News

Castlewellan GAC Weekly Notes

November 8, 2018

*There was a draw in the Club last Friday night. One of the winners of that draw was our Senior Football Team Manager Liam Hardy. He was the proud winner of a bottle of wine. Everyone knows that he won’t drink it himself. As he stood talking to his players he was re-living the game earlier where Castlewellan had won the Senior League Division 2 Final title in a tight tussle with RGU Downpatrick. The poor bottle was pointed left right and centre as Liam played the game again and relayed to us his observations. From the opening fixture in April away to Newry Shamrocks to the last league game three weeks ago at home to Ballymartin, The Town made it clear they would only be happy with coming away with the silverware as crowned champions. That they did. It was a smiling happy captain Fintan Og McGreevy who gratefully received the Division 2 trophy. Fintan along with Damien McGrady have toiled for many years with the Senior Team and this is their first 15-a-side success. We are delighted for those two players. Congratulations to Liam, Martin McKibben and Paddy Hardy on their wonderful achievement in leading us back to Division 1 where we know it will be a step up again. It is where we want to be. Well done to the entire squad. While all this was going on Club Chef Kevin Sweeney (who informed us by e-mail he’ll be stepping down from this role) and his merry band of worker(s) toiled away getting the food all ready for the returning victors. The Senior Squad really appreciated what was served up for them. Thank you to Chef Sweeney and all those who helped out on the night.

* The modern world of social media enabled our members in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and other parts of the planet to send warm messages of congratulations to the Senior Team on their hard earned victory. It is right and proper that we acknowledge their messages of support. In these difficult economic times the GAA community is now spread far and wide. Among them are good Town men and women. Unfortunately the effects of emigration on us are no different from other Clubs. Thank you for the messages of support from abroad. This victory was for you also. A grand old team to play for eh!

* Coinciding with the League Final on Friday night we had a great turn out at the Halloween 80’s disco which was well supported by our members. Media shy Stevie C (Croskery) whose Saturday Night Fever dance moves had to be seen to be believed. It was “Strictly Only Prancing”. He chose not to make any comment to our column this week. Don’t worry Stevie we made it for you! A special word of thanks go to the local businesses who donated prizes for the draw. Jolene’s Hair Salon, Finnegan’s Butchers, The Old Tom, Kings Inn, Maginn’s Bar, JR’s Store, Shilliday’s, McMullan’s Butchers, Charlie Keown and Sharkey’s Today Express. On Sunday the Children’s Halloween disco was very well attended with some very scary looking young juvenile members suitably attired for this time of year. Thanks to Paul McArdle for the music and all who helped make the event the success it was. Thank you to all our Hurling fraternity and others who organised these events. Their effort and hard work is truly appreciated by the Executive Committee and members.

* The Under 21s started their league campaign of with a good win against An Riocht at the Bann Road Complex on Sunday. Great performances from Donal McKibben and Cahal Keown in this 4-12 to 0-14 win. Training will continue this Wednesday Night at 7.30pm sharp at the Bann Road complex.

* Charity begins at home is the common saying. Club member Frankie Brannigan linked up with members from the local GAA clubs of Kilcoo, Bryansford and The Liatriom Fontenoys to raise money for The Trocraire East Africa Appeal. Collection took place at all the local grounds. The total raised was £1000. Well done to Frankie and our neighbouring clubs members in raising this fantastic amount of money for such a worthy cause.

* Last Saturday saw club delegates attending the Irish News Ulster GAA Club and Volunteer Conference 2011 in the Armagh City Hotel. It veered from the light hearted to the serious aspects affecting our organisation in these difficult economic times. The entertainment unsurprisingly came in the shape of Joe Brolly who when asked what was his most memorable moment in football listed Tyrone’s thumping by the Dubs in this year’s All-Ireland Series. Bear in mind Brian Dooher & Mickey Harte were on the same panel taking questions from the BBC’s Lynette Fay. It certainly got the debate going! All the details and the presentations from this conference can be found at www.ulster.gaa.ie

* News from the all new F-Factor. Following intensive talks last Friday Night veteran performer and Club stalwart HT may appear in this year’s competition after all. Stung by the unjust criticism last year by a harsh judging panel in particular from “MDH The Leitrim Lip” he retired from the entertainment business. However following his spontaneous rendition of “Delilah” at the post match celebrations and the ringing applause sources very close to HT say he is seriously  reconsidering his position. More details to follow next week.

* Scor time is upon us again. Anyone interested in competing in any of the competitions please contact Ciara Pickering as soon as possible.

* Another reminder that the Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 24 November at 7.30pm in the club rooms. Nomination forms will be available from behind the bar or by e-mail. Please contact the Secretary at secretary.castlewellan.down@gaa.ie