Rugby Club Back For Season

A determined Joe takes on the Buccaneers in the first away match for the U16s. Photo Credit: Jason O'Leary

The rugby club is well and truly back in action for the 20/21 season. Each team including players, coaches and parents underwent a detailed induction presentation to make them aware of their obligations with regard to Covid-19 prevention & control. They were also made aware of the trojan work being done behind the scenes at the club, spearheaded by the Covid Committee.

The return to play protocols are being diligently implemented at the club including clear Covid signage, social distancing, strict hand sanitising procedures, sanitisation of all equipment used, player health declarations, contact tracing measures and more. Every protocol is done in line with HSE, NEPHET and IRFU advice.

The annual Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial golf classic was held in the golf club in early  September 4. Normally held in June but delayed, like everything else, by restrictions in place over the summer. This vital fundraiser helps support the club during the off season and pay for the preparations for the season ahead. With close to 60 teams taking part and generous support from already hard-pressed local businesses, it proved to be one of the best years in the events history.

The following are the prize winners :

• 1st) Tommy Finnerty, Nigel Moore, Alan Grehan and Mike Malone, with a great score of 101pts.
• 2nd) Tony Dolphin, Clare Dolphin, Pat Harney & Mike Duane - 94 pts (back 9)
• 3rd) Mike Glynn, Derek Meliá, Julian Leonard, & Frank Donoghue - 93 pts (back 9)
• 4th) Aiden Grenham, Shane Grenham, Stephen Grenham & Eoghan Costello - 93 pts
• 5th) John Hurley Jnr, Barry O'Keefe, Mike Dowd, & Gerry Fahy - 93 pts.
• 6th) Andy Fenton, Enda Fenton, Mike McKeigue, & Paddy Cormican - 93 pts
• 7th) Hugh Killeen, Sean Colleran, Paddy Colleran, & Shane Cummins - 93 pts.
• Ladies Prize; Myra Duane, Anne Jordan, Teresa Hogan & Angela Pender
• Longest Drive: Brendan Naughton.
• NTP (Nearest to Pin): Tommy Cusack.
• Longest Drive: Martina Goode.

The 50/50 Half the Pot fundraiser still continues. One jackpot, one winner guaranteed every month. To join the draw please contact any of the coaches or committee.

Recently, the club saw the launch of a new website, www.ballinasloerfc.ie. Commissioned by the club and developed by local web design company Kick Start Web Design, under the guidance of committee members Matt Carey & Pearse Keller. It will be an integral part of their membership and registration system which has changed from a manual, paper-based format to an electronic system in conjunction with Rugby connect, IRFU & Connacht Rugby.

Ann Heneghan has been announced as the new Connacht Rugby President. Ann has held many roles in Connacht Rugby down through the years which she fulfilled admirably as she will in her new role. Her election saw history being made which saw her become the first woman to hold a Presidential role in any of the provinces. Ann is the sister of Mary Carey, Creagh & sister in law to Matt Carey, former club President and current finance guru. To keep up to date with the rugby club, check out their Facebook page or email ballinasloerfcmedia@gmail.com.