Friday Church Services in Ballina: After 10am Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed until 5pm. Prayer of the Church and Benediction at 1.05pm. Why not come along and pray awhile.
Bike for Ballina: Club fundraiser…June Bank holiday weekend. Sponsorship cards will be given out during the week. The club would appreciate everyone’s support in this venture which is been run in partnership with the Waterman’s Lodge [Alzehimer’s respite care].
Minor Football: Hard luck to our minor footballers who were defeated by a determined Newport/Ballinahinch Gaels last Thursday night in Portroe in the North A Final. Having the lead at half-time, Ballina wandered out of the game and allowed Newport/Ballinahich back into the game with a quick goal at the start of the second half from where they powered on to win. Ballina were unlucky as they missed some vital scores when they needed them. Well done to Newport/Ballinahinch Gaels in a sporting game and we wish them the best of luck in their campaign to win the county title.
Junior B: The Junior hurlers defeated Portroe in Ballina last Sunday night in the North Junior League on a scoreline Ballina 2-10 to Portroe 14 points. Well done. They now play Ballinahich next weekend.
Under 14s: Are through to the North B Final in football after a great win over Borrisoleigh last friday evening. They now take on the Silvermines in the final.
Tipperary County Football: Congrats to Jack Brady who lined out in goals for the Tipperary minor football team last Wednesday in their win against Cork in Semple stadium.
Tipperary Draw: Commenced last Friday night for 2013-2014. Our promoters will be in contact with existing members and new members in the next few weeks. Funding from the Tipperary draw facilitates sustained growth within our club and long may it continue. Please contact your promoter or Eugene Power Tipperary draw club coordinator.
Under 8: The U8s are playing some lovely hurling every Saturday morning and Tuesday evenings. They are a very enthusiastic group and are enjoying it immensely. The lads had a good work out against near neighbours – Portroe recently and we hope to organise matches between Killaloe and Clonlara in the coming weeks. The next of under 8 monthly blitzes in Dr. Morris Park takes place this coming Saturday, May 25th.
U12: The U12s have been putting their sole focus on the small ball in recent weeks. After a wonder run that brought them through to the North Final in Football, it’s a change of focus now and the hurling championship is coming up soon. The groups are yet to be decided but we hope to have two teams and matches will be Friday night starting on June 7th. The boys have played two matches already against Ahane and Ogonnelloe and both were very useful games.
Buy Your Sod Update: Two young Ballina GAA club members have got a new fundraiser for the club ‘Buy Your Sod’ off to a good start. Robbie Breen 12 years and Oisin Pepper 8 years used some of their confirmation and communion money to buy a sod for the new pitch. Both boys were delighted to receive a Certificate of Ownership as a keepsake for their commitment to the future of the club. Construction of the pitch has now commenced. The target is to sell 1000 sods at €50 each. Given the healthy membership of the club, this equates to only two sods for each adult and child member. The land has been purchased and a grant of €56,000 towards the development has been secured from the Sports Capital Grants 2012 with Alan Kelly’s backing. Now the club needs to raise €50,000 match funding to allow the pitch to be constructed in 2013. Sods may be purchased on line at www.ballina.tipperary.gaa/buyasod or from the club shop or any committee member at training on Saturday morning. A certificate of ownership is given with each purchase. Buy Your Sod to turn our Green Field Blue!..
Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camp: Please note you can now register your child for this year’s Cul Camp which takes place from Monday July 1st to July 5th. Camp open to all primary children from 6 years up. Registration may be booked on line at www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps.ie follow the link to Ballina, if you register on line and use the unique code inside the Kellogg’s Corn Flake box you will receive €5 off per registration per child. This may only be used with on line bookings. Also, you can register at the club shop after training on Saturday mornings. Camp numbers are limited so book early to avoid been disappointed.