* Congratulations to the Down Minor Hurlers who qualified for the Ulster Minor Hurling Championship on Sunday past against Armagh. Our own minors Rory Burns and Pairic Hardy are on the squad. Rory started on the day and performed really well with his contribution being curtailed by injury which resulted on him leaving the field. The best of luck to both lads in the final this Sunday against Antrim.
* Well to St Malachy’s High School Under 14 Footballers on their magnificent victory over St Patricks High School Downpatrick in the County Under 14 final. A great result. The Club had players represented on both teams so we offer our congratulations to both sides and to the players who have represented our club so well.
* A depleted Under 14 Footballer team side lost away to Teconnaught on Monday night by 5 points. Having only travelled with 15 players, the Town lads where forced to play most of the second half with 14 players due to an injury sustained to the impressive Philip Maguire. The lads however dug deep and were in the game right until the final whistle. Best at the back were the ever present and impressive duo of Cathal Caldwell and Joe Cunningham, while Adam Garland was always a threat going forward from midfield. Rory McGuinness was the pick of the forwards while man of the match Mathew Carville was outstanding in his new role as a half back. A great effort from the lads. Well done and keep up the good work.
* The Under12 Hurlers recorded another win on Thursday against Warrenpoint. In a very skilful performance the Town boys wasted no time creating and taking scoring chances and raced into a four point lead before Warrenpoint settled into the game. With the teams level the Town got the important first goal scored by Darragh McVeigh who was one of the stars in a great team performance with a super strike from twenty yards. The Point began the second half with three unanswered points before the Town lads found their rhythm again. Excellent long and short range scores were taken and the second goal came as Warrenpoint fought hard to get back on level terms. The Town lads finished strongest with Conor Robb, Lorcan Cairns, Morgan Croskery and the impressive Shea King sweeping up in defence. Eoin Maginn and Darragh McVeigh controlled the centre for most of the match with some fine score taking. Eoin King, Fiachra Doyle and a very fast and skilful Callum McCabe worked very hard in the forward line. The Town ran out deserving winners on a 2-14 to 2-05 score line.
* I was talking to a keen observer of Gaelic Football on Friday night past. They commented that Castlewellan v Downpatrick games aren’t what they used to be – you know the physicality, the hard tackling, the high fielding and the all important bite which spurs players on both sides to perform for their team. Then the referee threw the ball in. By the end of the match all those important boxes were ticked and the culture of the Town v Town game was preserved. The game ended with both team sharing the spoils in what was an entertaining affair on the back pitch in Downpatrick as the main playing arena was unplayable due to the recent inclement weather. This meant that this was always going to be a close game on a perfect but smaller pitch. The Town were guilty of too many missed scoring opportunities which were not pressurised in any way. That said there was some good defending from the lads. There was never any more than two points in the game with the lead changing hands six times in the game. The Town were in the ascendency towards the end but could not press home their obvious advantage. It was a good recovery from last week’s performance. There was an ankle injury sustained by Downpatrick’s Jaralth Brannigan in an accidental collision. We wish him a speedy recovery.
* A further reminder that the Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camp will take in Castlewellan from Monday 30th July to Friday 3rd August 2012. All applicants are encouraged to complete their application on-line at www.gaa.ie/kellogsculcamps. There are application forms available from the Club on any night. Those attending the Nursery Camps must complete the paper application form. The Nursery Cul Camps are for children up to and including those that will have just finished Primary 2 this year. There will be a registration night on Thursday 19th July at 8.00pm. Please avail of this opportunity to get your child registered. Applications are also available from the Club House or contact Kevan Owens on 07712183399 or by e-mail: kevanowens@orange.net.
* A reminder that there will be no underage coaching in St Malachy’s Park until Tuesday 17 July. Saturday morning coaching will recommence again on Saturday 21 July 2012.
* A reminder that the running club enthusiasts meets at the Club on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings for a run. They will leave the club at 7.00pm. All ages, genders and abilities are welcome. You never know you might get a wee cup of tea afterwards
* The Tote numbers were 1, 5, 6 & 22. There were no jackpot winners and six £20 winners. They were Claire Maguire, Kathleen McClean, Peter McKibben, B McCavery and Pauline Brady x 2. Jackpot next week £1600.
