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Our Lady's Grammar School senior netballers booked their place in the Netball NI League final after a thrilling 28-26 victory over Belfast Royal Academy at Lisburn Racquets on Friday. The contest could have gone either way in what turned out to be a hard-fought semi-final clash.
Our Lady's made a strong start, taking control in the first quarter to lead 8-4. Belfast Royal Academy responded in style, dominating the next two quarters, with the scores level at 20-20 heading into the final period.
Our Lady's raised their game when it mattered most, producing some excellent play under huge pressure from a relentless Academy defence in the shooting circle. At the other end, the Our Lady's defenders had their work cut out against a Belfast Royal Academy shooter in top form, but outstanding interceptions and a phenomenal work rate saw the girls over the line.
The girls now await the winners of the other semi-final between St Dominic's and Wallace to find out who they will face in the Senior League final.
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Our Lady's Grammar School Camogie team is gearing up for their Corn Úna Junior Semi-Final against St Augustine's, Dungarvan, with the clash set to take place in Abbeyside GAC, Dungarvan, Co Waterford on Friday 13 February.
The squad of 29 players, representing 10 local camogie clubs across Armagh and Down, will make the journey south under the guidance of their coaches, all hoping to secure a place in the All-Ireland final.
The school has expressed its gratitude to the clubs and counties who have helped develop the players throughout their camogie careers. In a statement, they said: "We would like to sincerely thank the clubs and counties for the outstanding work these players have received throughout their camogie journeys so far. As a school, we are truly indebted to you for your continued support, guidance and commitment. The players arrive to us with such skill and dedication, a direct reflection of all that you do. Thank you."
With preparations well underway, the school is calling on supporters to get behind the team for the big day. Those who can are being asked to donate to help with the campaign, whilst anyone able to make the trip is encouraged to travel to Dungarvan to cheer on the girls.
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Armagh lost out by two points to Cork at today's rescheduled game in Crossmaglen following last weekends postponement due to weather conditions.
Today's result sees Cork move up to second in the Lidl National Football League Division 1 table with final score Cork 2-8 to Armagh 1-9.
Armagh led by 1-3 to 0-4 in difficult conditions thanks to a goal from Alana Donnelly after 26 minutes. But goals from Rachel O’Regan and Rachel Leahy proved decisive as Cork carved out the win despite Kelly Mallon shooting 0-8 for an Armagh side hoping to build on their first win over Kildare last time out.
It's a second successive win for Joe Carroll’s side which keeps them hot on the tails of neighbours Waterford as they maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign, having drawn with Kildare on the opening weekend and defeated Galway last time out.
In Division 4, Leitrim maintained their perfect start with an 8-20 to 1-1 victory over Kilkenny, while Carlow also kept their 100% record intact when they edged out Offaly by 2-8 to 0-12.
Sligo notched their second win with a 2-8 to 3-2 triumph over Longford, while Wicklow got their first victory of the campaign when they pipped Derry by a point.
Results
Lidl NFL Division 1
Cork 2-8 Armagh 1-9
Lidl NFL Division 4
Leitrim 8-20 Kilkenny 1-1
Sligo 2-8 Longford 3-2
Carlow 2-8 Offaly 0-12
Wicklow 0-10 Derry 0-9
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Cork made the long trip to Crossmaglen on Sunday for this rescheduled Lidl National Football League Division 1 fixture after the match was postponed last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch in Dromintee and they made the journey worthwhile as they edged out Armagh in tough conditions.
The sun was shining in Oliver Plunkett Park but a strong swirling wind, which somewhat favoured Cork in the opening half, nonetheless made scoring tricky, with the wide count high.
It was Armagh who led by two points at the break, thanks to a goal on 26 minutes provided by Alana Donnelly.
Cork had most of the ball up to then however, with points from play courtesy of Abigail Ring and Aimee Corcoran, following traded frees between Armagh's Kelly Mallon and Katie Quirke.
A third Mallon free had the sides level before the super run and goal from Donnelly but Aine O'Sullivan, who travelled the whole way from the Beara Peninsula on Sunday, pointed from play leaving the half-time score 1-3 to 0-4 in favour of Armagh.
Some great defending at both ends denied further scores from materialising, until a couple of Cork points levelled proceedings at 1-3 to 0-6 with 10 minutes of the half played.
Brianna Mathers in the Orchard goal did well from a couple of high balls but after Mallon had nudged Armagh in front again Rachel O’Regan netted on 48 minutes, giving the Leesiders a 1-6 to 1-4 lead.
Rachel Leahy added a second goal for Cork and while the home side got within a point with a free from outside the arc by Mallon, Cork had done enough for a two point victory.
Final score: Cork 2-8 Armagh 1-9
Scorers - Cork: R O'Regan 1-0, R Leahy 1-0, K Quirke 0-2 (1f), A Corcoran 0-2, A O'Sullivan 0-2, A Ring 0-1, A Kennedy 0-1.
Armagh: K Mallon 0-8 (6f, 1tpf), A Donnelly 1-0, A McCoy 0-1.
CORK: S Murphy; M Duggan, D Kinlry, S Kelly; A Corcoran, S McGoldrick, R Corkery; A Healy, A O'Mahony; R Leahy, G Ni Mhurchu, E Cleary; A Ring, K Quirke, A O'Sullivan. Subs: A McKennedy for Ring (40), R O'Regan for O'Sullivan (40), C Hughes for Ni Murchu (40).
ARMAGH: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, A Donnelly; E Druse, L McConville, R Mulligan; C Towe, G Ferguson; L Marsden, C Marley, L Kavanagh; M Lennon, A McCoy, K Mallon. Subs: T O'Reilly for R Mulligan (20), C O'Hanlon for Lennon (41), K Shields for Towe (48), E McGeown for Marley (55).
Referee: Gavin Finnegan (Down).
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St Killian's GAC in Whitecross marked a very special milestone on Friday night 13 February, when GAA President Jarlath Burns joined the club at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry for their annual dinner dance and a 50th anniversary tribute to the Reavey brothers.
The event celebrated a busy and successful 2025 for the club, with achievements across Scór, handball, men's and ladies' football, underage football, social and wellbeing events, and a hugely successful fundraising campaign.
Guests were welcomed by the club's Scór musicians who performed trad music as they arrived, before dinner and an awards ceremony hosted by Claire Shields, Assistant Secretary.
The evening provided an opportunity for St Killian's to commemorate three cherished members, John Martin, Brian and Anthony Reavey, on their 50th anniversary. A special roll of honour was produced listing all the men who have received the prestigious Reavey Brothers Memorial Trophy for senior player of the year since it was first presented by the family in 1976. Photos and keepsakes were on display and memories were shared from the past five decades.
Chairman Kieran Shields reflected on the tragic losses in the local area during the 1970s and how important the club and the GAA has been in offering support and a sense of community through difficult times. He acknowledged the very significant and positive contribution that the Reavey family have made to St Killian's over the years, before Seamus Reavey presented the 2026 award to Callum Toner.
Club President Sean Reavey paid tribute to John Moley, who was presented with the Pat O'Hanlon Hall of Fame Award. Sean recalled how John started his distinguished involvement with GAA as a player for St Killian's in the 1950s, before taking on many roles throughout the club including chairman and also chairman of both south board and county. He described John as the glue that held St Killian's together in the most difficult days of the 1970s, leading the club with decency, integrity and respect, and being instrumental to important achievements including the development of Pairc Naomh Cillian in 1978 and bringing the Atty Hearty Cup home to Whitecross for the first time.
Uachtarán Jarlath Burns recounted his own personal stories of playing football against St Killian's and said he had the utmost respect for the club for promoting all aspects of GAA and offering something for everyone, from football to handball and culture. The president thanked St Killian's on behalf of the GAA for nurturing, protecting and supporting the Reavey family, and paid tribute to both the Reaveys and the family of Majella O'Hare for responding to the tragedies they faced in such a positive way.
Addressing everyone in the room, he said: "You should be proud of what you have achieved, the best is yet to come because in the GAA, the past builds the present, the present builds the future, and the future, with you people in charge, is so bright for the people of Whitecross."
The annual dinner dance at the Canal Court Hotel provided a fitting tribute to the Reavey brothers and recognition of St Killian's continued commitment to their community and the wider GAA family. (more photographs to follow)
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Goals proved decisive as Galway secured a five points win over Armagh in round four of the Lidl National Football League on Saturday evening at Duggan Park.
An Andrea Trill strike and two goals from Leanne Coen powered the Tribeswomen to their third victory of the campaign, strengthening their push for a place in the league final.
Armagh made the brighter opening and led 0-4 after ten minutes. Inside two minutes, Caroline O’Hanlon set Catherine Marley away on a surging run before she was fouled by Galway midfielder Aisling Madden, who was sent to the sin bin by referee Maggie Farrelly.
Kelly Mallon, Christina O’Reilly and Blaithin Mackin were all on target to hand the Orchard county early control.
Róisín Leonard and Mallon exchanged scores as Galway trailed 0-5 to 0-1 by the end of the first quarter. Gradually, the home side found their footing and reeled off four unanswered points through Hannah Noone, Aoife O’Rourke, Kate Thompson and Coen to draw level.
The turning point arrived before the break when Leonard’s close-range free dropped short. Armagh goalkeeper Brianna Mathers punched clear, but the ball fell to Trill, who finished to the net. Leonard added a point from play to give Galway a four points half-time lead.
Coen struck for a second goal on 36 minutes to stretch the advantage, and after Mallon replied, she netted again following a precise pass from Leonard to leave Galway 3-8 to 0-9 ahead by the 40-minute mark. Armagh responded with points from Lauren McConville and O’Hanlon to stay in contention.
Lynsey Noone helped Galway maintain breathing space as O’Hanlon and Mallon kept Armagh within reach. In the closing stages Slevin sealed a deserved five-point victory for Daniel Moynihan’s side.
Final score: Galway 3-11 Armagh 0-15
Scorers: Galway: L Coen 2-1, A Trill 1-0, R Leonard (0-4, 0-2 f), H Noone 0-2, A O’Rourke (0-1, 0-1 f), K Slevin (0-1, 0-1 f), L Noone and K Thompson 0-1 each.
Armagh: K Mallon (0-7, 0-3 f), C O’Hanlon (0-3, 0-2 f), B Mackin 0-2, L Marsden, L McConville and C O’Reilly 0-1 each.
Galway: L O’Halloran; R Quinn, S Ní Loingsigh, B Quinn; H Noone, C Trill, A Molloy; N Divilly, A Madden; A O’Rourke, K Slevin, K Thompson; A Trill, L Coen, R Leonard (capt.). Subs: S Divilly for Madden (Half-time), O Divilly for O’Rourke (48), L Noone for Thompson (48), L Ward for Molloy (57), N Ward for N Divilly (57), E Smith for Leonard (60).
Armagh: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, C Towe; R Mulligan, L McConville (capt.), E Druse; C Marley, C O’Reilly; L Marsden, A Donnelly, B Mackin; M Lennon, C O’Hanlon, K Mallon. Subs: E Reid for Mulligan (29), C McNally for Lennon (40), L Kavanagh for Donnelly (42), M Loughran for O’Reilly (52).
Referee: Margaret Farrelly (Cavan).
Report by Paul Shaughnessy
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A Mayobridge based motorcycle business that started life in a chicken shed has marked 40 years in the trade with a star-studded evening at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry that saw the worlds motorcycling 'royalty' join in the celebrations.
Crossan Motorcycles, which has its roots on the Crossan Road in Mayobridge, was founded in February 1986 and has grown from those modest beginnings into a multi-million pound operation with around 20 full-time staff and a website shipping to 120 countries worldwide. The family based business has become one of the most respected names in the motorcycling world.
The journey from that first premises to where the company stands today has been anything but straightforward. After the early days in Mayobridge, the business expanded with satellite shops on Mary Street in Newry, followed by a move to the Mall in 1988 and Trevor Hill in 1989, before returning to a new warehouse and shop back on the Crossan Road in Mayobridge in 2005.
Company Director, Adrian Fegan reflected on the four decades: "Running a race team for a number of years and running a couple of pubs in between and sponsoring top names in our sport at times can be stressful, but I have to say I've enjoyed it all. The company is still growing year on year which is great to see, but it doesn't happen on its own. We have some great staff, some have been with us a long time, and I am grateful for that. We have a very good loyal customer base worldwide and with some help from Invest NI over recent years we have expanded that. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my staff and our customers old and new for their continued support."
The 40th anniversary was celebrated on Saturday 14 February with a gathering at the Canal Court that brought together a remarkable line-up of motorcycle racing figures. Adrian put the event together after friends and customers suggested he do something to mark the milestone, and the response from the riders he contacted was immediate.
"I have been asked the question on how in Heaven's name did I manage to get so many top riders in one room in the Canal Court on the 14th of Feb. Well I just know them as friends not superstars, but they are proper superstars in our sport," he said.
The guest list included world champions, British champions, Isle of Man TT winners and Manx Grand Prix winners, with Adrian suggesting the occasion was genuinely historic. "There was a little bit of history made that night, those who attended know this - around 200 guests. Never ever has that line up of quality riders, world champions and British champions, Isle of Man TT winners, Manx Grand Prix winners been in the one room in Ireland and probably the UK too. And we had them in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. We will probably never see this again. It was great for the city of Newry."
Among those connections Adrian spoke warmly about was motorsport legend Giacomo Agostini, who he has known for around 15 years. "Giacomo Agostini mixes with royalty and knows just about everyone, or they know him, he even carried the Olympic torch a couple of weeks ago in Italy. He has invited myself and Anne Marie my wife to a few dinners out foreign, and without asking we have been placed at his table. We do have a good chat and get on, we don't talk about motorbikes believe it or not, it's other stuff. He's just an icon of our sport and I am privileged to know him so well, our conversations flow which is brilliant."
Adrian also spoke about his long association with the Dunlop name, from sponsoring Robert in the earlier days to helping get Michael Dunlop's career started. "The Dunlop name is just so famous, and again I have been so lucky in a way to be associated with them, from sponsoring Robert back in the day to helping to start Michael's career, the first bikes Michael rode in the early days were mine, and we still are associated with him." Scottish riders Brian Morrison, Ian Simpson and Ian Duffus were also among those Adrian counts as long-standing friends, along with the other riders who attended on the night.
Adrian paid tribute to those who helped make the evening a success, including Louise at the Canal Court, his wife Anne Marie, Amelia, Colly, and Paul in the IT department, as well as friend James Tompson, who had a few surprises in store on the night.
As Crossan Motorcycles looks ahead, the business shows no signs of slowing down, with Adrian crediting his loyal staff and customers, both old and new, for helping build something that has put Newry and Mayobridge firmly on the global motorcycling map over the past 40 years.
The Guests
Giacomo Agostini
The Greatest of All Time in World Championship Grand Prix Racing.
15× World Champion. The most successful Grand Prix rider in history, a record that even Valentino Rossi never surpassed | 10× Isle of Man TT Winner | Multi Ulster Grand Prix Winner | A legend recognised worldwide across both Motorcycle Racing and Formula 1
Michael Dunlop
"The Bull" / "The GOAT of Pure Road Racing"
33× Isle of Man TT Winner – the most successful TT rider of all time | 13× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | 8× North West 200 Winner | Multi Irish Champion
Mike Brown
2× Isle of Man Classic TT Winner | Multi Irish Road Race Winner
Ian Simpson
5× British Superbike Champion | Multi North West 200 Winner | Multi Isle of Man TT Winner
Philip McCallan
11× Isle of Man TT Winner | 11× North West 200 Winner | 14× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | Multi Irish Champion
Brian Morrison
World Endurance Champion | Isle of Man TT Winner | 4× British Champion | 4× Le Mans 24 Hour Race Winner | Multiple Further Championship Titles
Eddie Laycock
Multi Isle of Man TT Winner | 6× North West 200 Winner | Ulster Grand Prix Winner | Grand Prix Competitor aboard the Miller Yamaha
Ian Duffus
2× Isle of Man TT Winner | Multi Ulster Grand Prix Winner | Multi North West 200 Winner | Multiple Podiums & Further Championship Success
Brian Reid
Double World Champion | 5× Isle of Man TT Winner | 9× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | 11× Irish Champion | North West 200 Winner
Ian "Lucky" Lougher
10× Isle of Man TT Winner | 8× North West 200 Winner | 18× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | 32× Southern 100 Winner
Ryan Farquhar
Multi Isle of Man TT Winner | 10× Manx Grand Prix Winner | 5× North West 200 Winner | 9× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | Holds the All-Time Record for Most Irish Road Race Wins with an Incredible 357 Victories
Glen Irwin
Current British Superbike Championship Competitor | 27× British Superbike Race Winner | 11× North West 200 Winner | Fastest Ever Newcomer at the Isle of Man TT
Adrian Archibald
Multi Isle of Man TT Winner | 6× Ulster Grand Prix Winner | North West 200 Winner | Multi Irish Road Race Champion
Alan Irwin
Multi Irish Road Race Champion | Southern 100 Champion, Isle of Man
Wayne Kirwan
Manx Grand Prix Winner aboard a Crossan Bike | Irish Champion | Multiple Irish Road Race Victories
Geoff McMullan
Multi Classic Manx Grand Prix Winner | Multi Irish Champion | French Classic Endurance Champion | Belgian Road Race Champion | North West 200 Winner | Ulster Grand Prix Winner | Best Newcomer & Podium Finisher at the Isle of Man TT
Jim Dunlop
Founding Member of the Legendary Armoy Armada alongside his Brother Joey Dunlop | Multiple Isle of Man TT Race Replica Awards
Sam Dunlop
2× Manx Grand Prix Winner | Multi Irish Champion
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An exciting battle at the Box-It Athletic Grounds which included penalties at both ends, saw the spoils shared between Armagh and Dublin in this Lidl National League Division 1 clash.
With relegation a real worry for both the reigning TG4 All-Ireland champions Dublin and last year's Division 1 finalists Armagh, a win was the desired outcome for both sides but a draw was probably a fair result.
Despite a strong wind at their back in the opening half, Armagh were quickly playing catch-up with a point from Ellen Gribbin followed by a goal drilled home from close range by Orlagh Nolan with just three minutes on the clock.
The Orchard County settled with Kelly Mallon getting them on the scorebord with a fifth minute point and she added a second from a free following traded scores between Laura Grendon and Lauren McConville.
Brianna Mathers denied Dublin a second goal when she bravely came off her line and saved Grendon's effort, but Nolan stretched Dublin's lead again with a couple of converted frees to make it 1-4 to 0-3.
The hosts managed to go into the break with just the goal between the teams with points from Aoife McCoy, Mallon and Blaithin Mackin while a couple of Nolan frees gave Dublin a 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead.
McConville opened the second half scoring with a beauty, using all of her power and speed, and Mallon added a free to reduce the deficit to one but a penalty converted by Nolan followed by a free, wiped those scores out putting Dublin 2-7 to 0-8 in front.
It was game on again however, when Mallon netted from the spot midway through the half and despite Dublin replying with three points in a row. Mallon nailed a second penalty and Mackin tagged on a point to square proceedings at 2-10 apiece to with four minutes left to play.
A frantic finish ensued with O'Hanlon pointing and Nolan doing likewise at the other end and when the hooter sounded the sides were tied at 2-11 each.
Final score: Armagh 2-11 Dublin 2-11 Scorers: Armagh: K Mallon 2-4 (2-0 pens, 0-2f), L McConville 0-2, B Mackin 0-2, C O'Hanlon 0-2 (1f), A McCoy 0-1.
Dublin: O Nolan 2-8 (0-7f, 1-0 pen), L Grendon 0-1, E Gribbin and K Sullivan 0-1 each.
ARMAGH: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, C Towe; A Donnelly, L McConville, E Druse; C Marley, C O’Reilly; L Marsden, A McCoy, B Mackin; M Loughran, C O’Hanlon, K Mallon. Subs: C McNally for Loughran (24), L Kavanagh for Druse (h-t), M Lennon for Marsden (52)
DUBLIN: A Shiels; N Crowley, H Leahy, C Almeida; S McIntyre, H McGinnis, N Donlon; R Hartnett, O Nolan; E Gribbin, L Grendon, K Sullivan; M Davoren, N Hetherton, A Timothy. Subs: C Rowe for A Timothy (40), C O'Connor for Davoren (45), L Caffrey for Hartnett (48)
Referee: Kevin Phelan (Laois)
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Newry Leisure Centre will host the 2026 ITF Taekwon-Do Ulster Championships on Sunday 10 May, with competition getting under way at 10am.
Hosted by the Cathal Fegan School of Tae Kwon Do, the event will see junior and adult competitors take part from Taekwon-Do clubs across the whole of Ireland, with the championships open to all styles of the sport. Spectators are welcome free of charge, giving families and martial arts enthusiasts the chance to support the athletes and enjoy a full day of competition.
Cathal Fegan said ahead of the event: "We're delighted to host the 2026 ITF Taekwon-Do Ulster Championships in Newry. It's a great opportunity for competitors from across Ireland to come together, test their skills, and celebrate the spirit of Taekwon-Do. We're expecting a fantastic standard of competition from both junior and adult athletes."
This year's championships will support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and collection buckets will be available at the door for anyone wishing to donate.
Councillor Aidan Mathers, who worked alongside Fegan to secure the event for Newry, said: "I worked alongside event organiser Cathal Fegan to secure this major Ulster championship for Newry and to ensure it could be delivered locally. By working with council officials, barriers were removed and this event was brought to our area."
Cllr Mathers said the event would deliver wider benefits for the city. "Securing an event of this scale delivers real economic, social and sporting benefits. It brings visitors into the city, supports local businesses and reinforces Newry's reputation as a place that can host major regional events," he said while also praising the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for supporting families across our communities at the most difficult times.
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