The Senior men’s team were presented medals for their promotion from Division 2B to Division 2A
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Mayobridge GAC has officially launched its new five-year strategic plan at a special event last evening 11 March. GAA President Jarlath Burns was present to hear club officials outline their bold vision for the club's future while emphasising their commitment to structured growth and development.
The strategic plan is built on four key pillars: Finance and Fundraising, Coaching, Games Development, and Performance, Club Facilities and Governance and Administration. These focus areas aim to enhance the club’s sustainability, improve player development, upgrade facilities, and strengthen overall governance.
Mayobridge GAC Chairperson, Sean Rooney, expressed enthusiasm for the club’s future. “We are delighted to launch this comprehensive five-year strategy for Mayobridge GAC. In recent years, our club has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting three men’s football teams, nine juvenile boys’ teams, one adult camogie team and six juvenile camogie teams, as well as one adult ladies’ football team and seven juvenile teams. As we continue to expand, having a clear and structured plan is essential to sustaining this momentum.” said Rooney.
Looking ahead, he emphasised the importance of community involvement: “Now that we have a roadmap for the future, it’s time to take action. Our members and the wider Mayobridge community are the backbone of this club. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether by joining a committee or supporting our initiatives in any way possible.”
Speaking at the launch, GAA President Jarlath Burns commended Mayobridge GAC for its forward-thinking approach: “This strategic plan lays a strong foundation for the continued growth of Mayobridge GAC, all while maintaining its core focus on club and community. The implementation of this plan will drive improvements in governance, facilities, coaching, and administration, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability for years to come.”
Mayobridge GAC’s strategic plan marks an exciting new chapter for the club, reinforcing its commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
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St Killian’s GAC hosted its annual presentation night at the Canal Court Hotel at the weekend. It has been a busy year for the Whitecross club and they had much to celebrate. Their All-Ireland Scór musicians gave a performance before the awards ceremony and Vice Chair Caroline McKeown acknowledged the club's achievements across Scór, handball and football.
Outgoing Chair, Terry O’Hanlon was thanked for his five years of dedicated service by Secretary Eileen McCann
Guests were delighted with an appearance from Sam Maguire. Special presentations were also made to the Club’s Armagh All Ireland Champion, Mark Shields by Club President Sean Reavey and Claire Shields for her contribution to the County, by Children’s Officer Una Markey.
2025 Chairman Kieran Shields congratulated award winners for their hard work and dedication and thanked the club committee, coaches, volunteers and members for their ongoing support. He concluded by wishing everyone continued success for the season ahead.
The Award Winners
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Newry RFC Under 12s travelled to Lurgan in high spirits on Friday night, 14 March and the youngsters can be very proud of the performance they put in.
The first game was against Civil, a team they had met before. The game started off very even, with big runs from both teams. It took Newry a few minutes to get going but when the drills from the training paddock kicked in....the ball started moving through the hands out wide. Civil had no measure for Newry's quick hands, with Newry running out 4 tries to 1.
The 2nd game against Malone went well, with Newry running out winners. The 3rd game against Portadown started quickly with Portadown getting the better out of the early exchanges and scoring first. Newry then started going through the phases and using the ball, running into space. When Newry got on the scoresheet they didn't let up the momentum and ran out 3 tries to 1 ahead.
Then the game of the night against a well drilled Lurgan side. Both sides did not want to give an inch and had a proper go at each other. Lurgan big runners were stopped by 2 or 3 players at a time a true testament to the young lads commitment. The score was 1 all for most of the game untill a well worked move saw Ryan run into space carrying a few Lurgan players with him, then Patrick wrestled the ball from him to dive over for the winning try. Newry seemed to think the game was over and Lurgan attacked, sheer desperate tackling saved the day as Lurgan was held up twice over the line, but it was enough to hang on for the 2 - 1 win.
There was a lot of heart shown on the night, as always there are some things to work on, but all in all the coaching team were happy with the boys at how they stuck to the task. A win is a win, even if it's an ugly one.
Thank you to the parents and supporters who travelled. The vocal support really made a difference.
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As facts and figures pointing to the huge success of Armagh’s Georgian Day festival were being discussed, at last Tuesday’s, 11 March Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Economic Development & Regeneration committee meeting, some councillors remarked that non-council events such as the Tandragee 100 enjoyed no such support from the local authority.
In fact, Alderman Mark Baxter, Lagan River DEA pointed out that what he saw as excessive red tape had nearly led to the cancellation of this year’s edition of the Tandragee 100.
“We get those groups coming to us every year who are applying for funding, and at the final hour, because they haven’t signed a bit of paper or they haven’t done something correctly because they are volunteers, we’ve had to let them down at the last minute,” he said.
“We saw it recently with the Tandragee 100, where there wasn’t a signed document or something, and there was an issue.
“That’s a massive event which I would call a signature event in the borough. That nearly wasn’t going to take place because of that error, so I think council have a role actually in working with these bigger events within the borough.”
Director of Development, Community & Wellbeing, Paul Tamati said this would be taken on board: “We have an Events working group planned for April 3, and we’re happy to bring that through that working group for further discussion.”
Alderman Paul Berry, Cusher DEA echoed Ald Baxter’s plea for more support from the council, when it comes to major events organised by volunteers, as opposed to the local authority.
He stated: “I look forward to the working group. I think this is something that has come up continually.
“You have the like of Tandragee 100, and because of a signature, the like of that there could have turned out to be a disaster.
“Two weeks before that particular event, the volunteers are out every night. They work during the day and then they’re out during the evening time, to try and get everything set up for one day.
“All they’re asking for is 10 grand, but every time they have to apply for it. For the Twelfth and Thirteenth, the same. For the Thirteenth [in Scarva], the insurance for that day alone goes up every time.
“We have international visitors that come on that particular day with 100,000 people, and I think we are getting to a stage where we’re scraping at the barrel.
“And the Armagh Show is another prime example where, in my humble opinion, it’s a signature event.
“The council is promoted very positively through this, through the Food Heartland and through other initiatives, and I know when I attended the launch last year there was quite a high praise for the efforts and work that the council put into it, in a partnership level with the organisers of the show.
“So it’s not that they’re working against us and we’re working against them, it’s very much a partnership, but when one looks at what they’re being funded potentially this year, it’s half of what they’ve applied for.
“Is that acceptable? No it’s not, because it costs a fortune for them to run that.
“So I do believe we really need to take a real good look at this. How do we actually support these groups from constantly having to apply and crossing all fingers and thumbs, [wondering if they’re] going to get 10 grand to run an event that’s costing them thousands to run.
Newry based Around a Pound are headline sponsors for 2025. Anne Forsythe, Club Secretary said “We are delighted that Around-A-Pound is confirmed as this year’s title sponsor. Gerard and Siobhan have been very supportive towards both the Club and the event for nearly 20 years, and we are thrilled to be continuing that relationship in 2025. The event just would not be the same without them, they have not only contributed significantly in a financial way since 2005, but been ‘hands on’ with course set up and on occasion offered advice and support when needed.
"I’d also like to encourage the public to get behind our sponsors and support them, as well as the event. With our budget rising to over £150,000 and insurance increases over the past few years everyone who gives a donation or buys a programme are also making an important contribution to our event, alongside the 500 volunteers who make the event possible”.
The Around a Pound Tandragee 100 road race is later this year, taking place on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 2025.
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Newry RFC Veterans travelled to the Belfast lough shore recently to play our friends Azlans RFC, at the Jordanstown sports village.
Newry started the game with 13 players, but were provided with 2 players by Azlans, to keep things competitive.
Newry drew first blood with a try after 10 minutes, with a powerful carry by Iain Scott, but not long after some great play and pressure by the Azlans pack, they were rewarded with a well worked try.
Newry drove back up the pitch led by captain fantastic Daniel Armstong, and minutes later another try was scored out wide by winger Stephen Rea.
But it was all Azlans ball, keeping to tight and creating another score to level the game 10-10 after 25minutes.
The start of the 2nd half was all Azlans who were playing with good structure and confidence and their reward was 2 tries in quick succession leaving the game 24-10 Azlans.
Newry were staring to look tired but 15 minutes into the 2nd half the calvary turned up with some experienced vets coming onto the pitch in the form of the twin Decs – Declan Tolan and Declan Doyle who brought some ballast to the Newry pack. With the introduction of 5 new players, Newry Vets found a much-needed 5th gear and with that out half Daniel Armstrong and Hooker John McKevitt both touching down for tries after some great backline moves leaving the score 25-24 Newry Vets.
Momentum now swung in Newry’s favour leading into the last 20 minutes, the Azlans were bravely running at will against Newry, with some fantastic forward play asking questions of Newry’s defence several times. But Newry hung in there and created another score close under the posts to allow the conversion to complete leaving the score 32-24 with less than 5 minutes remaining.
A well worked lineout move and some powerful forward play resulted in a final try to Newry as the clock hit 80min mark, final score Newry RFC Veterans – 39- 24 Azlans RFC
Newry Vets would like to thank the Azlans for hosting them and the fantastic hospitality given to them after the game, and they are looking forward to the fixtures again next season.
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A locally based go-to website for motorsports enthusiasts is going from strength to strength, having picked up two awards recently. The site covers motorsport events throughout Ireland and the UK and indeed worldwide.
Owned and administered by Andrew McCracken who lives near Rathfriland, The Motorsports Hub covers everything from Formula One to rallying to motorcycling, and with an incredible 92,000 followers on Facebook McCracken has a ready made audience constantly engaging with his posts.
Winning the CorporateVision Global Business Award for the Best Motorsports Enthusiast Hub 2024 and the Corporate LiveWire Motorsports Platform of the Year 2024/2025 has certainly been well deserved for the passionate motorsports enthusiast considering the breadth of events he covers.
"I would be one of the very few media motorsport outlets out there that covers local/ national events. If you take rallying I would cover the Northern Ireland Rally Championship, the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the Scottish Rally Championship, the Welsh Rally Championship, and then the British Rally Championship, one of the very few media outlets that would even cover them."
Started in 2018 McCracken dedicates about 8hrs a week to the site in-between his day job in Gordons Chemists. Moving the site from a hobby to full time is something McCracken aspires to and he is currently pushing for more support from businesses connected with the sports. If you're interested in supporting the site you can check out a media pack at the-motorsport-hub-our-media-pack
McCracken was at Bishopscourt a couple of weekend's ago for the first round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship. "I filmed five stages so there was a lot of editing. I put the videos up on YouTube, Facebook, whatever. I can show businesses, this is what I produce, this is the amount of people seeing it. I did a 60 second montage of what happened on Saturday evening there, and at the moment there's nearly 20,000 views on Facebook alone.
McCracken has started podcasts. putting them up on Spotify and YouTube " I'm focusing right now mainly on rally events or big events that people find interesting."
"The podcast could be interviewing rally drivers or suchlike it's just setting the foundations" he adds. Another new initiative in the past few days has been a move over to TikTok where you will can follow him at the.motorsport.hub
He is heading to Donegal in June for the Donegal International Rally then there's the Loughgall Rally, Down Rally and at the end of July he is looking forward to going to Rally Finland, his first ever World Rally Championship event.
McCracken concludes with reasoning why his site continues to grow, something that includes an extra 20,000 followers on Facebook in the past year "It's just keeping the content fresh, keeping it interactive and fun. I think even like putting up video reels on Facebook helps, live videos to. I'm just trying to do a wee bit of everything."
Check the full site out at themotorsporthubni.com
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Armagh will bid to become only the fourth county in history to retain the Lidl National Football League Division 1 crown when they take on Kerry in the 2025 top flight decider at Croke Park on Saturday April 12. Champions Armagh were stopped in their winning run of five in a row on Saturday 22 March when they went down by 1-22 to 1-12 away to Waterford and with just one game remaining neither they or Kerry can be caught with both sitting at 15 points.
The clash with the reigning TG4 All-Ireland SFC champions is a repeat of last year’s decider which Armagh won for the first time with a 2-12 to 2-9 win over a Kerry side who came into the final as league title holders.
Waterford blew the reigning champions away on Saturday with sixteen second half points. Ballymacarbry trio Kellyann Hogan, Bríd McMaugh and Clare Walsh scored 1-15 between them as Tomás Mac a t’Saoir's side registered their third win of the campaign. Rebecca Casey was another outstanding performer at centre back.
Armagh won the toss and elected to play with the strong breeze in the first half. It was Waterford who attacked straight away however and Aine O'Neill split the uprights after just 40 seconds. Niamh Reel levelled from a free. Bríd McMaugh then won a Waterford free which Kellyann Hogan converted.
Armagh defender Róisín Mulligan tied the scores again. A Karen McGrath tackle led to a McMaugh point at the other end. Eve Lavery made it three apiece after ten minutes. Aoife McCoy added another for Armagh off a Waterford short kickout. Déise captain Emma Murray cleared a ball off the line and then fired a point.
The next three white flags belonged to the wind assisted visitors. Lavery scored two more off her left before Niamh Reel got another. On 18 minutes, Maeve Ryan and Lauren McGregor sent Clare Walsh through on goal and she bended a shot off her right boot to the far corner of the Armagh net (1-5 to 0-7). Hogan extended Waterford's lead.
Déise number one Katelyn Gardiner smothered a shot from Niamh Reel before Lavery (free), McCoy and Moya Feehan edged the Orchard County back in front at halfway (0-10 to 1-6). Waterford created two goal chances and three point chances before the break but got no return.
Points from Eve Power, Katie Murray and Lauren McGregor snuck the home side ahead early in the second period. Blaithin Mackin got one back but the league leaders were swept aside by a Waterford blitz. Tomás Mac a t’Saoir's team struck seven points in the space of six minutes. The brilliant Bríd McMaugh accounted for three. Kellyann Hogan kicked two while McGregor and Walsh added one each.
Déise centre back Rebecca Casey kept Armagh at bay with inspirational tackles and interceptions. Late scores from Hogan and Emma Murray sealed a sensational home victory. Mackin converted a last minute penalty for Armagh.
Waterford: K Hogan 0-8 (4fs), C Walsh 1-2, B McMaugh 0-5, E Murray, L McGregor 0-2 each, E Power, A O'Neill, K Murray 0-1 each.
Armagh: B Mackin 1-1 (1-0 pen), E Lavery 0-4 (2fs), A McCoy, N Reel (1f) 0-2 each, R Mulligan, M Feehan, K Mallon (1f) 0-1 each.
Teams
Waterford: K Gardiner; C Murray, E Power, M Ryan; C McCarthy, R Casey, K McGrath; E Murray, H Power; Á O’Neill, K Murray; B McMaugh; K Hogan, C Walsh, L McGregor. Subs: L Ni Arta for McCarthy (48), N Power for Ryan (53), C Fennell for Walsh (56), A Brazil for McGregor (60).
Armagh: A Carr; M Ferguson, C Towe, L Kenny; G Ferguson, L McConville, R Mulligan; N Coleman, B Mackin; E Druse, A McCoy, E Lavery; N Reel, M Feehan, N Henderson. Subs: C McCambridge for G Ferguson (22), C McNally for M Ferguson (HT), K Mallon for McConville (40), E McGeown for Feehan (48), M McCann for Coleman (52), C Marley for Reel (58), S Quigley for Lavery (58), M Lennon for Druse (60).
Referee: E O'Neill (Kildare).
Kerry sealed their place in the final for the third year in a row when they edged out Meath by 0-13 to 1-8 in Tralee. Armagh will bid to follow in the footsteps of Cork, Kerry and Monaghan and retain the crown when the showpiece takes place at Croke Park on April 12.
Armagh take on Meath in the last game before the final this Saturday 29 March in the Box-It Athletic Grounds at 2.30pm.
Report by: Tomás McCarthy and John Fallon
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in partnership with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA), held the NMD Sports Awards at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry earlier this month.
The event recognises the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams and individuals who have made a significant impact on sport across the district in 2024. It also celebrates the dedication of coaches, volunteers and mentors who play a vital role in supporting our local sports community and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.
Awards were presented across both Junior and Senior categories, including Team of the Year, Sports Volunteer of the Year, Club Coach of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year. Additional awards included Sportsperson/Team of the Year with a Disability and the Lifetime Services to Sport award. With countless outstanding sporting achievements, the competition for this year's award categories was exceptionally strong.
The awards ceremony was hosted by sports presenter Thomas Niblock. Special Guest on the night was former Northern Ireland international soccer legend Gerry Armstrong who took part in an engaging Q&A session, where he shared insights from his remarkable career and experiences in the world of sport.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, said, "This event allows us to recognise the incredible achievements of our athletes while also paying tribute to the dedicated coaches and volunteers who are at the heart of our clubs and communities. The standard of entries was outstanding, and everyone shortlisted should be extremely proud.
"The Council is delighted to support our sporting community, promoting physical activity at all levels - from grassroots participation to high-performance competition. The success of our local sports stars is truly inspiring and we remain committed to creating opportunities for all residents to lead active and healthy lives."
SANDSA Chairperson, Oonagh Murray, added, "It is an honour to be part of these awards and to celebrate those who are truly committed to sport in our district. Each nominee has demonstrated remarkable dedication, and their achievements deserve to be recognised. We wish them continued success as they inspire others through their passion and commitment."
The winners
Junior Club Coach of the Year 2024: Joint winners Jake Madine from Ballynahinch Olympic Football Club and Maria Cassidy from Newry Rowing Club
Senior Club Coach of the Year 2024: Martin McCusker - Camlough Amateur Boxing Club
Junior Club Team of the Year 2024: Newry Gymnastics Club
Senior Team of the Year 2024: Armagh Senior GAA Team
Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2024: Daniel Smyth - Swimming
Senior Sportsperson of the Year 2024: Charlie Smyth - Gaelic/ NFL
Junior Volunteer of the Year 2024: Mia Patterson - Damolly Football Club
Senior Volunteer of the Year 2024: Paul Moore - Downpatrick Youth Football League
Sportsperson / Team of the Year with a Disability 2024: Nathan McCabe - Wheelchair Basketball
Lifetime Services to Sport: Oonagh Murray
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Newry welcomed Instonians to Telford Park at the weekend for a pulsating encounter with both sides very excited pre-match and eager to show their wares nearing the end of the season.
Newry won the coin toss and decided to receive the kick off. Both side got stuck into each other at the rucks and mauls with Newry absorbing a lot of pressure. The break down was closely contested with Newry getting the better out of the early exchanges. Instonians were first to crack under pressure, with turn over ball and Newry was able to score through McKenzie showing a clean pair of heels on the outside, 7-0.
From the kickoff, Newry were back at it again with a quick clean ball for the backline to work with, again it was McKenzie sniping through the gap and over in the corner, 12 -0. Instonians then started playing to their strengths started hitting the ball up the middle, Newry then stepped up their tackling and again turnover ball resulted in the tackling sending Dominik in for a try, 17 -0. Newry miscommunication at the back led to a kick through for Istonians to score under the poles, 17 - 7. But Newry were not done yet, a team try again after a turnover and move up field put Newry 22 - 7 up at half time.
The second half started where the first ended, but this time Instonians were out the blocks quicker, with a try after a good few phases of play, 22-14. From the kickoff Newry upped their game and again quick ball saw the space open up for McKenzie to complete his hat-trick in the right hand corner, 27-14. Instonians then struck back right away after Newry's discipline started to let them down with another converted try, 27-21.
Then came the try of the day, solid scrum, quick ball and a well planned move saw the Magennis brothers combining beautifully from 10 and 15 for Liam to go over next to the sticks, 34-21 with 5 mins to go.
Then the nail biter, some added pressure, missed tackles with a pinch of ill discipline saw Newry concede a try, 34-28.
Newry then defended their tryline and held Instonians at bay till the end. A well deserved win for the boys in blue, teamwork definitely shone through today but some ill discipline could have cost them.
Well done lads a great team effort. Special mention to McKenzie today for his hat trick and Newry's new recruit at prop Yarick, who played his first ever game of rugby.
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