Write a comment
When the town of Newry staged the first race on June 1, 1983, there had only been four other triathlons held in Ireland … and amazingly none at all in England or Great Britain.
Write a comment
The Poyntzpass community will come together to honour its most famous son, Rory Best, with a special gala event in the village this Saturday 25 September 25.
‘Poyntzpass Celebrates Rory Best’ runs from 1.45pm * to 5.30pm at the Redmond O’Hanlon’s GAA grounds on the Newry Road, and will pay tribute to the Acton native who was a four-time Six Nations Championship winner and a Triple Crown and Grand Slam-winning captain who played 124 times for Ireland and also skippered the side to unforgettable victories over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
The afternoon includes a match between the amalgamated Poyntzpass primary schools’ class of 1993 in which Rory played versus a team brought together by his brother Simon.
There will also be a game of two halves (half rugby, half Gaelic Football) played between pupils of the two primary schools in the village and a rugby match between a Ben Best Select and an Armagh/Banbridge Select.
The sporting action will then give way to the ‘Ode to Rory’ after the arrival of the Lord Mayor of Armagh and MC Bill Ferris will introduce Brian Canavan to reflect on Rory’s remarkable career with Ulster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions before the former Ireland captain takes the microphone himself.
Poyntzpass Silver Band and children’s choirs will provide the music. Admission to the event is free, refreshments will be available at the club shop and a raffle will be held in support of the Daisy Lodge Cancer charity.
Additions 10pm 22/9
* Time changed to 1.45pm
NOTES
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Local people are advised to walk to the event as there will be no parking in the immediate vicinity of the O'Hanlon's GAA grounds.
Write a comment
Hurling News
The U13 Patrick Rankins team on Friday night played Clonduff in The Tony Carr memorial cup on the main pitch in Pairc Esler under lights.
The match got off to a fantastic start with Senan opening the score line with a goal. Throughout the game both teams played hard with great skills and teamwork. Danny Doyle next to scoring. With Jamie in nets pushing the sliotar out, Conor, Niall, Danny McManus, Eoin Campbell and Jason proved a tough defence. Midfield stood Oliver and Danny who worked together moving the sliotar up forward to Eoin Gorman, Tiernan, Charlie, Malachi, Senan and Conal
Camogie News
On Saturday 18th September, our U7 and U9 teams travelled to Craobh Rua for another wonderful morning of camogie. Each week, our young girls improve. Our U7's are displaying the development of their striking skills while the U9's having been working on their lifting and striking. These drills on a Friday night were evident on the pitch on Saturday morning. Thank you to all who came out to support our girls and to Craobh Rua for hosting.
Our last training session for this season is on Friday evening from 6.15-7.15pm with matches continuing on Saturday mornings through October.
Our U7 and U9 teams travel to Ballela next Saturday for an 11am throw in. All support is welcome and appreciated.
LGFA News
Warrenpoint: 2:20
St Michaels: 0:7
Our senior ladies had their second game of the championship last night in mogannon against St Michaels Magheralin. The girls played right from the start with a brilliant lead at half time, the girls kept working hard with some brilliant scores and excellent defending. Hopefully the girls can do the same next week in their last game against Saul. Well done to all players, subs and management.
Write a comment
Write a comment
Tonight (Friday) in Armagh’s senior club championship it’s the derby between Granemore and Ballymacnab, while St Peter’s will be aiming to put their league woes behind them when they face Pearse Og, both games are at 7.30pm.
In the Down senior championship, last year’s finalists Carryduff take on the 2020 Intermediate winners Saul in the start of the knockout round, but it is tomorrow and Sunday when the thick of the action gets underway.
In Down, Ciaran McKeever’s Mayobridge will be looking to take the positives from their defeat against Kilcoo into Saturday’s clash against Loughinisland. The sides met last year, with the Sky Blues needing extra-time to get over the line. They’ll need Cory Quinn, Caolan Gallagher and young Adam Crimmins firing on all cylinders and another big performance from Conleth O’Hare if they are to overcome the Blues. They play in Castlewellan on Saturday at 3pm.
This is followed by Benny Coulter’s Longstone going up against Downpatrick in Dundrum at 5pm. The Stone pulled off the shock of the opening round when they beat Warrenpoint despite not scoring in the second half. A Caolan Mooney inspired Downpatrick will be confident of progressing and this should be a tight contest.
And Saturday’s Down senior championship concludes when Rostrevor, who are managed by Pete McGrath, take on Danny Hughes’ Castlewellan The Reds have been boosted by the news of their new pitch getting planning approval and they’ll need to carry all that positivity into tomorrow night’s game in Ballymartin.
On Sunday, at 3pm, it’s the clash of the big hitters in Pairc Esler as title holders Kilcoo take on neighbours Clonduff. It’s not a game either side will want to lose even though they have the safety net of a back door. The Yellas can be very good when they click, managed by former Tyrone player Ciaran McBride, he’ll hope to get the best out of Aidan and Ross Carr, the O’Hagan brothers Barry and Darren and the McConville duo Arthur and Stephen. Kilcoo know what it takes to win silverware and with Jerome Johnston in goal-scoring form they’ll take some stopping.
At 5pm, Ballyholland play at their second home, St Patrick’s Park Newcastle, where they on Danny Hughes’ Castlewellan. Tiarnan Rushe and Billy Campbell grabbed the important goals for the Harps last weekend and manager Damien McCrink is aiming to get the club to their third quarter-finals in as many years.
On Sunday night, back in Pairc Esler it’s another knockout game where Warrenpoint will be aiming to bounce back when they face Bryansford. The Ford can be dangerous with Conor Maginn and Danny Savage in form, but Warrenpoint should be able to deliver a performance to see them through.
In Armagh on Saturday, Killeavy get proceedings underway again against Annaghmore in Ballymacnab at 3pm. The south Armagh side are strong favourites to win this one especially with Ciaron O’Hanlon and James Donnelly playing well. It’s followed by the double-header a few miles up the road in the Athletic Grounds when Crossmaglen take on championship specialists Madden. That game throws in at 5pm and Stephen Kernan’s Cross isn’t expected to get it all their own way, but with Rian and a fit again Oisin O’Neill leading the charge they should avoid an upset.
That’s followed in the Orchard headquarters with holders Maghery playing title challengers Harps at 7pm. This is one the neutrals are looking forward to and it should be tight, but Aidan Forker’s influence should get the north Armagh men over the line.
On Sunday there’s a double header in Crossmaglen but before that Clann Eireann and Grange go head-to-head at 1pm in Abbey Park, with the Lurgan side strong favourites.
But back in Crossmaglen it’s two south Armagh derbies, where league winners Dromintee play Silverbridge. The Droms may be favourites, but Silverbridge backed by players such as Pete Carragher, Jarly Og Burns and Sean Rock will ensure a tight battle. That games starts at 3.30pm and is followed at 5.30pm when St Pat’s Cullyhanna take on Peter McDonnell’s Mullaghbawn. This is a game that could go either way.
Back in Down’s Pairc Esler on Monday night, at 7.15pm, anything other than a Burren victory against Glenn will be a surprise and Jim McCorry’s men will be confident of booking their place in the quarter-finals. Although Glenn might have something to say about that.
Write a comment
Camogie News
Our camogie section were very busy this weekend.
The U13’s hosted Kileavy on Friday evening. Great effort was shown by the blues against a tough Kileavy side.
Our U7 and U9 camogs travelled to Ballela on Saturday morning where their supporters were treated to yet another wonderful display of camogie skills. All the coaches are delighted with the improving skills week on week.
At U7 level we are very impressed with the girls' striking and blocking, while at U9, the young camogs have been working on following through on strikes and understanding their positions on the field, resulting in plenty of scores, much to the delight of the spectators.
We are hosting Crossmaglen on Oct 2nd in Moygannon. Throw in at 12pm. This will be a great morning of camogie all age levels. Please come all to support our girls.
We will have our AGM via zoom on Friday 1st Oct at 7pm. We are a growing section within the club and would welcome all interested in becoming involved to get in contact. Contact Helen for zoom link to AGM.
Ladies Football News
Senior
On Saturday 25th, played in the third-round of the championship away to Saul & were defeated. They will now face Bredagh B in a semi-final, with the winners heading to the 'A' championship final & the losers the 'B' championship final.
U15
Continued preparations for their championship campaign, with a friendly away to Clonduff, on Sunday 26th. Girls put in a good shift against a team 2 sections higher than them.
U13
Played in the championship on Sunday 26th & were defeated at home against Glenn. This brings their competitive season to a close.
Write a comment
The Poyntzpass community came together to celebrate the remarkable career of former Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions captain Rory Best at the Redmond O’Hanlon’s grounds on Saturday.
An unforgettable afternoon of nostalgia and entertainment included music from Poyntzpass Silver Band, Gaelic football and rugby games played by local children and then an exhibition match between Rory and the team of 1993 (which had been drawn from the two primary schools in the village) against a side skippered by his elder brother Simon.
Bill Ferris was master of ceremonies on a day that also included the singing of ‘Ireland’s Call’ by a choir made up from combined primary school pupils, the reading of ‘An Ode to Rory’ written by Maude Moorhead and a synopsis of Rory’s career read by Brian Canavan.
Like Rory, Brian had scored at Croke Park – he kicked two points when Armagh played Roscommon in the 1982 All-Ireland semi-final – and after he had looked back over Rory’s stellar career there was the presentation of a weather vane to the man that skippered Ireland to Six Nations glory, the Grand Slam, Triple Crown and wins over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
“Thank you to everyone for turning up and playing today,” said a delighted Rory when his turn came to address the hundreds in attendance.
“I think the P7 versions of ourselves were probably a little bit better than we were today but it was good fun! For me this is incredibly special, seeing all the people here means a lot to me and thanks to everyone for their hard work and effort in organising this.
“Poyntzpass is somewhere that is unique. It’s easy to stand here today and talk about all the high points in my career but I think that what sums up a community and how tight that community and how great that spirit is is when the tough times come and there were a few.
“There was a lot more than a few and it was the support that I got from here (that helped me through them). It didn’t need to be words, sometimes it was an arm around the shoulder or a ‘hello’ and a friendly face. Those were the moments when I realised first of all how lucky I am to be from here and also the community spirit and that’s what you do things for.
“You do them for your family, your friends and for your community and when your community is so special to you it really makes you get up off the ground when you don’t want to and try to be the best you can.
“I want to thank everyone in this area for everything you did for my career right from I was born, right through Poyntzpass and beyond. The support has meant a lot to me and it has meant a lot to my family.”
1 Comment
Saval man, Michéal McAvoy undertook the Camino de Santiago Virtual challenge of walking 773.9Km in 70 days raising an amazing £13,000.
The purpose of the challenge in memory of his late father, John McAvoy was to raise funds for Youth Development at Saval GAC and as Michéal’s father was a Type 2 Diabetic, he wanted to create awareness of the effects of Diabetes particularly with regard to immuno-deficiency and specifically to those working in an Agricultural/horticultural background.
Having raised a total of £13,000, Michéal presented a cheque £6,500 to Naomi Breen of Diabetes UK NI, and these funds will contribute to the study of immune cells in type 2 diabetes, to better understand the causes of diabetes and related complications, to help find improved methods of care, treatment, prevention, and stake steps towards a cure.
Michéal also presented a cheque £6,500 to Gerard Quinn, Chairman of Saval GAC, which will contribute to the Youth Development in Saval. Michéal’s father, John, was a huge believer in young people and he enjoyed all that they brought to the club during his time as a player, mentor, supporter and chairman.
The fundraiser was a superb success and Michéal and his family are hugely grateful to everyone who supported them in the challenge.
Write a comment
With lots of athletes competing in Belfast and London Marathons on Sunday, here’s a wee story (and a warning) that might be of help to those who hope to complete the 26.2 miles.
Remember speed kills!
Paula’s marathon fail was no pantomime
By Tony Bagnall
THE big news story of the 2004 Athens Olympics was Paula Radcliffe, Britain’s red-hot marathon gold medal favourite, failing to finish.
Most people understood that she gave her best but had a bad day; though some thought she should have completed the course.
Others, who probably never ran a step in their lives, viciously lambasted her.
Those misinformed people obviously don’t know that in 35 degrees of heat and with high humidity, it takes a massive effort just to walk a mile – never mind run 26 miles flat out?
Furthermore an injury going into the event didn’t help her cause.
Paula is my sporting hero, the person, who above all others, I would love to meet.
Perhaps it’s because I see certain similarities between us.
Granted she was a world-class athlete, and although I was once a marathon runner, proud of my 2.53 personal best time, I was undoubtedly minor league.
Paula’s running style too wasn’t great either, her bobbing head and pain-filled face reminding me of my own awkward gait. On the plus side I saw myself as a trier – just like Paula.
But perhaps the biggest thing we share is that we both hold world records in the London Marathon. Hers was a magnificent official world best time of 2.15, set in April 2003.
I achieved mine almost exactly 21 years earlier – unofficial, and in point of fact, not much to write home about.
Anyway here’s how it came about.
The day began at Blackheath when I lined up with 23,000 others and, like Paula in Athens, I was on a mission. I wanted to clip seven minutes from my marathon best of 3.06 and duck under three hours.
So with that goal in mind I somehow managed to edge my way to the front of the field … in among the five-minute miling people.
That was mistake number one.
When the gun went I was dragged along with these national class athletes and ran far too fast. That was mistake number two.
And by the time I realised my latest error it was too late. I had clocked just under 25 minutes for the first four miles. Much, much too quick.
At that stage possibly a thousand runners had passed me. Although initially I was working hard to achieve close to six-minute miles, the athletes around me were cruising at perhaps 5.30 pace or under.
As the race progressed runners came past me in droves. And that state of affairs lasted to the finishing line on London Bridge. That’s my world record claim … being passed by most runners in a marathon!
Anyway things would get worse. Tired after four miles, by ten miles I was swaying all over the road. I had to walk for the first time. But I struggled on.
By 17 miles I was dizzy and my pace was almost pedestrian. I could only shuffle in small stretches and was mostly walking. Also I was so embarrassed. I was wearing my Newry Shamrocks running vest and I remember trying to hide the Shamrocks’ motif with my hands so people wouldn’t know I was Irish. I felt ashamed. I was letting my country down.
And if I was embarrassed, in a place where no one knew me, I could scarcely begin to imagine what it must have been like for Paula Radcliffe on the road to Athens with the weight of a nation, not to mention the tens of millions watching on television, resting on her slim shoulders.
Meanwhile my humiliation wasn’t over. At 23 miles I heard cheering and was utterly disgusted with myself when two runners, dressed in a pantomime horse costume, passed me.
It was the lowest point in my athletic career.
PASSED BY A PANTOMIME HORSE.
Eventually I reached the Mall and with just a couple of hundred yards to the finish I tried to lift the pace slightly … and maybe pass just one runner. It didn’t happen and that was mistake number three.
My legs buckled. I fell.
I managed to get up - and shuffling and stumbling, I eventually reached the line.
But once over that line I collapsed again and was taken to a recovery room where I was given a bed plus food and drink. After lying there for about 30 minutes I thought I was alright and tried to stand up. But my legs gave way and I ended on the ground once more.
However, eventually I did recover sufficiently to hobble back to my hotel room.
And the next day, despite some soreness, I was ok.
Those bad memories came flooding back as I watched Paula Radcliffe sitting disconsolately on the road to Athens with the tears rolling down her face and my heart went out to her.
Granted she must have felt much, much worse than I did in London 1982.
Nonetheless she should be thankful for one thing – at least she wasn’t passed by a pantomime horse!
 |
 |
 |