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Padraic O’Malley has been in touch to thank everyone who helped to make their recent lightning visit to Ballinrobe a success – our junior team, those who helped out with what he described as excellent hospitality on the evening, and three of our players who donned their jersey. That trio included John Fitzpatrick who went back to his roots – his mother was a native of the island. Would they join us on the trip to Rennes? Actually, Padraic wants to know the dimensions of Flanagan Park. As a townie, this is not something I would ever admit to knowing, even if I did know it, which I don’t. Anyone out there happen to know? Jarlath Reilly, you’re a great man of the soil, surely you’d have that information on the tip of your tongue. Tom Watson – maybe you know it for the quizzes? Let me know if you can answer this, or I might be forced to step it out myself some evening. Sean Murphy, you can probably calculate it by just standing up on the embankment and throwing one over the place. I’m not sure why Padraic wants to know. I certainly don’t think it was because he found the pitch too narrow on the evening… UPDATE, first reply in: A man says: “In paces, I’d give it you in paces (approx 98 wide and 168 long) but no idea in proper measurement”.

The club’s Skills Academy returns after its short summer break this Saturday at 9.30am, in Flanagan Park. All players up to the age of 12 are welcome to come along. Parents have been of enormous assistance to this Academy and we look forward to a large turn-out again on Saturday. It will continue each Wednesday (6.30pm) and Saturday (9.30am) until the winter winds blow in from wherever those dastardly winter winds blow in from – but on these cloudless days, with Mayo on the march, we needn’t be thinking such dark thoughts.

Mayo G.A.A. would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and clubmates of the late Professor Sean Freyne who sadly passed away this week. Beloved husband of Gail, much loved father of Bridget and Sarah; loved and remembered always by his family, sister Mary (Keane), Alexander and Richard, nieces, nephews, the extended family and his numerous colleagues and friends. Sean Freyne captained the Mayo minor team which won the All-Ireland in 1953 and also played club football with East Mayo outfit Aghamore. Sean will be waked at home on Wednesday evening (Aug 7) from 6pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday (Aug 8) at 11am in Church of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners, Rathmines. Burial will take place in Culmore Graveyard, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo at 5pm approximately. A Guard of Honour in memory of Sean will be formed by Mayo G.A.A. and anyone available is asked to please be present at 4.30p.m. at graveyard area.

UPDATE: Below is the rota – thanks to all who helped out, particularly Tony Walkin, Gerry O’Malley and Fergal O’Malley who went above and beyond the call of duty. Every year, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland ask us to carry out a Church Gate collection for them. This year’s it’s on August 10th and 11th. SATURDAY EVENING MASS – BE THERE AT 7.05pm. Car Park – John Culhane CONFIRMED Main Street – Alan Flannery – CONFIRMED New Street – John Gilrane – CONFIRMED CBS – Anthony McCormack – CONFIRMED SUNDAY MORNING FIRST MASS – BE THERE AT 8.35am. Car Park – Martin Flannery – CONFIRMED Main Street – Elaine Treacy  – CONFIRMED New Street – Mick Cahill – CONFIRMED CBS – David Killeen – CONFIRMED SUNDAY MORNING SECOND MASS – BE THERE AT 11.05am. Car Park – Alan Flannery – CONFIRMED Main Street – Michael Coyne – CONFIRMED New Street – Fergal O’Malley – CONFIRMED CBS – Gerry O’Malley – CONFIRMED

The club is grateful to Helen O’Shea who recently nominated the club as the recipient of a quantity of Powerade sports bottles that she won in a competition. As a club catering for players from 5 to 45, we are always happy to receive equipment. Hydration is a crucial issue for all sports people, not least on the balmy summer days we are currently enjoying. So, thank you very much Helen – the bottles are already being put to good use.