GRANAGH BALLINGARRY GAA CLUB NOTES
WEEKEND 48-HOUR RELAY RAISES €12,600
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club officials would like to thank everybody who made the club 48-hour relay such an overwhelming success over last weekend (Friday to Sunday) when club members from near and far, young and old, ran for one hour over a continuous 48-hour period and raised €12,600 with 50% going to the club and 50% to Ballingarry and Granagh National Schools.
Got The Ball Running
Luke and James Flynn got the ball running on Friday at 3pm. On Sunday afternoon amid a downpour Darragh, Emma and Donal O’Grady and their young entourage brought the curtain down on a most enjoyable weekend on the final leg, 3 – 4pm. (The All Ireland winning coach Donal was surprisingly outpaced by his siblings, John Kiely will need to crack the whip!) In between we had club members from Longford, Leitrim, Cork, London, Oxford, Toronto and Sydney and beyond all completing their one hour, maintaining their connections to the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club and parish at this difficult time for everyone. Hopefully all those people will be able to return home soon and we look forward to catching up with them all. A massive thanks to all our participants some of whom got up at the most awkward time in the middle of the night to complete their run. As of last Sunday evening a staggering amount of €12,600 had been raised from our GoFundMe page absolutely smashing our target amount at the outset.
The GoFundMe page will remain open until Easter weekend (Sunday April 4th/Monday April 5th) for anybody who would like to still contribute, 50% of all funds raised will to Ballingarry and Granagh National Schools, meaning both schools will be presented with cheques in excess of €3,000 in the coming weeks. This is a fantastic amount which will benefit the parish as a whole. Thanks to both schools for their ongoing support of our club.
The previous weekend we also had collections in our local shops – O’Gorman’s, Snow’s and O’Grady’s, huge thanks to all there, we are very fortunate that we can always rely on the support of these businesses.
KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES
The club has set up an Instagram page, many thanks to all those who kept everyone on our social media platforms updated throughout proceedings over the weekend. It was fantastic to see so many people out and about in a safe and healthy manner over the course of the weekend. Follow us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram.
The Granagh/Ballingarry portion of last weekend’s proceeds will go towards our new club gym which we hope to develop further over time. Following on from the huge success of the Oskers fundraisers in April 2019 (a different world when we had craic, ól agus ceol and none of us knew what a pandemic was) which led to the refurbishment of our clubhouse. We are eager to continue the improvement of our club facilities, the gym is an important part of this.
The club officers and executive committee in particular want to thank the organisers of the fundraising event and the adult players themselves. It was run with military precision and was ultimately a huge success. If the players show the same organisation, commitment, dedication and honesty on the field of play this year, we will have a most enjoyable time following them at matches when the time allows.
The last 12 months have been the most difficult imaginable for people. Some of our members have lost their jobs, others in the parish have passed away and were denied the traditional send-off they so richly deserved due to the pandemic restrictions. We are very conscious of the suffering and pain many people are going through silently and we hope last weekend has lifted the spirits of these people, if only briefly. Better days are ahead and as a community we will hopefully share happy and healthy times together again soon.
PROUD OF OUR ROOTS
As a club and parish we are very fortunate to have so many people who are proud of where they come from. As the last couple of weeks have shown we have a fantastic community spirit. Many people have moved into Granagh and Ballingarry in recent times and we and our new parish priest Fr. Tom Carroll would urge anyone new to the locality to get in touch with the club, our doors are open to every creed, class and colour, while small in numbers we are big in heart and seek to be inclusive for all.
BACK ON THE FIELD
From U6 to adult we all look forward to getting back on the field of play when it is safe to do so. With the Limerick hurlers bringing so much joy to us all over the last couple of years, we will hopefully welcome Liam MacCarthy back to our clubhouse again soon.
Stay safe and we look forward to see all players, underage and adult down at the field again soon.
Granagh/Ballingarry abú.
NIGHT AT THE DOGS
The Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake got underway last Saturday night in Limerick Greyhound Track. The Granagh/Ballingarry nominated dog Live Everything came in third in heat six to qualify for round two which takes place this Saturday April 3rd at 8pm. You can cheer on the Granagh/Ballingarry nominated dog Live Everything on a new online greyhound racing show called Talking Dogs TV.
COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY 1921-2021
Limerick County GAA Secretary Mike O’Riordan recently launched the Limerick GAA Commemorative Jersey which honours the sitting Mayor of Limerick George Clancy and former Limerick Mayor Michael O’Callaghan in 1921 who were murdered by the British Auxiliaries during the War of Independence. This limited-edition jersey is a replica of the one worn by the All-Ireland hurling winning team in 1921 but features all the benefits of a modern-day jersey with high performance
fabric that transports moisture away from the skin. The Jersey features a hooped design and an image of the Liam McCarthy Cup on the sleeve. Check out the O’Neill’s website to order this one-off jersey.
NORA FARRAGHER WINS €100
Congratulations to Nora Farragher c/o Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club on winning €100 in the first Limerick County GAA Club Draw of 2021 on Saturday 27th March. The other winners were as follows:
1st prize €10,000 Justin and Christina McGinn (Na Piarsaigh); 2nd €3,000 Pat Brown, Brureee; 3rd €2,000 Eoin and Catriona Rice, Mungret/St. Pauls; 4th €1,000 Carmel white, Rathkeale; 5th Exclusive star prize of a 128AB Ipad in association with Seán Hennessy, Electrical Superstores, Brian Toomey, Ballybrown; 6th to 9th €500 each to John Costelloe (St Senan’s), Gerard Reidy (Gerald Griffins), Annie Marie Cregan, Seán Daly (Croom), Ian Sheehy (St. Senan’s); 10th to 13th €250 each to Mark and Mary Frances Roche (Rathkeale), Killian and Carragh McEnery (Killeedy), Mary and Anne Maria O’Keeffe (Dromcollogher/Broadford), Jim and Peggy Maher, (Galtee Gaels), 14th to 30th €100 each to Dan and Margaret Gallahue (Ballylanders), Willie Moloney (glin), Rita and Gerard McInerney (Murroe/Boher), Eoin Duggan (Rathkeale), Christina and Adrian Daly, senior (Na Piarsaigh), Nora Farragher, Granagh/Ballingarry, Paddy Hallinan (Newcastlewest), Tom Galvin (Feenagh/Kilmeedy), Peggy O’Connell, Balckrock (Bord na nÓg), Kevin Donogue (Crecora), Angela Enright (St. Kieran’s), Linda Dooley (Garryspillane), Brenda Lindon (Cappamore), Alasdair MacInnes (St. Kieran’s), Niall King (Monagea), Tom O’Donnell (Feenagh/Kilmeedy), Sandra Hoffman (na Piarsaigh).
The next draw is on Saturday April 24th. Thanks to all the 117 members who have already joined the Limerick County Club Draw through Granagh/Ballingarry GAA and our club draw co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton.
MEMBERSHIP CLOSING DATE EXTENDED
Due to the changed financial circumstances of many at this difficult time the closing date for membership of Granagh/Ballingarry Club for 2021 is extended to July 1st. Fees are €40 for adult players (€120 with club draw), €20 for students and non players, €15 for Bord na nÓg (€120 per family), non players who pay €100 club draw fee in full will automatically become members for 2021. Fees should be paid on or before July 1st to club registrar John Carroll or any club official.
To train or play for the club you have to be insured. If you have not yet registered we ask you to do so, it is generally felt by club officers that any member or player should feel obliged to get their membership paid a.s.a.p and we must reiterate that people who have not paid will not be covered by insurance or entitled to any privileges whatsoever from our club.
PLAYERS LOSS OF COVER
Croke Park and the County Board has advised clubs to inform players that the Player Injury Scheme for 2021 will not cover for loss of wages. Granagh-Ballingarry GAA club officials encourage all adult club players to consider getting personal injury insurance to cover loss of wages before the various competitions and championships resume, as the club will not be in a position financially to cover loss of wages for players injured while playing in an official sanctioned game or training session.
COVID 19 VOLUNTEERS
The Granagh/Ballingarry Covid 19 volunteer group would like to remind parishioners that their delivery service is still up and running. Elderly, vulnerable or anybody who cannot leave their homes to get groceries or medication can ring O’Grady’s, O’Gorman’s, Snow’s and O’Riordan’s Pharmacy. You can give them your order and pay them over the phone or put it on your account. They will contact a member of the delivery team to drop them to your door. We ask you to please avail of this service as we all want to work together to keep our community safe.
LIMERICK GAA REFEREE RECRUITMENT
Are you interested in becoming a referee? Think you can do better? Then put your whistle where your mouth is and become a GAA referee!
Why become a GAA referee?
Stay involved with the game as an alternative to playing.
It’s a great way to keep fit.
Could you referee a County Final or All Ireland?
Learn more about the game. Give something back off players at the end of their playing days the opportunity to continue in the sport.
It helps to develop personal skills that are of value in all walks of life.
What qualities are required to become a GAA referee?
Good knowledge of the playing rules. Be physically and mentally fit. Have the ability to remain calm. Have the moral courage to take decisions which are correct.
If interested please forward your details a.s.a.p. to Patsy Coffey, Cappamore 087 9160344 or Mike Sexton, Bruree 087 9188375.
NEW AGE GROUPS
The age grade for underage hurling and football teams will change for 2021 in line with national policy. The age grades will move to uneven numbers (U7, U9, U13, U15, U19 and U21). The fixtures at club level will be co-ordinated by the following committees:
Coaching and Games U7, U9, U11.
County Bord na nÓg U13, U15, U17.
County Senior Board U19, U21
Junior A Intermediate and Senior.
Divisional Boards
Junior B Hurling and Football formats/dates, etc will be circulated ASAP.
2021 COMPETITIONS
The County C.C.C. has informed clubs of the following decision with regard to the running of the remaining 2020 hurling and football county championships.
U21 Premier A/B 13-1-side Football Championship abandoned.
Minor premier and A/B Football Championship Finals will be played at the next available date.
County Junior A Hurling Championship Semi Finals and Final will be played at the next available date.
County and Divisional Junior B Hurling and Football Championship will be played at the next available date (county only will go ahead if time permits). Clubs will be afforded sufficient lead time to train prior to the commencement of their respective championships.
COLLECTIVE CLUB TRAINING
All collective club training for all adult and underage hurling and football teams is suspended until further notice and any breach of this regulation will be dealt with as per appropriate rule.
CLUB SNOODS
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club snoods are now available for sale at €7 while stocks last in O’Grady’s Spar shop in Ballingarry.
All proceeds to Bord na nÓg.
Please support.
TLC6 CLEAN-UP
Limerick GAA have announced TLC6 Clean-Up will take place in some capacity this Good Friday, April 6th in compliance with HSE restrictions. Please visit www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie to register your interest. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
201 LIAM
The official number plate 201 Liam are now available for sale in shops in Limerick county and city. Please support this fundraiser as all the proceeds go to the Limerick team training fund.
€12,500 JACKPOT ON SATURDAY
There was no winner of the €12,400 jackpot in the club lottery on Saturday 27th March. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 15 and 25. Lucky dips of €20 each went to Eilish, Sarah, Sophie and Frank promoter O’Grady Spar; Johanna O’Shea, Eoin Kennedy Promoter; Fanahan Hanrahan, Niall Carroll promoter; Eoin Cahill, John Carroll promoter.
The next draw will be held this Saturday 3rd April for a jackpot of €12,400. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale inn local shops from promoters.
Thank you for your support.
SYMPATHY
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club officials, players and members extend sympathy to the Hennessy and Fox family, Ballingarry and the Hennessy and Duggin family London on the death of Joe Hennessy. Joe was a noted hurler in his day winning a West U14 hurling medal in 1976 and a West U16 hurling medal in 1978 with Granagh/Ballingarry. He missed out on a hat-trick of West medals when the same panel of players won the West Minor Hurling Championship as he had emigrated to work in London.
Ar dheis Dé to raibh a anam.
EASTER HURLING HURLING/FOOTBALL SKILLS CAMP
Limerick’s GAA Coaching and Games are running online Easter Camps during the school holidays. The camps will take place from Tuesday 6th to Thursday 9th April. There are two separate times each day, one for 6/8 years (10am to 11am) and one for 9/12 years (11am to 12 noon). Each session will include movement and hurling and football skills that can be practiced in the comfort of your own home. Hurley, sliotar, tennis ball and football will be required for each session.
The sessions will be run through the Microsoft team’s platform and the link to join will be emailed to the parents’ email each evening and will include the equipment required for the next day’s session.
To register your child please complete the form on the link forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx, the form can only be completed by a parent or guardian. The courses will give the children an opportunity to get some more new skills to practice before we all return to our club pitches in the near future.
LOTTERY
The draw for the lottery was held on March 27th with the following results: there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 15, 25. The lucky dips of €20 each went to Eilish/Sarah/Sophie/Frank, promoter O’Grady’s; Johanna O’Shea promoter Eoin Kennedy; Fanrahan Hanrahan promoter Niall Carroll; Eoin Cahill – John Carroll.
March Monthly Draw Results
The draw was held on March 27th – following are the winners: €400 Jim O’Keeffe promoter John O’Keeffe; €100 each to Seán Cosby promoter Paddy Hennessy, Tommy O’Donovan promoter Adrian Farragher, Tom Burke promoter Mossie and Pat.