The Armagh team who took on Down in the Dr McKenna Cup at the Athletic Grounds. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Write a comment
A super hat-trick of goals from striker Mark McCabe helped Newry City return to winning ways at Dundela on Saturday securing three very valuable league points which puts them right back into the title race. There was however much more to Saturdays win over Dundela, Newry taking an early lead before conceding two quick goals after the break.
That scenario has become all too familiar to the Newry faithful except on Saturday the Newry boys rolled up their sleeves and built a winning lead before toughing out the final 15 minutes with 10 men which pleased manager Darren Mullen “This was a really hard game and one where we are delighted to come away with three points. To be 2-1 down and come back in the manner we did can only be good for the player’s confidence. We’ve been on a poor run of late but the players have never dropped their heads and deserve great credit for turning this game around. Mark McCabe will rightly grab the headlines for his hat-trick especially for his second and third but as a team we worked so hard today. The coaching staff have continuously told the players that no matter what happens if they continue to work hard they will get their rewards. Thankfully that happened today against a Dundela side who will take points off a lot of teams this season especially at home. What we need to do now is take this confidence and work rate into the next game away to Queens.”
The tight confines of Wilgar Park usually mean that goals will flow and Newry had a great chance to open the scoring after only 5 minutes, Mark McCabe cutting the Dundela defence open giving Decky Carville a run-on goal, Jonathan Sergeant quickly off his line to block Carville’s shot. The visitors followed this up with another half chance, Keith Johnston whipping in a cross for Mark Patton to deflect onto the roof of the net with a glancing header. Play was end to end, the Newry goal getting a scare when James Sofley broke down the left wing before fizzing the ball across the face of the Newry net, the danger cleared by Stephen McCabe at the back post.
Newry obviously had their homework done with a changed game plan to hit the twin strike force of McCabe and Carville with long passes and this paid off after 22 minutes when Mark McCabe contested a long ball on the edge of the Dundela penalty area, McCabe the first to react after Sergeant flapped at the bouncing ball, the Newry striker grabbing the opportunity to stroke the ball through Dundela defenders into the net to give Newry the lead. Dundela also had chances, Peter Murphy producing a fine save to turn a shot from Ben Roy around the post. The final chance of the half came Newry’s way, to plan Murphy delivered a long kick out for Mark McCabe to win, knocking the ball down to Carville who was unfortunate to pull his shot wide of the far post.
The home side were quickly out of the blocks in the second half and soon had Newry on the back foot so much so that it looked only a matter of time until the equalizer came, a mixture of bad luck, bad finishing and an excellent save from Murphy keeping the Newry goal intact. However, the pressure had to tell and the equalizer duly arrived after 53 minutes, Roy unfortunate when his effort smacked off the post but equally lucky that the rebound fell perfectly for Mark McCelland to drill the ball past Murphy. With their tail’s up Dundela quickly went a goal up, McCelland setting up Jamie Jackson some 25 yards from goal, the winger giving the Newry keeper little chance with a dipping shot which ripped into the top of the Newry net to give his side the lead.
As they needed to do the Newry boys knuckled down in a bid to rescue the points. Indeed, the chance for the equalizer owed much to a strong fifty fifty challenge from Carville outside the Dundela penalty area, the ball breaking favourably for Mark McCabe. The Newry marksman still had much to do to score but he made it look easy nutmegging the first defender before shooting across Sergeant, the ball hitting the far top corner of the Dundela goal for a precision finish. Newry regained the lead on 65 minutes with a goal set up by the quick thinking of Thomas McCann, his free kick aimed to the feet of Carville on the edge of the penalty area not dealt with by Dundela, McCabe once more alert to the chance latching onto the loose ball before firing an unstoppable shot high into the Dundela net to give Newry a 3-2 lead.
And that’s how it stayed for the remaining 25 minutes despite Newry losing Decky Carville who was sent off for successive yellow cards for technical offences by the very competent referee Matthew Goodricke. That’s not to say Dundela didn’t have their chances to equalize the best of which came after 70 minutes when McCelland, who enjoyed 90 minutes of battle with Newry’s Marcus McKeown, managed to shake off his marker and looked to be clear for a run-on goal only for a perfectly timed challenge from Paddy Mooney who got across to clear the danger and ultimately secure the points for Newry.
Newry now travel to play Queens on Saturday 4th February, kick off 3pm. Newry City travel club bus will leave The Stonebridge at 1:15pm.
Newry City AFC: Murphy, S McCabe, Mooney, Mullen, McKeown, Patton, McCann, Johnston, M McCabe, Carville, Hughes. Subs: Grant, Curran, Lowry, Walker, King.
Write a comment
Shanes Gaelic for Girls
There was another brilliant turn-out on Saturday morning for the second week of the Shanes Gaelic For Girls programme. A number of our senior ladies were on hand to carry out the activities with the young footballers and everyone had a great mornings fun and craic. The programme continues next Saturday morning at 11.00am at the Shane’s and all girls between the age of 8 – 13 are welcome to come along.
Minor Boys
Training for our minor boys will begin this coming Thursday, 1st February at 7.00pm sharp at the field.
U16 Girls
Circuit training for our U16 girls starts this coming Tuesday, 31st Jan from 6.30pm to 7.45pm in Bessbrook Community Centre.
U16, U14 & 12 Boys
Training for all these age groups is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks – keep an eye on the notes for more details.
U14 Girls
Our U14 girls start indoor training this coming Wednesday, 1st February, from 7.30pm to 8.45pm at Cloughreagh Community Centre. Please contact Tara Byrne on 07397 540087 for further information.
U12 Girls
With our U12 girls’ management team now in place training will be getting underway within the next few weeks – keep an eye on the notes for more details.
U10 Training
Training for our U10 footballers continues next Sunday morning at 11.00am at the field.
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
Training for all camogs begins again this coming Tuesday evening, 10th January in the sports hall in St Paul’s from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. All new members from age 4 and upwards are welcome to attend.
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.
Scór Sinsear
If any club member over the age of 17 has any interest in representing the club in this year's Scór Sinsear in any of the following competitions: 1. Rince Foirne/Céilí or Figure Dancing 2. Amhránaíocht Aonair/Solo Singing - only one person required
Write a comment
Sunday 28 May will see Newry City Marathon celebrate a decade of sporting excellence. Over 1,000 participants are expected to walk, jog or run in this year’s event showcasing sporting excellence at its best.
During the past ten years the marathon has gone from strength to strength to become one of the friendliest events on the marathon circuit. This year the committee aims to attract more participation from home and further afield to sign up. Principal sponsor once again is Newry Credit Union.
Commenting, Sean Hogan, President, Newry Credit Union said "Newry Credit Union are once again delighted to be this year’s principal sponsor as the event marks the special mile stone of celebrating 10 years. Last year’s event was incredible. For me the event showcased team spirit, participation and that special sense of achievement to see runners cross the finish line. We are proud to be associated with the Newry City Marathon that resonates so well within the local community and is our privileged to have played our part in the success of what is now a key event within the sporting calendar. Last year’s event was strongly family focused and we aim to build upon for this year’s event. The staff at the Newry Credit Union take great delighted in organising the Fun Run, which encourages family / community participation. The Fun Run is very enjoyable and is not taken too seriously but more importantly promotes health and wellbeing in our young people."
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – Gillian Fitzpatrick added "As Chairperson of Council it gives me great pleasure to sincerely congratulate everyone that has been involved with the event over the course of the last ten years and in particular Jackie Malone and Damien McStay. Newry City has been put on the map to showcase its sporting excellence and has earned the reputation for being inclusive to all individuals of all levels from first timers to professional athletes. I would take this opportunity to encourage as many people to sign up and participate in this year’s 10th anniversary event and urge all citizens from across the entire district to come to Newry City on the Sunday 28th May, line the streets to show support for all participants and enjoy a range of free family fun entertainment that will be on offer at the finish line."
Paddy Duffy, the Race Director spoke of the privilege it was to be involved and explained that the founders of the event Damien McStay and Jackie Malone will officially start each event with President Sean Hogan of Newry Credit Union.
The traditional route will take the direction of Newry Towpath at WIN Business Park and will return to the finish line at Newry Credit Union on Hill Street.
Mr Duffy pointed out that registration is now OPEN and commented "I extend a warm invitation to everyone that has participated in the event over the course of the last ten years to dust of their running shoes and get involved in this year’s event. Each participate shall receive a 10th Anniversary T-Shirt and custom made medal. Mr Duffy took the opportunity to sincerely thank the Newry Credit Union for their commitment to the event and once again agreeing to be this year’s principal sponsor. Six charities will benefit from this year’s event and the Committee look forward to working with them over the course of the event."
Entry Fees
MARATHON 26.2 MILES £30
WHEELCHAIR MARATHON 26.2 MILES £25
HALF MARATHON 13.1 MILES £25
WALK 10 MILES £20
10K 6 MILES £20
FUN RUN 1.5 MILES £3 / £10 – Family of 4
ENTRY IS NOW OPEN
You can enter the 2017 Newry City Marathon online by visiting: www.newrycitymarthon.com or postal applications are available by emailing: newrycitymarathon2017@gmail.com
Write a comment
Newry City AFC have added goalkeeper Kieran Gordon to their squad.
Commenting on the acquisition Manager Darren Mullen said “The goalkeepers position is one we badly needed cover in. We lost Martin Marron to injury and Jack Heaney has been with Down U21s so it was vital we brought someone in to provide competition for Murph. Kieran comes highly recommended and I’ve spoken to several players who have played with or against him. They have all spoken highly of him and he will be given his chance to impress like every other player in the senior squad. Having two quality players for each position can only be good for the team and hopefully Kieran enjoys his time at the club.’
Kieran Gordon added that he is “delighted to have signed for Newry City. Newry is a club that didn’t need to be sold to me, the facilities and the professionalism of the club are second to none. I am fully aware of the pressure that comes with playing for a big club like Newry and it is a challenge that I’m really looking forward to.”
Write a comment
Shane’s Gaelic for Girls
Our latest Shanes Gaelic for Girls programme began on Saturday morning at the club with 65 girls aged from 8 - 13 taking part. The coaching duties were carried out by 8 members of our senior ladies’ team and all the girls enjoyed a fun morning of activities. Afterwards everybody spent some time relaxing inside the club with refreshments. Many thanks to all the coaches and also to Pauline and Briege who handled registrations and refreshments. The programme continues next Saturday morning at the field from 11.00am - 12.15pm and all newcomers are welcome to join at any time.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies have a team meeting this coming Wednesday, 25th January at 7.00pm in the club-house to begin preparations for the coming year.
U16 Girls
Circuit training for our U16 girls will start next Tuesday, 31st Jan from 6.30pm to 7.45pm in Bessbrook Community Centre.
U16, U14 & 12 Boys
Training for all these age groups is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks – keep an eye on the notes for more details.
U14 & U 12 Girls
Management teams now have management teams appointed and training will be getting underway within the next few weeks – keep an eye on the notes for more details.
U10 Training
Training for our U10 footballers continues next Sunday morning at 11.00am at the field.
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
Training for all camogs begins again this coming Tuesday evening, 10th January in the sports hall in St Paul’s from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. All new members from age 4 and upwards are welcome to attend.
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.
Scór Sinsear
If any club member over the age of 17 has any interest in representing the club in this year's Scór Sinsear in any of the following competitions: 1. Rince Foirne/Céilí or Figure Dancing 2. Amhránaíocht Aonair/Solo Singing - only one person required 3. Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht Recitation/Storytelling - only one person required 4. Ceol Uirlise/Instrumental Music 5. Léiriú/Stage performance 6. Bailéad Ghrúpa/Ballad Group 7. Rince Seit/Set Dancing 8. Tráth na gCeist Ard Mhacha /Armagh GAA Quiz (3 person)
Please contact Mícheál Brady via email- michealbrady88@gmail.com
Well Done
Well done to Balithin Mackin and Jessica Watters who were part of the All-Ireland winning Ulster Ladies School’s team at the week-end – maith sibh girls.
Cairde Sheáin Uí Néill
The club is actively encouraging more people to sign up to the Cairde Sheáin Uí Néill scheme at a cost £10.00 per month. This money goes directly towards club development schemes and over the past number of years has helped to upgrade the playing surface on the main field, construct a new training pitch, partly contribute to the new concrete driveway and will hopefully help to begin construction on the new walkway around the field. At £10.00 per month we feel it is a very easy, worthwhile and beneficial scheme to sign up to. For further information, please contact Brendy Osborne (07543 806274) or pm the Shane O'Neill's Facebook page.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 11, 15, 28 & 29. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winners. The jackpot now stands at £4,900.
Write a comment
Gaelic Life All-Star Awards
Last Friday night saw three members of our 2016 senior ladies team - Shauna Grey, Aimee Mackin and Aoife McCoy - being presented with Gaelic Life All-Star awards at a star studded event in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan. As well as picking up her All-Star Aimee Mackin was also named the Ladies Footballer of the Year.
Senior Men
With David Muckian still at the helm and Kelly O’Rourke joining the back-room team our senior men begin their pre-season training next Sunday morning, 22nd January. Last Monday night our senior men were drawn against Derrynoose in the first round of the intermediate championship.
Minor Boys
A meeting for all players eligible to minor boys’ football in 2017 will take place in club this Tuesday night, 17th January at 7.30pm SHARP to discuss plans for the year ahead. Club membership for U18s is £15.00 so please bring it along as well.
U16 Girls
Circuit training for our U16 girls will start on Tuesday, 31st Jan from 6.30pm to 7.45pm in Bessbrook Community Centre.
U10 Training
Training for our U10 footballers starts next Sunday morning,22nd January at 11.00am at the field.
U6s
Training for our U6 footballers continues this Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Community Centre and all new boys and girls are welcome to attend.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
Training for all camogs begins again this coming Tuesday evening, 10th January in the sports hall in St Paul’s from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. All new members from age 4 and upwards are welcome to attend.
Gaelic4Girls
Shane O Neill’s ladies are currently launching our latest Gaelic4Girls Programme.
G4G, as it's known, is for girls aged between 8 and 13 who would like to begin playing girl's football. It doesn't matter if someone has never played before or only has a limited experience, as everyone who comes to G4G will be starting at the same point, learning the basic skills and more importantly making new friends and potential team mates, in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
The G4G programme begins next Saturday January 21st at 11.00am to 12.15pm in Shane O Neill’s and continues for 8 sessions. The cost is £10 per player with every player receiving a specially designed Shanes G4G training top and certificate on completion.
Water/juice/fruit and snacks are also provided after each session.
Most girls who have never played yet would probably not yet own football boots, so to allay the costs of new boots we will be able to supply boots in a range of sizes on day 1, along with a suitable football jersey. Our senior ladies team management and players will be coaching and mentoring the group for the 8 sessions. Visits to local schools in the Camlough, Bessbrook, Belleek and Whitecross areas took place over the past week and all girls in the age group will have the necessary information home with them. Gaelic4Girls is a fantastic opportunity for young girls to become involved in such an enjoyable and rewarding sport and we look forward to seeing lots of new and enthusiastic faces on January 21st. For any enquiries please contact Peter Lynch 07876453546 or Yasmin Mackin 07929933548. Or alternatively, you can contact us through the club Facebook page. Gaelic4Girls has been very successful in the past, attracting many young footballers and we aim to make it another fun and exciting experience for all who attend.
The club would like to thank all the local schools for facilitating our visits over the past week to promote the Gaelic4Girls programme
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.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our ladies’ footballer Jessica Watters, Year 13 St Mary's pupil, who has been selected onto the Ulster Colleges All Star Panel as an Under 20 Gaelic football player for her school – well done Jessica.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to our senior ladies’ manager Peter Lynch who is spending a short time in hospital. Best wishes also to our club and Cairde member Noel McTaggart who is recovering at home following a s short hospital stay.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were: 10, 15, 27 & 31. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at £4850.
Write a comment
Possibly one of the mildest nights ever with one of the largest crowds for a January football game saw Armagh take on Down in the Dr McKenna Cup with over 4000 punters packed in to the stand at the Athletic Grounds.
Although Armagh prevailed on the night winning by 1:15 to 2:8 a massive 20 point win by Derry over Queen’s University meant neither Armagh nor Down went through to the semi final stage.
Armagh got off to a great start, the first point coming from Ethan Rafferty followed by six more unanswered points. Indeed they were unlucky in the first half not to have notched up at least one goal, the woodwork taking a pounding.
It took Down 23 minutes to score in the first half with a host of possible scoring chances coming to nought, although once getting on the scoreboard with a point from Alan Davidson, they quickly notched up two more points going in at the interval 0:3 to Armagh’s 0:7.
Down made somewhat of a comeback in the second half with Clonduff’s Darren O’Hagan scoring the first of Down’s goals in the 47th minute. Down’s Alan Davidson added to the tally with a second goal in the 70th minute, leaving just a point in it, but a goal a couple of minutes later from Armagh’s substitute Aaron Findon put the result beyond doubt.
Man of the match was Armagh’s Rory Grugan who scored 0:4
Final Score Armagh 1:15 Down 2:8
Write a comment
At this weeks Armagh County Board meeting the draws for the Donnelly Group Hurling and Football Championships 2017 were made, with some interesting clashes.
In the Senior Championship Maghery hot from their first ever Senior Football Championship win in 2016 take on Madden, while Intermediate Championship holders Whitecross take on Crossmaglen.
In the Intermediate Championship, Forkhill take on Tullysarren, who lost out to Whitecross last year.
In the Junior it's a round one clash with Crossmaglen II v An Port Mor with the winners taking on Lissummon.
Fixtures
Junior Hurling Championship
Semi Final: Craobh Rua v Killeavy – will play Derrynoose in the Final.
Senior Hurling Championship
Semi Finals
Middletown v Cuchulainns
Lurgan Sean Treacys v Keady
Junior Football Championship Rd 1 and Rd 2 13 teams
Rd 1 Crossmaglen II v An Port Mor – Winners v Lissummon ( Rd 2)
Rd 1 St Patricks II v Killeavy II v Rd 1 Belleek v Collegeland – Winners of both games play ( Rd 2)
Rd 1 O Hanlons v Clady v Rd 1 Thomas Davis Corrinshego – Winners v St Michaels
(Rd 2) Dorsey Emmetts v Ballyhegan (both these teams had a bye from round 1)
Intermediate Football Championship 16 teams
Forkhill v Tullysarran
St Peters v Clan Na Gael
Keady v Eire Og
Grange v Carrickcruppin
Shane O Neills v Derrynoose
Killeavy v St Pauls
Clonmore v Silverbridge
Mullaghbawn v Middletown
Senior Football Championship
Ballymacnab v Culloville
Madden v Maghery
Whitecross v Crossmaglen
Pearse Ogs v Clann Eireann
Wolfe Tones v St Patricks
Tir Na nOg v Granemore
Armagh Harps v Annaghmore
Dromintee v Sarsfields
Write a comment
Harlequins 1’s 2-2 Newry 1’s
Newry travelled to Belfast Harlequins on Friday evening in their first game back after the Christmas break. Traditionally Newry sides have been slow to start after the break, but the Belfast Road men wanted to change this against a tough fit Harlequins side. The first fixture ended in an enthralling 4-4 draw so the game had a lot to live up to.
Newry started with a defensive 442 formation which worked well as they looked to catch the home side on the break. This plan worked as Newry went one up after ten minutes when David Andrews initial shot was saved with Keith McWilliams picking up the rebound to tap it in. Newry held out as Harlequins had most of the possession, but were unable to penetrate a tough defence until just before the break when they equalised through a short corner.
The second half continued much the same as the first with Harlequins having a lot of possession but were unable to break through. Newry then took the lead with a stunning goal which saw David Hogg flick the ball nearly the full length of the pitch before Keith McWilliams controlled it with his first touch and then with his second lobbed the advancing keeper.
The game then lost rhythm as comical umpiring decisions for both sides took away from an otherwise tense and tactical game. With Newry somehow reduced to eight men Harlequins equalised through another short corner with five minutes to go. Newry managed to hold out for the rest of the game and came away with a well-deserved point.
Team: J. Porter, C. Henning, D. Hogg, I. Toombs, N. Davenport, C. McKnight, N. McKnight, R, Irwin, D. Andrews, J. Greer, K. McWilliams, K. Fletcher, M. McCullough
Newry Ladies 0-1 Parkview Ladies
Newry ladies hosted Parkview ladies in their first match since the Christmas break. Newry started strong and created the most of the first half chances. Seven penalty corners were awarded in succession, but due to some great goalkeeping from Parkview, Newry failed to convert.
Two minutes after the beginning of the second half whistle, Parkview converted from a penalty corner.
Newry ladies went on the attack with the vast majority of play in the Parkview circle. Again they won three penalty corners in succession but due to a great save on the line from a Parkview defender they again couldn't break down the defence. Final score 1-0 to Parkview.
Team: Chrissie Mcauley, Gayle Davidson, Rachael Lockhart, Shannen Robinson, Laura Simpson, Avril Harpur (capt), Rebecca Murdock, Stephanie Smart, Suzanne Rollins, Kathryn Baird, Lynne Ervine and Aimee Magowan.
Result
Kilkeel 3’s 1-1 Newry 2’s
Goalscorer – Richard McMinn
 |
 |
 |