2013 Ballyglass Open Sports

2013 Ballyglass Sports

Review of Ballyglass Sports 2013

Large attendance. Biggest crowd since 1st year of Revival. Extra advertising, signs, 'gathering' publicity and good weather probably all helped. It is probably also true that the word is spreading from people who attended other years and were impressed by it.

Excellent participation. Many events had heats. First time we had so many heats. Many participants this year were from outside the immediate Ballyglass area. A good number of families with young kids came from outside the Ballyglass area. The relay races are turning into a big hit. Family relay had heats. Over 35s race also had heats. Good numbers in all the under 15 competitions- long race, high jump, long jump, penalties.

We also got through the events this year in better time than other years. We were a little stretched regarding staff after the tug-of-war as we tried to stage a number of events together. Need to ensure plenty of staff around that time next year.

Only 2 teams took part in Tug-of-War. Need to improve that. Perhaps have a 'B' or under-age competition also. Thanks to the Brennan's for the 'Gerry Brennan Trophy'. As well as keeping Gerry's memory alive, it is adding to the prestige of the event.

Also Special thanks to Walter Gibbons- the referee who every year, does a very professional job.

Extra activities for kids were a good addition this year. 'Shooting Board' was a great hit. These activities took some older kids away from Bouncing Castle. However Bouncing castle is still a worry regarding safety.

Congratulations to Sarah on winning the 'Brian Keane Memorial Trophy'. It was surely the highlight of the day.

Perhaps next year we'll look into holding sports two weeks earlier [ Mid -July]. As well as John being unable to attend on Reek Sunday, our date is also clashing with the 'Balla Family Day'. We may get a bigger crowd from Balla area if we avoided this clash.

Thanks to Bernard Prendergast's and Ray Prendergast's family for the sponsored cups. Thanks to Malone Machinery, Electric Skyline, Ballinrobe Plant Hire, Pat Warde, Ballyglass Heritage, Ballyglass F.C , Stephen Prendergast [Keelogues] and Claremorris Athletic club for use of their equipment.

Thanks to all our committee - Breege Jennings, Nora Conroy, Sheila Gilligan, Anthony Farragher, Pat Higgins, Joe Nestor, Peter Glynn, P.J Murphy, Sean Gilligan, Paddy Malone, Michael O'Gara, Sean Connor, Bernard Prendergast, John Boyle, Kevin Burke and Charlie O'Malley.

Also special thanks to our many extra helpers who included- Rita Nestor, Katie Mahon, Siobhán Higgins, Mandy Keane, Mary Glynn, Maureen O'Reilly, Alan Prendergast, Kevin Walshe, Damien Quinn, Enda Staunton, Paul Quinn, Tommy Keane, Christy Gaynard, Matt Durcan, Fergal Connolly, Kenny Staunton, Mike Malone, Anthony Morrin and Kevin McDonnell.

Overall, 'the Sports' is in a very healthy state , four years on from the Revival. The events are very popular. It should be possible for it to continue to grow in popularity over the next few years.

Fran Glynn

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Pre-Sports Announcement -

We are very Please to announce the schedule for the 2013 Ballyglass Sports.

The Sports will take place on Sunday July 28th starting at 1:30pm.

This year of The Gathering, there will be a "Ballyglass Gathering Party", after the sports, on the night of July 28th in The Old Ground, Ballyglass.

Ballyglass Sports Schedule

The 2013 Ballyglass Sports takes place this Sunday July 28.

As a special celebration as part of the Gathering, this year's sports will feature a tug of war exhibition by some members of the world champion Lakehill team who will have the World Cup on display. The exhibition will precede the annual tug of war competition which has been very keenly contested in recent years.

The full list of events is as follows

1.30pm - Sprints

U-5 Girls U-5 Boys

U-7 Girls U-7 Boys

U-9 Girls U-9 Boys

U-11 Girls U-11 Boys

U-14 Girls U-14Boys

Senior Ladies

Senior Men

Over 35 Ladies

Over 35 Men

Gathering races [for people living outside Mayo]

Grannies race

Novelty events - under 7 and under 11

High Jump - under 15

3.00p.m – Relays

Family relay

Senior relay

3.15pm- Long distance races

Under-15- 440 yards boys and girls[mixed]

Senior men-880 yards

Senior ladies-440 yards

3.30 pm Tug of War exhibition

4.00 pm Tug of War competition

4.30 pm Cycling

Under 15 and Senior

LongJump

Under 15 and Senior

4.45 pm

High Jump [Senior]

Penalty competition- [Under 15]

Weight throwing- [Senior ladies, Senior men]

Special Presentations

Ray Prendergast Cup – tug of war winning captain.

Gerry Brennan Cup- tug of war winning coach

Bridie Prendergast Cup- 14 girls sprint.

Aiden Prendergast Cup- 14 boys sprint.

Brian Keane Trophy- Best all-round athlete.

Also Bouncing Castle, Slides and other activities for children.