Weekly News Aug 19th

Post date: Aug 19, 2012 9:27:44 PM

Shane McGrath brought his hugely successful Camp 4 Champs to Ballina GAA club last week. Almost 100 children took part in Shane's camp which is a mix of sport, games and fun. In this changeable weather we were blessed with four fine days out of five and this added to the enjoyment. With prizes on offer every day and a big prize draw on the last day, it was a great week for all the children. They all gave Shane - along with county colleague John O'Keeffe - a great send-off on the last day as they finalised preparations for the All Ireland Semi-final. This was the first year of the Camp 4 Champs and it was a runaway success and along with an excellently-run Cul Camp in early July, it shows that interest in GAA is very strong in the parish. Thanks to Shane and team for all the fun.

The U10 boys travelled to Puckaune last Saturday to play in the annual Seamus Hayes Tournament. Tynagh/Abbey Duniry from Galway were the opposition in the first group game, which went very well for Ballina. Next up were hosts Kildangan and this game ended all square. Finally, the lads faced a match v Ballinasloe for a place in the final. Though Ballina had the upper hand for most of the game, Ballinasloe really put it up to them and we laboured a little but eventually pulled clear. The final was a real game of two halves with Kildangan racing into a 2-02 to 0-00 lead, only for Ballina to peg them back just before half time. With a strong wind advantage in the second half, hopes were high for Ballina. However, despite Ballina dominating most of the second half, the hosts held out for a win by the slimmest of margins thanks in no small part to an outstanding display by the Kildangan goalie.

The new Ballina GAA Juvenile jersey is now in stock and it looks great. Prices range from €35 - €45 depending on size from age 7 - 8 up to adult sizes. Fill out an order form (emailed to all registered parents) and give it to any committee member with the relevant amount or download a form from our website (Club Merchandise section).

Congratulations to Stephen O'Brien and Michael Breen who both put in great performances for the Tipp Minors in the All Ireland hurling Semi-final. We can all look forward to seeing them on sept 9th in the all Ireland Minor final, The club wishem them and all the team the best of luck in the final. The club arranged a bus to take kids and their parents to see the games in croke park on Sunday last. Despite the senior result all had a fantastic day out.