* Last week saw the passing of one of our oldest residents in the Town Kathleen Keown. Kathleen was pre-deceased by her husband Charlie who passed away in 1984. Kathleen worked for many years in Shillidays in the Town and was well known to all who traded there during her employment . A resident in the Upper Square she would have been very familiar to us all. The Executive Committee and Members wish to extend sympathy to our Life Members Mickey and Danny, to her son Tony, to Kathleen’s daughter’s Margaret, Patricia, Kitty, Biddy, Frances and Angela. We also remember Kathleen’s late son Cahal at this time. We also extend our sympathy to the wide Keown family circle on their sad loss. Mary
* It’s only been a few weeks since Down Ladies Footballers qualified for the All-Ireland Final. It seems like a long time ago with The Town winning the championship and Down winning another All-Ireland Camogie title. Very little time to stop and take a breath. Lisa Morgan, Orla Boyle, Karen McMullan and Kyla Trainor will all step out onto the hallowed turf of Croke Park on Sunday to contest the All-Ireland Final with Ulster Rivals Fermanagh. This year Down have held the upper hand on their opponents, last year it was the reverse. None of that will matter on Sunday. For Karen, another Sunday and another day in Croke Park. She will be going for a unique double having starred with the Camogs 10 days ago. Irrespective of Sunday’s result we are extremely proud of the girls and their achievements in reaching the final. We all know that won’t be enough for these ladies and a win is all they want. Ladies, you and Down carry the best wishes from The Town!
* Congratulations to the O’Rahillys Under 14 Hurling Team who won the Championship on Saturday defeating Ballela in the final. Congratulations in particular to Killian McCay. Eoin Maginn, Eoin King, Miceal McVeigh and Stephen Gallagher who are all our club members. The Town are amalgamated with the Liatriom Fontenoys in this competition which gives all the age group in both clubs the opportunity to play hurling at their level. Well done lads, you are a credit to your family and both clubs.
* The Under14 ladies footballers didn’t have too far to travel on Saturday to play in the Championship Final against Carryduff which was played in Kilcoo. Sadly, this was not to be the girls’ day as they came up against a well-established and a well drilled side. The girls started well but were up against a very strong opposition While it was not Castlewellan’s day, there should be great pride and reflection on the fact that Town girls were playing in a Final This is a team, who only a matter of months had difficulty having enough players to fulfil some league fixtures. This makes getting into the final a massive achievement and hints at what the future could bring if numbers continue to grow. Next stop for the team is St Gall’s GAC tournament first Saturday of October. Well done girls!! Keep believing in your own ability! A lot of the credit must go to Mark Doran and Suzanne Barr who have worked hard to bring their team on. They are not the sort who want to take credit. That said they have kept everything going for the girls and giving them the belief to do better. So our hats come off to you also.
* This Saturday night 27 September see the second of our Club Draws. Could we ask all ticket sellers to get their returns in as soon as possible to ensure all your ticket holders have entry in the draw. As part of the entertainment on the night there will be a Mr & Mrs competition. Plenty of lies will be told and maybe a few embarrassing faces when one of the couples will be The Doc & Cills! Changed times!
* There are a number of Courses, resources and projects coming up over the next few months. These might be off some interest to club members and coaches. They include Level 3 Diploma in Team Management in Gaelic Sport, Level 2 Course, Free GAA Coaching Awards, Development of talent coaches, GAA Activity Planner and The Activate GAA Warm-Up: Enhance Performance and Reduce Injury. Please contact John O’Neill for details
* 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 winter coaching programme commencing on Wednesday Nov 5th for all boys and girls from P1 to P7 in St Malachy’s High School and it will run for 6 Wednesdays up to and including Wednesday Dec 10th. Keep an eye out closer to the then for exact times.
* The Club will be holding a night in appreciation of all those who helped out during the year on Saturday 18 October. Details to follow soon.
