I would like to thank the committee, our sponsors, club members and the people of Ballymore Eustace for all their hard work and generosity during 2010. This was our greatest year in the history of Ballymore GAA.

What a year it was; winning the Kildare County Intermediate Championship, which we had not won for 16 years and then going on to win the Leinster Club Intermediate Championship in our own GAA grounds, creating history for the club. The 16th of December 2010 is a day we will
never forget – a special thanks to Jarlath Gilroy and Tom O’Rourke for their dedication, hard work and honesty in training and coaching this great team, to Tadhg Grace and the lads for their dedication and hard work, they made the winter very short for us all. The recessionary times were put to the back of our minds during this great football season.

I would like to thank James Kavanagh and Linda for cutting their holiday short by flying home from Australia to take part in this great occasion. It was a fantastic boost for the team to see James in the dressing room that morning and to the supporters when he took to the field. It was great to have him home on this historical day for the club. I would also like to thank Colin and Leah Clarke for cutting their honeymoon short so Colin could play in the All-Ireland semi final. Unfortunately it was a bridge too far for the team but what a year they gave us all anyway.

We can’t forget about our junior team this year. It was a great year for these lads, just missing out in reaching the league final. They won 9 games, drew 2 and lost 2 – you would think that would be enough to get you through to the final. Unfortunately we just came up short. Our Junior team also got to the semi-final of the Championship where they came up against a very good St Kevin’s team, who eventually went on to win it. A special thanks to John Browne who looked after the team along with his selectors Ger Murphy, Barney Keogh and Brian Fisher.

I would like to thank our neighbouring clubs, Hollywood GAA and Valleymount GAA for the use of their grounds during the winter months. They played a big part in our preparation for success, and thank you again for all your support.

For 2011 we hope to increase our membership and have plenty of fundraising events. We will be looking forward to your help and support during the year. I have no doubt that it will be successful.

We are looking to purchase land adjacent to the grounds because we badly need more space with the growing demands of our many Juvenile, Ladies and Senior teams. We will need everyone to get involved in supporting fundraising events and sponsorship to fund this project.

We are now a Senior Club in Kildare. It’s going to be a challenge to maintain the senior status but I have no doubt that with the players we have, the Committee and the support of the people of Ballymore Eustace we will rise to the challenge.

Finally, I would like to wish all out Juvenile, Ladies, Senior and Junior teams the best of luck in the year to come. Lets hope we can bring home plenty of trophies again in 2011.

Johnny Murphy
Club Chairperson