Sunday, June 21, 2009

SENIOR GAA

GAA Celebration
The Club are having a celebratory night on the 10th May in conjunction with the GAA’s 125 years anniversary celebration. The event is on in The Thatch and will feature music and special guests. Christy Dennisson will be showing videos of finals down through the years and finger food will be provided. The club will also be giving presentations to Club Presidents Eddie Hubbard and Jim Clarke for their service to the club along with Club Person (Eoin Barrett), Senior Player (Tommie Archibald) and Young Player (Keith Fennell) of the year awards.

Bill Lawlor
The Club wish to express deepest sympathy’s to family and friends of the late Bill Lawlor on his recent passing. Bill played for the club in the 50’s and won a Junior title playing at full-back. May he rest in peace.

Monster Auction
Thanks to everyone who made donations to the auction and of course to those who purchased making it a big success.

Summer Camp
The annual kid’s summer camp is taking place this year from the 6th-10th of July.

Senior League Division 2

Athy 1-18 Ballymore 0-06

Ballymore started their league campaign with a poor performance against a good strong Athy team. Ballymore, despite missing several players due to injury were still hoping to push Athy but a flying start from Athy ensured Ballymore never got into the game in Athy pushed to record a comfortable victory. Athy raced in a 1-09 to 0-02 points half time lead and despite an improvement in the second half from the visitors Athy were always in control. Best for Ballymore were Pat Browne, Jamie Balfe and Darren Gorman. Ballymore scorers: Tommy Archibald 0-3 Mark McCarville 0-2 William O’ Donoghue 0-1.

Kill 0-13 Ballymore 2-08
Ballymore bounced back from their opening day defeat with a hard earned victory over a stubborn Kill. It took a point from Keith Conway with two minutes remaining to give the away team the minimum margin of victory. Ballymore led by 1-04 to 0-5 points at half time after 3 first half points from William O’ Donoghue, a Gareth Clarke free and a goal from full forward Mark McCarville after good build up play from Gareth Clarke, Keith Conway and Tommy Archibald. Ballymore also had keeper Maurice Murray to thank for a brilliant first half penalty save. On the resumption Kill settled and leveled the game but 1-01 in quick succession from Mark McCarville gave Ballymore the initiative once again, the goal coming after Shane Kavanagh’s shot came back off the post. Kill however refused to give in and hit three in a row to leave just one between the teams. Gareth Clarke and Keith Conway pointed but three points in-between from Kill leveled the game with minutes remaining. Ballymore showed they wanted it more and after some great defending a quick move forward, a brilliant catch by Tommy Archibald who laid off to Keith Conway to tap over and give victory to Ballymore. Best for Ballymore Maurice Murray, Shane Kavanagh, Tadhg Grace and Keith Conway.

Ballymore 2-10 Confey 0-16

Ballymore and Confey enjoyed a share of the spoils on after a very entertaining game in Ballymore. The home side opened the scoring in the first minute with a free from William O’ Donoghue. Confey responded with a free from full forward Frank Haniffy. Shane Kavanagh popped over a point on five minutes to restore the home side’s advantage. Confey were awarded a penalty on ten minutes and the spot kick was blazed over the bar. Confey then hit two on the trot to take a two point lead mid-way through the first half. Ballymore were then given a major boost when Gareth Clarke was fouled in the box and the subsequent penalty was blasted to the net by Tommie Archibald. Confey hit back with two points before a William O’ Donoghue free and a lovely score from Keith Conway gave Ballymore the initiative. Both teams swapped points from frees, the home sides coming from Gareth Clarke. Tadhg Grace and Tommie Archibald hit one a piece in quick succession before Ballymore were given some breathing space through a goal from Tommie Archibald after good work from Gareth Clarke and Steven Dwyer. Confey finished the half with a point from Frank Hannify to leave the half time score Ballymore 2-06 Confey 0-09.
On the resumption Gareth Clarke pointed a free to leave four between the teams. Shane Kavanagh then pointed but Confey put together some nice passages of play to fire over two points. It was Shane Kavanagh again who responded for Ballymore but then got himself sent off for kicking out after being fouled. This seemed to give Confey the edge and they scored four points in a row to level the game with minutes remaining. Steven Dwyer then scored a great point on the run for Ballymore but Confey were not to be denied a share of the spoils and a point from their corner back ensured there were no losers on the night.
Best for Ballymore: Tadhg Grace, Eoin Kavanagh, Tommie Archibald, Jamie Balfe and Steven Dwyer.

Upcoming Fixtures
Senior League Division 2
April 25th Ballymore vs Rheban
May 5th Milltown vs Ballymore
May 16th Ballymore vs Sallins
May 19th Grange vs Ballymore
May 23rd Clane vs Ballymore
St. Oliver Plunkett’s
The minor team has reached the semi-final of the league and is going very well at present. The date of the semi-final has yet to be fixed.



Ballymore Ladies GFC

Division 4 League
Match vs Kill
Due to the unavailability of our home pitch the Ladies were very grateful to Hollywood GAA for the use of their pitch on Thursday 2nd April.
This was a very tight game with the teams very evenly matched. Ballymore looked a little bit nervous to start with and Kill took advantage with a number of goals. Ballymore were getting forward but a number of wides kept it close at half-time.
In the 2nd half Tracey Clohessy swapped positions with Nicola Rigney and caused trouble up front in the first few minutes. Nicola also looked more comfortable back in the corner and made some important interceptions. Again Ballymore were on top in the 2nd half but following a penalty Kill made their way back into it.
The sides were even with a few minutes to go and it was nail-biting until the end. Although the Ladies were disappointed not to win the game, a draw over the 60 minutes was probably a fair result. Full forward Aisling Hubbard was as dependable as always with an important 1-3 on the scoresheet.
Scorers for Ballymore
Aisling Hubbard 1-3
Lesley Tutty 0-3
Dawn Murray 1-0
Stephanie Harney 0-1
Ballymore 2-7 Kill 3-4

Match vs Moorefield
Moorefield travelled to Ballymore on Sunday 5th April. This was another very tight game with Moorefield winning by just 1 point. It looks like there could be some competition in the forwards with Gemma Swords and Tracey Clohessy starting up front. It is more usual to see them in the back line but this game proved they are multi-talented!! Gemma scored 2 great points in the first half. One of the points went just over the bar and was almost a goal and Tracey had a goal saved.
Ballymore were again hit by injuries. Sheena Hubbard came off during the 1st half but came on again in the 2nd half and played very well. Aisling Rigney came off in the 2nd half with an injury. We wish all those injured a speedy recovery.
Stacey Balfe had a good game intercepting some crucial runs by Moorefield. Aoife O’Toole in goals made some great saves. Ballymore were unlucky not to win it as they had what looked like a fair goal disallowed in the second half
Scorers for Ballymore
Gemma Swords 0-2
Dawn Murray 0-4
Steph Harney 0-3
Aisling Hubbard 1-0
Ballymore 1- 9 Moorefield 2-7

Match vs Nurney
This game was due to be played on Monday April 13th at home. Ballymore were given a walkover for this game as unfortunately Nurney could not field a team on the day.


Challenge Games
Challenge Match 1 vs St Finians
The Ladies travelled to Newcastle on Saturday March 21st to play Dublin side St Finians. Ballymore started strongly with some good passing movements. However Sheena Hubbard came off injured and they were down to 14 early. There were wides on both sides and Aoife O’Toole made a number of great saves. At half-time there was only a point in it.
In the 2nd half Ballymore started to play with Lesley Tutty and Fran Burke providing some great balls into the full forward line. Stephanie Harney took advantage and scored 4 goals. The referee was provided by the home side and allowed the 45s to be taken out of the hands. Dawn Murray scored a goal from one of these. In the backline Cleo Hubbard did well with the ‘Hubbard Hips’ (Sheena’s description, not ours!)
Scorers for Ballymore
Steph Harney 4-3
Dawn Murray 1-0
Lesley Tutty 0-3
Aisling Hubbard 0-2
St Finians 3-3 Ballymore 5-8

Challenge Match 2 vs St Finians
St Finians made the return trip to Ballymore on Sunday 29th. Michelle Hubbard was moved from her normal position at centre-back to full forward and seemed to relish the change from the throw-in. Ballymore were much the better team in the first half and had a comfortable lead at the break.
Again Ballymore were hit by injury with Teresa Gorman in midfield unable to start the 2nd half. It was a closer game at this point and certainly St Finian’s had the better of it in the last quarter. Despite the St Finian’s scores Anne-Marie Gorman and Stacey Balfe in the back lines absorbed a lot of pressure and ensured that Ballymore still came out on top.
Scorers for Ballymore
Steph Harney 2-1
Michelle Hubbard 1-3
Dawn Murray 1-1
Lesley Tutty 0-4
Ballymore 4-9 St Finian’s 3-8

Training
Training continues every Monday and Wednesday at 7.30. We are delighted to see some new faces at training over the last few weeks and welcome all new players.
Anyone interested in joining the team should call up to any of the training sessions.

Ballymore Ladies “Last Man Standing” Premiership Competition
The Last Man Standing Competition has been a great success for the Ladies, starting with 207 people. Now going into Easter Sunday we only have 31 people left.
Since the last update we have seen Ladies Captain Dawn Murray, Aisling Rigney and Assistant P.R.O Dee Hackett’s sheets completely wiped out.
There are a few people still hanging in by the skin of their teeth, namely Teresa Gorman with her dad her only survivor.
Quite the family affair on Aisling Hubbard’s sheet with a father and son duo left (John and Eddie).
Speaking of Aisling Hubbard, she remains the only Ladies player surviving in the competition and is still battling away. She is also the only girl remaining on Lesley Tutty’s sheet.
Ladies Team Manager Simon Murphy is still out in front with the most survivors - 9. Hopefully in the next edition we should be on the home straight to finding a winner!!!

Lesley Tutty’s Progress with the Kildare Panel
Kildare Ladies Senior B team took on Wicklow in a challenge game in St Laurence’s last week after a two week break from duty. The game took the usual layout of challenge games - 3x20mins. Lesley opened the scoring with a point but had to come off after 40 mins with an injury. Unfortunately, the college tournament was also taking place in Jordanstown in Belfast the same weekend, so the Kildare side were missing a few of their regular faces. The side battled until the very end only to lose out by the narrowest of margins, 1 point. The sides are now level with one win apiece under their belts from challenge games. Kildare squad training takes place in Cappagh and Eire Og (Caragh). Lesley won’t be participating for a few weeks due to injury but fingers crossed she’ll be back in the white jersey soon.
Fundraising
Bag Packing Day
Ballymore Ladies held a successful Bag Packing Day on Good Friday in Dunnes Stores Blessington. They raised over €750 which will go towards Juvenile girls registration.
Thanks to the staff in Dunnes Stores Blessington, all those who contributed, volunteers from the underage girls teams, the Ladies team, and parents for their help and support.

Hamper
A big thank you to Nuala and Eddie Hubbard who have donated a lovely hamper to Ballymore Ladies GFC.
The hamper will be used to raise funds for the Ballymore Juveniles in aid of Feile Peil na Nog. The hamper can be seen in Janet’s shop and its €2 a line to be in with a chance to win.

Bungee Jump
The bungee jump has been FINALISED.....in conjunction with Ballymore Ladies G.F.C Dawn Murray, Tadhg Grace, Sarah Malone, Eoin Barrett and Paul Murphy will make the 300ft jump in Leixlip on April 25th.
All proceeds are in aid of Ballymore Juveniles G.F.C. for Feile Peil na nOg.
The fundraising committee would like to say a special thanks to Pat and Grainne Murphy (Paddys), Rita and Frank Malone (Poulaphouce House) and O' Briens in the Whitewater Shopping Centre who have made this fundraiser possible by sponsoring the bungee jumps. A big thank you is also due to Suzanne Byrne for designing the sponsorship cards and to Tara and Philip Black of Select Digital for printing the sponsorship cards. They did a fantastic job as any of you who sponsor the jumpers will see!
Contact any of the ‘jumpers’ above if you are interested in sponsoring them. If you have any fundraising ideas please send them to ballymoreladiesgaafunds@yahoo.co.uk

.Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs


Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
An Báile Mór
The News :
Congrats to Natasha Murphy and Heather Sammon on qualifying for the Under 12 Lilywhite Team. Well done girls
sorry I didn't mention it last month !.
The committee had their end of month meeting and a lot of items were on the agenda.
The Feile Team are working tirelessly to get things organised. Vetting forms to be retuned as soon as possible and the
Saturday event is all set.
We are planning to give the juvenile dressing a “good spring clean” so any helpers will be appreciated.
The committee has also appointed a Children's Officer Gillian Smith and Sadie Norton.
Under 11 Boys
The U11 boys South Board League is under way. The first game saw the lads playing to Moorefield but unfortunately
the lads lost in a close game. Best for Ballymore on the night were Robbie Noone, Aaron Deegan, Sean Murphy,
Pascal Thompson and Mark Barrett. The next game is at home to Ballyteague.
Fixtures:
16th v Ballyteague; 22nd v Castledermot; 1st May v Castlemitchel and 6th May v Grangenoval.
Under 14 Boys
The U14 boys team were beaten by Grange in the Shield semi-final. On a lovely morning for football the Ballymore
lads were slow out off the blocks and were 4 goals down just after half-time. At this stage to get back within 4 points
but unfortunately time ran out. David McAtamaney, Jake Meehan, Patrick Langan, Michael Stewart Byrne and Craig
Byrne all showed well. Congratulations to Stephen Piggot, better known as a defender, who scored his first ever point
in the game.
In the primary schools competition the boys football team recorded a win over Crookstown.
Ballymore Eustace Under 11 Team.
Back Row:Robbie Noone, Adam Murphy, Conor Nolan, Enda Stewart Byrne, Conor Lipsett, Aaron Deegan, Ciaran
Kellegher, Paschal Thompson, Sean Crowe.
Front Row: Caolan Halpin Graham, Stephen Davis, Cian Duggan, Niall Murphy, Tadgh Barrett, Ben Noone, Evan
Keogh, Mark Barrett with James Noone and Johnny Murphy.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
An Báile Mór
Hurling
Reminder that hurling training is on on Sunday mornings at 11am. We have some new faces, which is great to see
and some budding talent, for next months edition I hope to have some photos of our new hurlers.
Communtiy Games
Ballmore has entered an Under 10 team and their first game will be against Sallins, dates and times will follow. Also
we have entered an Under 11 Hurling team and Under 12 Girls Football team
Ballymore NS Senior Hurling Team
Back Row: Adam Murphy, Rossa Doyle, Harry Murphy, Darragh Kelleher, David Mac Athenmy, Tom Murphy, Niall
O’ Neill, Dylan Waters.
Front Row: Robbie Noone, Thomas Mc Guirke, Shane Barrett, Craig Byrne, Stephen Doyle, Tadhg Dooley, Joshua
Burke Hayes
Ballymore hurlers beat Dunlavin NS and Newbridge NS
Ballymore Eustace NS Senior hurling team has played 2 games in the Cumman Na mBunscoil schools competition so
far this year. The first game was on Thursday 12th March against Dunlavin. This was a home match and typical of the
first game of the year Ballymore looked quite rusty. The Dunlavin players made life quite difficult not giving
Ballymore any time to lift the ball. But with persistence and a full 50 minute effort, Ballymore won by a goal in the
end.
The second game was against Patricians NS Newbridge. This match was on Thursday 2nd April. This was a tough
match but it was evident that the Ballymore lads had learned a lot from the Dunlavin game. This time Ballymore were
the ones doing all the tackling. Throughout the game Ballymore could have gone a few scores ahead but for all the
wides! The close score made for a very exciting match and the lads had to keep fighting until the very last puck of the
ball. Eventually Ballymore won 1 goal and 4 points to Newbridge 4 points. The next match will be against Cooleragh
on Thursday 23rd April.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second

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