* Last year sunshine and 22c heat. This year 0c and freezing! Well the weather outside was frightful from last Friday. So much so that unfortunately we had to postpone our second Annual Spring Lake Challenge on Sunday past. Whilst this was very disappointing for everyone, the decision was taken due to the conditions which affected the course and travelling conditions. We will announce a new date for the event in due course through www.castlewellangac.com & www.athleticsni.org and other media outlets. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
* The Coaching Course which was due to have taken place last Saturday in the Club was also postponed due to the weather. We will arrange a new date for this after Easter. In the meantime would all coaches please prepare a list of the training equipment, balls and jerseys they may have and bring them to the newly arranged date of this course and give the list to Brian O’Neill.
* The Ulster Colleges Camogie All Star Awards were announced recently and we are delighted to see our own club member Aoife Keown along with Liatriom Fontenoys’ Aimee McAleenan being recognised and awarded the All-Star for her undoubted skill and dedication to the sport with The Assumption Grammar Ballynahinch. Well done to Aoife & Aimee once again.
* Down Under 21 Footballers qualified for the Ulster Championship semi final with a convincing win at the Athletic Grounds with a fine victory over Armagh. Michael Cunningham played his part in goals only conceding very late in the game while David Gilmore came on in the 20th minute of the game and had an excellent game in the full forward line scoring a point. They now go on to play holders Cavan in the semi-final next week. Well done to Michael and David and good luck for the semi-final.
* There will be bingo in the Club on Sunday 7 April 2013 at 3.00pm.
* A new date has been set for the Marie Jones play “A Night in November”. It will be now be performed on Saturday 20 April at 8.00pm in the Club Rooms. This much acclaimed play has been performed all over the world. The play is about Ken McCallister, a dole clerk who goes to the 1994 World Cup Qualifier on a night in November in Belfast as the Republic of Ireland plays Northern Ireland. Tickets are on sale from the Club at £10 each. It is anticipated that tickets will sell very quickly as this play has sold out virtually everywhere it has been shown. Can you please ensure you purchase your ticket early to avoid disappointment.
* The Activ8 programme enters its final week. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the activities to date. Certainly the weather affected all weekend activities with the exception of the two brave souls who went out on the bikes. With over 100 years of experience between the both (and one felted more than the other!) they made light of the icy, windy elements to complete the round trip from Castlewellan through Newcastle, Dundrum & Clough and home again. Both men don’t want their identities revealed for fear of being committed! Fellas, did you both not realise you were only let out for the day by your wives to give them peace! God help Geraldine and Teresa! Please check out the website for the last few days of the challenge and get as many points this week as you can for your teams. All those who participated in the Activ8 programme are invited to the Activ8 Graduation night on Saturday 6th April at 9.00pm in the Club. There will be a Wine Reception with a disco + Karaoke. There will be some final points on offer for your team before final awards. So all those who suffered through the snow and the rain, put up with getting lost or just feeling lost, come out and enjoy what will be a great night.
* Under 12 girls training continues in St Malachy’s Primary School on Monday nights at 6.15pm to 7.15pm. Under 10 and under 8 age groups welcome.
* A reminder would you please note that all children must have and wear gum shields during these training sessions and games. Refer to http://www.gaa.ie/ for more information.
* Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12 Camogie training continues every Wednesday in St. Malachy’s Primary School from 6.15pm – 7.15pm. Please wear suitable foot wear which will not mark the floor.
* Indoor Hurling coaching has now finished for the year. It will begin outdoors on Thursday 4th April at the Bann Road. Under 8 – primary 3/4 and Under 10 – primary 5/6 at 6.00pm. Under 14 hurling will begin at 5.45pm on Friday’s at the Bann Road.