Ballymore Notes

In the first semi-final Ann Allen played some excellent bowls but was defeated by Michael McLoughlan in a very close game, whilst in the second game of the evening, Tom Keenan could not retain his winning form from the previous week when Liam Connaghton secured his place the final.The two finalists were evenly matched but Liam in his first season with the club took the honours in the last end. After some well earned refreshments, The 4 finalists were presented with some lovely Christmas hampers sponsored by P.J. Bracken.GAAAfter what seems like a lifetime our Junior team turned out in a junior league fixture against Ballynacargy in Fr Dalton"s Park last Sunday 4th January. Cold and miserable reflects the weather - and, unfortunately, the performance.From the throw in Ballymore were chasing the game against fitter and better organised opponents. Ballymore tried hard to get into the game but time and time again their good work was broken down and a point for Ballynacargy resulted. So one sided was the score line that but for a good save from Vinny McCormack, Ballymore would have been facing one of their worse starts to a match for years. A poor half was capped by a penalty given for picking the ball off the ground. At half time the score line read 0-3 to 1-9 and as the players went off it was obvious that they had to play better for pride alone in the second half.The tempo of the second period was increased and despite the conditions the link up play was far better from Ballymore. That said Ballynacargy were on a roll and continued to score well. A good performance from Brian Finnerty and two good saves from Vinny McCormack kept Ballymore"s hopes of making the score line respectable alive.Pat Connaughton, fresh from his success with the Hurlers of Fr Dalton"s, was introduced for Darren Molloy and two late goals, one from Alan Slevin and a penalty converted by Louie Meares went some way towards a consolation prize for Ballymore.Having had such a long time between matches really raises questions about the fixture organisation at County level but in truth there is some work to do for incoming trainer Brian McCabe and his team.DevelopmentVisitors to Fr Dalton"s Park will have seen the huge amount of work being put in by the Football committee and with plans for the work on the floodlights due to be completed over the next month, Ballymore really is becoming a premium venue within Westmeath and one of which the whole community can be justifiably proud. Well done to all concerned.Race NightThis Friday 9th January there is a fundraising race night arranged for both Ballymore GAA and Fr Dalton"s in Rooney"s from 8pm. Race cards are still available from Rooney"s and Vinny McCormack and should be returned by Thursday of this week.Your support for the two teams would be much appreciated.Millmore GaelsThe AGM for the Millmore Gaels football takes place tonight at 8pm in the community centre. With such a large number of children from Ballymore playing it would be great to see a good turn out from parents. All welcome.Medal presentationsDue to the resounding success of the Millmore Gael Minor and Under 16 teams there is a special presentation night arranged for the Ballymore Community Centre on Friday 16th January at 9pm.Come along and help celebrate their success all welcome.Regular events.MondayTraditional Music lessons have been arranged from 3.30pm to 5.30pm every Monday in the Community Centre. All ages and standards are welcome.Monday night is Bingo night in Ballymore. Regulars will already know that there are great prizes on offer and the craic is mighty. So if you haven"t managed to come along so far why not give it a try, meet up with old friends and make new ones, eyes down from 8pm. If anyone would like to help run the Bingo the Community Centre Committee would love to here from you. Please speak to one of them on the evening.WednesdayBallymore"s indoor bowls club meet every Wednesday evening in the Community Centre from 8pm.The Club has been a successful part of the Community for a number of years now and is always on the look out for new talent as well as those who just want to bowl socially.Why not call in tonight and one of the members would be only too happy to show you around and help get you started. Flat shoes are required.Thursday ClubThe Thursday Club from 2.30pm in the Community Centre. New members are always welcome.Ballymore Youth Club - Every Thursday 9 - 12 yrs 7 -8pm and 13 - 17 yrs 8 - 9pm.FridayBoher Foroige 7.30pm - 9pm in the Boher Hall. New Members always welcome.SundayThe choir meet every Sunday evening and would welcome new members to come along and join them