News – Page 3 – Ballinrobe GAA Club

Launch of Ballinrobe GAA Club Strategic Development Plan 2021 – 2025

UPDATE, Saturday 29, January: The plan goes live HERE at 6.25pm Club members, supporters and Ballinrobe natives near and far are invited to join Ballinrobe GAA Club next weekend for the launch of its five-year strategic plan in Ballinrobe Racecourse this Saturday evening (29th January) at 6.30. The recent easing of many of the COVID-19 restrictions means this is now an opportunity for club members to come together. Setting the club’s direction until the middle of the decade, Ballinrobe GAA Club’s Strategic Development Plan 2021-2025 is the culmination of a process which began over two years ago, drawing on ideas and inputs from across the community and further afield. The group determined the Mission, Vision and Values of the Club which then fed into the objectives of the sub-committees looking at the 5 pillars of the plan. Those pillars are: Coaching and Games Development Facilities and Development Finance and Fundraising Club Structures and Administration PR, Communications and Community The launch will also be streamed live on the club’s Facebook page. In addition to launching the plan, the event will showcase the club’s recent achievements and link to its proud history that stretches back 135 years. “This plan sets out how we will build on the strong foundations that have served Ballinrobe GAA Club so well for decades and chart the course for the next part of our journey. It’s simple, but ambitious, and we’re looking forward to getting started on its implementation in the months and years ahead,” said Club Chairperson, John Flannelly. Catch the live stream on Ballinrobe GAA Club Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BallinrobeGAAFanPage. Liam Horan will be Master of Ceremonies.

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County title for minor ladies team

Congratulations to our minor ladies football team who captured the Mayo C Shield title in almost unbearable excitement at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan, this morning. The final score was Ballinrobe 2-6, Castlebar Mitchels 0-10. It took a huge effort by Ballinrobe to win it and the two second-half goals from Abby Jennings, who batted home a Grace Bradley free, and Grace herself were the crucial scores. Considering that this is our first year fielding a minor team in this current incarnation of the club, this is an incredibly important result for the club. Special word of congratulations to the coaching team of Tom Carney and Denise Horan, who have done huge work with this team this year, and Evan O’Brien, who came on board in recent times. Team captain Sinead O’Sullivan accepted the trophy on behalf of the team, and goalkeeper, Rebecca Mellott-Connolly, received the player of the match award. The homecoming will be at 3pm today in Abbey Street, Ballinrobe – come out to acknowledge the achievement if you’re about town today. Our U12 girls won a county title earlier this season too – onwards and upwards for ladies football in our club. Today also marked an historic moment for the club as we had our first all-female commentary team on Club Radio – Aoife Donnelly (left) and Elaine O’Donnell. They are pictured below with captain Sinead. A big crowd tuned in to follow the game every step of the way.You can listen to the full commentary HERE

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County final win bridges 15-year gap

Ballinrobe’s recent victory in the Mayo U12C Football Championship marked the club’s first ladies football county title since 2006. The team defeated MacHale Rovers from the Lahardane/Crossmolina area in a thrilling encounter at Ballyheane. Team captain Lola Tiernan was also named as player of the match. The ladies club has gone from strength to strength since being reformed in the past decade. The match was broadcast on the club’s radio service and family members and supporters from all over the world tuned in to follow the action. Upon returning to Ballinrobe, the players were accorded a reception at the racecourse. Club chairperson John Flannelly complimented the squad on their achievement and expressed the view that this was just the first of many ladies football triumphs that will come the club’s way in the years ahead. Ballinrobe squad: Katrina Jemeljanova; Roisin Yates; Sophie Delaney; Candice Colfer; Emily Grimes; Rachel Gallagher; Lola Tiernan; Hannah Pecak; Emily O’Connor; Ry-lee Burke; Isabel Tierney; Laoise May; Hannah O’Connor; Sienna O Brien; Bláthnaid Feerick; Réaltìn Burke; Julia Szura; Trudi Donnelly; Chloe Denning; Eabha-May Murphy; Niamh Lydon; Mia Shaughnessy; Blanka Webber; Taylor Wilson; Lily Bolger. Management: Elaine Treacy, Padraig Delaney, David Grimes, Declan O’Loughlin and Declan Corcoran. The management and players are also grateful to Sinead O’Sullivan who also assisted with team preparation.

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The late Martina (Tina) Conway, RIP

Ballinrobe GAA Club extends sympathy to the family of Mrs Martina (Tina) Conway (nee Coleman), Convent Road, Ballinrobe, who has passed away. She was an intensely popular woman in the locality and her death has occasioned much sadness. The Conway family have long been synonymous with Ballinrobe GAA Club. Martina’s husband Mick – universally known as ‘Pop’ – is a faithful supporter of the club’s teams and a regular attendee at games at all levels. Members of the family represented the club with distinction in Scór competitions, and daughter Dympna is a former Scór officer of the club. In her capacity as Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe, Dymphna is a strong supporter of Gaelic games. The club enjoys an excellent relationship with the school where many of our young players receive their education. Dymphna’s husband John Culhane is a former treasurer of the club who continues to maintain an active involvement in a variety of roles. Predeceased by her sisters Bridget, Mary, brother Frank. Deeply regretted by her loving family, husband Mick, son Enda, daughters Tricia, Sheelagh, Dymphna, Fiona, Aoife, Ciara. Sons in law Alfred, John, Paolo, Tom, partners Rita, Gerry, Grandchildren Caoimhe, Aoife, Sadhbh, Christopher, Jonathon, Darragh, Garreth, Stephen, Michael, Rachael, Ernie, Cormac and Sofia, great-grandson Tyler, sister Patsy, brothers in law sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Details of the funeral ceremonies are available here: https://rip.ie/…/martina-tina-conway-ballinrobe…/472886 May her gentle soul rest in peace.

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Paddy Ward, RIP

Ballinrobe GAA Club is saddened to learn of the death of Paddy Ward, a native of New Street, Ballinrobe, who played with distinction for the club at all underage levels in the 1970s and 1980s. Paddy, known far and wide in Mayo’s football community as ‘Skins’, was a driving force on the club teams that won the South Mayo and Mayo U14 A Championships in 1981, and the U16 teams that won the South Mayo A titles in 1982 and 1983. In 1983, Ballinrobe won the Mayo Championship. He was selected to play on the Mayo U16 team in the Ted Webb Cup tournament. Earlier, he had been a star player on Ballinrobe CBS primary school teams. Paddy’s adult life was spent in Galway. He later acquired the nickname ‘Big Boots’ – indeed we recall him having such big feet as a young player that sourcing boots to fit him became a major challenge. His death has evoked much sadness locally and also revived memories of his many great performances – as a 16 year-old, he earned his place on a strong Ballinrobe U21 team. Paddy also played handball and hurling. Paddy’s remains will repose in Conneely’s Funeral Home, Flood Street, Galway, from 5-7pm on Tuesday. Funeral Mass will take place in Westside Church, Galway, on Wednesday. We extend deepest sympathies to his father, Denis; sisters, Mary, Kathleen and Phyllis; brothers, Bernard, Michael and Denis; extended family and friends. Below are some cuttings from Paddy’s playing days (thanks to Liam Horan and James Bradley for sourcing these).

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Christy O’Haire – 25 years on, still sadly missed

Christy O’Haire (1939-1996) was a player, referee and administrator – the 25th anniversary of Christy’s death occurs next week (September 5th, 2021). He was synonymous with the GAA in Ballinrobe and Mayo throughout his life. The O’Haire Memorial Cup for Mayo secondary colleges ensures his memory remains alive for all those who knew and loved him. A native of Cregduff, Ballinrobe, he played colleges football in the 1950s with Ballinrobe CBS. He also played underage, junior and senior football with Ballinrobe from the 1950s through to the 1970s. He won O’Mara Cup medals in 1956, 1958, 1962 and ’967, and a cherished Mayo Junior Football Championship in 1958. In 1959, he played for Mayo at junior level. At club level, he also served as club secretary and was chairman at the time of his untimely death in Flanagan Park on September 5th, 1996. Within the club, he was an ever-present presence who cared only for the advancement of the club and its players – at time of crisis, he was a shrewd and calming figure. He coached teams at all levels to divisional and county success. Outside of Ballinrobe, Christy became a prominent referee. He was chairman of the South Mayo Board for eleven years till 1990. He was also involved with the Mayo Under 21 board when they won the All Ireland in 1974 and chairman when they claimed the title again in 1983. He was a selector with the 1989 Mayo senior team which reached the All-Ireland senior final and he also served as a selector with the Mayo minors in the 1990s. Christy loved his football and his commitment to underage development is honoured in the O’Haire Memorial Cup. In September 1996, when Christy died, Mayo were hot on the trail of All-Ireland glory, just as they are now. There was a real poignancy about the sight of so many green and red flags hanging from local buildings as Christy’s remains moved through the town. May this great servant of Ballinrobe and Mayo rest in peace. His contribution will never be forgotten.

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Former Ballinrobe footballer bereaved

The club extends sympathy to former player, Michael Biggins, Swords, Co. Dublin, on the sudden death of his wife, Aideen. Michael, a native of Dringeen, played with the club during the 1970s, an era that culminated in our first Mayo Intermediate Championship title in 1979 and an appearance in the Mayo SFC semi-final in 1980. As a member of An Garda Siochána, he won a Scott Medal for Bravery in 1988 (list HERE). Funeral ceremonies for Aideen, formerly Shields, will take place in Dublin tomorrow. The funeral Mass will be streamed live – details HERE. Predeceased by her father Gerard, mother Gertie, sisters Paula and Deirdre, Aideen will be sadly missed by her loving husband Michael, sons John and David, their partners Seán and Deirdre, her sisters Geraldine, Mary and Evelyn, brothers David, Derek and Vincent, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law especially Pauline in Australia, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. Our picture below shows Michael wearing the Ballinrobe jersey in the 1970s. He is third from left, back row. His colleagues in the picture are as follows: Back row (l ro r): Sean Murphy, Pat Fleming, MB, Joe Heneghan, Kieran Cawley (RIP), Dinny Conroy, Robbie O’Grady, Michael Flannery. Front row (l to r): Billy Burke, Gerry O’Malley (RIP), Tom Moran, BIlly Diskin (RIP), Geoff Diskin, Tommy O’Malley, Johnny Cosgrove. At front: mascot Des Treacy.

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The late Tom Carney Snr

Tom Carney Snr, Churchview, Ballinrobe, who passed away peacefully in University College Hospital, Galway, today (Tuesday, May 25th), after an illness, made a huge contribution to Ballinrobe GAA Club in his own quiet, unobtrusive way. Without any fuss, Tom Snr (72) tended to numerous tasks at the club’s venue, Flanagan Park, in a powerful illustration of his commitment to our club. Invariably accompanied by his faithful canine companion, Chloe, he went about his work during those hours when the venue was silent so that it would be in pristine condition when players arrived to take part in training and games. “Tom Snr was an unsung hero of the club. He wasn’t one for the limelight, but he did so much in a quiet but highly effective manner. We were very sorry to learn of his passing – he was a gentleman to his fingertips,” said club chairman, John Flannelly. Tom’s son, Tom Jnr, has served the club in a variety of roles, including as club chairman. He has been a club coach for many years and last year led our U16 team to the South Mayo A title. A former club player, he is also a Mayo ladies football senior team selector this year, and the current vice-chairperson of the South Mayo GAA Board. Tom Snr’s grandson and grand-daughter, Aisling and Ben, have also represented the club. Ben was a member of the club squad which won the 2016 Mayo U21 C Championship. Aisling represented Ballinrobe GAA in the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative in 2018, and Tom Jnr’s wife, Donna, is a keen supporter of the club who also takes part in a wide variety of club initiatives. Tom Snr’s sons Paul (RIP) and Steven also wore the club’s colours. A native of Killimor, The Neale, Tom and his wife, Bridie, a native of Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, met and married in London before moving to Ballinrobe in 1979. The family became actively involved in the life of the town, most notably its sports clubs. Tom Snr worked as a lorry driver for McGrath’s, Cong, for 32 years before retiring in 2017. Predeceased by his son, Paul, and brother, Johnny, Tom Snr is deeply regretted by his beloved wife Bridie; loving sons Tom and Steven; daughter Tara; son-in-law Michael; daughters-in-law Donna and Rose; sister MaryAnn; grandchildren; nieces; nephews; relatives; neighbours; work colleagues and a large circle of friends. Funeral details are published here: http://bit.ly/tomcarney The funeral Mass will be streamed live on Cummins Funeral Directors Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CumminsFuneralDirectors. The club will form a guard of honour at the funeral ceremonies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.

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Ballinrobe GAA Club Gear

Ballinrobe GAA Club Shop is now open. This year we are procuring our gear from a number of sources, to avail of best price for our members, provide a greater choice of gear and support a local business. The providers of gear this year are our usual suppliers O’Neills, for adult and underage gear and we have also agreed a club shop with Adidas for adult and underage gear. We have entered into an agreement with Hughsey Sports based in the Neale for Robe Rockets gear (Nursery to U 11 boys). The links to the 3 club shops are below O’Neills Club Shop: The O’Neills club shop is open on an ongoing basis and gear can be ordered from it at any time and will be delivered directly to an address specified by the purchaser. Adidas Club Shop: The Adidas Club shop will be open until the 11th May only and items purchased will be delivered directly to an address specified by the purchaser. Delivery will take approximately 7 weeks from the closing date. Hughsey Sports: https://hughseysports.com/pages/robe-rockets-bundle The Hughsey Sports Club Shop will be open until 17th May only. Items purchased will be delivered in bulk directly to the Club and will handed out at a fixed date and time upon receipt. Ballinrobe Football Socks can be ordered from Team coaches. Depending on demand, the club shops will be open again later in the year. Don’t miss the closing dates for placing an order, as the gear from Adidas and Hughsey Sports will not be available again until later in the year. We look forward to seeing all our players and supporters in the new Ballinrobe GAA Club Merchandise.

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Tracing our roll of honour

Ballinrobe GAA Club is making a big effort to update its roll of honour and has asked former and current players to help out. Wearers of the club’s colours have been invited to complete a short form detailing honours won while playing for the club, the local schools or at inter-county level. The form is available below. Additionally, the club is are keen to obtain relevant memorabilia. Anyone who has items of interest should contact Liam Horan on liamhoran09@gmail.com or +353 87 9185 867. Items will be returned post haste. Loading…

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