* The Under 21s were beaten on Friday night past by a strong well organised Mayobridge side by four points. At one stage the lads were 10 points down. In fairness they battled back hard but always played second fiddle to this strong Bridge outfit who will be favourites to top the group. Training will continue this Wednesday Night at 7.30pm sharp at the Bann Road.
* Club Maith is a Club accreditation scheme which is unique to the GAA. It allows Clubs to be benchmarked against best practice standards across the full range of GAA Club activity. A Club Maith award makes a clear, proven statement about the quality of a Club, right across the board. On Saturday past there was a visit to the Club by the Club Maith Assessors to look at our facilities, structures and the basic set up of our Club. The assessors viewed our facilities at the Dublin Road and St Malachy’s Park and took in coaching sessions lead by our Football and Hurling coaches. Afterwards they met with members of the Executive Committee and coaches in an informal question and answer session. The visit was very positive. We wish to thank all those in the club who facilitated the assessors and to all the Executive Committee who were there representing Our Club.
* Congratulations to Michael Cunningham who on Saturday past captained St Colman's Newry in their win over St Mary's CBS Belfast. Also in the Violet Hill Squad is Cathal Keown. The College came out 3-10 to 2-5 winners over the Belfast lads. Well done lads and keep it up!
* The MTV European Awards night may have had Lady GaGa, Justin Beiber, Snow Patrol, and Katie Perry. These names definitely will not be appearing in this year’s F-Factor. Indeed things are hotting up for this year’s competition. There was quite an uproar on Saturday past when one of the Groups (known last year as The Red Hot Chilean Miners) started to shoot their video around the town. Crowds had to be kept back to allow the guys to get on with it. Thankfully there was no repeat of the video shot in North Down recently (we think). All will be revealed in due course! The first semi-final will be in the Club on Saturday 19th November.
The Club Draw results on Saturday night past were as follows- 1. 7 Nights Orlando Trip – Frankie & Bridget Toner, 2. European City Break – William McCawley Snr, 3. Laptop Computer – Nora Owens, 4. £400 – Conor Cunningham, 5. Mini Week-end – Hugh Ward. £100 winners – Colm Crilly, Joe McCann, Julie Gleeson, Cathy McVeigh & Paula Quinn. £50 winners – Donal Rodgers, Claire Rodgers, Terry Cowen, Orlaith Ward, Marcella Brogan, Peter & Betty Cairns, Ann Rice, Grace Duffin, Sean Toner & Brian Galbraith.
* Classes on how to use an abacus will start shortly in the Club. There will be a beginners’ class for counting the numbers 1 to 10. The second phase will be the medium stage counting the 11 to 15 numbers and finally the advanced stage 17 to 20. Apparently there is no number 16 – can anyone explain that for me?
* Another reminder that the Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 24 November at 7.30pm in the club rooms.
