* When there is busy night in the Club you can hardly hear yourself think. Last Saturday night was no different, but when Stephen Kernan spoke you could have heard a pin drop. The Crossmaglen Rangers captain was giving an address at our Annual Awards Evening. He spoke about the Cross way and how families and community pulled together for the one common goal and how all the players bought into the team ethos with no petty jealousy. This was an insight to probably the most successful club in Ireland. There were no magic formulas except hard work and building the reputation of their club and to pass that ethos on to the next generation.
It was a fun night with around 110 patrons being catered for. Prior to the main awards of the evening some new informal categories were introduced. Winner of most of them was the Club PRO who was absolutely delighted and honoured with his multiple awards. Through this column he wants to thank Kevin, Cillian and Brian for their citations. Mind you everyone he has met are at pains to state they did not contribute to this. I wonder why? The awards will act as an inspiration each time this column is written! The Hall Of Fame winner was the very popular Colm McGreevy who had the sweetest left foot of his generation, a man you pulled out to midfield when the going got rough. He also was the Club treasurer in the 80’s and 90’s where he gave sterling service and hard work to our club. It was fitting that he was named this year’s worthy recipient. There was also a Green or Black competition which generated a lot of good humour on the night. It was announced by Club Chairman Rory McCabe announced that the new Club President is to be Kevin Rodgers. Kevin takes over from Teddy Rice who stepped down at the end of his three year term. Rory thanked Teddy for his hard work and dedication in the role and wish Kevin every success in his term. The Executive Committee wishes to thank all those who made the evening a wonderful event. A lot of hard work made the night a successful one. The Chairman thanked all those people who made it a great night. The award winners were; Hall of Fame – Colm McGreevy; Club Person of the Year – Kevin Sweeney; Senior Footballer of the Year – Colm Flanagan; Senior Hurler of the Year – Jason Croskery; Ladies Footballer of the Year – Noeleen O’Higgins; Under 21 Footballer of the year – Donal McKibben; Minor Footballer of the Year – Conal Corrigan; 2nds Footballer of the Year – Colm Og Crilly; Contribution Award Minor Football Team – Pauric óg Hardy. There were also presentations to Michael Cunningham in recognition of his achievement being part of the St Colman’s McCrory Cup/Hogan Cup winning team in 2011 and to Gavin Corrigan in recognition of honour of refereeing the All-Ireland Women’s Intermediate in Croke Park last September.
* The young under 10 hurlers made their fourth and last journey of the year to the Eddie Irvine Centre as the February indoor Under 10 blitzes concluded on Sunday. Once again Castlewellan were very competitive with some impressive individual and team performances against strong opposition. With the outdoor season just around the corner all the lads have impressed and can look forward with confidence. The indoor games have sharpened their lifting, striking, blocking and general speed of play. Thanks to all the coaches and to the parents who travelled to support the boys
* A battling performance by our senior hurlers yielded our first points last weekend. Castlewellan travelled to Pairc Naomh Bríd to face Naomh Moininne in their third Ulster Hurling League game and achieved a committed and hard fought win at the Dundalk venue. Although the town were missing a few players the younger lads stepped up to the plate. Facing the breeze in the first half a fortunate goal by the home side left the greens trailing by 3 ponts at the short whistle but a second half goal from centre forward Paul Mc Cabe and some fine points from Tony Ferris, Cathal Óg Keown, Ray Cunningham and target man Ben Mc Cann were enough to give us a first win. Well done lads particularly the younger players Cathal óg, Pauric óg Hardy, Marty Murray, Michael Keown and Paul King. Final score Naomh Moininne 3-6 Castlewellan 2-10. Scorers; Ben McCann 1-1, Paul Mc Cabe1-2 Ray Cunningham 0-2, Tony Ferris 0-3, Cathal óg Keown 0-2.
* Commiserations to Michael Cunningham & Cahal óg Keown and their St Colmans team mates. They were beaten in the semi – final of the McCrory Cup by St Patrick’s Maghera on Friday Night past.
* The indoor hurling coaching sessions will continue on Thursday nights in St Malachy’s Primary School. Coaching will start at 6.15 pm for the Primary 2 to Primary 4 boys and the coaching for the Primary 5 boys and older will commence at 7.15pm. Indoor hurling gear is provided.
* Camogie training/coaching for the Under 10 girls continues in St Malachy’s Primary School on Wednesday Night from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. This will be followed from 7.00pm to 8.00pm with coaching training for the under 12 girls. All participants must ensure they bring their own bottle of water and indoor footwear. Please do not bring black rubber soles trainers.
* There will be training at the Bann Road Complex on Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for the junior camogs. All new, old and older players welcome!
* The Castlewellan GAC Running Club continues their runs on Tuesday and Thursday Night. All runners should meet at the Club at 6.45pm to begin running at 7.00pm. Again all those male, female, young and not so young are all invited to come along and there is even a cup of tea thrown in at the end with some great chat and banter.
* There were no jackpot winners in the Club Lotto this week and one £20 winner – Cathy Breen. The numbers were 1, 8, 24, 28. Jackpot next week is £1100.
