Warrenpoint advanced to the Intermediate Championship final with a comfortable win over St John's at Pairc Esler, Newry. They can expect a tougher examination in the final against whoever progresses from the replay between An Riocht and Ballymartin. Warrenpoint were quick out of the blocks. They were three points ahead within the first five minutes with Ross McGarry and Ryan Magee finding their range as they were in control in all areas of the field. Ross McGarry added a free and Jamie Grant was also on target as the 'Point extended their lead to five But for a couple of bad wides their dominance would have been reflected in an even greater margin. St John's, for their part, only managed three wides in the first 15 minutes.

St John's then staged a recovery in the second quarter as Chris McKay would put over a couple of frees from more or less the same spot. He went on to make it three pointed frees in a row, but only after Ross McGarry and knocked another free over. Conor Gilmore added St John's first score from play after about 22 minutes, and suddenly we were back to a two point game. Warrenpoint were being to feel some pressure and their cause wasn't helped when Ciaran McCartan was given a straight red card. As we headed towards the half hour mark Chris McKay again showed has accuracy from the placed ball and the difference was back to the minimum. However Aaron Magee got the final score of the first half in spite of good pressure being applied by the St John's defence. And so Warrenpoint led by 7 to 5 at the break, although they had been reduced to fourteen players. Given that the Johnnies had recovered from a disastrous start the crowd were anticipating a cracking second half.

Warrenpoint started the second period as they had the first with three quick score, with McGarry again featuring strongly. Again they made it five on the trot with ten minutes gone. Would St John's be able to stage a second rally, although they were now eight points adrift? Whatever small chance they might have been was further reduced when Danny McKay received his marching orders. He had already picked up a soft yellow card when he blocked the run of his opposite number. The referee played the advantage and allowed play to continue but they returned to flash the black card. Now both sides were playing 14-a-side. In truth it made little difference as Warrenpoint continued to add to their tally. They had added another three points before they were awarded as penalty, with Cathal O'Connor being black-carded for the offence. McGarry netted the penalty and the difference stood at 13 points with ten minutes or so left on the clock. They had increased that to 14, before the Johnnies opened their second half account.

Anthony Doran found the net after a god work by Marty Keenan. Too little, too late surely. Yet the Johnnies might have had another but Conor Morgan's shot was saved at the expense of a "45". Had that shot gone it, it would have reduced the margin by six points in a minute. It might have raised hopes or created doubts. But it didn't. As it was Anthony Doran added the final score of the game.  So league winners Warrenpoint advance to the championship final and will fancy their chances against either An Riocht or Ballymartin. Good luck to them. Warrenpoint have yet to be stretched in this year's championship - they beat Newry Bosco by 3-20 to 1-13 and Bredagh by 3-17 to 0-07 in the round robin as well as having walkover against Aghaderg. They made short work of Saul in the quarter-final, 2-22 v 0-05. Indeed St John's, at 10 points, are the closest anyone has come to them in the championship.

St John's: Darren Morgan; Cathal O'Connor, Neil Magorrian, Harry McMullan; Jonny Addis, Darren Burns, Barry Russell; Danny McKay, Ray Addis; Chris McKay, Conor Flanagan, Conor Gilmore; Ryan Flanagan, Marty Keenan, Conor Morgan. Subs used: Anthony Doran (1-1) for Ray Addis, Conor Burns Darren Burns, Joe Milligan for Cathal O'Connor (b.c.), Conor Braniff for Barry Russell

Warrenpoint: Conor D'Arcy; Miceal O'Hare, Sean Gallagher, Ryan McAleenan; Ryan Magee, Ryan Boyle, Anthony Grimes; Ryan Mallon, Paul Traynor; Aaron Magee, Johnny Murchan, Jamie Grant; Donagh McAleenan, Gary McMahon, Ross McGarry.

The Under 12s have one final league game in the East Down Summer League when they are at home to Drumaness on Wednesday 24 September at 6.45pm.

The Under 6s squad had their first taste of competitive football last Tuesday evening at Pairc Naomh Eoin when they hosted a squad from Ballykinlar GAC in a series of challenge games across 3 pitches. St Johns were represented by a squad of nearly 40 kids which bodes well for the future of the St Johns club. On Saturday morning they then travelled to Ballykinlar in the reverse fixture. Thanks to Ballykinlar GAC for the invite and their hospitality and to the parents and family members who came out to support the team. Training continues on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm.

The club are seeking to have underage ladies football and camogie teams entered for the 2015 season but need to determine the level of interest in fielding these teams.  If you are interested in playing either underage ladies football or camogie in 2015 can you please let the club secretary Kevin McGlynn know.  Kevin can be contacted on [email protected] or on 078 3596 0804.

If anyone is interested in playing for the St Johns Under 21 side in the upcoming league leave your details here or advise Kevin McGlynn at [email protected] or on 078 3596 0804.

Saturday 27 September will be a busy day for the club with the return visit of the Action Cancer Big Bus, the Walk A Mile sponsored walk and our Recreational Sevens tournament all being held at Pairc Naomh Eoin.

There are still spaces available for Health Checks (men & women) on the Big Bus although all breast screenings are taken. To book an appointment contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or on line at www.actioncancer.org.

St John's and Action Cancer have been working together this year to promote good health, cancer prevention and early cancer detection in our community.  Please join us as we "Walk a Mile for Action Cancer" on Saturday morning at 11.00am.  Please come along, either on your own or with friends and family, and walk a mile around the "Highway to Health" within the club grounds. If you wish you can make a donation on the day, or if you don't you can still enjoy the walk. If you want to collect some sponsorship you can collect a sponsorship form at the club or download one from our website, www.stjohnsgaa.com.

On Saturday afternoon we host our own Recreational Sevens tournament at 1.30pm and hope to field 2 St Johns sides on the day.  Come along and give your support to the old boys and enjoy the refreshments in the club afterwards.

Before that on Friday 26 September we are hosting a table quiz in aid of Action Cancer at 9.00pm in the clubrooms.

The Parent Support Group St Francis Primary School Drumaroad and Kids Kabin Pre-School have arranged "2 Nights With George".  A hilarious production taking place in St Johns on Saturday 11 October 2014.  This production is written and performed by Belfast based Donna O'Connor.  Tickets are £10 and doors open at 7.00pm for an 8.00pm start.  The production is over 16s as it contains strong language and adult humour.  Anyone interested in attending should contact Michelle on 07735972345.  Tickets are also available from Kids Kabin Pre School, St Francis PS, O'Connor's Shop (Drumaroad), St Johns GAA, McVeigh's Shop, (Clanvaraghan), Newcastle & Downpatrick Tourist Information, JR's (Castlewellan) and Crowes Nest (Crossgar).

If anyone has ordered a new St Johns training top they can be collected from Pep Keenan at the clubrooms on Wednesday evening from 7.00pm.  All tops must be paid for before collecting.

The club are placing an order for another batch of training tops, squad tops and skinny training pants. The final date for ordering is 8 October and all goods must be paid for at the time of ordering. These would make ideal Christmas presents.

Training Tops: The childrens sizes are age 1 - 2 to 13 - 14 and cost £21. Small adult to XX Large adult cost £25. The price includes club crest and Initials. Squad Tops: The childrens sizes are age 9 - 10, 10 - 11 & age 13 and cost £28.00. Adult sizes are from small upwards and cost £35.00. The price includes club crest and initials. Cordoba Skinny Pants: The childrens sizes are age 10 - 11 & age 13 and cost £25.00. Adult sizes are from small adult upwards and cost £33.00. The price includes club crest and initials. Contact Pep Keenan on [email protected] or 07779613468.

If you are interested in representing the club in the Scór contact Ciaran Cahill or Jackie McMullan for more details.

Congratulations to Stephen and Aine Magorrian on the birth of their daughter Clara and to Sean and Pauline Kelly on the birth of their son Cillian.

The latest edition of the St Johns monthly newsletter, Naomh Eoin News, is now available to download at www.stjohnsgaa.com/downloads.

Lotto numbers were 9, 15, 24 and 26. PJ McGrady was a £10 winner.  The jackpot next week is £3,950.

Keep up to date with everything relating to St Johns via the club website at www.stjohnsgaa.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stjohnsgaa and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stjohnsgaa (@StJohnsGAA).

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