A squad of 21 U-12 Girls made the short trip to Dundrum on Thursday night. It was a disappointing performance after all the progress they have made during the year, but still they tried their best. Next training Thur at 6.30pm. RGU U12 Girls Tournament on Saturday 8 September writes Collie Quinn.
U-14 Girls have a Championship match next Sunday away against Saval/Annaclone. Details to be confirmed during week, but it is essential that all girls attend training on Tuesday night at 7pm and make themselves available for the match on Sunday.
The RGU held their annual U-12 Tournament on Saturday and despite the terrible weather there was some terrific football on display. The younger B team made it to the Shield semi final before finally succumbing to the eventual winners Darragh Cross. RGU A’s group came down to the final match against Burren, Unfortunately the boys could not push on after drawing level and they lost out to a late goal. They finally exited the tournament after a titanic tussle against Carryduff. Despite leading the whole match the boys let their guard down as Carryduff scored a goal with practically the last kick of the game to advance to the final.
The final between Burren and Carryduff went to extra time before Burren pulled ahead to win by 2. Many thanks to all who helped make this tournament a success, those who prepared the pitches, made the tea, provided food, manned the tuckshop, tidied up, managed and mentored teams and finally not forgetting the referees. These tournaments do not happen by magic, so thank you.
An excellent first half from Downpatrick U-14’s set the tone for the outcome of this East Down ‘A’ Championship match at PTR. Right from the outset the young Hoops put the Ford under a huge amount of pressure and this paid dividends at they took a 9pt half time lead. The second half started with a determined Bryansford pressurising the Hoops midfield and half forwards to force a number of turnovers resulting in three quickfire scores, to leave 6 between the sides.In the end the young Hoops fought valiantly when down to 14 men to finish 8 point victors with a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-10. Next up for the Hoops is a trip to St. Pauls on Monday night where they ran out 1 point winners in the league campaign. Another 2 points here would place them in good position for a real tilt at the Championship with some tough games still to come. Next Monday sees the visit of Favourites Carryduff.
The U-16’s face Bryansford on Thursday evening at home in the next round of the Championship in what should be a real tight fixture.
The Minors, after a great draw against Championship favourites Saval in the first round robin fixture, bowed tamely out of the competition last Tuesday when they succumbed to Csastlewellan, with two goals inside a minute in the first half doing the damage.
After a very long break from League football the RGU senior ladies played Bredagh last Wednesday night at Park Tomas Russell and notched up another win. There was a great display of football from both sides with the home side just having the better luck in front of the goal mouth. Final score RGU 5-6 Bredagh 1-5. RGU scorers O Quinn1-3 C Laverty 1-1 O Keown 1-1 K Trainor 1-1 S Connolly 1-0. Next game Burren tonight (Wed 29 Aug) This was only the 5th league game played by the girls since April and we now face a situation of the students returning to college thus depriving the clubs of their services. One game a month for senior footballers is just not good enough and this situation needs addressed as a matter of urgency. We wouldn’t tolerate for U 10 boys so why should senior girls put up with it?
Golf Clubs are the order of the day in amongst kit-bags at Downpatrick RGU as members prepare for the County Down Gaelic Club’s inaugural corporate golfing challenge which has been organised as part of a fundraising spectacular. Downpatrick Golf Course is the venue and September 7 the date for the four ball invitational tournament which has already secured major funding for the Club well in advance of the tee-off date. Participants are being asked to pay £100 per team entry with various additional sponsorship opportunities available. There are some great prizes up for grabs, including a four ball to the famous K-Club.For more information or to enter a team, contact club secretary Colm McNeill 07815839630.
The RGU’s SFC qualifier against Castlewellan will take place on Saturday 8th September in Kilcoo with a 4pm throw in. This is a stand alone fixture. Again there will be no SFC action in Downpatrick but instead PTR will host the IFC QF between Darragh Cross and Tullylish on Sunday 9th at 6.30pm.
Everyone At RGU was saddened by the untimely death of Frankie Savage on Thursday past. Frankie was a talented player both at football and hurling, playing for the cub at all levels. He also served the club later helping out with ground maintenance at PTR. To the Savage family we send our deepest sympathy. Ar Lamh Dhéis Dé go rabh a anam.
Club Lotto: This weeks numbers were 12/15/22/28. The Jackpot was not won but 5 shared £100. New Jackpot is £2900.
Two big birthdays recently in for past Presidents. Pat “ Sweetie” Oakes turned 70 whilst the sprightly John Skeffington hit 90.
