New Year’s Day events in Bal’ prove a great success
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Sylvia and Tony Cleary supported the New Year’s Day fundraiser in The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy.Image 2 of 11
Adam Keville in action at the charity darts event in The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy.Image 3 of 11
Thomas Murtagh and Joe Crotty after their darts match.Image 4 of 11
David Maher and Owen Finnerty.Image 5 of 11
Edward Nally and Frank Mescall supported the charity event on New Year’s Day.Image 6 of 11
Lorraine Keville, Holly Wallace and Assumpta Wallace Galvin at The Wagon Wheel.Image 7 of 11
Eoin Nally with Shane Doran who organised the darts fundraiser.Image 8 of 11
Joe Moran, Damien Connolly and Jake O’Meara at the darts tournament.Image 9 of 11
Michael Nally and Seamus Gannon in The Wagon Wheel. .Image 10 of 11
Tommy Maguire and Jamie Maher at the fundraiser.Image 11 of 11
Tadgh Conroy and Simon Nally supporting the New Year’s Day charity event.The strength of the GAA community across Westmeath was very much in evidence at Moynihan Park, Ballynacargy on New Year’s Day as people came together in support of a young footballer who’s currently receiving treatment for Leukemia.
Jason McKeon, who has played at all levels with Ballynacargy, is undergoing treatment in St James’ Hospital Dublin and his local club was keen to show their support. A charity match, over 30s vs under 30s, was arranged and it proved a great success, with an impressive sum of €2,439 raised. The Ballynacargy GAA Club is extremely grateful to everyone who lent their support and they were overwhelmed with the generosity shown on the day. “It is not only a great financial support to Jason, but more importantly a demonstration that he has the full support, prayers and thoughts of an entire community,” the club wrote as people were acknowledged for their kindness.
“We’re absolutely blown away by the fantastic show of support for the fundraiser match at Moynihan Park. Huge crowds turned out to watch a thrilling game of football between the young lads (under 30s) and older lads (over 30s). We’re not sure what the final score was, but in a post match interview, Tommy Keena claimed a victory for the old lads!”
There were tributes to all players who took part and to match referee Shane Maher for such an outstanding effort.
“On behalf of Jason and the McKeon family, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported the event,” the club added.
Ballynacargy Chairman Aidan Lyons and his fellow committee thanked the numerous players who travelled from other clubs around the county to show their support: Shandonagh, Milltown, Kilbeggan Shamrocks, St Loman’s Mullingar, Moate All Whites, Ballymore and The Downs GAA Club were all represented.
They also acknowledged everyone who turned out to support the event by cheering on the teams, buying something at An Siopa, or making a donation. The ladies committee who worked in An Siopa selling teas and hot drinks played an important part.
The club is very grateful to Enda Sheridan and Kathy’s Kitchen for their outstanding generosity in donating a huge array of buns and cakes for sale in An Siopa where business was brisk.
They also wish to acknowledge the great work of Timmy Mescall who was the main organiser for the New Year’s Day event.
Later in the evening, people gathered in The Wagon Wheel pub, Ballynacargy where the annual New Year’s Day darts match took place, followed by music and a raffle. A great evening was enjoyed by all in attendance and significantly a further €1,354 was raised to boost Jason’s fund. The darts competition brought in €600, while the raffle raised €745.
The club is extremely grateful to Gerry and Phil Keon of The Wagon Wheel who made a very generous donation of €200.
Prizes for the raffle were donated by the following: The Wagon Wheel, Alan Boyce, John Feerick, Billy Murtagh, Derek Maguire and Brian Sheridan.
Overall, it was a tremendous success and the Ballynacargy GAA club is extremely grateful to everyone who made it so.
A big fundraising concert will take place in Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar on January 25 in support of this fund, with entertainment from Luke Price music. Tickets for the concert are very reasonably priced at €10 each and can be purchased from the following committee members: Ger Connolly 086-8121215; Paul Cahill 086-6097271; Aisling Penrose 086-8776147; Jason Wallace 087-9052729; Johnny Penrose 087-9501495; Aidan Lyons 087-9516648.