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Down Senior Footballers first Championship game of the season saw them dispatch Fermanagh this afternoon in Brewster Park, Enniskillen.
Fermanagh were first on the scoreboard with a point just a minute in to the game with Down equalising from a free by Donal O'Hare five minutes later. Tit for tat points from Fermanagh were answered with two more points from frees by Donal and a point from play followed by three further points keeping Down a point ahead at half time 0:7 to 0:6.
Down's Barry O'Hagan got Down's second half off with a point. Fermanagh pointed five minutes into the second half but it would be injury time before they scored again. A goal from Down's Donal O'Hare followed by points from Barry O'Hagan, Corey Quinn and Jerome Johnston saw them in the middle of Injury time ahead by 8 points. Fermanagh added two points to their tally but further points from Ryan Johnston and Caolan Mooney left the game in no doubt. Today's win sees them take on Cavan in an Ulster Semi Final clash next Sunday 15 November.
Final Score Down 1:15 Femanagh 0:11
Down Scorers
Donal O'Hare 1:4; Jerome Johnston 0:2; Caolan Mooney 0:2; Barry O'Hagan 0:4; Corey Quinn 0:1; Ryan Johnston 0:2
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Armagh have beaten Derry in their first 2020 Championship game and they can look forward to a thrilling Ulster Semi Final clash with curent holders Donegal in two weeks time. The eerie setting of an empty dark Celtic Park with no supporters allowed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the only sounds coming from the players and their management team fitted perfectly into a strange Halloween weekend for Derry, usually the happening Halloween capital.
A wet and windy Celtic Park saw Armagh stay in the lead throughout the game going in at half time with the wind at their backs six points in the lead 0:11 to 0:5.
The second half started with two Derry points added to the tally. A 20 minute spell with Armagh unable to put a score on the board and three straight points from Derry saw them just two points behind at 0:11 to 0:13 with just six minutes to go of ordinary time but they were unable to catch the Orchard. The closest they got was taking the game to within a point with four minutes of injury time played but a free from Armagh's Rian O'Neill with the whistle blown directly afterwards saw Armagh take the prize with the final score Armagh 0:17 Derry 0:15.
Scorers
Rian O'Neill 0:4; Jamie Clarke 0:3; Rory Grugan 0:3; Aidan Forker 0:2; Oisin O'Neill 0:2;Jarlath Og Burns 0:1; Conor O'Neill 0:1 and Mark Shields 0:1.
Armagh Team
Blaine Hughes, Paddy Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan, Conor O'Neill, Aidan Forker, Mark Shields, Oisin O'Neill, Stephen Sheridan, Rory Grugan, Callum Cumisky, Stefan Campbell, Jamie Clarke, Rian O'Neill, Niall Grimley.
Subs Shea Magill, Greg McCabe,Brendan Donaghy, Aaron McKay, Jarlath Og Burns, Jemar Hall, Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Jason Duffy, Joe McElroy, Cathal McKenna.
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Newry City Athletic Football Club have obtained Planning Permission to develop the Showgrounds at Greenbank Industrial Estate.
The works will include resurfacing of the rear reserves training pitch from grass to 3G along with associated reserve changing room building and spectator stand together with parking and ancillary site works.
The project also includes the widening of the existing internal access road to the north of the site to provide two way vehicle access to the rear pitch and removal of the existing derelict spectator stand as well as the standing terraces reduced in width to accommodate the road widening.
Speaking of his delight Newry City Athletic Football Club Chairman Martin McLoughlin said “The football hub project has the potential to be a flagship for sports in the East Border region and beyond. Newry City AFC is at the heart of the community and the club are committed to improve our home ground at The Showgrounds to include state-of-the-art training and match facilities that will not only benefit our club but the wider sporting community across the district. This will allow our club to further expand its activities, which, in turn, will allow even more young people to participate in sport. The club and its facilities are vital to Newry City and its relationship with football. Support for this scheme from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will be crucial to getting our ambitious project over the line.”
The Project Vision
The club's vision is to build and sustain Newry City AFC and The Showgrounds in its important position within the City as the home of sporting, recreational, community and volunteering opportunity It is the clubs aim to generate wider community benefit through football, sport and non-sport activities, particularly in the areas of health and wellbeing, education skills and employment, social inclusion and volunteering by creating a sustainable model for delivery of new sporting and community facilities at The Showgrounds. The proposed project aims to deliver benefits for the local community, schools, sports clubs and charities across the city and wider region.
The proposed project outlined above will enable Newry City AFC to offer Improvement of facilities for NCAFC teams at all levels: Enable other soccer clubs and sports clubs to use the facilities for their specific activities to help meet their needs: Provide a facility to host UEFA, International Representative and domestic show piece games; Enhancement of community and sporting facilities in Newry and the wider region; Potential for school usage and schools programme development; Local charities and community groups offered space for activities; A venue to host local, regional and international events.
Revenue created (not for profit) will be invested in volunteers, community programmes and the sustainability of facilities at The Showgrounds.
Commenting on the project First Team Manager Darren Mullen said “This is terrific news for the club. I know how hard people have worked to get us to this position so it’s great credit to everyone involved. From the outset it has always been a project to help integrate the club with the whole community of Newry to provide facilities that are severely lacking. However, this is only the first step and we know there is still a lot of hard work to follow. The Sub Regional Stadia Fund is a once in a generation opportunity for football clubs, and it’s hugely important that Newry City AFC secure investment as the only ‘designated football ground’ in the council area and indeed wider region. We can see first-hand during these difficult times how important outdoor activity is so hopefully this project can continue to gather pace.”
A club spokesperson added "Newry City AFC will bid to Strand 2 Department for Communities: Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer, the stated purpose of which is to provide sub-regional stadia which can sit at the hub of key communities and can offer quality football facilities and community facilities which bring revenues into the club tenants, thus making football in these areas more sustainable.
"The club are delighted to be working with funding specialist Forsythe Consulting and Architect Cathal Maguire from Milligan Reside Larkin who commented “Milligan Reside Larkin Architects have been delighted to working closely with the NCAFC Board, Forsythe Consulting, local sports groups and the council in the ongoing process to provide a Masterplan for the upgrade and redevelopment of the club’s facilities located within the Greenbank area of Newry. At the outset of the project, after our initial review, we decided to subdivide the design into two planning applications, the first of which, focused on the redesign and specification of the main pitch. The second application focused on wider community shared sport facilities, with a greater consultation period, this being the reason for separate applications. It is fantastic that the Planning Permission has been granted and we can now look forward to receiving possible funding for the works to commence.”
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As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic the 2020 MacRory Cup has been shared between the two finalists, St Colman's Newry and St Patrick's Maghera
The Final had been rescheduled to take place earlier this month, but a decision was taken to cancel this owing to the current public health situation.
Oonagh Murtagh, Danske Bank commented “We’re delighted to be able to present the two winners of the MacRory cup with the trophy. This is certainly a year we’ll never forget, but it’s fantastic to finally be able to recognise the fantastic skill and huge achievement from both teams.
“It wouldn’t be possible of course without the dedication of the players’ families, parents, schools, coaches, clubs and of course, the committee of the Ulster Schools GAA – thank you to everyone who has had a part to play throughout the year. We look forward to this year’s activities.”
Ulster Schools GAA Chairman Jimmy Smyth added “Our congratulations to both schools on having reached the 2019/20 Danske Bank MacRory Cup Final, and while we share their disappointment at the Final not taking place, this is still a major achievement and a huge accolade for the two schools and all the players involved.
“We are already looking forward to, and planning for, the resumption of Gaelic games in our schools in January.”
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Ulster GAA have released a statement that with effect from Friday 16th October all club activity, including training sessions that have been taking place since the Association’s directive on Monday 5th October 2020 should cease for all GAA units in Ulster.
The only activity that is exempt from this cessation across both jurisdictions is elite level Inter County activity.
It follows announcements made yesterday on the measures being introduced by the NI Executive for the next four weeks and subsequent decision by the Irish Government to place Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan in Level 4 restrictions.
The Statement reads "Essentially all our nine counties are now in a significantly increased level of restriction in an attempt by Governments to curb the spread of Covid-19.
"For the purposes of clarity this includes Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football from U16 level up as recognised by both Governments.
"We appreciate this this is a difficult time for all citizens including our membership but we ask you all to continue to act responsibly and collectively to protect our communities and their health.
"This news will come as a disappointment for our Counties and Clubs who have unfinished competitions and who may have been hoping for a return to activity in the short term. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you on developments as they happen over the next four weeks taking account of the indicative dates from both Governments."
Club Gyms and GAA Social Clubs will remain closed.
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Armagh take on Derry and Down take on Fermanagh 24 October in their opening games of the 2020 Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship and Ulster GAA announced today that they would be live streaming these games along with the others in the series.
All eight games in the provincial series will be delivered in partnership with Broadcast and Media Production company, PáircTV.
The launch of the new service is a timely boost to supporters given current inter-county competitions, such as the Allianz Leagues and Provincial Minor Championships, are to be played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions. The GAA will review this situation again towards the end of October.
The live coverage begins this weekend as Monaghan host neighbours Cavan at St Tiernach’s Park Clones, with pay-per game access priced at €5/£5. Supporters will be able to stream the games live or on demand in 1080p HD, with a highlights package also available as part of the service. Sign-up is via the PAIRCTV.COM website or by following the link on ULSTERGAA.IE/TV
The full 2020 Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Championship fixture schedule is included below.
Ulster GAA President Oliver Galligan said: “Ulster GAA is delighted to announce this new platform with PáircTV and to provide live coverage of our Minor Championship games. Given these unprecedented times, we look forward to providing supporters with access to all the action and showcasing the great young talent in our province.”
Patrick Magee, Managing Director, PáircTV, said: “PáircTV are delighted to be partnering with Ulster GAA as it’s streaming provider for the Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship.”
Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Championship Fixtures
Sat 17th October: First Round
Muineachán V An Cabhán at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones (2.00 pm)
Sat 24th October: Quarter Finals
Dún na nGall V Tír Eoghain at Pairc MacCumhaill, Ballybofey (11.30 am)
Doire V Ard Mhacha at Owenbeg (2.00 pm)
Aontroim V Muineachán / An Cabhán at Corrigan Park (2.00 pm) / Kingspan Breffni (6.00pm)
Fear Manach V An Dún at Brewster Park, Enniskillen (6.00 pm)
Sat 31st October: Semi Finals
Dún na nGall / Tír Eoghain V Doire / Ard Mhacha at Venue TBC
Fear Manach / An Dún V Aontroim / Muineachán / An Cabhán at Venue TBC
Fri 13th/Sat 14th/Sun 15th November: Final
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A decision by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to reccomend planning approval for Casement Park in Belfast has been welcomed by MLA Justin McNulty who played there while on the Armagh football team. 
“SDLP Minister Nichola Mallon has acted with careful consideration and care and has decided to approve a recommendation for planning approval for Casement Park. The ball in now in the Executive’s court to provide the funding promised and required to see construction completed."
The MLA continued "This stadium will be transformative for Belfast, for the nine counties of Ulster and for the GAA right across our island. I am delighted that the SDLP has secured this positive decision and we are committed to working with all to ensure the delivery of this project that will not only transform our sporting community here but will deliver an economic boost though construction and then when the stadium is operational.
"This weekend sees the belated start to the National League Campaign and I can think of no better way than to start that campaign with an acknowledgment from Government here of the GAA and every Gael across this island and abroad. In recent months, our communities have come through very tough times and we will do so again in the days ahead, but the GAA really did step up when people needed it most. In every community the GAA was at the heart of the community response to Covid, this will go some way to recognize the crucial role of the GAA on our island."
Mr McNulty concluded "I am excited for what this will do for the GAA in Belfast, Antrim and Ulster. I look forward to an Armagh – Tyrone Ulster final being played out there in a new world class GAA stadium in the heart of West Belfast in the near future to hear the crowds cheer on the men in Orange."
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Newry Ladies 1’s 0-6 Limavady 1’s
Newry Ladies hosted League favourites Limavady on Saturday in their first home game of the season. The ladies are back in the Ulster Senior league having taken a year out to rebuild, and with great work from Brian and Thomas Lockhart the ladies numbers have now exploded with plenty of young talent starting to come through.
This was a tough learning curve for Newry as Limavady dominated the opening quarter catching the home side cold and slightly nervous. Limavady fired in three early goals, however Newry then started to show more resolve shutting out the visitors with the score remaining 3-0 at the break.
In the second half Newry forced a number of short corners but were unable to convert, and were still proving more difficult to break down in defence with Katie McCullough in great form. Limavday managed to get their forth late in the third quarter from a penalty flick before getting two more in the forth quarter as they pushed high against a tiring Newry side.
Team: Katie McCullough, Chrissie McCauley, Stephanie Smart, Rebecca Murdock, Sarah McGivern, Kathryn Baird, Rachael Greer, Stacey Moffett, Laverne Inns, Carolyn Ferris, Lisa Murdock, Sarah McNeilly, Sara Adams, Jodie Freeman, Suzy Rollins.
Newry Men’s Seconds 6 Kilkeel 2
The Seconds picked up their first win of the new season in emphatic style on Saturday as they hit local rivals Kilkeel for six – though they had to come from behind to do so.
Despite dominating the vast majority of the game, Newry found themselves a goal down in the first quarter as they visitors broke the deadlock from a short corner. The ball was switched back to Lindsay Beck on the left-hand side of the circle and the ex-Newry player scored against his former club with a neat finish.
However, it didn’t take the hosts long to get back on level terms and the equaliser came courtesy pf a slick team move from defence and through midfield that resulted in Simon McCafferty slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to make it a goal apiece.
Newry were always in the ascendancy, but it took them until the stroke of half-time to go in front. With everyone up for a short corner, which was the final action of the opening period, centre-back Eddie Graham played in his fellow defender Gareth McCullough and he made no mistake with the finish to give Newry a deserved 2-1 lead at the break.
However, that advantage was wiped out early in the third quarter as Kilkeel got their second to draw level again, but from that point on, it was all Newry as the home side turned on the style to run away with the victory.
They regained their lead when David Andrews crashed home a fine short corner to make it 3-2 before sub Keith McWilliams blasted in a fine reverse stick effort before the game entered the final quarter to give Newry a cushion they would never relinquish.
In fact, they extended that lead when, after a period of keep ball, they spotted an opening that allowed Man of the Match Gareth Moffett to burst through on goal and he was coolness personified to beat the Kilkeel keeper one-on-one and make it 5-2.
There was still time for a sixth late on when McCafferty got his second goal of the game as he cut into the circle from the left-hand side and made no mistake with a classy finish.
After an opening day draw away to South Antrim and a harsh home defeat to a strong Instonians outfit, the Seconds eventually got the win their performances this season have deserved and will, go into this Saturday’s clash away to Cookstown in confident mood.
Team: Andrew Marks, Gareth McCullough, Eddie Graham, Jake Boyd, Daryl Barlow, Gareth Moffett, David Andrews, Scott Blakely, Corey Large, Simon McCafferty, Michael McCullough, Jonny Gregg, Keith McWilliams, James Niblock, Jordan Whiteside
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In the latest update to the Covid-19 story all GAA Club games at all levels have been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice. The decision was made today by the GAA's Management Committee.
The SDLP Sports Spokesperson and member of the 2002 Armagh All Ireland winning team, Justin McNulty has welcomed todays strong leadership of the GAA
Mr McNulty commented “Once again, the GAA have shown they will not be found wanting when it comes to showing leadership, by proactively suspending all club games.
“This was not an easy decision to make and will have a societal and financial impact across the island, but is absolutely the right decision in the context of rising COVID-19 rates. I applaud their leadership, focused on keeping people safe.”
"Throughout the pandemic, the GAA have stepped up to support our most vulnerable people, through initiatives like food banks and by looking out for the most needy people in communities. This is the latest example of strong leadership by the GAA and it should be warmly welcomed.”
In a statement a GAA Spokesperson said "The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic."
"Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government's National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.
"The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.
"The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.
More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach regarding training sessions."
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