Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 21 May 2013

• Cage Contender
• Damien Rooney
• Newry Sports Centre

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Cage Contender XVII arrives in Newry this weekend for the very first time with a mouthwatering line up of fights.

The event will be held in Newry Sports Centre with doors opening from 5pm this Saturday the 25th of May.

Cage Contender CEO John Ferguson gave a short idea of what fans can look forward to “Fans can expect to see some familiar Cage Contender faces including the Return of the Rage as Newry’s fighting son Damien Rooney makes his home town return against one of the hottest Bantamweight talents in Europe Alan Philpott.

We fully expect a massive home support for Damo but young Philpott has one of the largest travelling supports in the region so it should raise the roof. There might be a title on the line for this one but we can’t confirm that just yet.

The card will also feature CC favourite’s Like Conor Cooke who KO’d UFC vet Ross Pointon in his last outing plus Dalton, Moore, Coll and some other cracking fighters.

This is a smaller venue than we normally use for Cage Contender so fans should get in as quickly as possible for tickets. All the fighters and clubs on the card will have tickets plus there will be tickets available at the the venue (Newry Sports Center) and from the box office at www.cagecontender.com or by phoning 0844 544 1010.”

An interesting local affair will see local hero Damien “The Rage” Rooney return to the Cage Contender arena when he faces the hotly tipped talent Alan “The Apprentice” Philpott in a mouthwatering bantamweight affair.

Rooney has been lobbying Cage Contender CEO John Ferguson to bring an event to his home town and the night will be at Newry Sports Center, the place where Rooney made his pro debut.

Following his devastating knock out of UFC veteran Ross Pointon back at Cage Contender 15 Conor “Da Crook” Cooke will return to action at Cage Contender 17 in Newry.

Former world kick boxing champion Cooke battled in one of the most exciting fights ever seen at Cage Contender then dug deep and pulled out a knock out of global standard to end the fight in front of hoards of adoring fans. The Kings Hall Complex, Belfast erupted as fans raced towards the cage to show their appreciation to their new hero!

Speaking on the match Cage Contender's John Ferguson added “Conor is coming back for his 5th outing at Cage Contender, the fans love him and after that Pointon KO they will be in for a treat this time. we are just finishing the finer details with his match up then we will let everyone know who is next in the sights of Da Crook. If the last one was anything to go by the Antrim fans will be out in their droves to support him, it will be electric!”

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 27 May 2013

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As if winning three Marathon's this year already wasn't enough County Louth runner Gary O'Hanlon added to his tally at the weekend with a win at Sunday's 2013 Newry City Marathon with a time of 2:34:15.

Gary won the Connemara Marathon at 2:35:15 in April followed earlier this month by the Limerick Marathon at 2:29:45 and the Kildare Marathon at 2:33:08

Gary who runs for Clonliffe Harriers beat local Newry City Runner Don Travers who finished just under 40 seconds later at 2:34:54 with third place taken by fellow Newry City Runner David Griffin at 2:51:59.

A fantastic day for the The 2013 Newry City Marathon with almost 850 people taking part in the wheelchair marathon, marathon, half marathon or walk.

The races ended in Hill Street for the first time to join in with the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Newry Credit Union.

First Woman home was Ballycastles Helena Dornan at 3:24:57 followed by

 Tracy Gillan at 3:34:40 and Gillian Cordner at 3:34:59

The wheelchair marathon Jim Corbett took first at 2:15:10 directly followed by Paul Hannon at 2:15:11 and then Jerry Forde at 4:07:44

The half marathon was won by Andrew Considine at 1:17:09 followed by James Brown at 1:17:32 and Chris Denton in third place at 1:20:13

First in the walk was Sandra Connolly at 3:05:22, second Lisa McAleavey at 3:05:23 and third Lynn Buchacan at 3:06:17 

Full Results

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Pat McGinn

Category: Sports

Published: 27 May 2013

• GAA
• Craobh Rua

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Craobh Rua Camlocha Sinsir / Seniors

Our senior game with Killeavy was cancelled. This week Craobh Rua seniors face Lisnakea  in the Armagh league on Tuesday night. The match is a home game

An Crannchur Míosúil / The Monthly Draw

Our £100 Monthly Club Draw took place in Doyle’s Pub, Camloch last Saturday night. The winner was  Paddy O Connor. The next draw will take place on the last Saturday night in June. Please support the club with this effort and remember that for just £20 a year you can have a chance every month to win £100 and help the club become more sustainable.  Tickets are available from any committee member or from any of our senior players.

Faoi 16,18 / U16s / U18s  

There is a break in fixtures owing to exam pressures but team coach Sean Mac Diarmada will be in touch this week with the panel to work out suitable arrangements to bridge this busy period.  We wish all those sitting exams at this moment well.

Faoi 14 / Under 14s

The Under 14 team have a bye this week in the League. The Coaches will be in touch in relation to Coaching and Training sessions.

Faoi 12 / Under 12s

 U12 training continues on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm.

Faoi 8,10 / Under 8, 10s

Training continues this Monday evening at 6.30pm.

Faoi 6 / Under 6s

Under 6s continues at 10.00 o’clock each Saturday morning at St Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook and it is great to see the good numbers now taking part. Each week the sessions concentrate on the elements of coordination, balance and agility – and above all fun!! Anyone interested in getting involved should contact the club’s co-ordinator Mícheál Bradley (07907219639) or the school’s sport s co-ordinator Mr Michael Doran at St Joseph’s P.S. The Club would like to thank both Mr Doran and the school principal Mrs Sheila Mc Ardle for their continued support with this initiative.

Cluichí na Seachtaine / This week’s games  

Dé Máirt / Tuesday Seniors

 Craobh Rua Camlocha V  Lisnakea Emmetts

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 27 May 2013

• St John Bosco GAC

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St John Bosco Seniors

Kilcleif Ben Dhearg 2-11 St John Bosco 3-18

The seniors continued their winning ways on Friday night with a 10 point victory in Kilcleif. A victory of 10 points would have you believe that this was a straight forward win, however it was anything but. The lads had to fight hard for every score and showed great resolve when the home team came back to within a point, midway through the second half, to pull away again and record another win which makes it 5 wins from the last 5 games. 

The next fixture for the boys is on Friday 7th June at 7.30 in Jack Mackin Park....all support welcome.

St John Bosco GAC U14’s

Bosco 6-11 Mitchels 1-14

Last Monday nights match was a home game to local rivals Mitchels.  Not only were bragging rights at stake but to this point Mitchels were unbeaten.

Having lost the toss Bosco were against the wind in the first half.  This proved to be a highly entertaining game with both sides giving their all.  Mitchels made the first move with two long range points.  However this Bosco side doesn't do panic and played their way back into the game with a goal from Kane Rossiter and a point from Ronan Murphy.  Things were fairly even for most of the first half with Mitchels using the wind to tack on points.  It has to be said though the Bosco defence were rock solid in terms of snuffing out any chance of a goal.  Sean Rafferty and Glenn Hanna were solid in the full back line and Shane Mc Clorey outstanding in the half back line breaking up Mitchel attacks and launching counter attacks.  Bosco midfielders Rory Mc Parland and Dean Morgan worked tirelessly to supply good ball into the forwards.  This paid dividends with the on fire Kane Rossiter bagging a further two goals and Ruairi Lavery one.  Another point from Ronan Murphy left it Bosco 4-02 Mitchels 0-11 at half time.

The second half proved just as enjoyable, especially as Bosco started to assert control around the middle.  James Harkin at centre half forward was much more involved as his strong running caused Mitchels problems.  Indeed Mitchels were beginning to tire as Bosco upped the tempo.  Points from ; D. Morgan, J. Harkin, R. Mc Parland(2), B. Finnegan(3) and two more goals for K. Rossiter established a comfortable lead.  Mitchels managed 1-03 in reply to leave a final score of Bosco 6-11 Mitchels 1-14

St John Bosco GAC U10’s

Saturday 25th May – Jack Mackin Park

Go Game Blitz

With5 clubs including Shamrocks, Ballyholland, Rostrevor and Drumgath all entering two teams this was a real Ógs and Gaels blitz. Excellent football played in true sporting fashion in brilliant weather – what more could anyone ask for?

Congratulations to the mentors of all the teams for an excellent event – well refereed by the two county men.

Family Fun Day

Sunday 30th June Jack Mackin Park

Shields’ Family U10 Annual Tournament

The second annual Shields’ Family U10 tournament will be held as part of the Family Fun Day on Sunday 30th June

Newry Marathon 

Yesterday was a great Bosco day with over 100 St John Bosco players, members and supporters running, walking and marshalling at the Newry City Marathon. Well done to all who took part , a real Jubilee event!

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 28 May 2013

• Thomas Davis Corrinshego GAC

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Festival Weekend

Friday Night 31 May 2013 hosts a Boxing Competition – Tickets £5.00

Saturday Night 1 June 2013 sees Eric Bristow take on Keith Deller in a Darts Exhibition – Tickets £10.00

Venue – Newry Town Hall

A few tickets still left so don’t forget to buy yours!!!

Guaranteed to be a great weekend of entertainment.

A big thank you to all local businesses who sponsored the event and to all people who bought their tickets and support our festival every year.

Development

As we reported last week field drainage was due to start on Monday and that’s exactly what was going on this week.  All drainage is now completed and the next phase is top soil, sand and seed which hopefully (depending on Irish weather) should be completed within 3 weeks. All the hard work of rock removal, fundraising and patience is certainly being seen. A big thank you to everyone involved.

Kellogg’s Cùl Camps

Thomas Davis Corrinshego GFC will be taking part in Kellogg’s Cùl Camps this Summer.  From the 15 – 19 July 2013 we will be holding the camp at the Club House.  If you are interested in booking please contact David O’Brien on 07775176614 or book and pay directly through www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.

Under 8/10 Football / Peil Faoi 8/10

Under 10 South Armagh  Football, Sunday 26th May 2013

St . Patrick’s Cullyhanna    v Thomas Davis Corrinshego GFC

On Sunday morning 26th May, the Corrinshego U-10’s made the journey to Cullyhanna to take on the home side in a first ever encounter  between the two  sides at this  level.   Although much more physical in every sector of the field, the young Thomas Davis side acquitted themselves very well with debutant Emmett Dowdall scoring 0-3 from play. After a difficult first half with Michael Mallon scoring their only point, Corrinshego reorganised with Ronan Casey and Sean Dowdall  each having a great game at midfield. Others who performed well were  Danny Shields, Jarlath Jennings and an ever improving Holly Loye. Adam Travers performed heroics in the full back line when he came out the field.  Young Lucy Browne, Ciaran Higgins and  James Heatley never gave up the cause. Our next match at home against Whitecross on Sunday morning the 2nd June.

Corrinshego: - Adam Travers, Jarlath Jennings, Emmett  Dowdall, Dean Bradley, Ronan Casey, Sean Dowdall, Danny Shields, Sarah McEvoy, Holly Loye, Ciaran Higgins, James Heatley, Lucy Browne, Subs: Liam O’Brien, Michael Brown, Shea Mallon.

U8 & U10 training continues every Wednesday @ 6.30pm at the Club Grounds. Each player please bring your own water bottle.  New members welcome. Contact David O’Brien 07775176614.

Under 12 Football / Peil Faoi 12

Great away win for the u.12s yesterday against Whitecross. With a few missing due to confirmation the lads dug deep for a hard win against a good Wwhitecross team. Corrinshego were on top for most of the second half with goals from Conor Lenagh (c) 1, Niall Hogan (vc) 2, Dean Bradley 2-0, Oisin Mallon 1 and a good point from Brendan McLoughlin. Whitecross started the second half well with a flurry of goals and a few points to get them back into the game. As the second half went on, Corrinshego found a bit of form with good football being played from midfield to attack. Goals in quick succession again from Niall Hogan 2, Dean Bradley 1, Oisin Mallon 1 and Karl Trainor Getting on the scoresheet with 2 points helped Corrinshego to pull away with a good lead and a hard fought win.

U12 training continues each Thursday at 6pm at the Club Grounds. New members welcome. Contact Ronan O’Reilly 07753447770.

Under 14 Football / Peil Faoi 14

Corrinshego v forkhill   7-17 v 4-9

Corrinshego stayed top of the division with this comfortable win over Forkhill, who put up a much stronger effort in the second half than they were allowed to in the first. It was once again two Corrinshego teams that seemed to take to the field in the first and second half as again the u14s raced into an unassailable lead, only to put in a below par performance in the second half.

The home side were 4-13 to 1-3 at the break but were out scored in the second half by forkhill.

It was however refreshing to see midfielder Ryan Gray get his form back by scoring four points from open play in the first half and the game saw a start for new boy Kyle McComiskey in goals, who didn't put a foot wrong and kicked well for the entire time he was in goals. Matthew Taggart also impressed at full back, as did Brendan McLoughlin at half back, who also managed to score 0-3 from play, surging forward time and time again to get man of the match.

The management made quite a few changes in the second half and this seemed to have an effect as forkhill scored 3 goals in the second half but it was pleasing to see new boys Niall Hogan and Oisin Mallon hit the back of the net with well taken goals of their own.

U14 training continues each Thursday at 6pm at the Club Grounds. New members welcome. Contact Adrian McCourt 07745669419.

Ladies Football / Peil na mBan

Our ladies travelled to Clonmore yesterday.  Match Report to Follow.

Ladies training Tuesday at 7.00pm at the Club Grounds. New members welcome. Contact Karl Kimmins 07704025212.

Under 16 Football / Peil Faoi 16

U16’s did not have a match this week.

Training continues every Sunday Morning at 10.45am at the Club Grounds. New members welcome. Contact Anthony Havern 07805853032

Under 18 Football / Peil Faoi 18

Corrinshego minors took to the field on Monday evening against top of the table Granemore needing to win to gain top spot in the division. Hoping to be more consistent the minors put down a marker to the rest of this division exploding to victory 3-17 to 2-04. From the first minute of the game constant work rate and pressure put these young warriors in complete control of the game. Some super performances from Mark McAteer, Pheligm Finnegan, Jordan King and Declan Loye. The game was perfectly summed up by a team wonder goal finished by Conor Loye but worked superbly from defence to attack. Special mention for the super human goalkeeping effort from David Hankin saving a penalty and launching kick outs to our outfield players. So it's onwards now with a big target on these young minors back as they leap to the top of the league. Now is the time to put more effort and time into training in order for these young men to get a league medal and trophy.

Training days may vary. New members welcome. Contact Tony Loye 07810883454. 

Senior Football / Peil Sinsir

There was no Senior football this week.  Seniors play Clady on Friday evening in Clady.  Throw in 7.30pm.

Senior Training days may vary.  Please contact Gerry O’Reilly 07857093676.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 03 June 2013

• Down GAA
• Hurling

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Down Senior Hurlers are on their way to Croke Park this Saturday the 8th of June where they will meet Kerry in the Christy Ring Final. The beat Meath on Saturday in the replay with a final score of 0:23 to 1:10

The Final takes place next Saturday in Croke Park at 4.00pm. As in the case of all fixtures in Croke Park Tickets  must be purchased in advance. There is triple bill of Finals in Croke Park on Saturday.

 Ticket Prices are as follows: £20.00 Adults, £5.00 Under 16s, £15.00 Seniors/Students

The County Office in Castlewellan will have Tickets available to purchase from 2.00pm on Monday. 

Seats are unreserved and Only the Lower Hogan Stand will be Open. Club Orders should be with us in good time to allow for Thursday collection.

Even before the senior Hurlers earned their place in Croke Park the county hosted its first Poc Fada in the brilliant surroundings of Downpatrick racecourse.

With going good to firm and soft in places over 50 competitors took part across various divisions.

The Poc Fada was supported by Caman Hurls & O Neil's. The individual winners not only receiving a coveted county medal but also a hurl of their choice & a specially commissioned Down Jersey from O Neill's.

The event got underway with the Camogs U16 event. The course itself was deceptively hilly and also very tight in places so as to challenge accuracy too. But the 7 young Camogs got round in just over an hour. Winner, Amy Freer from Warrenpoint completed the course 37 strokes beating second placed Niamh Brown from Clonduff by 6 shots

6 U16 hurlers were up next and they had an extremely competitive course. Coming round the last bend only 1 shot separated the top 4 competitors. In the end the tight home straight cost a few shots & Ciaren Monan from Ballygalget won the event with 31 shots beating Matthew Mee from Shamrocks into second place by a single shot.

The senior Camogs was another closely contested event with many of the county senior Camogs on show it was great for the young girls that had turned up on the day to meet some of the girls they look up to. Sarah Louise Carr, Down & Clonduff superstar full forward (sister of previous Ulster Poc Fada winner Finnoula) was the early leader but a few shots out of bounds cost her dearly in the end. The event was won by her county colleague Liatroims, Ciatriona "Tin Tin" McCrickard. Those long accurate pick outs that took Down to Junior All Ireland finals came in handy at the tight points on the track to see her complete the course in 31 shots with her nearest competitor Aishling Magee on 34.

The men's event was hit with withdrawals during the week due to county commitments. Big hitters such as Grahame Clarke, Conor Woods, Kevin McGarry & Gareth "Magic" Johnson stepped down to concentrate on getting the county to Croke Park & therefore opening the door to some competitors that mite not have originally fancied their chances. This turned the men's into a serious tight event with every competitor coming in at 31 or under. Ian Galway from the Bredagh club put in a terrifically accurate course & the tension on the last few shots was extremely palpable. In the end previous Down winner & Ulster runner up Karol Keating won the even with 27 strokes, beating Ian by the minimum.

The highlight of the day however was the team event. This was designed so that anyone, whatever age, sex or ability could be part of the Down Poc Fada. Teams were made up of 3 competitors who took it in turns to strike round the course. Teams approached this in different styles.... Ballyvarly & Warrenpoint with an enthusiasm that saw them take off without a counter even, compared with the eventual winners of the men's event Portaferry who with Conor Mageean, Brendan Coleman & Gary Coffee who were there with their extra hurls & tactics & everything..:-)

Down minor hurlers also entered teams at this category with varying degrees of success. I think it's fair to say that if it wasn't for previous U16 winner Sean Savage they would have came home with no sliotars... If the poc fada accuracy is anything to go by... Get your house on Derry for the Ulster semi final... :-)

The Camogie section was embraced greatly by the ladies side of our association which saw many clubs take part & indeed it was great to see Clonduff there in force & actually kitted out to give it a proper team feeling. Clonduff team of Kitty Fegan, Ursula Quinn & Orla Maginn won through in the end.

Many thanks must go to Downpatrick Racecourse for opening their gates and couldn't have been more helpful with their facilities.

Veronica McGreevey, Victoria Donnolly, John Mee, Gerard McShane & Brian Murphy were all on hand to provide great support & the 2 sponsors. O Neills & Caman hurls all played their part in a great day. 

Special mention must go to Michael Mc Cullough and Liam Mc Veigh for all their hard work and for keeping us right up to date on the Hurling front 

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 04 June 2013

• Newry and Mourne District Council
• Warrenpoint
• Currach Championships

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With renewed interest in Currach Rowing throughout the Newry area and beyond it has been announced that the 9th Irish International Currach Championships will be held in Warrenpoint on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of August. A number of local teams will be competing along with teams from the USA, Albany will as usual be leading the U.S entry and they hope to see back teams from Annapolis, Milwalkee, Philadelphia and Boston as well as University College London to join Oxford, Cambridge & Trinity in the University category.

The Irish participation continues to grow and the organisers look forward to see the return of the regular teams from Counties Wexford, Donegal, and Clare. Each year they have new entries and enquiries from Teams from all over Ireland.

Almost all of the competitors in recent years have had little prior experience in Currach Rowing, the U.S teams row a different style of Currach, The University teams row Skulls and other teams row a different type of boat completely, While the standards continues to grow and the competition intense, the Irish International Championships consists of competitors who are basically novices or relatively newcomers to Currach Rowing. An idea of the standard is shown in amateur video of the 2011 & 2012 Championships here or on YouTube. 

The organisers have extended an invitation to any other Rowing or Boating club or relative new members of existing Currach clubs who might be interested in participating in this year’s event. The spirit and success of the event over the years has been the relative inexperience of most competitors who give it their all and are as likely to win their category as any other.

There is an Introduction to Currach Rowing Summer Scheme for young people being organised by Newry & Mourne District Council on the water and it will also allow those who wish an opportunity to practise Heats will held on Saturday 10th with the Finals on Sunday 11th.

The Categories are Male & Female Singles & Doubles, Male & Female Doubles, Male & Female Threes and mixed threes (tide permitting). On Sunday the last two categories will be the Varsity and International races.

The weekend begins with a BBQ for those who arrive on Friday, and as part of the Cultural aspect of the Championships we will be holding a simple Poc Fada in Kilbroney Park where all our visitors can participate. 

Saturday is the day for Registration and heats. A BBQ is available for competitors refreshment (Sat & Sun) and the evening is one of traditional music, a session and light refreshments. 

Sunday is finals day followed by a Presentation Dinner & Entertainment in the Balmoral Hotel. 

Registration is £10.00stg, €12.00, $15.00. this includes Entry Fee, BBQ, evening meal and Championship T-shirt. 

The Irish International Currach Championships are sponsored by Newry & Mourne District Council. Further details, and photos & videos of past Championships are available on our Facebook page at: 9th Irish International Currach Championships.

The event organiser, Tom McCann can be contacted at: tommccanna@btinternet.com or Mob: 07718 1020820 Home Ph: 028417 72203

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 06 June 2013

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Around a Pound sponsored Biker Michael Dunlop has had an amazing 2013 at the Isle of Man TT races with an unbelievable fourth win yesterday in the Supersport Race.

Newry based Around a Pound proprietors Gerard and Siobhan Rice who are one of Michaels Sponsors will be overjoyed having commented on the Newry.ie Facebook page before yesterdays race "Michael Dunlop, Backed By Newry Company Around A Pound Strikes out today to try and Win his 4th. TT in one week, Gerard and Siobhan Wish Him A Safe Fast Ride""

Michael, nephew of legend Joey Dunlop broke his own lap record and smashed the old course record by 28 seconds to literally fly in to the record books at 128.66 mph on his last lap a thrilling second Monster Energy Supersport race yesterday afternoon at  the Race to remain unbeaten for the week and become only the third rider to win four races in a week. 

A stunning final lap of 128.667mph gave the 24-year old a 2.3s victory over long time race leader Bruce Anstey to make it four wins from four races with the second HM Plant Padgetts Honda of John McGuinness in third.

After a 15-minute delay due to a power failure in parc ferme, Anstey who, as he promised, was quickest out the traps but, as expected, it was close with Dunlop just 0.4s behind. Brother William was right in contention in third with the fast starting James Hillier again showing well on the run to Glen Helen. He occupied fourth with McGuinness and Dean Harrison close behind. 

As the lap progressed, Anstey continued to extend his advantage and an opening lap of 126.476mph gave him a 3.5s lead over Michael Dunlop with William almost three seconds further back in third. McGuinness was up to fourth now ahead of Guy Martin and Harrison. 

The duo at the head of the field practically matched each other all the way round the second 37 and ¾ miles but Anstey continued to lead, his lap of 127.817mph just a fraction outside Dunlop’s lap record from 2010. The gap had crept up to 4.47s with the Dunlops in second and third, McGuinness in fourth, Cameron Donald in fifth and Hillier still in sixth. However, the HM Plant/Padgetts crew got Anstey out from the pit stop in super quick time, his lead shooting up to nine seconds. 

Dunlop knew he had work to do in the second half of the race and he made his charge immediately, reducing the deficit to 5.6s at Glen Helen. Just as the gap between the top two was decreasing, so was the gap between William Dunlop and McGuinness for third with just 2.4s between them with less than two laps to go. Donald was still in fifth with Hillier in sixth as, once again, the fans were treated to the leading five riders on the road circulating nose to tail. 

Going into the final lap, Anstey still held sway by just over four seconds and he led on the road too but with Dunlop now having clear track, having passed McGuinness, Hillier and Donald, he ate into the gap at all of the timing points. 

He hit the front for the first time at Ballaugh, his lead now 1.5s but he had to work all the way to the chequered flag and it needed that sensational new lap record to see off the strong challenge of Anstey, the difference at the end of 150 miles of racing just 2.3s. Dunlop’s race record was also a staggering 28s inside the previous best. 

McGuinness went quicker than ever before on a 600cc machine, posting his first 127mph lap in the class, to pinch the final podium spot from William Dunlop by 0.967s with Donald also joining the 127mph club in fifth. 

Hillier’s strong week continued with another sixth place with Harrison, Martin, Gary Johnson and Conor Cummins completing the top ten. Robert Wilson was the first of the privateer’s home in an excellent 14th, one place ahead of Ivan Lintin.

The fourth win has already seen Dunlop wrap up the Joey Dunlop TT Championship as his 100 point maximum cannot be overhauled with just the Senior race left to count towards the prestigious award.  

Michael took his first ever Superbike TT victory on Sunday afternoon at the Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, taking the lead at Ballaugh on the opening lap and going on to build a commanding 40 second victory from fellow Honda riders Cameron Donald and John McGuinness with a race average speed of 128.747 mph.

Dunlop made it two wins from two when he took the opening Monster Energy Supersport race on Monday morning. Riding the MD Racing Honda, Dunlop took the lead at Ballaugh on the opening lap from brother William and with a 127.525mph lap on his second lap, he caught Bruce Anstey on the road and eventually took the win from the Kiwi by 10.3s

Completing a sensational hat-trick on Monday afternoon at the TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy when he won a record-breaking Royal London 360 Superstock race. The Honda rider was trailing long-time race leader Gary Johnson going into the final lap but with a stunning new lap record of 131.220mph, he was able to take his sixth TT win by 18.4s.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Sports

Published: 09 June 2013

• Crooked Lake Triathlon
• Camlough Lake

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The recent spell of hot weather is nothing new to the people of Camlough. For 10 years now the village has soaked up the rays of continental style weather every June for the Crooked Lake Triathlon and Saturday past was no different as 600 competitors of different levels tackled year 10 of the North's premier triathlon event fondly named The Crooked Lake.

Once again the sun shone on the land of myth and legend as people from all over the Emerald Isle descended on the Cooked Lake to tackle the feisty waters and rolling hills of the South Armagh hamlet.

The event which was born in 2004 to a field of just 92 people has grown into one of the top endurance tasks in the whole of Ireland and Irish International Russell White didn't hang around to enjoy the sights and sounds of South Armagh as he blasted round the 3 leg course in a time of 57 mins.

Russell was followed home by Aidan Callaghan (1Hr 46 secs) and Phil Wood (1Hr 58 secs) with local boy Barry Convery coming home in a time of (1 Hr and 1 min). Rachel Glendon took the ladies title in a time of (1Hr 5mins).

At least a thousand people stood 3 deep on the waters edge to watch and support the big field as they tackled the 3 triathlon disciplines and once again the organisers of the Crooked Lake Triathlon led by Catherine Murphy have showcased an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the form of a major sports event.

Article: Brendan Monaghan