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The intrepid warriors, masked up and braved the elements and the Covid conditions to play our adopted sport.

We had thirteen to start and two brothers came later to try out the game.  We accommodated them after the first game completed on Piste 1 as they were late arriving but if our numbers recover to pre-Covid levels we may have to reconsider as we had 28 on the books.  The current restriction of 15 in an outdoor setting might be a concern going forward.

Almost everyone was wearing cloth masks or face guards to protect themselves and others.  The games were enjoyable and competitive.

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Thirteen arrived for play today including Colm and Maureen who hadn't played in a number of weeks on account of the Covid pandemic.  About half of us wore masks today, despite the discomfort, to reduce the possibility of transmission especially when we forget the social distancing regime.

We had good games and we're grateful for the group on piste 4 for including Yvonne who was unavoidably delayed despite having started their game.

Out thanks to Yvonne, who has supplied us with coffee and biscuits for the past few weeks after the games. 

Gerry not alone raked the pistes before we arrived at all but came to watch and walk about during the session.  Sheila also arrived to view proceedings.  She hopes top be back playing shortly.  We won't be playing 'competition' until September [ virus permitting! ] but the games today were very competitive nonetheless.

Maureen and Gerry back again.

Now there's a cluster....

The Raiders of the Marked Ark......

Mike....beyond the Pale.

Gerry practicing in Alden Park before lunch and on to St. Anne's after lunch.....

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Twelve today on a morning that started out damp but finished off breezy and sunny.  Judy and Brogan are back playing regularly, thankfully.  Masks / visors are not obligatory outdoors but some of our members are wearing them and the onus is on each of us to maintain social distance especially when gathering, leaving and collecting your boules after each end.  Moving them away with your feet to a free area before picking them up is workable.  Please don't take offence if another player ask you to move away a little if they're feeling uncomfortable.  Usual hygiene practices should be adhered to.

Gerry paid us a welcome visit while in recuperation....

Now there's a right cluster......

This is called rubbing it in!!....that blue peg never got a chance to move.....

Now that's proper Social Distancing....

The Evergreens.......

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Eleven made it to St. Anne's on Wednesday for the Boules.  We had some bunting up to mark yesterday's French National Holiday.  There is still the strange spectre of Covid-19 over proceedings but we all enjoyed our games and the noticeably larger numbers in the park on weekdays meant we had many spectators.  We won't be playing competition until September probably, providing there isn't another 'lockdown' caused by another 'Wave'.
It was great to have Brogan and Judy back playing again.

Brogan gave us a rendition of 'La Marseillaise' and Happy Birthday for the Alden Park crew.

Taking a break from watching oul' films on TV...!!!

Some of the interested spectators....

Some of the St. Anne's crew made it to Alden Park yesterday where we had a French-Themed day with a game of boules first, followed by whatever 'goodies' people brought for themselves and we closed off proceedings with four individual competitions testing Shooting and Pointing skills. The weather was kind to us and the forecast rain stayed away till we had finished at noon.  Below are a few photos from the morning of the 14th.  The first four photos are of the individual winners.

Honestly we were socially distant except for the photo of the group....

Gerry and Nigel winners of the team competition.

Gerry and Agnes getting into the spirit of things.


Hard not to notice the Wildflower Garden just inside the car park entrance to St. Anne's.

Eileen and Tom doing a bit of maintenance on the Pistes on the 12th July.....an alternative to Marching!

[ from - Enjoying St. Anne's Facebook Page]  

Some proposed additions to the Red Stables/Playground area of the park. 

When Tony and Mike met were the Park Supervisor and Dublin City Council Chief Engineer in 2019

these were mentioned, as was the redevelopment of the Boules Area......Hopefully they haven't forgotten us!

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Some photos from Lockdown....

No competition today but nine players arrived on a treacherous morning that proved playable, unlike some of the pistes!  A few have braved the conditions to play the last two Wednesdays.  We socially distance when playing and enjoyed the games.  We played all four pistes to make for easier social distancing. 

Our thanks to Yvonne for supplying coffee to avoid queuing at Olives.

At Mike's request!!!!

Back playing.

Add caption

Hats off to the boys....

At Maeve's request....

At Shay's request.....revenge is sweet...

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What a beautiful early May morning in St. Anne's Park.  The newly-painted, colourful installations and not a child in sight!  What an aberration.....

I overheard two small kids on small bikes in the park when the Dad asked the younger one to stay on the path and the slightly older one, looking all concerned advised....'because of Covid-19!'  Did we ever think we'd see the day?

From May 18th, at your own discretion, and no more than 4 people, it may be possible to go and practice on the pistes once social distancing, hygiene etiquette and travel restrictions are followed.  

The following photos are from our last day of play, Wed Mar 11th.