Report from Family Fun Day 2019 – 11/8/2019

While the sun was absent from Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanagh on Sunday last, it was at least dry as the people flocked to the annual Family Fun Day. With proceedings starting at 12 noon, locals and visitors alike were treated to an event packed afternoon. The Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band led the teams of hurlers and camogie players around the manicured pitch and for the next two hours the aspiring stars played their hearts out in front of their proud parents and grandparents! Each team member was duly rewarded with a treat bag for their efforts.
The grounds were a hive of activity with the kitchen, barbeque and shop packed to capacity. Bargains galore were to be had at the Gear Shop. Winnie duly obliged at the ‘Where will Winnie Pooh’ site!! The raffle for the two trailers of timber was promoted enthusiastically by the two ticket sellers. Great praise must go to Club Chairman Dave O’Neill and GBC and Kilkenny great Eddie Brennan for their dedication to the cause as they were ‘willing’ Victims for the Water Dunk Attraction. VERY enthusiastic participants displayed excellent hand –eye coordination in their efforts to soak the unfortunate gentlemen.

The Monster Timber Auction commenced at 4pm and the large crowd eagerly bid on their chosen trailer with business brisk.  Proceedings finally came to a halt around 6pm, but activity did not halt until 9pm as timber had to be delivered and a club-ground had to be restored to its usual pristine condition. Family Fun Day 2019 was an outstanding success and in no small part due to the locals and visitors who came on the day and the following magnificent volunteers who we acknowledge and send our thanks to:

The Family Fun Day Organising Committee.
All those who donated trailers, donated, cut and delivered timber.
Godfrey Greene, Auctioneer and John Dunphy, Assistant.
Volunteers in the Kitchen, Barbeque, Shop and Gear Shop.
Timber Raffle and Winnie Ticket Sellers.
Gate Men, Ground Stewards and Parking Officials.
Under-Age Blitz Organisers.
The Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band.
Those who looked after the Radio and Social Media Campaigns.
All who donated Spot Prizes.
Winners 2019:
Large Trailer of Timber:     Sean Ronan
Small Trailer of Timber:     Nora Murphy
Winnie the Pooh:              Liam Ronan (Junior)

Report by Philomena Brennan