TheBallagh
HURLING CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to Oulart-The Ballagh under-13 hurlers and management on their marvellous display and victory, after extra – time, in the inaugural under-13, Division 1 championship that was played in the Ferns Centre of Excellence last Wednesday evening.
Their gallant opponents, St Martin’s, contributed greatly to the excitement and drama, by staging a great comeback in the second-half and even managed to go ahead near the end of normal time, only to be reeled-in by the never-say-die boys in redand-black who had no intention of letting the match slip through their fingers. Score at the end of normal time was three goals 14 points to four goals 11 points.
Playing into the strong wind in the first 10 minutes of extra time, the tireless Oulart-The Ballagh players scored one goal one point to their opponent’s one point and had wind advantage in the second period in which they epitomised the old saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’.
A further two goals two points were scored by the Oulart-The Ballagh heroes while the deter- mined Piercestown outfit scored one goal two points to leave the full-time score at six goals 17 points to five goals 14 points.
The finalists had come through a gruelling campaign, defeating St Anne’s and Buffers Alley respectively in their semi-finals. A full match report is available in this newspaper’s sports pages but it would be remiss if the parish Notes did not record the elation of players, management and supporters when the final whistle sounded.
The very young Oulart-The Ballagh players had displayed all the qualities that we have come to expect from players who are privileged to wear the Redand-Black i.e. sportsmanship, discipline, skill, determination, bravery, team-work, leadership and intelligence and we can confidently predict a great future for them if they continue in the same vein.
Team captain and full-back, Dylan Butler was presented with the brand new Cup by Nora Furlong, Coiste na nÓg, Loch Garman after which he paid tribute to his team-mates, management, parents, supporters match officials and opponents. The excellent management team who guided the players to victory were Philip Rossiter, Alan O’Connor, James Roche and Dean O’Connor while Pauline Roche looked after First-Aid.
LOCAL NOTES
Groups, clubs, families and individuals who would like coverage of their activities, forthcoming events and successes, should contact me, Breda Jacob, by text, email, phone call or written note, no later than 8 p.m. on the Thursday prior to publication.
Phone or text 086 1686978. Email mickjacobjr@yahoo.co.uk. There is no charge for including an item in the Local Notes.
CONCERT
On Sunday, September 16, the friends of Oulart Hill Walking Hub and Bygone Days Story-House will present a Night of music, song, Stories and Craic in the Riverside Park Hotel, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets at €10 each are available from members of the organising committee and at the Door on the night.
SPLIT-THE-POT
It just costs two euro to play and entry envelopes can be found in all local businesses. The Ballagh National School thanks you all for your continued support.
SCHOOL RE-OPENING
The Ballagh National School re-opened on Thursday, August 30. The whole school community, pupils, staff, management and parents are wished all the best for the forthcoming school year.
CFR UNIT
Oulart-The Ballagh Community First Responders would like to thank everyone who contributed to their recent church gate collection, in Oulart and the Ballagh, which raised €705. This money will go towards purchasing an AED machine and other equipment. Please note that the local CFR Unit is actively looking for volunteers and they ask that you check out their Facebook page.
MONTHLY ROSARY
You are invited to join in the recitation of the Rosary, on the First Friday of every month, at 7.30 p.m. in St Mochua’s Church, for the intentions of all the sick, adults and children, in the parish.
CHARITY AUCTION
Oulart Community Centre will host a charity Auction on the last Sunday of September (30th), beginning at 2 p.m. The proceeds will go towards the Oulart senior citizens’ Party. If you have good quality, saleable items that you would like to donate to the auction please contact Eddie O’Grady (087 2771735) or Seán Byrne (087 6486279).