Race Sponsor Required

With the countdown already well under way to the 3^rd edition of the Ballintotis ‘4’ Mile Road Race, interest is rapidly growing in the event. Last year’s race attracted over 550 runners and was recently voted the best ‘4’ Mile Race in the county in 2011.

The local organising committee are already putting plans in motion for this year’s event on Thursday April 19^th, but are presently urgently seeking a main sponsor specifically to cover the cost of the souvenir t shirts. The race is of course taking place in association with East Cork AC and with the help of Ballycoton Running Promotions. If your company can assist with sponsorship please contact either Seanie Murphy or John Cashman.

This year’s race will be further boosted by the addition of the new Community Centre which will be a hive of activity and will serve as race HQ. However, weather permitting it is still hoped to retain the unique atmosphere which characterised the event in it’s first two years. In this regard, it is hoped to serve refreshments and present race prizes by the Lakeside in the Church Car Park.

Fund Raiser At Curraheen Park

Many thanks to all who helped and supported last Saturday’s ‘Buster Race’ in aid of the Community Centre Building Fund. There were plenty of local faces in the large gathering at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium on a night when the Guinness Trophy topped the bill. Ballintotis folk were very much focussed on the ‘Buster Race’ and here the order of the finishers was eagerly watched by those in attendance. In the end the result dictated that the winner of the 1,000 first prize on the buster ticket was Ger Fitzgerald.

Crystal Swing

Prior to last Saturday’s greyhound benefit event, the other big recent fund raiser was theCrystal Swing Concert at The Two Mile Inn. Joint P.R.O of Ballintotis Community Council recently paid tribute to Crystal Swing and support act David Quirke for their outstanding performances on the night.

"Ballintotis Area Community Council hosted a fabulous night of entertainment at the Two Mile Inn on Sat. 4/2/12.

New to the area, support act, David Quirke, wowed the large crowd with his eclectic repertoire and had to yield to demands for "more" at the end of his performance to satisfy his newly converted fans, who by now, were dancing to his music - some feat for just one man and his guitar.

By the time he left the stage, the crowd was well warmed up and eagerly awaiting the rest of the night's entertainment.

With the venue especially rigged out with sound and lighting systems fit for the Cork Opera House, anticipation for the main act was palpable in the sell-out crowd. The end of chairman, Donal Kelleher's introduction was drowned out with thunderous applause as Mary, Derek and Dervla of Crystal Swing arrived on stage and launched into a high energy show that instantly had everyone in the room dancing and singing for the night as the trio sang hit after hit. Such was the demand for dancing floor space, some even danced in an adjoining room!

When, after over two hours of a brilliant performance, the band announced their show was coming to an end, it appeared they would not be let off the stage such was the level of enjoyment. An encore was received with great applause which, unfortunately brought the night's entertainment to a close. Afterwards, the band met with the large crowd and posed for photos. To say that everyone had a most enjoyable time would be the understatement of the night.

The event was run in aid of Ballintotis Area Community Council's community centre building fund and ALL proceeds from the night went to the fund. Thanks to Crystal Swing, David Quirke and the Two Mile Inn for giving their services/venue, thanks to our sponsors, and thanks to all those who turned up on the night or otherwise contributed or helped to make the event the great success it was. Visit www.ballintotis.com for photos of the night and news of all things Ballintotis."

Golf Society

Ballintotis Golf Socirty are ready for action in 2012. The group’s first outing is on Sunday week March 4^th to nearby Castlemartyr GC. More information available locally from Ed Harty or Seanie Murphy. Last year the Society had a really enjoyable season despite having a few early season outings postponed due to weather conditions.

Balllintotis Runners/Joggers

The Ballintotis runners/joggers meet every Thursday evening at the Community Centre - 7.15pm sharp. Participants have the option of running/jogging either a 2 mile route, a 3 mile route or indeed the 4 mile Ballintotis raod race course.

Walkers Meet On Tuesdays

Tuesday this week saw the Ballintotis Walking Group meet for the first time. Again it’s a case of assembling each Tuesday (7.15pm) at the Church Car Park, before walking over your selected distance.

Newcomers are welcome to both the running and walking group each week.With spring in the air and daylight hours lengthening, running, jogging or walking in the pleasant surrounds of Ballintotis offers a very healthy evening option.

Tuesday Club

Next on the list for the Ballintotis Tuesday Club is a visit by Eileen Shields on Tuesday next February 28^th. Eileen proved a hugely popular visitor last year and again this time around will offer all members the chance to make their own jewelry. The Tuesday Club meets between 2.30pm and 4.30pm every second Tuesday at Ballintotis Community Centre. All Over 50’s welcome.

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Ballintotis Claim Hurling Win After Cracking Contest

Ballintotis National School maintained their excellent recent record in Sciath Na Scoil Competition when winning the 'Hurling 8 Final' after a cracking contest at Pairc Ui Rinn, which saw Dylan Murphy score two outstanding late points to clinch victory.

The final score line of 3-5 to 3-3 indicates the nature of a contest which produced some fine passages of hurling and excellent play by both teams. On a blustery day, wind advantage was always going to be a key factor and Ballintotis had to battle back from a 5 points interval deficit to fashion a merited victory in the second half with the aid of the wind.

The game began at a lively pace as both teams showed their quality, sharing four points. A super reaction save by Ballintotis goalkeeper Eoin Cashman denied Ballynoe their opening goal, but their first green flag arrived in the fifth minute courtesy of Thomas O’Donnell. Unfortunately for Ballintotis two more Ballynoe goals followed before the break to help establish that five points advantage.

Meantime, at the other end of the field Ballintotis produced plenty of scoring chances as regular goal getters Liam Franklin and Cleeva Motherway in the inside forward line tried their utmost to find the target. When their only goal of the half arrived it was from the stick of inspiring team captain Michael Kelly who ghosted into the full forward line, following some fine approach play on the right wing. It meant the sides changed ends with Ballynoe 3-2 to 1-3 ahead.

Team boss Jerry Smyth and right hand man Sean Murphy had Ballintotis fired up for a big second half performance. Although they shot 3 wides soon after the resumption, the signs were there that their constant pressure might eventually pay dividends. Driven on by their excellent half back duo of David Lawton and Conor Whyte and visibly lifted by Eoin Mitchell’s excellence at midfield the scores eventually flowed. Ciara Barry’s splendidly taken goal began the comeback and although she had to retire through injury soon after, substitute Philip Kelleher also proved very effective.

With Ballynoe keeping their noses in front through a single second half point, as time ticked on it appeared as if another Ballintotis goal would be required to swing the match. Appropriately it came courtesy of the silken skills of Michael Kelly who made the most of his opportunity following another weaving run.

Level pegging at this point (3-3 each) and certainly ‘heart in the mouth’ stuff by both sets of vociferous fans. With the ever consistent Michael Cosgrave producing another big defensive display ably assisted by newcomer Jack Bowles, Ballintotis were in no mood to concede. Enter Dylan Murphy at the other end, the towering half forward who has had a great campaign held his nerve twice in quick succession to win the day for Ballintotis.

A famous win against a gallant Ballynoe outfit and a fitting finale for the entire Ballintotis squad and coaches who put a huge effort into both this season’s hurling and football campaigns.

Team – Eoin Cashman, Jack Bowles, Michael Cosgrave, David Lawton, Conor Whyte, Michael Kelly, Eoin Mitchell, Ciara Barry, Dylan Murphy, Cleeva Motherway and Liam Franklin.Sub used: Philip Kelleher for Ciara Barry (injured 2^nd half)Subs – Shane O’Brien, Eoin Hennessy, Nicholas Kelleher, Ciaran Newlands, Jack Knowles, Luke Hayes Nally, Carrie McEvoy and Megan Murphy.

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The Life of St. Paul
On Sunday 24th May a pageant depicting  - the major events  of St. Paul's life was re-enacted at  Ballintotis Church grounds.  The natural scenic setting of the Church and Lough Aderra lake enhanced this unique presentation.  The idyllic weather conditions afforded the cast of  56, Midleton Brass & Reed Band, Ballintotis Church Choir, Midleton Parish Choir, IMP Choir, St. Mary's High School Choir, St. Briget's N.S. Choir, Ballintotis N.S. and a large congregation  the ultimate enjoyment.

The event marked the current year of dedication to St. Paul and depicted such scenes as - the introduction of Paul as a student of Gamaliel in Jerusalem, - Stephens's Trial before the Jeruslem Sanhedrin, - Paul's remarkable conversion on the road to Damascus, his baptism by Ananias on the lakeshore, -  Paul's preaching in Jerusalem in the company of Barnabas, and the dramatic curing of the cripple in Lystra, - the Proclamation of the Council of Jerusalem in 50 A.D., Paul's subsequent missionary journey by boat (on Loughaderra lake) to spread the good news, - ending with his letter to Timothy while  a prisoner in Rome.

The colourful and exotic costumes reflected the era, created an atmosphere, defined character  and enhanced the performance. The musical arrangements and the narrator's deliverance delicately balanced the linkage and continuity. 

The rehearsals of a dedicated and committed cast, the amplification and sound effects by Austin Brosnan and the direction, guidance and finesse of Séan Aherne guaranteed a successful and truly magnificent and  entertaining performance.

Pictured during a break in rehearsals are The Elders:
Vincent McCarthy, Ger Cott, Flan O'Meara and Dominic Knowles

Garda Youth Awards
Fergal Duffy, Stumphill was a worthy winner of a Garda Youth Award at a reception in the Midleton Park Hotel on 8/12/2008 last. Fergal was nominated by Ballintotis Community Council for his courage and determination in overcoming physical disability, his outstanding sporting success and for his contribution the community in his sports coaching and helping others with disabilities. There were nine other winners from as far apart as Mallow, Fermoy and Cobh. One of those was a group of young people from the Midleton-based East Cork Friends of the Mentally handicapped who selflessly give of their time to aid the running of the summer school in Midleton every year. John Barker accepted the award on behalf of the group. See photos of the awards ceremony on this site. The awards ceremony was temporarily halted by the surprise arrival of a special guest, actor Paschal Scott (aka Sergeant Dick O'Toole from Killinascully).


Rural Transport
The rural transport scheme came into operation in Ballintotis this recently, thanks principally to the great efforts of some of our community activists along with the governing body from ECAD.

The bus made it’s inaugural journey from Churchtown South, with pick ups on the way to Ballintotis en route to Midleton town. The scheme is in operation already in many parts of the country and nearby in the Avondhu area which covers other parts of East Cork it has proved a great success.

Well Done Jack 
Congratulations to Jack Knowles who was the winning captain of the Kiltha Og Under 8 team that recently won the Russell Rovers Under 8 hurling Blitz in Shanagarry.  Jack has been in great form all season scoring a number of crucial goals from his corner forward berth.  He was joined on the winning team by other locals Stephen Forde, Liam Rabbittee, Philip Kelleher, Nicholas Kelleher and Darragh Cashman. (See below for more on this story)

 

 Outstanding Win In Russell Rovers Under 8 Blitz

 

Kiltha Og players in celebratory mood following their win in the Russell Rovers Under 8 hurling blitz on Saturday last in Shanagarry.