Report by Philomena Brennan
The Graigue-Ballycallan GAA Club and St. Brigid’s Camogie Club annual Family Fun Day took place on the 23rd August last. For several weeks coming up to the event, countless numbers of club volunteers worked tirelessly in preparation for what is now a well established and much anticipated local event. In the days prior to the 23rd, meteorologists, both local and national were predicting weather, which ranged from showers to tropical downpours!. However, as luck would have it, not a drop of rain fell on Tom Ryall Park for the duration of the day!
The day commenced at noon with the traditional parade of teams for the under-age blitz. Following the Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band, twelve teams, resplendent in their team colours traversed the main pitch and duly stood to attention for the playing of the National Anthem. Then the games commenced and the boys and girls gave the onlookers two hours of great entertainment.
The usual attractions were in full swing, slides, bouncy castles, bucking bronco and obstacle courses. The Wheel of Fortune, Bric a Brac Stall and Book Stall did a brisk trade with great prizes and bargains to be had.
The ladies on duty in the kitchen and on the burger stand did not have a minute to relax as they fed the multitudes.
Some new attractions this year proved to be a big hit with both young and old alike. The Disney Train travelled the length and breadth of the grounds for the day and was always full of eager passengers. The fastest shot on a sliothar competition had numerous entrants and was very competitive to the end. The local junior scor entrants performed several traditional tunes and some young entertainers sang.
Throughout the day, tickets were sold for the big raffle for two trailer loads of sticks.
The Bale-Rolling 2015 trophy went to the team from Ryan’s Pub who went under the title Ryan’s Rollers.
The timber auction commenced at 4.30 and selling was brisk with all eighty plus lots selling on the day with the assurance to the buyers that the timber would be delivered by nightfall. Like previous years this was achieved, thanks to the many volunteers who worked into the night.
Results of Timber Raffle:
Winner of the large trailer: Conor Everard
Winner of the small trailer: Colum Dillon.
Results of Fastest Sliothar Competition:
Adult Winner: Jimmy Smith
u-16 Winner: Aaron Brennan
The executive and committee of Graigue-Ballycallan GAA would like to express their gratitude to everyone who helped out in any way in making the 6th Annual Family Fun Day a great success. It is only through sheer hard work, determination and co-operation from all involved that this event has once again proven to be an out-standing success.
Click on the link for a selection of photos from the Family Fun Day: Family Fun Day 2015