270th Post. Pandemic easing.......

Despite the windy, wet conditions in the past while we are managing to play on both the Wednesdays and Thursdays.  The refurbished pistes are settling well and firming up nicely.  Our thanks to Yvonne who has taken on the Thursday Group organisation and keeps them abreast of changes etc. and brings along the playing gear to both the Wednesdays and Thursdays.  She also plays on Mondays in Alden Park. 

Recent Wednesdays photos; 9th Feb 2022

16th Feb 2022:

23rd Feb 2022:

Our thoughts are with players and former players who have health issues themselves, or within their families, preventing them playing.  Gerry Wolfe is due to return in early March and also Michael Daly.

The recent storms have raised issues with the overhanging trees.  We have advised the authorities in the park and they have advised that they will deal with them this coming week.

Some names from the Thursday Group.....

Bernie Grennell, Carole Cronan, Dave Evans, Dave Hughes, Elizabeth Weir, Kathleen Broaders, Maureen Byrne, Maureen Deane, Terry Stanley, Dave Sweney......

We will direct any new players towards this group and we will have a joint play day in the near future to meet and greet.

Eileen and Tom were asked recently to support a start-up group with an introductory lesson in Newbridge house, Donabate.  hence these photos.

269th Post.... A few Memories of our friend and fellow boules player Mike Deegan. R.I.P. Jan 2022

 

268th Post....Boules on the advance.....

Petanque Play is continuing at St. Anne's with activity on Wednesday, Thursday and now Saturday mornings.

Wednesday morning boules is well attended despite the holiday season.  Thanks Eileen for the photos.  One of the benefits of the blog is that it is a running record of activity at the pistes for over ten years and very valuable when consulting the Parks Officers in relation to enhancements.  A picture paints a thousand words so here's 8000 words without typers cramp!

Thursday morning boules is moving along steadily with a mix of new players coming to grips with the game and a few Wednesday players gently guiding them along.  Notice that some casual players found an elaborate method of scoring on tree trunks in the absence of Scoreboards or the Apps.

Baldoyle Piste Opening Ceremony:

During the week the lady mayor of Fingal Seana O Rodaigh opened the single piste at the new allotments extension in 'new' Baldoyle.  Some of our players from Alden and St. Anne's were in attendance to lend moral and practical support.

First effort at an inter-group outing this Sunday to start at 2pm, weather permitting.  The low key event will happen at Alden Park as Sundays are very busy in St. Anne's.  No prizes, no fanfare just a doubles event to start the 'Boule Rolling'. The BBC [Alden Group] consists of the top eight from our recent Competition:

Ciaran Walsh, Denis Breheny, Tom Buckley, Larry Breheny, Chris Grehan, Sean Jenkins, Vivienne O Mahony and Brian McDonnell to replace Shay Coyne [holidays].

I selected a group from St. Anne's of regulars and players from the top end of recent competitions.  Some were unable to play because of other commitments / injuries etc.  so our current team is:

Nigel O Mahony, John Campbell, Dave Hughes, Tony Watkins, Maureen Deane, Eileen Donnellan and Tom Donnellan and Mike Deegan.  If any are unavailable I'll try to get reserves.

It is hoped that St. Anne's will reciprocate possibly with other player from both venues perhaps on a day that suits both groups at a date convenient to all.  As parking can be an issue at weekends a weekday might suit best. I hope to be away from mid-September for a few weeks so others can arrange.

Saturday Morning boules Group: in St Anne's Park.  Play starts at 11 a.m..  All are welcome.  For further details contact Larry at 0872453097 . Good luck with this latest venture.  

Aerial View of Alden Park;

267th Post......Early July 2021

Wednesday Boules:

Wednesday Boules Group is working well.  The reduced numbers contribute to all players playing with 3 boules each.  Also, the players arriving, on spec, hoping to play are generally being accommodated but they're aware of the restrictions.  We are awaiting the upgrade though Piste 1 and 2 have settled a little after the temporary. [Thanks to Dave Hughes for the photos  from June 30th]

Twelve players played on Wednesday 7th July in dull but pleasant playing conditions.  With Olive's Room reopened for outdoor snacking we thank Yvonne for her provision of coffee and snacks over the long Covid period.

Thursday July 1st and 8th Boules:

Our few regulars are continuing to introduce the game to newer members.  The latest to start playing are Maura McGrath and Dave Evans.

For recognition purposes we took this photo to aid us in future identification: L to R

Dave Sweny, Dave Evans, Shay Coyne, Kathleen Broaders, Elisabeth Weir, Bernie Grennel,  Carole Cronan, Gerry Wolfe and Maura McGrath

Missing from the photo were  Tony Watkins, Mike Deegan, Dave Hughes, Yvonne Reid, Bridget Dowling, Maureen Byrne, Maureen Deane, Maureen Byrne and Tom Donnellan.