* Castlewellan hosted Féile na nGael an Dúin at the weekend. The Town Hurlers reached the Shield Final only to be outplayed by a stronger Ballyvarley. Well done to the lads for getting to the final and to Neil, Paul and Conor for all their efforts. The Under 14 Camogs put up really good displays despite losing out to Clonduff and Ballycran by the narrowest of margins. A great day was had by all despite the rainy start. Again thank you to all those club members who turned out on the day to make this event the success. From making burgers, tea to stewarding and being there to do whatever comes along. Your efforts are appreciated by the Executive Committee of Caislean An Mhuillin GAC. A strange thing happened when putting up the Club bunting. Someone thought it a great idea to thread it through the ladders and onto the telegraph pole. Marty! You are losing your touch!
* After a great victory against Saval, the Town who were at home came up against Mayobridge who were smarting from an opening day defeat to Burren. The visitors settled quickly to the task and had a goal on the board in 6 minutes. It took the Bridge into a lead they never lost despite a great second half performance. Another goal on 22 minutes seemed to solidify the visitors lead until Aidan Burns flicked the ball to the net on the stroke of half-time leaving just a goal between the teams It was nip and tuck all the way in the second half. Going into the last ten minutes there was two points in the game when the Town spurned what could have been a match winning opportunity. The Bridge settled the tie with late scores to leave the result Mayobridge 2-12 Castlewellan 1-10.
* The Seconds Team had a mixed week winning a high scoring game with An Riocht on Wednesday past but then succumbing to Clonduff in another goal fest in St Malachys Park on Sunday.
* The Senior ladies having got off to two high scoring victories against Saval and Burren fell to the County Champions Annaclone losing out by one point on Saturday Night. It was a great performance despite the defeat. They had struggled to field with injuries and other commitments. Losing Eleanor Nixon through injury early on leaving only 14 players for most of the game Although disappointed with the result Jim and Cillian can be satisfied with the effort with depleted numbers.
* The Under 12 boys started their league campaign on Sunday with a great five point win away to Carryduff B. This was a pleasing result and the managers Brian, John and Maurice were well pleased with the determination and attitude of the players. A great start. Final score was a 6-7 to 5-5. Win for The Town. Scorers; Cleveland Boyle (3-0), Matthew Carville (1-3), Ethan Aulds (0-3), Daniel Cunningham (1-0), Dara Fitzpatrick (1-0), Niall Garland (0-1).
* Castlewellan U-14’s took on Downpatrick in a thrilling league encounter on Wednesday night in the meadow which ended in a draw 0-10 to 2-04. The Town men put in a fantastic performance and will be kicking themselves that they did not take all the points. In a game that saw the home side hit the crossbar 3 times, force the away keeper into a save from the penalty spot and spurn several great scoring chances late on, the lads played some fantastic football and worked tirelesly throughout. At the back Joe Cunningham, Ronan Barr & Cathal Caldwell gave the visitors nothing while the midfield of Keelan Burns and Adam Garland bossed the game. Gareth McKibben was the pick of the forwards while man of the match James McAleenan was outstanding covering every blade of grass. Scorers Brian Brannigan 0-1, Philip Maguire 0-1, Adam Garland 0-3, Gareth McKibben 0-5 Keep it up lads!
* The Under 16 Boys were involved in a thriller with Mayobridge losing 7-9 to 5-13. A great performance by the lads even in defeat. Mickey can be proud of their efforts to date.
* The Minor footballers had a disappointing home defeat to Clonduff last Tuesday night. The lads will know that despite a great winning start a wee bit more composure is required in order to beat good teams like Clonduff who are counted among the favourites to win the Championship.
* There was a large turnout at the parents last Thursday night in the Club Rooms. It was very heartening to see such a great turnout of parents. We wish to thank them for their attendance and input at the meeting. It is hoped that we will meet again in the near future.
* The Under 16 Ladies footballers won again on Sunday past. Again they started slowly this time against Burren They won comfortably in the end by 5-11 to 2-06.
* The Under 14 Camogs lost out to Bredagh by two points this week. Good display in goals from Nadine McAleenan and a great outfield display from Catriona Caldwell. Getting everyone camogie is important. It is only right that if we can we cater for others who cannot get games because of low numbers. With that in mind we say welcome to the Longstone girls onto this camogie squad. We hope they enjoy their time with us.
* Congratulations to Aoife, Anna and Claire. They were part of the Down Under 16 Camogie Team which beat Laois by six points to reach the All Ireland Final where they will play Kerry on 5 May. Ciara was not available for that clash. Ciara is also recuperating from an injury. We all wish her well in her recovery.
* Under 8 & Under 10 hurling training is in St Malachy’s Park at 6.15 on Thursday.
* Under 8 & Under 10 football training will be at 6.15 on Mondays in St Malachy’s Park.
* The Under 12 Football Training continues in St Malachys 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.
