Liam

Our 2000 heroes to be honoured at 2025 Mayo Intermediate Final

It is a huge honour for our club that the team of 2000, winners of the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship, will be introduced as the half-time jubilee team at this year’s Mayo IFC Final on Sunday, October 19 (throw-in, 2pm). Twenty-five years on, we recall with pride the feats of a special group of players, mentors and officers who brought the Sweeney Cup to Ballinrobe. We have won three intermediate titles (1979, 2000 and 2002) in our history and many of these players also featured in 2002. To mark the occasion, we’ve begun collecting newspaper cuttings and memories from the 2000 campaign (see below), with more to follow in the build-up to, and following, the October 19 event. This is a fitting tribute to a team that excelled in that final win over Ballaghaderreen.  On Saturday night, October 18, the group will meet for a social gathering in Ballinrobe. Time and venue to be finalised early in the week. 2000 final starting team and panel: Paul Tiernan; Colm Jennings, Paul Finnerty, Donal Costello; Ruairi Keane, Fergal Costello, Harry Murphy; Sean Grimes, Fergal O’Loughlin; Aidan Golden (RIP), Tony Walkin (captain), Adrian Flannery; Keith McTigue, Maurice Horan, Micheal Keane. Subs: Pat Malone, Pat Kennedy, Alan Flannery, Peter Walkin, Anthony O’Toole, Sean McCaughey, Colm Killeen, Kieran Sheridan, Liam Butler, Declan Costello, Jim Staunton, Tom Sweeney. Management: Peter Ford (Manager), Martin Walsh, Billy Burke, Sean Fahy, Dick Langan (Selectors) Club Officers 2000: Martin Murphy (Chairperson), Katherine Butler, now O’Loughlin (Secretary), Seamus Macken (Treasurer) A special word for the late Aidan Golden, who will be represented on the day. We miss him dearly. Best of luck to the team captain Tony Walkin who is taking part in the Ballinrobe RFC Quid Games in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Saturday night, October 18, and will therefore miss our social gathering.  If you’d like to donate to his fundraising campaign, you can do so here. It’s a pity the clash is taking place – we only learned about our jubilee appearance in early October. We wish the rugby club the very best with their event. Likewise, they have extended good wishes to everyone involved in our jubilee reunion. Browse through the various cuttings HERE. It is set to public access so if it’s not working for you might need to try on a different phone – or get an eight-year-old to figure it out for you:)  We will be adding to these in the build-up to October 18.      

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Club members takes on Croke Park abseil for Mayo Cancer Support

Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA acknowledges club members Michaela Tuffy, Conor O’Brien and Conor Keane who will represent our club in the Croke Park Abseil Challenge on October 10th, in aid of Mayo Cancer Support. Taking on a 150-foot descent from the roof of Croke Park requires real courage, and the trio have shown great heart in accepting an invitation to take on the challenge at the iconic venue. In the process, they will raise funds and awareness for a charity that provides crucial free services to individuals and families affected by cancer across Mayo. The two Conors are members of the club’s intermediate team who also contribute to club activities in a wide variety of ways. Michaela, a member of our junior ladies football team, has also shown great leadership in the club in recent years. If you’d like to lend a hand – by sharing their fundraising page or making a small donation – it would mean a great deal to them and to those who benefit from Mayo Cancer Support’s services. We commend Michaela and the two Conors for representing Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA with such spirit. To support or find out more, please visit the following pages: Michaela Tuffy Conor Keane Conor O’Brien    

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From 1958 to 2025: family football story continues with double win

Sixty-seven years ago, Ballinrobe brothers Willie and Tony Jennings lined out side-by-side in a famous county final win. On Friday last, their grandchildren were the winning captains in separate Mayo schools finals at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. Will Gavin, grandson of Willie, captained St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe, to their first-ever Cumann na mBunscol Division 1A boys football title in a thrilling win over The Quay NS, Ballina. Earlier, in the girls final, Aoife Connor, granddaughter of Tony, led Breaffy NS, Castlebar, to a narrow victory over Ballinrobe, securing their school’s fourth consecutive title. Back in 1958, goalkeeper Willie and defender Tony played pivotal roles in Ballinrobe’s Mayo Junior Football Championship triumph. The family link between the two young captains captured the imagination of many in the crowd at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. Will and Aoife are second cousins – their mothers, Edel (Gavin) and Anne (Connor), are first cousins – making the day a proud one for both branches of the Jennings family. A further link was that Will’s younger brother, Shane, played a starring defensive role in the St Joseph’s win. The boys’ victory was a landmark for Ballinrobe NS, while the girls fell just short against a Breaffy side expertly led by Connor. The 1958 black-and-white team photo, still proudly displayed in many homes around Ballinrobe, now has new resonance, as a new generation carries the flame, in colour. Photos (click to enlarge) show: Will Gavin accepting the Boys’ Division 1A cup on behalf of St Joseph’s, Ballinrobe; Aoife Connor accepting the Girls’ Division 1A cup on behalf of Breaffy NS; Their respective grandfathers Willie (front row, second from left) and Tony (middle row, third from left) with their colleagues on the Ballinrobe team that won the 1958 Mayo JFC; Brothers Shane (left) and Will Gavin after their triumph.   

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The late Michael Joyce, Rathredmond

Michael Joyce, Rathredmond, Ballinrobe, who has passed away in his 64th year, was a former player with Ballinrobe GAA Club and a lifelong supporter of the club’s activities. Michael grew up playing football and hurling with Ballinrobe and represented the club at all levels up to senior. He won a South Mayo Junior B Football title in 1988 before injury cut his career short. A tenacious defender, Michael went about his duties with the quiet efficiency that mirrored his personality. Over the years, he travelled all over Ireland to watch Ballinrobe and Mayo teams and was also a regular attendee at big matches not involving the teams he followed. He was a keen golfer, racquetball player and handballer, representing Ballinrobe in all three sports. A former employee of Telecom Eireann, he also represented the organisation in golf competitions. Known for his gentle wit and friendly disposition, Michael was closely associated with our sponsors Ballinrobe Races, where he was a regular feature on race day. He acted as a reliable ambassador for the racecourse when dealing with owners, trainers, punters, and others who frequented the racecourse. Nephews of Michael have all played for Ballinrobe GAA Club down through the years, including several members of our current intermediate men’s squad. Michael’s brother PJ figured in club teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA Club extends its extends sympathy to Michael’s wife Maura, brother PJ, sisters Mary, Angela Quinn, Geraldine Conneely, Hilary Flannery, sister-in-law Breda Keane, Assumpta Quinn, brothers-in-law Michael Keane. TJ Quinn, Alan Flannery, Liam Quinn and Tony Conneely, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends May he rest in peace Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Funeral details are available here: https://rip.ie/death-notice/michael-joyce-mayo-ballinrobe-587397   John Sweeney, Chairperson, Ballinrobe GAA Club.

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The late Joe (HF) Curtin, RIP

Joe Curtin, a native of Ballinrobe, who passed away recently in Dublin, played a pivotal role in reviving Ballinrobe GAA Club in 1946. He was just a teenager when he took on a leadership role at a time when the club had not fielded a team for several years. Joe attended the formation meeting in Power’s Hotel, Bridge Street, Ballinrobe, where he was appointed club secretary. This was very much a player-driven initiative – most attendees, including Joe, were students at Ballinrobe CBS, united by a shared love for Gaelic football. Their dedication paid off, with the club winning the South Mayo Minor Championship in that very first year. Joe served as secretary for the first three years of the club, laying a strong foundation for its future.

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Éilis Maloney, RIP

It is with deep sadness that we learned over the weekend of the sudden passing of a prominent and much-loved member of Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA Club, Éilis Maloney. Éilis represented the club with distinction as a player, first at underage level for many years and, over the last three years, as a leading adult player. Éilis started her football career with Ballinrobe and moved on to play for The Neale when ladies football in Ballinrobe went into abeyance for a number of years. In our neighbouring club, too, she was a valued and valuable member, as she was in Coláiste Muire in Tourmakeady, where she played her schools football.

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The late Seamus Langan, RIP

  Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA Club 14 December 2024 Seamus Langan, who passed away this week in Ennis, Co. Clare, was a distinguished footballer for Ballinrobe GAA Club and Ballinrobe CBS in the 1950s. He was a member of the club team that won the 1958 Mayo Junior Football Championship title. That year, he played in goal in the South Mayo final win over Kilmaine and in the county semi-final triumph over Achill. The county final versus Charlestown proved to be quite the saga – the first meeting was abandoned due to the sudden death of a Charlestown player’s father on the sideline; the second clash was a draw; and Ballinrobe finally won the third meeting in the month of December. Seamus played in the first two finals, but injury ruled him out of the decisive third game. That injury was to later put an end to his days as a footballer, but he retained a strong interest in the fortunes of our club and Mayo teams.

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Work set to commence on Clann Róba development as pledges pass €600,000 mark

Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA have announced significant progress in their ongoing Clann Róba fundraising campaign, with €621,964 pledged to date. These funds will support the development of much-needed facilities at Flanagan Park, marking a major step forward for the club and the local community. The Clann Róba Development Committee has expressed its appreciation to all who have contributed so far, noting the broad support from individuals and businesses locally and abroad. “We are grateful for the strong backing we have received. The funds raised will be carefully managed to deliver long-lasting facilities for Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA,” said club chairperson John Sweeney. Supporters who have pledged but not yet completed their payments are encouraged to do so as the campaign works towards its final goal. The committee also highlighted that the fundraising effort remains ongoing, with continued contributions critical to ensuring the successful delivery of the planned projects. The full payment process is available on https://www.ballinrobegaaclub.com/clann-roba-development/. The first phase of development is set to begin shortly. Work on a new gym to support player athletic development is scheduled to start by the end of October, with the construction of a 45m x 35m enclosed astroturf facility beginning in early 2025. These additions will enhance the training capacity of the club and provide improved facilities for athletes. In recognition of significant sponsorship support, the club’s main pitch has been renamed the Tim Kelly Group Pitch, Flanagan Park. Other facilities will also carry the names of local businesses, The Cummins Pitch, Flanagan Park; and Treacy’s Pharmacy Astro Pitch, Flanagan Park. The Credit Union in Ballinrobe are also delighted to come on board as the title sponsors of the new gym. Additionally, the club has successfully secured €166,106 in funding from the Sports Capital Programme, which will support the development of a second pitch at Flanagan Park. This grant is part of an effort to maximise available public funding to supplement the fundraising campaign. “We are looking forward to proceeding with the pitch development on finalisation of our grant award in the very near future,” said John. The committee emphasised the importance of ongoing support to ensure the project reaches its full potential. “While we are pleased with the progress made so far, continued engagement from the community is essential as we move forward with this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the club and our community,” added John. For further details on the campaign or to make a contribution, please contact the Clann Róba Development Committee or visit club’s website, www.BallinrobeGAAClub.com. Clann Róba Development Committee John Flannelly, Martin Murphy (joint chairpersons), Annette Conway, Gerry Donnelly, Sarah Gibbons, Denise Horan, Liam Horan, Des May, Paul McElarney, Elaine O’Brien, John Sweeney, Kevin Tuffy.

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The late Fr Tommy Leyden, RIP

  Ballinrobe GAA club regrets to announce the death in Nairobi, Kenya, of Fr Tommy Leyden, who was a distinguished wearer of the Ballinrobe and Mayo jerseys in the 1950s. Fr Tommy came through the Ballinrobe CBS football nursery and was a member of the team which won the school’s first Flanagan Cup title in 1951. He figured on the Mayo minor football panel in 1952 and lined out with Ballinrobe throughout the 1950s, including as a member of the squad which won the 1958 divisional and county junior titles. A year later, he played for Ballinrobe in the Mayo senior league final defeat to Ballina Stephenites. Club historian Michael Coyne, who also played in that 1959 final, recalled that the team and supporters travelled by special train to Ballina to take on the famed locals. Just a few short months later, on 31 December 1959, the Ballinrobe to Claremorris railway line closed. “Fr Tommy was a lovely fellow,” said Michael, “and a very good forward, a sweet footballer. He was a late vocation to the priesthood, having earlier worked as a civil engineer. He was compassionate and caring.” A member of the Divine Word Missionaries who had their west of Ireland base in Donamon, Co. Roscommon, Fr Tommy’s first ministry was in Flores, Indonesia. There he served the poor in districts with no electricity, running water or other basic facilities. He later moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he spent the remainder of his life helping disadvantaged people living in challenging conditions. Geraldine May, Ballinrobe, explained that Fr Tommy was a first cousin of her late husband, Des, who also played with Ballinrobe. “They were best friends. He was Best Man at our wedding. He was a deeply spiritual man, a mystic almost. He believed in giving people time, regardless of what religion they were – he was all about helping others,” said Geraldine. “He lived a simple life. He never got into emailing or texting. He never wore a watch. His mother Nell was dead three weeks before word even reached him. But he wrote an average of 500 letters per year, in beautiful handwriting that he retained right up to his final years even though he suffered badly with arthritis. He kept in touch with so many people. “He had a wonderful sense of humour too.” The Leyden family lived on Abbey Street, Ballinrobe. Fr Tommy’s father John Joe was a secondary school teacher in Ballinrobe CBS. His mother was Nell, and he had one sister, Maura (O’Connell), who passed away many years ago. He is survived by his nephew Tom and nieces Sharon and Helena.   He quietly slipped away last weekend and will be laid to rest in Nairobi. John Sweeney, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club

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Martin Flannery Memorial Cup 2023

The Martin Flannery Memorial Cup got underway this week, with the Ballinrobe Under 10 Boys playing in a winter Pella tournament under lights, on the Astro Turf pitch, in the Green. The tournament sees 40 U0 boys playing in a league format and there was nothing between the four teams who played this week, all trying to emulate the winning team from last year (see team members above with members of the Flannery family). This is the third year of the Martin Flannery Memorial Cup, an event which remembers Martin, a lifetime volunteer and coach at all levels for Ballinrobe GAA, a recipient of the Ballinrobe GAA Hall of Fame award, and a former winner of the Club Person of the Year accolade. Indeed, the Flannery family are still heavily involved in Ballinrobe GAA and Martin would be very proud to see his grandson Daniel playing in this tournament, alongside his peers. Throw in for Round 2 of the tournament is next Wednesday 11th of October at 6.15pm. Please come along and support the boys while also remembering a great man who gave so much to help develop our club over the years.

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