2008-07-16

Borrisoleigh Family Fun Day took place on Sunday, 6th July. The day began with a Vintage and Working Tractor Rally which left the Town Park at 2 o’clock. The drivers came prepared for the mixture of weather and enjoyed the scenery on their 18 mile trip. The tractors were preceded out of the park by one Garda and followed by another. Of course we all know who the real Garda is! Don’t we Tom?

For more photos of the Vintage Tractor Run go to our photo gallery or click on the following link:   http://www.borrisoleigh.ie/viewGallery.php?gal=31&name=Vintage%20and%20Working%20Tractor%20Run%20-%20July%202008
 

With the departure of the Tractor Rally, the local Macra na Feirme club began their sponsored Bale push from the town square to the park. Within a record time of (well seeing as this was never done before in Borrisoleigh, they hold the record for now!) the bale made its way on a roll into the park under the banner created for the occasion by the local Borrisoleigh Foróige Club. This gave the push for the many and varied events in the park to begin rolling. The many who attended on the day were kept well fed and watered by the very busy and hardworking ladies who provided refreshments all day long. Many a thirst was also quenched at the Ring the Bottle stall.
 

One of the attractions on the day was the Tractor Balance. With many an experienced and expert trying their skill, it fell to young Seamus Bourke to get the balance right and emerge victorious. Seamus is pictured here, (not during his winning balance!) with the trophy for the event which was sponsored by Templemore Jewellers.

The Foróige showed their willingness to get involved again with their organising and running of the wet sponge stall. This provided opportunities to get certain people behind the board and take aim. However the person behind the board in this picture is safe enough with aims like this one!
 

The Fun Dog Competition proved a great hit with many a dog, and owner, proudly strutting their stuff around the parade ring. The ‘little’ dog pictured won the medal for being the dog people would most like to bring home. Sam Devaney’s dog (Sam is pictured here getting his face washed!) won the medal for the cutest face and Aisling Bailey’s dog got the medal for being the friendliest dog. 
 

Heave 1 – 2 – 3 !!!
 
‘Night Rise Legends’ Tug-O-War Team from Templemore yielding to the might of the men from Loughmore

Another very popular competition on the day was the Tug ‘o’ War. With much slipping and sliding, due to the wet ground of course, Loughmore emerged victorious and took away the trophies, sponsored by Tom Younge, Finn’s Bar, Borrisoleigh.

 
Going once! going twice! gone!

The challenge to get the nail into the tree stump in as few blows as possible proved to stump many who tried their hand at it. Henry Groome, who was the only one to manage the feat in a single blow, has the pleasure of this trophy on his mantelpiece. 

The picture on the right of our local curate Fr. Michael Barry on his quad pays testimony to the saying “boys and their toys”. Along with his quad work, Fr. Michael, who always travels with a camera, managed to take some spectacular photos of the days events. Having spent the day in the Park from early til late Fr. Michael no doubt has a comprehensive record of events on the day, including the barbeque late in the evening.
 

 

The determination on the faces of these young competitors mirrors the effort put in by all who took part in the races on the day, but the smiles say so much more! All of the medals for the day were kindly sponsored by Fahy and Ryan, Templemore.

The Basketball challenge went to a man with considerable expertise in the area of uPVC, Paul Boyle. As the basketball board is made from uPVC, Paul was always a shoe in to win this event which he did with great aplomb after a play off.

In the Ball in the Barrel the talent and youth of Sean Ryan proved too much of obstacle for Fr. Liam Everard, P.P. who conceded defeat even before the playoffs, in the face of superior opposition. Fr. Liam seems content with his medal, while Sean is delighted with his trophy, sponsored by Noreen and Seanie Ryan, Norden Tiles. Jack Prior kept the youth of the parish in the medals by claiming third place.
 

Stephen Doolin received his medal for getting the Ball in the Tyre, the only male recipient of a medal for this event. First place was proudly claimed by Cloinadh Bourke and second place by Aoife Max. Way to go ladies! The trophy for this event was sponsored by Noreen and Seanie Ryan, Norden Tiles.

Only one person, despite many, many attempts, proved to have reactions quick enough to Whack the Ball. Leah Harkins timed the speed of the ball through the pipes to perfection and whacked it, winning for herself a trophy to treasure.

Gerry Kelly of Rathmoy, a new and younger of Tiger Woods, was the one who showed the keenest eye for the ball on the day in the Golf challenge. He received his trophy from Christy Reid, with assistance from Patrice Cooney. Well done Gerry. See you on the world circuit in a few years!

In the Score a Goal event Dan McCormack showed his significant skills yet again and took the trophy for the under 16’s category. While in the (well) over 16’s Joe Tynan, after much advice and coaching from Thomas Ryan, claimed the trophy. Breed and Mick Cowan of Stapleton’s Bar Borrisoleigh sponsored the trophies for the Score a Goal event.
 

Tracey Devaney was a lady in demand on the day and she spent her time braiding many a girl’s hair, complete with coloured thread and baubles.
Teresa Ryan had hardly time to draw breathe on the Bric ‘a Brac stall so busy was she unearthing treasures for people. Sam Holland was another busy lady, selling raffle tickets and registering dogs for the competition.

John Slattery, pictured here holding a flag, Paddy Dolan, Laura Ryan, Anna Ryan and Patrice Cooney did a lot of work organising and running the races. John and Paddy, well known for their own racing exploits, lent their expertise to the occasion but thankfully gave everyone else a chance and stayed off the track for the day. 
 

Here’s lookin’ at you kid!

Some of the ‘painted faces’ seen at the Fun Day

These faces were not an unusual sight on the day in the park, thanks to the talents of Amy Delahunt who created many a masterpiece. These disguises might fool the ‘wanna be’ Garda, but not the real Garda!

The number of Sweets in the Jar was correctly guessed by two eagle-eyed ladies Eimear Ryan and Shauna Ryan. The signed Tipperary jersey, although coveted by many on the day, went to Diarmuid Boyle. This is even more precious as Tipperary continue their march to the All-Ireland. Hang on to it for another while Diarmuid! Patricia McCormack can look forward to the High School Musical Show in Killarney after guessing correctly the number of marbles in the jar and collecting two tickets to the show as her prize.

 

To round off the day in the park the two teams pictured put on a display of hurling to be envied in the first half of their match and a display of football in the second half to be remembered in the Local Celebrity Bainisteoir event. The team managers, the one and only Santa and by Pat Short, led the teams onto the pitch, accompanied by Danny ‘Boy’ Ryan on accordian. The two team showed a willingness to get involved, to get dirty and to have fun. The match was marred by a couple of moments of madness by some players, arguing with the referee, threatening his black book, wrestling each other to the ground. Amazingly, the referee showed great leniency and nobody was shown the line. Although even if they were, it is doubtful they would have taken it! As to who was victorious in this event, they all were!

It is often said that the camera never lies! It doesn’t!!!

Only Fools and Horses!

Dell Boy and Rodney show off thier classic three-wheeler!

Bar-B-Que in Stapleton’s

Surrounded by the strong arms of the Law!

Una Shanahan being surrounded by our local Sergeant Tom McCormack at the Bar-B-Que

Some well-earned smiles after a hard day’s work!

 Joey O’Dwyer, Joe Holland, Teresa Ryan, Christina O’Dwyer and Michael Ryan

Siobhan Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Katie Lyons and Hazel Holland at the Bar-B-Que

Frank and Patrice Cooney with Seamus and Therese Maher at the Bar-B-Que

What had been a fantastic day for all in the park was rounded off with a barbeque held in Stapleton’s Bar. Many a burger, sausage and piece of chicken (not to mention beverage) was consumed by those who attended. 

The success of the Borrisoleigh Family Fun Day is testimony to the fantastic community spirit which is among the people of Borrisoleigh and its surrounds. The many people who supported the defibrillator fundraiser, on a day when weather conditions were less than ideal, did so in generosity, good spirits and in support of the cause. To all those who attended or supported the day in any way, (names are too numerous to mention, but you know who you are!), the committee wishes to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you. The final tally for the day was circa €5000 and will help bring the group ever nearer their target. Give yourselves a clap on the back!

For more photos of the Family Fun day go to our photo gallery or click on the following link:   http://www.borrisoleigh.ie/viewGallery.php?gal=32&name=Family%20Fun%20Day%20-%20July%202008

 

Borrisoleigh 25 Mile Charity Cycle 2008

The annual charity cycle for 2008 has been fixed for Saturday 6th. September at 2.30pm. The cycle will follow the by now traditional route from Borrisoleigh to Thurles onto Templemore and back to Borrisoleigh. While some of you may feel that 25 miles is a bit daunting you should note that this is a fun day and not a race. Nobody will be left behind and we will wait at each checkpoint for any stragglers. You have about eight weeks to get ready so get the bike in working order and try to do a small bit of cycling. A few short spins each week will be sufficient to ensure that you are well prepared.

This years event is being held in aid of the Renal Support Centre of the Irish Kidney Association. The profile of patients affected by kidney disease ranges from infanthood to the elderly who are undergoing various methods of treatment from haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. Receiving treatment in Dublin is a daunting period of time both for the patient but also their family. The worry of where to stay, ensuring that it is near the hospital and the cost of accommodation brings added difficulties to such families. The Renal Support Centre aims to reduce some of that worry by providing such accommodation. The Centre which has been in operation for seven years is located in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital, just 100 metres walk from the main hospital entrance, is open all year round. and provides free accommodation for all its residents which include: Families of patients from outside Dublin. It is available to all families no matter what hospital their family member is attending.

Patients who have to travel long distance to see their consultant as an outpatient may also stay overnight. The Centre arranges a counselling service as required by outpatients and their families. Facilities provided in the Centre include ten en-suite bedrooms which can sleep up to four persons.All rooms are on ground floor level.
All rooms can be in direct contact to and from the hospital ward by telephone. Comfortable sittingroom/day room with satellite TV and video. Small library. Fully fitted kitchen where meals can be prepared by residents. Tea and coffee is provided by the Irish Kidney Association for residents and guests. Laundry room with washing powder supplied. Ironing facilities are also available. Parking for overnight residents.

As you can see this facility provides a terrific service to both renal patients and their families and is a very worthy cause. Sponsorship cards will be available shortly and will be distributed to any potential cyclists.In the meantime if you have any enquiries please contact Ruairi O’ Connell or P.J. Delaney
 

Summer Camp in The Town Park

Marian Hall Lotto

15/07/08

Numbers: 01, 05, 19, 20

No Jackpot Winner

1 match 3 winner @ €150

Mary Connolly, Toomevara

Next Weeks Lotto Jackpot

€4,800

Pic of the Past… down memory lane

All-Ireland Hurling Final 1951 

Jimmy Finn, Rathmoy,19 years old, leads Tipperary to victory against Kilkenny, with a score of 1-8 to 1-9. Also on the panel were Philly Ryan, Sean Kenny, Paddy Kenny, Ned Ryan and Tim Ryan. Jimmy Finn also won All-Ireland medals in 1950 and 1958.

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