Congratulations to the Down Minor Camogie Team who won the All-Ireland Final on Saturday against Kerry. In a tight tussle Down gradually asserted their authority and superior game plan to win by nine points in the end. Great displays from Anna and Aoife who were fortunate enough to have a starting place on the team. Congratulations also to Claire and Ciara who were part of the panel. This is a second All-Ireland medal for some of these girls. Well done to Noreen Keown also who is part of the Down Management Team. Their rewards are well deserved for all their hard work. There is no success without this effort. Well done to the entire Down Squad.
Frank Sinatra sang “That’s life (that’s life), that’s what all the people say You’re ridin’ high in April, shot down in May” Well it wasn’t quite May. After a very good result against Clonduff the result against Burren at the beginning of last week past was a less endearing one. For the first 20 minutes of this game it was nip and tuck. The Town were gave as good as they got with an early goal from David Gilmore followed by a quick point from Finty McGreevy. Those scores were quickly cancelled out by two Burren goals. Burren tagged on eight in the 10 minute period before half time which made it an uphill struggle after the break. The Town played much better in the second half with some great scores taken but unfortunately we could not make a big enough dent in the Burren lead. All in all a learning curve for the younger members of the team. All the lads made a real good go of it in the second half.
Good news for the club when we received the Sport NI Clubmark at an Awards Night held at Ravenhill last week. Sport NI works with a range of governing bodies of sport which includes the GAA and Local Authorities to deliver this junior sports club accreditation programme. The programme aims to identify, develop, accredit and recognise high quality junior sports clubs and the contribution that they make to the development of sport. Our Club Secretary Brian Dougherty and Executive Committee Member Cillian Keaveney represented the club at this prestigious event and accepted the award on behalf of Castlewellan GAC. Well done to all those members who contributed so much into achieving this award.
The Under 16 ladies had a great win against Carryduff on Sunday past. The teamwork and effort was there for all to see. The score taking was excellent. Great scores from Blaithin Hardy and individual play from Anna, Aoife sand Amy. Final score Castlewellan 3-12 to 0-3.
The Junior Camogs suffered a defeat at the hands of Ben Dearg during the week. Spare a thought for Betty “Black & Blue” Boo. I always thought one used the camogie stick to hit the ball and not your leg. Betty I thought you would have known better. Still it saves stick getting broke!
The Minors captained by Neil McAleenan reached the East Down Minor Sevens Final in Ballykinlar. After great results against St Marys and Bryansford they fell to a strong Loughinisland team in decider. A good display from all the lads who have worked hard this year. The Minors fell to Rostrevor in the league in what was an entertaining free flowing game. Whilst the lads are not getting the results they deserve it is not through the lack of effort.
Hurling nursery. Thursday evening saw the first session for the youngest hurlers in the parish with the start of Under 6 training and there was a big turnout of players and parents alike. Well done to all the young hurlers for their effort and thanks to the parents for their support. Training continues in St. Malachy’s Park 5.30 -6.15 on Thursday.
The Club will be open every Saturday morning for the duration of the underage coaching from 10.00am to 12.00pm. Eileen and Sheila will be there to take orders for club gear which will be on show. You are required to leave a small deposit of £5.00 for any orders placed. We encourage all the parents of all our young players to come along and support the kids and their coaches.
The Under 12 Football boys training continues in St Malachy’s Park this Friday evening at 5.00pm. Full attendance is required from all the lads.
Ladies under age football continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Bann Road.
Training continues at the Bann Road Complex on Wednesday evening from 5.30pm for under 14 and under 16 Camogs and at 6.30pm to 7.30pm for the junior Camogs. Training for Under 14, Under 16 and Minor Camogs will commence this Friday at 5.30pm at the Bann Road.
