27/12/2024
The attached photo shows Dermot Heaslip (centre), from the Dromod Harbour Pétanque Club, who recently won the Shane Rooney Memorial League at Cavan Pétanque Club in Belturbet. Also in photo is Robbie Brereton (L), Cavan Pétanque and Michael Carroll (R) Dromod Harbour Pétanque.
Pétanque, pronounced "pay-tonk", is a game suitable for all ages and abilities. If you can throw/roll a metal ball at a target, you can play Pétanque, also called Boules. All that is needed is a set of Boules (€20/30) and a hard gravelly patch about 15 metres long and 4 metres.wide. Anybody who has holidayed in the South of France will undoubtedly have seen this game played by the locals. It's a relaxing way to spend an evening and get a little exercise and fresh air as well. This activity should go down well with groups such as Men/Hen Sheds, ICA groups, Active Age Retirement groups and local Community groups. As this game is suitable for all age groups, Schools, particularly TY students and Scouting/Guide Troops may like to have a go at Pétanque. The Dromod Club is currently in the process of constructing a purpose-built Terrain which will incorporate three International-standard Pistes. Nearby clubs exist in Cavan, Longford, Sligo and Athlone. Leitrim is currently among the very few Counties where there is no Pétanque facility.
Any enquiries, in relation to playing this sport or setting up a Club, should be directed to Tom Donnellan, Provincial Development Officer, at [email protected] or Michael Carroll, Dromod Harbour Chairperson, at [email protected].
