aelic ews - McCormack Associates

AELIC
EWS
B u l l e t i n of St Pauls G.F.C.
Issue No.(31 AEREU 1993
Whats i n Issue 02.?
1. Pride of place goes t o our Under 12's
Juvenile View.
2. Senior F o o t b a l l - Match r e p o r t s , a n a l y s i s , h i g h l i g h t s
pages no 4-6
3. Down Memory Lane- Bangor and Pitches;
S u c c e s s and C o l m c i l l e s
St L a i s e r a n s
Ards I n s i g h t
Bangor A f f a i r s
St P a u l s r e p o r t s
pages no 7-8
pages
8-9
9T
page
10
page
10
page
11
4. Whats on i n 1993
Juvenile s o l o - s k i l l s
Quiz N i g h t F l o p
County Update
The U l s t e r Champions - Down
Senior Marathon
THE
GLORY AND THE DEJECTION —
page
page
12
14
REPORT ON ULSTER CHAMPS
The D o w n h u r l e r s w h o d i d w e l l t o r e a c h t h e q u a r t e r f i n a l o f t h e N a t i o n a l L e a g u e , b u t f e l l
h e a v i l y to C o r k at C r o k e P a r k . P H O T O S : C y r i l D o b b i n .
St
Pauls h u r l i n g
c o r r e s p o n d a n t s r e f l e c t on t h e h i g h s
and t h e Lows
Juvenile
View
The E a s t Down l e a g u e s have been d r a w n up and S t P a u l s w i l l h a v e teams
c o m p e t i n g i n U-12 (15 a s i d e , S e c t i o n B) and i n U-14 (13 a s i d e ) .
Listed
U-12
below are opposing
teams ;
Ballykinlar
( w i n n e r s 1 9 9 2 ) , S t Johns ( r u n n e r s - u p 1 9 9 2 ) , B r i g h t
Darragh C r o s s , L o u g h i n i s l a n d , K i l c l i e f , D r u m a n e s s , K i l l y l e a g h ,
Dundrum,St P a u l s . , Dromara
1(5 one r o u n d
matches w i l l
be p l a y e d .
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
^******
U-14
M a t c h e s a r e t o be p l a y e d e a c h Tues e v e n i n g , s e e
bulletin*****
L e i t r i m ( w i n n e r s 1992),St Johns(runners-up 1 9 9 2 ) , B a 1 l y k i n l a r ,
Darragh Cross,Dundrum,Saul,Annsboro,Dundrum,Killyleagh,
K i l c l i e f , S t Pauls.
9 one r o u n d
matches
,will
commence on Sun May 9 t h .
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
***** Games w i l l
And
U-12
be p l a y e d on S u n / M o n ; a l t e r n a t e
w i t h Senior
fixture***
They're o f f !
East
Down League
St Johnsl-2
St Pauls
1-3;13.04.93
U n l i k e t h e i r S e n i o r t e a m , t h e s e l a d s s t a r t e d a new l e a g u e i n t h e b e s t
manner, w i t h a g r e a t w i n . St Johns, runners-up i n 1992 and possessing superior
t r a i n i n g f a c i l i t i e s put out t h e i r strongest team f o r t h i s game.In marked
contrast St Pauls were w i t h o u t a number of t a l e n t e d boys and t h e i r manager,
Peter Morris.Each player chosen f o r t h i s match performed b r i l l i a n t l y and t h e i r
never say d i e a t t i t u d e i s a c r e d i t t o them and also t o Peter M o r r i s .
In the f i r s t h a l f , S t Pauls defence stood f i r m . M a r t i n Fegan was the outstanding
player on the p i t c h , w i n n i n g a l l b a l l and then d r i v i n g out from h i s own h a l f . M a r t i n
was ably supported by P h i l i p Davey.Niall Mc Guigan never l e t h i s man lose and
alongside Neal Forbes they s e t t l e d well.Eamon Mc C o n v i l l e scored from a f r e e
to get St Pauls only score i n t h i s h a l f . A defensive blunder l e t St Johns i n f o r
a s o f t g o a l . I t was a r e l i e v e d "caretaker manager" (Pat Mc C o n v i l l e ) t o hear the
w h i s t l e f o r a h a l f time score of St Johns 1-2 St Pauls 0 - 1 . P h i l i p Davey was
switched t o c e n t r e - h a l f back and Brendan Mc Guigan was put i n a t F u l l -forward.
The lads played great f o o t b a l l i n t h i s second half.They dominated the game,
and i n s p i t e of missing chances they kept b a t t l i n g on.Eamon Mc C o n v i l l e was a
tower of s t r e n g t h i n m i d f i e l d and got able support from Anthony Davey.With 10 mins
to go the scores remained as at h a l f time.St Johns had t o cave-in.From a h i g h b a l l
i n ,Brendan Mc Guigan shot low t o the net,but t h e i r keeper turned i t round the post
More s u f f e r i n g followed when a goal f o r Pauls was deemed a square b a l l . W i t h M a r t i n '
Fegan and P h i l i p Davey pushing up a score was sure t o come.Philip Davey got a p o i n t
and then Donal Graham got another.From a close i n free,Eamon Mc C o n v i l l e shot wide
J u s t i c e was f i n a l l y done when Kevin Mc Elroy l a i d the b a l l o f f t o Brendan Mc
Guigan His cross was put i n t o the net by Trevor Graham(he had never played g a e l i c
before).Celebrations were w i l d and nearly l o s t St Pauls the game.As 8 players
hugged each other ,Johnnies attacked.Free men were a l l over the p l a c e . S p i r i t e d
defending and a couple of c r u c i a l i n t e r c e p t i o n s by the keeper Murphy
saved us.
A great win by a great panel.Well done t o the lads,they are going t o do very w e l l
as a team.Martin Fegan was man of the match,Eamon Mc C o n v i l l e was'nt f a r behind,
everyone played t h e i r hearts out.Seniors could do a l o t worse than see t h i s team,
r e a l i s e t h a t switches are permitted during a game,and most i m p o r t a n t l y d i s p l a y t h e i r
guts and determination.Thanks go t o Eamon Mc Elroy,Dessi Mc Guigan,Frankie Mc Guigan
e t family,Peter Davey e t f a m i l y and Pat Mc C o n v i l l e f o r t h e i r support and help.
Murphy
Neal Forbes M a r t i n Fegan N i a l l Mc Guigan
Timothy Gethan B Mc Guigan P h i l i p Davey
E Mc C o n v i l l e Anthony Davey
Donal Graham
Chris R a f f e r t y Kevin Mc Elroy
Martin Davey
Chris Neeson
Trevor Graham
E
P
D
T
Mc C o n v i l l e 0-1
Davey
0-1
Graham
0-1
Graham
1-0
SUB Con Murphy
U-12
Rnd 2
St Pauls 3-0
Loughinisland 2-3
You do not know what you are missing when t h i s team take the field.Once
again they d e f i e d the odds t o Loughinislands'amazement.The game was switched
t o Loughinisland a t the l a s t moment because Holywood p i t c h was unplayable.
23 players made the journey down.Lining out on the f u l l s i z e p i t c h , S t Pauls
attacked i n earnest.Brendan Mc Guigan h i t the cross-bar but soon enough
i t was Trevor Graham who shot t o the net.As the r a i n came down,some Pauls
players faded.Midfield was not as strong as v St Johns and defenders refused
t o watch t h e i r men.Loughinisland soon had 2 p o i n t s on the board ,yet St
Pauls refused t o die.HJT Loughinisland 0-2 St Pauls 1-0.After team t a l k s , i t
was Loughinisland t h a t attacked again.They added a p o i n t and then scored
a k i l l e r goal.Once again St Pauls responded.They cleared the b a l l and i n
P Davey
they had a player w i l l i n g t o run the l e n g t h of the f i e l d . S t
Pauls camped i n Loughinislands' 21 but Andrew Russell was unsuccessful w i t h
4 pointed efforts.These lads dont g i v e up and from a f r e e Andrew sent the
b a l l t o the net,the sides were l e v e l . F r a n t i c play followed.Neal Forbes d i d
w e l l t o c l e a r o f f the l i n e and Ronan Mc Ternan brought o f f good saves.From
one o f these attacks Loughinisland got another goal.Once again M a r t i n Fegan
drove forward,good support play from the h a l f - f o r w a r d s l e d t o
Davey
g e t t i n g the ball.He went round 2 defenders and shot f o r a goal.The keeper
got a hand t o the b a l l but there was Trevor Graham again t o get the g o a l .
That was the l a s t k i c k i n the game.When one considers t h a t St Pauls also
h i t the post i n t h i s match,a goalbound shot t h a t was held up by the mud
on the l i n e and missed easy p o i n t i n g chances a draw was the l e a s t we deserved.
Work i s needed f o r defenders,but o v e r a l l both teams were equally matched
i n the s k i l l s o f the game.Neal Forbes,Ronan Mc Ternan,Chris R a f f e r t y and
M a r t i n Fegan played w e l l i n defence.Forward play tended t o break down,but
approach play by Colm Morris and Kevin Mc Elroy was good.Well done t o a l l
the lads on another great display.No team can match t h e i r determination
or t h e i r s p i r i t . T h a n k s t o Desi Mc Guigan,Frankie Mc Guigan,Willie Fegan
Donal Graham e t missus and o f course the boss Peter Morris f o r the support.
New j u v e n i l e k i t w i l l soon be on show,so come along and see i t and the team.
******************************************************
7.30
Series 3 27.04.93
Away v K i l l y l e a g h
Series 4 04.05.93
7.45
Home v Darragh Cross
Series 5 11.05.93
8 pm
Away v B a l l y k i n l a r
Team v L'island
SUBS
Trevor Graham
Chris Neeson
Donal Graham
Tim Gethan
Ronan Mc Ternan
Chris R a f f e r t y Meal Forbes
N i a l l Mc Guigan
Colm Query
M a r t i n Fegan M a r t i n Davey
E Mc C o n v i l l e Anthony Davey
Colm Morris
P h i l i p Davey K Mc Elroy
Andrew Russell B Mc Guigan Ronan Walls
Senior Panel
I t seems t h a t on current form there w i l l be no easy matches i n t h i s Division.A
team w i t h few leaders and l i t t l e f i g h t i s f a s t becoming t h e " t a r g e t - p r a c t i c e "
boys.
21.03.93
Banbridge
12.04.93
2-12
St Pauls 0-9
Ardglass 6-12
St Pauls 2-6
A score t h a t t e l l s i t a l l , d i s a s t e r
Having given t o p team Annsboro a r i g h t
has arrived.Ardglass ,who possess probably
scare i n t h e i r previous match,hopes were
the f a s t e s t forward l i n e i n t h e d i v i s i o n
h i g h t h a t progress would be sustained.In
were allowed t o run r i o t against St
the opening 20 mins St Pauls ran the
game.Playing possesion f o o t b a l l and hungry Pauls.As i s t h e norm f o r the opening
for the b a l l Danny Hughes and Marty Mongfrh 10 mins,Pauls performed well.Eug Donnelly
scored 2 good p o i n t s , b u t other chances
lauded i t i n midfield.Gary Baker scored
were missed.It was c l e a r t h a t Ardglass
a beauty p o i n t from the r i g h t t o open
defence had i t s f a i r share o f problems,yet
St Pauls account.Therein the problem
again we l e t them o f f t h e hook.Slack
l a y . I n s p i t e o f many r a i d s i n t o Banbridge
marking,polite t a c k l i n g and day dreamers
t e r r i t o r y domination was not r e f l e c t e d
l e t Ardglass record 1-6 by t h e end
i n scores.Ten wides were recorded and
w i t h i t panic s e t in.Banbridge,realising of t h e f i r s t h a l f . S t Pauls opened
t h a t i t was only St Pauls and n o t Donegal w i t h some j e s t upon t h e t h r o w - i n . I n s i d e
saw some hope.Crowding m i d f i e l d and p u l l i n c : t h a t f i r s t 3 mins forwards could
Pauls forwards i n t o t h e i r own h a l f Banbridchave scored 2-2.Bad luck and poor
began t o t i c k . A h e s i t a n t back l i n e p o l i t e l ] f i n i s h i n g robbed us o f anything.Without
m i d f i e l d e r Marty Monaghan,who was
l e t one Banbrige forward poke the b a l l
c a r r i e d o f f i n j u r e d i n the f i r s t half,team
between 3 motionless defenders and a t
shape suffered.Few responded t o the
h a l f - t i m e a l l the e f f o r t was f o r nought.
ST Pauls 0-2 Banbridge 1 - 4 . P h i l i p Lismore, challenge l a i d down by Hughes e t Donnelly.
Paul Mc Grattan,Gary Baker and Kevin
p l a y i n g h i s best match f o r decades l e d
Mc Grattan contained players and alongside
his forward l i n e by example.Likewise
Danny Hughes can be proud o f t h e i r
Stephen R e i l l y and Chris Mc Cullough
e f f o r t s . A t one stage t h e Ardglass f u l l
tightened up defence.With 10 mins t o
back l i n e were attempting scores.Waves
go i t was 1-8 t o 0-7.Forcing Banbridge
of 9 a t t a c k e r s were l a y i n g seige on
back and a t l a s t p l a y i n g good b a l l i n t o
St Pauls defenders,yet few Pauls forwards
corner forwards Brian Mc Elroy and Gavin
chased opposite numbers.Belatedly
Cinnanan the match was there f o r the
Harry Lismore was switched t o f u l l taking.Pauls momentum was broken when
forward.He responded w i t h a g r e a t
a forward pass went astray.Banbridge
goal ,Paul Baker added p o i n t s and
saw escape and got a l i t t l e bonus o f
Brian R e i l l y scored a goal from a
a s o f t goal,again through a b a c k - l i n e
close i n free.Kevin Mc Grattan was
blunder.Star Banbridge attacker was a
man o f the match i n a game few w i l l
c u r r e n t Down Minor.He took great scores
remember w i t h c r e d i t . A win i s u r g e n t l y
from a l l angles and distances.Switches
needed by everyone involved w i t h the
were n o t made t o counter t h i s t h r e a t
Seniors.They and only they can t u r n
and so v i c t o r y was l o s t . P h i l i p Lismore
the corner,which i s t h r e a t e n i n g t o
was the man o f the match f o r St Pauls,
Gary Burns looked dangerous u n t i l i n j u r e d , be a downward s p i r a l o f no r e t u r n .
m i d f i e l d outshone Banbridge every time.
When chest h i g h b a l l was given B r i a n
Michael Mc Govern
Mc Elroy won i t every time and i n t h a t
Harry
Lismore
Paul Mc Grattan K MeGrattan
l a s t 5 mins St Pauls missed two s i t t e r s .
Gary
Burns
Gary
Baker
G Cinnanan
The forward l i n e gives g r e a t e s t cause
M
Monaghan
D
Hughes
for concern and u l t i m a t e l y t h e i r i n a b i l i t y
P Baker
B Mc Elroy
to f u n c t i o n as a u n i t cost St Pauls possib.E Donnelly
P Duffy
B Reilly
P Monaghan
victory.
M Mc G o v e r n
Ha r ry Liarore
P Mr Grattan
C Mc Cullough
G Bums
P Hunt
P Baker
MMoTaghan D Hughes
G Cinnanan
G Baker
P Lismore
B Mr Elroy
B Reilly
Meghan
P
S Reilly for G Bums / S Kai*3 for C Mr Cullarih
S Kane f o r M Monaghan M Mc C o n v i l l e
f o r P Monaghan
E Donnelly 0-3 P Baker 0-2 B R e i l l y
1-1
H Lismore 1-0
REFLECTIONS ON " t h e Alamo !
layer A
" M a r k i n g i s non - e x i s t a n t ,players are not focused on the game
and we have l e t down two men whose e f f o r t s deserve b e t t e r than us.
Player X
Half forwards w i l l not f o l l o w t h e i r men,there i s no co-ordinated
forward play and we are i n d i v i d u a l s not a team unit,confidance i s
very low ,we need a win.
Player I
For some reason we dont go i n hard,players are not challenged,they
s t r o l l through and score a t will.We have players as good as anyone
else,we've put i n t h e e f f o r t and a l l players are commited i n t r a i n i n g .
That commitment and determination i s not being seen a t matches"
***************************************************
I t s up t o Senior players t o get out o f t h i s hole.When they t r u l y decide t h a t
they are good enough and get r i d o f t h i s i n f e r i o t y complex then r e s u l t s w i l l
change.We are not alone i n t h i s p o s i t i o n . I n 1992 B a l l y k i n l a r won no games and
a club w i t h a great t r a d i t i o n i n Down f o o t b a l l was a laughing stock.Opposing
teams ,at present almost f e e l sorry f o r us,they want a competitive match as
w e l l . B a l l y k i n l a r faced the abyss as d i d Aghaderg and t o a man said they were
determined t o get over t h e problems.Look a t them now,a t o t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n .
Coaching,stamina t r a i n i n g and d e d i c a t i o n should not be forgotten.Players d i d
t h i s t o improve.Attitude i s a l l t h a t i s preventing us from winning,when plans
are implimented f u l l y and when ALL want t o win and are motivated t o win then
winning w i l l become t h e norm.Just as winning i s a h a b i t ,so i s c o n d i t i o n i n g
y o u r s e l f t o g a l l a n t defeats.Management must go out t o win every game ,not
condone sloppy displays.Only 3 games have elapsed and time i s on our s i d e . I
am confidant t h a t a l l involved w i l l show t h e i r t r u e worth ,a win can change
a l o t and from t h a t wins come naturally.Come on lads l i f t the heads and give
Eug Donnelly and Danny Hughes some reward.A lobby group o r i g i n a t i n g from players'
w i v e s , g i r l f r i e n d s , f a m i l y has been formed t o counter depression.Called Families
Against Grumpy/Sulky players they intend t o p i c k e t Home fixtures.Huddled i n
a group by t h e car park a t Holywood a spokesperson summed i t up.
"We're s i c k o f players coming i n from some s i l l y match l i k e a bear.They moan
i n the corner,ignore us and g e n e r a l l y are manic depressos f o r about 3 days.
We are asking f o r two t h i n g s , l.Win a game lads o r 2.Pack i t i n and give us
some peace." FAMILIES AGAINST GRUMPY/ SULKY PLAYERS have put a p r i c e on t h e
head o f Senior Manager ,Donal Graham.Shoot him and a l l the players might cheer
up.(soery Donal ,that was meant t o read ,shoot t h e Secretary).
*********************************************
FIXTURES.
26.04.93
09.05.93
17.05
23.05
31.05
07.06
7.30
3pm
8pm
3pm
8pm
8pm
Away v K i l c l i e f
Home v Glassdrumman
Home v A g h a d e r g
AT BREDAGH
CHAMPIONSHIP
Home v K i l l y l e a g h
Away v M i t c h e l s
St Pauls v C a s t l e w e l l a n i i '
FEIS An D u i n P r e l i m i n a r y Rnds Sun 16.05.
SCORE OF SCORES.
1.Eug D o n n e l l y 0-M'
2. B r i a n R e i l l y 1-3
3. H a r r y L i s m o r e / P Monaghan 1-0
Paul Baker
0-3
19.04.93
&.C.L. D i v i s i o n 4
ST Pauls
0-9
Ballykinlar
3-8
A s c o r e t h a t i n no way t e l l s t h e t a l e o f t h i s game.St P a u l s r e g a i n e d
p r i d e and p l a y e r s d e m o n s t r a t e d t h e c o m m i t m e n t t h a t was m i s s i n g v A r d g l a s s .
Manager Donal Graham,realising t h a t a c t i o n was needed made a number o f p o s i t i o n a l
switches i n h i s o r i g i n a l team selection.On a p i t c h t h a t resembled a r i c e f i e l d , S t
Pauls played downhill.Scores were v i t a l d u r i n g t h i s phase.Ballykinlar used
t h e i r physical advantage t o great e f f e c t , n o r u l e s barred g a e l i c was t h e i r game.
Neck tackles,punches,elbows,sliding t a c k l e s , you name i t , t h e y d i d i t . A r e f e r e e
who refused t o clamp down on t h i s behaviour n e a r l y l e t the simmering anger
e x p l o d e . l t i s a c r e d i t t o otir players t h a t they r e t a i n e d d i s c i p l i n e . E x p e r t
k i c k i n g by Eug Donnelly gave St Pauls the lead.Danny Hughes ,at f u l l - f o r w a r d
was causing a l l kinds of havoc t o K i n l a r backs.With t h i s d i v e r s i o n Eug Donnelly
was able t o p i c k o f f long range p o i n t s a t w i l l . P a u l Duffy also scored a good
point,however i n t h i s c r u c i a l p e r i o d the b a l l j u s t would not run f o r us.In
an attempt t o get a goal forwards ignored easy p o i n t i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s . l t i s
understandable t o t r y t h i s because a good lead was v i t a l , b u t p o i n t s make p r i z e s
B a l l y k i n l a r opened t h e i r s c o r i n g i n 10 mins w i t h a goal.Breaking from m i d f i e l d
they passed t o ex-Down player Paul Mahon.As the r e f watched he disposed o f
Paddy Hunts' t a c k l i n g w i t h a punch t o the head.He fed the b a l l f o r K i l l e n t o
score.So instead of g e t t i n g Mahon sent o f f B a l l y k i n l a r saw t h a t crime paid.Right
on h a l f - t i m e 3 more p o i n t s followed from Kinlar.A good lead was wiped clean.
H.T St Pauls 0-6 B a l l y k i n l a r 1-3.Hughes was brought back t o m i d f i e l d f o r the
second h a l f and the h i g h l y robust Paul Baker went t o f u l l - f o r w a r d . I n a c t i n g
Donal Graham strenghtened h i s defence,The second h a l f was a s t o r y of brave
and r e s o l u t e defending by St Pauls.Time and again they closed K i n l a r men down.With
7 mins l e f t the score read St Pauls 0-7 B a l l y k i n l a r 2-3.No defence can withstand
s o l i d pressure.They begged the forwards t o r e l i e v e i t but every time possession
was l o s t and the b a l l sent back i n t o our defenders.Paul Monaghan n e a r l y d i d
the t r i c k when h i s l o b came o f f the cross-bar.Keeper Michael Mc Govern had
brought o f f 3 great saves i n t h i s half,however he was a t f a u l t f o r the goals
t h a t won K i n l a r the game.A long range shot went t o the net and w i t h 2 mins
remaining Michael palmed down a h i g h b a l l and Paddy Doherty blasted t o the
net.A brace of p o i n t s f o l l o w e d , w h i l s t belated St Pauls a t t a c k s could not
claw i t back. I n h i n d s i g h t forward play l o s t us the match,not Michael
Every player showed commitment needed and on t h i s performance we are as good
as anyone.Ballykinlar Secretary praised our team and said the score d i d n t do
j u s t i c e t o our t a l e n t e d team.All defenders were tremendous.Until those mistakes,
Michael Mc Govern was superb,Chris Mc Cullough d i d well,as d i d Paddy Hunt.Danny
Hughes and Eug Donnelly were marked men i n t h i s game.Both came o f f the f i e l d
the colour o f b e e t r o t . I n one a s s a u l t on K i n l a r goals,Dannys' usual g l o r y run
was stopped by 4 K i n l a r men and e s p e c i a l l y elbows i n t o h i s face.The r e f sent
o f f the wrong man and Mark Doherty l i v e d t o punch another day.Harry Lismore
becamed involved i n a disagreement but h i s gentlemanly conduct epitomised Harry.
Man of the match was Paul Mc Grattan,who continues t o e x c e l l i n f u l l - b a c k . A f t e r
the "Alamo" , t h i s was j u s t what the p s y c h i a t r i s t ordered.Lets now get the p o i n t s .
*******************************************
Highlights
1. A g r i t t y d i s p l a y by ALL players,and switches by Bomber Graham.
2. Harry Llsmores f i r s t - t i m e kicking,no questions asked.(I b e l i e v e one K i n l a r
man had a headache f o r 3 days afterwards)
3. Treacherous conditions,Please Note! Sean Moggorian,ex County Player and
,
respected County o f f i c e r s u f f e r e d a t the hands o f the pitch.As One who S p e c i a l i s e d
i n bemoaning i t , revenge was i n order .Tonight was the n i g h t when B&'43b&&&8 Of
r i d i c u l e was balanced out.Sean ,acting as Umpire,slipped and f e l l 3 times when
s i g n a l l i n g scores.Not t o be outdone the other k i n l a r umpire f e l l head r i r s t
win
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DOWN MEMORY LANE
A f t e r more t i m e and e f f o r t , i n f o c o n t i n u e s t o grow r e g a r d i n g t h e
f o r m e r and c u r r e n t c l u b s who h a v e p l a y e d g a e l i c games i n t h i s a r e a .
With Davie Mc Coy k i n d l y g i v i n g h i s time progress has been rapid.However Bangor
people have not yet broken i n t o a sweat.At the end o f the days gents I can only
include what I r e c e i v e . l t i s up t o you t o get the r e l e v a n t m a t e r i a l t o me,I w i l l
g l a d l y include i t .
PITCHES:
As we a l l know our c u r r e n t p l a y i n g surface would not be amongst the top 100 pitches
i n the Country.Down through the years Holywood p i t c h has been improved.Apparently,
i t was cut twice a year i n 1950's.St Comgalls upon t h e i r formation made a p i t c h
t h e i r top p r i o r i t y . U n i q u e i n t h a t they played A l l f i x t u r e s away from home,Holywood
and e s p e c i a l l y Darragh Cross o f t e n seemed l i k e Bangors' home .Persistent e f f o r t s
by St Comgalls committee proved successful e v e n t u a l l y .
28.03.69
"Gaelic F o o t b a l l e r s t r y again f o r P i t c h " SPECTATOR
Bangor G.A.A. c l u b St Comgall's i s making a renewed e f f o r t t o secure a p i t c h
i n the Borough.Apart f o r a few short months when a temporary p i t c h was a v a i l a b l e
the c l u b has had t o play a l l o f i t s matches away.A statement was read by c l u b
Secretary Mr Joe Mc Cormick p o i n t i n g out t h a t g a e l i c sports had now become f i r m l y
established i n the town.
" At present we have a Senior team p l a y i n g i n East Down Junior League and a schoolboy team,attached t o St Columbanus Secondary School, who play i n the East Down
Schoolboy League and Secondary Schools competitions.Also a U-16 team ,a l a d i e s
camogie team and a schoolboy h u r l i n g team are planned f o r the near f u t u r e . "
06.06.69
" Council says Yes t o Gaelic P i t c h "
SPECTATOR
Bangor Borough Council a t i t s monthly meeting on Monday n i g h t confirmed t h e
decision t o grant St Comgalls G.A.A. c l u b the use o f a p l a y i n g p i t c h a t the
B e l f a s t Road dump on c o n d i t i o n t h a t there i s no use made o f the p i t c h on a
Sunday.It was agreed t h a t the Council spend a sum o f £250 t o improve a p l a y i n g
p i t c h area a t the s i t e , t h a t the Gaelic Club be granted use o f the p i t c h f r e e o f
charge,subject t o the c o n d i t i o n s t h a t there be no use made o f the p i t c h on Sundays
-the c l u b undertakes a l l maintenance o f the ground,no a l t e r a t i o n s are made,nor
s t r u c t u r e s b u i l t other than a s u i t a b l e removable l a t r i n e and use o f the ground
be f o r a period o f a year,to be renewed from year t o year a t the d i s c r e t i o n o f
the Council.Alderman M i l l i g a n moved an amendment t h a t the f i r s t c o n d i t i o n be
a l t e r e d t o allow play between the hours o f 2 - 6 pm on Sundays.lt was s t a t e d
t h a t the Councils' p o l i c y was not t o permit any spectator sports on Sundays.
M i l l i g a n s amendment got 3 votes versus 12 a g a i n s t , i t was declared l o s t .
Earlier
one v e n u e o f The D e l l , G r a n s h a i s r e c o r d e d !
14.02.64
" W i n marks f i r s t
Home Game"
SPECTATOR
St C o m g a l l s G.A.C c e l e b r a t e d t h e i r f i r s t home m a t c h on Sunday
by d e f e a t i n g James C o n n o l l y s , B e l f a s t b y 1-10 t o 1-4.Bangor who
a t t i r e d i n t h e i r new royal/amber jerseys and stockings w i t h white shorts looked
very smart.Prior t o the match,the p l a y i n g p i t c h was blessed by Fthr Harper
n ± ^ - *
the c l u b who threw i n the b a l l , t h u s s t a r t i n g the r i r s t
game o f g a e l i c f o o t b a l l ever t o be played i n Bangor.Connllys w e r e ^ i r s t t o
score w i t h a p o i n t followed by another .
V
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a i r m a n o
f
Bangor soon egualised w i t h p o i n t s from Gallagher and Smith.Then Connollys" forwards
scored a goal.Connollys l a i d seige i n the Bangor half.Another Connollys p o i n t was
answered w i t h a p o i n t f o r Bangor by Ward.H.T Connollys 1-2 Bangor 0-3.
I n the second h a l f i t was a v a s t l y improved St Comgalls who took the lead.Nelson
sent the b a l l t o the net from a pass by Matt Feeney.This was followed by points
from Gallagher and Graham.The v i s i t i n g team made several strong attacks on the
Bangor goal only t o be d r i v e n back by 0' Hare and company.St Comgalls m i d f i e l d
men were prominent during t h i s half,keeping t h e i r forwards w e l l supplied.Points
came from Matt Feeney,Smyth,Wood,Nelson and Gallagher.The r e f e r e e was Frank Mc
Greevy.
Goalposts Down ; On Sunday i t was discovered t h a t the goalposts a t The D e l l had
been sawn down during the n i g h t . L u c k i l y the c l u b had an e x t r a set and members had
posts back i n p o s i t i o n i n time f o r the game.
H o l y w o o d was an i n v a l u a b l e p i t c h f o r many c l u b s . H o l y w o o d g a v e f r i e n d l i e s
b o t h t o B a n g o r and t o S c r a b o H a r p s i n t h e 1960's.When S t L a i s e r a n s
w e n t o u t o f e x i s t a n c e i n 1956 ,Sean M a r t i n s a d o p t e d t h i s p i t c h as
t h e i r home v e n u e . Due t o the shortage o f pitches i n Antrim 2 matches were played
on any Sunday.As f a r back as 1929 A n t r i m Secretary praised new clubs St C o l m c i l l e s
(Holywood) and Ardoyne f o r the access t o p l a y i n g surfaces.
Success comes e a r l y on f o r Holywood
Tracing back St Colmcilles we f i n d t h a t they were formed i n 1927.Their c a p t a i n was
Neal Torney and they had a great i n t e r e s t i n handball as w e l l as f o o t b a l l . T w i c e
St Colmcilles reached U l s t e r Handball Semis and i n 1929 they won the South Antrim
Junior League.They also reached the semis of the j u n i o r championship i n 1928 and
i n 1929.The IRISH NEWS gave extensive coverage t o t h i s c l u b during t h e i r successful
y e a r s . I t i s also recorded t h a t the club had a drama s o c i e t y second t o none i n U l s t e r .
On two occasions ,they won the premier awards a t the B e l f a s t Catholic Drama F e s t i v a l .
When producer Neal Torney was forced t o r e s i g n due t o i l l n e s s he was succeeded as
producer by Paidin Bogues who was l a t e r succeeded by J Delaney.The c l u b passed out
of existance i n 1938.Father Cullen,as w e l l as p l a y i n g was the d r i v i n g f o r c e behind
handball i n the area.
13.06.27
I r i s h News
Handball f i x t u r e s t o be played a t Holywood
11.10.27
3pm Cunningham v Eady
3.30 J Begley
v C 0'Kane
4pm L Fahy
v P Mc Coy
I r i s h News
A handball tournament,organised by Father Cullen between Castlewellan and Holywood
took place before a Senior f o o t b a l l game commenced.Contrary t o expectations,the
North Down men were no match f o r the locals,who proved worthy winners i n a l l games.
The Holywood players f e e l t h a t on a n e u t r a l b a l l a l l e y they are capable of r e v e r s i n g
Sundays' r e s u l t s , s o a r e t u r n game i s being looked forward to.A whist d r i v e and dance
brought an enjoyable days' sport t o a f i n i s h . A s a r e s u l t of the undertaking Father
Cullen hopes t o r e a l i s e a goodly sum i n a i d o f the l o c a l St Vincent de Paul Society.
Antrim v Down
"Down were v i c t o r i o u s w i t h T Toner and Father Cullen Standard
bearers i n s i n g l e s "
SStSS^taSuSS
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l e e l a n and Randlesto™
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ed
St C o l m c i l l e s G.A.C. 1927-1938(Holywood)
Back row L~R: B i l l y Graham,Barny H a n a r t y , B i l l y Gavin,Charlie Mc Causland,Jackie
Boyle.Front , Tommy Teathers,Tommy Hughes,Mickey Mc Kenna,Gerry Geddis,Jimmy
Muckel,Jimmy Mc Coy,Joe Tangam.
Thanks t o Tony Graham f o r photo
17.04.1928 S t Colmcilles shock S a r s f i e l d s
L4 .01 .1929. E a s y Win
S.Antrim Junior Championship
S.Antrim
Holywood team t a k i n g the f i e l d a t Corrigan
Park f o r hte f i r s t time,created a great
impression by t h e i r very smart appearance,
a l l players looked spick and span i n t h e i r
neat a t t i r e . F i r s t impressions were n o t
discounted as from the s t a r t u n t i l the
f i n i s h o f the game St C o l m c i l l e s were
f o r e and a f t the superior team.No team
i n recent years has created such an impression on t h e i r f i r s t appearance as
did the Co Down team on Sunday.Sarsfields
A,who are c u r r e n t Junior League Champions
and who included i n t h e i r side many players
who had some experience i n the major team
proved no match f o r ItSseiirr f i t t e r and f a s t e r
opponents.The r e s u l t was not a t a l l
f l a t t e r i n g t o the winners,as S a r s f i e l d s
were indeed i n luck t o get o f f so l i g h t l y .
St C o l m c i l l e s had a few goals wiped o f f
owing t o sguare i l l e g a l i t i e s , b u t experience
w i l l solve t h a t . S t C o l m c i l l e s now play
Craobh Ruadh i n t U t e next round.
Score S t Colmcilles 3-4 S a r s f i e l d 0-1
St C o l m c i l l e s had an easy v i c t o r y over
O'Connells by 19 points t o n i l . A s
the score suggests,St C o l m c i l l e s
had the best o f the play a l l through.
Scorers were, Teathers 3-1,Gavin 1-1
R Green 1-0,B Green 0-2
Team; Sandfield,N Torney,J Torney,Nelson
Mc Gillen,Tinsley,Mc A l l i s t e r , R Green,
B
Green,Teathers,Gavin,Magennis,Burke,
0 Kane,Tong.
11.01.1952
J u n i o r League
T i r Na Og 1-2 St Laiserans 1-0
At t h e i r headguarters a t Whitehall
T i r na Og overcame the v i s i t o r s . I n
a game t h a t was more o r less a t e s t
of stamina and endurance,in t r y i n g
conditions,Randlestown were merited
v i c t o r s over St Laiserans i n t h e
Junior league.Level a t t h e i n t e r v a l
on a score o f 1-0 each,on the resumption
each team fought hard.Tir na Og gradually
took command adding 0-2 w i t h o u t r e p l y .
T Hughes g o t S t L a i s e r a n s g o a l .
04.10.63
A r d s v Holywood
Minor F o o t b a l l ; On a p i t c h l i k e a bog the
score ended,Scrabo Harps 6 - 7 Thomas Russell
1-2.Within the f i r s t minute Ards scored
a p o i n t through Brian B a r r a t t , b u t Holywood
replied.Harps followed t h i s w i t h p o i n t s
from F Leonard,Frankie Mc Guigan and
Brian B a r r a t t . E Mc Larnon then scored
a goal f o r Ards and Leonard got 2 p o i n t s .
Ards defence stood f i r m through John
Rogan,Joe Mc Cormick,T Mc M u l l a n , C y r i l
Mc Gahey and E Mc Larnon held the m i d f i e l d
p o s i t i o n s very well.Before h a l f - t i m e
Ards scored 3 more p o i n t s . E a r l y i n t o
the second half,Holywood t r i e d t o p u l l
themselves together and got a point.But
Brian B a r r a t t ,E Mc Larnon and Frank
Mc Guigan r e p l i e d w i t h p o i n t s and ,before
the f i n a l w h i s t l e Ards scored 3 goals.
F Leonard 4 - 2 , B B a r r a t t 1-2,F, Mc Larnon
l - l , F r a n k i e Mc Guigan 0 - 2 .
Team; Liam Kearney,Tony Mc Mull an, Joe
Mc Cormick,John Rogan,Tom Conway,Frank
Lynch/Peter Murphy,Cyril Mc Gahey,Eug
Mc Larnon,Michael Mc Cormick,Francis
Leonard,B B a r r a t t , F Mc Guigan,John Conway
Seamus Mullan.
U-14
Match
21.01.66
Bangor Gaelic Review Year
A.G.M. was attended by 60 members.The
outgoing Secretary,Mr Matt Feeney
stated thai, the c l u b were making great
progress.In the East Down League
the team gained 11 points,which was
good considering the teams which
were i n the league.Table t e n n i s teams
were introduced during the year and
members showed a great interest.The
f i r s t Annual C e i l i was a great success
and the Annual Social was another
very enjoyable f u n c t i o n . F i n a n c i a l
statement presented by Treasurer
Harry Close showed the c l u b t o be
i n a very sound position.Two bazaars
netted a t o t a l p r o f i t of £90.Chairman
Frank Campbell thanked Secretary
and Treasurer on very f i n e reports
and s t a t e d t h a t the club should s t r i v e
to have premises o f i t s ' own.Elector!;
Chairman,Frank Mc
Greevy^Secretary,Matt
Feeney.Treasurer,11 Close; Vice-Chairman
F Campbell,Assnt Secretary,J Keegan
Assnt Treasurer,B Sharvin
Cawaittee; S Thompson,F R a f f e r t y , F
Quinn,N Gallagher,D Hardtop,L Kearney
L Mc Kenna.
Tteam Captain; John Keegan,vice- J
0"FIare.
Ards v St G a l l s
20.02.1970.
This game played before the minor game
was the f i r s t time both clubs t r i e d out
a schoolboys side and t o great success.
The G a l l s were f i r s t t o score but not
f o r long as Harps came back t o l e v e l , b u t
again G a l l s came back w i t h a goal.Against
the run of play,they added 2 p o i n t s t o
lead 2-2 t o 1-0 a t half-time.No sooner
had the w h i s t l e gone when Harps came
hack f o r a great goal.Ten m i t e of end
t o end play resulted i n no scores.Harps
kept going and were rewarded w i t h 2 p o i n t s
to l e v e l matters a t 2 - 2 each.Perhaps
the most e x c i t i n g phase of the game was
in the c l o s i n g period.St G a l l s scored
4 p o i n t s i n 5 mins t o lead by 4.Harps
showed great f i g h t i n g s p i r i t and picked
o f f 4 p o i n t s i n the f i n a l 3 mins t o l e v e l .
Team;T Kane, Kane,P Mc Keown,F Monaghan,
B Connor,D Stafford,V Kane,N Watters,M
i Nei 1 1 , D 0 ' R e i l l y ,K Mc Keown,F Noble,
M Coulter,L Gibson(capt),S Mackie.
SUBS: P Mullan,C Stafford,A Rice.
:
Minors
1
Hard Luck!
Bangor f a i l e d t o get a player on
the E Down s e l e c t i o n t o play S.Down
i n a minor t r i a l on Sunday.Mainly
t h i s was because a l l Bangor boys
were on the young side-aged 16.But
I do f e e l t h a t 0'Mara,Rafferty,Bowler
Broan or Mc Greevy would be hard
to beat as f a r as f o o t b a l l i s concerned.
Add t o t h a t Mc Ierney,Stinford,Hughes
and several others who attend St
Columbanus.
24.03.72
Bangor Schoolboys received medals
f o r winning the East Down League(U-l6).
Medals were presented by Matt F i t z p a t r i c k ,
at St P a t r i c k s Eve C e i l i .
31.03.72.
Ports beat Bangor
A much f i t t e r P o r t a f e r r y team made
good use of the b i g p i t c h t o win
easily.Peter Morris was Bangors'
best player,ending as top scorer.
07.04.72
T r i a l s f o r Bangor Lads
5 Bangor players have been asked
to attend Minor t r i a l s ; O l i v e r Fox,
F r a f f e r t y , M a r t i n Bratten,R Mc Alorum
Gerard Geddis
Bangor beat Holywood
Great Win For Russells
I n a f a s t and e n t e r t a i n i n g game Bangor
At the convent f i e l d , R u s s e l l s met
beat Russells by 2 points.But f o r some
Mitchels B.The v i s i t o r s opened w i t h
l e r o i c s by Bangors' full-back,who saved
a p o i n t by Mc Menamin.Holywood r e p l i e d
number of c e r t a i n goals on the l i n e ,
w i t h goals by J Hogan and Celestine
lolywood would have won t h i s match
O'Brien, and P Mc Connell added
s a s i l y . I n s p i t e of complete domination
a p o i n t before Mitchels got a f u r t h e r
in the l a s t 10 mins,bad shooting cost
point.H-t Russells 2-1 Mitchels 0-2
them the game ;Bangor 1-4 ,Holywood 0- I
Boylan opened w i t h a goal f o r Mitchels
Team; T Logan,D 0'Flaherty,P Begley,
Mc Connell added another p o i n t f o r
? Mc Govern,P Cush,J Begley,J Eagleson,
Holywood and Mitchels made the score
3 Dobbin,G Geddis,C Mc Coy,P Seeley,E
l e v e l w i t h a goal by Doherty.Holywood
surged ahead w i t h p o i n t s by P Mc Connell ^c Elroy,E Carty,B Eagleson,M Mc Geown.
E Butler,and Bernard Mc Coy.Final Score.
Russells 2-5 Mitchels 2-2.
l u n i o r Championship
1978 Slaughter
Holywood 1-0 Mayobridge 10-10
Team; J Mc I l r o y , T Mc I l r o y , P Begley
M a r t i n Burns,Paul Mc Geown,P Feeney,
T r i a l s Sean Hunt & Paddy Mc Greevy/M
B i l l y Regan,E Butler,G Mc Connell(capt)
Peter Cush,Celestine O'Brien,Colm Mc
Murray from Bangor
Williams,Bernard Mc Coy,James Hogan
Alan Nixon.Subs,John Eagleson,Danny Watts
This very y o u t h f u l team have now won 3
games i n a row and lead D i v i s i o n 5 . I t
i s rumoured t h a t a t l e a s t 4 o f these
players may be considered f o r the Antrim
ST PAULS REPORTS
25.10.84 P a u l s on Top
13.03.80
Second
Success f o r P a u l s
On Sunday A g h a d e r g , s i t t i n g on t o p
5t Pauls scored t h e i r second win i n t h i s
of t h e l e a g u e were b e a t e n t o
t h e i r f i r s t season together,defeating
t h e t u n e o f 3-11 t o 2 - 6 . I t was only i n
Dromara by 2-5 t o 0-5.With the breeze
the l a s t 10 mins of the game t h a t the v i s i t o r s behind them i n the f i r s t h a l f , S t Pauls
accepted the chances and l e d 0-5 t o 0-1
scored t h e i r goals.Early on t h e home side
at H.T. I n the second period the winners
looked shaky and Aghaderg went 0-3 t o n i l
ahead.It was only when M Mc Greevys' s i d e l i n e played i t cool and got v i t a l goals t h r '
Brian B a r t e l y and Paul Walls.Best f o r St
b a l l ended up i n the net t h a t St Pauls
began t o play w i t h some rhytmn and confidence Pauls were P Walls,J BegleyFraticis
R a f f e r t y , M a r t i n Mc Geown,Adrian Horan
F Rafferty,G Donegan and R Mc Alorum a l l
and Paddy Mc Greevy.Scorers; F R a f f e r t y
had p o i n t s , p l u s a superb i n d i v i d u a l p o i n t
0- 4,R Mc Alorum 0-1,P Walls l - 0 , B a r t e l y l from K Mc Keown.J Donegan scored a great
1- 0.
goal , r i s i n g h i g h above the defence t o
f i s t the b a l l i n t o t h e Aghaderg net.P Sands
TEAMS V BAILYKINLAR 1991,1993.
got Aghadergs' only point.HT St Pauls 21991;
Paddy Doherty,P Mc Grattan,Keggy
5 Aghaderg 0-4.Holywood dominated i n most
sectors,both teams deserve c r e d i t f o r serving C Mc Cullough,P Hunt,C R e i l l y , D Hughes,
S Mc Cullough,Bernard Graham,B R e i l l y ,
up such a f i n e d i s p l a y i n the heavy r a i n .
P Lismore,Rikky Mc Alorum,E Donnelly,
I n midfield,Paddy Mc Greevy and Paul Walls
S Baker. SUBS: D Mc Alorum,K Byers,P Baker
were unbeatable g i v i n g the forwards great
supply of the ball.R Mc Alorum and F R a f f e r t y M Feeney,B Mc Elroy.
i n p a r t i c u l a r made f u l l use o f t h i s possessiorjr
R a f f e r t y scored a goal w i t h h i s l e f t f o o t
1993;M Mc Govern,K Mc Grattan,P Mc Gratta
which the great Paddy Doherty would have
C Mc Cullough,G Burns,P Hunt,S R e i l l y ,
been proud of.M Mc Greevy had h i s best
E Donnelly,P Baker,G Cinnanan,G Baker,
game i n a long time and J Donegan c o n t r i b u t e d
cr™e o /
' Hughes,P Monaghan.
m no small manner.J Begley and J Ross
SUBS:C
Morris,S
Kane,K Rice,R C a r v i l l
played w e l l , w i t h M Jennings man o f match.
M Mc C o n v i l l e . .
f
y
H
L i s m o r e
D
WHATS
on
in
1993
!
1 . Juvenile S o l o - S k i l l s
- This was a huge success.Up t o 50 took p a r t and the lads
have e x c e l l e d + sponsorship money.However,some boys have
s t i l l t o get t h e i r money in.Parents please make sure t h i s
i s i n promptly.Thanks t o County P.R.O. , Sean Og Mac Ateer
f o r g e t t i n g Down posters f o r the lads.
2. Schools Gaelic!
- New p r i n c i p a l i n Holywood,Mr K e l l y has s t a r t e d g a e l i c f o o t b a l l
a t St P a t r i c k s . T h i s i s great news and should provide an impetus
f o r other schools i n the area t o f o l l o w s u i t . A f t e r c o n s u l t a t i o n s
w i t h Schools committee,more support w i l l be forthcoming.
St Pauls,nor County O f f i c e r s should ignore such a p o s i t i v e
development. A m a t c h b e t w e e n St Comgalls-ZHolywood i s arranged.
3 . Quiz Flop
- Despite p o s t e r s , b u l l e t i n s e t c . . your t u r n - o u t a t t h i s cheap
and enjoyable n i g h t was w e l l short of what was required.Often
members complain t h a t we provide no s o c i a l events.Well a f t e r
t h i s f l o p you know why.Quizmasters put a l o t of time i n t o t h i s
night,and were i n s u l t e d by your responce.Thanks t o those who
d i d support us,to those who didnt,remember a g a e l i c club i s
b u i l t on s o c i a l i n t e r a c t i o n . N e x t time go out of your way not
only t o be there,but also t o b r i n g f r i e n d s .
4. Marathon
Two teams have been entered i n t o t h i s event.As Juveniles d i d
so well,now Seniors prove yourself.No excuses,£50 minimum.
I t i s convenient t o make excuses,ignore i t and leave i t t o others
That i s not going t o happen.No one r a i s e s money easily.You
ask people and continue t o ask them.The Marathon i s also a
b i t of fun.Each runner does 5 m i l e s , a f t e r Dannys' t r a i n i n g t h a t
i s n t a problem.The 2 teams are.
l i s t e d below!
, i-
FLASHBACK TO
A
1991
No 262, a l i a s Secretary
Mullan staggers t o h i s f i n i s h
No 240 - R e i l l y , C i a r i n p l u s A
Chairman Paddy HUNT on t h e i r
way t o losing.Paddy and C i a r i n
ran two s t a g e s ( l l m i l e s ) t h a t d:ty
because Danny Hughes s l e p t i n .
Wheelbarrows were r e g u i r e d t o
get C i a r i n onto the bus when
he f i n a l l y dropped.However
i n s i d e 20 mins,he was revived.Amazing what f r e e Guinness
can d o . I t was good fun then and r a i s e d £1100.
t
SEE
US
AT
Marathon Route May
Team Flop
Riders
CAPTAIN
paddy Hunt
1
2
Kev Mc Grattan
Paddy Hunt
Gary Burns
Gary Baker
Paul Baker
3
5
Holiday
Team Z e r o
4Runners and
4
Day
R u n n e r s and
CAPTAIN
1
2
3
4
5
Riders
Donal Graham
Cushla Mc Grattan
A r g e n t i n i a n Mascot
Mr Graham
B i l l and Ben
Danny Hughes
C o u n t y Update
Transfers
Sean Burke from Ardglass t o K i l c l i e f
Paul Burke from Ardglass t o K i l c l i e f
Declan Toman from Carryduff t o St Johns
P a t r i c k P o l l e y from K i l c l i e f t o Ardglass
Martin Graham from An Riocht t o Dromara
Ballycran have withdrawn from D i v i s i o n 3 F o o t b a l l due t o heavy commitment
t o the County H u r l i n g Team.
K i l c l i e f have gained entrance i n t o Antrim H u r l i n g Leagues ,and they w i l l
compete i n Antrim D2 South.
Money i n
St Michaels,Magheralin have received f i n a n c i a l support i n t h e i r quest t o
r e - b u i l d changing rooms destroyed i n a malicious f i r e 3 years ago.In the
region o f £45,000,it confirms St Michaels d e s i r e t o progress.The Council
f o r the A r t s and Sport have paid t h i s out.Bryansford have also got £50,000.
Safety
The D i v i s i o n 1 game between Clonduff and Bryansford was abandoned (12.04.)
A umpire s u f f e r e d a heart a t t a c k and i t took s w i f t a c t i o n from one f o o t b a l l e r
and two s p e c t a t i n g nurses t o keep the man a l i v e u n t i l the ambulance a r r i v e d
h a l f an hour l a t e r . V o i c i n g t h e i r concern,local paper The Down Democrat s t a t e d
t h a t ALL clubs should have proper f i r s t a i d f a c i l i t i e s backed up by t r a i n e d
personnel.Down i s one o f the leaders i n I r e l a n d regarding progressive t h i n k i n g .
Now t h a t each c l u b has t o have a c u l t u r a l officer,more pressing issues need
t o be addressed.Clubs are always l i m i t e d i n t h e i r plans by human resources,
however i n such a c r u c i a l area o f l i f e and death,Down must take the lead
and d i r e c t clubs t o appoint t r a i n e d support.
Down Democrat
15.04.93
; This Paper i s out every Thursday.
Gaelic Coverage
Down Recorder o f t e n devotes 3/4 pages o f coverage t o G.A.A. Matt F i t z p a t r i c k
gives d e t a i l e d i n s i g h t i n t o c l u b and county matters.
Mourne Observer o f f e r s g a e l i c coverage on a r e g u l a r basis.
Down Democrat o f f e r s d e t a i l e d and v a r i e d coverage on G.A.A. 4 pages.
All
of these
p a p e r s a r e s t o c k e d i n E a s o n s , A r d s Shopping C e n t r e
They a r e a v a i l a b l e e a c h T h u r s d a y .
Floodlights ?
Some p e o p l e i n Down must be insane i n s e t t i n g f i x t u r e s . F o r the Seniors
match v B a l l y k i n l a r the game was set f o r 7.30. B a l l y k i n l a r got t o the p i t c h f o r
7.40.Apart from poor r e f e e r i n g , t h e near darkness a t the c l o s i n g stages o f the game
could have caused i n j u r y . P l a y e r s are not cats and t a c k l e s e t c . . get reckless i n
these c o n d i t i o n s . l t adds t o the tension o f the game.Club referee,Eamon Mc Elroy
o f f i c i a t e d a t the Downpatrick v Bryansford D i v i s i o n 1 game on the same n i g h t .
The match ended i n near darkness — / i players tiatak advantage o f i t t o s e t t l e o l d
d ^
^
^
l t enough t o r e f any game,but s u r e l y no r e f can see 40 m i V t f t e l
For the match v K i l c l i e f i t i s a t 7.45.Those s e t t i n g these l u d i c r o u s times
Mist be l o o k i n g a t the wrong month o f the year ,or else be r e s i d i n g i n the t r o p i c s
J
S
d
i
c
u
tt i o n i r " ^ \ e
r S
a k
°
are w e l l c?harged-u before K i l c l i e f match
I t looks as though we w i l l need them f o r f l o o d l i g h t i n g . T o r c h e s also p e r m i t t e d '
a r b
a
t
t
e
r
i
e
s
P
TEDDY MANIA K I L L S DOWN
Mc G r a t t a n s View on t h e M a t c h
The p r e m i e r h u r l i n g f a m i l y i n t h e N o r t h Down a r e a s e t s a i l f o r
C r o k e P a r k on E a s t e r Sunday t o c h e e r on t h e U l s t e r H u r l i n g Champions
,Down v C o r k . W r i t t e n a f t e r a s s e s s m e n t and c r i t i c a l a n a l y s i s
by P a u l , K e v i n , M r s E and C u s h l a Mc G r a t t a n ,below i s t h e r e p o r t .
Down 1-9 C o r k 1-24
Ten minutes e i t h e r side o f h a l f time determined Downs' f a t e i n t h i s National
League Quarter-Final against Munster Champions Cork.Down were always chasing
the game and i t was a s u r p r i s e t h a t having won the toss,Down elected t o
play against the gale.Cork s e t t l e d g u i c k l y and aided by t h i s gale were 08 t o n i l ahead a f t e r 18 mins.Corcoran was being made t o look l i k e a god
as he s t r o l l e d past Hunter Mageen.Corcoran,Teddy Mc Carthy and Barry Egan
t o r e the Down defence apart time again.When the b r i l l i a n t f u l l back l i n e
of Cody Coulter,Ger Coulter and Paddy B r a n i f f cleared ,a l e t h a r g i c m i d f i e l d
and a non-existant h a l f - f o r w a r d l i n e conceded possession immediately.But
w i t h 4 mins l e f t t o h a l f time there was only 4 p o i n t s i n i t . Cork 0-8.Down
1-1.Indeed Down were u n f o r t u n a t e not t o have scored a t l e a s t another 1-2
i n t h a t period.Cork looked r a t t l e d , h a d Down woken a t last.No was the answer!
4 p o i n t s i n as many minutes,one from 75 yards by Corcoran,showed t h a t Cork
had been given a tough pre-match sermon by t h e i r manger Father O'Brien.
H.T. Down 1-1 Cork 0-12.Again Down got scores r i g h t away.With 6 p o i n t s i n
i t the u s u a l l y r e l i a b l e Mageen capped a awful d i s p l a y w i t h a bad wide.Kingston,
,the Cork keeper made a superb save from what seemed l i k e a c e r t a i n g o a l .
I f these had went our way ,2 p o i n t s would have seperated the teams,with
Down p l a y i n g w i t h the wind.Cork are masters a t reading the game and recognising
the t h r e a t upped t h e i r game considerably.They once again d i c t a t e d proceedings
and ran away iwith the game.Only f o r the b r i l l i a n t Noel Keith,who proved
t o a l l t h a t he i s indeed the best keeper i n Ireland,Down would have been
buried.The f u l l b a c k l i n e never stopped battling,Danny Hughes was the only
other who r e f l e c t e d the e f f o r t s o f h i s back line.Maybe Down needed t h i s
defeat,they have got a t i m e l y lesson before championship.The most d i s s a p o i n t i n g
aspect of the day was t h a t f o r the only time ever,we witnessed a Down team
t h a t accepted defeat.Antrim w i l l r i g h t l y murder them i f they r e t a i n t h i s
a t t i t u d e . M e n t a l l y the a t t i t u d e was wrong.Cork stayed i n a top Dublin h o t e l
on the n i g h t before the match.We saw Down players dandering i n t o Croke as
i f they were only there t o spectate.
Down got no respect a t a l l from Dublin and K i l d a r e supporters seated i n Croke.
A f t e r the amazing d i s p l a y v Kilkenny ,people discount
our h u r l e r s as a
f l u k e team.Come the U l s t e r F i n a l when Down play Head-Butters United,Antrim
Sean Mc Guinness w i l l have t o use h i s m o t i v a t i n g s k i l l s . H e w i l l also have
t o introduce some younger players i n t o the forwards.Mc Grattans stayed i n
The Antrim Arms,Dublin, the n i g h t p r i o r t o " t h e game.Could t h i s venue,with
i t s reprehensible name have j i n x e d t h e i r ' d a y out a t Croke?
Photo ; Down keeper Noel K e i t h
averts danger,as Paddy B r a n i f f
quickly reacts.
T h i s r e p o r t was s p o n s o r e d
by O l d Cross,N/Ards-home oi
c h i e f s u p p o r t e r o f Weaker
C o u n t y , A n t r i m T C i a r i n Mc L a i