Glasdrumman GAC Notes
April 30, 2012When you are on are good run of form the next match brings added pressure and Ardglass certainly is a tough as it gets.
The wind blowing across the pitch which was in neither team's favour but we had to defend into a bright low sun.
Ardglass registered the first score with a well taken point from play.
We took our time to settle and exchanged a couple of wide with the hosts.
The character of our 2012 team began to show and with each player looking more and more composed and growing in confidence the ball was played with precise passing to Connaire Harrison who slotted it over the bar. Ardglass replied with a point.
The home side we shaded possession at mid field and Michael Magee's strong running was prosing us some difficulties. Our defensive unit led by team captained Frank O'Neill held strong and forced Ardglass to shoot from long range which proved unproductive in the tricky wind.
Our boys took the game by the scruff of the neck and their great passing game and running off the ball started to pay dividends. The half back line of Dan McCartan, Chris McDowell and Marty O'Neill led by example, contesting fairly for every ball and giving telling passes to our runners James McDowell and Cathal Rodgers who in turn weaved their way through the Ardglass defence to set up Connaire Harrison for a goal and a point and Mo Magorrian for two points and the inspirational Raymond Clarke for a point.
The hosts with their never say die attitude came storming back and scored three points before half time to leave the score 1-7 to 0-5.
Although we had a five point advantage the travelling support feared an Ardglass backlash and when Ryan Curran buried the ball in our net after confusion on the edge of our square it was game on.
Our boys showed that you must be calm, composed and clear thinking to put a five match undefeated run together. So it was back to the basis of this success, win possession of the ball hold on to it and take your scores. Connaire Harrison put a goal between the teams again with a point and the industrious Mo Magorrian latched on to a true pass and placed the ball with power into the Ardglass net and then added a point to consolidate our lead.
The powerful Ardglass number 9 Michael Magee rallied his troops and he with Colm Smyth and Ryan Curran and they replied with four unanswered points despite our defence's organisation and hard work.
It was then a game then of only the strongest minds survive and to our lads credit they continued to keep up their discipline and intensity with or without the ball.
Connaire Harrison kept the score board ticking over with three points and the promising Cathal Rodger added his name to the scorers having provided many great assists to his forward colleagues.
Ardglass continued to press and for the vital three pointer which would bring them back within range of an unlikely victory but Art McCartan, Chris Cassidy and Sean Cunningham between stood strong despite the host claims for a penalty.
Ardglass did add a point from a free to make the final score 1-10 to 2-13.
Another deserved result and inspiring performance from the entire team who are growing game by game as individuals and more significantly as a team. Thanks Tom and Gary and as they say 'Keep Her Lit'.
The next game is at home to St Johns.
Team:- Sean Cunningham, Frank O'Neill, Art McCartan, Chris Cassidy, Dan McCartan, Marty O'Neill, Chris McDowell, Shane Harrison, , James McDowell, Raymond Clarke, Neil Rodgers, Raymond Magorrian, Colm Gribben, Connaire Harrison Sean McDowell. Subs Ryan Clerkin, John McAteer, Patrick Kelly, Shaun Brennan, Ricky McAteer, Marty McGrath, Colm Carr, Ryan Doran.
Good luck to Shane Harrison who has made the transition from the Down U-21 ream to the senior county panel. The county are getting a two for one deal because he is a proven goalkeeper and an accomplished out field player.
It was hard luck to the Baileghlas minors last Tuesday night when they were on the wrong side of a 5-9 to 3-11 score line against Clann na Derg. This was a highly competitive game where our boys showed lots of endeavour and potential.
Their next match is in Glasdrumman when we host Saul.
On Sunday 6th May the South Down Minor Feis 7's start at 10.15am in St. Marks Warrenpoint. Attending are; Shamrocks, Warrenpoint, Clonduff, Burren, Drumgath, Ballyholland, Atticall, Clann na Banna, Mitchels, Ballymartin, Rostrevor, Mayobridge, Saval, Glenn & Tullylish.
Good luck boys.
Congratulations to Cathal Rodgers and Patrick Kelly who represented our club with distinction last Saturday. They are part of the Down U-17 team who took part in the development tournament in Dungannon where they recorded wins over Monaghan and Armagh by a point and a goal respectively.
Good luck Patrick and Cathal in the next rounds.
Baileghlas U 14 first match is Monday 7th May against Atticall.
Friday 11th May at Pairc Usler there will be a open night with the county senior team. This is part a Croke Park initiative to promote the Ulster Championship and our county team who face Peter Canavan's Fermanagh in Brewster Park on the third of June.
Coupled with the reduce prices and family packages we can set about planning for our trip to Fermanagh. More pricing details are available on the County's web site Downgaa.ie.
Congratulation to Eileen Feeney on winning the club's tote.
Here is the current price list for the new windcheaters £26 for adults and £20 for kids, the new skins priced at £30 for adults and £23 for kids and the new tracksuit bottoms priced at £28 for adults and £22 for kids. If you wish to order any of the above items please contact Catherine Kelly 07895961953. The club will be placing an order at the end of March 2012.
Congratulations to Caitlan Brennan who added the individual singing title at Newry Feis for her school St Columbans to her Top Club title she won in March this year.
Events for the week ahead: -
Monday: - Senior Football Glasdrumman v St Johns 7.15pm. Pointer Group 7pm to 8pm.
Tuesday: - minors Baileghlas v Saul 7.15pm, Baileghlas U14 training 7.15pm St Colman's Kilkeel; Band practice in AOH.
Wednesday: - U12 football training 6.45pm to 8.00pm Quarter Road Pitch Senior football training 7.30pm, Irish / Ceili dancing in Club Rooms & 7pm to 8pm;
Thursday: - bingo in the club rooms 8.30pm.
Friday: - Juvenile games in club rooms P1 to P5 6pm to 7.30pm, P6 to 14year olds 7.30 to 9.30pm.
Sunday: - Minor Feis 7s in Warrenpoint, dancing in Glasdrumman AOH Hall 9.30pm to Hustlers. Tweet
