* The Castlewellan Kelloggs Cul Camp took place last week. We were blessed with some fine weather and loads of enthusiastic children who certainly enjoyed their week in the sun with all the coaches provided for the week long coaching camp. A special thanks to Terry Connolly and all his helpers who worked tirelessly to ensure all the children had a good week. The work by all encourages all the children to be involved in Gaelic Games. Thank you to all who made the camp so enjoyable and worthwhile.
* Pride and place of the week go to the Castlewellan Senior Ladies footballers who qualified for the Ladies Senior Championship Final with an emphatic victory over the favourites Bredagh when they won by 2-15 to 1-07. The early stages of the game suggested that Bredagh would dominate the game as they took an early lead and seemed to be in control. It was nip and tuck with Lisa Morgan knocking over a couple of frees and Kelly O’Higgins chipping in with a point. At 0-4 to 0-3 up Bredagh conjured up the first goal of the game following some poor marking to register the first three pointer of the evening. The Town responded with two points with Cara Cunningham drawing the Town level. Bredagh being the quality side they are pushed in front again. Once again Castlewellan came back with another pointed free from Lisa Morgan before a foul on Cara Cunningham and the final score of the half from Lisa to push the Town in front at half time. This was the lead gained which the Town never lost again. A brace of points from Kyla Trainor and one from Cara Cunningham were separated by Bredagh’s first score of the second half. Further scores from Lisa Morgan and Cara Cunningham left The Town five up. Kellie O’Higgins decided to rejoined the scoring with two well taken points before The Town delivered the killer blows with goals from Sarah McArdle and Lisa Morgan rounded off her evening with a well taken goal. A fantastic result for the ladies who have really worked hard this year under the management team of Jim Burns and Niall McArdle and they all really deserve to be where they are. They will play the winners of Bryansford and Annaclone in the other semi-final which will be played this weekend. So it’s back to the training pitch for some more hard work as they know that to beat the last two holders of the senior championship await them in the final. A real team effort and well done to our ladies!
* The second’s footballers reached the semi-final of the Premiere Reserve Football Championship with a 3-14 to 1-7 win over Mayobridge. The score line will sound emphatic but the truth of the matter was that it was a nip and tuck first half with both teams competing real hard. Leading 0-8 to 0-6 at half time, the score line suggested it would be a tight second half. By the 47th minute The Bridge had missed some golden opportunities but then there was some stout and brave defending in the Castlewellan backline. The Town had stretched their lead to five points. The hot day that it was substitutions are inevitable. Have you ever seen a game were three subs come on and all three score goals! First on came the man who sometimes gets ribbed (gently!) in this column. Jason Croskery first effort went wide. His next two deliveries were a goal and a point. The game appeared to be in the bag when Cillain spoke too soon and the Bridge hit the net to take the game back to seven points. On came Michael Gilmore to find the net to stretch the Town away again. To round it off Jason struck the bar only for the third sub Conan Brogan to score with the rebound. It was a good result for the lads who worked really hard to achieve this result. Now for the semi final where the Town will join three strong teams in the shape of Annaclone, Kilcoo and Burren. Good luck in the semi-final lads.
* The senior footballers recorded a good win against Saval last Thursday night. A minutes silence in the memory of Finbar McCormack who passed away on 8 July was impeccably observed by everyone in attendance. It was a tough robust affair with some hard and fair hits in the game. Saval benefitted fully with the return of their county players with Niall Madine putting in a useful shift at full forward which totally justified his selection on the County Team this summer. The town lead by five points at half time and dominated the first half. Saval came out in the second half rejuvenated and by the 34 minute had reduce the gap to two points and certainly in the ascendancy. Further points were swapped before the decisive score of the game with a goal from Cahal Crilly sectored a wee bit of daylight between the teams. Saval came back again before points from Sean Dornan and Cahal Crilly saw the lads home. This was a real tester for the lads and a reminder of how difficult things will be with all teams coming to the boil in time for the championship. Next league game is next Thursday night away to Burren in what will be another real battle for the lads.
* Castlewellan GAC will once again be running their annual three monthly draw. The draws will take place on 31 August, 28 September and 26 October 2013. Please contact any member of the committee if you wish to purchase a ticket. This draw contributes to finance our ongoing developments necessary to facilitate the growing demand for Gaelic sport in the Town and Parish. We would urge as many members as possible to support this draw.
* Modern technology being what it is brings Gaelic Games to all those unable to attend matches and it give real time updates also to those who live far away or. We are blessed with a couple of individuals who ‘tweet’ the games to those club members and fans. There is certainly now competition to see who can provide the wittiest updates and a scramble to get to the ground first to start tweeting on the game. Keep up the good work lads it is certainly entertaining and enjoyable.
* Please note coaching and training times for this week. On Tuesday 30 July Under 8 & Under 10 training at the Bann Road 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Saturday 3 August 10.00am-10.45am St Malachy’s Park Nursery, P1 & P2 Hurling and Camogie. 10.00am-10.45am St Malachy’s Park P3-P7 Camogie. 10.00am-11.00am St Malachy’s Park U12 Boys Hurling. 10.45am-11.30am St Malachy’s Park Nursery, P1 and P2 Boys Football and Girls Football. TBC St Malachy’s Park P5/P6 Hurling Blitz. Saturday 20 July Nursery, P1 and P2 plus Camogie up to Under 12.
* The Attack Fitness Circuits will continue in The Club this Wednesday evening at 7.00pm. This is due to the Senior match taking place on Thursday night. 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.
* The numbers in this week’s lotto were 3, 7, 14 & 18. There were no jackpot winners and two £20 winning tickets; Anne Burns & MK Taxis. Next week’s jackpot is £4350.