It is with profound sadness that we hear today of the passing of Noel Hayes one of our founder members. Noel who not only played a major part in founding the club in 1984, served as our the first secretary, and was chairman of the club in the 1987/1988 season. Noel played in the clubs first ever competitive game on the 2nd of September 1984 in Askeaton on the day the boys from the garden town went on to win 4 goals to 3 and history was made. Noel lined out at fullback that day however is was as a goalkeeper he was to excel and where he played the majority of his 196 games. He won the clubs player of the year award in the 89/90 season and again in the 91/92 season. Noel was a passionate Ballingarry AFC man and an ardent Arsenal follower.

Once Noel retired from playing, he became a regular at the Paddocks on a Sunday to watch his beloved Ballingarry play. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for without him Ballingarry AFC may never have came to be. Thank you for helping create the greatest of memories from all in Ballingarry AFC

The club would like to extend its deepest condolences to Ester, James, Denis and Shauna and to all the Hayes family.

We will be doing a guard of honour after mass hoping all of Noels former teammates and current club members can join us.