* Well it was always going to be tough and pretty much what you expect at this stage of the Championship. Indeed all was going well right upto just after half time in the Down Senior Championship Quarter Final with Burren. We had matched and bettered many people’s favourites for this year’s title particularly in the first half. Games at this level are won in marginal things. We had great goaling chances which we needed to convert. As in all games some things go for you and some not. Burren took control of the game after half time dominating the score board and pressing forward. We just could not re-establish our first half foothold. The six point margin of defeat was not a reflection of how tight this game was. Still this is a young team and lessons will have been learned from a Burren team who are championship hardened and well versed at getting over the line. A great effort by the lads who came up short in the end. All is not yet over. We have yet to play Clonduff in our final league game in a couple of weeks. The Town have at least qualified for the League Semi Final. Depending on other results we may qualify straight through to the final.
* All roads will lead to Newry this Friday night for the Premiere Reserve Championship Final between Castlewellan and Burren. The Town Lads have deservedly won their way to the final with some great performances this season. All the lads have given 100% effort and deserve to be where they are at present. Again it is a young side who have been committed to the green jersey all season. They deserve all our support this weekend. We would appeal to all our supporters to come out and give the lads your cheering voice.
* Members & friends of Castlewellan GAC will perform Mrs Brown’s Boys with a local twist. It is a play written by local playwright Ciaran Milligan and starring well known members of the local community, is coming to the club on Friday 27 September and Saturday 28 of September. The show starts at 9pm on both nights. Tickets are priced at £10 and are available from the clubrooms on Thursday nights from 8.30pm to 10pm, Friday nights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm and Sunday evening from 9pm to 10.30pm. They are also available in Walkers Newsagents. Get your ticket early as they are expected to sell quickly! You are guaranteed a laugh a minute!
* Last Saturday marked the last training session for the youngest member’s of our club in 2013. We have been blessed this summer with the weather and Saturday was no exception with the children enjoyed another sunny training session honing their skills in Camogie, Football & Hurling. The coaches would like to thank all the parents for their continued support over the summer and also thank all the parents whom assisted with providing refreshment’s during the Saturday training sessions. Details of our autumn/winter training programme will be released shortly via our local school’s and club notes.
* We will be entering a team to take part in the J.G. Donnan 7-A-Side Social Football Tournament in An Riocht on Saturday 28th September from 2pm to 5pm. The event is aimed at promoting social Gaelic Football and is open to club members whom don’t feature for club senior or reserve teams. Anyone interested in taking part please contact either Shay Flannigan (07989964555) or Terry Connolly (07720711388).
* Next Saturday (21st September) our Under 8 & Under 10 hurler’s will be taking part in blitz in Warrenpoint. Further details will be available following training on Wednesday night.
* U/14 Hurling Warrenpoint 5-7 Castlewellan 3-7. The boys gave a great account of themselves in an exciting final on Saturday evening. They began strongly with goals from James McAleenan and a point from Sean Keown. However an injury to midfielder Sean resulted in positional changes that disrupted the town team and a goal just before half-time left us a point ahead at the break. The second half was end to end with the Warrenpoint team going 7 clear only for man of the match Matthew Muldoon goaling and Dara McVeigh scoring a rousing point to leave three in it. As the tiring town team pressed for an equaliser they were caught with a last minute goal. Game over. A great effort though lads and tough luck. The disappointment etched on the young faces told its own story. You can be proud of your performance.
* There are many club members spread far and wide around the globe. Some are recent departures from our shores but some like now have left here many years ago in hard times to find work and a new life. One particular man celebrated his 90th birthday on the 14 September. He is our former chairman & secretary Tom Fitzpatrick. Tom was our secretary from 1940 to 1943 and filled the role as chairman and secretary in 1944. We understand he has kept an interest in The Town since he left in 1949. Recent correspondence received shows that he still remembers his friends from his young days and counts Tibby Toner as one of his closest friends. On the occasion of this very special birthday, the members and executive committee of Castlewellan GAC send Tom and his family our very best wishes and pray that you are and remain in good health.
* Orders for club gear from O’Neill’s can now be taken. Please complete the flyer of which copies are available in the Club. You will need to provide full payment with cheques made out to Castlewellan GAC and leave with Brian O’Neill or John O’Neill in the Club on the following days and times: Thursday 26 September 2013 8.30pm – 9.30pm, Friday 27 September 2013 8.30pm – 9.30pm, Saturday 28 September 2013 10.00am – 11.00am. The gear will be available for collection in mid to late November. The next order for club gear will be in the Spring of 2014.
* The Attack Fitness Circuits will take place in The Club on Thursday evening of next week at 7.00pm. There will also be classes in St Malachy’s Park on Saturday mornings at 9.00am.
* The weekly Castlewellan AC weekly runs continue every Tuesday and Thursday leaving the Club at 7.00pm.