* It was a mixed week for our Senior Footballers. On Monday night of last week they recorded a good home win against neighbours Kilcoo. On Saturday past we came unstuck against a Mayobridge that are sending out a clear message of their intentions this year. It is a cliché but a true one that perhaps you learn more in defeat than you do in victory. Next up will be the newly promoted Glenn. An improved performance will be required.
* You know the way it used to be in the old days. There was always a good room in the house. It was for visitors coming. When they did come you still sat in the kitchen and talked! The goods room for the club is St Malachy’s Park and it is used for the neighbours, friends and strangers when they visit. The playing surface last Monday night for the Kilcoo game was absolutely immaculate. It would make you want to play no matter what age you are. Well done to our ground staff who have put in a lot of work over the past while to have the pitch in the condition that it is.
* There was disappointment for the Down Minor Camogs with their defeat on Saturday to Waterford in The All Ireland Minor Semi-Final. The minor ladies are a good team but they just didn’t play to their best ability. We had a seven strong contingent of Castlewellan Camogs representing Down. Hard luck to Clare Cleland, Anna Rogan, Catriona Caldwell, Aoife Keown, Aisling O’Neill, Ciara Gibson and Nicola McCabe. The County Senior Camogs made up for the disappointment of Saturday when they beat Meath 0-14 to 1-9 in the semi-final of the National league. Aoife Keown started in that game with Anna Rogan coming on as a substitute and making a telling contribution. Well done to both Down teams and to all our Camogs involved and the effort they are putting in.
* Outdoor juvenile coaching programme will commence in St Malachy’s Park on Saturday 26th April at 10am. Please bring both indoor and outdoor shoes as coaching will be inside if it rains. All new and existing members are welcome.10.00am – 10.45am St Malachy’s Park – Nursery, P1 and P2 Hurling and Camogie, P3 – P7 Camogie. 10.45am – 11.30am St Malachy’s Park – Nursery, P1 and P2 Boys Football & Girls Football and P3 to P7 Girls football. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to get involved. There will be tea and coffee in the club from 10.00am to 11.30am on the Saturday morning.
* The Club have entered a girls U12 football team in the county league. Any parents with children wishing to play please contact Ciara Hardy on 07849062299. There will be training for the U12 girls in St Malachy’s Park on Sunday April 27th at 10am.
* A reminder that applications forms for Gaeltachta Scholarship 2014 are now available either in our clubrooms or by emailing secretary.castlewellan.down@gaa.ie. Please note all applications must be returned to the County Office before the closing date of Wednesday 30th April at 5pm. Any applications submitted after this date and time will not be considered.
* A final reminder that we will be placing an order shortly for juvenile hurling sticks. These will be light with a good size bas and it is important that our young players have the correct weight and length of hurling stick to develop the skills of the game. They are £14 and orders and payment are to be made by the 29th April to Martin Keown or Aidan Rodgers.
* Under 10 & Under 12 hurling training will recommence again on Monday 28 April 2014 at 5.45pm.
* The Senior footballers have organised a Garth Brooks Tribute Night in the club on Saturday 3rd May 2013. Get your tickets from any of our senior players. The lads have put an awful lot of hard work in their organisation and the selling of tickets for the night. They have been selling tickets for a draw for two pairs of Garth Brook tickets which we all know are gold dust. There has been a threat from Barney Cunningham along with Brian Dougherty to sing on the night. Please do not let this happen! Cills may sing (we will allow that!) Come along and drown the former two out. This should be a good night so please come along and give it your support.
* The biggest and most prestigious golfing competition in the world this year will take place on Friday, 23 May 2014 in Downpatrick Golf Club. For those of you who were not entered into the Masters at Augusta we have the Castlewellan GAC Golf Classic. The price is £100 for a Four Ball which also includes a meal back at the club plus a few fun extras. This is a guaranteed good day out even if you don't have a single shot landing on the fairway. We add this bit to encourage Cillian Keaveney to play! Please contact Kevin Sweeney, Ronan King or Niall McArdle for details of the competition.
