First up was the Big Boley Breakfast Which would not have been possible without the input of the females in the club – players and parents and family members – it was one of the busiest mornings ever.
Over 40 girls who play U14 and U12 Ladies Football played out a brilliant blitz in six teams which was eventually won by The Buttercups. Many thanks to Marie Cowan and the U12 and U14 Mentors for organizing and refereeing and to the Senior Ladies who coached/mentored the teams on the day.
Whilst the football was ongoing the Family Treasure Hunt for the very young children commenced with 25 families participating – the Shields Family were the winners of the ‘Fun House’ Voucher.
What can be said about ‘It’s a Knockout’ – such a fun-filled couple of hours with the teenagers and some quite a way past their teens. Eight teams of eight started and one team was eliminated after each event. The ‘games’ were fun-packed and very competitive. After the final game Tooter Murnin’s team was declared the winners, by which time Tooter had discarded his dress and undergarments.
The Parish Sevens Final (for retired players) was contested between the Reds and the Yellas with the Yellas emerging one point winners – Tooter had a great day and so did all those on his teams as he was the captain of the Yellas.
Six teams participated in the Tug o War which was very keenly contested and new name will be on the trophy this year – Lowry’s defeated Minnie Doyle’s in the Final. The Donkey Derby followed – there weren’t many donkeys but did they give us entertainment – riders unable to stay the pace, donkeys straying, etc.
The poor unsuspecting cow was then released for the ‘Cowpatition’ with hundreds of people standing around waiting for her to ‘do her business’. It took some time but she eventually performed and when the co-ordinates were worked out the lucky winner of the £1,000 was Francis Hanratty from Crossmaglen who had been sold the winning square by Connor Grant!
It would be impossible to thank the army of volunteers who were involved in the day’s events – perhaps the biggest one goes to the weather-maker! The new shop was busy as was the burger bar, the chip pan, ice cream sellers, bar staff and the craft stall holders. Everyone involved in the organising, stewarding, administration of the days events deserve a lot of credit; a special word is reserved for the young girls who helped collect litter at the end of the day.
