BALLON WIN THIRD TROPHY

Ballon defeating Eire Og by 1-14 to 15 in the FL Division 2 final at Dr. Cullen Park on Saturday November 7 to claim their third major trophy of the season.

This latest success makes 2009 Ballon's most successful year ever having already won the Intermediate championship and the FL Div. 4. Their previous best was way back in 1979 when they won the junior championship and league double.

The team and scorers on Saturday were Declan Kealy, Padraig George, John Gittens, Brendan Barry, Patrick Abbey (0-1), Willie Byrne, James O'Brien, Paddy Byrne (0-1), Shane Byrne (0-2), James Doyle (0-2), Alan Kelly (0-4), David Wilson, Michael O'Leary (0-1), Peter Zerafa (0-2) and John Brennan (1-0) with substitutes Darren Maher, Brendan Fanning, Dessie Nolan (0-1), Liam Doyle and John Kennedy.

The trophy was presented to Alan Kelly, the Ballon captain by Martin Barry, vice-chairman of Carlow County Board.

FRIDAY IS DISCO NIGHT

A '60s, '70s and '80s Disco will be held in the Ballon Community Centre on Friday next 13 November from 8.00 p.m. until late. John B the DJ will spin the discs.

A fantastic night is assured for all age groups, so do come along. Bring your friends and come and meet the friends you have not met yet! All proceeds go to the Community Centre makeover. Suggested fee is ¤5 to include refreshments.

SONG AND STORYTELLING

The November session in the monthly series of Song and Storytelling will be held in Rathoe Hall on Friday night next, November 13, starting at 8.00 p.m. As always, admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Why not go along and enjoy a great night out free of charge?

PARENTS AGM

The annual meeting of Rathoe National School Parents Association will be held in the school on tomorrow, Wednesday at 8.00 p.m. All parents are asked to attend.

CHRISTMAS FAIR

The third annual Christmas Fair will be held in Rathoe Hall on Sunday November 29 from 10.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.

The event has been fully booked and the variety of items on sale will include Christmas candles, children's personalised books, Santa stockings and hats, homemade cards, Christmas floral arrangements, books, knitwear, silver jewellery, cosmetics, Christmas cakes, logs and table cloths and much, much more.

The Magic Reindeer Food, which sold in large quantities last year will again be available. Refreshments will be served all day. So make a note, keep the day free and get into the Christmas mood by visiting Rathoe on Sunday week.

Should you not be able to make it remember that a similar event will take place in Ballon on Sunday December 13. Application forms for individuals or group wishing to participate are available from the Parish Centre in Ballon. Telephone: 059-9159447.

CONFIRMATION/COMMUNION

Confirmation will be held in the parish on Friday February 26 - in Ballon at 11.00 a.m. and in Rathoe at 2.00 p.m. First Holy Communion will be in Ballon on Saturday May 15 and in Rathoe on Saturday May 22.

RACE NIGHT

Ballon National School Parents Association is running a Race Night on Saturday November 28 at 9.00 p.m. The committee helps to raise funds for the benefit of the pupils and so far this year the funds have gone towards the new stage, new jerseys and an interactive e-beam.

There are plans for the old part of the school is to be painted soon. Your help is very much needed and appreciated. Horses cost ¤10 and there will be prizes galore on the night.

GAA CLUB'S AUCTION

Ballon GFC is holding a fund raising auction at the Clubhouse on Sunday November 22. The club would be grateful for donations of any kind from the local community.

The committee members will be only too pleased to collect items donated or they can be left at the Clubhouse by arrangement. Please contact any of the committee or players.

KILBRIDE GFC

Kilbride GFC Christmas Fundraiser Draw Tickets are now on sale and are available from any committee member. There are up to 20 fantastic prizes on offer and the draw will take place on December 12.

The club would to congratulate Sean O'Brien on his achievement of being selected on to the Irish Rugby Team Panel. He has been outstanding in his games with Leinster and is wished every success.

CREATIVE CARD MAKING

Classes in Creative Card Making are currently being held in Ballon Computer Centre every Thursday morning from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon. Cost ¤5 per morning. Contact Eileen on 0599159447 or 087-2273516 or just come along.

TABLE QUIZ

A Table Quiz in aid of Bishop Padraig Harrington's Children's Project in Kenya will be held in The Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow on Thursday November 12, starting at 8.30 p.m.

The Quiz is being organised by Jack and Geraldine Byrne of Newark Printers, Ballon and they have secured the services of another local, Matt Canavan, to act as quizmaster. A table for four costs ¤40 and your support would be appreciated.

Bishop Harrington is an uncle of Geraldine's and the local committee have undertaken to raise money for an Integrated School for Blind/Visually Impaired children over a three year period.

JACKPOT WON

The Burrin Celtic Lotto Jackpot worth ¤3,300 was won by Stanley Nolan, The Tyre Centre, Ballon last week. The numbers drawn were 2, 9, 16 and 23.

ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

Sunday November 15 is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Please remember the victims and their families as well as the practical and emotional consequences of accidents in prayers at your religious services that weekend.