Bunbrosna GAA Newsletter 2024
As we come to the end of the calendar year, we take a look back on some of the highlights for the club in this newsletter. Throughout the year there were a number of high points from the opening of our newly lit walking track in honour of the late, great, Paddy McCormack to the official opening of the Astro Pitch and Playground in honour of another two great stalwarts, namely, Michael McCormack and Kathleen Moran.
On the pitch there were Championship wins at underage level for Inny Shamrocks and Clann Gaels. Our adult team lost out on a place in the Junior Final after an agonising loss to St. Joseph's while on the stage we had great success in Scór na nÓg with our Instrumental Musicians winning the Leinster title.
We hope you enjoy sitting back and reading some of the key events of 2024 for Bunbrosna GAA from our representatives on the pitch, on the stage and in the background keeping the club moving forward!
January
Let there be Light!!
We were delighted to report that our Walking Track was lit up and available for use from January 2024. This was a key part of the long term plans for the development of the club and is a wonderful facility to have. It is a significant development at the pitch and will be enjoyed by the local community for years to come. Thanks to Reynolds Electrcial for installing the lights around the track.
Ireland Lights Up Campaign
On foot of the Walking track been lit up we took part in the Ireland Lights Up Campaign. It encourages GAA clubs across the 32 counties to light up and bring communities together to walk and talk in a safe environment during the dark winter evenings.
On Wednesday 10th of January, we switched on our walking track lights and invited club members and members of the local community to get out and walk with us between 6.30 and 7.30pm. It was a brilliant success over the course of the 6 weeks that the campaign ran for.
February
Walk & Talk!
Following on from the success of the Ireland Lights Up Campaign, two great initiatives were set up in February. Walk and Talk Wednesdays were carried out throughtout February and March between 7:00 and 8:00pm every week for a chance to meet others, get the steps in and have a chat. At the end of the month the Couch to 5K in association with the Westmeath Partnership was set up and proved to be a huge success with the local community.
Messy Monkeys come to Bun!
There was a great day of art and fun when Messy Monkeys came to visit the the Bunbrosna Playground Play date on Friday 16th February. Thanks to Kalla for a great afternoon of fun.
First Aid Talk
Paddy Mulligan delivered an excellent First Aid talk in Bunbrosna Old Clubhouse on Sunday 25th February which was very well received by all those present.
League Football Resumes
We began our league campaign on Friday 23rd February when we took on Maryland under lights. The game was fixed for Athlone TUS Pitches and was a bitterly cold evening. The lads who were playing under Dermot Brady for the first time put in a fine effort for the first game of the year and were unlucky to come away with a narrow defeat.
March
U10 Girls in Cusack Park
The Bunbrosna U10 LGFA team had the brilliant opportunity to play in Cusack Park during the Ladies NFL match between Westmeath and Tipperary on Sunday 3rd March.
The girls played Castledaly in a fantastic exhibition game at half-time! Bunbrosna’s Jimmy Moran was also busy on Steward duty and kindly stopped by for a chat and a photo!
Bunbrosna team: Holly Keane, Cara Reynolds, Kate Horohoe, Aoife Casey, Emma Dunleavy, Lillie Maguire, Abbie Reynolds, Hazel Brennan and Elsie McCormack.
Thank you to the organisers from the Westmeath LGFA Board for making this opportunity possible!
Registration Day 2024
We held a very successful underage registration day on Saturday 9th March. There was a great turn out with lots of returning faces and a hugely encouraging amount of new faces for both GAA and LGFA.
All Ireland Cross Country Championships
Well done to Matthew Molloy who competed in the All Ireland Cross Country Championships in Tallaght in March. Matthew ran an incredible race in the Intermediate Boys 5000 metres and finished with a time of 17:44. He was first home for his school, St. Finian’s and helped them to finish 6th in the team category. A top 30 finish in the All Irelands is an incredible achievement and we are all very proud of Matthew.
All Ireland Winner
Roisin Lyons and her ATU team enjoyed All Ireland Success when they won the the Moynihan Cup after their victory over MIC Limerick. This is a fantastic achievement for Roisin and he team mates to win a national title at 3rd Level Colleges.
Paddy McCormack Shield
We welcomed Westmeath and Tipperary Minor Footballers to Bun the Bank Holiday Monday (18th March) to compete for the inaugural Paddy McCormack Shield and to officially open our Walking Track in honour of our great friend, the late Paddy McCormack. Thank you to everyone who braved the blustery showers to turn up for the event. Well done to both teams on a fine game with Westmeath winning out 4:11 to 1:12 in the end. ‘Paddy’s Way’ will help to sustain the legacy Paddy left on the club for future generations.
Easter Egg Hunt
Bunbrosna Play Date’s enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt around the pitch, finishing with some yummy treats left by the Easter Bunny in the playground for all to enjoy. Thanks to all the Mammies involved for organising a lovely morning.
April
Westmeath Camogie League Champions
There were great celebrations for Westmeath Camogie on their League win in Croke Park over Derry on Sunday 14th April. Well done to Barry O Mara and all the Clann Gaels LGFA players involved with the panel.
Safeguarding Course
18 Coaches participated in our Safeguarding Course in April. It was great to see so many people interested and we were delighted to accommodate coaches from neighbouring clubs! Thanks to Tom Conlan for facilitating.
Mullingar Park Run
Congratulations to all the people who took part in the 5KM Park Run on Saturday 13th April. This event was the culmination of 8 weeks of training every Monday on the Walking Track in association with Westmeath Sports Partnership. Sincere thanks to Sinead Tormey for all her work in organising this brilliant initiative.
Turas Coaching Pathway Workshop
We hosted a GAA TURAS Coaching Pathway Workshop on Tuesday 23rd April in Bunbrosna. This was a very informative evening with plenty for all of the attendees to take in and utilise going forward. A special mention to all of the new and beginner coaches who attended! Our thanks to Emmet Corrigan for the excellent and engaging presentation.
U8 & U10 Go Games Blitz
Our U8s and U10s played their first Go Games Blitz in Tubberclair Saturday 27th April. U8s played 3 competitive games and with some excellent skills and determination continue to improve with each year and every game. Despite smaller numbers our U10 played two excellent games. They showed great determination and some excellent skills. Special mention to some U8s who stepped in to make a full team and performed very well at a level above. Well done all!!
Westmeath Camogie
On Sunday 28th April the Westmeath Minor Camogie team won the All-Ireland B Shield Final against Meath. Well done to Áine McKenna,Grace Bracken,Holly McCormack, Eva Cawley, Grace Downes & John McCormack on the victory.
May
Jackpot Winner!!
Our Jackpot of €15,200 was won on Sunday 5th May with Lennart Thomsen having the winning numbers of 12, 13, 22 & 26. Lennart has been a long time supporter of our Club Lotto so it is fitting that such a loyal supporter won our biggest ever Jackpot. Congratulations from everyone at Bunbrosna GAA to Lennart.
Division 3 League vs Moate
We hosted Moate on Saturday 4th May in Division 3 of the league. With the pitch in excellent condition despite the recent weather and on a fine evening for a match, Bun recorded their first two points of the league with their best performance of the year to date. Team: Liam Mitchell, Joe Tormey, David Newman, Ronan Scally, Matthew Hope, Finian Newman, Noel Yourell, Brian Maguire, John Kiernan, Mark Donnelly, Aidan Finnan, Enda Newman, Simon Moorehead, Ken Conroy & Barry O Mara. Subs: Garvan Dolan for Donnelly, Kevin Mitchell for Hope, Fintan Finnan for Moorehead, Andy Whitney for Maguire, Cian Tighe for O Mara, Eoin McGowan, Gavin Lyons & John Casey.
Westmeath Masters
Well done to Aidan Finnan who lined out for the Westmeath Masters on Saturday 11th May against Cavan. In an entertaining game it was the Breffini men who prevailed by 3 points.
U8 & U10 Go Games Blitz
We were delighted to host fantastic U8 and U10 Boys Blitzes on Saturday 18th May in Bunbrosna! Our U8s and U10s played brilliant games against St Paul's, Milltownpass and The Downs over a very busy morning. Thanks to all the visiting teams and coaches for the excellent and exciting games - all players and coaches are to be commended on their fantastic attitude and sporting behaviour throughout.
A special thanks to U8 Coach David Newman and U10 Coach Tommy Murphy for their organising during the week, and to all our coaches on the day especially Daire Moynihan and Martin Maguire. Our thanks to all who helped prepare the pitch and facilities, provided refreshments, assisted with traffic and parking, and to all who helped out in any way - we are very grateful. A special thanks to Eddie, John, Mick and Anthony for help with parking and a special mention to John Tormey for lining out the pitch and to Orla Foy for cleaning the clubhouse.
LGFA BLitz
Bunbrosna LGFA were delighted to host fantastic U8 and U10 LGFA Blitzes on Saturday 25th May in Bunbrosna! Our U8s and U10s played brilliant games against Killucan Ladies Football Club, Ballynacargy Gaa, Castletown Finea Coole Whitehall and Multyfarnham Gaa over a very busy morning in Bun.
Both our U8 and U10 teams featured a number of players making debuts and we were delighted with how well they played alongside our more experienced players. All the girls did a brilliant job representing themselves and our club and a huge thank you and well done to each and every one - we are very proud of you! Most importantly, we hope you had fun!!
Sincere thanks to all the visiting teams, their coaches and supporters for exciting games and a very enjoyable atmosphere! All the players are to be complimented on their sporting attitude and excellent behaviour throughout each of the games. Our thanks to our Junior Whistlers for a great job officiating - well done and thanks to Holly, Eva, Béibhinn and Siobhán.
Our thanks to all who helped prepare the pitch and facilities, provided refreshments, assisted with traffic and parking, and to all who helped out in any way - we are very grateful.
A special thanks to Mary for organising teas and coffees and refreshments and to Eddie, Jimmy, Anthony, Michael, Seamus and Jimmy for help with parking and stewarding. A special mention to John Tormey for lining out the pitch and to Orla Foy and Mary Finnan for keeping the old and new clubhouses in great order.
Finally, a very special note of praise and huge thanks to Roisin Foy for her fantastic work, both in helping to organise the Blitzes and on coaching the underage girls generally. Thank you Róisín and well done!!
Cumann na mBunscoil Finals
The annual Cumann na mBunscoil Finals were ran over a week in May in Cusack Park. With some excellent games on display this is the culmination of a lot of hard work to make finals day in the home of Westmeath football. The club was very well represented throughout the week. Well done to Scoil Mhuire, Loughegar who took the Division 2 title when they defeated Rochfortbridge.
Hard luck to St. Cremins NS who lost out to The Downs NS in a pulsating battle between two very game teams. The lads fought brilliantly to the end but lost out to the strong Black and Amber side. Hard luck to St. Fintan’s, Lismacaffrey who lost out to Drumraney NS in a titanic battle. This was one of the games of the week with quality scores a prominent feature of a superb game of football.
June
Coaching Course
Clann Gaels organised a GAA Foundation Coaching Course which was ran in Bunbrosna on Saturday 1st June. 20 people participated and obtained their certification with representatives from Clann Gaels, Bunbrosna and Ballynacargy joined by a number of other clubs including St Lomans, Milltownpass and St Joseph’s. Thanks to Clodagh Flanagan of Westmeath LGFA for a very interesting and extremely useful course. A huge thanks to Orla Foy for arranging this course.
Women's Mini Marathon
Congratulations to all the ladies who participated in the Dublin Ladies Mini Marathon on Sunday 2nd June, in particular all those who travelled from the club. Special thanks to Sinead Tormey for organising the bus.
Westmeath Minor Footballers
The Westmeath Minor footballers who suffered a heart breaking defeat in the Tier 3 All Ireland Final on Saturday 8th June. Leading for most of the game, they were pipped at the end. This newly introduced tournament gave the team a great opportunity to build on their progress and hopefully will pay dividends as they progress on their Intercounty journey. Well done to Chris Cole who was a selector with this team for the year.
Inny Shamrocks U14 League Finalists
Hard luck to the Inny Shamrock U14 team who gave a great account of themselves in their league final against St. Michael's on Monday 10th June. Better days would be ahead for this special group of players!!
Division 3 League vs St. Joseph's
We hosted St. Joseph’s in the final round of the league on Tuesday 11th June. We needed a win in order to maintain our place in Division 3. On a fine evening of football the lads delivered both a performance and a result to claim the vital two points on offer. Team: Alan Maguire, Conor Newman, Dave Newman, Simon Moorehead, Matthew Hope, Andy Whitney, Noel Yourell, Brian Maguire, John Kiernan, Fintan Finnan, Aidan Finnan, Luke Kiernan, Ken Conroy, Barry O Mara & Enda Newman. Subs: Darragh Lyons for Fintan Finnan, Peter Tormey for Luke Kiernan, Shane McGovern for Matthew Hope, Conor Lyons for Brian Maguire, Eoin McGowan for Conor Newman, Gavin Lyons, Finian Newman, Kevin Mitchell, Liam Mitchell, Jonny Nolan & Tommy Murphy.
Bunbrosna GAA Summer Camp
We hosted our GAA Summer Camp again this year on 27th and 28th June and were delighted to welcome over 90 children to Bunbrosna over the two days! We hope that all those who took part enjoyed the Camp and a big thank you and well done to all participants on their efforts and in particular for being such a pleasure to work with throughout. Well done all! A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make the camp such a success through their hard work and efforts. From our Camp Coaches and Assistant Coaches, our supervisors, traffic wardens, all involved in the planning, administration and organisation - well done and a sincere thank you to you all. Without your time and hard work the Camp would not have been possible!!
JULY
Junior Championship Round 1
We travelled to Tyrrellspass on Friday 19th July to take on Moate in Round 1 of the 2024 Junior Championship. On a fine evening for football, both teams served up an entertaining encounter with Bun emerging three point winners at the end.
Refereeing Debut
One of our club referees, Eoin Cawley, took charge of his first adult championship match on Sunday 21st July between St. Lomans and Kinnegad in Lakepoint Park.
All Ireland Ticket Winners
Padraig Flynn and Noel Yourell were the winners of our All Ireland Final Tickets draw. Padraig got to take in the fiercely contested All Ireland Hurling Final between Clare and Cork while Noel was at the All Ireland Football Final between Armagh and Galway.
Junior Championship Round 2
We travelled to Springfield on Sunday 28th July to take on Ballycomoyle in Round 2 of the Championship. Played in warm conditions at the well appointed venue both teams were lucking to claim the vital two points on offer and it was Bun who prevailed in the end with Fintan Finnan kicking the insurance score for a two point win.
AUGUST
Junior Championship Round 3
We travelled to Multy on Friday 9th August to take on Castletown Finea Coole Whitehall in Round 3 of the Championship. On a fine evening for football both teams were focused on securing the points on offer. The strong second half showing from our opponents ultimately won them the game on a 3:10 to 0:12 score line.
Junior Championship Round 4
We travelled to Ballynacaragy on Saturday 24th August to take on St. Joseph’s in Round 4 of the Championship. As a result of been beaten in the previous round, this game was crucial if we were to secure a quarter final place. With only a point separating these sides on the table coming into the game, both sides knew a victory would leave them on top with a game left to play in the group stages. Bun played superbly well in this game and despite conceding a late goal they emerged one point winners in a titanic battle.
Playground Play Dates 1st Birthday
A great morning was had celebrating the Playground Play Dates 1st Birthday on Friday 23rd August. This group has gone from strength to strength over the last year and has proven to be an invaluable resource to the local community. Well done to all who have contributed to the development of this initiative and we look forward to its continued success.
U8 Go Games Blitz
We were delighted to host a fantastic U8 Blitz on Saturday 24th August in Bunbrosna!! Our U8s played brilliant games against Ballynacargy, Millmore Gaels and Caulry during a busy morning in Bun. Sincere thanks to all the visiting teams, their coaches and supporters for exciting games and a very enjoyable atmosphere! Our thanks to our Junior Whistlers for a great job officiating - well done and thanks to Cian G, Cian M, Daniel, Aiden and Oisín. Our thanks to all who helped prepare the pitch and facilities, provided refreshments, assisted with traffic and parking, and to all who helped out in any way - we are very grateful.
Matt Slevin Tournament
A massive well done to both our boys and girls U10 teams that took part in the annual Matt Slevin tournament in Ballynacargy on the same day as above. This was a great opportunity to play some really competitive games on a perfect morning for football. Many thanks to all of the players and parents who attended. A massive thanks and well done also to Ballynacaragy for the invite for both teams - the tournament was extremely well organised with a parade, national anthem, medals and ice creams for all!
SEPTEMBER
Westmeath Examiner Community and Sports Awards 2024.
We were delighted to have being shortlisted for Club of Year in the Westmeath Examiner Community and Sports Awards 2024. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate us. We also wish to congratulate all the other nominees in the various categories. The overall winners were announced on Thursday 5th September, in the Mullingar Park Hotel.
Junior Championship Round 5
We travelled to Springfield on Sunday 8th September to take on St. Paul’s in the final group game of Junior Championship. A victory would seal top spot for Bun, while a victory for St. Paul’s would see them safe from a relegation play off. In what was a thoroughly entertaining game, Bun came back from conceding an equalising goal in injury time to score a goal of their own with time almost up. Fintan Finnan applied the crucial finish at the end to ensure Bun topped the group.
Junior Championship Quarter Final
We made the short journey to Shandonagh on Sunday 15th September to take on The Downs in the Quarter Final of the Championship. As with several of the games that weekend across the county, the supporters got full value for their money from this game, as both teams served up an absorbing contest that was finally decided in extra time. In a game that had more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie novel, it was Bun who emerged victorious by two points when Mick Gordon sounded the whistle for the final time in the match. Bun were seven points down with 8 minutes to play in normal time before a late 1-1 salvo from John Kiernan and Kwnny Conroy brought the game to extra time. Bun kicked on to win by two points.
U8 & U10 Training finishes for Year
Bunbrosna GAA Saturday Underage Coaching sessions came a close for 2024 on 14th September. We were delighted with the enthusiasm and consistency of our Nursery, U8 and U10 players at training throughout the year and they certainly earned their ice creams on the final Saturday!
Our Nursery children were delighted to accept their Certificates of Achievement to mark the occasion and we are very proud of each of the outstanding groups! A huge well done to all of our boys and girls for all of their efforts in 2024 and we look forward to watching their development in the years to come! A special word of thanks to all our coaches, helpers and parents throughout the year, without whom the coaching sessions would not be possible. Thank you all!
Inny Shamrocks U14s reach Championship Final
Inny Shamrock U14s overcame Tyrellspass in a titanic battle in the Semi Final of the Championship on Wednesday 18th September. In a repeat of last year's U13 Semi Final, both teams showed huge progression in the last 12 months and played out a thrilling battle which was level at 5 goals and 10 points each as the game entered injury time. Our lads managed to kick two more points to get over the line and earn a place in final. Fair play to Tyrellspass who never gave up and battled right to the end. Well done players and coaches.
Junior Championship Semi Final
We made the short journey to Milltown on Sunday 29th September to take on St. Joseph’s in the well appointed pitch. Despite the strong wind the excellent facilities provided the backdrop for an intriguing Semi Final. In what was a tricky wind that Bun faced in the 1st half they performed well but the conceding of two goals in the space of a minute on the stroke of half time ultimately proved crucial. Despite a huge fightback in the second half when it looked like they were in course for another Houdini act, St. Joseph's scored a vital third goal to seal victory.
The lads produced some brilliant moments this year. They will be very disappointed not to make it to a County Final that their efforts merited. A key feature of the team this year was fighting to the bitter end and this never say die attitude was in evidence right throughout the Championship. The fightback from the brink in the Quarter Final and the second half comeback in this match showed the character of this team and while they didn’t get the victory in the Semi Final, they fought with everything they had.
Team: Liam Mitchell, Simon Moorehead, Joe Tormey, Ronan Scally, Matthew Hope, Noel Yourell, Shane McGovern, Aidan Finnan, John Kiernan, Mark Donnelly, Fintan Finnan, Luke Kiernan, Ken Conroy, Barry O Mara & David Newman. Subs: Darragh Lyons for Fintan Finnan, (HT), Peter Tormey for Mark Donnelly (38 Mins), Enda Newman for Luke Kiernan, Conor Newman, Gavin Lyons, Jonny Nolan, Tommy Murphy, Brian Maguire, Eoin McGowan, Finian Newman, Andy Whitney, Alan Maguire, Darragh McCormack & Cian Tighe.
Sports Capital Funding
We were absolutely delighted to announce that Bunbrosna GAA & LGFA had been allocated a grant of €109,555 from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as part of the 2024 Sports Capital Grant Allocation. This grant is a substantial contribution towards our continued facilities Development Plan which will see a range of further improvements to our grounds for our community to avail of.
We wish to acknowledge the fantastic work of our club executive, in particular, Colm McCormack and Aidan Finnan, for the huge amount of time and effort in the planning and submission of this successful application We are extremely grateful to and would like to acknowledge the valued support of both Robert Troy TD and Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, throughout the process.
Coffee Morning
Well done to Emily Bannon who organised a very successful Coffee Morning in aid of the North Westmeath Hospice on Friday 27th September. There was a large turn out on the morning and all enjoyed the delicious treats provided.
Inny Shamrocks U14 County Champions
On the 28th September Inny Shamrocks U14 team were crowned County Champions after a brilliant performance against Tubberclair in Ballymore.
Well done to all the players on their great commitment for the year as well as their coaches Eoin Clarke, Tommy Keena, Ger Heduvan and Gordon Coloe.
This is the first Championship win for the Inny Shamrocks amalgamation and is testament to the great work been carried out by both Ballynacargy GAA and Bunbrosna GAA.
Team: Aidan Murtagh, Jack Cahill, Adam Coloe, Daniel Horohoe, Oisin Clarke, Jack Keena, Liam Doyle, Patrick Wallace, Oisin Keena, Peadar Baird, Aidan Heduvan, Cian Martin, Jack Ledwith, Seamus Clarke & Zack Timouny. Subs: Aaron Nally, Alex Forde, Owen Nally, Ciarán Wallace, Donal Keena, William Connolly, Michael Reynolds, Harry Brennan, Cian Murphy & Sam Maher.
OCTOBER
Ball Wall Design
We added some colour to the Ball Wall during October. Thanks to Phil Atkinson for the great Art work. It has really enhanced the popular facility and we hope it will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Clann Gaels U16s County Champions
There were great scenes in Springfield in Sunday 13th October as the Clann Gaels U16 team have claimed the Championship title! Congratulations to the whole team and management on their incredible achievement, a culmination of their fantastic work all season. Hard luck to St.Pauls Delvin, who put in a great display of football also, which made for a truly exhilarating and entertaining final for all spectators present. A special mention to our Adult Team players Gavin Lyons and Matthew Hope who were part of the management team. Well done to them and all the coaches on a fantastic achievement.
Inny Shamrocks U12s Tournament
Inny Shamrocks U12s travelled to Milltownpass Gaa Club on Sunday 13th October to partake in an end of season U12 tournament. Despite the cool conditions there was a good turnout of players. Inny Shamrocks took on the hosts in the first game and after some brilliant play led by two points as the final minutes approached. Unfortunately for our boys after consistent pressure Miltownpass scored a goal to secure a one point win.
Our boys picked themselves up for the second game as we took on near neighbours Multyfarnham in the second game. A brilliant end to end game of football was played out between the neighbours and at full time Inny Shamrocks were winners by a single point. The third game saw hosts Miltownpass play Multyfarnham and again this was an end to end game. At full time Multyfarnham had won by a single point. With all three teams having won one game each by a single point they were tied on wins and score difference and a decision was made to award the trophy to all three teams. This was just reward to the three equally matched teams on the day. Well done to Inny Shamrocks players on two excellent games of football. Thanks to Milltownpass for organising the tournament and the invite to attend and for their hospitality.
Inny Shamrocks U16s qualify for County Final
Well done to Inny Shamrocks U16s in the Championship Semi-Final on Saturday 19th October when they recorded a fine win over neighbours Millmore Gaels. As expected with any local derby, this was a tough, competitive match where every ball was keenly contested and both teams were made to work hard for every score. Our lads took their goal chances at vital stages of the game which was the difference in the end. Credit to both teams on the very high standard of football in what was a very entertaining match for the large crowd in attendance.
Young Whistlers 2024
Our young whistlers were each presented with an Elverys voucher on Saturday 26th October as a reward for their hard work refereeing our Underage Blitzes throughout the summer. Well done to Oisin Clarke, Dan Horohoe, Zach Timoumi, Aidan Murtagh, Cian Martin and Cian Gilchrist. We really appreciate your hard work.
Official Opening of Astro Pitch and Playground Saturday 26th October
Thank you to everyone who came along to the Official Opening of our Astro Pitch and Playground in memory of Michael McCormack and Kathleen Moran on Saturday 26th October.
A special thank you to both families for making the occasion so special. Both Michael and Kathleen left a special legacy behind them in our Club. Their contribution to our Club continues to be visible and our new facilities help us to cater for all people in our community, participation both Michael and Kathleen worked tirelessly to promote.
A Legends Match took place to wrap up the event on the day. It was great to see so many familiar faces tog out for the game. While there was bound to be a few sore bodies, we hope you all enjoyed the match. Well done to you all for taking part.
Thank you to the hardworking committee involved in organising the event. Finally, thank you to everyone who contributed to the developments. We are very proud of the facilities we have to offer our members and supporters thanks to your generosity.
NOVEMBER
Well done to Bun Community Services who were successful in their Clàr Funding application to improve accessibility of the Old Clubhouse. Well done to all involved in putting the application together.
Inny Shamrocks U16 County Final
Hard luck to the Inny Shamrocks U16s who lost out in their County Final on Sunday 3rd November. Our lads have given 100% effort from start to finish and really deserved their place in the final. Despite a solid team effort they lost out to a stronger side on the day. We’re very proud of the progress and effort made by these great young men over the course of the season and we’d urge them to return with renewed vigor and determination for next season.
Thanks to our management team who gave up so much of their time to look after our U16 panel this season, Derek Wallace, Paul Keena, Ger Leslie and John Mulligan. Congratulations to Delvin/St. Pauls on a great performance and win.
Scór na nÓg County Final
Heartiest congratulations to our Instrumental Musicians who claimed the Scór na nÓg County Title on Sunday 10th Novemebr in The Downs GAA. Anna, Aoife & Béibhínn provided a flawless performance to leave the Judges in no doubt when it came to deciding the winners.
We also congratulate our Quiz Team of Cian, Aaron, Owen, Isabelle & Clodagh on their performance. Despite not coming away with the Title they performed very well on the day.
We also commend our Set Dancers of Anna, Aoife, Katie, Kate, Orla, Clodagh, Sarah, Isabelle, Lucy & Ciara on their terrific performance. Lady Luck was not on their side on this occasion.
Scór na nÓg Leinster Semi Final
Well done to the Instrumental Musicians who qualified for the Leinster Final on Saturday 16th November. Anna, Aoife & Béibhínn gave a masterclass performance when they took to the stage in Tullamore for the Leinster Semi Final. In what was a great evening for Westmeath Scór, all our County Champions qualified for the Leinster Final in two weeks time in Summerhill. Well done to all.
Westmeath Ladies GAA Awards 2024
Congratulations to Orla Foy who was nominated for the Westmeath Ladies Gaa Volunteer Hall of Fame Award which took place on Friday 22nd November in The Village Barn, Tyrrellspass. Orla is a tireless volunteer for Clann Gaels LGFA and indeed Bunbrosna GAA and this nomination is thoroughly deserved.
Congratulations also to Gavin Lyons and Matthew Hope who were nominated in the Coach of the Year Category. They were both part of the Management Team of the successful Clann Gaels U16 team that won the County Championship earlier in the year. Well done lads.
Scór na nÓg Leinster Champions
Heartiest congratulations to our Bunbrosna Scor Instrumental Musicians, Béibhínn Níc Gabhann, Aoife Dunleavy & Anna Dunleavy who were crowned Leinster Champions in Scór na nÓg on Saturday 30th November in Summerhill, Co. Meath. The girls put in a tremendous display to leave the judges in no doubt. They now advance to the All Ireland Final which will take place in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on the 25th January 2025. This will be the Clubs first time featuring in an All Ireland Scór na nÓg final in a few years which is a significant achievement.
DECEMBER
Bunbrosna GAA AGM
Bunbrosna AGM took place on Sunday 8th December in Tormey's Pub. The election of officers for Bunbrosna GAA 2024 are as follows:
Presidents - Jimmy Moran, Paddy McCormack, Hughie Tormey, Mary Leavy, Pauline Tormey, Tommy Tormey, Jimmy McCormack & Dolores McCormack.
Chairperson - Peter Maguire
Assistant Chairperson - Eoin Clarke
Secretary - Edel Kiernan
Assistant Secretary - David Newman
Treasurer - Ken Conroy
Assistant Treasurer - Colm McCormack
PRO - Mark Donnelly
Registrar - Chris Cole
Underage Coaching Co Ordinator - Conor Newman
Children’s Officer - Finian Newman
Designated Liasion Officer - Padraig Flynn
Referees: JP Reynolds, Eoin Cawley & Declan Forde
Underage Chairman - Eoin Clarke
Underage Secretary - Clare Moran
County Board Delegates - Jimmy Moran & JP Reynolds
LGFA Delegate - Orla Foy
Scór na nÓg Co Ordinator - Susan Reynolds
Playground Play Dates
We welcomed a special visitor on Friday 13th December who made a whistle stop tour to the Bunbrosna Play dates Group. Thanks Santy for dropping in! Sincere thanks to all involved in organising the morning. A lot of work was carried out in preparation to make it an occasion to remember for all the boys and girls.
The group will be taking a break now for the Christmas and will return at the end of January. It will run on the last Friday of the month from January onwards.
St. Stephen’s Day Fundraiser
There was a great turnout of players and supporters for our annual fundraiser. We were blown away by the support on the day and raised in excess of €1,800 for Pieta and Jason Mckeon.
Pieta provide a range of services nationally to people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge
Jason McKeon, a 21-year-old from Ballynacargy, who received the difficult diagnosis of leukemia and is now undergoing intensive treatment at St. James’ Hospital in Dublin. Despite the challenges, Jason continues to face this battle with remarkable bravery and positivity. Ballynacargy Gaa have launched a fundraising campaign to help support Jason and his family while he receives treatment. Thanks to everyone for their support.