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Crossmaglen Goalkeeper Paul Hearty has received a Special Recognition Award at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards held in Belfast.
Paul has won 19 Senior Club Medals with Crossmaglen Rangers in this past 20 years.
Paul received the Volvo backed Special Recognition award along with young golfing prodigy Olivia Mehaffey currently 12th in the world rankings.
Reflecting a remarkable and unforgettable year for local sport world amateur champion boxer Michael Conlan was crowned ‘Sports Star of the Year at the 2015 Linwoods backed Awards held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on Monday night.
AIBA bantam weight title holder Michael triumphed over fellow nominees; rower Joel Cassells, footballer Steven Davis, retired champion jump jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, world superbike rider Jonathan Rea and boxer Carl Frampton. He received his Belleek trophy from Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Linwoods Head of Marketing Sarah Shimmons and Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Gail Walker.
Michael Conlan has previously won the George Best Breakthrough and several Special Recognition Awards but this is the first time he’s clinched the top accolade at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards. Other personalities to claim the overall award include Rory McIlroy, Carl Frampton, AP McCoy and Wendy Houvenaghel as well as top sports stars Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Phillip McCallen and Peter Canavan.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductee sponsored by The Outlet, was football folk hero and current Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill. The 1982 NI World Cup captain was presented with his trophy by legends and former team mates Pat Jennings and Gerry Armstrong as well as Neil Lennon. Martin joins Hall of Fame sporting greats including David Healy, Gerry Armstrong, Dame Mary Peters, AP McCoy, Barry McGuigan, Maeve Kyle, Sean O’Neill, Paddy Hopkirk, Jack Kyle, Willie John McBride and Mike Gibson.
The 2015 Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards, sponsored by Linwoods and supported by Sport Northern Ireland honoured sporting heroes from both the amateur and professional arenas.
Top Paralympian Michael McKillop clinched the Big Lottery Fund sponsored Sports Person with a Disability category. The middle-distance athlete struck ‘Gold’ twice at the IPC World Championships in Doha with victory in the 800 and 1500m races.
Larne swimmer Conor Ferguson collected the Young Player of the Year Award sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland following a gold and two silver medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa. Conor collected his trophy from Olympic legend Dame Mary Peters.
Also backed by Sport Northern Ireland this year’s Local Heroes Award was presented to handball sensation Aisling Reilly. The 26 year old from Antrim successfully defended her Senior Singles title, then achieved a double at the World Championships in Calgary and also won the US Open title.
Winners of the Linwoods sponsored Team of the Year award were Euro heroes, the Northern Ireland Football team. The team topped a highly competitive European Championship Qualifying Group to reach the Euro Finals in France for the first time in the country’s history. Collecting the award on behalf of the team were manager and assistant coach, Michael O’Neill and Jimmy Nicholl.
Danny O’Connor was named recipient of the WJ ‘Paddy’ Patterson Award, presented annually by the Northern Ireland Sports Forum. This category recognises individuals who have brought honour to the province and served Ulster sport with great distinction over a period of years. Danny, a former Head of PE at schools and colleges made a huge contribution to the Belfast City Marathon, the Belfast Hills Partnership, Belfast Play Forum and the Irish Basketball Association.
The Malcolm Brodie Player of the Year award sponsored by the Ramada Plaza was won by NI football captain Steven Davis who secured two crucial goals in a man of the match winning performance against Greece during the European Finals qualification campaign.
The NI Youth Commonwealth Games team took the Young Team of the Year accolade which is backed by Subway. The trophy was presented to team representatives Danielle Hill, Conor Ferguson, James McGivern and Ben Fisher by Ireland rugby star Tommy Bowe.
This year’s Manager/Coach of the Year was awarded to Michael O’Neill, who made history in 2015 when he guided the Northern Ireland team to their first ever Euro finals and first major football finals in 30 years. Presenting the award to Michael was star former footballer and current Bolton manager, Neil Lennon.
Ulster and Ireland rugby star Iain Henderson collected the Belleek sponsored George Best Breakthrough Award following his magnificent contribution to Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations 2015 title and his outstanding contribution to Ireland’s Rugby World Cup matches. Iain received his prestigious trophy from legend Willie John McBride and Director of Rugby for Ulster, Les Kiss.
Following last year’s hugely popular Greatest Ever Sports Star online vote, the Belfast Telegraph this year asked the public to choose Northern Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Moment. It was revealed as the Northern Ireland V Spain match during the 1982 World Cup.
As a local company which has built its success, growth and international reputation on healthy foods and lifestyles, it is entirely natural that Linwoods should celebrate the achievements of Northern Ireland’s outstanding sportsmen and women supporting for the sixth consecutive year the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards.
Sarah Shimmons, Head of Marketing at Linwoods, said “We have been delighted to engage, encourage and reinforce the company’s long-standing association with Northern Ireland’s top sporting achievers in both the amateur and professional arenas.
“In association with the Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland’s national newspaper we have celebrated another outstanding year of sporting achievement and performance highlighting once again the significant contribution which sport – in all its facets – makes to our community.
“Our congratulations go not only to the winners of the 2015 Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards, but also to all those who were shortlisted for the accolades. Their energy, determination and commitment to sport have inspired us all and we at Linwoods wish them continued success in 2016 and beyond.”
Commenting on the wealth of talent locally, Brian Henning, Chair of Sport Northern Ireland, said “Sport Northern Ireland is once again extremely proud to support the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards as its sporting partner. 2015 was once again a fantastic and inspirational year and this event gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous wealth of sporting talent from right across Northern Ireland.”
Steven Beacom , sports editor at Belfast Telegraph also played tribute to all the winners and finalists “This year’s Sports Awards was a truly magnificent night with a huge range of worthy winners and an excellent shortlist of finalists. Northern Ireland can be very proud of our sporting accomplishments and look forward to a magnificent 2016 with the upcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship, Euro 2016 and of course the Rio Olympics.
“In addition to our nominees I would like to thank all our star sporting guests and presenters, our title sponsor Linwoods, sporting partner Sport NI and all our category sponsors. Everyone has helped make it an unforgettable evening.”
For more information visit www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sportsawards2015
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Saturday night next marks the opening game of the 2016 Allianz Football League and in Pairc Esler Down take on Donegal.
Down GAA have asked patrons to co-operate fully with all parking and traffic arrangements being put in place for the fixture at Pairc Esler.
The game has a 7.00pm throw in and the county board have asked patrons to get to the ground on time. Turnstiles will open from 5.30pm and the Down GAA ticket van will have tickets on sale from 5.00pm.
There will be no parking permitted on the dual carriageway, in the interests of the safety of patrons people attending the game should use either the car parks within the centre of Newry or park in the Greenbank Industrial Estate.
With the co-operation of the PSNI and Traffic Planning Consultants a two lane system will be operated to exit Greenbank at the end of the game. Traffic going to the South Down area should exit in the right hand lane proceeding down the dual carriageway and travelling home via Warrenpoint/Rostrevor. Traffic going South or to the Greater Belfast area should exit in the left hand lane from Greenbank proceeding through Newry onto the motorway at Cloghogue. Priority on exit routes will be given to those patrons who park in Greenbank to ensure that all patrons get to and from the game safely.
Down GAA have also asked that patrons respect the private properties within the area of Pairc Esler and do not cause obstruction to local residences.
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South Antrim 1’s 2-6 Newry 1’s
Newry travelled to Friends High School, Lisburn to take on South Antrim in their second game of the new year. The Belfast Road side flew out of the blocks pinning South Antrim back and were soon in the lead with Colin McKnight firing home with only five minutes gone. The lead was doubled only a matter of minutes later when John Taylor won the ball in the centre of the pitch and found Jeremy Greer who squared the ball across to McKnight for this second.
The away side then seemed to take the foot off the peddle content with possession without any real cutting edge. This allowed South to get back into the game with a quick counter attack resulting in a simple tap in at the back post.
The home side started the better of the two sides on the second half but were unable to get the equaliser before McKnight finished off his hat-trick with a well-placed short corner.
Newry scored with a lightening quick counter attack of their own with keeper Francis Mcgivern cut out a cross passing the ball to Taylor in the centre of the park who found Kyle McCombe who then smartly played the ball to Keith McWilliams at the back post to score the goal of the game with only three passes from keeper to goal scorer.
Newry made a number of changes with sub Adam Foster making a smart run on the blind side of the South defence, and was picked out brilliantly with a long reverse stick pass from Taylor. Foster slowed the keeper up and nonchalantly slipped the ball between his legs into the goal. David Andrews was the other changed and not to be out done, got Newry’s sixth again with a clever nutmeg.
South Antrim got a late consolation goal to finish off the scoring and give Newry a deserved 6-2 victory. Newry host Portadown at home on Friday evening at 7.30pm, with all support welcome.
Team: F. McGivern, C. Henning, D. England, A. Baird, N. McKnight, J. Taylor, N. Davenport, R. Irwin, C. McKnight, J. Greer, K. McWilliams, K. McCombe, D. Andrews, A. Foster
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Victories over Queens and the Titan's get 2016 off to a good start
Newry Fliers v Magherafelt Titans
After a narrow defeat to Tigers last week, Newry’s second game of the New Year was against the Magherafelt Titans in the Abbey Grammar. We were more determined than ever to come away with our first win of the New Year. Niall Byrne got Newry off to a flying start scoring almost half of our points in the first quarter. The Titans shooting accuracy, however, gave them a narrow lead of two points going into the next quarter.
The starting five came out again in the second quarter with a much more intense defence and held the Titans to only seven points. Our captain Paul Crawley featured strongly with countless assists and a clutch three by Decky Mathers on a depleted shot clock saw Newry finally take the lead, ending that quarter 26-23 to Newry.
Ryan Lennon started Newry’s second half with two free throws as we battled on for the win. The Titans hadn’t given up yet and a tough physical game pursued. However, smart plays and fast ball movement made way for easy points for Decky Mathers and Niall Byrne. Thanks to the diligent defensive by the big men Ryan Lennon and Conor Twomey Newry was still able to maintain our three point lead at the end of the third quarter.
It was anyone’s game heading into the fourth. Coach Brady rallied the team for one last push. Titans played a physical defence, leading to many fouls but Newry remained disciplined and we were able to find our mark with Anthony Green finishing the game 42-37 with two free throws. A very demanding game but nevertheless the Newry Fliers were able to deliver with another win and with no doubt many more to come.
Newry Fliers 32 Queens 21
Newry Fliers U16 boys got the second half of their season off to a strong start with an impressive, yet sometimes frustrating, win over Queens.
The Fliers started off quickly thanks to point guard Euan McKeown breaking to the basket for 2 points and a free throw. Queens responded quickly in the form of a lay up from C Doherty. The opening minute of this game suggested it was going to be a close encounter and it failed to disappoint, as both teams battled for a jump up the league table. The remaining seven minutes of the first quarter were fast paced and often manic, as both teams tried to find their stride and settle into the game. The Fliers settled first, with some fast break work from game MVP Conor Mathers, giving the home team an 8-4 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter saw a turn of the tables, with Queens dominating from start to finish. Whilst the Fliers worked hard in defence, they had gaps which Queens' D Toner took advantage of, driving to the basket. Sloppy hands got the Fliers into foul trouble early on, adding to Queens' score. At the other end of the court Queens' hustling at the top of the key proved tough for the Fliers, as the struggled to get near the basket, scoring just one point compared to Queens' 10, giving the visiting side a 9-14 lead at the half.
The third quarter proved quiet for both teams in terms of scoring. Once again Mathers stepped up to the plate for the Fliers in a desperate bid to claw back some points and close the gap. Defensively, the Fliers looked at their strongest. The boys worked as a unit, shutting down any attempts at the basket and clearing up on rebounds. The hard work kept Queens at bay, with only three points in eight minutes.
Apart from the early points of Mathers, the Fliers failed to take advantage of their defensive efforts on the court. Queens got themselves into foul trouble within the first four minutes and despite the encouragement from the Fliers' coaches, the home side failed to drive to the basket, instead focusing on outside shots, resulting in Queens still leading 15-17 going into the final quarter.
With only a basket in the difference, the final quarter was to be intense and exciting, and it failed to disappoint. The Fliers' came back on, pumped and ready to dominate, and they did just that. Three turnovers in the opening minute turned the game around, with the Fliers taking the lead for the first time since the first quarter. This confidence boost allowed the Fliers to soar for the remaining minutes, dominating defensively and attacking hard in offence. Despite their best efforts, Queens had no way back, scoring 4 points compared to the Fliers' 17 points in the final quarter, giving the Fliers a 32-21 victory.
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Newry’s last game of 2015 seen the Tyrone Towers visit the Abbey Grammar. Through injury, a weakened Newry team battled hard against a very physical Tyrone side. First quarter points from the ever reliable Paul Crawley seen Newry build an early lead. The Towers fought hard to battle back and level the scoring, and two free throws from Michael Walsh seen Newry end the quarter narrowly in front 12-9.
The second quarter was the beginning of the turning of the tie. A heated battle ensued and the foul count rose at a hefty pace. Both teams accumulated team fouls early on. Newry Declan Mathers foolishly acquired three personal fouls within minutes and ruled himself out to the later stages of the game. While the Towers enjoyed the more physical game, our Fliers struggled. Scoring only from free throws, Newry’s lead diminished and the second quarter ended all square 20-20.
Coach Brady rallied the troops with a passionate half time team talk. Newry came into the third with a fire in their bellies. Newry young guns; Campbell, Byrne and Lennon took some of the scoring responsibilities off their captain, and a strong showing from the talented trio seen the Fliers open a commanding lead of 39-30 as the third quarter ended.
It was all or nothing in the fourth as both teams went for. The Towers hit a couple of big three pointers to reduce Newry’s lead. A over physical encounter seen Mathers (Fliers) and Barker (Tower) removed from the game for unsportsman like behaviour. However Newry refused to back down to the now punishing physical game of their oppenents. Newry’s big man Conor ‘Tooms’ Twomey recovered some big defensive rebounds to aid his team’s defence, while being in the right place at the right time on offence to maintain Newry’s lead. A couple of free throws from Crawley saw Newry finish the game with a well-earned 53-46 victory.
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Mossley 1’s 3-0 Newry 1’s
Traditionally Newry have been slow starters after the Christmas break and this year has proved no different as they succumbed 3-0 to bottom of the league Mossley on Saturday. Newry travelled with a team carrying a few niggles but started the brighter of the two teams. However it was Mossley who were soon in the ascendency having much of the possession but could not create any clear cut opportunities. Then just before half time the home side got their first of the game, quickly followed by a soft second goal to go in at the break with a commanding lead.
The second half was a more ragged display from both sides as Newry tried to push to get back into the game and Mossley using their counter attacks well. Mossley got another soft tap in to make it three, and it never really looked like Newry would get back into the game. The match ended 3-0 and Newry will have to greatly improve their performance in the next game if they want to get anything out of this season.
Team: F. McGivern, A. Baird, C. Henning, N. McKnight, D. England, C. McKnight, J. Taylor, R. Irwin, J. Greer, N. Davenport, K. McWilliams, K. McCombe, M. McCullough
Newry Olympic Thirds 2 South Antrim 1
The Thirds produced a stirring comeback to take the win in their opening match of 2016 and secure all three points against high-flying South Antrim at home on Saturday.
After going a goal behind the in the first half, Newry had levelled by the break before they scored the winner with ten minutes remaining before holding on for victory.
After being on top in the early exchanges, Newry went behind against the run of play when a defensive lapse allowed the visitors’ centre forward to deflect the ball past helpless goalkeeper Josh Porter from close range.
However, Newry reasserted their dominance before the interval and from their second short corner in quick succession, Mervyn McCaigue rifled home into the bottom right hand corner, giving the South Antrim keeper no chance to level matter up by half-time.
While chances were few and far between in the second period, Newry held the bulk of possession with South happy to play on the counter-attack.
Newry’s second and eventual winning goal arrived with just over ten minutes of the tie remaining when Alan McMinn’s ball across the circle was met by fellow substitute Adam Foster who composed himself to finish into the bottom left corner for 2-1.
South Antrim did have a chance to level shortly after when they broke from their own half and fed the ball through to the centre forward on the top of the circle. While his shot beat Porter, it cannoned back off the base of the right hand post before the danger was cleared.
In the end, Newry could have increased their lead before the finish of the match but they were unable to convert, seeing out the remainder of the match for another well-deserved win.
Team: J Porter, G McCullough, J Lawson, R Cartmill, E Graham, D Liggett, M McCaigue, J Cowan, A Collum, G Moffett, P Moffett, T McMinn, A Marks, A Foster, A McMinn
Hollywood Ladies 4-1 Newry Ladies
On Saturday 9th January Newry Olympic Ladies hockey team travelled to Strathearn, Belfast to play against Holywood Ladies 1ST XI at 1.00. Holywood won the toss and chose pass back with Newry picking sides. Both teams were slow to start but eventually drove up into each other’s circles during the first ten minutes to have a shot on goal but to no avail. However at the twenty minute point Holywood were the first to score but Newry fought back and were fortunate to be awarded a couple of corners. Newry were unable to secure a goal and five minutes before the end of the first half. Newry found themselves under extreme pressure from the Holywood forwards who were awarded a penalty stroke. The Holywood centre mid lined up to take the stroke but the Newry goalie, Gilly Rooney prevented any chance of another goal and leapt left to block the ball. Unfortunately, Holywood kept up the pressure and secured another goal just before the half-time whistle.
After half time, Newry came out determined to fight back and within the first five minutes were in the Holywood circle battling back and were awarded a number of long corners. Eventually at the ten minute point Newry mid player, Naomi Dickson found herself right in front of goals and slammed the ball into the back of the Holywood net lifting the spirits of the team to keep going. Newry had a number of near misses and were so unlucky with balls hitting the goal post or just missing the goal. Holywood, on the other hand were determined and continued to drive down the right hand side crossing the ball into the Newry goal and scoring putting them into a three – one lead. With five minutes to finish Holywood were awarded a final corner and switched the ball across the top of the circle finally scoring their fourth goal. Final score Newry 1 Holywood 4. Newry will play Saintfield at home next week in their Senior 3 league.
Team: Gilly Roney (goals), Laverne Inns (Captain), Laura Simpson (Vice- Captain), Gayle Davison, Lynne Ervine, Abbie Blakely, Diane McMinn-Johnston, Rebekah Moore, Kathryn Baird, Naomi Dickson, Anna Bingham and Lynn Anderson.
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Local business Deli Lites have announced a three year sponsorship deal with St Bronagh’s GAA Rostrevor!
Club Chairman Malachy McCourt welcomed the new sponsor saying: “It’s fantastic to have Deli Lites on board as a long term partner and their branding will appear on Club training gear and leisure wear. We thank them for their support and ongoing commitment to the Club.”
Deli Lites now joins Autoline as title sponsor of St Bronagh’s GAA.
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Newry Olympic Ladies 3–v-1 Donaghadee Ladies.
On Saturday 21st November 2015, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI played Donaghadee Ladies 1st XI at home at 2.30 p.m in the Ulster Hockey Senior 3 league.
Newry won the toss and chose sides, playing from the Newry home side on the first half.
Donaghadee were on the attack from the whistle but Newry Ladies held their side, even at times under extreme pressure. After ten minutes Diane McMinn–Johnston played the ball across the top of the circle from the right hand side and found a number of Newry mids in the circle. The ball was crossed to Shannen Robinson who slipped the ball past the Donaghadee goalie putting Newry into the lead. Donaghadee fought back hard and were awarded numerous corners but Laura Simpson kept the ball out of the Newry net with endless saves. Newry were pleased to hold a one all lead at the half-time whistle.
At the beginning of the second half both teams came out strong with Newry being awarded several short corners in the first ten minutes of the second half and left-mid Laura Girvan found the back of the Donaghadee net securing a two him lead. Donaghadee retaliated by fighting back hard and drove the ball up into the Newry circle and secured a goal by just slipping the ball to the left of the Newry goalie.
Newry seemed to settle better as Donaghadee began to tire and around the twenty minute point the ball was again fed up from the Newry defence to right mid Aimee Magowan who drove the ball up the right hand side of the pitch into the circle. The ball was passed around the circle between both Donaghadee and Newry players but eventually found Shannen Robinson right in front of the Donaghadee goalie and once again she slipped it into the Donaghadee net for Newry’s third goal
Final score Newry Olympic 3 Donaghadee 1
Team: Laura Simpson Laverne Inns (Captain), Shelley Pearson, Aimee Magowan, Suzy Rollins, Anna Bingham, Diane Mc Minn-Johnston, Kathryn Baird, Laura Girvan, Shannen Robinson, Alison Gamble, Avril Harpur, Gayle Davidson and Naomi Dickson.
Newry Olympic Ladies practice is Wednesday from 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. at Newry High School (weather pending) and are always happy to receive new players. They are registered with Quick Hockey Ireland if any ladies wish to come along for a bit of fun and fitness
Portrush 2s 4-2 Newry 3s
Newry made the long journey to Portrush on Saturday with a weakened team. Portrush started strongly pushing through the Newry defence to score a goal in the first minute. This lead was short lived as Newry pressed back straight away with Andrew Marks getting forward with great effect before firing in a low hard shot which was saved by the keeper, only for the rebound to be picked up by James Niblock who slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make the score 1-1. In a very open game both teams continued went in search of the next goal with Portrush again taking the lead.
Newry continued to press for another equaliser, winning a short corner just before half time. Andrew Marks was again heavily involved in the goal as he passed the ball to Phillip Moffett who from a narrow angle found the back of the net. Score at half time 2-2. Both teams pressed for more goals both coming close but Portrush would score first, 3-2. Newry succumbed to lack of numbers with Moffett and McCullough both picking up injuries but continued to play, Moffett coming close to equalise but could not. Portrush got a breakaway attack which produced another goal putting the game out of reach. Final score 4-2.
Team: J Porter E Graham J Lawson A Collum Mark McCullough M McCaigue P Moffett J Niblock A Marks Michael McCullough J Cowan
Newry 2’s 4-5 Annadale 2’s
Newry 2’s were again involved in a thriller which would have warmed anyone up watching on a freezing cold Saturday afternoon. Newry got off to a flyer catching the visitors off guard when Keith McWilliams got his first of the game with a low flick from a short corner. It should have been two only a matter of minutes later when McWilliams managed to hit both post with a reverse shot, but somehow the ball managed to stay out. Annadale started to play their way back into the game when they got into their stride were really causing Newry problems in defence.
With three quick fire goals in 5 first half minutes, the home side were reeling and Annadale were cruising. Newry managed to get another one When Greer played the ball into Adam Foster who swivelled quickly and placed a perfectly hit reverse shot into the bottom corner past a stretching keeper. The home side now had their tails up and managed to score on the stroke of half time with McCafferty scoring for his fourth game a row and bring both sides in even at half time.
The Second half went much the way as the first with Annadale looking menacing on the attack but unable to find a way through until they got a debatable short corner which they duly slotted home. Newry won their own short corner only a minute later with McWilliams getting is second with a high flick this time. It looked like the game was going to played out a draw until A Annadale counter attack led two a late winner with only one minute left. The visitors ran out 5-4 winners in this enthralling match.
Team: S. Henry, J. Greer, D. Hogg, A. Baird, A. Megaw, K. McWilliams, A. Foster, P. English, W. Adams, A. McMinn, S. McCarfferty, D. Liggett
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Newry's winning season continues
Last Saturday Newry's U14 team travelled to Monaghan to take on Blackwater Stealers.
Newry started and finished strongly but Blackwater gave Newry a fright in the second half.
From the tip Newry took control and Shane Morgan opened the scoring for Newry and lead the team's scoring for the game with 16 points.
It was a high scoring game for both teams with plenty of attacking play for both sides. Newry's Owen Saunders and Eoin Byrne both also featured high on the sheet with 12 and 8 points respectively. Cillian McArdle also got on the score sheet for the first time this season. Newry's strong scoring meant they went into the half with a strong lead, 11-23. Matthew Munrow had an excellent game assisting on around half of Newry's scores, showing awareness beyond his years from the point position.
In the third quarter Newry struggled and there were gaps which Blackwater found and utilised to cut into Newry's lead. At one point they drew the score to within 3 points. Newry still had an answer for them in the form of Shane Morgan who closed the game with very strong play inside the paint, for which Stealers had no answer. Newry pulled away again to finish the game convincingly 39 to 27
Players and Scorers
Shane Morgan 16
Owen Saunders 12
Eoghan Byrne 8
Adam Hanna 2
Cillian McArdle 2
Manual De Linase
Matthew Munroe
James Smyth
Cole McMahon
Eoin Sands
Adam McParland
Thomas Maginn
Fliers Fail to Soar in Ballymena
Ballymena BC 56 Newry Fliers 16
Newry Fliers U16 boys travelled to Ballymena on Saturday where they faced tough competition. Knowing that Ballymena's U16 were an older and more experienced squad, the Fliers went in to the game hoping to hold their own. From the off, Ballymena were tough to control. The extra year of experience that the boys had was evident as they outplayed the visiting side, scoring 3 baskets in quick succession. It was up to Fliers' captain Conor Mathers to settle his squad, making the first two points for Newry, followed up quickly by leading scorer Niall Traynor. This settled the rest of the squad and they began to find their stride. However, 4 minutes into the game double tragedy struck the Fliers, as both Mathers and Traynor had to be substituted off due to injury. This unsettled the Fliers and once again the boys looked nervous, knowing they would have to up their game.
Going into the second quarter with new players the Fliers found a fresh lease of energy and determination in the form of vice-captain Kaylem McShane. McShane's enthusiasm and fight rubbed off on his team mates and they settled into the game, working as one and displaying a tough defensive zone. This took Ballymena by surprise and they struggled to get a shot up for the first few minutes of the quarter. At the other end of the court the Fliers took advantage with McShane opening scoring, followed up with a three-pointer from Sé O'Grady. Once Ballymena recovered their scoring continued, leading 30-9 at half time.
Going into the second half, the Fliers knew they would need something miraculous to happen to take a win, given that they lost players so early on. The players knew that their focus was now damage control and working to ensure that they made it as difficult as possible for Ballymena to score. Both Conor Brolly and Farron O'Hare shone in the second half for the Fliers as they gave the game their everything. The shooting guards paired up well on defence with both clearing up on rebounds. Gaining this advantage the duo paired up equally as well on offence, with the help of point guard Euan McKeown. The energy and attack increased three-fold for the Fliers but unfortunately this was not enough against this tough Ballymena side as they took an easy win in the BNI League. The Fliers now look to shake off this game, put it down to experience and regroup before they face their old club rivals Omagh Thunder next week.
Fliers Blitz a Success
It was a long time coming but after too long Newry Fliers female squad has been resurrected, thanks to the determination of some of the senior club members and the youth and enthusiasm of a new generation of Flier.
Proud to show off their grand new venue the Fliers hosted its first ever all girl blitz on Sunday 22nd Nov with great success in the Abbey Grammar school.
Teams travelled from Belfast, Monaghan, Dungannon and Andersonstown to compete on the fresh boards of the Fliers new home court and the teams delivered just what was asked of them.
While games started quietly it didn’t take long for the competition and desire to win to take over and soon spectators watched as these young women from across the country fought hard, played fair and tasted defeat and victory all in one afternoon.
In a round robin blitz that posted all levels of talent and ability against each other the teams battled to take the win. But it was the Andersonstown Tigers who were ultimately glorious on the day winning all four of their games.
The Fliers however showed boundless potential for the games and seasons to come and while this season is an entry into a new sport for most of the team if these girls can stick together I think Newry’s Womens Basketball might have some silverware in its future sights.
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