* A lot of our younger generation won’t remember the neatly run shop that was tucked between the Chapel and the Lodge. It sat alongside what was then the Mourneview Bar which is now Zebedees. The shop belonged to Harry McAlinden and his wife Margaret. Many a football match was kicked in the shop and on the summer seat outside it. That is not surprising as it was a great footballing house. Last week saw the passing of Margaret who was pre-deceased by Harry 9 years ago. I would probably not be telling lies if I said that she would have had to listen to what Harry and the boys had to say about the game and she would have probably made more sense with just a few words. The Town changes and moves on and sometimes we forget the places and the people that formed part of our community in days gone by and natural spots for meeting and just chatting. Inside and outside Harry & Margaret McAlinden’s was one of those places. The Executive Committee and members wish to extend our sympathy to our life members Laurence and Francis, PJ and Margaret on the loss of their mother. We also extend our sympathy to the wide McAlinden family circle on this sad loss. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* This week the club was presented with three sets of jerseys sponsored by Property Directions in the Town and Wilson Electrical. We fully appreciate the support of those businesses and indeed all the businesses and individual’s that is given to us and we thank them for their generosity. Please see the hotopgraphs in the gallery part of this website.
* The Seconds footballers came got back to winning ways against Mayobridge last Friday evening with a good seven point victory. A good display all round.
* Outdoor juvenile coaching programme will continue in St Malachy’s Park every Saturday. Please bring both indoor and outdoor shoes as coaching will be inside if it rains. All new and existing members are welcome.10.00am – 10.45am St Malachy’s Park – Nursery, P1 and P2 Hurling and Camogie, P3 – P7 Camogie. 10.45am – 11.30am St Malachy’s Park – Nursery, P1 and P2 Boys Football & Girls Football and P3 to P7 Girls football. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to get involved. There will be tea and coffee in the club from 10.00am to 11.30am on the Saturday mornings.
* Well done to all the boys in the Under 8 and Under10 hurling teams who travelled to Carryduff on Saturday for their first blitz of the year. The lads gave a great account of themselves. Carryduff did a fine job in the organising of their blitz. Thank you also to all the parents who came along and provided transport and support the young lads. Your support is always greatly appreciated.
* Under 10 & Under 12 hurling training continues on Monday evenings at 5.45pm.
* Anyone who was able to attend the Club last Saturday evening will be able to tell you what a great night was had by all. Our Senior Footballers had organised this fund raising venture to assist with much needed funds for the Club. We acknowledge that many people had bought tickets in support of the night but were unable to attend. We appreciate that support and that of those who were there. Thanks to all the lads especially Willie Og, Cahal and Aidan for all their hard work. The winners of the two sets of Garth Brook tickets were Eoghan Gilmore and Lauren King. Well done to both and enjoy the concert!
* A reminder that our Golf Classic will take place on Friday, 23 May 2014 in Downpatrick Golf Club. The price is £100 for a Four Ball which also includes a meal back at the club plus a few fun extras. Please contact Kevin Sweeney, Ronan King or Niall McArdle for details of the competition.
* This week’s totes numbers were 16. 21, 24 and 27. There were no £20 or jackpot winners this week. Next week’s jackpot will be £6350.
* Well it’s that time of year again when we think about weeding those flower beds, trimming those hedges, filling those baskets and most importantly the nice shaded green stripes up, down and across our gardens and lawns. How nice your shaded stripes turn out to be will depend on where you get your lawnmower serviced. Mine was serviced in the Town so I would expect a nice emerald green finish. It will probably be helped by the painted green under carriage of my machine. If it was serviced out in the Ford then naturally a nice green finish with a hint of gold would not be deemed out of place. Now if you go out the road to Kilcoo to get your machine put into shape for the summer then you naturally have to expect a black and white finish to your mower. I am not sure what this would do for the colour of your grass! We would refer you to our resident horticultural & gardening expert Miceal for advice on this!
