Colin McGrath MLA says public can’t wait five years to sort out health service
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said people in the North cannot wait five years for the health service to be fixed.
He was speaking after Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said it could take up to five years to address problems around hospital capacity.
Mr McGrath raised ambulance response times in the Assembly after a pensioner in Downpatrick was left waiting for hours in cold weather.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “The scale of the crisis in our health service is almost impossible to put into words.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath (left) has expressed his deep concerns about Health Minister Mike Nesbitt saying it will take five years to turn the health system round.
“Today in the Assembly I raised the unacceptable waits some patients are facing for an ambulance.
“These are people in medical emergencies, and families in distress, waiting hours for help to arrive.
“That reality was brought into sharp focus by the case of a 75-year-old man in Downpatrick who was left lying on a cold street for almost five hours waiting for an ambulance recently.
“The Health Minister responded by saying it could take at least five years to get our health service back on track.
“People simply cannot be expected to accept that. While no one believes these problems can be solved overnight, there are practical interventions that could make an immediate difference and which are not being pursued by the Minister or the Executive.
“Last year the SDLP Opposition published detailed proposals to improve ambulance response times and met directly with the Minister to discuss them.
“Those proposals were ignored. That lack of urgency is exactly how we have reached a point where the public is now being told to wait years for basic care.
“Given the performance of this Executive and the warnings that have gone unheeded. it’s hard to have much confidence that we won’t be in the same position in five years’ time.
‘The Minister and Executive need to get serious about saving our health service and implement the reform that’s been promised for a decade.”
Ballynahinch suffered their second heartbreaking loss to champions Clontarf in the space of four weeks and will be disappointed that they let a winning position slip away writes James Kirk.
To their credit, Clontarf never know when they are beaten and have made winning these kind of close games an art form but until Ballynahinch start getting over the line in close games versus the top teams then they will struggle to break the glass ceiling and qualify for the elusive playoffs.
Ballynahinch dominated the early possession and territory but had to settle for a well-struck Conor Rankin penalty as the Clontarf defence held firm.
The big visiting pack then began to turn the screw at the set piece and after their much vaunted maul was repelled from close range they shifted possession quickly to send centre Alex O’Grady under the posts after half an hour.
Five minutes later Ballynahinch were penalised at the breakdown deep in Clontarf territory and a quick transition and kick ahead almost sent the away side over in the corner.
The Clontarf pack did the rest with lock Fionn Gilbert going over from close range before Rankin narrowed the gap with another penalty as the half drew to a close.
Clontarf fed off another Ballynahinch error early in the second half when a knock-on from the kick-off gave them field position and after the forwards mauled their way towards the line the ball was quickly fed out for Peter Maher to score in the corner and take the lead out to eleven points.
The hitherto blunt looking Ballynahinch attack then came to life and were denied what looked like a certain try by a deliberate knock-on from Maher. Despite a yellow card the penalty try was not given but Ryan Connolly mauled over soon after to give his side a lifeline.
The home side had their tails up and roared on by a large support they tore into Clontarf, eventually taking the lead with fifteen minutes to go after sustained pressure and a run of Clontarf penalties saw a penalty try given and two more yellow cards for the away side.
Ballynahinch were strong favourites at this point against thirteen men but the penalty and error count continued to pile up against them and they failed to keep the Clontarf pack at arm’s length, allowing their opponents to drive over through Alan Spicer’s bonus point try.
Back to full strength Clontarf saw out the game in relative comfort and Adam Craig will again be disappointed that his side couldn’t hold on.
Their struggle to shift the huge Clontarf forwards off the ball at the breakdown on three different occasions deep in opposition territory was symptomatic of the match and indeed the league in general.
Size matters and when Clontarf combine this with phenomenal belief and low error count it is easy to see why they have two All-Ireland trophies in the cabinet at Castle Avenue.
There is no respite for Ballynahinch as they travel to second placed St.Mary’s in a fortnight seeking a win which would halt their slide down the table amid a hugely difficult run of fixtures. All support welcome.
Ballynahinch RFC Round-up for 10th January 2026
Club Notes
Ballynahinch suffered another defeat in the Women’s Premiership with a tough loss at Ballymena in foul conditions. They are decimated with injuries and it is to their credit that they continue to battle hard without so many key players.
All male senior and youth fixtures outside the 1st XV fell foul of the weather on Saturday but Sunday saw some excellent rugby from the combined Ballynahinch/Ballyclare Girls U16 as they defeated Enniskillen 41-31 to progress in the Junior Shield.
The next AIL home fixture is against Lansdowne on 31st January. To book your place at the pre match lunch contact James Kirk on 07966143184.
Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls. All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Johnny Cullen for details on 07595651901.
Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year. Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial.
For more details contact Kenny Morton – Mini Convenor on 07813157614 or email:
DUP successfully argues its case for increased representation on the NMD Good Relations Group
In a group statement by the DUP on Newry Mourne and Down District Council (Cllrs Callum Bowsie, Glyn Hanna, Jonathan Jackson, Alan Lewis, and Henry Reilly), the councillors welcomed increased unionist representation on NMD Council’s Good Relations group.
The statement said: “In June 2025, our five DUP councillors left the council’s Equality & Good Relations Reference Group after a persistent lack of respect towards unionists within Newry Mourne & Down District Council.
“This related namely to the imposition of Irish signage in largely PUL communities, the free rein of republican motions heard in the council chamber, and the procedures for community consultation on issues affecting unionists not being followed.
“We made it clear that we would not be returning to this Equality group until unionists were treated fairly.
(l-r) DUP Councillors Alan Lewis, Henry Reilly, Jonathan Jackson, Glyn Hanna, and Callum Bowsie have welcomed the recognition for the PUL (Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist) grouping on Newry Mourne and Down District Council after it was approved at a full council meeting (3rd November 2026).
“Within five months we secured the creation of an Ulster-Scots & Ulster British Working Group – 10 years after an Irish equivalent was formed in the council.
“The British element of this new group makes it the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
“We also recently received a joint letter from all the other parties appealing for us to return to the EGRRG to enable it to function fully.
“While we still have concerns around the operation of this non-statutory group, as a means of resolving this dispute, we suggested increasing the representation of minority parties on the group (such as the DUP) in order to have a better balance of voices from minority communities like ours.
“Given that the purpose of the group is to foster ‘good relations’ within the district regarding contentious issues, it is important both sides of the community are heard.
“Our proposal was agreed in Full Council this evening [12th January 2026] and representation on the EGRRG will now be as follows: 2 Sinn Fein, 2 SDLP, 2 DUP, 2 Alliance, 1 UUP and 1 Independent.”
Man attacked with weapons in the early hours on Monday 12th January 2026
Police are seeking information of a serious assault on a man in the early hours of Monday 12th January in Downpatrick and Crossgar.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious assault in Crossgar in the early hours of Monday, 12th January.
Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “We received a report at around 2.50am of an assault in the Downpatrick Street area.
“Officers attended the scene, where a man was found to have sustained a number of injuries from an assault involving weapons.
“We believe the assault took place in the Gallaun area of Downpatrick and Everogue Lane/Downpatrick Street area of Crossgar sometime between 2am and 3am on Monday, 12th January.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed what happened, or have any information which could assist us, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 97 of 12/01/26.
“We would also appeal to anyone with footage, including dash-cam, CCTV or ring-doorbell footage, to get in touch.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
End of an era as Newcastle RNLI bids farewell to the last operational Mersey class lifeboat in RNLI’s fleet
Volunteers at Newcastle RNLI have on Sunday 11 January bid farewell to the last operational Mersey class lifeboat in the charity’s fleet.
The historic moment came at 12.20pm when coinciding with the number on the side of the Leonard Kent, the last Mersey went afloat from Newcastle, for a final time.
Onlookers gathered to watch the lifeboat go to sea via the unique falls launching system which has a history dating back to around 1785.
This method has allowed the Mersey to be launched and recovered from a beach via a launch and recovery tractor and carriage, although the Mersey could also be launched from a slipway or lie afloat.
The Mersey launches from Newcastle for the final time. (Photos by RNLI).
Volunteers from the RNLI’s flanking station at Kilkeel, made the journey in both their new all-weather Shannon class and existing Atlantic 85 class lifeboats and joined a flotilla after the Leonard Kent made way for its final voyage.
Newcastle RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats were also launched while volunteers from Clogherhead, Kilkeel, Donaghadee, Larne and Portrush RNLI, travelled and watched from the shore as the Mersey got underway for the last time.
Declan Barry, who was Newcastle RNLI’s Coxswain on the final launch on Sunday, said: “This is of course a sad and emotional day for all at Newcastle RNLI and indeed for anyone who has had an association with a Mersey class lifeboat at any point during its almost 40-year history.
“It has been a wonderful lifeboat which has served us well in helping to bring people to safety while also ensuring the safety of our crews.
The Mersey Leonard Kent after launching from Newcastle for the final time at 12.20pm coiniciding with the number on the side of the Leonard Kent coxed by Declan Barry.
“We are indebted to all those who have helped fund these lifeboats and keep them afloat for so many years and we are equally grateful to all the volunteers, families and supporters behind them, without whom we couldn’t do our lifesaving work.
‘With time comes change and thanks to advances in technology, the RNLI retires lifeboats to upgrade to faster, more capable vessels while adapting to changing rescue needs, increasing safety, and ensuring efficiency.
“While we are nostalgic today as we bid farewell to the Mersey, we are also excited to be entering a new chapter in lifesaving as we look to putting our Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats to sea to help anyone who comes into difficulty.
“”The Atlantic 85 can go to sea in up to Force 7 gales and is faster than th Mersey which ran at a maximum of 17knots. but the new Kilkeel Shannon class is all weather vessell and can go to sea in up to Hurricane Force 12. This is an hugely important moment in the RNLI’s 200 year history.”
The Newcastle RNLI team.
Proud custodians of a Mersey class lifeboat since 1993, it was an emotional day for lifeboat volunteers past and present, all of whom had the privilege to be onboard either one or both of the Merseys stationed at Newcastle for over three decades, the Eleanor and Bryant Girling and the Leonard Kent.
The Mersey was introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1988. Following a tradition of naming classes of lifeboats after rivers, this class was named after the River Mersey, which stretches for 70 miles from Stockport to Liverpool Bay.
The Mersey went on to be a great servant to the RNLI’s fleet, enabling lifeboat crews to deliver their lifesaving role. With a top speed of 17 knots, it was the last all-weather lifeboat not to have a 25-knot capability.
The Mersey class Leonard Kent in the foreground at sea after its final launch from Newcastle Lifeboat Station accompanied by the Killkeel RNLI Shannon class lifeboat.
During their lifespan, Mersey class lifeboats have been located at 52 stations across Ireland and the UK, including Newcastle, Clogherhead, Wicklow, Kilmore Quay and Clifden. In all, the Mersey launched over 11,800 times, with its volunteer crews coming to the aid of 13,784 people, 1,254 of whom were lives saved.
Its retirement means the entire RNLI fleet can now reach a speed of 25 knots meaning crews can get to casualties much quicker.
The move also heralds a new era of lifesaving for Newcastle RNLI who in recent months have welcomed two new inshore lifeboats, an Atlantic 85 and D class, both of which are now on service.
While the station already had inshore capability with a D class, the Atlantic 85 is a new asset and the team dedicated themselves to training in preparation for the lifeboat going on service last month.
Police say there was a sustained rise in domestic abuse calls over Christmas and New Year
Police Service of Northern Ireland has released figures highlighting a continued rise in domestic abuse-related calls over the Christmas and New Year period, reinforcing that the festive season remains one of the most challenging times of the year for victims.
Between 20 December 2025 and 2 January 2026, police received 1,407 domestic abuse calls, an increase on the 1,290 calls recorded during the same period in 2024-2025.
The figures show that demand for police support was consistently high across the two-week period, with call volumes exceeding those recorded across most days in the equivalent periods during 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
New Year’s Day (1 January) recorded the highest number of domestic abuse calls (116). This was followed closely by Christmas Day (25 December) with 115 calls, and 27 December with 114 calls.
These figures highlight that the heightened risk associated with domestic abuse does not end on Christmas Day but extends throughout the holiday period and into the New Year.
Domestic violence is high over the festive period. Police are available 24/7 365 days a year to respond to an emergency and offer assistance.
Over the 10-year period from 2016-2017 to 2025-2026, the number of domestic abuse calls between 20 December and 2 January has ranged from 1,253 to 1,553.
The 2025-2026 total of 1,407 calls represents the fourth highest figure recorded during this period. Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said: “The increase in domestic abuse calls we see over the Christmas and New Year period is sadly something that has become a consistent pattern over many years.
“This time of year can place additional pressures on households, including increased time spent together, financial strain, alcohol consumption and heightened emotional stress.
“For some victims, these factors can escalate controlling or abusive behaviour, while for others the extended time at home can reduce opportunities to seek help or speak to someone in confidence.
“What these figures show clearly is that domestic abuse does not pause for the holidays, and in many cases the risk actually increases.
“Police and support services were available throughout this period and remain available 24/7 365 days a year, victims should never feel they are ‘wasting our time’ by coming forward. We are here to help.”
Police continue to stress that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or background, and that help is available.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to contact police. In an emergency, call 999. If it is not an emergency, police can be contacted on 101 on via online reporting:
Council Welcomes Funding for Three Greenways in Newry Mourne and Down
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed the announcement of funding from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to carry out feasibility work on three new Greenways across the district.
The funding was announced this week by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins as part of the Department’s continued support for councils to develop active travel and greenways infrastructure.
The funding will support feasibility studies and design work on three priority Greenway routes identified within the Council’s 10-year Active Travel Masterplan.
The scene at Ardglass railway station as the last train leaves in 1950. Installing a greenway from Downpatrick to Ardglass may impact on any future strategic plans the Downpatrick and County Down Railway have in extending their train routes.
These include the Newry Canal Towpath route from Newry City to Poyntzpass, forming part of the wider Newry to Portadown Greenway and two key branches of the Newcastle to Comber via Downpatrick Greenway – the Downpatrick to Ardglass route and the Ballynahinch Spur between Saintfield and Ballynahinch.
All three routes were identified through extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement and score highly within DfI’s Strategic NI Greenways Ranking Index.
The Council will now progress the procurement of a specialist consultant team to undertake the surveys and technical investigations required to deliver the feasibility studies.
Responding to the announcement, Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “I welcome this funding announcement by Minister Kimmins, which will help develop our local Greenways.
“Greenways are strategic routes designed to provide safe, off-road walking and cycling opportunities. They form a key part of future active travel networks, linking towns and villages, places of work and retail areas, as well as community and leisure facilities.
“Greenways also offer excellent tourism opportunities for visitors who wish to explore our district while enjoying its outstanding landscapes and diverse environments.”
Cllr Philip Campbell added he given a thmbs up to the announcement of a £600,000 road improvement scheme for the A25 Downpatrick Road & Castleward Road, describing it as “a boost for the local community*
The Downpatrick DEA Councillor speaking after the Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ announcement., said: “I welcome this funding as a practical investment that will improve safety, support local businesses, and make everyday journeys better for people living in and travelling through the area.”
Cllr. Campbell said the scheme demonstrates Sinn Féin’s commitment to backing communities with investment and action in infrastructure.
“This is about delivering for rural and coastal areas,and making sure they are not left behind. Sinn Féin is prioritising infrastructure that matters to people’s daily lives.”
“The long-term benefits will be clear. When this work is finished, people will see and feel the difference.”
Cllr. Campbell added that he will continue to press for further investment across the district and said: “Sinn Féin will keep working to ensure our communities get the investment they deserve.”
Forestry Service to inspect trees near King Street homes in Newcastle and improve drainage
Sinn Féin Mournes Councillor Willie Clarke has welcomed a commitment from the Forest Service to carry out tree inspections and undertake drainage works to help alleviate the risk of flooding affecting properties on King Street, Newcastle.
The commitment follows a recent on-site meeting involving Councillor Clarke, local residents, and Forest Service officials, where ongoing concerns around tree safety and flooding were discussed in detail.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Clarke said: “I am very pleased that the Forest Service has listened to the concerns of residents and committed to taking practical action.
Cllr Willie Clarke has welcomed moves by the Forestry Service to help ease the potential of flooding and tree risk near properties in King Street in Newcastle.
“The inspection of trees adjacent to homes on King Street is an important step in ensuring public safety, while the planned drainage works will help reduce the ongoing risk of flooding that residents have been experiencing.
“This issue has been causing understandable anxiety for local families, particularly during recent storms and periods of heavy rainfall.
“It was vital that residents had the opportunity to raise their concerns directly, and I welcome the constructive engagement shown by Forest Service officials.”
Councillor Clarke added: “I will continue to liaise closely with residents and the Forest Service to ensure the agreed actions are carried out in a timely manner.
“And I will keep the community informed of progress and will continue to work to ensure that residents on King Street receive the support and assurances they deserve.”
Infrastructure Minister Lix Kimmins announces two road improvement schemes in Newry and on the Downpatrick-Strangford Road
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimminsannounces £600,000 road improvement scheme for A25 Downpatrick Road/Castleward Road, Strangford Village.
The resurfacing on A25 Downpatrick Road out of Strangford Village will commence on Monday 19 January 2025.
The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of 1,150 metres of the Downpatrick Road / Castleward Road in Strangford.
The Infrastructure Minister said: “This is a substantial investment for the Strangford area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users.
“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a ££600,000 road improvement scheme for the Downpatrick Strangford Road.
“This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling in the Strangford area.
“Work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 27 March 2025. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a road closure from Monday 19 January to Friday 27 March 2025. The road will be closed daily between 09:30 am and 16:30pm Monday to Friday. The road will be open on evenings and at weekends.
An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via Churchtown Road, Crew Road, Lismore Road, A2 Ardglass Road, A2 Shore Road, A25 Downpatrick Road, A25 Castleward Road and vice versa.
Please note – anyone travelling to take the Strangford/Portaferry ferry crossing are advised to allow additional time due to these works and use the signed diversion route.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Friday 27 March 2025, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni.
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Ministers announces public realm and road improvement scheme for A27 New Street & Canal Quay, Newry
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have announced the commencement of a public realm and road improvement scheme of over £800,000 on A27 New Street and U6294 Canal Quay in Newry City.
The scheme will include the installation of a new toucan-controlled crossing on A27 New Street in the city. A significant part of the funding for this scheme has been made available by the Department for Communities.
The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of the full length of New Street commencing at the roundabout beside Newry Courthouse to its junction with Canal Street, a distance of 290 metres as well as resurfacing of Canal Quay from its junction with New Street to its junction with Erskine Street, a distance of 170 metres.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “This is a substantial investment for the Newry area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users .
“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.
“This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling in the Newry area.
“Work is expected to be substantially completed by Sunday 1 March 2026. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons releases £798,000 for Newry Road improvements.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “My Department’s funding of £798,000 will help unlock the full potential of the Newry Towpath and Greenway, as set out in the Newry Masterplan.
“These improvements will deliver a new safe crossing point and upgrade surface conditions to enhance the route’s suitability for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
“This investment will increase active travel from the Newry Canal Walkway towards the Newry Towpath, making it a safe, accessible, and vibrant sustainable travel corridor.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement daily lane closures from Monday 12 January to Friday 6 February 2026, to carry out any preparatory works in advance of the actual resurfacing operations.
Night-Time closures and a number of Sunday closures will be required to facilitate the resurfacing works. These dates and further information will be confirmed later .
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Sunday 1 March 2026, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
Details of the second and final phase of the scheme will be announced in due course.
For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni
Drumaness Mills win against Armagh City but Comber Rec goes down to Ballymacash Rangers
There was both joy and heartbreak for local County Down teams in the Irish Cup Round Five matches on Saturday (10th January 2026).
Drumaness Mills pulled off a tremendous win over Armagh City away from home at Holm Park while Comber Rec suffered a defeat to the hands of Ballymacash Rangers in Lisburn writes Jim Masson.
Initially Comber had a home advantage but the referee called the match off as the pitch at Park Way was deemed unplayable as there were no floodlights so the match was moved at short notice to the Blue Bell Stadium in Lisburn.
The kick-off was at 3pm and Comber went down two goals to Harry O’Neill in the 18th and 53rd minutes and were unlucky not to have scored having hit the post on two occasions and had several wides. Then in the 85th minute when tempers were rising, Robinson netted for Ballymacash but the game was virtually over as Comber’s Brandon Nelson had been red-carded followed by Clarke from Ballymacash then Christopher Murray was shown a red and he too set off to the changing rooms on 89 minutes.
Ballymacash had clung on desperately to their lead. And there were appeals too in the second half for hand balls in the Ballymacash box on two occasions as Comber struggled to pull back the goals.
Comber had opportunities and didn’t seize them on the day, but never-the-less they had a good campaign beating Glebe Rangers 8-1 in October and Hanover 3-1 in November.
(Match photos to follow tomorrow).
Drumaness Mills Celebrate Their Win
It was a day of celebration for Drumaness to get into the last 16 teams in the Irish Cup, a tournament which is one of the four oldest in the world.
In the Round 6 draw they will face either Strabane or Glentoran on Saturday 7th February. It will be an uphill task for Drumaness Miils but they have beaten strong opponents so far and they won’t be push-overs.
Manager Ciaran Brannigan said he was “delighted with the win and that Drumaness Mills and the team will give round 6 their best shot whoever they are drawn against.
“It is just brilliant that the team has reached this level getting into the last 16 teams. The management, coaches and fans are proud of them. But we will be preparing for the next one just as well as we have done for the other matches.
“We do need to be injury free to ensure all our players are on form and available. Calum Davidson picked up two yellow cards in the early games and has therefore been suspended but will be ready to play in Round 6.
“Unfortunately our winger Adam Kearney is still off with a knee injury and he might not be fit for a while yet. He is a nippy wee player and creates situations from nothing so has been a big loss to us this season. Let’s hope we see him back soon.
“Against Armagh we started well and had a few early chances. The lads were confident and it gave me a good feeling. I just felt then they could do it.
“The game was played in good spirits which was positive as there were no injuries to carry forward.
“Adam Garland opened the scoring in the 13th minute against Armagh City when he knocked in a free kick from the right. This was a dream start for us the and the pressure was off and the team quickly gained in confidence.
“The next goal came from Reece Doyle in the opening minute of the second half when he took advantage of a defensive error and found an open goal and slotted the ball in.
“Tom ‘Neill was later clipped in the Armagh box when tackled by two defenders and a penalty was awarded. We were already two goals ahead. Jack Sharvin stepped up to the spot and scored securing our place in the sixth round.
“But 5 minutes later Ethan Doogan-Ballantine scored Armagh’s only goal from a penalty making it 1-3.
“Then in extra time Declan Looney sealed the win with a late goal. It was magic!”
And if Macclesfield FC can beat Premier League side Crystal palace 2-1 then there is always hope for the ‘minnows’ in Northern Irish soccer when Drumaness Mills get stuck into Round 6 whoever they face.
Ciaran added: “We are still in the Clarence Cup so we are giving the team and indeed the fans something to cheer about this season.
“But this coming Saturday 17th January will be a different ball game. Crumlin Star, will be visiting Meadowvale at 2pm and that match will definitely be a cracker as both teams are eager to secure the points to keep themselves well positioned at the top end of the Premier League.”
