Bayside Boules Club - Alden Park

Fourteen players today.....the most so far.  Beautiful morning after a frosty start.  I met a lady at the pistes about 10 a.m. and enquired if she intended joining the Bayside Boules Community.  It turns out it was Cornelia Raftery checking out the installation on behalf of Fingal Co.Co. particularly after the addition of the wheelchair access and path widening.  She hopes to have the facility officially opened by end January or early February.  Hopefully we will have a considerable turn-out on the occasion. We need a micrometre! Tool of the trade.... Up close and personal.... Think of all the jobs left undone at home!! Unabashed joy...... Meitheal sa gheimhreadh..... Lights...Camera...Action... Let battle commence.... A Game for the Ages......

Frosty.....but only the weather.  Twelve players this morning, mostly local but also some from Howth, Artane and further afield. Morning frost gradually burned off leaving us to play in bright, fresh conditions.  Players are beginning to source better boules than the starter sets as they get the hang of the game.  With Decathlon opening before the summer they will have a range [hopefully] and even now Boules can always be bought online and delivered to the house.  [Click on photos to enlarge] We play  'Formal' games on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10:15.  Arriving at that time allows for set-up of the pistes; selection of teams; warm-up and general banter.  We aim to start playing by 10:30.  Where possible we will try to accommodate late-comers but it should be rare that we need to discommode games that have already begun.

Today seven locals played on the regular Wednesday play day.  Some of the St. Anne's group are committed to play in St. Anne's on Wednesdays and can't attend.  https://stannesboules.blogspot.com/ Some of them will be on site here, on Saturday. Yesterday, a contractor arrived on the instruction of Fingal Co.Co. to address the absence of a wheelchair ramp.  They worked in atrocious weather conditions to create a pathway at the entrance and also the wheelchair ramp.  At our request, they also widened the narrow pathway on the southern side to have a firm pathway to the seating area. We are grateful for their efforts.  This is their first effort at installing a Boules / Petanque facility in a public park and to a great extent they researched and provided a quality installation. Unfortunately, the sand material used in today's work is not of the same quality as the gritty surface of the Pistes and it will remain soft and possibly wash away in rainstorms.  We will work w

Certified 'Insane'.......these Boulers braved the imminent arrival of Storm Brendan.  Initial misgivings gave way to thorough enjoyment as large leads were whittled away and for the fist time we played 'Triples' with two boules each, as six players arrived.  The air temperature was mild despite the increasing strength of the wind.  At noon we headed for the shelter of domestic harbours.

Seven players escaped the rain but were buffered by the gusting gale.  The rain duly arrived but just as play finished at noon.  Two newcomers joined five regulars and were treated to a spectacular rainbow heralding the approaching rainstorm.  The wind affected the plastic 'coshes' hinting at the reason that competition coshes are wooden.  Nonetheless play continued and was enjoyed by all. Remember to click on the photos to enlarge. Some people are just born 'lucky'.... Two newcomers having their day in the sun.... Don't know if its the wonderful cluster or the garish boule.... Born to Boule.... Some players just cast long shadows..... Really...its a Mediterranean game!! We are in the process of researching rules for the 'Jack' or 'Coche' hitting the side wall of the piste.  As competitions in France have a string or no boundary the official rules don't cover the scenario.  Watch this space....

Our best wishes to Kathryn in her recovery after her recent operation.  When the weather Gods conspired to deluge the morning hours we adapted and played after lunch. The sun graced us with her presence and after a quick raking the nine of us got down to play in groups of three playing singles. The local players presented Tom and Eileen with a beautiful gift in respect of their efforts to establish the facility.  Our grateful thanks for their kindness. The mix of neighbours, locals and visitors lent itself to an enjoyable session.  We hope to have 'formal' sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10:15 to 12:00, weather permitting.  Anybody can play outside these times informally.

Thurs 2nd January: Click on photos to view in larger format:                                                                               Level Pegging..... All wrapped up against the elements..... Sat 4th January: A great mix of locals, St. Anne's regulars and new players following advertising campaign...