* The death has taken place of Pat Poland, father of our esteemed member Aine Connolly. The Executive Committee and all our Club Members wish to convey our sincere sympathy to Aine, her mother Sadie, Son-in-law Paul, grandchildren Stephen, Gavin, Aisling and Leanne. We also extend our sympathy to the wide Poland Family circle at the loss of Pat. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* Old rivalries and new kids on the block – yes the under 6 and under 8 footballers of Castlewellan and Bryansford crossed what I hope was toy swords over the holiday break with keen contested games in St Malachy’s Park. The weather on the day was kind and favourable. The keenness of both sets of players in each game was very evident. It is good to see that this age old friendship and sporting rivalry is as good as it always is. Well done to all the players from both clubs for all their efforts.
* Welcome news this week that four of our Hurlers have been selected for the Down Under 21 Hurling Championship squad. They are Jason Croskery, Joesph Lennon, Paul Ward and Aidan Keown. Well done to all the lads and the mentors & coaches who have assisted in their development.
* A further reminder to all members that Castlewellan GAC Gift Scheme is now in full swing with a good uptake by members. However if there are other members who have yet to respond they are asked to do so before the end of July – just contact chairman Rory McCabe 07703536322 – We are asking each Gift Scheme member to donate a minimum of £10 per month (approx. £2.30 per week) for a 5 year period through our standing order payment scheme and to make the donation Gift Aid, because the club have been recognised as a charitable body and can claim a further 28p for every £1 contributed by any taxpayer from the Government.
* To date the Senior Ladies footballers have had an up and down year with results in the main not going their way. On Thursday night past Jim and the girls probably had their best victory of the season to date with a fantastic win over the current county champions Bredagh. A good crowd witnessed some excellent football and hard work to go with it. Jim and the girls have put it a real good effort and this five point win proves the potential is there in the squad.
* The under 14 Girls footballers enjoyed a great win against local rivals Bryansford by 4-08 to 2-06 last Sunday. With a depleted squad due to holidays this was a great result with all the girls putting their shoulder to the wheel. Good performances from Catriona Caldwell, Tierna Moorhead and Nadine McAleenan who found the net scoring 2 goals.
* The under 14 Camogie Team will play Ballyholland this weekend in the Down Under 14 Camogie Shield semi-final. The girls have worked really hard this year and this is a chance to get into a final and contest for some silverware. The best of luck to the girls.
* “The real success story was the number of clubs, players and mentors participating and enjoying the games – Enjoying the games – that is what it is about”. This was the comment last year from a team mentor attending our annual under age football tournaments for boys and girls. We will release details in the next few weeks with regards to this year’s tournament. It is a permanent fixture in our calendar and it certainly serves up an exciting day’s football and entertainment for all.
* The Castlewellan GAC VHI Cul Camp will take place next week from 25th July to 29th July 2011. The nursery camp for children in P1 – P2 runs from 10.00 – 12.30. Please note that you cannot book this part of the Camp on the Internet. The camp for children in P3 – 13 year old runs from 10.00 – 2.30. Places may also be booked through the official website www.vhiculcamps.gaa.ie. Club officers will be in the Club on Saturday 11am-1pm to answer any questions about the Cul Camp and to collect forms and payment. For more information contact Ronan King 07788591740.
* The Castlewellan GAC Running Club continue with their runs on Tuesday and Thursday nights meeting at the club at 6.45pm to commence running at 7.00pm.
* Under 6 and Under 8 football continues on Tuesday at 6.15 in Meadow and at 6.15 on Thursday for the Hurling for the same age groups
* Under age coaching continues in The Meadow for Hurling and Football every Saturday Morning at the usual times of 10.00am for Hurling and 11.00am for Football.
* The Under 14 and Under 16 Camogie training continues on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The Under 12 Camogie training is on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.
* The Under 14 and Under 16 girls football training is on Wednesdays and Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm
* Can we remind all members again that the clothes is continuing. This is a great way to raise funds for our club and this is a great way for all our members and friends to assist the club in raising much need funds which help our to run our teams. All clean clothes, belts, shoes, coats or anything which can be worn please contact Noreen Keown and she will arrange for collection.
