AT THE BALLYSKENAGH G.A.A. club annual general meeting last week there was very little change in the personnel at the helm of the clubs administrative ranks, with the exception of the role of Chairman, into which Noel Russell was elected. He takes over from Peter Boyce.
1993 was a successful year for Ballyskenagh. They were contenders in many championships but in a season which promised to deliver many titles their only source of consolation was the U.12 hurling team which landed the "B" championship title by defeating Tullamore in the decider.
Tipped as favourites to take the Junior hurling title early in the year, Ballyskenagh faltered disasterously at the semi-final hurdle where they were overwhelmed by Drumcullen.
Made Headway
Over the past number of years the club has made considerable inroads at underage level and this almost bore fruition when Ballyskenagh contested the '93 U.21 hurling championship final. In the showdown they faced St. Brendan's who were back boned by the likes of Birr senior players Oisin O'Neill, Conor McGlone and Robbie Shiels.
Nevertheless, Ballyskenagh undaunted by the task they faced took the game to their illustrious opponents and with stirring performances from John Dooley, Donal Golden, Tomas O'Toole and Noel Murphy, they came very close to pulling off a major shock, it was Birr's edge in experience which stood to them at the finish.
Back Again
Without doubt, that particular Ballyskenagh U.21 hurling side will be back again, as more than two thirds of them are underage for the '94 competition.
At minor level Ballyskenagh were joined with neighbours Shinrone and they provided the bulk of the side which came very close to toppling the reigning Offaly minor hurling champions, Kilcormac/Killoughey in the final. This game went to a replay and but for some dreadful shooting Ballyskenagh/Shinrone could well have clinched this title.
Made Amends
The combined forces did make ammends for this agonising loss when they overcame Kilcormac/Kiiloughey in the final of the inaugral Offaly minor hurling 7's. Eugene Hannon, Bill Lalor, Cathal Murphy and Aidan Franks were to the fore in formulating this success. This competition was the brainchild of the Drumcullen G.A.A. club.
At U.16 level too Ballyskenagh were joined with Shinrone. Unfortunately they were defeated in the Shield semi-final at this grade by a very strong St. Rynagh's team.
Very Sweet
As already mentioned the U .12 success of Ballyskenagh was very sweet. They registered massive victories on their way to taking this title and back boned by players such as David Carney and Noel Hayes they were a class above the rest. Although Ballyskenagh might well be at the extreme south of the county they do a small bit to try and keep the game of football alive in the club. They play football at junior "C" level and this year they created history with Shinrone when they entered the M.F.C. for the very first time in the club's history.
Great Work
Outgoing chairman, Peter Boyce welcomed the reasonably good attendance and after his address he was complimented for his great work over the past number of years by the club secretary Frank Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy wished Mr. Boyce all the best for the future in his new appointment. Mary Dooley presented a comprehensive treasurers report for which she received great praise from those at the meeting.
The following club officers were elected for 1994:
President, Jack Dooley; Chairman Noel Russell; Vice-chairmen, Denis Mullally and Michael Ryan.
The following were selected as selectors:
Junior and U.21 Hurling: Jimmy Middleton, Din Mullally and Paddy McLoughlin.
Junior Football: Sam Touhy, Eugene Kirwan and John Dooley.
U.12 and U.14 Hurling: Jack Dooley, Paddy Joe McLoughlin and Joe Keeshan.
Captains
The following were elected as captains and vicecaptains for '94:
Junior Hurling: Captain John Dooley; Vice-captain Tomas O'Toole.
U-21 Hurling: Captain John Dooley; Vice-captain Liam O'Toole.
Junior Football: Captain Sam Touhy; Vice-captain Eugene Kirwan.
Membership for the year was set at £5 for adults and £2 for underage players. Before the meeting came to a close it was agreed that Ballyskenagh should hold their club Dinner Dance in Dooly's Hotel, Birr on March 25th.
A report on the Ballyskenach/Shinrone U16 and Minor teams was also adopted by the meeting.
Treasurer Mary Dooley presented a detailed report on the Clubs Finances.
The following Officers were elected for the coming year;
President - Jack Dooley
Chairman - Noel Russell
Vice Chairmen - Denis Mullally and Michael Ryan
Secretary - Frank Kennedy
Assistant Secretary: Aidan Franks
Treasurer - Mary Dooley
Registrar - Ger Mullally
Committee - Paddy McLoughlin, Peter Boyce, Michael O'Rourke, Colm Lalor, Eddie Franks, Tomas OToole and Thomas Douglas.
It was decided to enter the following teams for County Championships: Junior "A" Hurling, U21 Hurling, Junior "C' Football, U12, U14 Hurling. It was also decided to meet with Shinrone in relation to joining for U16 and Minor hurling as in the past few years.
The following selectors were appointed for the coming year:
Junior & U21 Hurling: Denis Mullally, Paddy McLoughlin, Jimmy Middleton
Junior 'C' Football, Sam Touhy, Eugene Kirwan, John Dooley
U12& U14Hurling: Jack Dooley, Joe Keeshan, P.J. McLoughlin.
Captains: Junior Hurling: John Dooley; Vice Do: Tomas OToole;
U21 Hurling: John Dooley;Vice-do: Liam OToole;
Junior Football: Sam Touhy; Vice do: Eugene Kirwan.
The local press were thanked for all their publicity and help. Membership for the coming year was set at £5 for adults; £2 for underage players. It was agreed to hold the clubs Annual Dinner Dance in Doolys Hotel, Birr, on Friday, March 25th.
Those involved in the U 12 championship win were congratulated.
Sympathies were extended to the families of those who died over the year.
Some other topics were discussed and the meeting then closed.
Best wishes to everybody for the coming year and may 1994 be a happy and successful year for everyone.