Weekly News July 22nd 2012

Post date: Jul 25, 2012 8:55:53 PM

Those of us who were fortunate enough to be in the GAA field on Friday night last enjoyed a really special community event. The occasion was a mid-summer barbecue to celebrate the purchase of the land for the much-needed new playing field at Balina GAA club. It has been a very long road or the club to get this far - and while we there is much yet to be done - this was a milestone worth marking. With the weather gods looking favourably on us for once, it made for a very enjoyable outdoor occasion. Tasty burgers (compliments of McKeogh's Foodmarket) were served and they went down really well as people were entertained by the musical talents of The Last Friday Crew (Nigel, Steve, Jo & Ciaran).

Once the food and music had been enjoyed it was down to the business of the evening and Sarah Devane, Club Chairperson welcomed all present on this historic occasion and outlined the significance of this for the club's development. The breaking through ceremony was simple but effective. Three Club Presidents (Johnjoe McKeogh, Johnjoe Maher and Patsy Nevin) handed two sliothars to Tipp Minor hurler Mikey Breen and Tipp Camogie player Mary Power, with Stephen O'Brien receiving a football. Steven, Mikey and Mary then broke through into the new field on behalf of the club. Finally, the assembled children released 100 blue and white balloons to mark this new and exciting chapter in the club's history. Special thanks must go to all the committee members who helped in the weeks leading up to and on the night, to Mairead O'Donovan who made a wonderful replica cake of the GAA grounds. Thanks also to Frank Donnelly who decorated the place with balloons and bunting, Aaron Devane who supplied the food for cooking and to Chris Rowley who kept the show moving as MC on the night. A night to remember for sure !

Cul Camp

118 children took part in Cul Camp in Ballina this year. The numbers seem to get bigger every year and this year's camp, despite a very wet start on Monday was held in mainly dry conditions. The children were treated to a great week of fun and skills in ther new red and white kit. The camp had the added benefit of having our own to local "superstars" (Steven O'Brien and Mikey Breen, Tipp minors) as part of the coaching crew. We also had a visit from Tipp senior hurler, Conor O'Mahony. Conor addressed the children and fielded what seemed like a hundred questions from the enthralled children. County Secretary Timmy Floyd was on hand to speak to the children as well and brought with him the Minor Hurling tropy, the Minor Football trophy and the Senior Hurling trophy - all won by Tipperary teams in the last two weeks. A bountiful harvest indeed ! Next up is the Camp 4 Champs with Shane McGrath. That takes place on the week of August 13th and there are still spaces. More details will be available shortly for a separate skills workshop aimed at U14/U16 players. This short workshop will be held during the same week once the Camp 4 Champs is over. Information will be on Facebook and our website later this week.