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| TOON LINKS CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS' SUCCESSES ( 14 February 2010 ) |
| The news that Dalriada school had progressed in the Schools' Cup with a wonderful winning display away to Campbell College underlines the excellent work being carried out in our community with the support of our club. Recent years have seen our links with five local schools strengthened through assistance with coaching, training facilities, social and fund raising events. Indeed, our work at mini maxi level has seen a constant stream of well developed talent flowing into our post primary institutions enabling schools like Ballymoney High, Coleraine Inst and Dalriada to move more swiftly and effectively into development of the fifteen man game. Evidence of progress abounds: Most recently, the good work being done at Ballymoney High by Kenny Dunlop and Dave Watson has seen tremendous progress there in secondary schools' blitzes, leagues and cups as well as the all Ulster medallion competition. As a result, Ballymoney Youth teams are benefiting hugley. At medallion level there has been good joint coaching at Dalriada recently with success achieved in the Ulster Medallion Bowl. Last Saturday's success by the Dalriada first fiteen, however, is another step up and with Toon men Benjy van der Byl, Jamsie Clelland and Connell Devlin directing operations there, we are proud to celebrate their achievements. The next two weeks, however, bring more opportunities for further progress as our own under 17 youth team sets out to play their Ulster Under 17 league semi final at home to Monaghan. All of our youth teams embark on their cup competitions this Saturday. This is no mean achievement as other local clubs such as Larne, Limavady and Coleraine have been unable to recruit and field teams in all of these sections. So it is time for all of us at Kilraughts to celebrate progress and achievement by all of our shared players but we must also realise that if this good work is to continue, Craig Whyte, Toss Skelton and all of our youth coaches will need your help, support and encouragement. Good luck to all in their competitions during the next few weeks. |
| 13th FEBRUARY FIXTURES: All Youth Teams at Home in Cup ( 13 February 2010 ) |
| SATURDAY 13th THIS WEEK'S MATCHES The 1st XV play Clogher Valley Away in the League The Seconds away to Belfast Harlequins League. The Thirds are away to Instonians 4s in the leagueto The Fourths have no fixture at this stage. The Fifths to be confirmed Under 17s + Under 15 + Under 13 at home to Dungannon in the Youth Cup 11.15 am News of rearranged fixtures will be posted as soon as possible. Keep checking for updates. CAPTAINS and PLAYERS Please contact garrytoon@virgin.net with news of dates for rearranged fixtures and to provide match reports for your other club members. |
| PRE MATCH DINNERS...SUPERB HOME DRAW IN TOWN'S CUP ( 13 February 2010 ) |
| SUPER SATURDAY??? In what is really excellent news for our club, we have earned a home draw in the quarter finals of the Town's Cup. The match with Rainey Old Boys will be staged on Saturday 20th February. Why don't you come for the Ulster U17 league semi final at 11.oo am , have lunch and then see the Town's Cup quarter final. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW AT THE PRE MATCH LUNCH: ALL WELCOME, COMMENCING 1.00 PM Still to come but not yet arranged: Junior Cup Quarter Final at home to Limavady: keep checking Dromore, League |
| CLUB VALENTINE'S DINNER DANCE ( 12 February 2010 ) |
| Make a date in your diary for the club's Valentine's dance which will be held on Saturday 13th February. Details and tickets from Gill at the club 028 2766 2991 |
| NORTH WEST 200 CAMPSITE: YOUR HELP NEEDED ( 12 February 2010 ) |
| As all members will know, financial times are very lean indeed. At its February meeting, the Club Executive discussed planned spending on all aspects of club life and it has become obvious that some fundraising needs to be done so that some of our taken for granted luxuries can be afforded next season. The club plans to run a North West 200 Campsite in May. A sub committee wil be set up with Johnny Hannah and Garry McIlwaine reporting back to the Executive. What we need now, in this time of uncertainty, is your help. We would like offers of help at this PLANNING STAGE. We would like to hear from any club member who could help with our planning. If your strengths are in this area, we promise that you will not be forced to work through the whole scheme if that is what you wish. Later we will be seeking help from club members who are willing to assist with ORGANISATION and then another set of more ahnds on helpers for the RUNNING of our campsite. This is, potentially, a very interesting financial project and, if run well in the first year, could create a model for future members to follow with a lot less inconvenience. Please step forward now and offer your help at this PLANNING stage. Email garrytoon@virgin.net to indicate your interest. |
| YOUTH TEAMS STILL RECRUITING ( 07 February 2010 ) |
| Although the season is progressing well, Craig Whyte, Ballymoney's Youth Convenor, is putting out a general invitation to any young players wishing to have a go at rugby at Under 13 or Under 15 levels. Many of the existing players are new to rugby and the indicators are that they have settled in well and are developing their skills and knowledge in a safe and supportive environment. Both age groups are in the enviable position of having two dedicated coaches, all with good rubgy experience. Players are drawn from a wide backgound with Ballymoney High, Ballycastle High, Dunclug and Loreto College represented. "Our doors are very much open," said Craig, "we have room for more players at Under 13 and Under 15 in particular. We do not expect new players to come pre packed with all the rugby knowledge but are prepared to take new players, and introduce them gradually into our rugby family. We have, this year, been particularly impressed with how young players' soccer and gaelic skills have transferred into our context and believe that new players have as much to offer us as we have for them." Any new player can contact us through garrytoon@virgin .net or through their teachers in school who have received our contact details. Any emails to garrytoon@virgin.net will be forwarded immediatley to Craig. |
| OFFICIAL: EXECUTIVE AGREES TO HARNESS EXCESS WIND AT KILRAUGHTS ( 07 February 2010 ) |
| At the club's February Executive meeting, club stalwart Alan Rancher Campbell outlined preliminary plans for converting the plentiful supplies of Kilraughts wind into energy and funds for our club. Rumours that Johnny Hannah was in some way connected to these plans were confirmed as he was spotted on the club grounds last month when wind conditions were being monitored. Although the "higher than normal" wind readings were good news, they came as no real surprise to close followers of the club. With Johnny knowing watt is watt and a dynamic Rancher sparking up good working relationships with funders, the lads hope that in turn, with two new fans, their contributions will generate plenty of positive energy at the Toon. In a first for the executive, Barney Kelly had nothing negative to say whilst Trevor Fleming hopes, in the next week or two, to be able to shed more light on the matter. |
| WOW... WHAT A FUND RAISER ( 06 February 2010 ) |
| The Ulster Society of Rugby Referees is holding a charity collection on Saturday 20th February. With several dedicated charities set to benefit, all teams will be asked for a £1 per man contribution before all matches on this date. All players should be prepared to part with £1 on the 20th. |
| WELL DONE GIRLS!! ( 05 February 2010 ) |
| Our ladies exited their cup competition last Sunday after their defeat at home to Enniskillen. They did themselves proud and have made a steady start to their rugby careers. This young squad has lots to give and their coaching team will get it out of them. There will be other friendly fixtures to round off their excellent season. keep checking for details. Reminder Our ladies are on "Facebook" with player details, photos etc. Log into Facebook and search for Ballymoney RFC-Womens Team. |
| PRE MATCH LUNCHES: AN OPEN INVITATION ( 05 February 2010 ) |
| Club President, Alan Campbell has issued an open invitation to rugby enthusiasts who would like to attend any of Ballymoney's home game pre match lunches. These simple affairs begin at 12.45 pm on all 1st XV home match days. After diners have had their match drink, they are offered a two course lunch with tea or cofee. A complimentary glass of wine is included in the £10 per person costing. President Campbell commented, "Although these lunches are not fund raisers, they add greatly to the sense of occasion for all attending. Qualifying One rugby is the envy of all clubs in Ireland: the friendly atmosphere at lunch always continues on the touchlines. I am at pains to point out that our lunches are open to all in our rugby circles so if you are staying in the area, visting friends or looking for a friendly day out with a free quality rugby match thrown in, ballymoney Rugby Club will welcome you warmly." He commented on recent lunches: "We have noticed an increase in ladies' attendances and personally I am delighted that female friends, relations and supporters are coming to Ballymoney." So that numbers etc. can be properly catered for, you can book your place if you contact the club by the Thursday night of any 1st XV home game through: TELEPHONE: 028 276 62991 EMAIL: garrytoon@virgin.net Come on in, we'll give you a warm welcome. Dates of all home 1st XV fixtures are on the Fixtures Area of this website. NEXT HOME FIXTURE: Limavady, Junior Cup Quarter Final to be arranged (Keep Checking) January 23rd Dromore League 30th Possible Town's Cup February 20th Possible Town's Cup |
| Under 17s In Ulster Semi Final! ( 05 February 2010 ) |
| As a result of freak conditions, a freak 3-3 scoreline and a freak Ulster Branch ruling, our under 17s have progressed to the semi finals of the Ulster U17 league play-offs. Dave Watson was thrilled with his team's steel and application and knows that all of this and more will be needed when they play Monaghan at Kilraughts on Saturday 20th February for a place in an Ulster final. Still living the dream! |
| FIRST FIFTEEN: REARRANGED FIXTURE LIST ( 05 February 2010 ) |
| If we get approval to play these fixtures this will complete our Qualifying 1 league programme for the 2009/2010 season. 30TH JANUARY - TOWNS CUP 2ND ROUND 6TH FEBRUARY - COOKE V BALLYMONEY 13TH FEBRUARY - CLOGHER VALLEY V BALLYMONEY 20TH FEBRUARY - TOWNS CUP 3RD ROUND 27TH FEBRUARY - CITY OF DERRY V BALLYMONEY 6TH MARCH - BALLYMONEY V COLERAINE 13TH MARCH - ARMAGH V BALLYMONEY 20TH MARCH - BALLYMONEY V DROMORE the first XV reports section will be updated |
| UNDER 19s: NEW YEAR'S FIXTURE LIST ( 16 January 2010 ) |
| The latest round of fixtures for the Under 19s is set out below: 2nd Jan- Randalstown, Home League. 9th Jan- Larne, Away League. 16th Jan- Ballyclare, Home League. 30th Jan- Ophir, Away League. 6th Feb- Coleraine, Home League. 13th Feb- Carrick, Away league.(possibly 12:30 k/o) 20th Feb- Omagh, Home League. 27th Feb- Donegal, Away League. 6th Mar- Letterkenny, Home League. 13th Mar- Ballymena, Away League. 20th Mar- Rainey, Away league. |
| IRFU: ZERO TOLLERANCE FOR ABUSE OF OFFICIALS (REMINDER) ( 16 January 2010 ) |
| At its March meeting the club's Executive learned of an initiative by the IRFU to stamp out abuse on and around all rugby grounds. In a letter to all clubs in Ireland reference was made to the increase in abusive situations, particularly against match officials. Club stalwart John Patton commented, "It's a welcome return to old values and we at Ballymoney should do all we can to assist the IRFU in its work." The IRFU letter warned of sanctions, including bans and heavy fines to be levied against members and their clubs when instances of abuse of officials were clearly proven. |
| PHOTOGRAPHIC TIPS FOR CAPTAINS ( 20 November 2009 ) |
| The club gallery is now being kept more up to date. Some users in the countryside are, however, finding some of the larger photos hard to download. It would be really helpful if captains, photographers etc. would try the following: 1. resize photos to about 600 X 480 pixels 2. save them in jpeg format There is a wonderful and free little programme that can do this for you. Google, "PIXresizer" It is a small, safe and really easily used tool which can resixe all your photos for easy web use individually or in bulk. using this simple wee programme will speed up everyone's enjoyment of our web site. Good Luck, and thanks from all of us out in the sticks with very slow web connections |
| HUGE FERGUSON & LOGUE SPONSORSHIP DEAL UNVEILED ( 17 October 2009 ) |
| (Home Page content which would not load) Last Saturday four sets of new shirts were presented to the club's Youth Section by local Solicitors Gerguson and Logue. This very significant sponsorship deal is a major boost to our club's development and signals yet another step to a more co-ordinated and professional set up. |
| CHILD PROTECTION INFORMATION AND CHECKING ( 09 October 2009 ) |
| Call for ALL Involved with Children to register now!!! At its next meeting, on Monday 5th October, the Executive Committee will discuss a Child Protection action plan which will include proposals regarding unchecked adults who work with children. PLEASE REGISTER FOR ACCESSNI NOW! The Ulster Branch has adopted new procedures for safeguarding our Youth, Mini and Maxi members. These procedures must be outlined to all club members who have any access at all to members under the age of 18. Registration is essential for any member at Ballymoney RFC who: 1. Wishes to be a member of the club's Executive Committee, 2. Wishes to be a member of any other club Committee with Youth involvement, 3. Wishes to work with any club member under 18yrs of age, This applies to all areas of club activity including committees, coaching, refereeing, catering, bar staff, care taking etc. etc. Please plan to attend. Add this date to your diary. More details will be available in early September. Some additional "Child Welfare Policy" info is now available on the IRFU website. Some Ulster Branch info (forms etc.) can also be emailed to you: Send your request to garrytoon@virgin.net with AccessNI as the subject |