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It was an unforgettable trip for Whitecross man Micheál McCloy earlier this month when he travelled to Italy for the SUDS European Championships finishing the joint top scorer for Ireland. The team stayed in Montegrotto Terme, outside Padua and played their games in Salboro. Under the supervision of Head Coach Paul Smyth, Brendan Corish and Sean Mulligan the lads put in a magnificent performance in their games against Italy, Portugal & Turkey.
First item on the itinerary, was the opening ceremony in Padua where Team Ireland, led by Futsal Captain Josh Hennessy, paraded with the other participants in the Championships through the streets of Padua. The teams were greeted with cheers and applause as they made their way through the narrow streets of the Italian City before gathering in the Prato della Valle for the welcoming party.
The team were down to business on Tuesday, playing Italy in their opening fixture. It was an emotional occasion as the players picked up their first international caps, with many of the Irish supporters desperately trying to hold back the tears as the players belted out the national anthem. The game finished on a scoreline of 4 – 2 to Italy, the first Irish goal scored by Donegal man Daniel O’Reilly and Micheál McCloy picking up his first international goal alongside his first cap.
Later that day, the Ireland team held out for a magnificent 0 – 0 draw with Portugal, who had beaten tournament favourites Turkey (and eventual winners) 2-1 earlier in the day. The atmosphere generated by the Irish supporters at the Palazzetto dello Sport, Salboro will live long in the memory.
Over the following days, the team played Turkey and Portugal again., leaving the Irish lads in the 3rd / 4th play off final with hosts Italy.
Ireland got off to a fantastic start with an early goal by Donegal ace, Hughie Sweeney with the Italians equalising shortly after. Ireland kept up the pressure with young Micheál McCloy stepping up to give Ireland a 2 -1 lead soon after. It was a fantastic goal. Micheál played the ball out of defence to Waterford man Sean Toolin who beat his marker all ends up, his superb shot forcing a big save from the Italian keeper. But the South Armagh man made a long run from defence to follow up on the rebound and put the ball in the back of the net. The crowd went wild, Micheál celebrating with a trademark Ronaldo Suuiii and everyone bracing themselves thinking was a win & a medal possible.
However, Italy got a penalty just before the break to level it at half time. The Italians eventually won 6-2 in the 3rd/4th place final to claim the bronze medal, Portugal picked up the silver and Turkey with gold.
It was an amazing experience for everyone involved. The team, from the holy goalie David Crawford (man of the match in the 3rd / 4th final), through Captain Fantastic Josh Hennessy, the rock in Jamie Linden, Cian Kelleher, Hughie Sweeny, Daniel O’Reilly, Sean Toolan, Fergus Cosgrove and Micheál McCloy played with incredible skill, heart and courage.
Micheál thoroughly enjoyed the entire event "It was awesome. I really enjoyed my football, playing in every game. The best part was scoring two goals for Ireland and doing the Suuiii afterwards. I am so proud of my team and singing the anthem with them. My coaches were cool." the Whitecross man said.
Micheál finished the week with 5 International Caps and 2 goals, joint top scorer for Ireland at the Championships. No medals but loads of memories.
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She is hopeful that a long career as an inter-county footballer is ahead of her, but rising star Caitriona O’Hagan believes that winning a Armagh senior championship title with Carrickcruppen later on today would represent an ultimate achievement.
In her fourth year as a senior player with the Bessbrook-based side – located less than a mile away from Shane O’Neill’s GFC, the home club of Aimee and Blaithin Mackin – she has contested top-tier deciders within the Orchard County during each of those seasons. Runners-up to Armagh Harps in 2020 and 2021, O'Hagan was also part of a Carrickcruppen line-up that lost out on a replay to Clann Eireann by four points (1-12 to 1-8) in October of last year.
It is Clann who once again stand in the way of Carrickcruppen later this evening at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds (throw-in 5pm) and while she won a Lidl National Football League Division 2 title with Armagh back in April, helping her club team to win a first senior championship crown since 2018 is something she would cherish for years to come.
“That’s where you started it all and learnt all your skills, and you meet your friends. I think it means a wee bit more winning with them (Carrickcruppen). They’re nearly like your family and all your family are a part of your club,” O’Hagan said.
“It’s definitely a big thing winning with them and it’s the memories that you hold because we’re all friends for such a long time and it’s just unreal. Winning anything really, any matches with them are memories to hold, but a championship is definitely something that we’re looking for.”
With county panellists such as Clodagh McCambridge, Cait Towe, Niamh Coleman and Dearbhla Coleman in their ranks, Clann Eireann will feel confident about completing a successful defence of the 2022 county title. Yet the Carrickcruppen management have plenty of experience to call upon, none more so than the evergreen Caroline O’Hanlon.
In addition to being a highly-decorated international netball player with Northern Ireland, O’Hanlon featured for Armagh in their narrow TG4 All-Ireland SFC final defeat to Cork in 2006 and was named the TG4 Senior Player’s Player of the Year eight years later.
Having watched her playing for both teams when she was growing up, O’Hagan has gone on to become a team-mate of O’Hanlon for Armagh and Carrickcruppen in recent years.
Whereas O’Hagan started their Lidl NFL Division 2 showpiece encounter against Laois at Croke Park earlier this year, her idol turned playing colleague came on with three minutes remaining to see out a 4-9 to 2-10 success for the Orchard women.
“She’s just a powerful athlete. She’s such a big person in our club and definitely in the team. You know when she’s on the pitch that everything is going to be alright. She can direct you and give you a bit of advice.
“Also, she can control a game and you know when she has the ball that everything is going to be going good. I went to the games to see most of the girls, but definitely Caroline.
“You can learn off her and you can see her, but playing with the club, she used to be off practicing in her own time and you sort of learn from that. If you want to be one of the best players, you have to put in the extra effort.”
An interesting sub-plot for today’s Armagh senior final is the presence in the opposition ranks of a man that O’Hagan will soon be able to call her inter-county boss. Currently at the helm of Clann Eireann, Gregory McGonigle was appointed to the role of Armagh senior manager at the beginning of this month.
The Derry native is a highly-experienced figure, having guided Monaghan and Dublin to a combined five All-Ireland SFC final appearances in six years from 2011 to 2016. While she enjoyed working with Shane McCormack during his single year as Orchard supremo, O’Hagan believes McGonigle’s knowledge of the local scene in Armagh can work to their advantage in 2024 and beyond.
“Hopefully we’ll beat them on Saturday and it won’t put him in a bad mood for Armagh if we beat them! He’ll have a good scope of the players around the county, from all levels as well. This year, Ballyhegan were up in the senior division.
“Some girls that mightn’t have been seen playing senior championship could get a call-up playing for Armagh. It’s good to see him managing a team in Armagh where he can actually see what is out there and see people playing their games with the club.
“Shane was great. A lovely man and definitely always checked in with you, and gave you a bit of advice. If you were worried about anything, or if you needed anything, he was there. He was good craic too, like! Definitely a very good manager and he knew the team well.”
The next 12 months is set to be a big one away from football for O’Hagan as she takes her third-level education off into an exciting new direction. After entering University of Ulster Jordanstown last year as an environmental health student, she has now decided to undertake a sports science course at the Antrim-based institution.
This was something that O’Hagan had previously expressed an interest in and given there is a sports science element to many of the inter-county sessions that are held at the Armagh LGFA’s training base of McKeever Park in Killean, she believes it is the perfect career path for her to pursue.
“I was definitely interested in it before, it was between the two (sports science and environmental health). It’s good because I enjoy doing sport and playing sport. Having a career in it would be unreal. You get to work at something that you enjoy doing. I decided that might be the right path to go,” O’Hagan added.
“With the strength and conditioning and the training that you’re doing, in the gym and on the pitch, and learning about how it is helping you get fitter. The food that you’re eating. It all comes into play and it’s definitely a building ground to a career that I’d go into in the future.”
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte recently hosted a reception at Newry Leisure Centre for the Well Lane Warriors to mark their fantastic win in the Foyle Cup football tournament in July.
The Well Lane Warriors is a football team set up exclusively for young people with learning difficulties. It was founded two years ago by Jessica McMahon and Vincent Doran for children who have additional needs, providing a safe and inclusive environment for them to experience the fun of team sports.
Based out of Newry Sports Centre, thanks to all their hard work and regular training they beat of stiff competition from the Oxford Bulls, Derry and the Downs and Proud team from Lurgan to win the Foyle Cup 2023 Sports with Disability competition.
Speaking at the reception Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “I am delighted to host this reception. It is a credit to football coaches Jessica, Jack, Derek and Niamh who volunteer their time freely to ensure those with additional needs experience the joy of team football. The benefits of this team extend far beyond the physical benefits of sport, it’s all about team spirit, friendship and fun and this is very evident here this evening.”
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The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI are delighted to present the Celtic Cup angling competition on 14 and 15 October on Newry Canal, specifically the Albert Basin and the developed ‘coal yard’ match stretch.
Vincent Walsh, former Float Team Manager in conjunction with his counterparts in Scotland and Wales have come together with the event designed to provide the opportunity to fish to international rule for youths, women, and seniors not currently on the world scene.
It's the biggest coarse angling event on the canal since the Home International of 2015. Preparation and practice takes place over two days from Thursday 12 October when the anglers will learn together about team fishing and all that is involved to take part in international competition, from the rules to bait and tactics. While the match itself takes place on Saturday and Sunday, fishing from 11am to 3pm. Spectators are welcome.
The NCFFI worked with the Loughs Agency and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to open this middle bank venue to the coarse angler back in 2015 and we welcome their continued support for the event. The angling facility compliments the various facilities in the canal area which includes the Newry Canal Way Walk.
Team Ireland will present three mixed teams of four selecting participants from those who have expressed interest for international competition previously and are keen to get involved. It is hoped that events such as these will encourage more to come forward.
For more details and a list of the competing team members please visit the dedicated web page at www.ncffi.ie
Just over 40 years ago the canal hosted a World Championship event which saw England’s Kevin Ashurst win the individual gold. In these early years competitions were decided on large bags of bream, appearing intermittently along the venue. Now the fishing is more evenly distributed and in recent weeks the canal has been the choice of venue for several club events and practise sessions showing the excellent coarse fishing available with premium bags of roach to 18kg.
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Local MLA Justin McNulty has said Ireland and Britain’s successful bid to host Euro 2028 is a huge opportunity for the North and the whole of the island.
The SDLP Sports Spokesperson was speaking after the joint bid was confirmed successful yesterday. Mr McNulty said that all relevant parties must commence discussions immediately to agree how the redevelopment of Casement Park will be financed so that work can begin at the first opportunity.
Mr McNulty said “Confirmation of the successful Euro 2028 bid gives the North and our entire island the chance to showcase its potential as a fantastic host for large-scale sporting events. This tournament will attract fans from all over the world to Belfast and our island, bringing a large boost to our economy and will build a fantastic sporting legacy that everyone can be proud of.
“Our focus must now turn to getting Casement Park built. The Secretary of State has said the British Government will find the money for the redevelopment of the stadium and the Irish Government have offered to help finance the project – the political will is there and we need to get everyone around a table to hammer out the details so that work can commence at Casement without delay.”
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Camlough man Pat McGinn has been chosen as an Irish delegate for the New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony.
The TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines starts off race weekend the first weekend in November with a celebration at the finish line in Grand Central Park. It features the Parade of Nations, a showcase for runners from all over the world and will conclude with fireworks over the finish line.
McGinn has been chosen by the race organisers to represent Ireland in the Parade of Nations event, which takes place within the ceremony and sees marathon runners from across the world parade across the finish line which they will be aiming to cross in good time two days later.
Pat who will be running the marathon to raise funds for the Southern Area Hospice was selected to be part of the Parade of Nations after organisers heard his story about how he started running and his charity fundraising.
He said “Being selected to participate in the New York Opening Ceremony is a great honour for me. There are 50 thousand runners from 130 countries taking part in the New York City Marathon.
"The Parade of Nations—is a showcase for runners from all over the world and I am delighted to have been one of those selected to represent my country, Ireland, in the opening ceremony”.
Reflecting on how he had initially got into the sport of long distance running Pat said “Ten years ago this month I was seriously ill in Craigavon Area Hospital after having surgery to remove a cancerous growth and then taking sepsis.
"Daisy Hill & Craigavon hospitals medical and care staff saved my life. My recovery took some while, the cancer was gone but the fear of it, sepsis or infection returning was huge. I had an awful fear of crowds and infections. However my family and friends were good to me and understood. I had to work it out in my own time.
"It was then I pledged that if I got well I would do things that I had just thought about but always found the time not to do them. Things such running 10ks, Half Marathon's and Full Marathon’s”.
Pat started to go for walks, cycles and runs along the towpath in Newry. He continued ‘I was out on the bike one day with my life long friend Laurence McCabe and we chatted about doing something for our 60th birthdays and we decided we would run the ‘London Marathon’ for the local Southern Area Hospice in memory of his late father Dermot.
"I have to be honest ‘running‘ the marathon was a lot easier said than done, but we finished it in a time of approximately 6.30 hrs”.
He says that his first Marathon was a great learning experience.
“I learnt from that first London Marathon that preparation is key no matter what standard of a runner one is”.
Pat has since then completed London, Dublin, Jersey Marathons, the Great North Run and numerous Half-Marathons, cycled from Mizen to Malin, and climbed mountain peaks throughout Ireland. All his exploits have helped raise money for Charities such as Cuan Mhuire (Sr Consilio’s) The Southern Are Hospice and Cardiac Risk
He continued "I carry a lot of friends who I have lost in my life’s journey in my heart over those 26 miles. They and all those people who throw me a few bob in my collections for the Charities, help me get over the line.
"I’m the blessed one with my life, health, family and friends”.
He had great praise for the local running clubs,
“The running fraternity, the clubs and athletes, are a great bunch of people. There is no elitism amongst them at all, taking time to encourage and advise me. We all might have different motivations for our running challenges but there is a mutual respect and comradery, between all.
"The only person I have to beat in my running challenges is the person I see in the mirror, although I have to confess that I do now set myself realistic time targets which is another form of motivation”.
Pat recently completed the Belfast Half Marathon unscathed and now is focused on his next challenge the New York City Marathon on Sunday 5 November.
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BJF Training Services has announced their support for the Newry City Athletic Football Club youth team by providing them with essential kits for the season.
Barry Fearon, Owner of the Transport compliance & training Company said, “I’ve always been an avid supporter of my local club so to be in a position to help at grassroots level is an honour.
“As a frequent visitor to the grounds, I can appreciate the operational costs and challenges clubs like this face to deliver high end training and facilities for families in the Newry area. Investing in the local community and particularly in the youth division is a great way to have a positive impact.”
Newry City Athletic Club said, “BJF’s sponsorship not only provides us with the necessary gear but also instills a sense of pride and belonging within our players.
“We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Barry and all at BJF for their unwavering support and dedication to our club. Their sponsorship will not only make a difference in our game but has also inspired us to strive for excellence both on and off the field.”
You can get in touch with BJF Training Services www.bjftraining.com or telephone Barry on 028 3027 9151 or email info@bjftraining.com
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A production company is seeking information on the history of Pairc Esler in Newry especially photographs that may document the time when Canon Esler secured the grounds in the 1940's.
Imagine Media are making a series for TG4 on GAA cups and the stories behind them called Scéalta na gCorn. They plan to film the programmes county by county and Down is part of this year's series. They will talk about Canon Esler and the cup and park that's named after him.
The company would be very interested if any readers would have photos from when Canon Esler secured the ground (known as Páirce Esler today) around the 40s when he was trying to revive Gaelic football in Newry at the same time. He ran a streets league to get the interest of the game amongst the young so if there was any photos of these streets leagues they would love to see them.
If you have any photographs please let us know either by comment or email us on news@newry.ie and we will pass them on.
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The annual Be Active Cross Country Race organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council took place in Downpatrick last week.
Over four hundred P7 pupils from 96 primary schools across the district all converged in Dunleath Park for the eagerly anticipated race. While the event was competitive, with prizes awarded to those placed in the top six boys’ and girls’ individual races, runners were encouraged to try their best and go at their own pace.
School teams were also awarded top positions and St Patrick’s PS, Crossmaglen and Carrick PS, Burren ranked first and second in both their boys’ and girls’ team races. These achievements then contributed to Carrick PS being awarded Best School in the girls’ race and St Patrick’s picked up Best School in its boys’ event.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Gareth Sharvin said, “The 900 metre route around Dunleath Park was a great introduction to cross country running and I was delighted to see so many enjoying the experience.
In total 467 boys and girls from across the district came to Downpatrick to take part in the event, which was a fantastic response and shows the commitment of our local primary schools to put the health and fitness of their pupils at the heart of the curriculum."
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