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THE Down U20s wanted to produce a performance that would have done Brendan Og Duffy proud in Friday night’s Ulster final and they did so to win their first title at this level since 2009.
In a decider tinged with raw emotion after the tragic death of the Monaghan captain, Conor Laverty’s talented side emerged victorious after an end-to-end battle that went to extra-time.
“It was just a rollercoaster,” said Laverty.
“They were in pole position then we could have won it in normal time but maybe we weren’t as clinical and composed in the final third to see the game out as we could have been.
“We knew it was going to be a battle. This game went to extra-time at minor level. They are two quality sides but there is something a wee bit special about this group, there is something a wee bit different about this Down team and we have spoken about that.
“They did themselves proud and they did the county proud.
“We have spoken about the ability to win tight games. Over the past number of years, Down teams haven’t maybe had that real ability to win that battle. We have talked about that as a group that we wanted this team to be different, we wanted them to have character and some of the training scenarios we’ve put them into was getting them ready for this final. It’s very pleasing as a manager when you see that because tactics and gameplans all go out the window, it’s just pure heart and honesty and that’s all you can ask from your players.”
The build-up to the final was dominated by the tragic road accident which cost 19-year-old ‘Ogie’ his life on the way home from Monaghan’s semi-final win.
“We knew how hard it was going to be for Monaghan but we also knew they were going to come with a real desire and a real spirit to win the game for their friend,” said Laverty.
“We wanted to put a performance in and show that this was going to be a battle. We wanted to express that we knew Brendan Og was a warrior and we wanted to produce a performance that would have done that young lad proud.”
Laverty and his players face a rapid turnaround with their All-Ireland semi-final against Connacht scheduled for next Saturday.
“We haven’t spoken about Roscommon at all but they beat a strong Mayo team – who had beaten a really fancied Galway side – in the Connacht final,” the Kilcoo native explained.
“I saw Mayo play against Cavan this year and they were very strong. So we know the challenge ahead of us and we are going to have to prepare to match the intensity that Roscommon are going to bring to the game.”
Meanwhile, after losing his captain in such tragic circumstances, Monaghan manager Andy Callan deserves immense credit for the way he prepared his team for the final.
“I’m so proud of the players,” he said.
“They gave it absolutely everything. It has been very difficult circumstances after the tragic accident but I said to the lads that there’d be a shining star in the sky looking down on us. I know he (Brendan Og) would have been proud of the way the lads played.
“We were coming to win and so were Down. There is no such thing as fairytales in sport and we’ll have to lick our wounds and we’ll get the lads together and make sure everyone is looked after.”
Final score after extra time Down 3:15 Monaghan 1:14
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Eilidh Maebh Duffy and Tadgh Feeney were among the many young players who enjoyed the Armagh Summer School last week in Armagh.
The coaches included Armagh senior players Rory and Jack Grugan, Aidan Nugent, James Morgan, Greg McCabe and Oisin O’Neill and there was a special appearance by former Kerry Allstar Kieran Donaghy.
The next camp starts tomorrow 3 August and runs to 5 August in Crossmaglen.
If you'd like to know more Email grugan91@gmail.com
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Down Ladies star player Aisling Cull insists that her side won’t be the slightest bit complacent when they face Longford in Saturday's Intermediate All-Ireland quarter-final.
The game takes place in Ashbourne, at 3pm, and Down go into the contest in confident mood after winning the Ulster title earlier in the summer and at 26-years-old Carryduff footballer believes in her team-mates but she is trying not to look too far ahead.
“The only people that are going to hold us back are ourselves, you can go as far as you want to go as long as you are willing to put in the hard work,” Cull said.
“I feel like this group are a hard-working bunch, and we all work well together so we will where it takes us.
“I haven’t really thought too much past the quarter final. I suppose I am trying to stay grounded and not look past the next match. Just take each game as it comes and see how far we can get.”
The management team of Caoimhe Sloan and Peter Lynch are in their third season with the Down girls. They took the post after bringing Shane O’Neill’s Ladies to Ulster success and have built a team with a tremendous work ethic and Down are in the knock-out stages of the championship for the first time since the last time they won it seven years ago. And Cull can’t speak highly enough of the duo.
“Since Peter and Caoimhe came in there has been great professionalism, everyone on the team has huge respect for them and the work that they put in behind the scenes,” said Cull.
“We only see what they do in training sessions and on game days, but I know they put massive groundwork in behind the scenes during the week looking at other teams and tactics and we have a great backroom team Paul and Keith, they are a great group and a pleasure to work with them. They make it very easy.
“I would say since Caoimhe and Peter came in there hasn’t been anyone who has left the panel as such, we have just added to it.
“Girls want to be involved in Down football, which is great to see and maybe after winning the All-Ireland in 2014 a lot of girls that were pushing towards end of their inter-county career after eight or ten years, called it a day. So, we have been building ever since winning the All-Ireland and we have a great group, and we are ready to see where we can go.”
Down spent the early part of the season trying different systems and players, which meant results suffered but they are comfortable with how they play now and Cull is expecting a tough test on Saturday.
“We had a great year last year, we were unbeaten, which was good and on top of the league last year and confident going into this year’s campaign,” said Cull.
“Unfortunately, the league didn’t go our way and maybe we were a wee bit complacent going into games, so we are not taking the quarter-final for granted. We are definitely going to work hard in training leading up to game against Wexford.
“We have a great group and tight knit and great to be involved with.”
It is massive day for the Mourne County as the U20 footballers (men’s) are in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday. They take on Roscommon in Kingspan Breffni Park at 7pm and Down reach the performance levels they are capable off then they have a great chance of reaching the All-Ireland final.
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Football News
U9 Football: Our U9s put on a fantastic performance on Sunday 8th August against strong Burren teams. Keep up the good work! Thanks again to all our coaches and parents for their support.
Training continues on Wednesdays as normal.
U11 Boys' Football: On Sunday 8th August, Warrenpoint Under 11s were back in action when they made the short visit to Saval. On a dry but breezy day, the boys took a while to get into top gear but played some lovely football to lead well at the break. The second half continued in a similar vein with goals being the order of the day. Saval on the other hand had an off day with their shooting.
Some of the passing and scores from the Point team was of the highest order but it was their general work-rate and tenacity to win the ball back that was the standout feature. Thanks again for the great travelling support and also best wishes to the young Saval player who left the field injured. Well done boys!!!
The Warrenpoint Under 11s continued their good progress with another impressive win in St Mark's on Thursday 12th August. Eire Og, the Glasdrumman and Ballymartin amalgamation, were the visitors and the young blues were in great form from beginning to end to register another good team performance. We had great support as per usual on the night and it is always greatly appreciated. Well done again boys!
U13 Boys' Football: In the final group stage of the Championship Warrenpoint welcomed Mayobridge to Milltown on Tuesday 3rd August. Mayobridge started the better of the two teams and went in at half time leading by 8 points. Not for the first time this year, the young blues came out in the second half with more belief and determination and took the game to Mayobridge. They played fantastic football to draw level with 6 minutes to play. Momentum was with the young blues who were the team on top, but unfortunately, they lacked that bit of composure in front of goal and squandered a number of chances to take a deserved lead. In the final minutes Mayobridge were calm in front of goal and won the match by 4 points. The coaches are so proud of the boys in blue who showed great effort, determination and never gave up.
U17 Boys’ Football - Championship Group Game Well done to the U17 boys on their good away win over Liatroim on Monday 2nd August, in the first of their Championship group games. The boys now face An Riocht at home on Monday 16th August. Best of luck to the U17 boys and management!
Hurling News
The team were very quick to get the sliotar and a free from Danny Doyle opened the score line with a point. More teamwork and great skills they had great possession in passing with a very strong defence line with Lorcan in nets and from full backs Jason and Niall kept the sliotar forward Eoin Campbell and Oliver as half backs pushed it more. Danny Doyle and Ciaran in midfield worked tirelessly keeping great eyes on the sliotar kept Ballela’s midfield at bay. Great teamwork with forwards Danny McManus and Charlie kept the possession. Up scoring next was Conal with a goal further scores from Danny and Jamie left the score line at half time 3-4 to 1-2.
Second half they came out strong and pushed the sliotar forward and with Eoin Gorman, Charlie, Conor and Malachi making more scores to the match leaving the final score as 7-7 to 1-4.
Next up the play Bredagh in the semi-final on Friday 27th August. Team : Jason Duffy Eoin Campbell Oliver Murdock Conor Treanor Danny Doyle Niall McManus Eoin Gorman Jamie Lock Charlie Phelan Lorcan Rowntree Conal Gallagher Danny McManus Ciaran McMahon Malachi Sherwin
Camogie News
On Friday 13th Cumann Pheadaír Naofa young camogs - Nursery, P1, P2 and P3 - hosted Ballyholland. While it may have been the first game for many of our Camogs, they played so confidently and enjoyed the experience - great to see their smiles.
The future for Cumann Pheadaír Naofa Camogie, with these brilliant camogs, looks to be strong. Thanks to Ballyholland for coming to us and we look forward to our U9 and U11 visit to you next week.
Many thanks to all who helped make the night such a great success especially to all our coaches. Training for all age groups continues every Friday evening in St Mark's, 6.15-7.15pm
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Football News
Reserves Make Semi Final
The Warrenpoint Premier Reserve team played their quarter final against Downpatrick on Saturday. It was Downpatrick that came out the first 5 minutes with most of possession, and getting 2 scores for their efforts. After this the point settled into the game and from then until the final whistle they totally dominated, it be hard to single out anyone as everyone who took to the field was exceptional. If the Point can continue performances like that they will fear no one. The final score was Warrenpoint 2-19 Downpatrick 1-8. We are away to carryduff in the semi final next weekend. All support welcome.
U7 Football: A new generation of Super-Blues took to the field in St Mark’s on Sunday morning (22nd August). This was the P1s first ever game and it was great to see them giving their all in the blue jersey. It's a great sight to see so many out running about on the pitch. Thanks to Rostrevor for coming and thanks to all parents for the great support. Also, a special thanks to all the coaches, without whom none of this would happen. All coaches are so proud of all our players!
P2/3 Football: Matches in Mayobridge were the order of the day on Sunday for our P3 & P2 footballers. Again, it was a joy to see this group of players on the pitch giving their all for the Super-Blues. Some great skills on display! Thanks to the coaches and parents for their continued support!
U11 Boys' Football: On Sunday 22nd August, Warrenpoint Under 11s made the trip to Annaclone to face the last team to have previously beaten them. The Blues seemed to have spent too much energy at Cúl Camp during the week and found it hard to get moving! Annaclone were by far the best team in the opening half and reached the half time whistle with a deserved 6-point lead and would have been out of sight except for some fine goalkeeping.
To their credit the boys regrouped at half time and came out with a lot more determination. The defence and midfield got on top, and the forwards took some lovely scores. Towards the last 5 minutes the boys knew they were in a real dog fight and were delighted to emerge 2-point winners. Credit to this young bunch for turning things around. The parents put on a show of great support as usual and with the next game against Saval on Thursday we can hopefully count on that support again!! Well done Boys!!
U13 Boys' Football: The U13s welcomed Tullylish to Milltown on Monday 16th August for the Division 2 league playoff final. From the first whistle to the final whistle, the game was a tight affair with both teams playing brilliant football in a very entertaining game. Unfortunately, the young blues fell short and Tullylish came out on top to claim the title. The U13 players and coaches congratulate Tullylish on winning the league. The coaches would like to thank all the parents for their support throughout the year.
U17 Boys’ Football - Championship Group Game
Congratulations to our U17 footballers who beat An Riocht on Monday 16th August by a single point in a thrilling Championship match! A great team performance from this hard-working group of young men which leaves them top of their group. Next up is Kilcoo away on Monday night (23rd August) – best of luck to the U17 Boys and Management!
Hurling News
Féile Na nGael 2021
With the eyes of the county turning towards Portaferry over the weekend, it was a most welcome semblance of return to normality for the Hurling clubs across the county.
It meant an 8am start for the U15 Hurlers of Cumann Pheadaír Naofa to ensure they were there for the opening address from County CCC Chairperson Maureen O’Higgins. Under abysmal wet conditions the blues opened proceeding on the day against a skilled and the eventual divisional winners Kilclief.
With a strong wind blowing down the field in favour of the Strangford side, the blues found the going tough to erase the goals conceded in the first half.
A much better and improved side made short work of a Bredagh B side with a free scoring display of point taking, Sean Crawford leading from the front with three well placed frees. Captain Mikey Keohane, Oisín Gambold & the pocket rocket Ciaran McMahon opening the blues account under heavy pressure.
Needing a win in their last game to progress to the final, Clonduff proved to be a surprise package and once more a cruel wind blowing down the field in favour of the Yella’s in the first half played a crucial factor in ensuring the Yella’s lay siege to Oliver Murdock’s goal, scoring four goals. But most notably were the performances of Ryan Tweedy, Lorcan Binks & Tommy Smyth, all who have played for and benefited from training with the blues over the last few years, an experience that played to their advantage. Clonduff were the better team and deserved their victory, particularly more the sweeter as they’d been convincingly beaten at the start of the league campaign in Milltown.
We’d like to thank the performances & commitment of the lads under terrible weather conditions, all gave their best for the jersey.
We look forward to a Championship semi-final in a few weeks’ time with Kilclief after Clonduff withdrew from their fixture on Monday evening in Milltown.
Team: O Murdock, E Campbell, J Clarke, O McGivern, T Trainor, E McFerran, M Keohane, S O’Hare, O Gambold, A Vorobjov, J Lock, S Crawford, C McMahon
Ladies Football News
U13 girls: The girls latest match on Sunday (22nd), away to Newry Shamrocks, was another tale of what could have been for our hard working under 13 girls. A match well within our grasp ultimately went in favour of the opposition. Starting with the bare bones, we were stretched to the limit in terms of resources and when one of our defenders came off early in the 1st half the writing should have been on the wall. But these girls don't give up easily and got stuck in for the remainder of the game with only 14 on the pitch. A game where they showed great resilience and passion with some super ball work and a tireless defensive effort yet again, deserved a better result. Taking some well executed scores of our own, kept the margin low for most of the game and if a full panel was available the game was surely there for the taking. A fantastic effort from the girls who made it to the game and ran their socks off in Pairc Esler, a venue worthy of that effort.
U15 girls: Cumann Pheadair Naofa 2-4 V Glenn 3-8
After a disappointing run out in their last match, the U15 Blues were aiming to turn in a better performance against league title contenders Glenn, on Wednesday evening at Milltown. Normal team planning was somewhat disrupted with having to play 13 a-side, but this didn't stop the Blues throwing themselves into the match. A tight first half saw a number of chances for both sides, but few converted scores. The visitors went into the break with a one-point advantage. Warrenpoint continued to chase & pressure their opponents all over the pitch, solid defensive work being done by all from the full forward line, back. Up until the final quarter, the match could have gone either way, however a small flurry of scores from the visitors, pushed the match just beyond the reach of the Blues.
The ladies can be extremely proud of their efforts, really well done!
Camogie News
Our U9 and U11 matches against Ballyholland were postponed due to bad weather but we look forward to meeting them in the near future.
Training for all age groups continues on Friday evenings, 6.15pm-7.15pm in St Mark's.
Club News
Congratulations Brendan
We are delighted for and extremely proud of our club referee Brendan Rice, he has been appointed as the man in charge of the All Ireland Ladies Senior Final between Dublin and Meath on Sunday 5th September at 415pm in Croke Park.
This is Brendan’s third final, a testament to his refereeing career. A massive achievement for Brendan, his family, club and county! We wish him all the best.
Cul Camp 2021
In what has been a tough year for everyone, especially our young members who have missed out on so much, the release dates of Cul Camp 2021 were much anticipated and as expected the camp sold out in hours!
For anyone who dropped off or picked up their kids last week, it was hard to miss the buzz about St Mark’s where over 170 young people descended to take part in their last camp of the summer. The week, coordinated by Brendan Rice saw every day take a different theme, from club day, to county day but most importantly saw skills develop and friendships flourish.
Many thanks to our coordinator Brendan and our club volunteers who gave of their time to help out and coach at our ‘GAA for all Cul Camp.’ The. Final day saw ‘Mully’s Donuts’ provide goodies for everyone, coaches included!
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Sean McAleenan sadly passed away in June. Sean will mostly be remembered as a valued committee member of the Meadow and Armagh Road Community Association, a role he held for many, many years.
But my greatest memory of Sean will be as a neighbour in Linenhall Square, more popularly known as the Barracks. Like many others, including former Newry and Mourne Chairperson Charlie Casey, Down double All-Ireland winner Tony Hadden, high class singer Patricia Grattan and of course myself, Sean would doubtlessly have been proud to call himself a Barrackovian.
People who lived in the Barracks were poor. Really poor. And in fact I actually had a disagreement with Charlie on Facebook, as to which of our families, the Caseys or the Bagnalls, was the poorest.
Anyway, I digress.
A lifelong recollection of the Barracks was a series of football matches played on the sparsely grassy, stony Square pitch. These matches were called The Martins versus The McAleenans.
Sean McAleenan had a twin brother Brian while next door, in the middle block of Linenhall Square, lived another set of twins, Robbie and James Martin.
And every so often the Martins would gather up a team to play the McAleenans.
But before that match could take place a trophy had to be procured.
This trophy was a wee imitation silver cup ‘borrowed’ from The Florentine, a chip shop in the middle of Hill Street in the town.
This cup was ‘acquired’ when everyone would stump up pennies or halfpennies for a sixpenny ice-cream. Five or six of the biggest donors would then crowd into Fallone’s and order the ice. Everyone would get a lick or two from it (complete with red flavouring that it was served in) and then amid great suspense one of the gang would shove the trophy up his coat and casually stroll to the door. Once outside an international sprinter wouldn’t have caught the ‘cup holder’ with the rest of the bunch following suit - after also sauntering to the door of the café.
Immediately the trophy arrived on the Square the teams were selected. Sean and Brian would have their older brother Gerry, plus the likes of Raymond McStay, Sean Carroll, Joey and Paddy Devlin, and the late Eddie Campbell (as keeper) while Robbie and James would certainly have their big brother Paddy plus maybe Eddie Madigan, myself, Eric Casey, John Casey or even, on a good day, stopper supreme, the late Oliver Casey.
Often too a few of the wee ones might get the chance to play and learn their craft. Foremost among these was Joey Larkin who was later to sign for Chelsea, Marty McCabe (RIP), who went on to turn out for Down, plus a youthful Charlie Casey.
At the time the Barracks had a real live star living there, a man who won two All-Ireland medals at Croke Park but I can’t remember Tony Hadden ever playing in those Martins v McAleenans games.
Incidentally the Bagnall family lived in 67 Linenhall Square and next door lived the Loys, who were quite a nationalist family. They were nicknamed the Crow Loys.
We once chalked soccer goalposts on the gable wall outside their house but a few hours later we went out to discover they had elongated the uprights to thus form gaelic goalposts. Thereafter we called that wee pitch and goalposts Crow Park!
But back to the Martins v the McAleenans. Before the action got underway a row would normally start over which team would get the best footballer in our age group: the deadly left-footed Jimmy Burns who has sadly departed this life.
Meanwhile sometimes for these big games a match ball would magically appear. This rarity was a leather ‘tube and cover’ liberally layered with tallow, a grease-like substance used for lubricating train wheels, which was ‘procured’ (just like the cup) after a Gestapo type raid on the wagons at the Railway siding at the bottom of the Brickie Loanen (where the Whitegates Community Centre is now situated.)
Another couple of wee points about the tube and cover. Often a ball bearing was inserted into the tube to help keep the ball round. If a ball bearing wasn’t used the cheap tube and cover became more oval than spherical.
And it was considered an art form to be able to lace a ball properly. If done well a neatly placed leather throng or a yellow lace, kept the neck in place.
Though more often than not, this lacing was a quick-get-it-done-as long-as-we-can-get-the-match-going type of job with the neck sticking out and when a player headed the ball he usually collapsed with the blood running out of him after coming in contact with the projection.
The celebrations which followed the winning of the cup too were memorable with the captain or the winning goal-scorer chaired off the Square. And if the McAleenans won Sean and Brian would also be chaired off the pitch. While Robbie and James were treated likewise if their team won.
Sometimes though the game would end prematurely, as if things weren’t going well, either one of the Martins or one of the McAleenans would ‘lift’ the ball.
And as the owner made his way home the taunts would follow. ‘Stick the ball up your arse.’ Or ‘put your ball in a glass case and throw sugar at it.’
Still those games played in the Square were great craic.
And of course there was no fancy Manchester United, Liverpool or Celtic jerseys and shorts then, as the strip for those games were auld trousers with the knees and arses out of them and the ‘holiest’ jersey a youngster could find.
And as for £100 plus boots? The footwear then were shoes, often without a sole in them, and had, often as not, grimy toes sticking out the front.
Still we were way ahead of our time in one aspect.
We had adverts.
Well one anyway.
On the wall bordering the football pitch someone had painted the name Sons of Rest (Linenhall Square’s ‘famous’ pop group) in two foot letters!
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Warrenpoint Town begin their Dankse Bank Premiership campaign against Ballymena tomorrow, Saturday 28 August and manager Barry Gray is approaching his 200th game in charge of the Seasiders.
The south Down side finished joint ninth and tenth last season and while the target is to finish higher up the table, the Town boss wants his side to be taking points off the teams around them.
“Obviously, we have our internal targets, which we have said to ourselves as a group,” said Gray.
“How we get to that end-line doesn’t really matter.
“If you look at some of our challenges from last year and you look at where we didn’t compete and pick up enough points against some of the middle third teams last season, which we need to improve on. We can probably do better against the bottom third teams and to be fair last year we picked up quite a few points from the top third teams.
“You always have room for improvement, but I suppose if we are looking at the teams that are around us in the table last year, maybe two or three spots up, they are the crucial teams this year that we maybe try and see if we can pick up more points against them.
“That is maybe a mini target inside our bigger target, it won’t be easy, but we are confident that we are in a better position now than what we were at any stage last year.”
Gray has been managing at senior level for over 15 years. This is his second stint in charge of the Town, having left to join the hotseat at Cliftonville for a year and half, before coming back to Milltown in October 2019.
This year he feels he has assembled the team he wants rather than inherited and later this year he’ll be in charge of Warrenpoint for the 200th time. He had been known to blow to the proverbial gasket on the side-line, but Gray says he has learned to deal with the stress of management over the years.
“Over the years you might have been victim of trying to control more than what you actually can control and that’s me as a manager,” he said.
“You maybe worry about things that aren’t in your control and that frustrates you and stresses you and it shouldn’t. Albeit it is still stressful at times, but everything is great with experience, isn’t it?
“You learn what is important and what is not important and if it is not important then you learn to leave it alone best you can. I am not saying I am cool headed all the time, but you try your best to only be focused on what you can control, it is easier said than done.”
And Gray is enjoying his second coming at Milltown.
“You have your challenges all the time, there is no doubt about that but if you surround yourself with a good group of people who want to move forward and keep working in that direction and that is all you can ask for,” said Gray.
“That and a big tub of honesty and straightforwardness, you just got to keep your surroundings as good as you can, and I feel at the minute we have done that.”
Around 500-600 fans are expected to be permitted to attend Milltown on Saturday.
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For the second year running Craobh Rua Camlocha senior hurlers have secured the Armagh Junior Hurling League title.
The league this year involved teams from Tyrone and Monaghan as well as Armagh Craobh Rua won their title by the narrowest of margins, from runners up Cuchulainn Hurling club based in Armagh City.
Team captain Micéal Doran who received the League Championship Shield this week praised the commitment of the team panel and management.
“Our league title is a credit to our panel of players who have shown great commitment and effort from the start of the season. We have a strong panel of talented hurlers and this was essential to ensure our consistency throughout the campaign. We will not rest on our laurels and will now focus on the up coming Armagh Hurling Championship”.
Manager Paul Cunningham and his back room team of Damien Britton and Daryl Gallogly were delighted with the efforts of their players who lost only one game throughout the league.
Paul praised his players for their achievement.
“This was a hard fought league with very little between all the teams in it. We had to grind out win after win and the entire panel of players deserve great credit. Each and everyone of them played their part when called into action. I also want to thank Damien our assistant manager and team liaison officer Daryl and our senior team sponsors, the Quays Centre Newry”
Chairperson of Craobh Rua Laurence Bradley echoed the praise from Paul.
“This senior panel have shown great loyalty and commitment to our club and the game of hurling. They have worked and trained hard to ensure that the success they richly deserve continues for them as a team and us as a Club”.
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First Ever Division One Title For The Point Men
At 8:25pm on Friday 3rd September on the green grass of Pairc Liam Ui Ir, Moygannon Ryan Boyle raised the Down ACFL Trophy, making history.
1888 to 2021, 133 years is a long time to wait but that wait was ended on Friday night after the Warrenpoint Senior Mens Footballers defeated Bryansford to win the Down All County Football League.
The Senior Mens Footballers have come tantalisingly close in recent years but after a focused league campaign they finally claimed their 1st Division 1 league.
Donagh McAleenan claimed the first score of the night within the first minute, putting down a marker for the rest of the night. Bryansford responded with a goal and a point placing the point men on the back foot.
Ross McGarry responded with a free from play and Niall McGovern got the Blues back in front with a super goal after a superb build up by the driven team.
Eoghan Byrne added to the score sheet with a spectacular point just in front of the 45 at a difficult angle and Ross thundered home another point moments later after a great dispossession by Ruairi McGivern.
The water break saw the lads 5 points in front - following the restart Eoghan Byrne and Paddy Murdock hit 2 scores from play, Bryansford picked up the last score of the half to send the teams in at the break 1-08 to 1-02.
Aaron Magee opened the scoring in the 2nd half with a shot from play, he again hit another after Bryansford rifled the ball into the Warrenpoint net. Scoring slowed down in the lead up to the 2nd water break but Ross kept the scoreboard ticking over 1-11 to 2-2.
Ryan Magee set up Ruairi McGivern for a score followed by a Sean O’Hare effort that sailed effortlessly over.
Bryansford still in the game and determined to end any Point celebrations came back with a point from play but Ross McGarry bagged a cracking goal and Sean O’Hare again picking up a point from play. Peter Sweeney mimicked his fellow defenders efforts in Murdock and O’Hare and picked up a score from a deep run.
Bryansford again eager to end the hopes of 133 years picked up 2 goals within 3 minutes but the victory was sealed when Eoin Carr, who was denied a goal minutes previous by the inside of the post, thundered in a goal.
When the final whistle blew tears of joy, smiles from ear to ear, cheers and applause from the many spectators at Moygannon were everywhere to be seen, in 133 years a league had never been won and everyone present were present for a moment in history.
Jack Devenny Down County Chairman praised the effort of the club over the last number of years and declared them worthy winners after a pandemic hit 18 months changed the lives of everyone.
This crop of Warrenpoint men, their management and the support network to the team throughout the club had brought some much needed and deserved joy to so many after a challenging 18 months.
At 8:25pm Ryan Boyle walked from the team huddle on the 45 line and proudly lifted the Division 1 Trophy and made history. Cumann Pheadair Naofa, 2021 Down All County Football League Division 1 Champions. Well done to all you have done your club, your families, your community and yourselves proud.
Football News
**U11s celebrate League win!**
The Under 11 team played a challenge match against Eire Og on Sunday 5th September to mark celebrating winning their division this season! The game itself was a competitive affair from beginning to end and the boys upped their performance in the second half to pull through with a few scores to spare.
After the match they were presented with the shield for winning the League by Down County Board representative, Gerard McVeigh, and the celebrations began. Senior captain, Ryan Boyle, was also present with the newly acquired Division 1 League trophy on what has been an historic weekend for the club!!
On behalf of the coaching team, we would like to say how proud we are of the boys both on and off the field. Their attitude has been first class throughout the year. Thanks again to the parents for their awesome support. Finally, thanks to Glasdrumman for travelling to play us today and their gesture to stay for the presentation was first class.
U13 Football: The U13 boys welcomed a very special guest in the form of the Division One trophy to their training session on Sunday morning following our Senior Men's historic Division One League title win on Friday – the future is bright, the future is blue!
Hurling News
U17 Hurling Shield Final (AET)
Cumann Pheadaír Naofa 7-14
Ballycran 6-16
In a thrilling contest the young lads from south Down, rated as underdogs, put in a spirited display of hurling to beat Ballycran this afternoon in Kilclief.
Having got off to a slow start, they trailed by 6pts, with Ballycran’s Rory Corcoran striking for two early goals before the 1st water break (0-3 to 2-3). The second quarter saw the blues midfield start to dominate proceedings, a Mark Campbell goal kept the blues chasing the 'Crans, but they still couldn't close the gap as the teams went in at half time 1-6 to 3-6 in favour of the Ards lads.
The third quarter saw the blues kick on as the gap between the sides started to diminish. As the 2nd water break beckoned, Mark Campbell got a 2nd goal, followed up by an Oran Murney goal shortly after to level matters, only for Ballycran to reply with one of their own. A grand stand final 15mins saw the blues up by 2pts only to be pegged back once more as Ballycran struck again to see the full time score 5-12 each.
Extra time is when the blues dominant midfield bossed the game, another Oran Murney goal ensured the blues pushed for a nerve tingling result outscoring their opponents 2-2 to 1-4 in the final 20mins.
Captain Matthew Duffy gladly accepted the shield from county official Conor Watson, much to the delight of the ecstatic parents & supporters.
Ladies Football News
Senior Ladies League Final
Hard luck to our Senior Ladies who put on a fantastic performance in Saturday’s League Final against Saul played in Castlewellan. A hard fought game ended in a nail-biting finish with just 2 points separating the two sides at full time
Cumann Pheadair Naofa 2-10 Saul 2-12
U18’s V Rostrevor:
In their penultimate match of this year’s league campaign, Warrenpoint’s U18 ladies hosted neighbours Rostrevor, at Moygannon on Monday evening. Having only been defeated by table topers Saul, this year, Rostrevor were going to prove to be tough opposition. The visitors had the better of the first half & went into half-time with a slender advantage. However, as this U18 team has done previously this season, they raised their game in the second half & grew stronger as the match progressed. Slowly but surely, the Blues turned the match around to get ahead on the score-sheet. Rostrevor were typically determined & kept threatening with some excellent attacking play, meaning the home side had to work hard defensively, something typified by a goal-line save in the dying moments of the match. Ultimately the ladies from Warrenpoint took the spoils, in what was a hard fought & thoroughly entertaining match. Both sets of players deserve plaudits for the terrific show of ladies’ Gaelic football that they provided for the spectators. Well done ladies!
Camogie News
Our young camógs had a great morning on Saturday 4th hosted by Attical GAC
They turned out in huge numbers at U5, U7, U9 and U11 level. The large crowd of supporters were treated to a brilliant showcase of improving skills. The hard work being done at training on Friday evenings resulted in a fantastic display of blocking, striking and a plethora of scores! For some of our U5 players, it was their first time wearing the blue jersey and it was great to see the enjoyment this brought to everyone.
Thank you very much to the coaches who give of their time to ensure our girls can enjoy the game and to all the parents and grandparents who cheered them on.
Thank you also to Attical GAC who hosted us this morning. The ice lollies were a welcome treat to finish off the morning. We look forward to hosting you in the near future.
Training continues on Friday evenings in St Marks, 6.15-7.15pm. Next Sunday, 12th September, we travel to An Ríocht for a 10.30am throw in.
Other news
Congratulations to our club referee Breandán de Rís and his team of Shane Lavery, Lár Devlin, Daniel Bird, Christopher Morgan and Martin Slevin who took charge of today’s 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final in Croke park at 415pm. We are all extremely proud of Brendan and his team.
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