Ballymore Notes

Activity has commenced for this year"s competition and the hope is everyone will be litter conscious and make sure that the village and surrounding areas are kept tidy and free of rubbish.The planters have been moved out and it is hoped that they will be filled with flowers within the next week. In the meantime this week will see the planting of rees to replace those damaged and those that have died during the year.Congratulations to the National School for achieving the "Green Flag Award" which will be presented in Dublin later this year.A very special congratulations to Billy Martin whose tireless work with the Tidy Towns committee for Ballymore was reward recently with an environmental award presented at the Cathaoirleach Awards in Mullingar recently. Finally the AGM will take place on Wednesday 20th May venue to be confirmed.La Na gClubA sun drenched Sunday morning was what welcomed Ballymore GAA and Fr Dalton"s festivities as part of the GAA"s 125 year celebrations taking part countrywide.Following a parade from the National School by past and present members and the underage players for both clubs Fr Smith PP held a Mass to celebrate the mile stone for the GAA and to give thanks to the large number of people who have given of their time and financial support to improve the GAA in Ballymore and to also remember those deceased members of the clubs.Offertory gifts were presented by Ballymore GAA"s Ned Moran, representing the 1937 Junior Champions, Tom Cuffe, representing the 1960 Junior Champions, Eddie Geraghty, representing the 1972 Intermediate Champions, Declan Rooney, representing the 1984 Intermediate Champions, Ciaran McCormack, representing the 1998 Intermediate Champions and Denis Eivers representing the 2003 Intermediate Champions. Fr Dalton"s Brian McCabe representing the 1987 Junior Champions and Paddy Martin representing the 2008 Junior Champions.Following the Mass it was time for Ballymore"s Scor to take to the stage lead off by All Ireland Finalist Padraig Keena, with music supplied by An Baile Mor Comhaltas Group led by Johnny Cleary and the Scór figure dancers led by Majella Murphy plus an impromptu performance by Cindy O"Roarke and Martina Martin from the Ballymore Choir together this hugely talented group entertained the crowd and rounded off a lovely morning. Special thanks should go to both Chairmen John Cunningham and Donie Glynn and the team that helped them put together the festivities on the day.Midlands KidathlonCongratulations to Kevin Cuffe and Daniel Ennis for completing the Midlands Kidathlon on Sunday 10 May in Mullingar. Kevin competed in the 11 -12 yrs section. He had to swim 1200mtrs followed by a 1300mtrs run. Kevin came 3rd in his race. Daniel competed in the 9 yrs section and to swim 80 mtrs followed by a 80 mtr run. Daniel, after a mix up with runners after his swim, came 6th in his race. Well done to both boys.Ballymore National School and the National Children"s Choir.Anyone that attended the National Children"s Choir in Mullingar last Thursday and Friday night received a special treat.  Children from four schools, including Ballymore NS sang together and they were just brilliant.They sang a great variety of songs - with the children"s favourite, the cat song "meow" which was most enjoyable. During the interval children from Ballymore NS entertained us - Olivia Cuffe, recited "the Magic Cat", Jor-el McLoughlin, danced a hard jig, while Adah Cuffe - tin whistle, Orla O"Roarke - fiddle, and Jennifer Dooner - tin whistle, played some wonderful music.They were a sample of the great talent we have in Ballymore. We should all be very proud.Well done to all the children involved in the choir and well done to Ms Murray and Ms Keogh for all their hard work in preparing the children for this great occasion. Boher National SchoolThere is a board of Management meeting for the school at 8.30pm on Wednesday 13th May.Ballymore (South Westmeath Hospice)The Ballymore branch of the South Westmeath Hospice foundation annual mini marathon. Walk, run or cycle for this worthy cause on Sunday 31st May at 3pm. Sponsor cards can be collected from Breda Cuffe 087 2238180, Carole Cunningham 087 6268212 or at Cunningham"s Pub 044 9356634. Please support this cause monies collected go towards the new 4 bed hospice unit at Athlone Hospital.First CommunionCongratulations to all the First Communion Class from Boher and sincere thanks to the parents and teachers who prepared then for the big day.Ballymore Youth ClubKarate classes continue this Thursday at 7pm for the Junior members while the senior members are cooking again this week 7pm - 9pm.  Senior members should use kitchen door at the rear of the Community Centre.Ballymore GAAFootball this coming Thursday, 14th May, for Under 8"s who will take part in a "Blitz" in Milltown at 6.30pm. Normal Football training for all under age players on Friday 15th May in Milltown starting at 7pm.200 ClubThe next draw is on June 7th in 'Joe Martin"s' lounge.LottoBallymore GAA and Fr Dalton"s first lotto draw begins this week with tickets available from all club members and outlets around the parish. The first draw takes place on Wednesday 20th May in Cunningham"s.Fr Dalton"sHurling for all underage stars of the future in the park at 10.30 on Saturday 16th May.No training this week due to an underage match in the park at 7pm.Rest in PeaceOur sincerest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Michael O"Farrell who passed away recently may he rest in peace.