* Football nights mean wet nights. It’s the same for every club in the County. There have not been too many dry ball games this year. The last time we played Bryansford it was in brilliant sunshine at the seaside in May. Last Friday night was back to rain writes Martin McClean
In what was an intense affair both sides gave it their all in a typical The Town v The Ford clash. It was a hard, uncompromising but nevertheless a disciplined display from both sets of players with very few yellow cards in the game. The Ford ruled the first half with the Town as they have been in the past few games guilty of some poor finishing and often getting punished for it. The Ford took a four point lead into the second half.
It could have been worse for the Town with keeper Rory Burns making an excellent point blank save at the end of the first half. The Town’s approach was one of patience and high tempo work rate. When Kevin Duffin worked in from the left side to send a left footed shot just wide you had to think this was not going to be the Town’s night. Nevertheless the Town took a foothold in the middle of the field. The introduction of Colm Flanagan, the ever present danger of Aidan Burns at full forward, It was the Town who took the initiative. Kevin Duffin slotted over a couple of 50s. This was particularly impressive with the poor night that it was with slippy underfoot conditions. The last 10 minutes of the game the lads showed great fight and character to pick off the points and take the lead which they never lost and held on to win by two points. A well deserved victory. Congratulations to both sides who served up what was a most absorbing contest.
* The Minor footballers booked their place in the Quarter Finals of the Championship with a fine win over Downpatrick on the back pitch of the County Venue. The Town started like they meant business with a fine opening score in the first minute from Martin Brannigan. Things were pretty even for the next 7 or so minutes before Conal Crilly popped over a free in the 8th minute. The Town then hit a purple patch from the 12th to the 18th minute with a point from Rory Burns and a couple from Conal Crilly. A fantastic 40 yard pass from Conal Crilly found Mickey Gilmore on the 20 metre line. He turned his man and delivered the ball neatly to the net. This was followed by another goal from Cahal Keown who expertly dispatched the ball to the net two minutes later. The Town then took the foot of the pedal and Downpatrick battled their way back into the match with four points without reply.
Rory Burns did finish the half with a point on the half time whistle. Matthew Stratton opened the scoring in the second half which Downpatrick cancelled out. Then the score of the night from Conal Crilly 45 yards out on the wing he held off a tackle to coolly slot the ball over the bar. This lifted The Town again. Scoring was tit for tat after this. The Final 10 minutes saw a flurry of points from Conal Crilly, Tiarnan hardy, Sean Dornan, Matthew Stratton and Neil McAleenan. The Town scored a third goal on 51 minutes after a penalty save from the Downpatrick Keeper. It was somehow slotted in from an acute angle by Mickey Gilmore or was it? Our resident goal line expert seems to think that Rory Burns got the final touch to it but we will give it to Mickey Gilmore.
You never know Rory some night when you will be playing a hurling match and Mickey Gilmore will score a goal but everyone will think it was you. What are the chances of that happening? The lads finished runners-up in the group behind Saval who beat Bryansford by a point on the same night. The Town will play either Clonduff or Loughinisland who have both beaten the Town in the league this year. The Town will not go in as favourites against either of these two teams who are formidable opposition. The Quarter Final will be played this Saturday at a neutral venue.
* The O’Rahilly’s Minor Hurlers were beaten in the Minor Championship Hurling Quarter Final by Portaferry. The team from the Ards Peninsula were just to strong on the night but nevertheless it is good to see the lads from this area competing against the strongest hurling clubs in the County.
* The Under -14 footballers recorded a great win against Bright on Monday last. Great battling by the lads who really deserved this victory.
* The Under-16 Ladies recorded a good home win against Carryduff on Monday last. It was a good all round performance. Where all the girls really buy into the team ethic hence they record great results. It would be unfair to mention any one individual as all the girls played really well in this game.
* The Under -14 ladies footballers will play in the Championship semi-final against Kilcoo or Carryduff on Sunday. A big support would be appreciated for this match as the girls need all the cheering voices they can get
* Well it may not be The Ritz or Claridge’s in London but at 4.00pm after this Sunday’s under 14 girls Football Championship Semi Final the Camogs are having an Afternoon Tea and Cup Cakes sitting to raise some funds in the Club. Everyone is welcome to come along to give support to the girls who are still involved at under 14 and under 16 level in both Camogie and Football. Your support is appreciated.
* The Under -16 Camogs recorded a great win away to Aghaderg/Mayobridge Camogs last week. They have now qualified for the League Final against The Liatriom Fontenoys. To be played some time in September. They will also play The Fontenoys in the Championship final also so they will be seeing quite a lot of each other over the next month or so!
* There will be a meeting of all juvenile coaches from all codes in the Club at 9pm on Friday August 31st. There will be a Sponsored walk for all juveniles from Under six – up to the Under 16 age group on Sunday 16th September. Proceeds will be in aid of club funds and a nominated charity. Sponsorship cards will be available from Club Coaches.
* We are continuing to push The Clothes Collection. Please, please, please donate any clothing items you do not require to this! Thank you to all who have given the clothes you do not need anymore. Again your response so far has been really good but more is needed. Please leave all bags of clothes with Noreen Keown.
* The running club members meet at the Club on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings for a run. They will leave the club at 7.00pm. All ages, genders and abilities are welcome.
* The Tote Numbers for the 26 August were 3, 14, 21 & 28. There were no jackpot winners and seven £20 winners; Breige McArdle, Emily McAlinden, Gerry Dougherty, Cahal Crilly, Pauline Bannon, Peter McKibben and Ann Burns. The jackpot next week is £2000.
