* There is sad news to report this week with the passing of our well respected Honorary Life Member Hugh Gerard O’Neill. Hugh Gerard was the father of our esteemed Treasurer Brian O’Neill, former players Conor & Aidan and daughter Anne. The Executive Committee and Members of Caislean An Mhuilinn wish to extend their deepest sympathy to the O’Neill family and the wide family circle. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* 2012 is a big year for sport. I suppose it is too late for many of us to start thinking about competing in the London Olympics for which the big countdown has begun. But there is something else! Read on. Sunday 25 March 2012 sees the first Spring Late Castlewellan 5K/10K Challenge. There is just over 9 weeks to the big day and there will be further details released about the event in the coming weeks. Everyone male/female, young/old are all welcome to participate in the biggest fitness challenge in the history of the Club. All Club teams are welcome to participate in this event. Already the event is generating enthusiasm among the local runners. Indeed a Castlewellan tracksuit clad individual was seen running round the famous Ring of Kerry over the Christmas period. The half eight club have been doing the park on Sunday Mornings whilst the lazier half niner’s are out an hour later. The nearly half done bunch of oul’ boys are sneaking out at 10.00am. Mind you things are not looking good at all for the half eighters. They are constantly being outpaced by the small terrier dog they take with them every Sunday. The Castlewellan GAC Running Club continues their runs on Tuesday and Thursday Night. All runners should meet at the Club at 6.45pm to begin running at 7.00pm. This is open to all club members whether they be hurlers, footballers, camogs or members who just want to go for the run and the fun of it. This will be a great opportunity to supplement any training planned.
* It was good to see Kevin Duffin starring for Down on Sunday past in their emphatic Power NI Dr McKenna Cup victory over Monaghan in Clones. This leaves Down with a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition. The best of luck to Kevin and Down.
* The indoor hurling will continue on Thursday nights in St Malachy’s Primary School in preparation for the upcoming Down Indoor Hurling League. 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. Can we also ask that children do not wear black soled indoor shoes.
* The Down Under 12 indoor Hurling leagues continued on Sunday past with the Under 12 lads managing to win one, draw one and lose one. great performances from Eoin maginn, Cillian McCay and Eoin King. Strange things happen on the way home. A man with plenty of diesel in his own engine when he is pounding the roads of a week night in his runners didn’t give the poor minibus the same thought. At least it was on Mill Hill on the way home. The league will continue again on Sunday. Players must bring their hurling stick, gear, water bottle, and snack. Player must meet at the club at 10.45am sharp.
* A further reminder that we are still collecting clothes in a drive to raise club funds. We have collected a considerable number of bags and we wish to thank those club members who have donated unneeded items thus far. We still need more of those clothes from members who may not have yet cleared out those unwanted items. We would be grateful if you could take another good rummage and see if there is anything you can donate to help us along.
