* We start of this week’s notes with the sad news of the sudden passing away of Marion Flanagan, wife of our esteemed Life Member Leo and mother of Life member Shay. The Executive Committee and all our Club Members wish to convey our sincere sympathy to Leo, his son Shay and daughters Ciara, Aideen, Tara, Grainne and Bridin. We also extend our sympathy to the wide Flanagan Family circle at the loss of Marion. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
* The Senior Footballers played out a draw against our hosts Warrenpoint on Friday past. The Town thought they had it in the bag but late efforts fromThe Point and a dubious penalty decision ensured the game ended in a draw. Final score Warrenpoint 2-08 Castlewellan 1-11.
* Castlewellan U12 boys were defeated in an exciting game last Sunday in the Meadow by a strong Carryduff side 4-4 to 3-14. Castlewellan got off to a great start with a goal from Cahal Caldwell and two goals from Adam Garland. Adam added another point and straight from the kickout, Sean Keown burst through for a well taken point. Carryduff kept in touch to leave Castlewellan 2 points in front at half time, 3-2 to 0-9. In the second half, Carryduff added further points, but a goal from Ruairi Howell and points from Adam Garland and Matthew Carville kept Castlewellan in touch, however, 2 late goals from Caryduff saw them hold on for victory in a great game. Team: Jordan Valentine, Daniel Cunningham, Matthew Muldoon, Niall Garland, James McAleenan, Sean Keown, Adam Garland, Matthew Carville, Cahal Caldwell, Daire McVeigh, Conor Keenan, Ruairi McGuinness, Brian Brannigan, Eoin Maginn, Callum McCabe, Ethan Aulds, Dara Fitzpatrick, Ruairi Howell.
* Saturday night past saw a great night in the club when we presented our Big Fight Night in The Club. Despite a few cry offs due to football injuries the bouts were full of action and great entertainment. Special guest for the evening was Belfast’s Marty Rogan who acted as a judge along with ? ?. The night started off with a great bout between Rory “Bubba Tyson” Burns and Breannain “Fast Fists” McComiskey. Both fighters went at it toe to toe and really entertained the large crowd present. It was a slimmest of victory for Breannain who landed more punches than Rory. Thomas “The Saint” Beckett and Noel “Travelling” Travers started where the previous bout left off and ripped into each other but in a sporting way of course. In the end the decision went to “The Saint”. In the heavyweight division everyone thought that Danny “Ding Dong” Cassidy would be mere cannon fodder for Struttin Stratts. How wrong we were. Ding Dong came out all guns blazing and did not let Stratts land too many big punches. As the fight went on the Pizza eating training of the underdog began to tell. In the end Stratts had too much in the tank and Ding Dong fizzled out. In the final bout of the night “The King of Kevin Heavan” bout lived up to its billing. An earlier press conference saw Duffin taunting McKernan. I am afraid to say that McKernan did all the point scoring on the night and was duly crowned King. A big thank you to those in the Club who organised this successful night and to all the fighters who came along and took part in what was a very good evening’s entertainment.
* Take Me Out – This Saturday sees a night for any budding young heartbreakers to win the hearts of some local girls and in doing so provide our members with a great night’s craic with plenty of laughs. Some of our single footballers will try and win the hearts of some of the local ladies. We all wish Willie every success – we want you to do well. Cahal is also on his own so if there is any girls feeling sorry for these young lads – come along for what will be a great night.
* This Sunday in Croke Park sees Down play Waterford in the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Final. The Club and all its members send our best wishes to the whole squad especially our lady footballers Karen McMullan and Kelly O’Higgins who are part of the Down Squad.
* Also in Croke Park this Sunday sees an Under 16 Camogie Relay Competition called “Sliothar on Caman” We are proud to report that a Castlewellan Under 16 Team will represent Down and Ulster in this competition. The team will be Aoife Keown, Paidi Hawkins, Claire Cleland and Ciara Gibson who will wear their Castlewellan strips in Croke Park on the big day. We wish them every success and enjoyment in this competition.
* The Under 14 Girls Footballers qualified for the Championship final beating Kilcoo on Sunday past by 6-09 to 1-04. Great performances from Anna Rogan, Catriona Caldwell, Bria McKee, Laoise Leaveney and Tierna Moorehead. They will play the winners of Bredagh and Bryansford in the Final.
There will also be a bus running to the All-Ireland Camogie Final on Sunday. Please contact Noreen Keown for details on 07738206074.
* 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.
