* The Town’s poor run continued with a home defeat to Burren last Friday night. The game was switched to the Dublin Road Complex due to the inclement weather. The Town more than held their own until a disastrous period after half time when we conceded soft goals which meant we were effectively chasing the game in the second half. It was not an ideal preparation for the Senior Championship against Kilcoo this weekend where we will start as under dogs against one of the favourites to take the title this year.
* As everyone knows the weather has played havoc with our football pitches of late. This had a knock on effect for this summer’s Cul Camp which took place last week. This meant changing venues through the week to accommodate the large number of children attending. Again the Cul Camp was a great success. The weather was not great but the enthusiasm and the excitement of all the children taking part was a joy to see. The Club wishes to thank Maurice O’Neill and St. Malachy’s Primary School for allowing us access to the school gymnasium and pitches as St. Malachy’s Park was unplayable.
* The Minors recorded a good opening win against our closest rivals Bryansford in the opening game in the Championship last Tuesday Night. This was a tough encounter made all the more difficult for both sides with the heavy rain which preceded the game making the pitch really heavy for both teams. The Town start brightly enough and controlled the game. We were lucky in that the Ford freetakers did not have their shooting boots on. That said the free’s were not from easy scoring positions. Early points from Cahal Crilly and Sean Dornan settled nerves a little. On ten minutes the Town worked the ball well in with Mickey Gilmore taking a pass from Cahal Keown to palm the ball to the back of the net. There was suddenly a five point gap with the Ford yet to get on the scoreboard. They finally got on the scoreboard and worked their way back into the game with hteee point to close the gap to two points. Just before half time the Ford worked a great opening resulting in their forward being fouled. They scored with the resultant penalty. Game On! The visitors were now a point up. The Town went forward again and on the stroke of half time possibly the Towns most important score a long range effort from Paddy Gallagher to level the tie just on the stroke of half time. The second half did not lack the intensity of the first thirty minutes. On thirty-six minutes Mickey Gilmore found himself in the clear once again and with that found the net again. The Ford did reply again on forty minutes but the Town replied with points from Rory Burns and Sean Dornan. From this point onwards The Town really exerted their control and played with considerable heart. Further points from Sean Dornan who played a stout game in the middle sealed what was in the end a very satisfying win for the Town. Good performances from Stephen Connolly at full back and from Mickey Gilmore, Cahal Keown and Rossa McCartan. The lads know that Championship favourites and current table toppers Saval will be a more difficult puzzle on Tuesday night at the South Down venue and will have to move their performance on somewhat in order to progress our chances of extending our stay in this Championship.
* The Senior Hurlers bowed out of the Championship last Monday evening in a high scoring game against Clonduff. They were that wee bit stronger than us but that said the boys were not found wanting and gave their opponents something to think about.
* Down’s run in the All-Ireland came to an abrupt halt in a sunny Saturday evening in Croke Park against a much better Mayo team. Commiserations to all the Town contingent involved and thank you for giving us the days out this summer. It just wasn’t to be.
* Congratulations to the Down Minor Camogie Squad who overcame Antrim in the Championship final by a score line of 3-12 to 1-6. Well done to Aoife Keown, Clare Cleland, Anna Rogan and Ciara Gibson. All the girls who play their part for the Town did so for the county and this is a much deserved victory. Well done ladies!
* The Under 14 Camogs play in the semi final of the championship this Thursday Night against Portaferry. This was postponed from last Sunday due to bereavement in Portaferry. Please come out and give the girls all your support for this game in what will be a big championship game for them.
* The Under 14 ladies Footballers will play Kilcoo this Wednesday (tonight) in Castlewellan. This means there is no Under 12 football training on this evening. A full turn out will be expected next Wednesday evening for training.
* The Clothes collection has recommenced again. Please leave all bags of clothes at the club and Noreen Keown will arrange for collection. This is a great way to raise money for your club and evey little bit given is appreciated.
* There are camogie coaching sessions every Saturday morning from 10.00am to 11.00am in St Malachys Park. All young players up to 12 years of age are welcome to come along to learn and develop new skills.
The Last Man Standing competition is still running. We started out with 325 people entering the competition. There are still 25 standing after last Friday night’s games. A new competition will be starting next week with a £10 Entry – Just pick the winner of one English Premier League match each week. If your selection wins you progress to the next week, lose or draw and you’re out, but a ‘one off ‘Buy Back’ is allowed, to re-enter the competition (£5).The competition will commence on the weekend Saturday 18th August and the Game refers only to Premier League Matches taking place from that date. The Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15th August. Contact a Senior Player or Committee Member to enter A Full List of Rules are available from Senior Players and Committee Members.
* 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.
