Lotto

There was no winner of last weeks Ballybay PearseBrothers Blotto.
Number drawn were as follows: 6, 13, 15 & 16

The following people won €20:
Mark McArdle O’Duffy Tec
Robin McDonnell, Ballybay 
Brian McCabe, Hall St, Ballybay 
Paddy Kerr, Corrybrennan
Tress Harte, 21 Ardnalorgan, Castleblayney
Pat Farrell, Tossy
Ailish McCarville, O’Duffy Tec
Margaret Donaghy, Dromone, Castleblayney.
Pauric Kerr, Ballybay 
Noeleen Connoor, Henry St, Castleblayney 

Next weeks jackpot is €5,200

Seniors: The senior season begins with a home game to Clontibret at 2pm. On Saturday evening Christopher McGuiness was appointed senior club captain for the year with Shane McQuillan appointed as his vice-captain. Everyone at the club wishes both men all the best of luck for the coming season. The reserves continued their winning ways in their first home game of the year with a 3 point victory over Aughnamullan last Wednesday. On a very heavy energy sapping pitch scores were at a minimal in what turned out to be a very low scoring game. Ballybay started the brighter of both teams but struggled to covert the possession into scores and had a number of bad wide’s in the opening period and indeed throughout the game. Danny Gorman’s ability to win his own ball was a great outlet for Ballybay, no more evident than the high fielding that resulted in him smashing the ball of the cross bar. His dead ball accuracy was also vital to the teams success. This was complimented by strong running and work rate throughout the team but in particular from Evan Rutledge, Fergal Smyth, Cillian McAviney, Brent Wylie, The Kerr cousins and Aaron Toner whos goal would prove the difference between the teams. In the second half when the going got tough it was Ballybay strong running from the back that pushed the team forward with Paul Stuart the breaking the game line on a number of occasions. Barry Macklin produced a great point from range near the death to leave three between them at the full time whistle. The team was: Brian McCabe, Conor Hand, James Garraghan, Paul Stuart, James Allister, Evan Rutledge, Fergal Smyth, Brent Wylie, Cillian McAviney, James Kerr, Pauric Kerr, Aaron Toner, Barry Macklin, Danny Gorman, Kelvin McEntee, Colin MaloPaul McCabe, Ryan Sherry, SimonDuffy & Niall Duffy. 

The senior panel treated all mothers to a special tea evening in the club rooms last night in a hope of showing all mothers, wives & girlfriends that their commitment to the club doesn’t go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. Without you the club wouldnt be in the strong position it is currently in. A special mention of thanks must go to Jane Hand, Emma McBride, Deirdre Duffy, Kerri Rutledge & Hanna McAviney for the time taken to make cakes, sandwiches, tea & coffee on the night & for making the event the success it was. Also to the senior players Thomas O’Neil, Paul McCabe & James Kerr for assisting the girls in organising & shopping for the event, the chemists in Ballybay for the gifts that came as an extra surprise on the night & to John Rutledge for his camera work.

Juveniles: The St Pats minor team also continued their winning habits this season with the narrowiest of victories over a strong Sean McDermotts team in Drumhowan on Saturday afternoon, full time score 3-11 to 3-10. The U14’s begin their season with a high scoring home victory against Eire Og on Saturday afternoon in Pearse Park, full time score 6-10 to 5-11. The U12’s kick start there season this weekend with a home game against St Patrick Sarsfield in Ballbay at 2pm, this is the only fixtures available at the time of print but please see official fixture lists for additional info. Thanks to Ballybay Tile Centre sponsored a lovely set of jerseys for the Ballybay under 8 & 10 teams. The new jerseys were displayed in the towns Patrick Day display as the juveniles paraded through the town. Your contribution is very much appreciated. 

Sympathy Ballybay Pearse Brothers would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family & friends of the late Mr Ernie Crane who recently passed away in the Dublin area. Ernie won a senior championship with the club in 1954 while he worked in the bank. May he rest in peace. 

Easter Cuil Camps will be running in Pearse Park over the Easter holidays, 7th – 9th April. The county development officers will be contacting the local schools with additional info in the very near future & it is something that club would encourage as many children take the opportunity to attend as possible.

Bingo: Bingo was postponed on Tuesday night due to St Patrick celebrations but will continue every Tuesday night in the club rooms as per normal.

Astro Turf at Pearse Park is available for booking 7 days a week. The pitch is ideal for groups taking part in pre-season training, outdoor soccer or any other activity associated with field sports. Please contact Brendan Macklin 087-6766283 for bookings.

Finally, should you wish to have any news/events included in the Ballybay Club notes please feel free to email the news to pro.ballybaypearsebrothers.monaghan@gaa.ie or call Niall on 0871131268.