159th Post: Halloween 2026 Special.....

Spooky Boules:

Ciarán's initiative of 'nightime boules' is gatering a dedicated crew eager to try their hand at this niche activity. He has even gone to the bother of buying led-lit coches to provide a bright target. We have acquired a few downlighters that provide sufficent for a single piste.  A few players such as Guillhaume, Gina, John and Kessen, who are not always available for daytime play, are really enjoying the experience.  

BBC v Seapoint on Fri 16th Oct 2026:

We played an enjoyable match against Seapoint in Alden Park on a beautiful, sunny Friday. As they had just 10 players we played three rounds of 'Doubles' on Pistes A to E.  They stayed on their designated piste and our teams rotated.  Ciarán had suggested our starting pairings and as we needed to accommodate our greater numbers we could only guarantee a single game for each BBC team.

Our teams performed well overall and our club was victorious on this occasion.  We won the direct head to head and the cumulative points competitions.  We don't present trophies for these 'friendly' competitions but we drew a random prizewinner from the BBC ranks - Pat Ryan - who had performed very well throughout, paired with Sharyon, and the presentation pack of HOPE beer for the opposition was presented to their newest member, Alison.  Tea / coffee and biscuits were available over the morning. Also, it was great to see James back at the pistes, even if in a spectating capacity for now and  Joan who was a keen spectator, also.

The Tom Walsh Trophy:

The Monday and Saturday Competitions are running smoothly with eight week blocks, allowing for weather conditions at this time of year. Most players are playing both days with the opportunity to progress to the finals by either pathway.  Very rare to get 3 wins any day which keeps the kettle boiling!!         eg. Mondays

            eg. Saturdays: 

Weather doesn't always stop play!:

Play happens most mornings of the week with dedicated members willing to play in most conditions!  New potential members are usually accommodated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until they possibly decide to join the club and play casually or in competitions.

Christmas Party:

For your diary. Thursday 3rd Dec. Wear something festive, if you have it!!. Thanks Anne for setting the venue / date.  It is booked for 35+ and a poll will be sent out in the latter half of November for names.

Another Northside Venue - Fairview Park:

We will visit arrange to visit and throw a few boules some day soon at the latest 'Terrain de Pétanque' in Fairview Park opposite Edge's Corner.  This new open area has been installed by Dublin City Council for public use but also to facilitate the regulars who used to play on a gravel path, in the park, for many years.  Parking is problematic in Fairview but the H2 or H3 buses stop close by....don't forget the bus pass and you can bring a 'younger' Companion and/or Spouse!!

IPA Matters:

The IPA has mushroomed from 3 affilliated clubs in 2015 to 24 affiliated clubs in 2026.  Close on 700 players play in Affiliated clubs. This growth has been wonderful but it has placed a growing burden on a shrinking administration team.  We have lost very effective officers recently, especially since Covid, and we are due to lose a couple more soon to retirement.

Following a conference in Athlone last Saturday a battery of proposals towards the restructuring and expansion of the association was discussed which will be disected by the current executive and presented at the AGM and sent to clubs looking for support. 

The IPA Executive needs fresh faces and expertise moving forward.  If you, or someone you know, would put their names forward for consideration in the Spring AGM in 2027 the organisation would be grateful. Experience in Finance, Social Media, Tournament organisation, Coaching etc. would be a bonus.  Let Tom D know if you know of any potential candidates.

You're barred!

Great to see Charlie out and about and, despite the Gym club in action last Saturday, Tommy and Charlie couldn't resist checking out the competition.  Despite the unseasonal fifteen degrees the nineteen players managed to enjoy ourselves shedding layers as the morning progressed.!!

IPA Team for the Pétanque World Championship in Thailand - November 2026

https://fipjp.org/index.php/en/?view=article&id=666:petanque-world-championships-in-khon-kaen-thailand&catid=45

Our fantastic Irish Petanque Team have qualified to compete in the World Petanque Championship in Thailand in November 2026. The team players - Sariff, Afzal, Colin, Stephane with coach Kevin qualified earlier this year against very tough opponents. 

This is the first time in many years that Ireland have competed at World level. The Irish pétanque community are very proud of them and look forward to following their progress, match by match in Thiland.  Details on how to view the games will be forwarded soon.

Problem Boules:

Should you ever get frustrated at Pétanque ... have a look at this.....

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMyXBrTJY4pm3hAZymA3RAGB_JHZeSbIkRAUVJA

[ to view the highlight link - right click and click on the 'Go to http...... command].

Culture Vultures:

Idea for an evening out and maybe purchase a Christmas present plus support local writers???

The annual Christmas Calendar that supports Bayside Communnity Association should also be available.