Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in association with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) have launched the 2020 NMD Sports Awards and they are now open for nominations from the public.
The Awards aim to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local sporting community. With so many exceptional achievements racked up by sporting stars across the district, competition will be notable for the 11 awards on offer as we recognise the amazing accomplishments of our local stars throughout 2019.
The awards will also pay tribute to the efforts of our coaches, volunteers, mentors, teachers and parents who help make Newry, Mourne and Down District Council a healthy and active district.

Award Categories
Junior Club Team of the Year
Senior Club Team of the Year
Sportsperson/Team of the Year with a Disability
Life-Time Services to Sport
Young Sport Volunteer of the Year
Senior Sport Volunteer of the Year
Disability Coach of the Year
Technical Official of the Year
Coach of the Year
Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Senior Sportsperson of the Year
Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “The Council will continue to support the sporting communities of the district to empower and enable sports clubs to develop and deliver sporting experiences so that our citizens can enjoy an active lifestyle, from grass roots to high performance. Consequently, it’s vital that the Council acknowledge the high level of sporting performance and achievements of our local stars.”
The prestigious awards are open to nominations from all sports clubs, local organisations, or simply a sports fan, within our district. You can get nomination forms from:
The closing date for entries is: 4pm, Thursday 30 January 2020. Nominations can be returned to either Newry or Down Leisure Centre or emailed to: leisureandsport@nmandd.org
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey attended the 2019 Ulster Tae Kwon Do Championships on Sunday 15 December 2019 at Silverbridge Resource Centre. The Championships were hosted by Cathal Fegan Schools of Tae Kwon Do in Newry and Silverbridge.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Charlie Casey said, “I would like to congratulate Cathal Fegan on hosting the Ulster Championships in Newry, Mourne and Down. It is great to see so many competitors from all corners competing in such a prestigious martial art competition and showing their skills in grit and sparring.”
At the event, the Chairperson presented an engraved bowl on behalf of the Council to Cathal, in acknowledgment of the outstanding success of the Newry and Silverbridge clubs at the Tae Kwon Do Federation European Championship and European Cup Competition held in Cork on Sunday 28 July. A total of 40 students from the clubs competed in this event, accumulating 76 European medals between them – 10 gold, 21 silver and 45 bronze.
The Chairperson continued, “The Council is proud of each and every one of the competitors, which are great ambassadors for the district, especially after winning more medals than any other club on the island of Ireland at the European Championships. Success doesn’t come easily, it takes a lot of hard work and determination and we are very proud of these young people. I have no doubt that members within Newry and Silverbridge Tae Kwon Do clubs will continue to win many more medals in the future.”
Cathal Fegan said, “I would like to thank Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the recognition and it was a great honour to the have the Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey at the event. The Club is very grateful for the continuous support they receive from the Council the students, their families.”
Instonians 1’s 3-1 Newry 1’s
Newry were hoping to build on a strong start to the new year as they travelled to Instonians on Saturday with a full-strength side. It was cagey opening to the game with both sides measuring each other up with no real opportunities of note. That was until 15 minutes in when Inst won and scored from their first short corner. Newry started to come into the game more in the second quarter with McWilliams coming closest with a reverse stick short just before the break.

In the second half the visitors again were getting more joy on the attack causing Inst more problems at the back without scoring. That was until Newry won their second short corner and John Taylor dispatched a drag flick to equalise. With both teams on level terms neither side wanted to make any mistakes as the third quarter came to an end. Inst got their noses back in front early in the forth quarter from a well worked short corner. Newry bombed forward in search of another equaliser piling the pressure on. However Inst broke on the counter attack and won a short corner with two minutes remaining and duly scored to make it 3-1 and put the game beyond Newry.
Team: J. Porter, D. England, J. Greer, A. Baird, N. McKnight, J. Taylor, R. Irwin, M. Russell, C. McKnight, K. McWilliams, K. Fletcher, S. Megaw, P. McNiece, C. Large
Newry 2’s 4-2 Banbridge 4’s
Newry hosted Banbridge on Saturday in a local derby, with the home side taking all three points. Newry made a very sluggish start to the game and were made to pay with Banbridge going one up with only five minutes played when Sam Henry was beating after poor defending, Henry was making his first appearance in three years. However, the lead was short lived as the home side struck back through Darren Liggett after good work from McCullough and McCafferty. It was two shortly after when David Hogg returning from injury found Simon McCafferty in the circle who rounder the keeper and fired home.
David Hogg then got in on the act in the second half with a trade mark rocket from the top of the circle to make it three. Banbridge did pull another goal back but again the one goal deficit was short lived when Darren Liggett got his second of the day to round of a 4-2 win.
Team: S. Henry, D. Barlow, M. McCullough, J. Lawson, J. Boyd, D. Andrews, S. Blakely, P. Moffett, D. Liggett, D. Hogg, S. McCafferty, J. Whiteside, L. Harding, J. Niblock
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey has paid tribute to the Newry Pike Anglers at a reception last month in the Newry Council Chamber.
The event, hosted by the Chairperson, was for their achievements at all-Ireland international club events and for their contribution within the Irish angling team.

The Newry Pike Anglers was formed in 1999 and since then has gone from strength to strength. At this year’s All Ireland Inter Club Championships in the Kingscourt area of County Cavan, the A team emerged as All Ireland Inter Club Winners 2019. They competed against teams from across the island and won with an impressive bag of 105lbs and 6oz. At the British Pike Championships in Peterborough in November two of its members also represented the club on the Irish team.
In addition, the club hosted the All Ireland Junior Pike Championship in October in local waters in the Cullyhanna area. Over 50 kids participated on the day and the event was a resounding success.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “Congratulations to all the members of the Newry Pike Anglers. All of you have been great ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down and you have helped raise our profile throughout the island of Ireland.
“You are a credit to your families, your Angling Club and to the entire community. Your passion and love for your sport allows you to be successful and I have no doubt that you will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Cllr Casey continued, “This reception is a celebration of your wins, recognition of your sporting talents and a thank you to everyone who has supported you over the years. I wish you all continued sporting successes.”
Senior Football
Both our senior men and senior women are now back in training ahead of their respective new seasons. Mick Mackin, Cathal Quinn and Stephen Mooney have taken the reins for the senior men, whilst Seamus McParland is the new man at the helm for our senior ladies. Best of luck to both teams and their managers as they continue preparations for the coming year.
Last Man Standing
The Last Man Standing competition began at the weekend but it wasn’t a good few days for almost half of the entrants as their ‘expert’ team selections fell at the first hurdle. but there are still quite a few who have made it through to next weekend. The club would like to thank all those who entered the competition, it is greatly appreciated and we would also like to thank all those who have helped organise it - not an easy task.

Club Bar Clean Up
The club is organising a general clean-up of the bar area on Wednesday evening @ 7.00pm and if anyone is willing to lend a hand then they are more than welcome to come along.
Armagh GAA Club Draw
The very successful Armagh GAA Club draw is running again in 2020. The draw takes place over 4 months - March, April, May and June - with 16 prizes on offer each month. The first prize each month is £10k, right down to a 16th prize of £200.
Tickets are priced at £100 each with £80 from every ticket going directly to the club after we reach our minimum target of sales. They can be bought by paying the £100 up front or 4 monthly instalments of £25 per month.
Tickets can be purchased from any of our committee members and the more tickets we sell, the more money the club raises. We are encouraging all our club members, families and friends to purchase a ticket either individually or maybe as a group of 4 friends or family members clubbing together at £25 each.
It is a brilliant opportunity to raise much needed funds for the club whilst also being in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
Yoga at the Shane’s
Have you ever thought about trying yoga....well now you can every Tuesday evening in Shane O’Neill’s club @ 7.00pm. You don’t need to be a particular body type or have a certain level of fitness to participate....all you need is a willing mind and a mat. The first sessions takes place this Tuesday evening, 14th January @ 7.00pm. The cost is £50 for 8 weeks and everyone is welcome.
Time for Me
The Rural Health Partnership is holding a 4 week Time for Me programme in the club, beginning on Thursday, 30th January @ 7.00pm. The programme is aimed at learning skills to relax and unwind and costs just £10 for 4 weeks which is payable on the first night. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Shane O’Neill’s Community Walkway
If you fancy burning off the turkey after Christmas, want to begin the New Year by getting fit or just want to blow away the cobwebs our community walkway is open to everyone and anyone who wishes to avail of the facility.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 3, 13, 23 & 32. There were no jackpot winners 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at a very impressive £5,250.
Underage Presentation
Craobh Rua Underage Presentation night takes place this Saturday the 18th ofJanuary in St Pauls School Bessbrook. The event will commence at 6pm. All are welcome to attend this annual celebration of our young people and their commitment to our Club and our sport.
Armagh GAA Club Draw
The Armagh GAA Club draw is raking place again 2020 and tickets are now on sale.Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket should contact a committee member or send a message through our Craobh Rua Facebook Page or Twitter AccountThe draw takes place over 4 months - March, April, May and June - with 16 prizes on offer each month. The first prize each month is £10k, right down to a 16th prize of £200.Tickets are priced at £100 each with £80 from every ticket going directly to our club after we reach our minimum target of sales.The tickets can be bought by paying the £100 up front or 4 monthly instalments of £25 per month.Tickets can be purchased from any of our committee members.We encourage all our club members, families and friends to purchase a ticket either individually or maybe as a group of 4 friends or family members clubbing together at £25 each.This is a brilliant opportunity to raise much needed funds for Craobh Rua club whilst also being in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.

HIIT & GO Boot Camp
The highly successful Bootcamps begin again this Monday 6th January.
Timetable
(Evenings)Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm to 7:15pm
(Mornings) Tuesday & Thursday 6:15am to 7am
Saturday 9am
Contact
Fiachra Bradley 07799304062
Blaine Hughes 07738009856
Cost
4Week Bootcamp £40
Or Pay As a you Go £4
Further Information @CraobhRuaGym Facebook Page
Ulster GAA Training
Many thanks to Ulster GAA Council, St Pauls School and all involved in hosting and delivering the very informative ‘Specific Club Roles’ Workshops. All from Craobh Rua who attended found the night very beneficial.Ulster GAA Council will be hosting a ‘Creating A Safer Club‘ Workshop night and any member or Club Officer interested one attending should contact Craobh Rua Club secretary Pat McGinn.The ‘creating a safer club’ training is open to specific role holders and all appropriate members.Venue – St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook – Thursday 23rd January 6:30pm -9pm· Creating a Safe Club· Doing Things Right – Good Governance in your GAA Club· Upholding disciplinary rules and procedures· Health & Wellbeing
Coiste Meetings
Full Coiste February Meeting Wednesday 12th Feb 7pm
Full Coiste March Meeting Wednesday 11th March 7pm
Michael Johnson once said “Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best.”

One Newry AC athlete completed 2019 doing just that, punctuating 2019 with medal winning performances across Britain and Ireland. A fantastic achievement and just reward for Joanne McCauley who under the guidance of Kookie O’Hagan and the addition of sprint coach Brendan Murphy powered to National titles, British & Irish Nation Championship podiums and was also awarded with the opportunity to represent GB&NI at the European Masters Championships in Italy.
On top of filling up the medal cabinet Joanne finished 2019 securing overall British top 10 ranking performances, both indoors and out across multiple events and age categories clocking 8.93 over 60m & 68.82 over 400m indoors. A PB of 67.18 was also secured over 400m at the European Championships.
Joanne’s medal haul included Double Gold in the NI Masters over 100m & 200m, Silver in the long jump and Bronze in the High Jump. The medals didn’t end there with McCauley picking up the All Ireland Irish Nation Long Jump title alongside Silver in the 400m. Not content with being one of the top athletes on the island Joanne also claimed Silver in the British Masters Athletics Championship in Birmingham.
2020 will no doubt continue to deliver national and international success for the Newry AC athlete with winter training in full flow as Joanne prepares to lace up the spikes at the Scottish Open championships in Glasgow at the end of January alongside many club team mates.
Underage Managers & Mentors Meeting
An underage managers and mentors meeting in preparation for 2020 will take place this Thursday night, 9th January at 7.00pm in the club. All those interested in being involved with any of our underage teams, boys and girls, in the year ahead are asked to come along on Thursday night.
Well Done
Well done to our senior footballer Ciaran Mackin who was part of the Armagh U20 team which defeated Cavan on Saturday. By all accounts Ciaran had a good game which saw him saw him net a well taken goal in his team’s 2 - 18 to 3 - 13 win. Well done also to Ladies footballer Brianna Mathers who has been selected as part of the Armagh 2020 minor squad.
Underage Training
Our underage training sessions will all be resuming after the Christmas break over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on social media for times and dates.
Last Man Standing
Our senior men are organising a Last Man Standing competition which begins next weekend but there is still time to enter and anybody wanting to enter please contact any of our senior men or committee members. The entry fee is £10 with a first prize of £1000 on offer for the winner.
Armagh GAA Club Draw
The very successful Armagh GAA Club draw is running again in 2020. The draw takes place over 4 months - March, April, May and June - with 16 prizes on offer each month. The first prize each month is £10k, right down to a 16th prize of £200.
Tickets are priced at £100 each with £80 from every ticket going directly to the club after we reach our minimum target of sales. They can be bought by paying the £100 up front or 4 monthly instalments of £25 per month.
Tickets can be purchased from any of our committee members and the more tickets we sell, the more money the club raises. We are encouraging all our club members, families and friends to purchase a ticket either individually or maybe as a group of 4 friends or family members clubbing together at £25 each.
It is a brilliant opportunity to raise much needed funds for the club whilst also being in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
Shane O’Neill’s Community Walkway
If you fancy burning off the turkey after Christmas, want to begin the New Year by getting fit or just want to blow away the cobwebs our community walkway is open to everyone and anyone who wishes to avail of the facility.
Coiste Meeting
The Full Coiste January meeting will take place this Wednesday 8th January 7pm
Full Coiste February Meeting Wednesday 12th Feb 7pm
Full Coiste March Meeting Wednesday 11th March 7pm
Armagh GAA Club Draw
The Armagh GAA Club draw is raking place again 2020 and tickets are now on sale.
Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket should contact a committee member or send a message through our Craobh Rua Facebook Page or Twitter Account
The draw takes place over 4 months - March, April, May and June - with 16 prizes on offer each month. The first prize each month is £10k, right down to a 16th prize of £200.

Tickets are priced at £100 each with £80 from every ticket going directly to our club after we reach our minimum target of sales.
The tickets can be bought by paying the £100 up front or 4 monthly instalments of £25 per month.
Tickets can be purchased from any of our committee members.
We encourage all our club members, families and friends to purchase a ticket either individually or maybe as a group of 4 friends or family members clubbing together at £25 each.
This is a brilliant opportunity to raise much needed funds for Craobh Rua club whilst also being in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
HIIT & GO Boot Camp
The highly successful Bootcamps begin again this Monday 6th January.
Timetable
(Evenings)Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm to 7:15pm
(Mornings) Tuesday & Thursday 6:15am to 7am
Saturday 9am
Contact
Fiachra Bradley 07799304062
Blaine Hughes 07738009856
Cost
4Week Bootcamp £40
Or Pay As a you Go £4
Further Information @CraobhRuaGym Facebook Page
Comhbhrón
An Coiste, members, players and all involved with Craobh Rua extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mrs Mary Cooney grandmother of our esteemed club members and players Oisin and Fergal Cooney.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
Successful Fund Raising For St Pauls Kenya Trip
The launching of our new Gym facility helped raise funds for St. Paul’s Kenya Trip. Our senior hurler Sean McVerry will be joining the group of Sr Pauls students and staff who will be travelling to Kenya where they will be involved in helping support communities and young people in a wide range of educational projects, and Craobh Rua are delighted to support Sean and his School.
Míle buíochas to all who attended the Gym sessions and donated to this noble cause.
Ulster GAA Training
Role Specific Training
Coiste Officers from Craobh Rua will be attending the Ulster Council ‘Role Specific Training’ in St Pauls Bessbrook this Thursday night 6:30pm to 9pm.
Creating A Safer Club
The ‘creating a safer club’ training is open to specific role holders and all appropriate members.
Venue – St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook – Thursday 23rd January 6:30pm -9pm