BEREAVEMENTS

The sympathy of the community is extended to the nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbours of the late Miss Kathleen Doran, Mt. Daniel who passed away, in her 96th year and was buried after Requiem Mass, in The Ballagh, last Thursday. The late Kathleen and her family were great supporters of the local G.A.A. and, for many years, providers of a pitch and training ground for Oulart-the Ballagh G.A.A. and in recent years, accommodated The Ballagh Soccer club. Sympathy is also extended to the wife and family of the late Mylie Doran, Mt. Daniel who was buried in The Ballagh on Tuesday, 24th January Ar dheis De go raibh a nanamacha dilse.

G.A.A. CLUB A.G.M.

The A.G.M. of Oulart-the Ballagh G.A.A. was attended by upwards of one hundred members, last Friday night in Oulart Community Centre.

All who were involved in the outstanding successes of 2011 were praised and thanked for their efforts. Outgoing Chairman, Butch O'connor and his fellow officers were returned unopposed, with Alan Brennan appointed the new Assistant Secretary. Bartle Sinnott is the new Recruitment Officer and Emma Murphy joins the committee that was returned enbloc. Former Limerick defender, Pat Herbert was appointed Senior Hurling Manager, with Brendan O'connor and Sean Crowley as selectors. Alan O'connor is the new Intermediate manager and Philip Rossiter was returned as Junior hurling manager. Rory Jacob was reappointed as manager of the under 21 hurlers.

UNDERAGE G.A.A.

The A.G.M. of Oulart-the Ballagh Coiste na nog will be held in the Upper Complex on Friday 3rd February, beginning at 7.30pm. Adult members and former members along with parents/guardians as well as anyone who is interested in becoming involved in the running of the under-age section of the local G.A.A. are welcome to attend.

CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL BUS

Oulart-the Ballagh senior camogie team will play Loughgiel, Co. Antrim in the All-ireland semi-final, in Casement Park, Belfast on Sunday 5th February at 2pm. People who would like to travel on the supporters bus are asked to contact Margaret Sutton no later than 8pm on Friday 27th January. (087-2543686, after 6pm).

TIDY TOWNS

A meeting to re-activate the Oulart Tidy Towns Committee, will be held on Wednesday, 1st February, in the Legion of Mary Hall, beginning at 8pm. The former very active committee ceased to function some time ago and it is hoped that a new committee will be formed from among the attendance at the meeting. Anyone with an interest in promoting the aims of the Tidy Towns movement is urged to attend and become involved.

BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

Well done to Adam Nolan, The Ballagh on qualifying for the final of the Elite National Championship Final that will be held in The National Stadium on Friday 3rd February. Last week, welter-weight Adam, (69 kg) representing Bray Boxing Club, defeated Willie Mcloughlin on a score of 17-12 to qualify to meet former Olympian John Joe Joyce in the final. It is expected that many supporters from Oulart-the Ballagh along with boxing followers from Co. Wexford will be cheering Adam to victory. Best of luck Adam!

ACTIVE RETIRED

Oulart & District Active Retirement Group resumed their weekly bowls in early January and continue every Tuesday, 2pm-4pm. The numbers participating have increased considerably with everyone enjoying the games, cup of tea and the chat and the opportunity to engage socially with other retired people in the locality.

Preliminary arrangements have been made for the February outing to Bennetsbridge Pottery and Folk Museum, a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross followed by a meal in the Brandon House Hotel.

The March Outing will include a trip to Wicklow, taking in Glendalough and the Kilquade Gardens while in April the Active Retired will travel to Borris, Inistiogue and Woodstock. Contact Mary O'grady (0539136160), Anne Holton (9137078) or Hugh Coleman (9136156) for further details or for booking any of the tours.

ADVANCE NOTICE

The Active Retired Group intends holding a Coffee Morning, in Marty's, in March. Proceeds will go to the Alzheimers Unit in St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy.

Watch this space for exact details of date and time etc.

SENIOR SCOR

The Co. Wexford final of Scor Sinsear, the G.A.A. talent competition for adults, will take place in Oulart Community Centre on Friday 24th February. Clubs from all areas will compete in Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Recitation, Instrumental Music, Novelty Act, Set Dancing, Figure Dancing and Question Time. The winners will qualify to represent Wexford in the Leinster semi-finals.

Adults from the locality who would be interested in competing in any of the competitions should contact Scor Secretary, Breda Jacob (086-16869780) for further details. People are encouraged to attend the Scor competition to see for themselves the amazing talents that exist within G.A.A. and camogie clubs.

OULART HANDBALL CLUB

The Final of the Junior Handball Tournament that had been delayed due to G.A.A. commitments took place on 24th January. The contesting pairs were Anthony Roche and Adrian Breslin versus Peter Sutton and Danny Phillips. Playing with great determination and skill the teams were tied after the first two games (9-21, 21-13). After a riveting tie-breaker that was witnessed by a large and appreciative group of supporters, Roche and Breslin emerged winners on an 11-9 scoreline. Congratulations to the victors and commiserations to the heroic vanquished pair.

Seven teams in all entered the tournament which was run in an exemplary manner by the players themselves and all the games were played in a sporting and professional manner. There is no doubt that there is a bright handball future in store for all the participants. The Handball Club extends good wishes for a speedy return to good health to Handball President Nicky O'toole.

FIGHTING BLINDNESS

An organisation called "Fighting Blindness" that works to seek a cure for serious eye ailments will hold a Church Gate Collection on the weekend of 28th/29thjanuary. Anyone willing to help with the collection is asked to contact Brenda (087-9256769) or Catherine (0877943492). The organisers are appealing to members of the local community to respond with their usual generosity.