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Gradaim na nÓg / Youth Presentations 2013
The end of year youth presentations took place in 2 stages this year with the Under 16 & Under 18 presentations being performed during the interval at the Adventure day out in Rostrevor on Bank Holiday Monday 28th October.
Under 16 Manager Anthony Havern began proceedings congratulating the squad on a very successful year winning both the All County League Division 3 title for the third year in a row plus the All County Division 3 Shield title. Each of the squad players collected their 2 winning medals then the presentations were made.
Breandain McCorry won Greatest Contribution; Keyonis Crozier & Ronan McMahon jointly won the Most improved player and Player of the Year 2013 went to Declan Loye
Under 18 Manager Tony Loye thanked his squad for a committed effort this year just coming up short by the slightest of margins in the final games of the year after being unbeaten throughout the year.
Joint 2013 Players of the year went to David Hankin & Conor Loye;
The second stage of the Youth Presentations happened last Friday Night 8th November at the clubrooms where the Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 & Under 14 girls teams all received their awards.
In the Under 6 Category the 2013 Players of year award went to Dylan Gray & Most Improved Player Shea Mallon. In the Under 8 Category, Team mentor David O’Brien presented the awards to Player of the Year Adam Travers & Most Improved Player Martin McKinley.
In the Under 10 Category the 2013 Player of the Year award went to Ronan Casey, Most Improved Player Sean Dowdall & Greatest Contribution to Danny Shields.
In the Under 12 Category, Team mentor Ronan O’Reilly presented the awards to Player of the Year Jarlath Jennings, Most Improved Player Dean Bradley & Greatest Contribution to Karl Trainor.
In the Under 14 Girls Category, Team mentor Karl Kimmins praised the commitment of his young squad in their first competitive year, a great milestone for this group. Karl then presented the awards to Player of the Year Colleen Loye, Most Improved Player Aoife Miller & Greatest Contribution to Caitlin Mackey.
In the Under 14 Category, Team mentor Adrian McCourt presented the Under 14 squad with their All county shield winning medals. Adrian then made the awards to Player of the Year Adam Loughran, Most Improved Player Matthew Taggart & Greatest Contribution to JonJoe Cranney.
Congratulations to all the recipients & their teammates for a fantastic 2013 season.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
Gradaim Sinsearach / Senior Presentations 2013
The end of year Senior presentations took place last Saturday 16th November at the clubrooms. Club Chairperson Anthony Havern opening proceedings congratulating Senior Team Manager Gerald O’Reilly & his squad of players on winning the League title. The first senior title in 31 years since the club won the Junior Championship back in 1982. His backroom team of David O’Brien & Tony Loye were thanked for their contribution throughout the year steering the team to league success. The team manager Gerald O’Reilly praised the squad for their determination throughout the year which culminated in the great win against Pearse Óg in the final game of the season which secured the league title. There was a great buzz around the hall as each of the 31 squad players were called out to receive their medals. Shortly afterwards, Gerald then presented the 2013 Player of the year award to James Dinsmore & the managers 2013 Player of the year award to John Bradshaw. Well done to both the lads which rounded off a great year for all associated with Thomas Davis Senior Team.
If you have any queries or wish to contact us please write, phone or email details below:
Thomas Davis GFC, Chancellors Road, Newry, Co.Armagh BT35 8PR Guthán Club: 028 30263908
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Newry 1's 7-0 Cliftonville 1's (Irish Hockey Trophy)
Newry hosted Cliftonville in the second round of the Irish Hockey Trophy in a break from the league campaign. Newry dominated this game from start to finish, restricting Cliftonville to just a few counter attacks. Having been camped in the Cliftonville half for much of the game it looked like it would only be a metter of time before Newry scored, however the visitors held out for longer than expected and it took Newry until the 20th minute before they broke the dead lock with Richard nummy continueing his recent run of goal scoring form. Kyle Mccombe scored shortly after to give Newry a two nil lead before Jeremy Greer pooped up with the third after a run from the righ back position.
Just after the break Robbert Irwin got Newry's forth after a great run through the visitors defence before rounding the keeper to slot home. Cliftonville were still trying to catch Newry out on the break but the game was effectivley over when Kyle Mccombe swivled at the top of the D and fired home the fifth with 20 minutes still to play. The sixth came When Colin McKnight tapped in after good play from Richard nummy before John Taylor forced an own goal from a short corner to finish off the scoring. Newry host South Antrim next Saturday afternoon in a tough home game at 2.30pm.
Team: R. Hanlon, D. England, N. McKnight, N. Davenport, J. Greer, C. McKnight, C. Henning, J. Taylor, K. McCombe, R. Irwin, Richard Nummy, K. McWilliams
Antrim 3's 3-5 Newry 3's
Newry thirds notched up their second great away in as many weeks, this time against Antrim. Newry started very slowly and were quickly one down before they even realised. Things got worse as Antrim doubled their lead just before half time with Newry leaving themselves an up hill struggle to get anything from the game. Newry got back on level terms with two quick fire goals both from short corners both scored by Jonny McWilliams, however they wernt on level terms for long as Antrim got infront again after the Newry defence went to sleep. The visitors then through caution to the wind and went all out for the win and this paid off with Mark McCullough Adam Foster and David Lawson all scoring to give Newry the lead and the win.
Team: P. Elmore, B. Scott, A. Baird, D. Lawson, M. McCullough, M. McCullough, J. McWilliams, A. Foster, M. McCaigue, S. Garvey, G. Elias
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Newry City AFC 2 Hanover 0
Newry City AFC gained revenge on Hanover for an early season cup defeat with a league victory at a frozen Showgrounds on Friday night. On a pitch which had a heavy frost covering for the full ninety minutes Newry delivered their 10th clean sheet of the season from 17 competitive fixtures and scored 2 second half goals to secure the win which puts them 6 points clear at the top of the table.
On a slippery bobbly surface goal chances were hard to come by in the first half, Newry having to wait until the 15th minute for their first strike at goal when right back Niall Crilly ventured forward linking first with Graeme Edgar and then with centre forward Mark Patton before firing in a goal bound shot which was deflected over for a corner. This was soon followed by a double chance for the home team. Edgar challenged bravely for an aerial ball on the edge of the Hanover box attacking the ball with his head whilst the defender went with a high boot for which referee McCacken, who had a largely flawless game, awarded a Newry free kick. Up stepped Chris McMahon to place a shot destined for the top left hand corner of the Hanover net only for Matthew Short to dive full length to palm the ball out, the rebound falling to the head of Patton who did well to react only for his effort to sail narrowly over the Hanover crossbar. Evidenced by 10 clean sheets Newry defensively are on the top of their game at the moment and on 25 minutes when a dangerous ball was launched into the back post of the Newry penalty area Crilly was composed enough to take possession of the ball and pass his way out of trouble even though surrounded by a number of Hanover forwards.
Crilly was again involved in the final home chance of the half on 40 minutes when he received a throw out from keeper Peter Murphy before finding the feet of Patton half way inside the Hanover half. Patton spun round the defender and took the ball to the by line before drilling in a low cross ball which Shane Lundy latched onto only to be beaten by the surface, slipping as he shot which took all the pace and direction from his effort. The final opportunity of the half fell to Hanover. On the stroke of half time a long kick out was nodded into the path of Steven Woods and when it looked as though he had a clear sight of goal in came Conor McCaul with a burst of speed to make up vital ground which allowed him to block Wood’s shot with a perfectly judged sliding tackle to keep the game scoreless at half time.
The introduction of Jimmy Walker into the Newry midfield shortly after half time proved to be the turning point of the game. Blessed with sublime skill Walker’s close control and vision was just what the home side needed and he was immediately involved spraying a pass wide to Lundy on the left, his cross deflecting around the box before falling to McMahon who’s volley was blocked at close range by the arm of a Hanover defender, referee McCaughey waving away the Newry appeals for a penalty.
Newry’s domination of play was rewarded on the hour mark with a move which was started by Murphy in the home goal. With passing ability as good as any outfield player Murphy received a back pass and dummied the Hanover forward feigning to pass to his left before switching back to his right foot to release Crilly who now had space to exploit. This he did before finding Mark Lowry midway inside the Hanover half. Lowry cut infield, then played a reverse pass to McMahon wide on Newrys right. McMahon beat the defender and took the ball to the end line before pulling a cross back to the edge of the six yard box where it was met by Lowry who smashed his shot to the back of the Hanover net.
Now firmly on top Newry soon doubled their advantage. Patton won another high ball which he controlled before feeding Walker. Walker played a first time pass to Lundy wide on the left wing, Lundy took the ball past his defender before returning a crossed ball from the end line to Walker who placed his shot to the Hanover net to put Newry 2-0 up.
Hanover refused to lie down and brought Dean Bunting into their attack, his lively play keeping the Newry defence on their toes.
In a move to close out the game Newry introduced the experienced Paul McElroy into a midfield position and it was McElroy who instigated the next chance when he played the ball wide to Lundy. Lundy, who was a threat to Hanover for the entire 90 minutes, again beat the Hanover defender before firing in a low cross which was just out of the reach of the in rushing McMahon.
Newry had a glorious chance to wrap the game up with minutes left when Man of the Match Niall Crilly whipped in a free kick from yards inside the Hanover half which Patton rose highest to win, his glancing header narrowly going the wrong side of the post.
In a game played on a difficult pitch, for which the Hanover committee were keen to praise Newry City AFC for hosting a game which was originally scheduled for Portadown, referee William McCacken and both teams are to be commended on providing an evening’s entertainment for a sizeable crowd on a bitterly cold night.
Newry City AFC 1.Murphy 2.Crilly 3.Anderson 4.Annett 5.McCaul 6.Edgar 7.McMahon © 8.Curran (Walker) 9.Patton 10.Lowry (McElroy) 11.Lundy (Barr) Substitutes 12. Walker 14.Campbell 15.Thompson 16.McElroy 17.Barr 18.McVicker
Hanover 1.Short 2.Scott 3.JasonWoods 4.McKinney 5.Crowe 6.Topley 7.Elliot 8.McCullough 9.lappin 10.Sargent 11.Steven Woods Substitutes 12.Douglas 14.Hynds 15.Harrison 16.Bunting 17. Green
Next game is St Mary's FC v Newry City AFC 30th November, 3pm, Annagh
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AGM 2013
The 2013 Thomas Davis GFC AGM took place last Sunday 24 November in our clubrooms. Outgoing Chairman Anthony Havern welcomed everyone and thanked the outgoing Committee & Trustees for the great work that had been done throughout the year both on and off the field of play to make 2013 the greatest year since the formation of club, having completed phase 1, a full size playing pitch at the new development at Doran’s Hill, the club also won 6 football titles across the grades including our first senior success in 31 years. The perfect year was capped off by winning the coveted Irish news small club of the year award.
Club Trustee Liam Mullen spoke about the great strides the club has made in such a short space of time and finally the dream of having our own full size playing pitch was now a reality.
Outgoing Secretary David O’ Brien gave his report for the year, highlighting the many up’s and downs throughout the year and thanking the many people who have volunteered their time to coach and manage our all off our teams. Adrian McCourt was thanked for building up a good working relationship with St.Malachy’s Primary School. The U8’s & U10’s under David O’Brien, Brendan McKinley & Mary O’Reilly participated in numerous blitzes with the under 10’s winning the O’Hagan shield tournament at Lissummon. The U12’s under Ronan O’Reilly, under the Go Games rules competed in all their fixtures. The U14’s under Frank Harvey & Adrian McCourt won the All County Division 3 Shield in the final against Clady Emmetts at Whitecross. The U16’s under Anthony Havern & Tony Loye had a great season winning the All County Division 3 league title for the third year in a row & completed the double winning the All County shield against Tullysaran at Newtown. Our Minors under Tony Loye had a very good year in the All County Division 2 League having gone undefeated all season, the lads unfortunately lost the final playoff game against Crossmaglen by the smallest of margins. The Senior team manager Gerald O’Reilly and the entire panel were thanked for their
commitment & determination throughout the year to finish Armagh Junior League Champions.
Coaching & Development Officer, Gerald O'Reilly gave a detailed report on how the clubs football had developed over the year with the greatest achievement being the formation of our own ladies team which maintains ladies footballs needs firmly based at Thomas Davis GAC. Ladies team manager Karl Kimmins was thanked for the great work throughout the year.
Club Treasurer Frank Harvey gave a detailed analysis of the club accounts informing of the main expenses. Frank thanked everybody for the massive effort shown across our membership at fundraising to keep the club afloat especially in such a difficult financial climate.
Development Officer Gerry O’Reilly gave his report on the new development at Doran’s Hill in which he acknowledged the help of DSD, Newry & Mourne Council & Pitch contractor Seamus Curran for completion of Phase 1 with Phases 2 & 3 also at an advanced stage.
Finally the 2013 committee officially stepped down & Barcroft community worker, Ewan Morgan then independently chaired the election of the new 2014 committee:
Chairperson: Anthony Havern; Vice-Chairperson: Gerry O'Reilly; Secretary: David O'Brien; Treasurer: Frank Harvey; Finance Officer: Tony Loye; PRO: Mary O'Reilly.
Child Protection Certificates
Well done to our Club Members Anthony Havern Chairperson, Gerald O’Reilly Club Coaching Officer, Ronan O’Reilly Under 12 Team Mentor & John Bradshaw Senior Team Player who recently completed a 4 week course in Child protection organised by the Confederation of community groups in Newry.
If you have any queries or wish to contact us please write, phone or email details below:
Thomas Davis GFC, Chancellors Road, Newry, Co.Armagh BT35 8PR Guthán Club: 028 30263908
info@thomasdaviscorrinshego.com www.thomasdaviscorrinshego.com
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Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club last week hosted their underage presentations celebrating their years achievements.
Guest speaker, Padraig Mallon described the night as a "night of celebration and recognition of the contributions of all the underage teams and their mentors".
Padraig recently nominated for an International Swimming Man of the Year Award and who earlier this year swam the English Channel and the north Channel from Ireland to Scotland in the space of six weeks, congratulated his local hurling Club Craobh Rua on the wonderful efforts the club had made at all levels this year to develop hurling and in particular their work with young people.
Also at the Presentation Night was Quays Newry representative Colin Kavanagh who told all present that the Quays were proud to be associated with the local community and Craobh Rua. Colin, on behalf of all at The Quays Newry who support a wide range of community initiatives, wished the club well for the future.
Craobh Rua Camlocha would like to thank all our underage hurlers, their mentors and their families for their commitment to our club and the game of hurling.
Congratulations to Roisin Quigley who won the prize of £100 in our Monthly Draw. Many thanks also to all those who helped in last weekends bag pack in Newry and indeed to all those who have supported our club fund raising initiatives.
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Newry 1’s 6-1 South Antrim
Newry hosted forth placed South Antrim on Saturday hoping to take advantage of the fact Portadown were playing in a cup game to leap frog them into second place with a win. Newry had face South Antrim earlier in the season and after a stuttering start which seen them two goals down early on to eventually come away with the spoils. Newry did not let this happen this time as they flew out of the traps playing a high paced passing game, and pressing South Antrim high up the pitch. It was from one of these presses that new won the ball and pushed forward to win a short corner. Veteran Richard Nummy rifled home a low shot from the edge of the circle to put Newry ahead. It was soon two when Nummy turned provider as he drifted in from the left in a move than seen all three forwards link brilliantly in the circle passing the ball between each other before Robert Irwin got space at the back post to slot the ball home. Newry kept pressing and Kyle McCombe made it three with a great finish from the centre of the D.
Newry seemed to stutter after racing into this lead which let South Antrim back into the game as they started to create a few opportunities of their own but could not find a goal before half time.
Newry were slow to start in the second half and it took a while to get back to their passing game. As they slowly got a hold of the game again John Taylor fired home the forth to effectively end the game as a contest with 25 minutes still to play. It could have been five soon after when Robert Irwin laid the chance on a plate for Kyle McCombe who swung and miss when it looked easier to score. Keith McWilliams got the fifth not long after coming on as a sub as he fired home after another great passing move from the forwards this time coming from the left flank.
Golden Oldie Robin Hanlon pulled off a great stretching reverse stick save to keep South Antrim out but he was soon beaten when a sliced shot looped over the keeper and trickled into the bottom corner to give south a consolation goal. There was still time for Newry to make it six when right back Jeremy Greer bust forward and drove long the byline to lay the ball into McWilliams who got his second of the game and give Newry the win. Newry host top five side Bangor next Saturday hoping to keep their great start to the season going.
Team: R. Hanlon, N. McKnight, N. Davenport, D. England, J. Greer, C. Henning, J. Taylor, A. Gilmer, R. Irwin, K. McCombe, R. Nummy, K. McWilliams, D. Andrews, N. Liggett
Newry 3’s 6-2 Mossley 4’s
After the long anticipated wait at the Belfast Rd, the game finally got under way 30 mins later than scheduled!
Newry where slow to start and very lacks-a-daisy in their approach play, tending to run and dribble with the ball. Instead of their usual quick, fast flowing hockey. And it wasn't too long before this had caught Newry out with Mossley's first attack of the game after 13mins. A run down the left and a hard hit to Petey Elmore's back post was going wide only for K.Best to stop the ball, allowing the attacker to nip in and slot home for the Visitor's. This was the wake-up call needed for Newry and it took only a matter of minutes before they where straight back in it. With a well driven attack down the right hand side and the ball landing to the ever impressive Mark McCullough to slot into the Mossley net. Newry where still cautious as Mossley where very quick on the break and tested the defence of K.Best, Ian McNeill, Phily Moffett and David Sterritt., but this was to no avail, as whatever got past McNeill they may aswell have hit a brick wall as there was just no getting past the 'Tower of Strength' in Sterritt.
And just before the break Newry where awarded another SC. The first strike came from McWilliams and the keeper saved. But when the ball came to Sterritt on the edge of the circle, he used his wand to great effect when a bullet of a reverse stick shot near went through the net. Making it 2-1 Newry just before the break.
Second half turned out to be alot more Newry, with the goals soon to come. It wasnt to long before it they where 6 in front. Goals coming from Ally McMinn, Stephen Garvey, Jonny Mcwilliams, and Glyn Elias. Mossley did get a late consolation.
Team: Peter Elmore, P.Moffett, K.Best, D.Sterritt, I.McNeill, A.McMinn, S.Garvey, D.Lawson, M.McCullough, J.McWilliams, M.McCaigue, M. McCullough, G.Elias, J.Best
Mossley 2’s 3-1 Newry 2’s
Henry, Baird, Lawson, Gregg, Barlow, McCafferty, Hull, T.Henry, Scott, Foster, Blakley, Dickson.
Newry made the long journey to Mossley with a slightly depleted squad however they were boosted by playmaking midfielder Simon McCafferty passing a late fitness test.
The intrepid band of youth and experience settled well with Scott Blakely having Newry’s first shot on target. Newry were pressing really well and the midfield of McCafferty, Connor, Adams and Scott were feeding the hard running forwards Adam Foster and Scott Blakely.
It was no surprise when Mossley went ahead with an opportunist goal, the forward flicking into the goal from mid circle. This early blow seemed to galvanise the Reds who went on to dominate the remainder of the half and were rewarded when Adam Foster’s mishit shot somehow found its way into the bottom corner. The defence of Barlow, Baird, Lawson and Gregg were providing a great platform for the team to play snuffing out any chances Mossley tried to create.
Half time Mossley 1- 1 Newry
Newry started the second half the way they left off in the first, pushing Mossley back into their own half and creating chances. However it was Mossley who went ahead ten minutes in and against the run of play, the ball broke to a forward who cracked it home giving Sam Henry in goal no chance.
Newry continued to press and were unlucky not to draw level on several occasions with the ball flashing across the Mossley circle when only a touch was needed. Mossley wrapped up the win with a breakaway goal with 5 minutes to go again the forward again giving Sam Henry no chance.
Newry continued to pressure Mossley but were unable to get themselves back into the game.
Enniskillen Ladies 1-2 Newry Ladies
On Saturday, 30th November, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI travelled all the way to Irvinestown to play Enniskillen Ladies 1st XI in second round of the Intermediate Cup. Newry were awarded pass back and were on the attack, dominating play for the majority of the first half. Newry were awarded corner after corner but due to the excellent skills of the Enniskillen keeper, no goals came. Twenty-five minutes into the first half Enniskillen were lucky on a break and scored putting them into the lead. However Newry kept their heads up, continued to battle on and at the 33rd minute point, after some lovely play across the forward line, Caralyn Ferris equalised, During the final minute, the three forwards, Laverne Inns, Aimee Magowan and Kathryn Baird broke free taking the ball passed the Enniskillen mids and defence and as they entered the circle the Enniskillen blew time with fourteen seconds to spare which was disappointing for the Newry team.
Newry came out strong for the second half and were awarded another four consecutive corners thanks to pressure from the midfield players. During the fourth corner, Laura Girvan injected the ball to Laverne Inns who hit the ball towards the bottom left corner for Laura to defect the ball into the back of the net putting Newry into the lead. As the whistle blew, Newry were now the only team in Senior 4 league to head into the Quarter finals.
Team: NOHC Team C Waddell, D L Inns (Captain), C Gamble, N Burns, N Shields, L Ervine, C Ferris, L Simpson, A Magowan, G Davidson, L Girvan and K Baird.
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Newry Olympic Ladies 1-0 Coleraine Ladies
On Saturday, 7th December, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI travelled to Ballymoney to play Coleraine Ladies 1st XI at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in the return away game of the Senior 4 league. Newry were awarded pass back and were immediately on the attack with Coleraine returning play just as quick. Both teams were constantly fighting back with chances on both sides. Coleraine were the first to be awarded a corner but due to the pressure from the Newry defence, Coleraine failed to score. Newry equally had a couple of chances too in the first half but as the half-time whistle went the score remained nil all.
At the beginning of the second half, Coleraine came under fierce pressure from the Newry girls and were awarded a corner after ten minutes but were unable to finish. Coleraine broke and put the Newry keeper under pressure but Carol Waddell made some fine saves. Soon after the Newry mids fed the ball through to Aimee Magowan who drove down the right wing into the circle and scored a beautiful goal straight into the Coleraine net putting Newry into a one nil lead. Both sides continued to battle on until the final whistle with Newry dominating most of the second half.
Final score Newry 1 Coleraine 0
Team: C Waddell, D L Inns (Captain), A Gamble, C Gamble, G Mc Loughlin, D Mc Minn, L Ervine, C Ferris, L Simpson, A Magowan, G Davidson and K Baird
Harlequins 2's 6-1 Newry 2's
Newry 2nds were given a reminder of just how punishing Junior 1 can be in this heavy defeat to bottom of the table harlequins. Harlequins dominated possession in the first half but with Newry working hard they were restricted to a single goal until the stroke of half time when they were fortunate to see a shot deflect off a defenders stick and loop over Newry keeper Henry. That came at the end of Newrys best spell of the match and was tough for Newry to take, as was a quins goal within the first minute of the 2nd half which effectively ended this one as a contest. Quins racked up three more as their superior Numbers told - much like the reverse fixture earlier in the season in Newry. David Hogg got the Newry consolation with a trademark short corner while Ben Scott had a flurry of shots all saved by the otherwise redundant quins keeper late on. Newry will be looking to move on from this poor performance and with Cookstown, who play a similar brand of expansive possession hockey to quins, visiting the Belfast Road next week they will need to find a way of playing against this style of opponent.
Team: S. Henry, A. Henning, D. Barlow, A. Baird, J Gregg, B. Scott (c), S McCafferty, W. Adams, A. Foster, D. Hogg, S. Blakely subs N McGuffin, J. Dickson
Newry 3's 2-8 Kilkeel 3's
This turned out to be a game to forget as Newry were thumped 8-1 at home to their Mourne counterparts Kilkeel on Saturday. The game was over before it had barely started as Kilkeel flew out of the traps and in a great opening ten minutes for the away said were three goals to the good before Newry even new what happened. Newry managed to pull one back in the first half through David Hogg however Kilkeel were still able to add another two goals to their tally to make it 5-1 at half time. The second half was really about damaged limitation for Newry but Kilkeel were not content to sit back and settle for what they already had as they continued to press forward and had made it eight before Jonny Mcwilliams scored a consolation flick late on.
Team: P.Elmore, K.Best, J.Niblock, D.England, D.Lawson, C.Rooney, A. McMinn, G. Elias, M. McCaigue, J. McWilliams, A. McGaffin
Newry 1's 6-1 Bangor 1's
Newry hosted fifth placed Bangor on Saturday in the latest round of league fixtures of Senior 1. It was obvious from the very first spell of possession that Bangor were going to play a very defence game as they dropped straight off to play half court as Newry took the push back. This tactic seemed to work well at the start as the north Down team frustrated Newry with their defence and tight style of play leaving very little room for the home side to play in. Newry were playing 80% of the game in the Bangor half but could not find a way through until Jeremy Greer took a gamble from right back splitting the Bangor defence before Richard Nummy finished off the move and continue is recent rich vein of goal scoring form. Newry continued to press and a number of chance were missing as the ball flashed across the Bangor goal with the homeside unable to apply the final touches. Kyle McCombe soon made it two with a rather scuffed reverse shot which bounced over the keeper and into the bottom corner. Bangor on a rare attack picked up a stray pass flooded forward to make it two one at half time.
Newry were frustrated to only be ahead by the odd goal at half time however this was not the case for long as a fantastic flowing move between Richard Nummy and John Taylor put newry two goals ahead only 30 secs into the second half. Newry pressed forward looking to further cement their lead but still were frustrated by a stubborn Bangor defence. Richard Nummy got back on the score sheet with two quick fire goals to complete his hat trick
which deflated the visiting side. John Taylor managed to bundle Newry's sixth over the line after a scramble in the Bangor goal mouth and with this ended the scoring. Newry take on Cliftonville next Saturday still looking to extend their 15 game unbeaten run.
Team: R. Hanlon, J. Greer, N. McKnight, D. England, N. Davenport, C. McKnight, J. Taylor, A. Gilmer, R. Irwin, K. McCombe, R. Nummy, K. McWilliams, N. Liggett, D. Andrews
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With the IRFU working on attracting the 2023 Rugby World Cup to Ireland and the Irish Government and the NI Executive discussing a joint Bid for the competition it's certainly an interesting time for local Rugby fans and there is no reason that Newry couldn't get in on the action. As one GAA stalwart commented "A massive opportunity exists in the making for Newry City as a whole"
As well as Aviva and Ravenhill and other Rugby grounds around the island the GAA have already expressed an interest in providing venues including Croke Park but what about Newry's own Pairc Esler?
With a capacity of 20,000 Pairc Esler can cater for more fans than Ulster Rugby's newly developed Ravenhill grounds and certainly is well capable of hosting a game having hosted non GAA events including Concerts in the recent past.
The next Rugby World Cup will be held in England in 2015 with some of the matches in small stadiums including Kingsholm in Gloucester, 16,500 and Sandy Park in Exeter, 11,000!
New Zealand's 2011 competition was played in stadiums including the 20,000 capacity Trafalgar Park, 18,000 capacity Arena Manawatu and the 17.000 capacity Rugby Park Stadium.
For a bid to be made to host a game the GAA Central Council would need to put Pairc Esler forward as a venue for one of the games and gain approval fro both the GAA Executive and the Rugby World Cup governing body.
Commenting on the possibility of Newry hosting a game Hilltown native John Matthews who is in Sydney at present said "The County Down GAA board should seriously push the Central GAA Council to put (forward) Pairc Esler in Newry as a venue to host a group stage game of the rugby world cup if staged in Ireland in 2023. A massive opportunity exists in the making for Newry City as a whole."
Our local Council and the Chamber of Commerce could certainly put forward a case on Commercial grounds and the feel good factor resulting would certainly last for years to come.
Other countries in with a shout as well as countries that have expressed an interest in bidding include Argentina, Italy, America/ Canada jointly and Russia.
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Cliftonville 1’s 1-7 Newry 1’s
Rock bottom Cliftonville hosted Newry on a blustery Saturday game with an earlier than normal pushback at 1pm. The early start seemed to have affected Newry as they weren’t able to play their fluent and fast passed game. The away side dominated possession throughout the match and were camped in the Cliftonville half for long periods, however a mixture of poor finishing and great goalkeeping frustrated Newry. Kyle McCombe opened the scoring for Newry 20 minutes in before Richard Nummy double their lead just a few minutes later. This eased the Mourne men’s frustration as they started to play slightly better. Colin McKnight got the third of the game with a well worked short corner to give Newry a three goal lead at half time.
Newry flew out of the traps and got their forth with only minutes gone in the second half with John Taylor firing home. Again Newry piled forward and had the majority of the play and soon it was 5 with Taylor getting on the score sheet again after some great interplay between the Newry forwards. Cliftonville got a consolation goal from a short corner with 10 minutes to go but it was too little too late. Kyle McCombe is enjoying a rich vein of form in front of goal as he completed his hat-trick with two quick late strikes to give Newry a great 7-1 victory away from home.
Team: J. Glass, D. England, N. McKnight, J. Greer, N. Davenport, A. Gilmer, C. McKnight, C. Henning, R. Irwin, K. McCombe, R. Nummy, J. Taylor, N. Liggett, D. Andrews
Newry Olympic Ladies 3 - 4 Cooke Ladies
On Saturday, 14th December, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI travelled to Shaws Bridge, Belfast to play Cooke Ladies 1st XI for their last match of 2013 in the return away game of the Senior 4 league. Newry won the toss and were immediately on the attack but Cooke were just as quick to retaliate with a goal scored in the first two minutes. Newry picked up the pace, kept the pressure on and were awarded two short corners in the first ten minutes with Captain Laverne Inns, centre forward, scoring from the second to equalise with Cooke. Both teams were constantly fighting back with chances on both sides and two minutes later Newry were awarded a flick due to one of the Cooke players preventing Caralyn Ferris, right mid, scoring from a short corner. Caralyn did the Newry side proud planting the flick in the bottom left corner of the Cooke goal putting Newry into the lead. Cooke scored again on a break during the 17th minute but Newry were quick on the break and as the ball was fed through to Laverne Inns, she passed it to Laura Girvan, left mid, who drove up to the circle and found herself one on one with the Cooke goalie. Laura dragged the ball to the left and found Kathryn Baird, left wing, who finished the ball putting Newry back into an equalising position. Half time score 3 all.
Newry and Cooke came out strong during the second half and both sides continued to battle on until the 32nd minute when Cooke were awarded a short corner and switched the ball scoring and putting Cooke into the lead at the final whistle. .
Final score Newry 3 - 4 Cooke
Team: C Waddell, D L Inns (Captain), A Gamble, C Gamble, G Mc Loughlin, R Ross, L Ervine, C Ferris, J Cochrane, N Shields, L Girvan and K Baird.
Newry 2’s 0-7 Cookstown 2’s
Newry got off to a good start in this one and the teams looked evenly matched for the first 15 before Cookstown got control of possession and opened the scoring from a hard drive into the centre forward on the flick spot for a deflection around keeper Henry. At this stage Newry were forced into moving Scott from his sweeper berth into Centre Midfield as the dynamic Conor Cadogan was forced out of the game by a disgusting challenge by the Cookstown sweeper. That this was the third such challenge, unpunished by the umpire, and no apology was offered as the Newry man was carried off to go to casualty speaks volumes. The same player continued in the same vein throughout and was eventually involved in a scuffle that saw the match blown up early - pushing his forehead onto that of a Newry player reacting to yet another off ball bodycheck.
The second goal came at a bad time for Newry just before the break and the third just after ended this one as a contest. Cookstown racked up three more in quick succession as Newry pushed on looking for a goal. The pattern was similar for all their goals, ball moved across the pitch, ball hard into the forward for a deflected finish or one on one with keeper Henry who needed better protection from the 10 Newry men in front of him.
It wasn't all bad for Newry, seven goals between the teams was harsh as Newry had around half a dozen short corners with the keeper making two great saves and a further two from open play. There was some good interplay at times and all the elements are there to make a solid team. Final score Newry 0 Cookstown 7.
Team: Newry S. Henry, B. Scott, S. Blakely, D. Barlow, J Gregg, A. Foster, C. Cadogan., W. Adams (c), K McWilliams, D Hogg, S. McCafferty subs J McWilliams, A Henning
Mossley 1-3 Newry
Newry travelled to “The Glade” to face Mossley in an important game as the Mourne men are still in the hunt for a promotion spot. From the off Newry could not get going and where under constant pressure straight away, but with the experience and top notch tackling of McGaffin, Sterritt and the excellence of Elmore in goal, there was just no way through. It was on the half hour mark when Newry went ahead with their first meaningful attack of the game when father and son duo Michael and Mark McCullough linked well for Mark to blast the ball home.
Newry hoped to make it to half time a goal to the good, it was not to be. Mossley got into a wide left position inside the circle and a cracking reverse stick shot left Elmore with no chance just on the blow of halftime.
Second half was no change from the first. With Mossley again raining in the attacks and only for the heroics from Elmore in nets, Newry should of been 5 maybe 6 down.
Newry got another opportunity coming from a SC. With the first strike coming back off the pads, Michael McCullough was first to react and cleanly dispatched over the keeper and into the back of the net. 2-1 Newry!
However the tide still hadn’t turned and Mossley again upped the pressure. It was just not their day and then, Cometh the hour cometh the men. It was the 60th minute when David Sterritt came surging out of defence taking on three players and finding a cracking pass to Glyn Elias who with the cleverest of first time passes found Mark McCullough who (in the circle) found another great first time pass to his dad to bury the ball, deep into the back of the Mossley net,
Newry held on for a superb smash and grab 3-1 win. Next up Instonians at home.
Team: P. Elmore, J. Lawson, A. McGaffin, D. Sterritt, I. McNeil, P. Moffett, S. Garvey, A. McMinn, M. McCullough, G. Elias, M. McCaigue, M. McCullough, R. Rooney.
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