Seniors: The seniors opened their campaign with an impressive victory over county champions than Clontibret on Sunday afternoon last in Ballybay Pearse Park. In truth both teams fielded weakened teams with 9 of the Ballybay starting 15 having recently representing the reserves in the last number of weeks, an encouraging stat for the new management team. In a cagey, low scoring opening quarter both teams where coming to terms with the first game of the season. It was in these early exchanges where Ballybay’s hard work and tackling qualities against the wind, particularly from the forward division, laid the foundation for victory. This alongside impressive from Drew, Evan, Ryan & Mark in defence while Paul & Tommy gained the upper hand in the middle. However it wasn’t until the second half that there was daylight between the teams. Some wonderful play from the ever willing Tommy Kerr & Danny Gorman combined by Paul’s long ball delivery was causing the issues for the Clontibret defence. A major turning point in the game came mid-way through the half when Cillian McAviney found the net after a wonderful interception at the back by Drew who fed Tommy Kerr who produced a defence splitting pass to Cillian who slipped the ball under the oncoming keeper. Ballybay second major came after some wonderful team work, where they broke out of defence at speed with many players involved resulting in Ciaran been taken down in the large square, with Paul dispatching the resulting penalty to the back of the net. To their credit Clontibret battled hard for the remainder but Ballbay had enough done to secure the first points of the season. Final score 2-10 to 0-9. Team: Brian McCabe, Evan Rutledge, Drew Wylie, James Allister, Mark McArdle, Ryan Wylie, Fergal Smyth, Thomas O’Neil, Paul Finley, Shane McQuillan, Brent Wylie, Cillian McAviney, Thomas Kerr, Danny Gorman, Barry Macklin, Ciaran Galligan, Paul Stuart, James Garraghan & Paul McCabe.

Fixtures: The U14’s take on Donaghmoyne this Saturday in Ballybay Pearse Park @ 2pm, the reserves take on Monaghan Harps this Sunday in Ballybay Pearse Park @ 2pm and on Tuesday the St Pats Minors travel to Magheracloone for a 6.30pm throw in.

Best of luck to Eoin McKearney, Adam Counihan, Cian Hand, Cormac Duffy, Patrick O’Neil & Colm Lennon who were recently selected for this year county minor panel. Having six club members on the panel is great achievement at this level and we wish them all the very best for the year.

Go Games: As part of the U8 & U10 GoGames for this year the club needs to have at least two referees for the blitz’s that are monthly in various clubs throughout the county. Formal training will be received from the county board & a small fee will be made to each ref for their partition at each blitz’s. All partitions must be over 14 years of age.

Easter Cuil Camps will be running in Pearse Park over the Easter holidays, 7th – 9th April. The county development officers have been in contact with the local schools & it is something that club would encourage as many children take the opportunity to attend as possible. If your child would like to take part it is essential that they are preregistered for the week. Additional info can be received from the posters positioned around various businesses in the town, juvenile team mentors, county development offices or from Niall Duffy.

Sympathy Ballybay Pearse Brothers would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family & friends of the late Mrs Karen Collins Cork, sister of club representative Jason McAndrewsand to Paddy Carragher, father of Imedla Smyth, who where both buried recently. May theyrest in peace.

At this stage of the season most people should’ve have been at least contacted about membership for the Ballybay Pearse Brothers Club. If you haven’t and would like to join an established senior club please make yourself known to any committee member who will be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.

Bingo: Bingo will continue every Tuesday night in the club rooms as per normal. If there’s any member of the public, particularly elderly ladies & gentlemen, who would like to attend the night but struggle for transportation there is a free bus run within the local area to bring people to & from the club rooms. If you like to avail of this service please contact any committee member.

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.