Longford League side Ballyboro FC win €30,000 in Circle K Grassroots Giveaway

Circle K, Ireland’s leading forecourt and convenience retailer, and title sponsors of the FAI Club Mark Programme has announced that Ballyboro FC, situated in Lanesboro, has won the €30,000 grand prize in Circle K’s €100,000 giveaway to grassroots football clubs across the Republic of Ireland.

 Ballyboro FC club members were surprised with the good news on Thursday at Lanesboro Community College, having been asked to gather for a special announcement. The big reveal was provided by FAI Grassroots Director, Ger McDermott, and Circle K Ireland’s Retail Director of Operations Paul Dixon.

 Also there from Circle K to congratulate the club from were Ciara Foxton, newly appointed Managing Director at Circle K, Gill Nolan, Head of Marketing, Mihaela Andaluzia Bejenariu , Circle K Area Manager, Andy Kavanagh Senior Manager, Dealer Partner Team, and John Nally, Circle K Express owner, Ballymahon.

 In attendance from the FAI were Barry McGann and Brandon Turton, Grassroots Operations, and Development Officers Jimmy Mowlds, Aisling Conway and Graham Kane.

 Ballyboro FC’s win came thanks to the support of club members and locals who entered on their behalf. The club was randomly selected from hundreds of clubs across Ireland, winning the overall prize after seven other clubs each won €10,000 in draws over the past month.

 Ballyboro FC club representatives John Tynan, Chairman and Eamon Bolger, Executive Member of Ballyboro FC, were presented with their €30,000 cheque by Ciara Foxton, newly appointed Managing Director at Circle K and Paul Dixon, Senior Director, Retail Sales and Operations at Lanesborough Community College.

 The Circle K Grassroots Giveaway has seen €100,000 won by clubs across the Republic of Ireland to and was open to any club that is registered for the Circle K FAI Club Mark Programme, which aims to provide clubs with a road map to good governance, reward clubs for achieving and maintaining high standards, recognise clubs for their commitment and achievements and help grow football in communities across the country.

 John Tynan, Chairman of Ballyboro FC said: “We still can’t believe we’ve won the €30k grand prize. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who nominated us for this competition from Circle K. The Circle K FAI Club Mark scheme has been a great help to us in terms of ensuring good governance. There is a brilliant sense of community in our club, and we’re looking forward to putting this prize to good use for the benefit of all our members.”

 Paul Dixon, Retail Director of Operations said: “I am delighted to announce that CLUB Ballyboro FC has won the grand prize of €30,000 in the Circle K €100,000 Grassroots Giveaway competition. We’ve seen a huge response to the competition. Circle K customers nationwide have gotten fully behind their local clubs, nominating them in recognition of the hard work of dedicated club members to support grassroots football. The excitement of all winning clubs has been wonderful to see, and hopefully these prizes will have a positive impact on the winning clubs and their communities.”

 Ger McDermott, FAI Grassroots Director said: “Massive congratulations to Circle K Club Mark member Ballyboro FC on winning the grand prize of €30,000. As with the seven clubs who won €10,000, I have no doubt that this prize will have a very positive impact on the club and its local community. Circle K have shown incredible support for the association and grassroots football nationwide, and the Circle K FAI Club Mark scheme plays a vital role in helping clubs achieve and maintain high standards.”

To find out more on how to nominate your local club, please visit www.circlek.ie/fai-partnership or head over to Circle K Ireland on Facebook and @circlekireland on Instagram for updates.

Pictured (l to r): Aisling Conway  (DOL), Fulton Grant (Chair of LDSL), Eamon Bolger Executive Member of Ballyboro FC, John Tynan Chair of Ballyboro FC, Ger McDermott (Head of Grass Roots), Barry McGann (Head of Club Mark), Jimmy Mowlds (Development Officer), Paul Dixon (Retail Director of Operations), Ciara Foxton Managing Director Circle K), Andy Kavanagh (Snr. Salesman. Dealer Partner) with Ballyboro FC players