News

U14 and U16 hurling and football awards

November 8, 2018

In congratulating the U16 hurlers winners of the Shield Competition and all trophy winners An Cathaoirleach Ciaran Crilly told players that winning is not the be all and end all of playing our native games. It is important to remember that it is in taking part that is really important and every player and every sub is an equal part of the team and of this club.

Pulling on the Castlewellan jersey and playing for the town gives you an identity with the place you are growing up in and he assured the young players present that it will give them many happy memories that theywill cherish all the years of their lives.

He also told players that the club has an excellent coaching programme set up this year under the direction of Liam and Paddy Hardy, Barney Cunningham and Miceal Crilly putting great emphasis on ensuring that all our team coaches are properly prepared and equipped and have the right skills to coach and improve the abilities of our youg players.

As a club we are continuing to invest in the facilities we provide. Our second pitch at Dublin Road is now open for training and will also be used for games this season with our first minor friendly on it this Sunday. Before the end of the year we hope to be in a position to install state of the art floodlighting on this new pitch that will allow teams to train throughout the winter and also be available for winter games. We have many other development proposals in hand that will continue to provide all our players with top class facilities for the future and we hope that by the time you all play senior football and hurling that you will avail of these facilities.

In conclusion players were reminded that everything comes at a price and that every player from U12 to adult must become fully paid members of our Club. For Juveniles this is only £5 per year and any unpaid fees must be paid before the next training session.

An Cathaoirleach next introduced special guests Dan Gordan current captain of Down seniors, and Down and Ulster Hurling Keeper Graham Clarke to address the young players. Both men put great emphasis on the importance of discipline in sport, the need to train regurly and listen to the advice of coaches.

An Cathaoirleach next introduced special guests Dan Gordan current captain of Down seniors, and Down and Ulster Hurling Keeper Graham Clarke to address the young players. Both men put great emphasis on the importance of discipline in sport, the need to train regularly and listen to the advice of coaches.

Both men also advised young players that if they wanted to reach the pinnacle of their sport then they would need to steer clear of alcohol and drugs and lead a health life. They concluded by praising the work of Gaelic Club across the country in the efforts to provide the best facilities for players and in their care of players something that is wanting in most other amateur sports

Presentations:

U16 Hurling Shield winners;

U14 most improved hurler – Aidian Doherty;

U14 hurler of the year -Ryan Morgan;

U14 Most improved football player – Aidan Caldwell;

U-14 Football Player of the year – Michael Cunningham;

U-16 Most improved Hurler – Paul Goodman;

U-16 Hurler of the year – Ruarí Laverty;

Most improved U16 footballer – Paul Ward;

U16 footballer of the year – Paul McVeigh.