* There was the sad news last week with passing on Friday of a recent player’s mother and a former playing member. Bridie Trainor, mother of our esteemed member Stephen died after a long illness. Basil McCartan who also played for the club died the same day. The Executive Committee and members wish to express their deepest sympathy to the Trainor and McCartan families and the wide family circle on their sad loss. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* The Down Minor Hurlers came within a whisper of beating the hurlers of Antrim in a close and exciting Ulster Minor Hurling Championship Final on Sunday past. A last minute effort from Antrim secured the draw for them. Rory Burns gave his all to the County cause before being substituted in the 40th minute. The replay will take place this Sunday in Newry.
* With all the rain this summer so far it is hard to remember when football was actually played on a dry sod. The Minors appear to consistently play in the rain the two matches this week were no different but the results were. On Tuesday last the lads played very well to beat a big Bredagh Team. It was a game we were always on top with fine performances from Rory Burns, Stephen Connolly, Tiarnan Hardy, Rossa McCartan, Conal Crilly and Conal Corrigan. The result on Sunday past against Burren could not have been as different. Despite conceding two goals before the half-time whistle we were well in the game. Despite our best efforts we could not close the gap after half time. Good performances from Stephen Connolly, Sean Dornan and Paul King.
* The Senior Footballers suffered a home defeat to Longstone on Friday past. On a night when the weather was poor for both teams the ‘Stone adapted their game to the conditions better. There were only three points in the game at half time. A burst of points in the second half from Aidan Burns brought us to within two points but a goal in the last 10 minutes for Longstone stunted our comeback. In the end the margin was five points.
* There will be a barbeque in the Club this Saturday evening 14 July. The tickets are £15.00 per couple which will cover food and entertainment. Come along and support your club and make a difference.
* There will be a fundraising night in the Club On Saturday 21 July. There are lots of exciting prizes to be won including Weekend Hotel Breaks, Day Trips, Restaurant Vouchers, Gadgets and lots more. There will be an Auction for a top class prize to be announced on the night. Tickets for the draw will be on sale at £5 per ticket or £20 for a book of five. They are available from any Hurler or the Clubrooms. There will be a Karaoke and Disco on the night in St Malachy’s GAC Clubrooms. There will be a donation out of the proceeds to PIPS Charity. Please come along and support your club and a very worthwhile charitable cause which is close to club members hearts.
* For those of us who will not be attending in person The Ulster Senior Football Final on Sunday 22 July the club will be opening showing the Down v Donegal match and the Leinster Final between Meath & Dublin. There will be a drinks promotion the entire afternoon. So come along the Club and enjoy the craic and the atmosphere in the club for the final.
* There will be a Monster Bingo in the Club on Sunday 28 July at 3.00pm. More details of the event will follow in the next two weeks.
* 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.
* The running club members meet 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.
