Castlewellan GAC Notes for 12th September 2016.
Sinatra sings “that’s life (that’s life) that’s what people say you’re riding high in April, shot down in May. But I know I’m gonna change that tune When I’m back on top, back on top in June”.
Sporting life is full of highs and lows. Our ladies footballers played the two most important games of their season in four days last week. First the replayed championship semi-final with Bryansford. This was a tight physical affair which they came out on top to win with a scoreline that suggested a comfortable passage. It was far from that. The final was arranged for Saturday past with little time to recharge the batteries up again.
This time the opponents Bredagh who were waiting in the wings. Four in a row was always going to be a difficult task regardless of the opposition who incidentally were going into this game as hot favourites. For a long time that tag weighed heavily on them as the Town went about their business in the style of champions. Two goals in the first half against a strong breeze reminded Bredagh that if they wanted the crown then they would have to work for it. The Town lead by a point at half time with the wind in their favour in the second half.
For a while – in fact 25 minutes of the second period it looked as if the Town would hold on to claim their four in a row. In fairness to Bredagh they had others ideas. It would have been their desire which matched our ladies. We wanted to keep the title they wanted to take it. Their goal with 5 minutes remaining to put them two up was the adrenaline lift that got them going. It is the conceding and the timing of this goal which was a hammer blow to us.
However like true champions our ladies didn’t bow the knee. If you are going to be beaten then you must be like champions fighting to the end. In the end ecstasy for Bredagh and despair for the Town. It was an enthralling game, Congratulations to Bredagh on their win, they worked hard for it. They had to. We wish them well in their quest for Ulster glory. To our ladies – thank you for your efforts – so near and yet so far. You have lead by example and hopefully this is just a Kit – Kat break!
*The senior footballer’s league game with Warrenpoint was arranged for last Saturday at 4.00pm. Through no fault of their own our senior footballers were not afforded the opportunity to support our senior ladies in the championship final against Bredagh. There was a lot of texting between Downpatrick and the Town to keep up with both games. In the end the lads won by three points to keep them in the hunt in the League. The next game is away to Warrenpoint this Friday evening.
* The Castlewellan Under-8 and Under-10 Girls football coaches organised a superb blitz on Saturday morning with over 120 girls from Castlewellan, Bryansford, Bredagh, Carryduff and Ballymartin in attendance. The young ladies provided a great morning of entertaining football played in a great spirit in front of a large crowd of supporting parents. Special mention must go to our Under 8 girls who played extremely well playing in their first ever blitz. The under 10 girls once again showed their high skill levels with brilliant performances from all players in both teams. Special thanks to all who helped out with the success of this day.
Well done to our Under-14 girls who beat Carryduff in the quarter final of the championship 13-11 to 1-2! The girls were outstanding it what was a superb team effort, each and every one of them working hard and together! Well done girls!
* Would you or your children be interested in representing the club in this year’s Scor Na Nog? The age group is 10-17 years. Categories are team of 8 ceili dancing, solo singing, storytelling/recitation, instrumental music (group of up to 5), ballad group, quiz, or team set dancing. If so then could you please let our Cultural officer Sharon Breen know (07734682772) as soon as possible so as to commence practice night for our contestants.
* Last week’s lotto numbers were 6, 7, 8 and 12. There were no Jackpot winners and two £20 winners Joe McPhillips & Briege McArdle. This week’s jackpot will be £2,800.
