BRUREE NOTES 5/10/2008

BRUREE CELEBRATES JIM’S OLYMPIC SUCCESS

A night to celebrate and honour this year’s Irish Olympic boxing manager, Jim Walsh, was held in the Central Bar on Saturday night last. A large crowd attended to congratulate Jim on his success as manager of the team which returned home with a silver and two bronze Olympic medals, the most boxing medals since Ireland won four in the 1956 Games. In fact, Ireland, with Jim as manager, won three times as many medals as the USA! Among the attendance on Saturday night were members of Jim’s family along with many people from outside the parish who had come along to wish him well. The presentation was made by Fr. Desmond McAuliffe on behalf of the parish. Fr. McAuliffe recalled that it was just about a year since the parish had welcomed Sharon O’Brien back after her Olympic success and congratulated Jim on bringing more fame to the parish. Once again, the parish had turned out to welcome home a hero. He also recalled Jim’s days of St. John’s Boxing Club. Geraldine Dollery and Karen Rea were to the forefront in the organisation of the presentation which was generously supported by businesses and sporting organisations and individuals in the parish.

Jim has dedicated his life to the sport of boxing from his days as a boxer in London to the pinnacle of success in leading our team to Beijing. In between he initiated and was involved with clubs in Limerick, his native Bruree, Kilmallock and Charleville and is currently a member of St. Francis Boxing Club in Limerick. Jim is also an able administrator and has been involved in various capacities at club, county and national level.

Jim has earned his living at many trades down through the years including as a publican and a builder. At a time when he might be expected to take life a little easier, he has started business as a restaurateur in Croom. I am sure that Jim’s involvement with the sport of boxing is far from over and we wish him all the best in boxing and business for the future.

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP

Bruree Parent & Toddler Group continues every Tuesday morning 10.00 am to 12.00 noon in Bruree National School. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to meeting new comers. For further information please contact Judy on 063-90468/087-6256906.

45 DRIVE

Winners of the 45 Drive last week with eleven games were Fintan Stone and Mike O’Brien. Runners up with ten games were Mary Margaret Noonan and Nora May Donworth. Raffle prizes went to Eddie Ryan, Jim Murphy, John Moloney and Mary Margaret Noonan. The 45 Drive continues at the Community Centre every Tuesday night at 8.30 pm sharp.

GAA

Over 40’s: An over 40’s hurling tournament game between Bruree and Parteen is being arranged as a fundraiser for Milford Hospice. Anyone interested in taking part are asked to contact Hugh Hogan, Mike Mullane or Johnny Wall (087-1264592).

Thank You: Bruree GAA would like to thank all those who contributed so generously to the recent church gate collection. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Marathon: Martin O’Brien will walk this year’s Dublin City Marathon on October 27 to raise funds for Bruree Juvenile GAA Club. Sponsorship cards are available from the club and we hope that you will be as generous as possible in your sponsorship of Martin.

CALCUTTA CALLING

A table quiz in aid of Calcutta Calling will be held at the Central bar, Bruree on Friday, October 31st. We will have full details closer to the date.

SYMPATHY

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of Betty Butler, Castleconnell, and Catherine O’Connor, Castletownconyers, who died recently.