Notes - 29/08/2011
Lotto numbers drawn on August 22nd were 1, 2, 17 and 20. There was no jackpot winner so £25 goes to Niall Keenan and Owen Mc Kenna. The Jackpot now stands at £1,900. Tickets are available from any Committee member.
Football: Our U-16 Footballers were crowned County Champions after a magnificent victory over Lissan in the B Mullan and Son Championship Final on Thursday August 25th. The late summer sunshine and good surface at Ballinderry made for ideal conditions and the large crowd witnessed a complete team performance from the new Champions. The first half was reasonably even and featured a number of intriguing individual battles. Lissan threatened several times but Malachy, Padraig, Niall, Ryan and Shea thwarted them repeatedly. St Malachy’s were much more clinical in their finishing. Danny’s lob caught the keeper of his line and a counter attack saw Gary and Rian find Jordan who calmly placed the leather into the bottom corner. Odhran’s hard work was rewarded with two fine points. Half time; Castledawson 2-02 Lissan 0-04. Lissan were dominant in the 3rd quarter and reduced the lead to 2 midway through the half. Jordan pointed a free kick from 30 metres. Castledawson’s nerve and character were fully tested at this stage but they had prepared well and it showed. Lissan mounted attack after attack but they couldn’t breach the Castledawson defense which tackled, blocked, harried and supported in a manner that belied their young years. Despite Lissan’s best efforts the door stayed firmly shut. Rian won vital possession to lift the siege and the resulting point on the break proved decisive. Castledawson were rejuvenated and struck for home. Danny, Aidan and Odhran gained ample possession. Conor combined with Aidan who took a sweet score from distance. Luke had covered plenty of ground all night and he showed fine anticipation to grab a rebound and dispatch a low drive to the net. Conor finished a good passing move with a point. Then Gary capped a great evening when his outrageous right foot effort from 48 metres sailed over the black spot. Joseph, Pierce and Daniel all entered the fray and played their part. A special mention goes to Manus who has been outstanding all season but missed the final while abroad. The final whistle heralded jubilant scenes as Aidan was presented with the trophy by County Chairman John Keenan. Congratulations to a fine group of boys who have used this Championship campaign to demonstrate courage, discipline, teamwork and all of the game’s skills. Final score; Castledawson 3-08 Lissan 0-06.Squad; Malachy McMurray, Padraig McAtamney, Niall Keenan, Ryan Kennedy, Gary Chesney (0-1), Shea Conway, Aidan Keenan (0-1), Odhran Mullan (0-2), Luke Doyle (1-1), Danny Devlin (1-0), Rian Connery, Jordan Shivers (1-2), Conor Taggart (0-1), Joseph Craig, Pierce Loughran, Daniel O Neill and Manus McAllister. Coaching continues on Thursday September 1st 6.30-7.45pm.
The Minors Championship Final will be on Monday September 5th. The Seniors lost 1-11 to 1-08 in the League away to Glenullin on Sunday.
Camogie: The under 12s attended the Dan McCrystal tournament on Saturday in Greenlough. The girls battled hard in all their matches and showed some excellent camogie skills. The first match was against Dungiven. The girls played hard in all areas of the field, Anne Marie Craig and Aiobheann McElwee linked up well in the forward line with Aiobheann finding the net with a well placed ball and finishing with a cracking goal. Katie Duffy showed true grit and determination in the midfield area and Aoife Brown was steady and dependable as ever.
The next game against Kilrea was another display of this team’s skills and determination. Ricenda McPeake made a fantastic save that Claire O’Kane would have struggled to stop, this spurred on the other players on the field and everyone picked up their game. Shauna McAtamney was unlucky not to hit the net but was solid up front, helped by a very able Eimear McIntyre. Zoe Dunlop was a tower of strength in the back line and worked well with Anne McCoy who was also dependable as ever making life difficult for the Kilrea players.
The girls made it through their section and had to play a very strong Ballinscreen side. Unfortunately, Ballinscreen took a few chances that Castledawson didn’t and Ballinscreen came out the eventual winners. However Castledawson never gave up with Hannah O’Neill showing her fantastic hard work and Anna Campbell winning some super balls and making great play for her teammates. Megan Doyle was also solid in the back line sweeping up any loose balls. Niamh Corrigan Gordan and Grainne Keirns also came on and played their part in the game getting stuck in and working hard.
The girls enjoyed the tournament and as always showed great team spirit, we can expect great things from this team in the near future.
Due to the Senior Camogie championship being refixed the senior’s league games have been rescheduled however the girls are having their own competitive competition between teams A and B. Thankfully Team A are leading but check the website for regular updates.
Congratulations to the Mulholland household with Geraldine becoming Mrs Spillane and Shauna having a beautiful baby boy.
The Under 16 Camogie team recovered from their Championship Semi Final defeat to win away to Greenlough in the League on Wednesday. The Under 14 Camogie semi final date and venue have still to be decided. Training for the underage players continues as normal on a Wednesday 6.30pm – 7.30pm and Saturday 11.00am – 12pm.
McNicholl School of Irish Dancing: Irish dancing classes recommencing for all children at the Broagh on Monday 5th September 2011 at the NEW TIME of 6:30pm. All newcomers welcome!
Club merchandise is now available in Sportsworld in Magherafelt.
Clothing Bank: There is a clothing bank located inside the club car park. All textiles, such as sheets, curtains, clothes, shoes, belts and bags may be put in, but must be clean and dry. The car park can be accessed at all times. This is a permanent feature and can be used by anyone. The pavilion is available for functions and meetings
to all friends of St. Malachy’s at no charge. If anyone wishes to use the club
facilities please contact Anthony Brown or Tommy Joe Doyle.