Ballinagore GAA Notes
December 15, 2014
The Late Jim Mahon
Our club and the wider community was plunged into mourning as news of the tragic passing of Jim Mahon spread last Monday. Jim passed away in Mullingar Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family following a short illness. The Mahon family have been synonymously linked to Ballinagore for decades where Jim's late father, Larry, and mother, Una, owned the local pub and shop. As a result the family are widely known and respected throughout our community. Jim himself was a member of our club and was a highly accomplished sportsman in his playing days with gaelic football, handball and rugby being just some of his stronger sports. One of Jim's proudest moments on the playing fields was when he captained our team to junior championship glory in 1986, thereby ending a 46 year drought. Having moved from Ballinagore to Mullingar a number of years ago, Jim maintained close links to the village through his wide circle of lifelong friends. Just this year, Jim renewed his connection with our club when he took charge of our Intermediate and Junior teams. His pride in his heritage, village and club was evident during the many team talks he gave to the players and he was delighted, like everyone else was, when we managed to maintain our intermediate status by beating Mullingar Shamrocks in our final game of the year. News of Jim's death has come as a great shock to our club and to the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him. In a fitting tribute to a great man, large numbers of our clubs players and members joined forces with Mullingar Rugby Club to form an impressive guard of honour that flanked Jim the entire length of Mary's Street at his removal on Wednesday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Breedge, his daughters Laura and Gemma, his mother Una, sister Annette, brother Jarlath and his extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh bhur anam dilis, a Sheosaimh.
Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting which was scheduled for last Friday was postponed out of respect for Jim and the Mahon family. It will be held in the early New Year and details will be notified well in advance.
School Centenary DVD
A special commerorative DVD has been produced just in time for Christmas. This DVD captures the whole centenary event and also includes interesting interviews with many of the people that attended. They will be available on Thursday evening at the school play or alternatively you can contact Kevin Deegan on 087 2573526 to order yours for Christmas!
Townland League
The opening rounds of our Annual Townland League will take place on Sunday, 28th December. In the Junior competition, we will have the mighty Michael Cusacks attempt to gain revenge on current champions, Maurice Davin's. This was an epic contest last year. Level on aggregate score over two games, it took a late, late point to win it for Davin's who were captained by Finian Heeney. The senior tournament is being eagerly anticipated. A lot of huffing and puffing up in Toarlisnamore who apparently have huge selection headaches with their burgeoning panel. Defending champions Cloonagh were all cock-a-hoop this time last year at finally getting their hands on the trophy and will be all out to retain it, however there are question marks over their defence with young King not fully recovered yet. Killeenlahan and district have had up and down performances in recent years and don't appear to give the league their full efforts however nobody has told them that there is no townland "championship" to play for. Champions of two years ago and beaten finalists on both previous tournaments, Cloneyheigue, are a team that appear to be going in reverse for all the wrong reasons! They might not have youth on their side, but they have the big game experience and there could well be a sting in their tail. The village and surrounds are due a run as they have not been a major force when it comes to the finals. They do have a number of good players available and some new additions which make them an interesting prospect. Do not be surprised if they make it all the way this year! The junior game will start at 11:00 and will be followed by the senior games at 12:00 sharp. The group games in the senior tournament will be ran off to a tight schedule so players be togged and ready to go! Refreshments will be served on the day to all!
Walking Track
The lights are on around our walking track on Tuesday's and Friday's from 19:30 to 22:00. There will be mince pies and hot drinks served at the walking track on the Tuesday before Christmas so make sure to come down and get into the Christmas spirit.
National Club Draw
Tickets are now available to clubs and they are currently available from members of the committee. They cost €10 and all ticket proceeds can be retained by our club so please dig deep and support the club as it is one of our main fundraising events.
Birthday Wishes
Special birthday wishes to Patsy Ennis who celebrated his 80th birthday in fine style in The Bodhrán last Saturday night. Word on the street is that it was such fun, he might have to do it all again!!
Seasons Greetings
We would like to wish all our members and supporters a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Enjoy the festivities and take care on your travels!
