Aughlisnafin seniors were defeated by St Michael's in Kilwarlin last Friday evening. An understrength Fin side under-performed and were held scoreless in a disappointing first half display while the hosts scored 1-6 over the half hour. With the introduction of the Thomas Beckett and the return of injured duo Shane Mooney and Paul Flanagan in the second half the Fin actually managed to outscore St Michaels 2-2 to 0-7 but never looked like staging a comeback with a dis-jointed display on a lop-sided pitch which they just could not get into grips with. Fin scorers were Paul Flanagan 1-1, Sean Willoughby 1-0 and Shane Mooney. Next up is Aghaderg this Friday evening in Annsborough which will give both teams the opportunity to size each other up before the Junior Championship. The Fin will then have a bye on Friday 1st June and this will complete the first half of the season.

The Fin ladies exited the Ladies Junior Football Championship when they suffered a reversal at the hands of St John Bosco in Kilcoo last Saturday evening.The Fin opened the scoring with a point from a free to which Newry Bosco responded with a goal. The back line worked tirelessly to keep a lively Bosco at bay throughout. After 40 minutes of play Bosco took advantage of the Fins' misfortunes with Sheenagh Flanagan and Niamh Flanagan forced out of the game due to injury. The Fin battled hard but Bosco were able to break through and tag on several scores to see out a comfortable win. The ladies will look to re-group before their next league game away to Annaclone this saturday at 7 pm. Aughlisnafin : L Lambe, M Flanagan, C Flanagan, A Mc Clean, N Flanagan, S Flanagan, A Mc Clean, J Rice, J Flanagan, C Mc Shane, O Flanagan, J Clarke, A Maginn, N O' Hare, T Flanagan, N Mc Clean, L Mc Aleenan, J Mc Aleenan, T Clarke, S Leeson, A Maginnis. Training every Monday and Thursday at 6:30pm.

The u14 girls played out a 13 aside challenge game against an RGU select last Sunday morning.The girls got off to a good start with Katie Fitzpatrick and Caoimhe Coughlan breaking through the defence on a number of occasions looking for scores. Niamh Davis however opened the scoring with a well taken point from play and she went on to have a stormer goaling twice and tagging on two points. RGU responded but were unable to breach the Fin's solid full back line of Rosin Mc Comiskey, Alice Mc Alea and Emily Harty. With the Fin winning possession the half backs Ellen Boden, Joanna Boden and Lisa Magennis worked the ball skilfully out to Christina Shields in midfield who set Rachel Quinn up for a superbly taken goal. Rachel also scored a point in a controlled midfield display. RGU scored 2-3 over the hour and led at half time but tenacious tackling from Cliona Mc Comiskey, Melissa Mc Illhennon, Orlaith Forsythe and Cliodhna Carey curbed several RGU attacks. In the closing stages of the game RGU made a final push for victory but Alex Murray pulled of a fantastic save and fed it out to Fionnuala Mc Comiskey and Martina Lenaghan who cleared her lines. The final score was Aughlisnafin 3-04 Downpatrick 2-03. The girls played really well as a team and are improving week on week. Thanks to RGU for agreeing to play this challenge game as the girls need as many games as possible to build momentum. Training every Tuesday evening 6.30 pm in Annsborough.

Last Monday evening the u14s lost out in what could only be described as a mis-match against neighbours St John. The 'Johnnies' were physically bigger and stonger all over the field and their experience at this grade stood to them in a one-sided affair. After making a good go of it in the first half the young Fin side found themselves in the second half unable to move up field with twelve opposition players camped in their half of the field which ruined the game as a spectacle. Such is the nature of underage football the Fin will find the u14s tough going this first season with most of their squad still playing u12s but the benefits will come in the latter grade as a result. Sean Flanagan hit the Fin's only point and it was a corker from 25 yards out. Jamie Walsh showed well in the second half when taking over the goalkeeping duites making several superb saves. Faelan Murphy and Oran Flanagan were the other notable standouts. Next game will be against St Coman's Drumaness on Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm in Annsborough.

The u12s were victors in their opening league game of the East Down Section B division recording a comfortable 8-10 to 1-13 win over Bredagh B. The Fin led 4-4 to 0-2 at the interval and hwith the Fin making several positional changes for the second half Bredagh came back into the game scoring 1-11 but the Fin tagged on a further 4-6 to win an absorbing game of free flowing football. Eoin Lundy put in a captains displays scoring 2-3 which was equalled by his midfield partner Oran Flanagan. Aaran Flanagan was superb in nets and when outfield for the last 15 mins he pointed a lovely free. The back four of Jack and Conor Matthews, Ruari King and Morgan Croskery were commanding throughout forcing Bredagh to shoot from distance. Croskery also grabbed 2 points including a superb fisted effort when moved to forward line. The starting forward quartet of Ruairi Quinn (1-1) Jamie Allen (2-0) Adam Lenaghan (1-0) and Conall King impressed throughout. It was good to finally see Callum Haynes back in the Fin shirt after an extended spell out due to injury. Callum slotted into defence when called upon and steady the ship as Bredagh grew into the game in the second period. The u12s are at home to Drumaness next Sunday at 12 noon. In a revamped format the u12s will play fifteen other teams in Section B of the East Down league once with games being alternated home or away on a weekly basis. The games will run through until September with a fortnights break in July. Full scheduled of all games will be issued to parents of the players in the squad for their information.

The u8s and u6s enjoyed challenge games against their Dundrum counterparts. The u8s squad of Conall King, Rhys Clarke, Anthony Quinn, Marc Quinn, Odhran Maguire, Kevin McComiskey, Rachel Crilly, Caitlyn McKibbon, Caitlin Ward, Claire Lenaghan and Erin Louise Clarke all got to play in several different positions and did very well.

The u6s where divided into two teams. The Clarkill team were Genevieve Lenaghan, Lena King, Connie Flanagan, Joseph Steen and Jude Lenaghan. The Whitefort team were Reece Tweedie, Shea Quinn, Matthew Valentine, Michael Steen and Odhran Murray. After many weeks coaching over the winter and spring the skills learned where put into practise and the kids didnt disappoint with everyone playing with confidence in their ability.

Thanks to Dundrum GAC who hosted and provided the referees and to all the parents and mentors for helping out and supporting the games. Many commentators have noted that these sort of events just werent happening years ago and it is good to see a new generation of gaels being introduced to gaelic games and having the opportunity to enjoy playing small sided matches at such a young age.

Juvenile numbers are increasing rapidly with four boys and six girls joining the club in recent weeks.

There will be Go Games for all u10s and u8s this Saturday in Loughinisland commencing 10.30 am. The visiting teams are listed as Aughlisnafin, Bryansford, Darragh Cross and Dundrum. Training for this age group every Tuesday in Annsborough 6.30 - 7.30 pm.

Two juvenile members are to be congratulated for their recent successes with their respective schools. Rachel Quinn represented St Malachy's High School when their u14 footballers defeated Abbey Vocational Donegal in the Ulster Final. Rachel enjoyed a very successful sweeper role similar to one she enjoys with the Fin u14 girls. The club's secretary, cultural officer and senior ladies player Orla Flanagan, who is a teacher at the school, also helps coach and mentor the school team.Cathal Murphy represented Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche (Castlewellan) when they defeated Bunscoil an Iúir (Newry) and Bunscoil Phadraig agus Mhuire (Downpatrick) enroute to winning Co Down Bunscoil Quiz title. Cathal is one of many fluent juvenile gaeilgors in the club Mhaith sibh a Rachel agus Cathal !

Campa Chormaic is taking place from 2-6th July in St. Colman's College Newry and from 9-13th July in St. Malachy's High School Castlewellan. Places are first come first served basis. Anyone interested contact Orla Flanagan for a form or email [email protected]

The next meeting of the executive committe will be held Thursday 24th May at 8 pm.

Emma Burton (22) was the 49 club winner.

Lotto 3, 15, 21, 24. Martin Flanagan and Denis Fegan both matched 3 numbers and share £50. Jackpot 2,350. Tweet

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