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Following on from the success of its inaugural sportive last year, Armagh Down Cycling Club is looking forward to this year's Gullion Tour 2017, happening this Sunday 30 April. This year they will be raising money for local charity Fight for Alfie.
Five-year-old Alfie Pentony from Newry was recently diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystophy (DMD). This progressive disease will sadly attack little Alfie's muscles and they will gradually get weaker and weaker with the possibility that Alfie may only live until he is 20 years old.
This means Alfie's parents, Coleen and Jamie, have around 15 years to try and find a cure or at least slow the disease until a cure is found. They have teamed up with Armagh Down CC ahead of the Gullion Tour to raise funds for research into the disease and all riders will be asked to make a minimum donation of £15/€15.
Setting off from Newry this Sunday 30 April, the Gullion Tour offers cyclists from all over the island of Ireland the chance to take on one of two fantastic routes riding through the Ring of Gullion, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Commenting on The Gullion Tour, Armagh Down CC Chairman, Benny Smyth said: “After last year's success, this year's event is already shaping up to be bigger and better. We are expecting a strong turnout and we welcome cyclists from all over Ireland to join us and enjoy what the Ring of Gullion has to offer.
"Crucially, we very much hope to raise much-needed funds for our chosen charity, Fight for Alfie. Unlike most five-year-olds, little Alfie Pentony is facing a huge challenge in his life, so we want to support him and his family fight this cruel disease."
Coleen Pentony added: "Our goal is to raise awareness of DMD and also raise vital funds to help research which is needed to save Alfie’s life. We don't want pity for Alfie’s disease. What we are asking of each and every one local rider is to please take part in the event, and help us fight this cruel disease and hopefully find a cure for our little boy and all other children affected by this."
A fully marshalled event, the Gullion Tour promises to be a fantastic day for riders of all abilities and there will be much-needed food and refreshments at the finish in Newry Sports Centre. For the 100km route there will be an additional food stop at Jonesborough Pastoral Centre.
Registration is open from 8.30am at Newry Sports Centre with riders departing at 9.30am. Minimum donation is £15/€15. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc
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At this stage of the season it’s all about winning vital league points and on Saturday in Tobermore Newry City secured three points which barring a freak turn of events will, at the very least, secure them a two leg play off for a place in next seasons NIFL Championship. And with six points still up for grabs Newry retain an outside chance of winning the league and with it automatic promotion. For that to happen however they must beat Limavady at home on Tuesday night, win away at Moyola on Saturday and hope that Donegal Celtic take something from their match at Limavady the same day. Before all of that Newry faced the challenge of a trip to Tobermore and they got themselves off to the best possible start. Little more than two minutes had elapsed on the clock when Jimmy Walker clipped a free kick into the box to match the early run of Mark McCabe. When McCabe was blatantly pushed to the ground by Nicky Hudson, referee Buchanan pointed straight to the spot and Jimmy Walker easily beat Limavady keeper Matthew McGaw to put Newry an early goal up.
Indeed, all the early chances came the way of the visitors. With ten minutes gone Kevin McArdle played a clever through ball into the channel for Decky Carville to run onto and shoot across goal, the ball recycled by Mark Hughes for Walker to try his luck from the edge of the box, his effort however not troubling McGraw. Minutes later and Walker sprayed the ball wide for Keith Johnston to get behind the Limavady defence and play a super ball across the six-yard box, McGraw diving forward to push the ball away with Mark McCabe waiting for a tap in.
On 20 minutes McCabe made a good chance for himself, collecting a long pass from John Boyle wide on the left before playing a give and go with Hughes to make his way to the edge of the box from where he really should have done better, failing to test the Tobermore keeper with his shot. On the half hour mark Newry got the cushion of a second goal in the simplest of fashion, Walker picking out the run of Boyle to the near post, Boyle losing his marker to place a header past McGraw to double the Newry advantage.
On the stroke of half time Newry almost put the game out of Tobermore’s reach. Once more starting with a Walker corner and with the Tobermore defence switched off Walker pulled the ball to Johnston in space on the corner of the box, Johnston taking a touch to tee up a volley which had McGraw sprawling across his line to tip the ball over his crossbar.
Rejuvenated by the half time break Tobermore were much better in the second half and got back into the game within minutes of the restart when from a corner Ryan Winton picked out the near post run of Nicky Hudson who gave Kieran Gordon little chance with a close range header. Newry almost came back with an instant reply, Carville rising highest to meet a Mark Hughes corner with a downward header which had McGraw scrambling across his goal to save.
In a half which contained little free flowing football a minute of magic from Newry on the hour mark almost restored their two-goal advantage. Starting with a driving run out of defence from Carville, the ball passed between Johnston and Walker to release Kevin McArdle wide behind the Tobermore defence, his ball across the face of goal met at the back post by Mark Hughes who looked sure to score only for a fine reaction save from McGraw.
On another day Mark McCabe might have grabbed a hat trick. On 70 minute’s he created another great chance for himself. Picking up the ball wide on the right, he played two one twos, first with McArdle, then with Carville leaving him with only McGaw to beat, the keeper quickly of his line to offer little sight of goal, McCabe unfortunate to see his shot sail the wrong side of the post.
Having created so many chances the final 20 minutes were an unnecessary nervous time for Newry. That said with Boyle his usual calming influence and Gordon assured in goal Tobermore were unable to create any clear chances with Newry going closest to claiming the fourth goal of the game, Hughes breaking down the left wing shaking of successive tackles to set up Walker on the edge of the box, his low shot saved by McGraw.
Content that his side had secured the points Newry manager Darren Mullen commented ‘This was a game of 2 halves in that we were dominant in the first half and poor in the second. We were well worth our 2 goal lead at half-time with a display of pace and movement. The message at the break was that we still had a lot of work to do but we gave them an opportunity to get back into the game with some poor marking. For the remainder of the second half we were wasteful in possession and had no real rhythm to our play. That said it’s all about 3 points at this stage of the season and I can’t be too critical of the players as they have been brilliant this season. We are now all but assured a play-off spot which is a magnificent achievement in our first year back in Irish league football but we have 2 games to go and want to finish with 2 wins.’
Newry now welcome Limavady to the Showgrounds on Tuesday night KO 8pm. Then on Saturday (29th) Newry City travel to play Moyola Park, Supporters bus departing from the Stonebridge at 12.45pm, all are welcome.
Full Time: Tobermore United 1 - Newry City 2
Tobermore Utd: Matthew McGraw, Stephen Lamont, Conal Darragh, Nicky Hudson, Shannon Crooks, Dean Stewart, Glen Law, Eoin Gillan, Hugo Batista, Gary Keane, Ryan Winton. Subs: Paul Keane, Matthew Brown, Ciaran McFaul, Tiarnan Flanagan, Ryan Winton.
Newry City AFC: Kieran Gordon, Kevin McArdle, Conor McCaul, Patrick Mooney, John Boyle, Thomas McCann, James Walker, Keith Johnston, Mark McCabe, Declan Carville, Mark Hughes. Subs: Sean McMullan, Timothy Grant, Marty Havern, Mark Patton, Neil Mullen.
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It was their best performance of the season to date for Newry City on Saturday with the visit of league leaders Limavady Utd, producing a 4-0 win to keep alive their hopes of the league title. The opening exchanges of the game were largely level, Joe McCready proving a hand full for the Newry defence the, home side twice rescued by last ditch challenges from the central defensive pair of Paddy Mooney and John Boyle.
Newry opened the scoring on twenty minutes with a goal created by right back Kevin McArdle, the defender playing a one-two with Mark McCabe to take the ball to the end line before pulling it back into the danger area, Mark Hughes the first to react to the chance with a clinical finish to put Newry 1-0 up. The home side doubled their advantage on 41 minutes, Boyle placing a long free kick into the Limavady box, Decky Carville winning the aerial battle to nod the ball down to Mark McCabe who swivelled to shoot home.
It could have been three for Newry before half time with what would have been a contender for goal of the season. Once more it was McArdle pushing forward playing a give and go with Jimmy Walker before smashing a half volley from all of 40 yards which took a splendid save from Limavady keeper Wells to tip the ball onto the inside of the post and rebound to safety to leave the half time score 2-0 for Newry.
Limavady had the first chance of the second half and again it was McCready posing the threat, the striker shrugging off challenges down the Newry left before playing a ball across the face of the Newry goal, unfortunate that there was no Limavady player to turn the ball home.
Newry were quick to reply, an in-swinging corner from Jimmy Walker rebounding off the Limavady crossbar, the ball falling to Newry’s Man of the Match Paddy Mooney, his first time shot also rattling off the crossbar. The home side were very much on top with Walker and Thomas McCann pulling the strings from centre midfield. And it wasn’t long before Newry had their third, Hughes laying the ball to Keith Johnston just inside the box, the winger getting to the ball just ahead of Limavady’s Declan McKeever who took the legs from under the Newry man, referee Ben McMaster immediately pointing to the spot. This week penalty duty for Newry was given to Jimmy Walker and he made no mistake sending Wells the wrong way for goal number three.
On 65 minutes for the first time in the game Limavady got behind the Newry defence Jordan Thompson finding himself with only Kieran Gordon in nets to beat, the Newry keeper quickly off his line to block Thompsons effort with Stephen McCabe on hand to sweep up. Limavady continued to press and it took a super clearance from McCabe to clear a Conor Harkin shot off the goal line with Gordon stranded to keep the Newry sheet clean.
In the final minutes the home side capped off a fine display with goal number four, Thomas McCann slicing the Limavady defence finding Hughes wide on the left, his low ball into the six-yard box neatly turned home by Carville for a goal he richly deserved.
After the game Newry manager Darren Mullen was obviously happy with his sides display “This was a super performance from start to finish and the score line certainly doesn’t flatter us. Limavady are a very good side and are still in a very strong position but we needed this win today to keep on their tails. We were excellent all over the pitch and limited what has been the best attack in the league this season to very little. The message before the game was to get at them early and we certainly did that. Our movement, work rate and energy throughout the team was great to watch and it was a very satisfying win especially after last week’s disappointing result. We have a minimum of 6 games left and must treat each one of them like a cup final. Today’s performance has set a very high standard and we need to make sure it doesn’t drop for the remainder of those games. I would also like to mention the support that we had today which the players really appreciate and hopefully they continue to follow us in large numbers.”
Newry now travel to play Sport & Leisure on Tuesday 11th April, kick off @ 6:30 in their last fixture before the league splits. Further announcements on post-split fixtures will be posted both on the club’s web site and on social media.
Match Day Mascot Erin Harris definitely brought the boys good luck!!
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Senior Men
Our senior men fell to a narrow one point defeat at home to Clan na Gael on Sunday afternoon, 3 – 7 to 0 – 15.
An early penalty gave Clan na Gael the perfect start before David McCabe and Connaire Mackin pointed for the Shanes. Another Clan na Gael attack saw them cut through the home defence to register their second goal of the game, with Connaire Mackin replying shortly after with a pointed free. Two frees in row from the Lurgan side put them five ahead before Oisín Murphy pointed for the Shanes with a great long range effort. A pointed free from the Clans restored their five-point lead and right on the half-time they notched up their third goal to go in at the break with an eight-point advantage.
The sides swapped points in the opening minutes of the second period with Paul O’Rourke on target for the Shanes. A fifth Clans point was quickly cancelled out by a well taken score from Mark McCabe before Paul O’Rourke hit three points on the trot to get his back within five. Another point from the away side edged them six in front but the Shanes hit five answered points, three from Paul O’Rourke and one apiece from Ryan Evans and Sean McLoughlin, to leave just one between the sides. Clan na Gael went two front again with less than five minutes left on the clock and although the Shanes had chances late on to win the game they only had a David McCabe point to show for their efforts and the Clans ran out winners by one, 3 – 7 to 0 – 15.
They say that goals win games and that was most definitely the case in this game as Clan na Gael took their chances when they came their way whilst the Shanes failed to do so.
Senior Ladies
It was a severely depleted senior ladies team which travelled to play Dromintee on Saturday evening and they eventually lost out by five points, 4 – 8 to 3 – 6.
Aoibheann Jones hit the opening score of the game with a well taken goal but Dromintee hit 1 - 4 without reply to lead by four. A Jessica Watters point reduced the deficit to three before a late first-half point from the home side saw them lead by four at the break.
As with the first-half Aoibheann Jones netted an early second-half goal for the Shanes which was quickly followed by a Moya Feehan point to bring the sides level. The sides then swapped a goal and a point apiece with Aoibheann Jones getting the point and Moya Feehan calmly slotting home the goal. Dromintee then registered their third goal of the contest with Moya Feehan replying for the Shanes with a well taken point. Dromintee all but won the game in the next few minutes scoring a goal and two points, whilst the Dromintee keeper brilliantly saved a Moya Feehan penalty. Late points from Moya Feehan and Kirsty Murphy saw the Shanes end the game on a high but losing by five, 4 – 8 to 3 – 6.
Despite the defeat the Shanes can take some positives from the game, in particular the performance of some of their younger players including Lia Robb, Brianna Mathers, Sorcha McDonnell, Kirsty Murphy and Orlaith McArdle.
Minor Boys
Our minor boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins begin their league campaign on Monday night with an away game against Armagh Harps.
Minor Girls
Training for our minor girls continues on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.
U16 Boys
Our U16 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins have a league game on Thursday evening away to Middletown.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls have their first league game of the season on Monday night, 10th April at home to Clan na Gael. All girls are asked to be at the Shanes no later than 6.15pm.
U14 Boys
Our U14 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins have a home league game on Tuesday evening against St Peter’s.
U14 Girls
It was a mixed week for our U14 girls, losing out to Derrynoose in the semi-final of Féile on Wednesday evening before bouncing back in great style on Friday evening to record a comprehensive league win over Granemore.
U12 Boys
Training for this age group continues as normal at the club over the coming week.
U12 Girls
Training for our U12 girls continues every Sunday afternoon at the field from 4.45pm – 6.00pm. All girls at this age are welcome to attend.
U10s
Our U10s travelled to Silverbridge on Sunday morning to take part in the host club’s blitz. The young Shanes played three great games of football against Dromintee, Forkhill and Silverbridge and were very unlucky not to qualify for the final stages of the tournament.
Training details for this week will be confirmed later in the week.
U10 Girls
There will be a meeting on Wednesday evening, 12th April at Shane's at 7pm for all parents of players who want to play on our U-10 girls team this year. This involves girls born in 2007/08/09. We welcome all girls, regardless of previous experience, to become part of Shane O Neill's ladies football. The meeting will be to introduce parents to managers and coaches who will explain the U10 structure within Armagh, centering on non-competitive blitz events. This will also be an opportunity for any parent who would like to help in any way whatsoever, to speak to the managers concerned.
U8s
This week’s training for our U8s is still to be confirmed but will be confirmed later in the week.
U6s
Training for our U6 footballers continues this Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Centre and all new boys and girls are welcome to attend.
Meabh O’Neills Camogie
The senior camogs have a game away to Culloville on Wednesday evening and all players are asked to meet at the Shanes at 6.00pm. The U14s have a game against Clonibret on Tuesday evening and all players are asked to meet at the Shanes no later than 6.15pm.
The camogie club is holding a quiz night this coming Wednesday night, 12th April in Quinn’s Camlough. The quiz begins at 9.00pm and everyone is invited to come along.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 16, 18, 28 & 32. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at an impressive £5,400.
Siúl at the Shane’s
As most of you know we ran a very successful Pave the Way scheme last year which led to the installation of a brilliant concrete driveway in and around the club. To everyone who donated to that scheme we are extremely grateful and a sign will be erected shortly thanking you all.
The next phase of development at the club will see the creation of a floodlit Community Walkway around our main pitch. This project is being partly funded by the Council but the club need to raise a certain amount of funding also and this is where you, our friends and members, can help out.
Siúl at the Shane's is a scheme where people can donate to or sponsor a yard of asphalt as we attempt to raise the necessary funds for the new walkway. The walkway itself will be available for use by the whole community and will give people the opportunity to walk in a safe and friendly environment all year round.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the scheme please contact our club chairman, Mick Mackin, on 07746 242231.
Can you please arrange to include the attached pictures with our club notes:
Shane O’Neill’s U14 girls who lost out to Derrynoose in the Féile semi-final last week
Shane O’Neill’s U10s who took part in the Silverbridge blitz on Sunday
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Newry Ladies 0-1 Instonians Ladies
Newry hosted Instonians on Saturday in their last game of the season. The visitors started well forcing a number of short corners but Newry were resolute in their defence, blocking everything that was fired at them with Collete Lambe in nets pulling off a number of good saves.
As the half wore on Newry started to grow into the game and were starting to create some chances of their own. The home side were able to bring on some youth in Anna Murphy and Katie McCullough who linked up well on the left hand side of the pitch showing they did not look out of place in their first game of the season.
Inst' flew out of the traps in the second half much the same as the first and were able to force an early short corner. The Initial shot was saved but the rebound was scrambled over the line. Newry stepped up a gear in search for the equaliser and dominated much of the second period. They forced short corner after short corner but found the the Instonians keeper in inspired form, pulling off three saves in a row from the corners. Newry knocked at the door but were unable to apply the finishing touches to their great build up play as they eventually ran out of time were unfortunate to be beaten 1-0. Newry would like to thank the match Sponsor King Bros Quarry for their support.
Team: C. Lambe, A. Harpur, V. Lewis, S. Rollins, R. Murdock, R. Lockhart. A. Magowan, K. Baird, L. Inns, S. Smart, S. Robinson, K. McCullough, A. Murphy, R. Ferris
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Sport NI have distributed 115 defibrillators to sports clubs across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.
Sports Clubs had applied for them through a programme called ‘Defibrillators for sport’.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said “I was very impressed with the turn out from Clubs who applied for these lifesaving machines”.
Councillor Fitzpatrick continued, “On behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I would like to thank Conleth Donnelly from Sport NI and Sport NI for their part in the important programme”.
For more information contact ciara.lowe@nmandd.org
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Senior Men
Grange were the visitors to Camlough on Sunday in the second game of the Intermediate Divisional Cup and they returned home have recorded a nine-point win, 3 – 10 to 0 – 10.
The Shane’s had a couple of let offs early on before Grange got the first point of the game which they quickly followed up with their opening goal to give them an early four-point lead. A free apiece from Padraig Magee and Connaire Mackin and another point from Mackin had the Shane’s back to within one but these proved to be the home side’s only scores of the half. Grange rattled off another 1 – 5 without reply to lead by nine at the break, 2 – 6 to 0 – 3.
Any hopes of a Shane’s comeback were all but ended early in the second-half when a long hopeful ball looped over the Shane’s stand-in keeper to back of the net to give Grange twelve-point advantage. The sides then swapped two points each with James Girvan and Connaire Mackin on target for the home side. Two frees from Grange were cancelled out by a well taken point from Connaire Mackin and a pointed free from David McCabe. Minutes later Grange fired over their tenth point of the contest before late points from James Girvan and Oisín O’Callaghan finished the scoring to leave Grange winners on a score-line of 3 – 10 to 0 – 10.
Next up for the senior men is a home game against Clan na Gael next Sunday.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies had their final preseason challenge game last Monday night when they hosted a tough Rostrevor side. The Shanes girls started at a very high tempo and soon built up a good lead, going into the break thirteen points in front, 2-10 to 0-3. The balance of play in the second half was much closer but against the breeze Shanes still managed to keep the scoreboard ticking while the defence were solid all through. Their opening league game against Clann Eireann was scheduled to take place on Saturday but will now be played on Tuesday evening, 4th April with a throw-in time of 7.00pm in Camlough.
Minor Boys
Our minor boys had their first outing of the year last Monday with a challenge game against Loughgilly Gaels. The match itself proved to be an entertaining affair which ended with the scoreboard all-square. Next Monday evening, 10th April sees the minor boys travel to Armagh Harps for their first league game of the season. Training continues as normal over the coming week.
Minor Girls
Training for our minor girls continues on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.
U16 Boys
Our U16 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins begin their league campaign this coming Thursday, 6th April in Correnshigo against St Enda’s.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls had a useful workout against Correnshigo on Thursday night and they have another challenge game against Burren on Monday evening at St Joseph’s High School in Newry. All girls are asked to meet at St Joseph’s and 6.30pm with the game throwing in at 7.00pm.
U14 Boys
Our U14 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins continued their preparations for the upcoming season with a challenge game against Loughgilly Gaels on Friday evening. The lads begin their league campaign this Tuesday evening, 4th April away to Mullaghbawn.
U14 Girls
Our U14 girls recorded a brilliant win over Clann Eireann in the quarter-final of the Féile on Wednesday, 7 – 5 to 3 – 11. Next up for the girls is a semi-final tie at home to Derrynoose this coming Wednesday evening, 5th April at 7.00pm.
U12 Boys
Training for this age group continues as normal at the club over the coming week.
U12 Girls
Training for our U12 girls will take on Sunday afternoons at the field from 4.45pm – 6.00pm. All girls at this age are welcome to attend.
U10 Boys
Well done to our U1os who action in action again on Sunday, this time away to Saval. By all accounts in it was a great game with both teams playing some great football. Our thanks to Saval for hosting the game. Training continues on Friday evening, 6.30pm – 7.30pm at the club.
U10 Girls
Training for this age group will be confirmed very shortly.
U8s
Training for U8 footballers will continue as normal this week at the club and all boys and girls at this age group are welcome to come along.
U6s
Training for our U6 footballers continues this Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Centre and all new boys and girls are welcome to attend.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
U8’s and U10’s train at the Shanes on Wednesday night from 6.00pm – 7.00pm, all new members age four and upwards are welcome to attend. Training for the U12 and U14 camogs will also take place at the Shane’s on Wednesday nights from 6.00pm – 7.00pm and any past or present hurling or camogie player that would like to volunteer an hour per week on Wednesdays night from 6.00pm -7.00pm please contact Sandra on 07599 640444 - your help would be greatly appreciated. The U16 and minor camogs will train on Wednesday’s from 6.30pm – 7.30pm at Shane’s. Please note that all registration must be paid this week.
Underage Manager's Meeting
A meeting for all our underage managers - boys, girls and camogie - will take place on Monday night, 3rd April @ 8.00pm. If any underage managers can't make the meeting, please send a deputy
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 3, 13, 17 & 31. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The jackpot now stands at an impressive £5,350.
Condolences
Everyone at the club would like to extend their sympathy to the family of Frances Malone who died last week. Mrs Malone was the mother of our long serving and esteemed club member Kieran Malone and grandmother of our former player Ciarán Malone.
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Two points dropped or a valuable point gained was the question among the Newry supporters after Saturdays 1-1 draw at Moyola.
Having dominated the opening half most would have been of the opinion that it was points dropped by Newry. However, after a lethargic second half during which Moyola fully merited their equalizer and a share of the points, news that league leaders Limavady had been beaten put a very different slant on the result, a point which wasn’t lost on Newry manager Darren Mullen after the game ‘Although it’s disappointing not to get the win we have to look at what could be a very valuable point. Every week this league throws up unexpected results so we just need to keep ourselves in with a chance and that’s exactly what we are doing. We didn’t play well enough today but should have been more than one up at half time especially with the chances we had created.
The second half was a scrappy affair and we had no real rhythm to our play. They were dogged and difficult to break down so we should give them credit. I thought at the time Kieran Gordon could have got a hand to the Moyola goal but after seeing it again it was just one of those wonder strikes and one where you just have to take your hat off to the lad. We now have two vital home games in row and with players to come back from injury/suspension we are looking forward to them.
Newry started the game the brighter of the two sides, Mark Hughes creating a shooting opportunity for Decky Carville after only two minutes, Carville’s goal bound strike from the edge of the box blocked by Craig McAllister. With ten minutes on the clock Newry thought they had unlocked the Moyola defence when a super pass from Timmy Grant released Carville inside the box, the Newry centre forward denied by a last-ditch block from Steven McQuillan. For once route one football appeared to be Newry’s best option. With 20 minutes gone a long kick out from Kieran Gordon was won in the air by Grant, Keith Johnston running between defenders to latch onto Grants header before shooting across goal, unfortunate to see his effort hit the base of the post. Play swung to the other end with Moyola having their first strike on the Newry goal, John Boyle who turned in another flawless display at the heart of the Newry defence blocking Daniel McIlhattons shot.
On the half hour mark Boyle showed the other side to his game in a move which saw Newry take the lead. With play on the Newry left Boyle changed the direction of attack with a diagonal 50-yard pass which Grant once more won in the air cleverly picking out the forward run of Kevin McArdle, the right back continuing his run to the end line before drilling a low ball across the face of goal, Hughes alert to Johnston’s flick, on hand to turn the ball home to give Newry a deserved lead. It took an impressive save from Kieran Gordon on 41 minutes to preserve that lead at half time, McIllhatton slicing the Newry defence giving Taggart a clear sight of the Newry goal, Gordon quickly off his line to smother the centre forwards effort.
While neither side established any rhythm to their play in the second half it always looked like Newry needed a second goal to secure the win and on 72 minutes that proved to be the case. Awarded a soft free kick some 35 yards from goal in a central position there looked to be little threat to the Newry goal. That appraisal however didn’t take account for a wonder strike from substitute Curtis Hassan, his shot dipping just below Gordon’s cross bar with the Newry keeper floundering. Newry’s answer was to change their strike force and with time running out the switch almost bore dividends. Once more direct route passage of play, Gordons long ball cleverly chested on by Sean McMullan, Johnston winning the race for the ball with Moyola keeper Martin Farniok, Johnston again unfortunate to see his lob over the advancing keeper fall the wrong side of the cross bar to leave the final score 1-1.
Newry now have two home games which will define their season. On Saturday 1st April third placed Donegal Celtic are the visitors to The Showgrounds for a 3pm kick off. The following Saturday, the 8th April, Newry will entertain the league leaders Limavady at The Showgrounds, again kick off at 3pm.
Newry City AFC: Gordon, McArdle, McCaul, Curran, Boyle, McCann, Patton, Grant, Carville, Johnston, Hughes. Subs: McCabe, McMullan, Havern, McMahon, McKeown.
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Senior Men
Our senior men made a great start to the season, defeating Mullaghbawn by twelve 12 points, 3 – 11 to 0 – 8, in the Intermediate Divisional Cup on Sunday.
Mullaghbawn opened in the scoring with a pointed free before Greg McCabe rose highest to fist the ball to the net and put the Shanes ahead. Mullaghbawn replied with their second point but a speculative long range effort from Ryan Evans was spilled to the net by the Mullaghbawn keeper and the Shanes led by four. The sides then swapped points with Greg McCabe on target for the Shanes before Mullaghbawn hit three points in a row to reduce the deficit to just one. A Ryan Evans point edged the Shanes two ahead before great work from Ryan McCabe set up James Girvan to finish to the Mullaghbawn net for his team’s third goal of the half and a five point half-time advantage, 3 – 2 to 0 - 6.
Just like the first-half, Mullaghbawn opened the scoring with a well taken point but the Shanes bossed the rest of the game, scoring nine points on the trot. Paddy Doran and Ryan Evans scored a point apiece in quick succession before Paul O’Rourke knocked over a free. Second-half substitute Mark McCabe then pointed from close range before great work from Michael McParland setup Oisín Murphy for his side’s seventh point of the contest. Mark McCabe and Paul O’Rourke both scored superb solo points before a pointed free and late ’45, both from Sean McLoughlin, rounded off the scoring for the Shanes. Mullaghbawn registered only their second point of the half with the last kick of the ball but it was the impressive Shanes who claimed a fully deserved win, 3 – 11 to 0 – 8.
Next up for the senior men is a home game against Grange next Sunday.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies have a challenge game at home against Rostrevor on Monday 27th March at 6.45pm. Training continues on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.
Minor Boys
Training for our minor boys continues as normal over the coming week at the club.
Minor Girls
Training for our minor girls continues on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.
U16 Boys
Training for the U16 boys continues on Thursday night at 6.00pm in Correnshigo. All our U16 footballers are asked to meet at the Shane's at 5.40pm sharp on Thursday evening. The Championship draw has paired our amalgamation of Patrick Rankin’s away to Derrynoose on 29th June.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls have a challenge game on Monday evening, 27th March at St Joesph’s High School in Newry. All U16 girls are asked to meet at the school at 6.30pm. Training for the U16 girls continues on Saturday afternoon from 4.00pm – 5.00pm at the field.
U14 Boys
Training for our U14 boys continues as normal over the coming week at the club. The Championship draw has paired our amalgamation of Patrick Rankin’s away to Pearse Ógs on 23rd May.
U14 Girls
Our U14 girls have a Féile game this Wednesday evening, 29th March at home to Clann Eireann with a throw-in time of 6.45pm.
U12 Boys
Training for this age group continues as normal at the club over the coming week.
U12 Girls
Training for our U12 girls will take on Sunday afternoons at the field from 4.45pm – 6.00pm. All girls at this age are welcome to attend.
U10 Boys
Our U10 boys travelled to Silverbridge on Sunday to take part in a very enjoyable game of football against the home side. Training for this age group continues this Friday evening at the field from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
U10 Girls
Training for this age group will be confirmed very shortly.
U8s
Training for U8 footballers will continue as normal this week at the club and all boys and girls at this age group are welcome to come along.
U6s
Training for our U6 footballers continues this Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Centre and all new boys and girls are welcome to attend.
Shane’s Gaelic for Girls
The latest Shanes Gaelic For Girls Programme finished on Saturday morning. Over the past ten weeks seventy-five aged eight to thirteen took part in this introduction to Gaelic Football. During that time, they have begun, what we hope will be a lifelong involvement in Gaelic games, by learning the basic skills in a fun and positive environment, making many new friends along the way. Throughout the programme the girls were coached by members of our Senior ladies’ team. All the participants received their Shanes Gaelic For Girls training tops from their coaches and a certificate presented by Councillor Roisin Mulgrew representing Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The programme has been a great success with many of the girls set to continue playing with our U12 and U10 girl's teams, with U12 training taking place on Sundays from 4.45pm - 6.00pm at the field whilst U10 training will be confirmed shortly. Many thanks to all the girls who took part, also to the parents, schools, coaches and mentors for all their support and we look forward to seeing these young girls lining out for Shane O’Neill’s ladies in the very near future.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
U8’s and U10’s train at the Shanes on Wednesday night from 6.00pm – 7.00pm, all new members age four and upwards are welcome to attend. Training for the U12 and U14 camogs will also take place at the Shane’s on Wednesday nights from 6.00pm – 7.00pm and any past or present hurling or camogie player that would like to volunteer an hour per week on Wednesdays night from 6.00pm -7.00pm please contact Sandra on 07599 640444 - your help would be greatly appreciated. The U16 camogs will train on Wednesday’s from 6.30pm – 7.30pm at Shane’s.
Membership Rates for 2017
Club membership is now due and the rates for 2017 are as follows:
Senior Members: £30.00
Cairde Members: £15.00
OAPs: £15.00
U18s: £15.00 for first player in a family, £10.00 for every other player
All membership must be paid before 31st March 2017.
Well Done
Well done to our underage footballers Aoibh Murray and Ben McCamley who played in the primary schools’ game at half-time during the Armagh v Antrim game at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to our club chairman Mick Mackin who is recovering well at home following a short spell in hospital. Best wishes also to our club and Cairde member Patsy McParland who spending time in hospital.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 11, 20, 28 & 29. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at an impressive £5,300.
Siúl at the Shane’s
As most of you know we ran a very successful Pave the Way scheme last year which led to the installation of a brilliant concrete driveway in and around the club. To everyone who donated to that scheme we are extremely grateful and a sign will be erected shortly thanking you all.
The next phase of development at the club will see the creation of a floodlit Community Walkway around our main pitch. This project is being partly funded by the Council but the club need to raise a certain amount of funding also and this is where you, our friends and members, can help out.
Siúl at the Shane's is a scheme where people can donate to or sponsor a yard of asphalt as we attempt to raise the necessary funds for the new walkway. The walkway itself will be available for use by the whole community and will give people the opportunity to walk in a safe and friendly environment all year round.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the scheme please contact our club chairman, Mick Mackin, on 07746 242231.
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