* The 2011 film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” has absolutely nothing to do with Gaelic games or sport in general, but, like most films it usually throws up a fantastic quote. “Everything will be all right in the end, if it is not all right – it is not yet the end” For Lisa Morgan she must have thought her season with the Town and Down was over when she dislocated her shoulder in the summer time. Was it the end? Was everything all right? Of course not! Working your way back, keeping your eye on the prize was what mattered. Being a footballer you know there are unexpected obstacles thrown in your way. It is how you react to them and surpass them is what counts. The best was yet to come. For Lisa, Kyla Trainor, Orla Boyle and Karen McMullan the next strand of their season came on Sunday when all four Town Ladies players stepped out for arguably the biggest games of their lives on the biggest stage. On All-Ireland Final day in Croke Park against Fermanagh. Like most big stages you earn your right to be there. For Karen it was Deja vu having being there with the Camogs a fortnight ago. For Kyla a chance to get 2005 out of the system and for Orla a first All-Ireland Final. The Down victory and the result is now consigned to the history books. If ever there was a complete performance this was it. All the players stuck to their task. They were business-like to the end with almost a fear that they would collapse. That collapse was never going to materialise as they kept the foot on the pedal to the end. Kyla didn’t start the match. It was a pre-match plan which worked a treat. She ended up deservedly as TG4’s Player of the Match. Karen was her steady usual self around the middle of the field while Orla kept things tight at the back. Lisa had a fantastic game also. Congratulations to the Down Team and Mentors on what was a wonderful performance which brought home yet another All-Ireland to Down.
* Hot on the heels of the Down Ladies success in Croke Park comes the Ladies Ulster Senior Club Championship. For our four county players there will be no rest, no putting the feet up and sipping the tea just yet! This Sunday Castlewellan ladies take on Glen from Derry in the opening round at the Derry venue. Since the success in the County Final the ladies have been working hard preparing for this game. We would ask as many of you to turn out in your club colours to give your support to the ladies. There is an intention to send a bus to the game. Please register your interest with Moira Hawkins or Brian Dougherty. We wish Liam, Martin, Geraldine and all the panel our best wishes for Sunday.
* The second of our three annual draws took place last Saturday Night in the club. Please see our website www.castlewellangac.com for a list of September’s winners.
* The annual slaughter of the innocence (also known as the veteran versus the young un’s) hurling match will take place on Saturday 11 October 2014 at 4.00pm. For Stevo the match will start at 3.30pm. We need you there early man! Yes the annual routine of age and treachery overcoming youth and skill is with us once again! The prize “The Boot” will once again be presented to the winning veteran captain! They are that sure of a win they might even ask the PRO to play! Who will turn up for the young un’s? Jasey will be sticking to piggy backs while the Stevenson’s Rocket which is Jarvis will be sharpening the edge of his hurl and eating raw steak in preparation for the Vets. No doubt the young skilled hurlers of the town will come back with something sharp and witty for next week (it won’t be put in Jasey – unfair I know!).
* So when the cycling craze took off it was only a matter of time before The Town had its own share of MAMILs. Look the acronym up for your selves and you will find out what it means. Last Sunday some of our MAMILs took part in The Paul McKibben Memorial Cycle which supported the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children saw club members the PRO, Peter McKibben and Niall McCabe complete the 48 mile route. They were grateful for the support of Club Member who lives on Mill Hill running like an ostrich alongside us with his youngster on board trying to what he thought – give us encouragement - it wasn’t a Grand Tour Big man. You’re watching too much telly big man. Get on your bike Kevan. It was a great cycle and a great day for a great cause and the lads enjoyed it.
* There are a number of Courses, resources and projects coming up over the next few months. These might be of some interest to club members and coaches. They include Level 3 Diploma in Team Management in Gaelic Sport, Level 2 Course, Free GAA Coaching Awards, Development of talent coaches, GAA Activity Planner and The Activate GAA Warm-Up: Enhance Performance and Reduce Injury. Please contact John O’Neill for details
* Slimming World at Castlewellan GAC on Tuesday from 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday at 9.30am. Any queries contact Lorna 07531595280
* There will be a winter coaching programme commencing on Wednesday Nov 5th for all boys and girls from P1 to P7 in St Malachy’s High School and it will run for 6 Wednesdays up to and including Wednesday Dec 10th. Keep an eye out closer to the then for exact times.
* The Club will be holding a night in appreciation of all those who helped out during the year on Saturday 18 October. Details to follow soon.
