* The sun along the wind and the rain that blew in over The Meadow from the dark imposing Mournes’ last Sunday to welcome Termon, the Donegal Champions to our part of the world. The scenario paints a hostile reception but then again the weather systems that prevail this time of year in the north west of our province would have aptly prepared the visitors for the game and the conditions on the day. In the end the result, a five point winning margin was harsh on the Town but in the end the result was more down to the experience, guile and knowhow of our illustrious opponents to get through these sort of games. Indeed a telephone conversation from a travelling to someone back home in front of me in the stand at half time summed it up “hi, we’re getting it wild tight down here”. Playing with a strong breeze that blew unusually straight up the field from the Newcastle Road end Termon had a goal and two points on the board before the Town opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a free from Lisa Morgan. This was the start of a purple patch for The Town with a further point from Lisa followed by a wonderful goal following some great play from Catriona Caldwell. Kyla Trainor then popped with a point to put the Town in the lead in the 12th minute. Kelly O’Higgins registered a score before the Termon goal scorer and Captain Geraldine McLaughlin pulled another point back to leave it a one point game. Score from Lisa and Paula Cleland were cancelled out by two dubious frees awarded in front of the Town goal. Having battled exceptionally well against the breeze disaster struck between the 28 minute and the end of time added on. The ball was palmed to the Town net by the midfielder for Termon Shannon McGroddy after what looked like a throw pass. Termon did have a goal disallowed for a square ball. There was no doubt about the goal just before the half time whistle by Geraldine McLaughlin. The Town after controlling the first half well found themselves 6 points down at the break. After Lisa Morgan scoring straight after half time, the mountain got tougher to climb, another goal conceded and well taken by corner forward Maureen O’Donnell. Lisa chipped over another one. The Town went through a barren phase when there were crucial misses and a yellow card for Mairead Hardy. In fairness the town chipped away with Lisa adding a couple of frees. Then the potential game changer for the Town. A great defence splitting ball from Kyla Trainor which Karen McMullan flicked into her own path and raced clear to bury the ball to the back of the net. Game on! Lisa popped over yet another free and suddenly the Town’s deficit was one point. This is where the experience of the former Ulster Champions came into play. Their cuteness in slowing the game down and economy on the ball came into play. This is not as criticism, rather the mark of a decent team. Termon hauled another 1-2 through Maureen O’Donnell and their star forward Geraldine McLaughlin. Points from Kelly O’Higgins, Mairead hardy and Lisa Morgan were cancelled out at the end by two more from points from the visitors. In the end it is fair to say it is a game we could have won, though if you concede five goals then you will have little complaint. We had 17 scores but a third of Termon’s were three pointers. It was a great team effort from our ladies. Their disappointment evident at the end. It will be little consolation to them to say that they played exceptionally well. In truth experience and the knowhow won it. Going back to the Termon fan who relayed how things back home on how they were going at half time, his obvious delight at their win, when he rubbed his forehead and a big “phew”. He was right about it being tight. Congratulations to Termon who will now face their old foes and current Ulster Champions Donaghmoyne in the Ulster Final on Sunday 2nd November.
* The AGM of Naomh Maolmhoig Caislean an Mhuilinn CLG (St Malachy’s GAC) will take place on Thursday 13th November 2014 at 7.30pm in the Social Club. Under rule 8.5.3 of the new Club Constitution the following will be made available to all Full Members at least 10 days in advance of the AGM: a copy of the Agenda for the meeting, a copy of the Annual Report of the Secretary, a copy of the Financial Statements, including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s), details of the Nominations for election to the Executive Committee and copies of any motions for consideration at the meeting. In order that we can comply with above please make your nominations for officers and Executive Committee and Proposals for Motions and return to the Secretary no later than Thursday 30th October 2014. Nominations or motions received after that date or without your name cannot be considered. Please seek the consent of the person you are proposing to nominate, and don’t forget to sign this form before returning. You can download the nomination form from our website at www.castlewellangac.com
* From Wednesday 5th November we will be holding our 6 week winter coaching programme in St Malachy’s High School and we invite all the children from pre – school year through to P7 both boys and girls to attend. Registration for children up to and including P4 will take place at 6pm and for pupils from P5 to P7 at 7pm in the sports hall in St Malachy’s HS and the cost for the 6 week course is £5. We look forward to seeing you there. Everyone is welcome.
*Congratulation to St Malachy’s High School on retaining their Ulster Hurling Title and their third in a row success in this competition. Well done especially to the Town contingent on the team; Matthew Muldoon, Miceal McVeigh, Daire McVeigh, and Adam Garland.
* There will be a meeting of all juvenile coaches to review the year on Thursday 23rd of October in the social club from 8pm to 9.15pm. A full attendance is requested.
* Thank you to all those who attended the coaches and helpers night or sent apologies. The night was a great success. Special thanks to Mickey, Moya and Karen for providing a wonderful meal, to Paddy and Ciaran for the wine reception and to Finbarr for the entertainment. The night was a token of our appreciation for the support we are given by those people.
* Slimming World at Castlewellan GAC on Tuesday from 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday at 9.30am. Any queries contact Lorna 07531595280.
* There will be a Christmas Panto this year performed by our adult members in the Club. The line-up is still being finalised with one or two more to be confirmed. We will of course keep you up to date in relation to the performance date and who the performers will be…oh yes we will!
