* Albert Einstein has made many wonderful quotes. One of which was; “I speak to everyone in the same way whether he be the garbage man or the President of the University” Anthony Bannon (Spock) who passed away suddenly last week may not have ever imagined that he would mentioned in the same breath as Einstein but one thing is for sure and like Einstein he spoke to everyone the same way. Everyone who knew Spock will be familiar with the photograph taken a few years ago of him with Bishop Farquhar and Father Sean and which many of us reminisced about at his wake last week. He was comfortable in such exalted company and so were they! He was a great supporter of the Town. He was quick with the wit and his opinion. I played in a seconds game against Clonduff many years ago in which we were beaten at home. “What happened yous the day?” Spock asked. I tried to explain to him were we went wrong. He cut me short and the following is a heavily edited version of his summary of our performance “yous were useless!” He will be sadly missed by all of us around the Town. The executive committee and members wish to extend our sympathy to his brothers Joe & Jimmy who are both life members of our club. We also extend our sympathy to the wide Bannon family circle on their sad loss. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for them. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* Could anyone interested in Juvenile coaching in girls and boys football, hurling or camogie please contact John O’Neill on 07711737610.The Club are organising a foundation course in hurling and camogie. This course is scheduled for Sat Feb 1st in Castlewellan and will be confirmed this week. Anyone interested in doing the course please contact Aidan Rodgers or Noreen Keown.
* The Club require coaches for U12, U14 and U16 girls football teams. Could all those interested in becoming involved please contact John O’Neill on 07711737610
* There is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed members of our club to avail of GAA specific training and development. This is open not only to youths as part of the Youth Employment Scheme (18-24yrs) but also for other volunteers within our club who are available to commit to the full programme. There will be great benefits for the individual and potentially for our club.This programme is completely free of charge and will cover registration fees, travel and food costs. Applications close on 31st January2014 please see the link; http://ulster.gaa.ie/2014/01/youth-employment-scheme/
* Anyone interested in coaching juveniles (4 – 18 year olds) in boy’s football, girl’s football, hurling or camogie please contact John O’Neill on 07711737610. We are preparing for the new season and need as much help as possible
* Juvenile Registration fees can now to be paid for 2014 to Ronan King, John O’Neill or Brian O’Neill. There will be registration sessions set up in February.
* Down Club Draw tickets are now available. The club are required to sell a minimum of 20 tickets at £120 each. Any Club member who wishes to purchase one please contact Brian Dougherty.
* The numbers for 19 January 2014 were lotto were 05, 16, 20 & 22. There were no jackpot and one £20 winners this week; Eileen Cavery. Next week’s Jackpot is £5600.