* Sad news this week of the passing away of Dorothy McKinley, mother of our Parish Priest Father Denis McKinley. The Executive Committee and all our Club Members wish to convey our sincere sympathy to Father McKinley. We also extend our sympathy to the McKinley Family circle at the loss of Dorothy. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* Pride of the week is the Under 16 quartet who represented their team and club mates from The Town and also Down & Ulster Camogie in Croke Park last Sunday in the “Sliothar on Caman” competition. The team consisting of Aoife Keown, Paidi Hawkins, Claire Cleland and Ciara Gibson won the relay very easily on the hallowed turf and brought great pride to our club. We congratulate them on their success and to their coaches who work so hard with all the girls at all levels within the club.
* Some of our youngest members had a busy schedule on Saturday last. First up was the under 8 football in St. Malachy’s park with Mayobridge the visitors. Both clubs divided into three teams of 8-a-side and each team played 3 games. The weather did not look promising but thankfully the rain cleared. Each of our young footballers played their part with some great performances. The games were keenly and evenly contested. They were able to perform all the skills they have practiced in training with some great score taking, catching, blocking, tackling and saving. Thanks to the Mayobridge players and mentors for making the trip. The young sky blues were a credit to their club. After the football it was on to Warrenpoint were there was an Under 8 and Under 10 Hurling blitz. The Under 10 team played really well winning one and losing narrowly in two games. The games were close and hard fought against the hosts, Liatroim and Ballela. The Under 8 team gave a great display of air hurling and team work winning all their games comfortably. It is evident that the boys are working hard on their skills in training and more importantly at home. Thanks to all the parents for their great support.Training continues at the usual times this week.
* Fantastic news this week that our own whistler Gavin Corrigan will referee the All-Ireland Women’s Intermediate Final in Croke Park on Sunday 25 September. This is a wonderful accolade for him and very well deserved.
* Our Under 14 footballers exited the Under 14 Championship to the hands of Kilcoo last Saturday. Late goals proved to be the undoing of the lads who gave it their all.
* Commiserations to the Down Camogie team who came so close to an All-Ireland title on Sunday losing out by one point in the end to Waterford. A great effort from the girls who have done us all proud. We in The Town are proud of their efforts and no doubt they will rise again.
* Sunday past saw a double header in the Meadow with two Around A Pound Intermediate Football Championship Quarter Finals. Thank you to all who worked on the day to ensure everything went according to plan.
* Contractual reasons meant that we were supposed to report on all the Castlewellan Bouts at our Fight Night. The “Fin the Furious” verses Sugar Ray Cunningham was The Club’s Hurling Hallion of the Year Fight which was a highlight for all to see. Furious Fin concentration and high punch count won it in the end but only just. Word on the street is that the promoters want a re-match and both lads are keen.
* Take Me Out last Saturday night attracted a large crowd to the Club in what turned out to be an excellent evening’s entertainment. All the lads who entered produced a video to try and entice the young ladies into that all important date. First up was the young Lord Fontenoy Collie McCrickard whose video was a dream scene where he wore the coveted Town Jersey. Word on the Street is that if he ever put on a Town Jersey he would have to emigrate! Surely not! He managed to keep a few lights lit and get himself a sweetheart! Next up was Brian Dougherty who was suitably dressed for the occasion with a Tux and a rose. As we all know Brian has been single for some time. His Roundabout Yoga and dummy like male modelling skills meant all was going well until the hearth rug scene. All the lights went out! One light came back on in sympathy. We commiserate for that brave girl! Next was Ronan King who impression of “Ernie the fastest milkman in the west” certainly seemed to go down very well. His intelligent book reading (which was upside down) did not hinder his chances in fact enhanced them with the sympathy vote. Young Jason was next. Ah Jason you didn’t have to try too hard – few lights went out. When you are his age you don’t have to try too hard. The rest of the lads were jealous. Last but by no means least the phenomenon that is Willie Og MacCauley. Willie our Baywatch hero managed to woo Lady GaGa on the night and every other female. Indeed some concerned parents had to hold their daughters back. Word is that Willie is now “Free Willie” who is no longer beached. A few confessions to and the forgiveness from “Kev the Rev” helped his cause. Cahal’s appearance as Lady GaGa thankfully was his only appearance on the night much to the relief to all of us. Well done to all the lads who put so much effort into the night and the videos they prepared which were all truly amazing. They gave us all a good night. Thank you also to all the young ladies who boosted those male egos and played along in the good fun of the evening. Last but no means least well done to the organising committee and all the ladies who spent a considerable amount of time preparing the Club for this event. Their work is truly appreciated.
* 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 8, Under 10 and Under 12 Camogie training in the Meadow on Tuesday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
* Under 6 and Under 8 football continues on Tuesday at 6.15pm in Meadow and at 6.15pm 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.