Castlewellan GAC Notes

Michael Cunningham and his St Colman’s colleagues who beat Dundalk Colleges 3 – 14 to 1 – 10 last weekend’s All-Ireland Colleges semi-final. This sets up a mouth watering Hogan Cup Final with St Jarlaths of Tuam. There is no separating Down and Tyrone in the Under-21 Championship. Paddy Boyle and his colleagues go head to head with Tyrone for a third time in as many weeks tomorrow night at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Paddy and the boys have in the past two matches had a never say die attitude. We wish them all the luck again tomorrow night. Saturday night proved to be a very enjoyable and entertaining affair when our Senior Footballers organised a highly successful Casino Night for our adult members. The lads did a real professional job in organising and putting in a lot of expertise into this venture in helping to raise much needed funds for Our Club. All the senior players put their shoulder to the wheel and made it a brilliant night. Congratulations to Danny Cassidy who won the top prize and didn’t he let everyone know it! Well done to the individual who won the coveted Castlewellan tracksuit. He asked for anonymity and we have decided to respect Collie’s wishes! We would like to thank all those who worked on the night in the kitchen and working the floor. A special thanks to Cahal, Fintan Og and Niall for their organising the whole night. Under Age Hurling – 0utdoor coaching began at 10.00am on Saturday morning in brilliant Spring sunshine when almost 60 young hurlers attended and enjoyed the coaching and games. Training continues for u/6 u/8 u/10 and u/12 every Saturday. Sticks and quick touch sliothars will be available to purchase from next Saturday. New young hurlers are most welcome. The Under-10 footballers got their first taste of competitive football at the opening of the Kilcoo pitch last Friday Night where they played at half time in the Kilcoo v The Ulster All Stars against their new and old adversaries Bryansford. It was an enjoyable occasions where the lads marched behind the Kilcoo Band prior to the game. In an end to end game all the 20 young lads who were there got a run out. They managed to pip “The Ford” youngsters by the narrowest of margins. This will not be the last these young lads will play their close rivals! Thank you to Kilcoo for the invite which the young lads thoroughly enjoyed. The Under-8 Hurlers travel to their first blitz of the year in Portaferry leaving at 11.45am this Saturday. Indoor Hurling continues on Thursday night at the usual time in St. Malachy’s Primary School. The Under-16 Hurling Team got off to a great winning 6-16 to 4-4 against a ‘Ballyduff’ amalgamation. Good performances from Shane Smyth, Jake Carville, Michael Gilmore, Sean Hardy, Tiarnan Hardy, Marty Murray, Donncha Cairns and Paul King. The Minors footballers had a useful workout on Sunday Morning in a challenge match against Mayobridge. There were very good individual performances from Sean Dornan and Conal Crilly. Whilst the Town won by three points on a score line on 4 – 10 to 3 – 10 the result was not important but it give us an insight to what we will be up against in the County league which will start in April. The lads know they must improve if they are to put up a good challenge in the league campaign. The Under-16 Footballers had a very useful challenge game with St Johns Belfast last Thursday Night at the Bann Road. This Team is one of the best under age teams in Antrim over the past few years. They beat the Town by a score line of 4 – 15 to 0 – 15. Great performances from Sean O’Boyle at full back, Sean Hardy and Martin Brannigan at full forward with 0 – 7 to his credit. There was a man of the match performance from Paddy Gallagher who covered nearly every blade of grass. Kevan and John are pleased with the improvement the lads are continuing to show. As a token of our appreciation for all the hard work by our coaches there will be a night of entertainment and refreshment in the Club on Saturday 9 April 2011 for them and their partners. Music will be provided by Tom McCann. Letters have gone out to our young members in relation to the Heart Screening programme. The deadline for submitted applications is 7th April 2011. All applications must be accompanied by the £35.00 fee. This is a very worthwhile programme which will be provided in the Club later on in April. Please contact Miceal Crilly on 07918695428 for further details. The coaching schedule for all our underage teams remain the same as in previous weeks * The tote numbers for the 27/03/11 were 3, 5, 17 & 25. There was one winner – Miceal Crilly – Jackpot next week £5850]]>