Ballinamore Sean O Heslin’s GAA Club Notes 14/07/2018

Paddy RIP – Tuesday the 7th of August will be remembered by the people of Ballinamore as the day we heard of the passing of an icon, legend and possibly one of Leitrim greatest., ever players, a sporting genius akin to the Best, Ronaldo, Messi, Rock, Connolly and Cooper of their day.

As the news started to seep through the town and hinterland of Ballinamore, even though tinged with sadness it was an opportunity which was grasped by those that knew or saw Paddy to regale those that didn’t of his exploits, we heard of the scores, the individual and team accolades bestowed on him over the years, the skill he had, the matches he won, the legend grew and was passed on to a new generation.

Children asked parents and grand parents who paddy was and why he was the greatest, in a time when YouTube can be searched for every snippet it was a joy in a way to step back from technology and think for a moment about what those favourite moments were and to be able pass them onto those unfortunate not have seen the great man in action, a legend was reborn for those that had never seen him play.

It was evident on the night of Paddy’s removal that his was the case, young and old gathered from the pitch to the church to guard Paddy as he was making his final journey. There were club colours in attendance all along the route and not just O’Heslins. Our current players all too young to have seen the great man play stood sombre and proud as they walked from the pitch in a touching tribute to the great man, guarding the great forward as he made his last run. The cortege stopped at high street at Paddy’s bar and a touching tribute as his number 11 jersey hung proud in his former residence. The cortege moved on with current players, family and friends carrying Paddy as he made his way to the church where large crowds gathered to pay their respects to one of Ballinamore’s Greatest.

One’s passing is never the end, and nor will it be for Paddy as I am sure he will now be lacing up his boots for a game with some of those great men that have gone before and cracker I am sure it will be.

To Paddy’s family, friend and all that knew him, our deepest sympathies, Paddy may have passed but maybe a legend has been born.

Connacht Gold Leitrim Senior Championship – A comprehensive win for the lads against Dromahair on Saturday in Carrick with lads putting up an impressive score of 4:12 to 0:8. The result leaves us top of the group on 5 points ahead of Mohill and Aughawillan

Smiths Monuments Intermediate Championship – A fantastic win for our second team lads on Sunday as they defeated Carrigallen by a score of 0:18to 1:12

U17 – Our under 17 lads continued their fine form on Monday evening defeating Allen Gaels by a score of 1:17 to 1:14, the win leaves the lads on 8 points behind St Marys

Stewards – The club needs stewards in the Park for championship games on Sat eve/Sun morn over the next few weeks. If you can help out in any way, please text Alan Banks on 086 8201001

Nursery and U9 – Due to the Festival the next training session will not be on till the 20th of August. – fear not we will be having some skills evenings Monday to Friday of the festival in St Felims from 1700 till 1900 and the festival blitz will be on the 18th at 16:00 with medals and refreshments etc. all welcome to these events

Club Lotto Monday 13.08.2018

Numbers Drawn 7 2 1 5 3 0 6 4

Ní raibh aon bhuaiteoir den Lotto ar Dé Luan seo caite. Duaiseanna do dhaoine a bhí i láthair ar an oíche:

House Draw €40: Tom Mc Caffrey

Kindly sponsored: Mike Martin

€40 each:. & Aiden Mc Govern, Lahard. Walter Sharpley, Aughayowla

Next week’s draw takes place in Jackie’s with a jackpot of €4950