* Burren & County star Kevin McKernan visited Castlewellan on Sunday as part of his “Keep ‘Er Lit” campaign to raise funds for his cousin Mark who was diagnosed with a brain tumour five years ago. This was part of his visit to all 44 clubs in Down to take a penalty at each ground. Michael Cunningham was the barrier in Kevin’s way to scoring in on this ground. Kevin is in a goal scoring vein with the County at the minute. Michael has travelled with Kevin from early Saturday morning and the last thing Michael wanted to concede was a goal from Kevin. Well folks! Michael saved brilliantly from Kevin. We hope he doesn’t get too many more opportunities to put one past Michael. In all seriousness Castlewellan GAC and all our members would like to congratulate Kevin and everyone who has supported him over the weekend for what they are doing for Kevin’s cousin Mark. We wish Mark well. This is the true face of the GAA and the sense of community County wide and how everyone at all our clubs have come together to give great support. Well done to Kevin.
* Next Saturday 27 April 2013sees a charity fundraiser being held in the Club for Marie Curie. It is to Commemorate Michelle Ranaghan’s (Anderson) 40th Birthday. Michelle passed away nine years ago and would have celebrated her land mark birthday at this time. The family are marking the occasion with this fundraising event to support Marie Curie and to show their appreciation for the support they received from them at that most difficult time for them. Please come along and support what will be a great night.
* There will be bingo in the Club next Sunday 28 April at 3.00pm.
* The Senior Camogie team had their first game last Monday night away to Ballygalget and played very well. The game was blown up 12 minutes to go due to bad light. It is expected the points will be awarded to Castlewellan as the score was 3.7 to 1.0 and the Town girls were pretty much on top. There was some great displays by Debra Croskery and Aisling Connolly in the back line whilst Aoife Keown run the legs of her markers sending long balls into Anna Rogan who connected with quite a few of those passes and some of which ended up in the net. Ciara Gibson and Clare Cleland were in top form and allowed little to pass with some great defending by The Town. They kept the Ballygalget scoreless for the first half though there was a strong wind in The Towns favour. The second half the defence came in to their own breaking down attack after attack before the game was brought to a premature close.
* The Under 14 Camogs travelled to Ballygalget on the Same night and unfortunately came up against a very skilful team who used the wind in the first half to totally dominate the game. Castlewellan fought hard and did not give up so credit to the girls next training session Thursday evening at 5pm.
* Last Sunday of last week was not such a good day for the ladies Under 16 team. We ended up on the wrong side of the score line against Bredagh. Maybe this was what was needed as a different team took the field on Sunday past and unfortunately for Bosco they took the backlash of a team smarting from a defeat. Three of this team had lined out for the seniors the night before and though they had maybe tired legs you would not have thought that from the display of great kick passing running off the shoulder and blocking. It was the same team just different attitude. Some great defensive displays with Aisling Burns Caitlin Small Amy McCourt, Laoise Keaveney, Aisling Connolly Nicola McCabe and Tierna Moorehead. They worked as a great unit closing down Newry Bosco at every turn. Anna Rogan and Catriona Caldwell had an excellent hour in midfield constantly running, working and scoring. The forward line had some excellent moved and finished well working hard to link with midfield Nadine McAleenan, Clare Owens and Kate McAleenan were excellent in attack. The full-forward line of Becky Lenaghan Blaithin Hardy and Courtney Steele made great runs and tackling to win back lost possession final score 10.17 to 0.02 subs Emma Rice Bria McKee and Amy Barr. Football training Wednesday and Friday 5pm Bann Road
* The Under 16 boys footballers suffered a home defeat to Ballyholland in St Malachy’s Park on Thursday night last. In a poor first half performance the town boys conceded 2 soft goals in the first 2 minutes and never really recovered going in 0-5 to 5-7 at the break. However after some hard half time talking the boys rallied and gave a completely different performance tying the second half and eventually going down 0-9 to 6-8. They just need to bring that second half performance into the game earlier which will bring the lads a lot of confidence. Best for The Town Keelan Burns, Ryan Lundy, Gareth McKibben and Donagh Cairns where always a threat. The Town’s man of the match was Sean O’Boyle.
* The latest County Hurling Blitz took place on Saturday past in Carryduff with a great turnout of players and parents alike attending. Both teams played six games and there were some tired and sore limbs at the end. Once again the boys excelled with great striking, blocking and most importantly scoring. The next hurling blitz will be at home on Saturday 18th May. Under 14 Hurling training will take place at the Bann Road on Thursday at 6.15pm. There will be a match on Friday at home to Warrenpoint.
* The Activ8 programme proved to be very successful. Part of the money raised from the programme was donated to The Limbless Support Group NI. On Sunday last vice chairman Kevin Sweeney handed over a cheque for £150 to Sheila Murdock who received it on behalf of the group.
* The Under 8 Camogs took part in a Blitz in Mayobridge on Sunday past. You will see from the joyful smiles on their faces that they enjoyed their day out. They also played very well in all their games against Mayobridge, Kilcoo, Ballyholland and An Riocht.
* The Senior Footballers won their second league game of the season last Friday night with a hard fought win in Kilcoo. This Thursday night Mayobridge visit St Malachy’s Park for what will be again a tough match. The Bridge may not have any points on the board but that fact makes them a dangerous opposition to play against. They won in the Town last year and will want to continue this trend. The throw in will be at 7.15pm. Kilcoo reversed the senior result in the All County Premiere Division 1 match with a three point victory over The Town. This was the second team’s first defeat of the season.
* Juvenile training continues this week. Tuesday 23rd April 6.30pm -7.30pm Bann Road P3 – P6 Boys. Thursday 25th April 6.30pm – 7.30pm Bann Road P3 – P5 Hurling. Friday April 26th Under 12 Boys Football training 6.30pm to 7.30pm at St Malachy’s Park. Saturday April 27th all the following juvenile coaching will take place at the Bann Road at the following times10.00am – 10.45am Hurling & Camogie for Nursery, P1 and P2. P3 – P7 Camogie. 10.00am – 11.00am Under 12 boys Hurling. 10.45am – 11.30am Nursery, P1 and P2 Boys Football and Girls Football. The times for the P3/P4 Football Blitz and the P5/P6 Football Blitz will be confirmed later in the week. We would welcome all existing and new members to all our coaching sessions.
* 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.
* The under 14 footballers will train at the Bann Road on Wednesday night at 6.30pm.
* The numbers in this week’s lotto were 6, 15, 19 & 25. There were no jackpot winners and one £20 winner; Barney Cunningham. Next week’s jackpot is £3700.