* Last Friday night was a wet windy and unforgiving night for football. Nonetheless the under 21 footballers of An Baile and Clonduff went hammer and tongs at it in a tough uncompromising affair at the Dublin Road Complex. Both teams gave it their all in a game which An Baile thought they had won by a single point. However the official on the night had it down as a draw. Whilst disappointing we can say that it was great entertainment served up by both teams on a bad night. Well done to An Baile & Clonduff.
* National awards come along very rarely for our schools in the Parish. The Cumann na Bunscol National Awards took place last Friday night in Croke Park. It is well done to Aughlisnafin Primary School who won 3rd place at the ceremony and received their prize of E500 and E200 O’Neill Sports vouchers. This is a fantastic achievement for all the pupils, teachers and everyone associated with the school. The Executive Committee and Club members wish to congratulate The Fin Primary School on this fantastic award.
* Some weeks ago we mentioned in our notes that some of our members had moved abroad or elsewhere in these isles. It is good to know that they have brought their sporting prowess with them. Our own Brian McAlinden who is listed from Antrim on his new hurling club’s website has moved to Leeds and has settled in quite well. He has been playing hurling for the Leeds based Yorkshire Emeralds who recently won the Mick Houlihan Cup Final with a fine win over Erin Go Braith with a score line of 1-16 to 0-03. It was this Club’s first piece of silverware. We are proud that one of our men was part of that team’s success. Brian starred at centre forward. Congratulations to him. Mind you he is not too hot on his GAA history. Brian you need to look at that 1994 video again of the Down v Derry match. Remember the name Ciaran McCabe? Does it ring a bell?
* It was unfortunate that the first semi-final of the F-Factor was cancelled after an in house row among the judges for this year’s competition. ‘Louis’ was told he would not be head judge this year. He did not like this and threatened to go to the papers and reveal all the show’s past secrets! He had to be advised that this column has already divulged all those things and will continue to do so. He has found the rattle again and will stay in the pram. The Super Semi Final will take place on Saturday 3rd December in the Club. More details next week.
* Gavin Corrigan was unsuccessful at the Ulster Writers Awards in Bundoran. The Referee of the Year award went to Joe McQuillan from Cavan who of course refereed the All-Ireland Senior Football Final this year. Success can be measured in awards or in simple comments from players and officials. At one Championship game refereed by Gavin this year a player from the losing team paid Gavin a great compliment on his performance. Any referee will tell you that words like that from players mean a lot.
* Our darts team recovered some lost ground last Friday Night when they drew 3-3 with Ballykinlar in the Castlewellan Darts League. Wins for Rory, Ollie and wait for it….young Jason! Busy with the under 21 squad earlier and then his darts team, Jason is certainly putting in the miles for the club. Next thing you know he will be in F-Factor!
* A final reminder that the Club’s Annual General Meeting will take place tomorrow night Thursday 24 November at 7.30pm in the club rooms.
* Hurling – please note that the indoor underage hurling will re-commence on Thursday 5 January 2012 in St Malachy’s Primary School. A reminder will be issued nearer that time.
* A reminder that the Club website is now partially up and running. The website address is www.castlewellangac.com. You will be able to access the Weekly Notes under Latest News. This will also enable our members far and wide to access the goings on around the club.
