Class winners in St Kevin’s
1st Leanne Kiely, 2nd Becky Griffin and 3rd Maeve Murray.
5th Class 1st Sarah Farrington and 2nd Katie O’Keeffe with 4th Class prizes going to Jennifer Mongey Balfe, 2nd Emily Harney and 3rd Robert Kelly.
Parade Results: Overall Float Winner was Paddy Murphy’s with special commendation to Hudson’s; Most Creative Float Ardenode Stud for its wonderfully colourful ‘butterfly’ presentation.
Walking groups 1st Badminton Club, 2nd Juvenile GAA; Vintage Section 1st The HillBillies (Leo Sully’s Vintage Farming exhibition) 2nd The Vintage Bikers. It has to be said, the presence of the vintage cars, motorbikes and the humorous tractor brigade adds a great dimension to the parade – keep them coming. The Tallaght Marching Band performed here also but it would be nice to see our local Irish dancers in the Jennifer Landers School of Dancing perform again.
Fancy Dress: 1st Prize Maisie Horan as a Bejing Olympic Hostess, prizes were also given to Alyssa Garland as an Amy Winehouse lookalike to young Malachy Michael Jackson Sammon! All participants received a prize on the night.
‘DEFEX’ take the lead!
Battle of the Bands took place on Wednesday night with the band first up on stage, Defex, deemed the overall winner by judges Michael O Driscoll and Colm Hackett. Stiff competition though from Crown, who went down a treat with the crowds as did Hairy Joe’s Monkey Juice, Silver Lizard and “well-dressed” punk band, The Classy Ace. Special thanks to Donnchadh of Silver Lizard who gave Morgan and crew a hand with setting up and sound…..nice one, D. Good crowd of young people out that night enjoying the vibes.
Bar Men’s Race
Thursday night saw the Guinness Jazz Band perform (with a somewhat bored look) and the Bar Men’s pulling a bigger crowd; Paddy Murphy’s barmen Dwayne O’Connor and Anthony McDonald stole the edge over the competition and proved to be fitter than their fellow barmen. Do you know what would be great craic next year – Barry O Sullivan, Pat Murphy, Phil Murphy and Darren Reilly taking to the streets instead of the staff - I reckon Phil would leave them in the starting stalls!
Funky Junction took centre square on Friday night – they are a fab band and did great cover versions of pop and rock classics - the audience on the night thoroughly enjoyed them but again, most of the youth – underage youth - were queuing outside the pubs trying to get in.
And don’t anyone waste your ink writing in to say that teenagers would have attended the street festivities if there was anything for them; there was this year and in previous years and it’s a simple fact of nature that the main mission of a large number of youth is to get alcohol before the ‘Big 18’. Nothing new there. The crowds outside the pubs though did seem to enjoy Funky Junction from afar.
Saturday night saw traditional Irish group “Ark” perform at The Square to large attendances. Sponsored by Ballymore Properties, the crowd loved them and we saw a few aspiring Michael Flatleys try out their dancing skills under the influence of ‘uisce beatha’; even some children joined in and performed Irish dancing. I heard Phil Murphys had a great night and you can bet no under-age drinkers got in.
Punches town management were thrilled with the eventual turn out for Saturday’s racing – it was very much a family day with lots of kiddies’ entertainment to hand. Long may Ballymore’s sponoship continue.
Festival Analysis
Undoubtably, this young festival committee did great work this year; their presentation was excellent and they introduced some new events – Battle of the Bands and traditional night on Saturday which definitely pulled crowds. Missing from this year’s festival was the Kiddies Party and Fancy Dress which the committee had to cancel at short notice as racecourse management were afraid it would affect attendance for Saturday’s racing.
Is there really a demand for 5-6 nights of street entertainment? The Festival Queen – yes; parade, yes; Fancy Dress and Kiddies Party, yes; Bar Men’s Race, yes; Battle of the Bands, yes for youth; traditional night – yes, yes, yes?!! But perhaps, the Festival Queen and 3 nights entertainment is enough?Maybe Festivals are gone out of fashion?
If the local community wants a festival next year, they should help organise it and support it – five young women with no children between them, setting up at the Square every night, manning the streets, stretching the funds and then de assembling the traffic barriers themselves……. I hope this committee stay on and spearhead next year’s festival, if there is to be one.
(The Festival Committee have acknowledged the help they did receive in a separate article in this month’s Bugle).
Rose B O Donoghue
Scoil Mhuire News…..
On April 30th, pupils from Scoil Mhuire took part in the National Spring Clean Day.
The school's green school committee organised a "Day of Action". Children from all classes got involved in various activities which included tidying their classrooms, disposing of unwanted items, picking up litter and weeding all the flower-beds. The Green School Committee also helped members of the Tidy Towns Committee to pick up litter around the village. The event was a great success. Well done to all involved.
Certificates have been awarded to 76 pupils for their excellent attendances. They never missed a day during term 2 this year. They are:
David Archbold, Oisin Breslin, Liam Crowe, Luke Cullen, Kevin Farrington, Liam Fisher, Tadhg Murphy, Emma Kelly, Molly McNally, Roisin Murphy, Jessica Sammon, Laura Gallagher, Laura Murphy, Zoe Louise Rigney, Brian Crowe, Dean Doyle, Billy Fennan, Darragh Fisher, Max Galloway, Cian Giltrap, Ben Noone, James O Brien, Jack Sammon, Malachy Sammon. Stephen Archbold, Finn Breslin, Jordan Deegan, Luke Maguire, Anna Conway, Serena Devereux, Abby Foster, Hannah Murphy, Orla Murphy, Mark Barrett, John Daly, Evan Keogh, Tommy Marsh, Luke Pearse, Rachel Byrne, Laura Darby, Keyra Fisher, Katelyn Gallagher, Niamh Winder, Kaja Natanek, .Mark Daly, Caolan Halpin, Ciaran Kelleher, Niall Murphy, Sean Murphy, Oonagh Deegan, Amy Horan, Kim Kelly, Rebecca McGee, Viktoria Natanek. Rossa Doyle, Ross Fennell, Joshua Burke-Hayes, Shane Barrett, Stephen Doyle, Niall O Neill, Stephen Piggott, Dylan Waters, Harry Murphy, Mairead Byrne, Kathleen Keane, Ciara Langan, Fionnuala O Connor, Heather Sammon, Yasmine Winders-Butler. Patrick Langan, Jake Meehan, Michael Stewart-Byrne, Katherine Murphy, Niamh Murphy, Hollie McGuire Daly, Olivia O Neill Brown.
Congratulations to Stephen Piggott and Darragh Kelleher who won the recent schools K'nex Young Engineers Challenge. The boys went on to compete in Intel, Leixlip on 15th May where they were given the very difficult assignment of building a digital camera! This is Stephen Piggott's second time to win the engineering award.
6th class had a wonderful talk by Mario Corrigan from the Library Service about the history of 1798. He brought some excellent artifacts with him and it really helped to bring history to life for the pupils. This term Mark McCarville is doing football coaching with 5th and 6th while 3rd and 4th have hurling coaching with Martin Kelleher. 31 pupils from Catherine Williams 2nd class will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday 24th May. The children have been working very hard at their preparation for their big day and we wish them a lovely day.
Well, the Festival was back this year with mixed re-action to events and crowds varying from night to night. Despite all the disappointment voiced when last year’s festival was dropped, it still seemed that the five-female-strong committee pretty much did everything from start to finish without as much as one volunteer coming forward to help with traffic and crowd control. Suzanne, Aisling, Sally-Anne, Deirdre and Sinead can take a bow and an A+ for presentation – the stage for the Festival Queen was the best ever and the Festival Podium at the Square looked fantastic, very professional and the introduction of chair-o-planes and candy floss gave a real ‘carnival’ flair to events.
The Late John Headon
The committee also showed maturity and sensitivity on hearing of John Headon’s death; reluctant to go ahead with the parade and entertainment that might clash with the funeral, they contacted the family, offering to cancel the street festivities. It was very kind of Tom and Niamh Headon to allow the festivities to go ahead and they brought the service forward to accommodate the parade. The festival committee, with the help of Tara Wilson and Philip Black, quickly organised a banner dedicating the festival parade 2008 to John’s memory. And rightly so; this was a man who had joined the Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band as a lad and remained a member for life, having spent decades as a committee member and marched in many a previous festival parade.
Road Rage
I was very disappointed to note that some motorists showed the usual respect for safety control at The Square. As before, the area in front of Headons’ premises was cordoned off with Garda barriers but when some motorists tried to force their way through and were reminded by the committee to drive to the right, they responded with “Who are youse to tell me where to drive, yez are nothin’ only blow-ins”……….Charming, Neanderthals Man strikes again!!
Louise is Queen
I was sorry I was away for this night – its always great fun! I heard MC, Tom O Rourke was in flying form the craic was mighty………
Louise Tutty of Silverhills was deservedly crowned Ballymore Festival Queen 2008. Representing the Ladies GFC, the bubbly social-care worker wowed the audience with her witty chat, followed by a rendition of the traditional classic, “Raglan Road”. Working within the social services, Louise liaises with persons and families coping with Aspergers Syndrome and also with members of the Travelling Community. Parents Margaret and Joe and brother Kevin were delighted when the winners were announced; Granmother Cathy Tyrell of Blessington and Auntie Maura were especially chuffed.
Caroline Hearns (nee Springate) who works at Costcutters on Chapel Street took the “Jennie Award”, an award commemorating the late Jennie MacDougald Caroline, a mother of two had lost an incredible 6 stone in weight over the past year – that won the judges over!
Sarah Deegan from Colbinstown representing Gallery & Gifts took second prize and received huge applause from the audience after she sang unaccompanied – stunning voice; Jennifer Bowes representing Versara’s Health & Beauty took third prize and opted to wax her brother’s leg as her party piece!
“I think the standard of all the girls was very high this year and the festival organisers did a great job”. said Frances Ward of Angel Eyes.
Sean hooks First Prize!
Whilst Louise Tutty scooped first prize in the Festival Queen Pageant, it was Sean Goulding of Tallaght whose 1lb 6 ozs catch of the day saw him take first prize in the fishing competition sponsored by Phil Murphy and family. Local Trevor Winders took second prize and young Patrick Langan of Chapel Street won the Juvenile Section with his catch of 1lb 3 ozs.
Scoil Mhuire and St Kevin’s Art Results
Overall winner of the inter-schools’ Punches town Art Competition was Cian Tyrell, 6th class St Kevin’s; runners up: Kathleen Keane, 5th Class Scoil Mhuire and Leanne Kiely, 6th Class, St Kevin’s.
6th Class Winners Scoil Mhuire
1st Fiona Field, 2nd Kate Curley; joint 3rd Sophia O’Sullivan and Alex Galoway.
5th Class 1st Kathleen Keane, 2nd Yasmin Winders; 3rd Declan Davis. 4th Class winners were Samara Keogh, 2nd Tadhg Dooley and 3rd Natasha Murphy.
6th Class winners in St Kevin’s
1st Leanne Kiely, 2nd Becky Griffin and 3rd Maeve Murray.
5th Class 1st Sarah Farrington and 2nd Katie O’Keeffe with 4th Class prizes going to Jennifer Mongey Balfe, 2nd Emily Harney and 3rd Robert Kelly.
Parade Results: Overall Float Winner was Paddy Murphy’s with special commendation to Hudson’s; Most Creative Float Ardenode Stud for its wonderfully colourful ‘butterfly’ presentation.
Walking groups 1st Badminton Club, 2nd Juvenile GAA; Vintage Section 1st The HillBillies (Leo Sully’s Vintage Farming exhibition) 2nd The Vintage Bikers. It has to be said, the presence of the vintage cars, motorbikes and the humorous tractor brigade adds a great dimension to the parade – keep them coming. The Tallaght Marching Band performed here also but it would be nice to see our local Irish dancers in the Jennifer Landers School of Dancing perform again.
Fancy Dress: 1st Prize Maisie Horan as a Bejing Olympic Hostess, prizes were also given to Alyssa Garland as an Amy Winehouse lookalike to young Malachy Michael Jackson Sammon! All participants received a prize on the night.
‘DEFEX’ take the lead!
Battle of the Bands took place on Wednesday night with the band first up on stage, Defex, deemed the overall winner by judges Michael O Driscoll and Colm Hackett. Stiff competition though from Crown, who went down a treat with the crowds as did Hairy Joe’s Monkey Juice, Silver Lizard and “well-dressed” punk band, The Classy Ace. Special thanks to Donnchadh of Silver Lizard who gave Morgan and crew a hand with setting up and sound…..nice one, D. Good crowd of young people out that night enjoying the vibes.
Bar Men’s Race
Thursday night saw the Guinness Jazz Band perform (with a somewhat bored look) and the Bar Men’s pulling a bigger crowd; Paddy Murphy’s barmen Dwayne O’Connor and Anthony McDonald stole the edge over the competition and proved to be fitter than their fellow barmen. Do you know what would be great craic next year – Barry O Sullivan, Pat Murphy, Phil Murphy and Darren Reilly taking to the streets instead of the staff - I reckon Phil would leave them in the starting stalls!
Funky Junction took centre square on Friday night – they are a fab band and did great cover versions of pop and rock classics - the audience on the night thoroughly enjoyed them but again, most of the youth – underage youth - were queuing outside the pubs trying to get in.
And don’t anyone waste your ink writing in to say that teenagers would have attended the street festivities if there was anything for them; there was this year and in previous years and it’s a simple fact of nature that the main mission of a large number of youth is to get alcohol before the ‘Big 18’. Nothing new there. The crowds outside the pubs though did seem to enjoy Funky Junction from afar.
Saturday night saw traditional Irish group “Ark” perform at The Square to large attendances. Sponsored by Ballymore Properties, the crowd loved them and we saw a few aspiring Michael Flatleys try out their dancing skills under the influence of ‘uisce beatha’; even some children joined in and performed Irish dancing. I heard Phil Murphys had a great night and you can bet no under-age drinkers got in.
Punches town management were thrilled with the eventual turn out for Saturday’s racing – it was very much a family day with lots of kiddies’ entertainment to hand. Long may Ballymore’s sponoship continue.
Festival Analysis
Undoubtably, this young festival committee did great work this year; their presentation was excellent and they introduced some new events – Battle of the Bands and traditional night on Saturday which definitely pulled crowds. Missing from this year’s festival was the Kiddies Party and Fancy Dress which the committee had to cancel at short notice as racecourse management were afraid it would affect attendance for Saturday’s racing.
Is there really a demand for 5-6 nights of street entertainment? The Festival Queen – yes; parade, yes; Fancy Dress and Kiddies Party, yes; Bar Men’s Race, yes; Battle of the Bands, yes for youth; traditional night – yes, yes, yes?!! But perhaps, the Festival Queen and 3 nights entertainment is enough?Maybe Festivals are gone out of fashion?
If the local community wants a festival next year, they should help organise it and support it – five young women with no children between them, setting up at the Square every night, manning the streets, stretching the funds and then de assembling the traffic barriers themselves……. I hope this committee stay on and spearhead next year’s festival, if there is to be one.
(The Festival Committee have acknowledged the help they did receive in a separate article in this month’s Bugle).
Rose B O Donoghue
Scoil Mhuire News…..
On April 30th, pupils from Scoil Mhuire took part in the National Spring Clean Day.
The school's green school committee organised a "Day of Action". Children from all classes got involved in various activities which included tidying their classrooms, disposing of unwanted items, picking up litter and weeding all the flower-beds. The Green School Committee also helped members of the Tidy Towns Committee to pick up litter around the village. The event was a great success. Well done to all involved.
Certificates have been awarded to 76 pupils for their excellent attendances. They never missed a day during term 2 this year. They are:
David Archbold, Oisin Breslin, Liam Crowe, Luke Cullen, Kevin Farrington, Liam Fisher, Tadhg Murphy, Emma Kelly, Molly McNally, Roisin Murphy, Jessica Sammon, Laura Gallagher, Laura Murphy, Zoe Louise Rigney, Brian Crowe, Dean Doyle, Billy Fennan, Darragh Fisher, Max Galloway, Cian Giltrap, Ben Noone, James O Brien, Jack Sammon, Malachy Sammon. Stephen Archbold, Finn Breslin, Jordan Deegan, Luke Maguire, Anna Conway, Serena Devereux, Abby Foster, Hannah Murphy, Orla Murphy, Mark Barrett, John Daly, Evan Keogh, Tommy Marsh, Luke Pearse, Rachel Byrne, Laura Darby, Keyra Fisher, Katelyn Gallagher, Niamh Winder, Kaja Natanek, .Mark Daly, Caolan Halpin, Ciaran Kelleher, Niall Murphy, Sean Murphy, Oonagh Deegan, Amy Horan, Kim Kelly, Rebecca McGee, Viktoria Natanek. Rossa Doyle, Ross Fennell, Joshua Burke-Hayes, Shane Barrett, Stephen Doyle, Niall O Neill, Stephen Piggott, Dylan Waters, Harry Murphy, Mairead Byrne, Kathleen Keane, Ciara Langan, Fionnuala O Connor, Heather Sammon, Yasmine Winders-Butler. Patrick Langan, Jake Meehan, Michael Stewart-Byrne, Katherine Murphy, Niamh Murphy, Hollie McGuire Daly, Olivia O Neill Brown.
Congratulations to Stephen Piggott and Darragh Kelleher who won the recent schools K'nex Young Engineers Challenge. The boys went on to compete in Intel, Leixlip on 15th May where they were given the very difficult assignment of building a digital camera! This is Stephen Piggott's second time to win the engineering award.
6th class had a wonderful talk by Mario Corrigan from the Library Service about the history of 1798. He brought some excellent artifacts with him and it really helped to bring history to life for the pupils. This term Mark McCarville is doing football coaching with 5th and 6th while 3rd and 4th have hurling coaching with Martin Kelleher. 31 pupils from Catherine Williams 2nd class will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday 24th May. The children have been working very hard at their preparation for their big day and we wish them a lovely day.
Movin’ On.
With the day that’s in it, it’s an auspicious time to say a few words about political manoeuvring. Bertie is out, Bev is in. Now wasn’t that manoeuvre a real smoke and mirrors stroke. All the talk in political circles and nationwide was about Bertie’s departure, then hey presto, a small announcement buried somewhere in the political pages of the daily papers broke the news of Bev’s comeback. Was it a last stroke of Berties, or was it a first for Biffo? Can’t say for certain, but you must admit it was a ‘class act’!
So what about the man headin’ off into the political sunset? That depends on which side of the fence you live on. Accolades and unctuous platitudes have been floating round since he announced his retirement and have come from all directions; why even the opposition got in on the act. Some of these accolades were deserving some doubtful. While addressing the American Congress he held in rapt attention all those of the Kennedy and Clinton clans, but got scant attention from the American press; Bertie Who? Seemed to be the attitude taken. Standing ovations were the order if the day especially the mention of ‘peace in Ireland’. Fair dues, but peace comes to us all in various format. Collectively speaking we are all glad to put murder and bombing behind us, but while Bertie was holding them spellbound in Congress we at home were treated to a broken hearted woman on the Late Late Show who will never know peace for herself and her two small children. Passed from Paddy to Jack in the health service her late husband suffering from depression took matters into his own hands and committed suicide. I don’t think this got a mention in his speech to Congress; neither did the woman who died of cancer due to delay in treatment. One brave woman wrote about her plight, the other one came on the Late Show to highlight the inadequacies of the Health Service, while Bertie highlighted Ireland’s achievements to the American Congress with smug satisfaction. No one nation or person are perfect and its hard to cover all corners, but before I’d go public to tell how clean the kitchen was I’d make sure there was no odd smell come from the fridge!
In the daily papers he once more wants to highlight just how wonderful he and his Party are. Record levels of funding have been pumped into education and the health services we are told. No one doubts that, but are we getting value for monies spent? Does anyone check on how or where these monies disappear to? Most important question of all; why is there such dissatisfaction in education and health if money is the cure all? Minister Hannifin got short shift at the teachers’ agm recently in spite of her blathering; the parents and children in Passage West at waiting ten years for a promised new school, and that heart broken widow on the Late Late didn’t make an appearance just to entertain us. “Over a million jobs created in a generation” sez he. And me thinking all along that that was the function of the I. D. A. He got one statement very right; “the European Union has played a central role in the development of Ireland” Picture if you can where we’d be if outside the E U. Perish the thought. Major inroads have been made into poverty and the disadvantaged we’re led to believe, and in the same daily paper St Vincent de Paul tells us of a 70% increase in those same disadvantaged seeking assistance! Wasn’t it Alice, in Alice in Wonderland, who believed just what she wanted to believe, and wasn’t it CJH who told us about “the most cunning the most devious of them all”. With money matters to be cleared up with Mahon, and a bubble burst in the building game, what a great time to jump ship!
Movin’ on to the new incumbent what’s to be said? Well the ‘love ins’ will say ‘a safe pair of hands’ and those against will say he bumbled from one high office to the next. Health and Finance are two of the most important portfolios in any government so what legacy is he leaving behind him? Well taking Finance first, he has been awash with money since he took office partially due to circumstances outside his control, so it wasn’t too difficult to spread the largesse about. Reducing taxes is always a vote getter! In Health he granted monies to hospitals that were doing refurbishments or extensions and just before he left Health he granted a few quid to a hospital down Tullamore way! ‘All politics are local’, was how Tip O’Neil that consummate politician of American politics described it.
From time to time we all like to have a go at politicians and politics in general, but do we the voters every stop to examine our motives for voting regardless of what party we favour, that is if we do vote. The turn out at election time is falling in all democratic countries and we are no exception in spite of us being a political people. The old diehards are still there but the younger generation seem disinterested. Could our Celtic Tiger be partly responsible? The high earners are not all in the upper bracket any longer. Middle class Ireland has a comparatively new large house, two cars at the front door, one of them probable an SUV, the kids getting the very best attention, not alone in education but other activates also, not forgetting the short breaks to foreign parts apart altogether from the annual holidays. The lure of cheap flights is a great attraction, “sure we’ll be there an back before we know it”, and its probably cheaper than a weekend anywhere in Ireland. With a busy busy life style there’s no time to think about politics, and anyroads it’s a foreign company who has invested in Ireland, who produces the paycheck every week or month and not some politician. If they think about politicians at all there the ones who cause the tailbacks on the M 50, due to poor planning and sure it’ll straighten out sometime, in the meantime pass me that holiday brochure an’ I’ll have a squint at it. And didn’t I send a cheque to Concern, not forgetting St Vincent de Paul; it’s up to them to look after the disadvantaged.
Churchill said that democracy was a damn bad form of government until you tried something else! Maybe so, but people living under dictatorship would love to have the privilege of casting their vote; we who have that privilege shouldn’t make light of it. In the meantime we’ll give the new man space to settle in, and hope that ‘nudge nod, and wink’ politics will be binned! Jeffers.
We are pleased to share in the good news of an appointment of a new Rector for the Blessington Union of Parishes which includes St John’s Ballymore Eustace. The institution of Reverend Leonard William Ruddock will take place in Blessington on Weds. August 6th. The ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough, Dr. John Neill.
Leonard is married to Hazel, daughter of Alan Gillis, and they have two children Gary & Amanda. He comes to Blessington from Stillorgan/Blackrock Parish. A native of Kildare he spent his teenage years in Co. Carlow. He had his own bsiness in Roscrea before being ordained a Deacon in 19994 and a priest the following year. He has been a full time curate in Sillorgan
It is hoped that Leonard will conduct his first service in Ballymore on Sunday August 10th. Paddy Cooke issues an invitation to all the people of the village to join with them in celebration. Further details will be published in the Bugle and the Bell nearer to the time.
Cead Mile Failte Leonard.Village Green Gardening Club
With Punchestown coming up and the days a little longer, spring is finally here. The members of the Gardening Club got a kick start to the season when they welcomed back an old friend and regular contributor, Jimi Blake of Huntingbrook Gardens in Tinode. Jimi delivered a most excellent talk on "The Contemporary Border". The stunningly beautiful photos and slides he presented were matched only by Jimi's passion and expertise for the subject. Many of the wonderful examples of planted borders and exotic individual specimen plants discussed were personally collected by Jimi and are on display in his own garden. Some simple ideas for use of readily available plants such as Sedum's, Verbena and Dahlias were suggested for brightening up dull borders while also serving as a valuable food source for native bees and butterflies. The trick is to plant in drifts and repeat to increase interest and draw the eye down or across a boarder. Huntingbrook is a 4 year old garden under constant development off the N81 to be featured in the September edition of "Garden's Illustrated" and on Ireland AM on May 1st.
Club members are reminded the final meeting of the year and the AGM will take place on May 29th.
Details of the Club Tour which will take place on Saturday June 14th will also be available at the meeting. As always new members are most welcome.
With the day that’s in it, it’s an auspicious time to say a few words about political manoeuvring. Bertie is out, Bev is in. Now wasn’t that manoeuvre a real smoke and mirrors stroke. All the talk in political circles and nationwide was about Bertie’s departure, then hey presto, a small announcement buried somewhere in the political pages of the daily papers broke the news of Bev’s comeback. Was it a last stroke of Berties, or was it a first for Biffo? Can’t say for certain, but you must admit it was a ‘class act’!
So what about the man headin’ off into the political sunset? That depends on which side of the fence you live on. Accolades and unctuous platitudes have been floating round since he announced his retirement and have come from all directions; why even the opposition got in on the act. Some of these accolades were deserving some doubtful. While addressing the American Congress he held in rapt attention all those of the Kennedy and Clinton clans, but got scant attention from the American press; Bertie Who? Seemed to be the attitude taken. Standing ovations were the order if the day especially the mention of ‘peace in Ireland’. Fair dues, but peace comes to us all in various format. Collectively speaking we are all glad to put murder and bombing behind us, but while Bertie was holding them spellbound in Congress we at home were treated to a broken hearted woman on the Late Late Show who will never know peace for herself and her two small children. Passed from Paddy to Jack in the health service her late husband suffering from depression took matters into his own hands and committed suicide. I don’t think this got a mention in his speech to Congress; neither did the woman who died of cancer due to delay in treatment. One brave woman wrote about her plight, the other one came on the Late Show to highlight the inadequacies of the Health Service, while Bertie highlighted Ireland’s achievements to the American Congress with smug satisfaction. No one nation or person are perfect and its hard to cover all corners, but before I’d go public to tell how clean the kitchen was I’d make sure there was no odd smell come from the fridge!
In the daily papers he once more wants to highlight just how wonderful he and his Party are. Record levels of funding have been pumped into education and the health services we are told. No one doubts that, but are we getting value for monies spent? Does anyone check on how or where these monies disappear to? Most important question of all; why is there such dissatisfaction in education and health if money is the cure all? Minister Hannifin got short shift at the teachers’ agm recently in spite of her blathering; the parents and children in Passage West at waiting ten years for a promised new school, and that heart broken widow on the Late Late didn’t make an appearance just to entertain us. “Over a million jobs created in a generation” sez he. And me thinking all along that that was the function of the I. D. A. He got one statement very right; “the European Union has played a central role in the development of Ireland” Picture if you can where we’d be if outside the E U. Perish the thought. Major inroads have been made into poverty and the disadvantaged we’re led to believe, and in the same daily paper St Vincent de Paul tells us of a 70% increase in those same disadvantaged seeking assistance! Wasn’t it Alice, in Alice in Wonderland, who believed just what she wanted to believe, and wasn’t it CJH who told us about “the most cunning the most devious of them all”. With money matters to be cleared up with Mahon, and a bubble burst in the building game, what a great time to jump ship!
Movin’ on to the new incumbent what’s to be said? Well the ‘love ins’ will say ‘a safe pair of hands’ and those against will say he bumbled from one high office to the next. Health and Finance are two of the most important portfolios in any government so what legacy is he leaving behind him? Well taking Finance first, he has been awash with money since he took office partially due to circumstances outside his control, so it wasn’t too difficult to spread the largesse about. Reducing taxes is always a vote getter! In Health he granted monies to hospitals that were doing refurbishments or extensions and just before he left Health he granted a few quid to a hospital down Tullamore way! ‘All politics are local’, was how Tip O’Neil that consummate politician of American politics described it.
From time to time we all like to have a go at politicians and politics in general, but do we the voters every stop to examine our motives for voting regardless of what party we favour, that is if we do vote. The turn out at election time is falling in all democratic countries and we are no exception in spite of us being a political people. The old diehards are still there but the younger generation seem disinterested. Could our Celtic Tiger be partly responsible? The high earners are not all in the upper bracket any longer. Middle class Ireland has a comparatively new large house, two cars at the front door, one of them probable an SUV, the kids getting the very best attention, not alone in education but other activates also, not forgetting the short breaks to foreign parts apart altogether from the annual holidays. The lure of cheap flights is a great attraction, “sure we’ll be there an back before we know it”, and its probably cheaper than a weekend anywhere in Ireland. With a busy busy life style there’s no time to think about politics, and anyroads it’s a foreign company who has invested in Ireland, who produces the paycheck every week or month and not some politician. If they think about politicians at all there the ones who cause the tailbacks on the M 50, due to poor planning and sure it’ll straighten out sometime, in the meantime pass me that holiday brochure an’ I’ll have a squint at it. And didn’t I send a cheque to Concern, not forgetting St Vincent de Paul; it’s up to them to look after the disadvantaged.
Churchill said that democracy was a damn bad form of government until you tried something else! Maybe so, but people living under dictatorship would love to have the privilege of casting their vote; we who have that privilege shouldn’t make light of it. In the meantime we’ll give the new man space to settle in, and hope that ‘nudge nod, and wink’ politics will be binned! Jeffers.
We are pleased to share in the good news of an appointment of a new Rector for the Blessington Union of Parishes which includes St John’s Ballymore Eustace. The institution of Reverend Leonard William Ruddock will take place in Blessington on Weds. August 6th. The ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough, Dr. John Neill.
Leonard is married to Hazel, daughter of Alan Gillis, and they have two children Gary & Amanda. He comes to Blessington from Stillorgan/Blackrock Parish. A native of Kildare he spent his teenage years in Co. Carlow. He had his own bsiness in Roscrea before being ordained a Deacon in 19994 and a priest the following year. He has been a full time curate in Sillorgan
It is hoped that Leonard will conduct his first service in Ballymore on Sunday August 10th. Paddy Cooke issues an invitation to all the people of the village to join with them in celebration. Further details will be published in the Bugle and the Bell nearer to the time.
Cead Mile Failte Leonard.Village Green Gardening Club
With Punchestown coming up and the days a little longer, spring is finally here. The members of the Gardening Club got a kick start to the season when they welcomed back an old friend and regular contributor, Jimi Blake of Huntingbrook Gardens in Tinode. Jimi delivered a most excellent talk on "The Contemporary Border". The stunningly beautiful photos and slides he presented were matched only by Jimi's passion and expertise for the subject. Many of the wonderful examples of planted borders and exotic individual specimen plants discussed were personally collected by Jimi and are on display in his own garden. Some simple ideas for use of readily available plants such as Sedum's, Verbena and Dahlias were suggested for brightening up dull borders while also serving as a valuable food source for native bees and butterflies. The trick is to plant in drifts and repeat to increase interest and draw the eye down or across a boarder. Huntingbrook is a 4 year old garden under constant development off the N81 to be featured in the September edition of "Garden's Illustrated" and on Ireland AM on May 1st.
Club members are reminded the final meeting of the year and the AGM will take place on May 29th.
Details of the Club Tour which will take place on Saturday June 14th will also be available at the meeting. As always new members are most welcome.
PAGE 2
Direct Bugle email -
for acknowledgements, births, anniversaries, wedding photos, birthdays etc, send them to:
ballymorebugle@eircom.net or drop them into Notes Box at Fogarty’s Post Office or Elizabeth’s Hair Salon.
BABY news!
Congratulations to Ann and Paul Murphy on the birth of their son, Sean and to Noel and Julie Winders on the birth of their daughter, Kayleigh. Ollie & Eileen O’Neill, a daughter Sadbh.
Birthday wishes to Sean Deegan, who celebrated his 40th birthday during Punches town Week and to Ger Sammon soon to celebrate the ‘Big 40’ also!
And more birthday wishes to a member of the Deegan family, this time to young Nick Deegan photographed here, who celebrates his second birthday in May
Get Well wishes to Will Hennessy, May Dennison and Paddy Monaghan; delighted to see Gail Kinsella is recovered and looking as gorgeous as ever!
Belated 60th Birthday Wishes to P.L. – its not every man who gets a new house built to host a party, fabulous new kitchen, state of the art facilities……but you still have to cook yourself…….
Best wishes to pupils at Scoil Mhuire preparing for their First Holy Communion; remember after the service, teas and refreshments will be served in The Resource Centre - family and guests welcome.
Your Local CDA – in a reverse header please?
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. Bookings for the Resource Centre can be made by contacting Monica at 045-863363. An answering machine is in operation if the phone is not manned and all messages will be responded to. 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
The Late John Headon
Formerly of Chapel Street and more recently Broadleas, the late John Headon will be remembered for his lifetime support of The Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band, both as a player member but also as one of the committee’s most dedicated workers. As his funeral coincided with the Festival Parade, the event was dedicated to his memory and a banner depicting same led the parade, carried by two members of the Ladies GFC. (Tara Wilson and Philip Black printed the banner at short notice). Many readers will remember the imposing figure of John as he marched with the band at local, national and international events.
Members of local Fine Gael formed a guard of honour led by Councillor Billy Hillis; there was also some former colleagues from Kildare County Council in attendance with whom John had worked for years in the water services. The Bugle will feature a tribute to John in one of our future editions. He is survived by his son, Tom, daughter in law Niamh and extended family. May he rest in peace, amen.
Acknowlegement:
Tom & Niamh Headon wish to thank all those who extended sympathies to them following the recent passing of Tom's father John. They would also like to thank all those who visited with John and cared for him during his illness, along with Fr. Breen - your generosity of spirit was much appreciated.
A special note of thanks to the committee, organisers and participants of the Punchestown Festival for the tribute paid to John during the parade, thank you all very much.
Trout and Salmon Anglers’ Association
Four members of the Association met with three officials of Kildare County Council Water Services Department on the 21st February 2008. Items discussed included the proposed new sewage treatment plant and pumping station for Ballymore Eustace, implementation of conditions imposed by An Bord Pleanala in granting planning permission to Dublin City Council for the new development taking place at the Waterworks, Blessington Sewage Treatment Plant discharge into Golden Falls Lake and the pollution of Golden Falls and Poulaphouca Reservoir, Barrack Street Close and various other bits and pieces that cropped up on the day. The group visited the various locations of interest and concern. The Council officials answered some of our queries and concerns and promised to get back to us with all the outstanding answers. The Association wishes to thank the Director of Water Services Kildare County Council for facilitating the meeting.
Four angling competitions have taken place to date this year. The Jimmy Evans Cup on Sunday 16th March was won by Martin Keogh and runner-up was Sean Goulding. The J. and K. Murray Cup on Sunday 6th April was won by Liam Cox and runner-up was Peter McGlynn. The Punchestown Festival Trophy on Sunday 20th April was won by Sean Goulding and runner-up was Trevor Winder. The junior section was won by Patrick Langan. The Tony McKnight Trophy on Sunday 11th May was won by Mick Francis and Tommy Winters was runner-up. The Junior section was won by Troy Francis.
The Brook of Donode at Coughlanstown was restocked with 12000 unfed salmon fry on 28th March and the Ardenode/Lemonstown stream was restocked with 18000 unfed salmon fry on Saturday 5th April 2008. Our thanks to the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and Pat O’Molloy of the Islandbridge hatchery and all the helpers that turned up.
The daffodils planted by the Tidy Towns workers last autumn along the Riverside Walk and Naas Road are a real delight this spring and a credit to all who took the time and effort to plant them. Many thanks and keep up the good work.
Direct Bugle email -
for acknowledgements, births, anniversaries, wedding photos, birthdays etc, send them to:
ballymorebugle@eircom.net or drop them into Notes Box at Fogarty’s Post Office or Elizabeth’s Hair Salon.
BABY news!
Congratulations to Ann and Paul Murphy on the birth of their son, Sean and to Noel and Julie Winders on the birth of their daughter, Kayleigh. Ollie & Eileen O’Neill, a daughter Sadbh.
Birthday wishes to Sean Deegan, who celebrated his 40th birthday during Punches town Week and to Ger Sammon soon to celebrate the ‘Big 40’ also!
And more birthday wishes to a member of the Deegan family, this time to young Nick Deegan photographed here, who celebrates his second birthday in May
Get Well wishes to Will Hennessy, May Dennison and Paddy Monaghan; delighted to see Gail Kinsella is recovered and looking as gorgeous as ever!
Belated 60th Birthday Wishes to P.L. – its not every man who gets a new house built to host a party, fabulous new kitchen, state of the art facilities……but you still have to cook yourself…….
Best wishes to pupils at Scoil Mhuire preparing for their First Holy Communion; remember after the service, teas and refreshments will be served in The Resource Centre - family and guests welcome.
Your Local CDA – in a reverse header please?
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. Bookings for the Resource Centre can be made by contacting Monica at 045-863363. An answering machine is in operation if the phone is not manned and all messages will be responded to. 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
The Late John Headon
Formerly of Chapel Street and more recently Broadleas, the late John Headon will be remembered for his lifetime support of The Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band, both as a player member but also as one of the committee’s most dedicated workers. As his funeral coincided with the Festival Parade, the event was dedicated to his memory and a banner depicting same led the parade, carried by two members of the Ladies GFC. (Tara Wilson and Philip Black printed the banner at short notice). Many readers will remember the imposing figure of John as he marched with the band at local, national and international events.
Members of local Fine Gael formed a guard of honour led by Councillor Billy Hillis; there was also some former colleagues from Kildare County Council in attendance with whom John had worked for years in the water services. The Bugle will feature a tribute to John in one of our future editions. He is survived by his son, Tom, daughter in law Niamh and extended family. May he rest in peace, amen.
Acknowlegement:
Tom & Niamh Headon wish to thank all those who extended sympathies to them following the recent passing of Tom's father John. They would also like to thank all those who visited with John and cared for him during his illness, along with Fr. Breen - your generosity of spirit was much appreciated.
A special note of thanks to the committee, organisers and participants of the Punchestown Festival for the tribute paid to John during the parade, thank you all very much.
Trout and Salmon Anglers’ Association
Four members of the Association met with three officials of Kildare County Council Water Services Department on the 21st February 2008. Items discussed included the proposed new sewage treatment plant and pumping station for Ballymore Eustace, implementation of conditions imposed by An Bord Pleanala in granting planning permission to Dublin City Council for the new development taking place at the Waterworks, Blessington Sewage Treatment Plant discharge into Golden Falls Lake and the pollution of Golden Falls and Poulaphouca Reservoir, Barrack Street Close and various other bits and pieces that cropped up on the day. The group visited the various locations of interest and concern. The Council officials answered some of our queries and concerns and promised to get back to us with all the outstanding answers. The Association wishes to thank the Director of Water Services Kildare County Council for facilitating the meeting.
Four angling competitions have taken place to date this year. The Jimmy Evans Cup on Sunday 16th March was won by Martin Keogh and runner-up was Sean Goulding. The J. and K. Murray Cup on Sunday 6th April was won by Liam Cox and runner-up was Peter McGlynn. The Punchestown Festival Trophy on Sunday 20th April was won by Sean Goulding and runner-up was Trevor Winder. The junior section was won by Patrick Langan. The Tony McKnight Trophy on Sunday 11th May was won by Mick Francis and Tommy Winters was runner-up. The Junior section was won by Troy Francis.
The Brook of Donode at Coughlanstown was restocked with 12000 unfed salmon fry on 28th March and the Ardenode/Lemonstown stream was restocked with 18000 unfed salmon fry on Saturday 5th April 2008. Our thanks to the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and Pat O’Molloy of the Islandbridge hatchery and all the helpers that turned up.
The daffodils planted by the Tidy Towns workers last autumn along the Riverside Walk and Naas Road are a real delight this spring and a credit to all who took the time and effort to plant them. Many thanks and keep up the good work.
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