Club Notes w/c 02/07/07 - 03/07/2007
ST MALACHY’S G.A.C CASTLEDAWSON
Lotto
Numbers drawn in the weekly Lotto on Monday 2nd July were 2, 10, 21 & 23. As there was no winner the both Lucky Dips went to Lisa Mullan and Ellie Doyle who each get £25. The jackpot for next week will now be a mammoth £6200.
Appeal
Members, have we been robbed or has someone a bag of balls in the boot and has forgotten to return them to the store - Philip informed the meeting last Wednesday night that a bag of senior size 5 senior footballs has gone missing from the store which now makes a grand total of 14 gone walkies this year; £30 each to replace = £420, money we can't afford. Could everyone check around and see if we can solve the problem, and keep Philip updated.
Senior Football
Castledawson travelled to Greenlough on Sunday past for the second match of the Championship to play neighbours and fierce rivals Bellaghy. The Greenlough pitch was in perfect condition, and with the rain staying away and the sun showing its face, it was ideal playing conditions for football. Straight from the throw in, Castledawson gained position through Aidan McElhone; he quickly fed Conor Scullion who in turn off-loaded to the marauding Seamus McNicholl to register the first point with barely 15 seconds gone. Bellaghy hit back strongly and got on the scoreboard from a free, followed by points from play by Joe Diver and Eoghan Brown. The midfield sector was evenly matched at this stage, and although the Dawson were threatening up front they had difficulty in taking their scores, the tricky wind being a factor. Paddy Henry found space 30 yards out to hook over a point from play midway through the first period to leave Bellaghy leading by the minimum, 0-3 to 0-2.
Then Bellaghy hit Castledawson with a sucker punch; the ball was moved quickly into the full forward line, Declan Graffin played the ball into Ciaran Glackin who shaped to shoot from 6 yards out. Castledawson Captain Aidan McElhone got in to dispossess the Bellaghy man, but as he knocked the ball down, it ricochet off his knee and creeped through ‘keeper O’Kane’s legs for a most fortuitous goal. Soon after, Castledawson sloppily gave the ball away 15 yards from their own goal but Neil O’Kane stood firm to deny Kevin Doherty from point blank range. With O’Kane’s kick outs going well and Heaney and McElhone starting to get a foothold at midfield, Castledawson began to put the pressure on. Micky Gribbin, who had replaced Niall McNicholl as a blood sub, knocked over a point from a tight angle. Bellaghy then broke up field and were awarded a dubious free from which they converted to leave 4 between the sides. Martin Heaney won possession from the kickout and fed Ruairi Shivers who ran all of 60 yards before being fouled – Seamus McNicholl tapping over the free. With the first half coming to an end, tremendous pressure on the Bellaghy defence resulted in a turnover; Paddy Henry skinned his marker on the touchline, carried it to the endline and passed it to the unmarked Conor Scullion – Bellaghy keeper Scullion came charging out and with a dangerous lunge took the Dawson man and ball………the referee pointing to the spot with no hesitation. After several minutes of Bellaghy gamesmanship, Aidan McElhone stroked the ball home convincingly to bring the sides level and leave the match on a knife-edge at half time; 1-4 a piece.
The second half began very scrappily with the midfield area being crowded and not much football being played. Castledawson won a free 70 yards out and when Niall McNicholl attempted to escape from his marker, a tussle occurred – the referee consulted the umpire who was closest to the ‘action’ and decided to book both players; as McNicholl was booked earlier in the game, he headed for an early bath with the Bellaghy fullback luckily staying in the fray. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Castledawson were next to score, man mountain Martin Heaney stroking over from all of 60 yards to edge the whites in front. The play ebbed and flowed from end to end, and although both teams had ample possession, scores were at a premium. A high ball into the Bellaghy full forward line broke favourably to corner forward Brown, who sidestepped his marker before tapping over to level the scores once again. Ruairi Shivers was then unceremoniously taken out straight in front of the Bellaghy posts, with Conor Scullion restoring advantage from the resulting free. Castledawson had further opportunities to increase their lead, but wides from a couple of scoreable frees added to the tension. Bellaghy soon drew level threw substitute Rocks and edged ahead entering injury time when Gavin Diamond curled over from 25 yards. However, Castledawson we not about to give up; Martin O’Kane swept up a breaking ball and was fouled. The free was played rapidly to Seamus Shivers on the touchline who cleverly spun his man and pulled on the ball to the out-rushing Michael Gribbin who was upended when attempting to pick up the ball. Paddy Henry stepped up, and despite taunts from certain opposition players, kept his cool to calmly drill the ball between the posts from 30 yards. It was deep in injury time, and there was barely time for another attack – the whites lost possession in the midfield area and Bellaghy drove forward in one last, desperate bid to clinch a winning score. The referee gave a very soft free to Bellaghy as Ronan Rocks soloed down the touchline, and Eoghan Brown had the opportunity to steal a victory for the Bellaghy men with the last kick of the game. However, his free drifted just to the left of the posts, the referee blew his whistle and the game was over; a draw probably a fare result in the end.
This was a very good performance from the team, showing a lot of character, heart and determination. O’Kane was again excellent between the sticks, Joe O’Kane, Stephen Doyle and the imperious Martin O’Kane outstanding in defence, Martin Heaney, Aidan McElhone and sub Declan Lavery dazzling at midfield and Seamus McNicholl, Colum Lavery and Paddy Henry always dangerous up front.
Team : Neil O’Kane, Dara Shivers, Joe O’Kane, Chris Gallagher, Stephen Doyle, Martin O’Kane, Ruairi Shivers, Aidan McElhone, Martin Heaney, Colum Lavery, Seamus McNicholl, Paul Heaney, Conor Scullion, Niall McNicholl, Paddy Henry. Subs : Declan Lavery, Ciaran Lavery, Conor Lavery, Seamus Shivers, Michael Gribbin, Paul Gribbin, Niall Gribbin, Colm Heaney, Ciaran O’Kane.
Best wishes to Micky Gribbin who ties the knot this coming Friday. Good luck!!
Minors
The minors travel to Swatragh to play Limavady in the first round of the championship tonight(Tuesday) – throw in is at 8pm, all support welcome.
Under 14s
The under 14s were due to play Glen B at home in our final league game this year but the visitors didn’t make the short journey. This was a great disappointment to the 22 young Castledawson players who had made the effort to attend. It is hoped to organize some friendlies over the summer. Coaching continues Mondays from 6-7pm.
Under 12s
The under 12s will travel to Bellaghy on Saturday July 7th for the next round of “Go Games”. All children in this age group report to the Broagh playing fields for 10.15am. All parents are encouraged to come along, offer lifts and support our players. The Under 12s blitz planned for Glenavy, Co Antrim on Saturday was cancelled due to poor weather and will be played in August.
Under 10s
Our Under 10s played in the “Go Games” at Owenbeg on Friday evening. We played against Steelstown, Banagher and Faughanvale. A great time was had by all. Our next games will be at home on Sunday July 15th at 11.00am.
Cul Camp
A total of 76 local children will attend the Castledawson “Cul” Camp on Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th July from 10am until 2.30pm each day. Children must have a packed lunch and a change of clothes in case of rain. Children who bring their own hurls and helmets must have them clearly marked. Let’s have a great week.
Sponsored walk
Proceeds will help the club to provide facilities, equipment, transport and coaching to local young people. All money should be returned to coaches as soon as possible. We appreciate your support.
Underage coaching
Coaching for our underage footballers continues every Tuesday (6.15 – 7.15 pm) throughout the holidays except for Tuesday July 3rd when there will be no coaching due to the “Cul” camp.
Congratulations
Well done to our neighbours Magherafelt on winning the All Ireland Feile Div 1, beating Raheny of Dublin in the final on a scoreline of 2-6 to 2-3.
Camogie News
SENIOR – Castledawson lost their Derry championship title to Lavey in the County Final at Ballinascreen on Sunday past on a scoreline of 2-13 to 3-02.
The girls were behind a determined and very robust Lavey team for the entire match but never let their heads drop. The Dawson had a number of scoring chances early in the first half but failed to capitalise, whilst Lavey scored 1-02 within the opening 5 minutes. Lavey hit the net for a second time and whilst Katie Pickering scored a cracking goal minutes before half time, Castledawson spent the rest of the match playing catch up. The Dawson defence was under pressure for much of the first half but they harried the Lavey attack forcing a number of wides and restricting them to a half time lead of 6 points on a scoreline of Lavey 2-05 : Castledawson 1-02. Goalkeeper Claire O'Kane saved the Dawson on a number of occasions with some fine blocks.
Lavey started the second half with a further 5 points before Castledawson managed a second goal courtesy of midfielder Geraldine Mulholland. Minutes later a third goal scrambled over the line by Donna O'Kane narrowed the deficit to 5 points and momentarily put pressure on Lavey. However it was all too little too late as 3 further points from play gave Lavey an 8 point
lead and sealed Castledawson’s fate.
Commiserations to the girls. They showed great fighting spirit to the final whistle however on the day Lavey appeared to be the hungrier side.
Team: Claire O'Kane, Sinead Heaney, Maura McAuley, Mary McAuley, Maoliosa Shivers, Karen McGrath, Roisin O'Kane, Geraldine Mulholland(1-0), Katie Pickering(1-0), Anne Marie Bovill, Katie McAuley(0-2), Shauna Mulholland, Eimear McCartney, Una McAuley, Eilish Keenan Subs: Donna O'Kane(1-0), Teresa McElroy, Caoimhe McCoy, Cathy Bradley, Margaret Cunningham, Maria Taggart, Leshaun O'Hagan, Ashley Johnston, Roisin Hawe.
SPRING CLEANING FUNDRAISER – Owing to popular demand the Camogs will again be holding a recycling fundraiser. Details regarding ‘door to door collections’ will follow shortly but in the meantime we would ask you to start filling your bin bags with any unnecessary or unneeded items of clothing or homeware to assist us in raising much-needed funds for the club.
Website
Check out the club web site on www.castledawsongac.com for further details on all club events and visit the Guest Book with your comments on any changes you would like to see.
Kitbags
A limited quantity of the new club kit bag is now available to members to purchase; contact Brendan Keenan, Paddy Bradley or Maura McAuley for details.