Castlewellan GAC Weekly Notes
* It was with great sadness last weekend that we learned of the death of Deirdre McKenny, wife of our esteemed member James. The Executive Committee and Members wish to extend to James, son Patrick and wide family circle our deepest sympathy on their sad loss. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for her. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* The Presidents Night will take place this Friday Night in the club to honour our new Club President Kevin Rodgers. He will formally accept the role. The night will also recognise the work of our outgoing President Teddy Rice. All members are invited to come along to this evening.
* St Patricks Day will see the All-Ireland Club Finals being shown in the Club from 2.00pm right through to the Ireland rugby match followed by entertainment at 7.00pm from Orla McCrickard and friends and free Irish Stew. So come along for a great day’s craic in your Club.
* Well we could tell you a wee thing or two about Castlewellan. A place rich in history. We have our Forest Park, The Lake, The Castle built in 1856 and of course the fabulous gardens which generations of newly-weds have had their wedding photographs taken. One of the country’s most natural sporting and training facilities with the famous “figure of eight” and Foxes Green” used as a training run by local budding amateur athletes and football teams with a serious professional outlook on their sport. Why do I mention all this? There is no better backdrop to Castlewellan GAC’s first Spring Lake 5k/10k Challenge. This will take place on Sunday 25 March 2012 with the run commencing at 1.00pm. Chairman of the Club Rory McCabe who will be running in the 10 race himself is looking forward to the event. He states “I am delighted with the initiative club members have taken in coming up with the idea to hold this event. We are only too pleased to row in behind and hopefully make it a successful day”. Registration will take place at the Club and will end 15 minutes before the race commences. The cost of entry to the 10K will be £7.00 and £5.00 for entry to the 5K. There will be tea, sandwiches and light refreshments in the club afterwards.
* The Under 8 and Under 10 football team headed to Belfast on Saturday morning to face St. Paul’s. They divided into two teams, older and younger and each team played four ten minute games winning each game. The Under 10 team started in great style with fantastic work at midfield from Lorcan Cairns, matthew McCabe and Ciaran Stratton. The defence were also on top form with Morgsan Croskery and Sean barr halting any attacks in their tracks. Joe O’Boyle was very steady in goals with csome great kick outs. Up front Miceal McVeigh and Alex McAlinden were on fire with some great scores. The Under 8’s you could say mixed it a .little from the start of their game with some heavy shoulder hits going in from Tiarnan O’Haloran and Luke McCabe! Dara Rodgers and Cormac McKibben were very strong at midfield. Tiarnan Connolly was very strong at full back and was well supported by Jack Maginn in goals. Nathan Owens took some great scores. Late on in the game Alex McAlinden flexed his muscles and made a goal saving shoulder tackle. Following the match all five mentors decided the boys need a special tackle bag session at Monday night training. A great turn out on Saturday with a few boys still to make appearances. Well played lads. Training continues on Monday night in St Malachy’s High School at 6pm for P1-P4 and 7pm for under 10 & Under 12. All welcome.
* The Under 8 hurling team headed to Bangor for the last blitz of the year at Eddie Irvine centre and once again performed really well. The older team won their games against St Paul’s Belfast, St Pauls Holywood and Ballycran. The younger team lost narrowly to Ballymena and Ballygalget and came from 3 down to draw against Ballela. Well done again lads. The first time hurling was a joy to watch.
* The Under 10 Camogs were at St Marys High School last weekend for an indoor blitz. Our Girls played fantastically in what was their first outing of the year. The coaches were really pleased with their performance and determination to do well. Well done to Aine Hawkins,Aislinn Fitzpatrick, Kari McVeigh, Chloe Kidd, Holly Warnock, Niamh Sloan, Beth Baine and Corra Croskery.
* The Down Minor Hurling team travelled to Derrynoose last Saturday to face Armagh in the Ulster Minor Hurling league. Playing on that team was our own Cahal Keown and Pauric Hardy. Unfortunately they were on the end of a one point defeat to their hosts.
* The Under 16 girls hosted Camlough in a challenge game at the Bann Road last Monday night. The visitors won the game in a close contest. This was a good run out for the girls who showed rustiness but nonetheless a decent game with good opposition.
* If anyone has ever seen the film Cool Hand Luke you will always remember the car wash scene. Enough said! Last Saturday 10 bulky hurlers of all shapes and sizes attempted to re-enact the film. They did so miserably! That said the dirty dozen less one worked hard in raising much needed funds for our club. Good to see big Paul getting out. Apparently he told her indoors he was going out for a bucket of coal! Then there was Ray. He can answer the phone, wash cars, and hose them down all at the same time. Why did I let him loose on my car! Also there giving a hand out were Gary, Jason, PK, Aidan, Mickey, Martin, Daniel, Paul and Ciaran. They reckon they are and will be the best crew on show. Another challenge for those coming behind them in the next few weeks. Thank you lads for all your hard work. There will be no car wash on St Patricks Day. It will recommence again on Saturday 24th March.
* Ladies under age football recommences on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Bann Road until the main pitch at St Malachy’s Park is available again.
* The indoor hurling coaching sessions will continue on Thursday nights in St Malachy’s Primary School. Coaching will start at 6.15 pm for the Primary 2 to Primary 4 boys and the coaching for the Primary 5 boys and older will commence at 7.15pm. Indoor hurling gear is provided.
* Camogie training/coaching for the Under 10 girls continues in St Malachy’s Primary School on Wednesday Night from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. This will be followed from 7.00pm to 8.00pm with coaching training for the under 12 girls. All participants must ensure they bring their own bottle of water and indoor footwear.
* 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.
