* The Senior footballers returned to winning ways on Friday night with a well deserved victory over Downpatrick. This fixture this time last year was a Division 2 affair so this would be an indication of just how well each has adapted to life back in the top division. Castlewellan got off to the best possible start with a Kevin Duffin point after 2 minutes. A well worked goal with great movement in the forward line resulted with a simple knock in by Cahal Crilly. Downpatrick responded with two points signalling they were not rocked by that goal, however, in the eighth minute a great 60 yard cross field ball from Kevin Duffin to Aidan Burns who dispatched to the net signalled a definite stranglehold on the game for the Town. David Gilmore tagged on two points before a great interception saw Aidan Burns finish to the net one mor in the 17 minute. Downpatrick’s Jarlath Brannigan reminded the Town that we were not going to have it all our own way with a well taken goal of his own. The second half was a better game with Downpatrick matching the Town score for score. A speculative lob from Liam McKibben caught the Downpatrick’s keeper off his line to register the Town’s fourth goal of the evening. A good win to be going to Newcastle with next Friday evening when we take on Bryansford who will start as favourites.
* There were a few notable attendees at last week’s senior game. Local bookies favourite HT was there to cheer on the boys. He was hoping to see a few more scores on the board. Meanwhile ‘FlanEye’ our resident goal line technology expert was on hand to give his verdict on what was thought to be a goal in the vociferous Town supporters camp. But alas it was not given much to HT’s displeasure.
* Castlewellan U-14 footballers travelled the short distance to their local rivals Bryansford for a hard fought league match on Monday night. In a game that saw the home side dominate from the off set the town lads struggled to get a foothold in the game. The lads battled to the end eventually going down 4-20 to 3-1. Best for the town was Gareth McKibben, Keelan Burns, James McAleenan,Ruairi Feenan and Cathal Caldwell with Joe Cunningham putting in an immense performance at full back. The lads know they are capable of much better performances.
* Our ladies crashed out of the Championship on Saturday night to a well drilled Carryduff outfit. They met the Town in the League last week in what was an evenly balanced game. On this occasion they were just a bit too strong for our ladies.
* The Minor footballers did not build on their success away to Shamrocks when they went down to a single point to league leaders Saval. Despite leading for most of the game the Town did not put away the several goaling chances they had and when the visitors found the net mid way through the second half they did not relinquish it. It a close finish the visitors defended stoutly to hold on for a narrow win. A few fine performances from Sean Fitzsimmons, Mickey Gimore and Rossa McCartan.
* The Down Minor Hurlers recorded a great win over Donegal in the Ulster Championship last Saturday. Good to see Cahal Keown and Pairac Hardy part of that panel. Best of luck in the next round lads.
* Thirty Under 10 and Under 8 hurlers made their way to Warrenpoint for a blitz on Saturday and once again gave a great account of themselves. The Under 10 squad despite the fact they were missing a number of regulars played strongly with 15 boys getting the opportunity to wear a green jersey some for the first time. The Under 8 team once again proved tough opposition and played some great hurling despite the fact that they were restricted to ground hurling at this venue. Thank you to the parents who took the time to come along and support the boys.
* Commiserations to the St Malachy’s PS hurling team who lost to Ballygalget in the county semi-final on Saturday afternoon. The boys gave a great display particular in the second half and just came up short in a fine game of hurling. Well played and hard luck boys.
* The Under 14 camogs were beaten byBallygalget. Therte were some great performances by some of the younger girls notably Sorcha, Erin, Emma and Ailsin with Aislin & Sorcha popping up with a goal a-piece for themselves. There was also a great display from Daniella Corrigan.
* The Under 14 ladies had a good 5.08 to 2.02 home win against Bredagh. |there were good performances from Nadine McAleenan, Bria McKee and Clare Owens. Talking point of the day was just that – a point from Clare virtually on the end line with her putting the ball on her left foot and swinging it over the bar. When you hear the sporting applause from the visiting supporters and mentors it gives you an idea of just how good it as. Again good performances from the younger players who are still under 12 namely Erin McVeigh, Caoimhe Moorehead and Sorcha McCartan. They all moved into the system of the Under 14s with great ease.
* Good luck to the Minor Camogs in this weekend‘s Feis Final which will be in Castlewellan. The home support is required to cheer the girls on so come on up and lend them your voices.
* The Under 6 hurling nursery continues on Thursdays at 5.30 – 6.15 in the meadow. The young hurlers are showing up really well week on week with great enthusiasm and effort.
* Under 8/10 Camogie training continues on Saturday Mornings from 10am to 11am in St.Malachys Park. Need to see all girls out training.
* There were no jackpot winners and one £20 winner Arthur Rooney. The numbers were 1, 5, 20 & 23. Next week’s Jackpot is £1300.
