Sunday, March 1, 2009

BABY NEWS
Congratulations to Michael Gilroy and his wife Sharon on the birth of their baby son, Odhran who was born in Limerick on the 20th November 2008. – see photo
Great joy in the Bell household as a bouncing baby boy is born to Linda Mooney.
Congrats to Sandra and Andrew Auld on the birth of their daughter, Aisling
And to Una and Mick Bagge of Hillcrest on the birth of their baby daughter
Birthdays
A belated happy birthday to Letty Farrington who celebrated her 70th birthday with family and friends before Christmas.
And to Sarah Treacy of Assumpta Terrace who claims she was ‘39’ last birthday………We believe you, Sarah – the lady in question is 93 years young and still going strong!
A very happy 1st birthday to Mary Ann Deegan! See photo

CONGRATULATIONS
Kerry Reilly and Sean Ryan of Naas who got engaged recently, should I buy the hat yet……..
Best wishes to sister Lynsey who is heading off to Australia shortly leaving Mag with Der and the dog……
Congratulations to Linda Nolan and Frank Owens on their engagement recently.
Best wishes to Kathleen Redmond Shannon, photographed here before she walked the Dublin City Marathon in aid of the Helen Rowlinson Clinic, Essex, Uk where she was treated for breast cancer years ago. Well Done, Kathleen!
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In Reverse please:
The late Mrs Agnes Kelly
We extend our sympathy to June Grace and family on the death of her mum, Mrs Agnes Kelly, nee Harrison of Celbridge. Sadly, Agnes died on New Years Day and coincidentally, her late husband Billy died 39 years ago – on the 1st January. Originally from Mayo, Agnes lived in Ballymore during the early years of married life and worked in The Thatch at one stage; many of you would have met her with June over the years and she was a lovely, chatty and friendly person. Aged 90 , she is survived by her daughters June, Brigid and Alice, sons JJ, Dermot and Michael and sister Gretta, grandchildren, sons and daughters in laws and extended family. No doubt, Agnes is reunited with Billy - may she rest in peace, amen.

The Late Agnes CurryThe month’s mind occurred recently of the late Agnes “Aggie” Curry (nee Meehan) of Ballymore Eustace who died on December 19, 2008. Aggie was pre-deceased by her husband Paddy and survived by her son John and daughter-in-law Muriel; sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.Agnes was at the pulse of the business community in Ballymore Eustace, having run a hair salon from her home for several decades. It was Agnes who co-ordinated and managed annual parish trips to Lourdes and in latter years, she joined the team at Russborough House where she worked as a tour guide. It's nice to see that John and Muriel are continuing to arrange the Lourdes trip. The late Agnes Curry, may she rest in peace, amen.The late Michael Brosnan
We extend our sympathy to the family of the late Michael Brosnan who died peacefully at Galway Hospice, Renmore after a short illness. He will be sadly missed by his sister, Sr. Maria Therése (O.C.S.O.); brothers Tom and Patrick; sister-in-law Monica, uncle John, aunt Sr. Lelia (F.C.J.), nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace, amen.

The Late Mrs Aileen Callaghan
We extend our sympathy to Cllr Willie Callaghan and members of the Callaghan family of the death of their mother, Mrs Aileen Callaghan of Naas recently. May she rest in peace, amen.

Acknowledgement
The family of the late Micheal Murphy, who died 22nd November last wish to thank those who supported them throughout his illness. A big thank you to those who called, sent mass cards and attended the Funeral services; to the doctors, nurses and carers who looked after him in hospital and at home. Special thanks also to the Garda Suiochana and the groups who formed Guard of Honours at the funeral. Our extended gratitude to Fr Paul Dempsey. Micheal appreciated the love and support from family and friends and it gave him the courage to maintain his sense of humour throughout his illness. May he rest in peace, amen.
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BALLYMORE EUSTACE PEOPLE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009 plus 2 photos
When we had the final list of nominations for this year’s People of the Year Awards, I said “That’s it, I’m leaving the country…..”
Tommy Dwyer – his daughter, Gillian dates my son; The Doyle Sisters – known affectionately as “The Aunties” as their niece Fiona is married to my brother, David; Ann Kelly of Bishophill who grew up next door to where I now reside and the early part of my childhood I spent in and out of “Granny Clarke’s”; The Ladies GAA Team – my daughter Sharon having been an active member and Club Pro; Eddie ‘Ned’ Hubbard – he and Nuala taught me to play badminton and I remember him from GAA and field day activities forever and his grand daughter, Aisling and William were close pals for years and finally, Larry Burke Hayes who, thanks be to God, is not related nor has he ever dated anyone in my family! Whomever is named Person or People of the Year, blame Tim, Michael or anyone of the other community people we consult with……..

Believe it or not, Readers but we had other submissions which came in too late – if you want to nominate someone for next year, do it now, you don’t have to wait until 31st December, 2009!!

See here a brief on our six nominations; it really doesn’t matter who wins the overall award, they are all winners as far as Ballymore Eustace is concerned. The Award Night will be held in the Resource Centre on Saturday, 7th February after 7pm mass, doors open at 7.30pm so come early if you want a seat ‘cos its definitely going to be a full house!
Congratulations to all our nominees, well deserved and long overdue for many of you.


The Ladies GAA Team
‘D’ Championship Winners, 2008
It is the team who won the D Championship in 2008 that has been nominated but we must recognise the club’s former players, committee members and management teams during the past few years as having a share in the club’s success in 2008. You will know from previous articles in The Bugle that the Ballymore’s first ladies gaa team found it tough going during the early years; in-experience and young players were beaten by seasoned, tougher teams but this didn’t deter the girls, no way. Back they came, year after year, until they finally started notching up a few wins.
In the meantime, they had good support from committee members and through fundraising and approaching local businesses, they secured player’s kit. When it came to The Annual Festival Queen, they submitted an entrant – Megan O Neill was runner up in 2007 and Louise Tutty crowned the winner in 2008.
These girls are a great bunch of women, they throw themselves into training, partying and fundraising with the same gusto as if they defending a World Title! In 2008, under the management of Simon Murphy, John Hubbard and Joe Piggott, they got to a League Semi Final and won the D Championship having been runners up the League the previous year. We must acknowledge Noel Winders, William Clarke and Paul Fagan’s input here plus Club Chairperson Jacinta O’Rourke and committee members, Biddy Meade, Aisling Rigney and Caroline Deegan.
When the Ladies Club ‘helped’ the lads organise the annual dinner dance, they ran the show with style and superb organisation, best social in years. Everything they were involved in ran smoothly – Cheltenham Pre-Race night, The Welly Match and Barbeque, Ladies Mini Marathon…….no bother to ye!
Girls, you’ve kept going, stuck with the training and finally, reaped the rewards and hopefully, more to come in the years ahead. The Ballymore Eustace Ladies Gaa Team, Championship Winners 2008 – well done!

The Doyle Sisters
Whilst our nomination is for the “Doyle Sisters”, the submission received cited them as “The Doyle Girls” – there you are, Kathleen, Claire, Ann and Gay, you are still considered ‘young ones’. Kathleen, we’d like you to note that, apart from this nomination, you were nominated also for your work in the Church by a young person. It is sad that Fr Breen is not here to see you recognised for your parish work, your duties in the Church and your work on the Senior Citizen’s Committee over the years. Whilst Kathleen is totally committed to carrying our church duties, she is especially thoughtful and considerate when dealing with the children doing alter service, always having sandwiches and little treats organised for them if they are serving at funeral masses. As with Tommy Dwyer, Kathleen is one of the committee who fundraise and organise the annual senior citizens Christmas party and summer outing. Claire too is heavily involved with Church duties and parish work and always on hand to help with fundraisers such as the Baldonnell Singers Concert, the Christmas Fete and Sale of Work etc. Claire was an active member of the Badminton Club for years, the dramatic society and is currently a member of the Historical Society. No matter what its in aid of, you will always see Claire and at least one of the Doyle sisters at
a table quiz. Sister Ann has carried out tremendous work on behalf of third world countries; she was nominated for our local annual awards before for her support of Polio Vaccination for children in India and her continued support of the Nalavli Orphanage in Sri Lanka established after the Tsunami disaster in 2004. And you will find Ann present at all local fundraisers too.
Gay has had a busy life too, mother of five, grandmother of seven, has found time outside of assisting on the farm, working as a nurse and midwife, to help with Kare collections, Spina Bifida, Epilepsy Association and she previously worked with the missions in Nigeria and is currently a member of the historical society. Gaa fans will know Gay as she is married to former Ballymore all-star, husband Sean with her two sons Patrick and John also being players.
Basically, you will find the “Doyle Sisters” will support every community fundraiser or local gate collection – a family member said “If there’s a cake involved, the Doyle women will attend!”
Kathleen, Claire, Ann and Gay – Sisters or Girls, your award is richly deserved.


Anne Kelly of Bishophill
Anne Kelly has an exceptional record in Scoil Mhuire – 27 years of unbroken employment with the school. “She is the most committed, hard-working, loyal and pleasant member of staff that any organisation could hope to have. She has never been absent through illness in the 16 years that I have worked with her.” said principal, Mairead O’Flynn. “She has a thankless job, cleaning up all sorts of mess, sometime unpleasant work but she always does so with great cheer and constant good humour. She is always interested in absolutely everything to do with this school and supports every concert, fundraiser and event we host. The children know her really well and she even remembers to ask after and pray for people who are ill. She does more than her alloted work and helps keep a watch out on health and safety matters and security issues. Anne would spot an open window or a possible security hazard. If one cleaning solution won't work she'll try everything and will not be satisfied until everywhere is gleaming.
Visitors to our school always remark on the very high standard of cleanliness in the school and in fact, this was highlighted by the Department of Educations inspector when the last major school inspection report was carried out. There is a direct link between the standards in a school building and the learning conditions and in this, e can be assured that Anne has greatly added to the environment enjoyed by hundreds of Ballymore children. nne has 5 grandchildren in the school but looks after every child as if he or she were a grandchild also. Anne’sfamily are always heavily involved in all school activities and have been part of all recent school events over the years like fashion shows and golf classics. Seamus was instrumental in running the auction in the Noel Thompsons garage in 2004 which raised a huge amount to pay for school furninture for the school extension. “
All the classes in the school made submissions on Anne and her work and these will be on display at the Awards Ceremony.
We have to include this submission because it is just so sweet:
“I think Anne Kelly should be Person of the The Year because she keeps my school shiney clean. She is very kind and all the kids know her. She is also my granny and is brilliant at that too! We all love her very much” – Devon Waters
Anne Kelly of Bishophill – the children of Scoil Mhuire salute you!


Tommy Dwyer of Coughlanstown
We are surprised that this man has never been nominated before!! Here’s a man we identify with The Brass & Reed Band; The Bandhall; Senior Citizen’s Association; The Panto; Soccer; Irish Dancing – ha, you didn’t know that? Former Irish dancing champion – no wonder he went into the cobbler’s trade, he was always light on his feet……..Add to that his involvement with bowling, his support of the junior and senior dramatic society, his fundraising achievements and The Coughlanstown Brigade will vouch he is a great neighbour….the list re Mister Dwyer is endless….

Regarding The Bandhall, Tommy works tirelessly, seven days a week, fifty two weeks of the year. He was one of a
Committee who worked hard to fund the construction of the current building and since then, have managed to kit out the interior to superb standards with several dramatic and musical presentations being performed there every year.
Since then, the exterior has been painted, the car park levelled and gravelled and Tommy is now fighting to secure KCC KTK Levies to tarmacadam the yard. Tommy oversees the booking and weekly running of the hall which includes bowling, another club he is involved in. The Bandhall Players annual pantomime is another ‘baby’ of Tommy’s – he is involved back stage whilst his wife Bernie is onstage; he is PRO with daughter Gillian and son, Stephan having being roped in to perform years ago also!

Tommy’s dedication to The Brass & Reed Band is incredible; whilst he never marched with The Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band, he is hugely dedicated to the continuation of musical training to our youth, whether it is for pleasure, for education or future career purposes, Tommy believes the gift of music will stay with you throughout your life.
Several years ago, Tommy was one of the committee who brought young band members to Paris for St Patrick’s Day. He supports youth activities in the village yes, but he is also a member of the Senior Citizen’s committee who organise the annual Christmas party and summer outing – once again, Tommy helps fundraise and assist with these activities.
Tommy Dwyer of Coughlanstown, your nomination is overdue but worth waiting for!

Larry Burke Hayes of Hillcrest
Here’s a man who uses his talents to serve The Church and has graced the stage in The Bandhall to provide first class entertainment. Larry has a golden voice; a founder member of the Church Choir, he sings – well, he sings like an angel. A Special Minister of the Eucharist, he carries out his church duties with genuine devotion and was a founder member of the Parish Board of Management.
A deeply spiritual man, Larry is also a dedicated family man, husband to wife Carol and supports his children in all their activities – sporting, musical and dramatic etc.
Larry was a former member of Scoil Mhuire Parent’s Association and principal, Mairead O’Flynn said “He was a pleasure to work with and a great asset to that committee.”

But Larry enjoys a good laugh and is not afraid to shed the day uniform and don a dress should the occasion demand! You will have seen him in many a panto production with the Bandhall Players and he was both a vision and a star performer.

He has supported several other fundraisers and might very well have been mistaken as a transvestite but if it raises money, Larry has raised the hemline, applied the lipstick and says “Who cares, its in aid of a good cause!” You will see him lead the Children’s Choir in church and you might even see him appear at the Senior Citizens Party but definitely not in a frock!

A talented man with a God-given talent, Larry is dependable and committed to his church duties –
a true Christian, Larry Burke Hayes of Hillcrest.

Eddie “Ned” Hubbard
Think of Eddie Hubbard and you think of GAA. Think again – he has been involved with Badminton, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Tug O’War, The Field Day….you name it, Eddie has participated as a player, club member and a supporter.
As a young man, Eddie had great success on the playing fields. His athletic career began in Tipperkevin School and then later, joined Naas Athletic School where he won a lot of cross-country races, the Millbrook Cup at Punchestown amongst them in 1950, the race being one of Leinster’s most prestigious events.
Eddie was secretary of Ballymore Athletic Club for years and, prior to the parish guideline rule being enforced local children participated in competitive events in West Wicklow under BLE rules. As the community games grew in popularity, Eddie eventually went to Mosney as a Kildare Official and continued to support and encourage youth in Ballymore to participate in the Games’ track and field events.
As a youth, Eddie also won the Kildare Junior U18 Championship title in cycling; he boxed under Sike O’Neill and Garda O’Leary, his most notable achievement being runner up in the Leinster Championship.
Along with his wife, Nuala, Eddie was to the fore of the badminton club in the village; he was one of a committee that started the Kildare League which eventually had fifty two teams competing; he was honoured as Secretary of the Year from the Badminton Union of Ireland during that time and he was a player on the side which won a Kildare Junior League Title.
I’d need a book to list his involvement and work with local GAA clubs, at Juvenile, Senior and indeed, his son John and grand daughters are at the heart of the current ladies club! Eddie has attended all club AGMs since the late 1940s, having served as Treasurer for twenty five years, trained several underage teams from U11 to U16 years and, along with the Late Frank Gorman and Tom Hanlon were instrumental in setting up a committee with Two Mile House, Ballymore and Eadestown to form Oliver Plunkett’s Club. Eddie is also a club representative on the County Board.
His Tug O’War history is impressive: having served as Secretary, Vice President, Hon President and Chief Finance Officer for the Irish Tug of War Association. He is currently serving President/Chief Executive Officer but he also enjoyed enormous success ‘on the field’. With Two Mile House club, he was a ‘puller’ and a team coach; he won a World Club Championship as coach to Allenwood in Sweden in 1976 and was later awarded “Status of International Tug of War Judge” in 1978 by TWIF, became a National Irish Team Selector and Irish Team manager for European and World Championships in Scotland, Italy, Belguim, Switzerland, South Africa, USA and Japan and collected 15 gold medals for Irish teams at the highest levels…. and I thought he just organised the Field Day!
Eddie “Ned” Hubbard – a modest man with an amazing sporting history in Ballymore.


The Ballymore Eustace People of the Year Awards 2009 at the Resource Centre on Saturday 7th February. Doors open at 7pm – All Welcome
– Rose and Tim

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