Ballinagore GAA Notes, 24th May 2020

 

COVID-19 and GAA Grounds

Clarification has been provided following the phase one lifting of lockdown measures. Despite the government allowing for the opening of walking tracks for limited access and exercise, unfortunately GAA clubs cannot open their facilities or walking tracks as most are within the boundary of the GAA grounds which, under GAA direction, are to remain closed until July 20th unless otherwise instructed.

 

Sympathy

The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Paddy Buckley, a former Maryland and Westmeath footballer, former Westmeath senior football manager and who played on the famous Westmeath minor side who lost to Kerry in the All Ireland Final in 1963. We also extend our condolences to the Robbins family, Horseleap on the death of Seamus Robbins. May they Rest in Peace.

 

Ag Feachaint Siar

This week, we take a look back to an article from 24th March, 1990 when Tony Robinson was elected Lord Mayor of Ballinagore. Tony, Gilbert Carey and horse racing legend, Barney Curley, went head to head in a massive fundraising effort that raised over £18,700 to enable the completion of Páirc an Bhodhráin. With our current development hopefully getting back underway soon, we wonder is it time for a new Lord Mayor of Ballinagore!

 

Tony Robinson Elected Lord Mayor of Ballinagore

 

On Friday night last, Ballinagore elected its first Lord Mayor at a function in the Grand Hotel, Moate. A big crowd assembled to hear the result which was read out by the Chairman of Westmeath County Board, Mr. Seamus Whelan. It was a great occasion for the Ballinagore GAA club and as the time came for the results to be announced, one could feel a sense of anticipation amongst the three teams.

 

Barney Curley was unable to attend but sent his son Charlie and two daughters to represent him. As the result was announced, Tony Robinson was lifted shoulder high by his team who were in jubilant mood. It took a few minutes before Tony could be presented with his chain of office. Gilbert Carey, Charlie Curley and Tony Robinson were each presented with a beautiful souvenir of the event. Between them the candidates raised over £18,700.

 

The three contestants ran a terrific campaign and left no stone unturned to raise funds for Ballinagore GAA. Mr. Seamus Whelan, in his address, said that the campaign was a great success and congratulated the three candidates on the efforts they put into the fund raising.

 

The club wishes to thank everyone who helped out in any way to make this event so successful. The club members also wish to thank the Westmeath Examiner for their coverage of the campaign. The club is indeed indebted to the three candidates - Tony Robinson, Gilbert Carey, Barney Curley and their teams.

 

The events that were run were diverse and added great novelty to the contest. It was heart warming to see teams helping each other out at times and this made for good relations between the three teams. The club is also indebted to everyone who supported the various candidates throughout the campaign.

 

The effort put into the campaign will ensure that the proposed facilities will go ahead as planned, the the football pitch levelled and reseeded. We can now start work on the dressing rooms and showers which are so necessary for the modern GAA club.

 

Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Seamus Whelan for attending and the Grand Hotel, Moate and Night Express for a really enjoyable night and also the ladies committee for all the wonderful food.

 

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