In our long standing 130-year history, 2018 will definitely go down as one of the most hectic but one of the most enjoyable and memorable for our members and community. We had lots of success in football, camogie, LGFA, handball and Scor amongst others but there were so many more aspects of 2018 which will live long in the memory. We knew at the start of the year we would be celebrating our 130th anniversary, launching the history book and preparing to host two Feile teams for the upcoming Feile so it was every shoulder to the wheel and in true Mayobridge fashion that’s what we did. Personally, the highlight for me was the Feile weekend where we were chosen as only one of three clubs in Down to hosts finals, we had so many Gaels from over across Ireland, England and throughout the world through our gates to see our magnificent facilities and to be given a real Mayobridge welcome.
Before I go through the team reports for the year I would like for us to take a moments silence to remember all our formers players and Gaels who have went before us over the previous 12 months. Féadfaidh siad chuid eile I síocháin.
Football
U6
Once again the u6 coaching team spent time in the school focusing on P1 and P2 classes during the early months of 2018. In all we spent 4 weeks in the school working on the basic movements Agility, Balance and Co-ordination (A, B, C’s). This serves two purposes; firstly, the kids get to meet the coaches in familiar safe surroundings secondly this shows our commitment as a club to the school and the physical development of our youth.43 children both boys and girls enjoyed playing and learning the skills of Gaelic football this year. We visited and played in many different clubs and blitzes throughout the year. The emphasis of u6 football is create a fun, safe environment where all skills levels are encouraged to be the very best version of themselves, this development includes communication, manners, responsibility and respect for each other, coaches, officials and OUR CLUB.
Our goal is to allow all kids to fall in love with Gaelic Games.
I wish the kids’ moving on to U8’s the very best in their future and keep up the hard work. Thanks to coaches Sean McElroy, Danielle de rose, Eddie Cuthbert, Ciaran Magennis, John O’Hare, Konrad Fegan and Peter Gallagher for their time and commitment throughout the season.
U8
The Mayobridge under 8 footballers training began their season in the first week of January 18 with weekly indoor training sessions on Saturday. These training sessions focused on the basic skills of Gaelic football the pick-up, solo, foot pass, bounce and catch. There is a strong emphasis placed by the coaches on fun and enjoyment at these training sessions.
Throughout the season there was a group of 25 players attending most of the training sessions strongly emphasising the support from the parents throughout the season. The U8’s season consists of challenge games and tournaments which provides the opportunity for the players to exhibit their skills practiced during training whilst affording the coaches the ability to identify aspects of the skills that require further attention at training. The U8s played a number of challenge games, blitzes and participated in the Clonduff, Burren, Ballyholland, Saval and Newry Shamrocks tournaments together with our own U8 tournament on 1st September 18. The club entered both a Gaels and Ogs teams in all these tournaments.
The Gaels (P4s) reached the final of the Burren Hospice tournament and semi-finals of the Ballyholland, Mayobridge and Newry Shamrocks tournaments. The team have competed very well in these tournaments with results not going their way by the bare minimum in the majority of these games.
The Ogs (P3s) were competing in these tournaments for the first time and performed brilliantly winning our own Mayobridge and Ballyholland tournaments and finalists in Clonduff, Burren, Saval and Newry Shamrocks. This group of players are performing well beyond initial expectations and will look forward to competing at U8 Gaels level next season. The players through their effort and application at the training sessions have seen improvements in their basic skill base and ability to compete against other teams of a similar age in their respective tournaments. The coaches, Philip Boyle, Ciaran Magennis, Mark Gallagher, Eddie Cuthbert, Paddy Tumility and Peter Gallagher would like to thank the players and most importantly their families for all their commitment and support during the season.
U10
The P5/6 footballers began with winter training in the community centre in January focusing on the basic skills and core work with the help from Micheal Walsh.
We had great numbers this year with between 28-33 boys attending most tournaments, this ensured we could field 3 teams at these events which ensured every player getting plenty of football, improving their skills and going home with a smile on their face.
We had success in numerous tournaments played in Down and Armagh winning trophies in Ballyholland, Burren, Saval and Mayobridge. Many thanks to coaches Noel Sexton, Kevin Coulter, Enda McConville, Ray McConville, Charlie Smyth and Thomas O’Hare for their commitment to the u10 footballers in 2018.
U12
The U12 footballers started of their year early in January 2018 with 6 weeks of indoor work before taking to the field in February. Numbers were good throughout the season with a panel of 20 players. To ensure that all players would receive plenty football during the year and with the ultimate aim of preparing for U14 football, we entered 2 teams into the 11 a side league and used some U10 boys to complement the numbers. In the first half of the season the boys played 9 matches in a 10-team section to determine which teams would enter division 1 and 2 leagues. The boys performed very well winning 8 out of 9 games which meant we would enter a Gaels team in the South Down division 1 league and an Ogs team in division 4. In division 1 and 4 our lads played some terrific football over the summer and both teams went unbeaten in their respective leagues with the Gaels winning 8 from 8 and the Ogs win 6 out of 6. The strength in depth of our squad and the strong talent available to us from the U10 panel was evident and bodes well for the future. Due to the fall in birthday dates 15 of this panel will move up to U14 football in 2019. We also entered 3 tournments during the year in An Riocht, Ballyholland and Newry Mitchells’ where we reached the semi-finals of all competitions falling to a strong Magherafelt team in two and Killeavy in the other. The boys were very competitive in all competitions and received a lot of plaudits for the attractive football they played. The Ogs team also attended these competitions and performed very well although often up against some strong opposition when a lot of teams only had one panel.
It is worth noting the success of our primary school team again in reaching the Canon Esler Cup final were they unfortunately lost to a strong team from the St Patrick in Newry. The boys recovered from this and secured the league title before the close of the season. All of these boys were part of the U12 squad. These bunch of lads have a great future ahead of them and have great enthusiasm for Gaelic football. There is a great work ethic in the group and the continuous large numbers in attendance at training is evidence of their passion for the game. They are a pleasure to work with and are a credit to their families.
A huge thanks to Brian McMahon, Michael Fitzpatrick, Declan Mason and Rory O’Keeffe for their help with the U12s who put a lot of work in with these boys throughout the year.
Tim Colhoun
U14
Our u14s squad started indoor development work in the youth club with Micheal Walsh at the beginning of January. We moved onto the field early in February where the players really worked hard. We had a reasonable league campaign where we finished second in division two.
In late June we had a wonderful Feile experience. The players, their parents together with our committee and support of the local community raised a lot of money to help host the Feile. We would like to thanks all who helped in anyway because we all know he Feile was one of the highlights within our club for a long time. Unfortunately, on the football front we were beaten in the semi final of the div 3 feile but to see the crowd and support we had that beautiful Sunday morning we live long in our memories.
After the Feile we had early rounds of the b championship where the players improved in every game and to keep the best to last, we met Newry Shamrocks in the final in Pairc Esler. Our players really stood up to the challenge and put in the best performance of the year. I would like to thanks Robbie Coulter, Micheal Goss, and James McAvoy for their dedication and for anyone who helped throughout the year.
Eoghan Woods.
U16
The 16s had a squad this year of 18 players. We started training in January. We were put into a provision
group to find out what league we would be put in to and we were put into a group with Burren, Clonduff,
Longstone, Rostrevor and Bosco.
We played 3 challenge matches again Cooley, Cullyhanna and Carrickcruppen which were competitive
games to start the season.
The preliminary league games started by beating Rostrevor, losing to a very strong Burren side. Our next
game was against Clonduff we played very well the first half and we were up 8 points at half time.
Unfortunately, we fell apart in the second half and ended up losing.
Played Longstone in Kilkeel) on a very questionable pitch, no line markings, long grass and poor quality. We
lost this game. The following match was against Bosco which we won. That ended us up in South Down
division 1 which suited us.
We played Rostrevor, Saval, Bosco, Longstone, Clann an banna and An Riocht which we won all the games.
We lost one game which was against Warrenpoint which made us come second in the league.
Into the championship we put in a lot of intense training for this including running up Kilbroney and a great
session on Murlough beach. For championship we were put into a group 1 which was Warrenpoint, Saval
and ourselves, the other group was An Riocht, Longstone and Rostrevor.
On to settle an old score with Warrenpoint, in Warrenpoint, the boys played brilliantly the whole game and
only for a bad refereeing decision the final score ended up a draw.
Warrenpoint was our first game , then we played Saval in our second game, we played really well up to a point when our keeper, Conor, was hit and concussed and had to come off at half time, after the half time,
Saval came out well but we held our position and won by 4 points.
To go through to the semi-final direct we had to score more points than Warrenpoint, unfortunately, they
managed to outscore us by 4 point sending them straight through to the semi-final. So, put us in the quarter
final against Rostrevor. Our boys played well and the final score was 6-16 to 0-4.
Into the semi-final down in An Riocht were once again we were hosted on a second pitch. It was a fairly
tough game but our boys battled well and beat them the final score was 1-12 to 3-18.
That put us into the final for which the boys had worked very hard from the start of the season, training
attendance was always very good and 100% effort and attitude put in by all the lads.
The final was played in Clonduff on the 29th September against our old enemies Warrenpoint. Our boys
played very well and wanted the win more than the Warrenpoint team. The second half was a tough battle
but our boys came out on top to win with a score of 3-5 to 0-10.
These boys are a credit to themselves and their parents. Not one bad attitude amongst them. Most of the
boys also helped out with the Minors team during the year and the management are all so proud of them.
Thanks to coaches Jimmy McManus, Mark Crimmins, Joe Hardy and David Clyde for their commitment.
Minor
The decision was made to enter our minor team into the south down league (SDL) in 2018. This was based on the depth of the panel and age of the players available. With only a maximum panel of 17 players.Due to the small panel of players available, (injuries, work commitments, county commitments, other sports etc the regular attendance at training sessions was only approximately seven players. We were heavily reliant on several u16 players joining our panel on match days.The u18 managers would like to put on record our thanks to the u16 managers for their support and understanding with asking players to play minor games on a Tuesday evening and their own age group on the Thursday evening.
Our minor team had a successful league campaign winning the competition with games to spare. This encouraged us to enter the All-county championship but unfortunately, we were drawn out in a highly competitive group with Liatroim and eventual finalists Burren and Ballyholland. But we were only narrowly beaten in the games against Burren and Liatroim and this reflects well on what was a very youthful team who represented our club very well demonstrating good footballing ability.
Highlights of the year:
· Winning SDL
· Producing competitive championship matches esp. Burren away
· The core group of minors contributed positively in several full senior team training sessions
A number of injuries to key players during the year had a negative effect, e.g. James Rice, Luke McGlade, Thomas Looney, Dylan O’Hare, Sean O Hare and Sean Magone. In 2019 management would be hopeful for further team development as the panel that competed in the championship games are ALL eligible for minor football again next year. The plan would be for this team to compete in All-county league and championship in 2019.
Thanks to the management team of Mickey Linden, Colm O’Hare, Brendan Dwyer and Dessie Brady for all their hard work.
Thirds
The thirds again had another excellent year clinching the Down RFC and SDRFL double. We joined up to
train with the minors for the majority of the season, this improved both teams and it will ease the
integration of our young players into senior football in the next few seasons. In the league final we beat An
Roicht after a tough game in Burren and after a few tough championships battles which began away to
Byransford we made our way to the championship final with a date versus neighbours Burren. After a tough
opening 30 minutes the boys played to their potential and won comfortably which was capped by a
remarkable point by Mickey Linden which went viral and was shown all over the world. It was a great day for
the club to see the seconds capture the PRFC just an hour later. It is great that the club continue fielding
three adult teams and giving many young men the opportunity to represent the famed sky blues. Many
thanks to Gareth Fegan and Paddy Tumelity for their continued help in preparing the team and ensuring the
high standards are kept.
TOH
Reserves
The reserves were coached by the senior management of Benny Coulter, Francie Poland, Noel Sexton and Gavin Barry where they had an extremely successful year. With two games to go in the league they played Kilcoo who were also unbeaten and in an excellent game in Pairc Eoghan Rua the game ended in a draw. Unfortunately, the team failed to beat Rostrevor at home that Sunday with resulted in the Magpies winning the league. In the championship wins over Rostrevor and Byransford saw us travel to take on favourites Burren in the semi. In a tense battle, the players put in a heroic performance to win by 3 points. In the final versus Castlewellan, a strong second half performance saw Michael Fitzpatrick lift the championship cup in a rememberable Saturday in Newry.
Seniors
The seniors managed by Benny Coulter, Francie Poland, Noel Sexton and Gavin Barry began in January and worked extremely hard throughout. After a good preseason the players began with an inconsistent start to the league but fortunes began to improve with a great home win over Burren and performances were improving week on week coming into the championship. The championship began with wins over An Riocht and Saval which saw the team drawn against Clonduff in the quarter final of the championship. A terrific opening 50 minutes from the sky blues saw us win through to the semi-final despite a nail-biting comeback from the yellows. In semi-final versus Burren, we were more than a match for our neighbours leading by three at the break and it probably should have been more. Unfortunately, an excellent first ten minutes from Burren saw them blitz us to take their place in the county final. The team finished 4th in the league and credit most go to the management and players for their efforts and progress these past two seasons. Thanks to Benny, Francie, Noel and Gavin for their commitment and time that they put into the team these past two years. Although they have stepped down I have no doubt they will be our most ardent supporters on the terraces next season. Thanks to Kevin McGuigan, Ciaran McKeever, Cormac Venny and Brendan McVeigh for their help over the year. We wish Ciaran all the best in his new role with Armagh minors. Secretary report 26-11-18
Thanks to Maire Sherry for her commitment as team physio and to Michael Walsh for his time nurturing injured players. To our now legendary kit man David McVeigh for his hours at training at match days and for agreeing to continue this role for 2019. Finally best wishes to Benny on his role as county selector for 2019 with Paddy Tally, Mianta is fear !
Camogie Under 6
We started training in the social club on the 10th February for 6 weeks. On the 1st day of training we had 19 girls. Training commenced outside from the 24th March.
In May we hosted Kilcoo and the U6’s had their 1st friendly match.
Our 1st Blitz was in An Riocht at the end of May the U6’s had 1 team entered.
At the end of June, we headed to Darragh Cross by bus with 1 team.
At the end of July, we went to Ballela for the 1st time with 1 team.
Our last Blitz was in Liatriom our 1st trip there also at the end of August again 1 team was entered.
The girls have progressed really well and have taken on board all games and skills that they have been shown.
Thanks to coaches Brona Sexton, Colleen Franklin, Kathryn Carroll, Martina Keenan, Catriona McGlade, Paddy Tumilty and Cora Rooney
U8
UNDER 8 CAMOGIE, Main Coach: Ciara Cunningham, Assistant Coaches: Colleen Franklin & Aoife Sherry
Training was held every Saturday 11am – 12 Noon with the first training session indoors on the 16th February and outside from the 24th March. After a very successful and event filled season the last training session was held on the 15th September.
The under 8’s had a panel of 19 girls, there was an excellent turn out at the training sessions every week. All of the girls deserve great credit for the effort and commitment they showed throughout the year.
With a panel of 19 we were able to enter 2 teams in the majority of tournaments this year. We travelled to tournaments in An Riocht (27th May), Darragh Cross (24th June), Ballela (29th July), Leitrim (25th August). Also played a friendly match with Kilcoo in Mayobridge on the 12th May. Throughout the tournaments the girls showed great spirit, sportsmanship and won the majority of games in all tournaments. There has been a marked
2018 was a fantastic year for Mayobridge Camogie and the Club, with the Senior Team winning the Junior
Championship and the club awarded Camogie Club of the Year. It is an honour to be part of this Club in my role as
underage mentor and as a parent of an underage camogie player.
There was a marked improvement in the girls’ skill level throughout the season. The girls showed great commitment to training and developing their skills during the year and the team has a bright future.
The Hurl with me Programme was an amazing success for the Mayobridge parents. It provided 4 weeks of training (starting on the 2nd June) for parents with a professional coach and had over 15 parents in attendance every week. This was finished off with a a day out in the GAA development centre on the 1st July. 15 underage players and 19 parents travelled to Dublin by bus to play a national tournament. This was a resounding success and all the parents showed great enthusiasm for the event. Inspired by this 8 parents travelled to An Riocht to take part in the Carmel Doran Social Sevens on the 15th September. I felt this was a great initiative for the parents and children and I would like to see this replicated in the future.
Some of the underage player and parents traveled to support Down in the Camogie All Ireland on the 9th September. The bus was organised from the club however going forward for next year I feel as a mentor and parent it would be best to keep the underage girls on a separate bus.
I would like to acknowledge the other underage coaches especially Colleen Franklin who were a great support to the U8’s at training and tournaments this year. I would also like to thank the great group of parents for their continued support this year.
Ciara Cunningham
U10 camogie report by Helen Butterfield
We started off in February, we couldn’t wait till March.
Into the social club we went and said “Let the training start!”
The girls loved all the games, we played ladders and cups and saucers,
It didn’t matter if it rained; we were inside with all your daughters. Colleen brought the tyres, herself and Brona dragged them from the jeep, They left them in a corner piled high into a heap!
The U10’s beat those tyres, beat them and ran up and down
And when that game was over their smiles were upside down.
In March we cancelled training, we said “There’s too much snow”
It did seem very strange but the social club was a definite NO GO!
Finally April weather came and outside to grass we all did go
Tom O’Hare stood and wondered ‘Will I mow it or let it grow?’
We trained and we trained, the numbers were just great,
Some new players joined, our squad was now complete.
I think a special word of recognition should go to Dympna Tumilty and her amazing fundraising efforts this year. This
sponsorship is much appreciated for the underage camogie teams in Mayobridge.
In May Kilcoo came over for some friendly games to play,
While nobody was really keeping score the Bridge girls lead the way! Next stop was An Riocht, the Kingdom some do say
But how will we get there, some of us don’t know the way?
There was talk of shiny new signs up on both main and also side road No more looking out for where the NEW spuds were sold!
The sea air must have suited them, as there was none to compare when one of our girls got that sliotar in the air!!
There was one broken hurl and cuts and bruises a plenty,
I think going home the first aid box was near empty!
In June we went to Darragh Cross, the day it was a scorcher,
Topping up the sun tan lotion really was a torture!!
Our girls seemed to suffer under those helmets in the heat,
But even in those conditions they were very hard to beat!
Onto Ballela next, now what rhymes with that?
We’ll say our U10’s were brilliant and leave it just at that!
Out next blitz was in Liatroim, Mairead warned of a race,
She said “take this road not that road” to get to the place
The grass was slightly long; we needed to get the ball in the air, Once our girls got that right there was no team to compare!
In August Dympna decided to run 10K each day,
she wanted to remember Cassie in a very special way.
So instead of normal training, one morning we all walked,
with parents, buggies and all the smaller girls,
I think Dympna had a good head start!
We trained on into September, we really didn’t mind.
The girls loved all the games and drills, the weather was so mild.
And so our season it came to an end, our thanks to everyone we’d like to extend. Go raibh maith agaibh a chairde, sin é, The End
U12
2018 was a very good season for our panel of thirteen U12 camog’s.
At the start of the season the girls participated in a coaching and skills session with Paudie Butler Tipperary champion hurler and coach. This was a very informative event as it girls the opportunity to learn how the new ball wall can be used to improve their skill level. The benefits of having the Ball Wall facility within our club are huge, particularly for our underage camogie players and coaches. It is hoped that this opportunity can be repeated at the start of the 2019 season.
Following participation in two all-county blitzes the clubs were divided into two divisions for the league. The girl’s performance in the league this year was brilliant, only losing one of their games, to finish at the top of their division.
Mayobridge also took part in several successful tournaments during the season. Throughout the year all the players showed considerable skill and enthusiasm for the game. Commitment levels were high throughout the year at both training and in matches. Not once would they give up the fight during a match and always left the pitch smiling. Well done to all involved and we hope they continue to improve in 2019 whether at U12 or U14. Many thanks to the parents and all our supporters who have been right behind us throughout the year.
Our playing season ended with a trip to the All-Ireland camogie finals in late September which was an immensely enjoyable day for all, particularly as it gave the girls a wonderful opportunity to cheer on Down Camog’s in the intermediate final.
Many thanks to Maria Carroll, Maire Sherry, Cindy Griffen and Michelle McConville for their help.
U14
Our u14 camogs played in the 15 a-side section of the All county league and championship. This was a big step up for the 23 girls on the squad however they were all up for the challenge. Training was always very
well attended, the girls showing great commitment, always listening and working hard to develop their skills.
The camog’s travelled to Ballygalget participating very competitively in the Feile which gave them a taste of top flight games. Throughout the year they played challenge games with Mullaghbawn and Clonduff which proved beneficial. The girls were very competitive in the league. Challenging all opponents and finishing mid table. Unfortunately in the championship, the girls narrowly lost out to finalists Bredagh. This was a very positive and competitive season for all the u14 camogs, they all developed their skill level as well as their bond as a team.
Thank you to the u12 players who joined the u14s for training and games during the summer months.
Congratulations to all the girls who attended the u13 and u14 county development teams, especially Leah O’Hare and Laura Greenan who were part of the Down u14 team that participated in the All Ireland Blitz and won the Ulster shield.
Thank you to Corinne Toal, Adrian and Lorraine Gribben for all their time and effort to coach this great group of girls. It was very much appreciated. Finally thank you to all the parents who supported their
daughters every step of the way.
Martina Rooney
U16
The U16 Camogs entered the 15-a-side league and championship this season after winning the 12 a -side league and championship last season. This was a much tougher competition but we felt the girls needed to be playing against the stronger teams to improve and the girls agreed. In the first half of the league we had
heavy defeats but we kept improving and the second half we competed better and you could see the belief the girls had in themselves. We competed in the An Riocht Sharon Morgan 7 a-side tournament in Sept and won the cup beating teams from Down, Armagh and Derry this was the only silverware we won. These young camogs are very talented players with a few winning Junior Championship medals this season. The future certainly looks good for Camogie in Mayobridge with these young girls coming through. I would like
to thank Briege Greene, Bridgeen Kelly and Dymphna Magee for their help and support this season, the parents for taking girls to training and matches. Mairead Rooney for all her hard work arranging games and pitches and much more behind the scenes, also thank you to the club for the use of their facilities and Tom O Hare and co for keeping the field in such good playing condition.
Thank You
Bridgeen Coulter
Minor
2018 was an indifferent season for the minor camogs. They played four league games throughout the season, winning two and losing two. Other fixtures were not fulfilled due to various reasons which resulted in a lack of momentum for the players. In the championship, the minors travelled to face a very talented Ballygalget side. The girls lost this game, however, they realised that when they put in the effort and raised their intensity that they could play competitively with the best in the county. All minor camogs trained with the senior squad throughout the season and this helped develop their skills and level of competitiveness. Congratulations to Ellen Fegan who was part of the minor county team who played in the All Ireland minor shield final.
Thank you to Bridgeen Coulter and Marie Sherry for helping out with the minors throughout the year. Thanks also to all the parents who supported the girls all year.
Senior Camogie
It was with a great sense of pride that Mayobridge entered a senior team for the first time since 2014. With the fantastic work being done at underage, we now have teams playing at every grade from u6 to senior. Credit has to go to those pioneering ladies who restarted underage camogie over 10 years ago. We need to ensure that their legacy will be Mayobridge becoming one of the top clubs in the county.
Our senior camogs had a successful first season back. The squad of 27 was a mixture of experience and youth who gelled very well together. Competing in division 3 of the league they lost only two games, narrowly, and finished runners up. In the championship they recovered from a shaky start in both the semi final and final to run out winners against Aghaderg and An Riocht respectively. The girls then went onto play in the Ulster Club Championship and lost out in the semi-final to a very experienced Dungannon team. This season’s experience should stand by the players as they look to progress further next year.
Congratulations to team captain, Orlagh Caldwell who was part of the Down Senior Camogie Team who won the Ulster Senior Championship and were runners up in the All Ireland Final. Congratulations also to Martina Rooney who managed the Down Senior Team and Marie Sherry who was physio.
It has been a while since a Mayobridge player was associated with the county senior team, however, we hope that there will be lots more Mayobridge girls representing their club with distinction at a county level! Thank you to our new jersey sponsors, Mourne Hydraulics and Gary O’Hagan for their support this year.
Thank You to the management team of Tim Colhoun, Marie Sherry and Grace Brown for their hard work and dedication to the senior squad. It was much appreciated.
Martina Rooney
Hurl With Me Programme
There was over 200 camogie clubs applied for this programme from all over Ireland. We were 1 of 32 clubs chosen
We had an Gaa development coach come to our club for 5 weeks coaching our parents every Saturday. We had approx 25 parents taking part each week. Then parents and girls headed off to the National Gaa development centre in Dublin for a camogie blitz. The mums and dads played first and then the young camogs age 8-10. We played 3 games each against Dublin, Cavan & Roscommon. A fantastic experience for parents and girls all stripped out in the Sky Blues.
Then from this in September the mums took part in a social Sevens camogie game in An Riocht, with a few mums stripping out for the 1st time and coaches for the 1st time in many years.
Great fun was had by all. It brought more parents feeling part of our camogie club and wanting to be involved making our club bigger than ever before.
LGFA
U12 and U16
Our U12 lgfa team had another fantastic season and for the 2nd season in a row finished runners up in the south down development league only losing 2 games all year. They finished on 30 points and fulfilled all fixtures I would like to thank Paddy & Dympna Tumilty, Kevin Franklin and Marie Sherry for everything they have done this year.
Our amalgamated U16 lgfa team “Droichead Phointe” also had an outstanding season with the girls winning both League and Championship this year I would like to thank all the girls for their effort and Noreen Kelly
from CPN for all her help.
As LGFA coordinator I would to congratulate the club on the Feile this year it was an unbelievable experience for all involved and to Sean McElroy and his mentors on all their efforts in what was a very busy year for the U14 girls.
I would also like to thank Club for all their help and support over the last 3 years in this roll and wish the incoming LGFA coordinator all the best for 2019.
(Martin Sherry)
U14
Once again, the u14 coaching team spent time in the community centre working on basic skills and fitness. During this time, we also had a Player/ Parent/ Coach meeting where as coaches we laid out our plans for the year and the exceptions we had of players and parents. Also, what parents and players could expect from us as coaches.
33 young ladies enjoyed playing and learning the skills of Gaelic football this year. We had 2no teams compete in the ‘B’ & ‘D’ divisions of the All County League finishing strong in both leagues with the help of some u12’s to bolster numbers at times. We lost the final of the ‘B’ championship to a strong Downpatrick team and a ‘D’ semi-final to eventual winnings St John’s.
The culture of u14 football in 2018 is create a fun, safe environment where all skills levels are encouraged to be the very best version of themselves, this development includes communication, manners, responsibility and respect for each other, coaches, officials and OUR CLUB. Our goal is to encourage all young ladies to fall in love with Gaelic Games.
Thanks to all who helped in the amazing Feile build up and the weekend itself, it was a great weekend.
We wish all the young ladies moving on to U16’s the very best in their future, keep up the hard work, work ethic, positive attitude and most of all their coachability.
Sean McElroy, Karen O’Keeffe, Audrey Greenan, Corinne Toal, Enda McConville
Senior
The senior ladies began back in the junior league and competed well throughout. They bowed out to Warrenpoint in the championship but fought extremely hard. Thanks to Charlene Lively, Kate Kane and Martin Sherry for all their work over the season.
Scor
2018 was one of our most successful years for culture to date, with over 60 participants in both scór na nOg and scór sinsír
In scór na nOg we were represented with 1 ceili dancing team, 4 solo singers, 2 recitations, 4 ballad groups, 2 instrumental music groups and a leuirú. Our solo singer Eimear Magee and the Leuirú won South Down and County titles, this was a great achievement for Eimear as it was her tenth year trying for a county medal.
In Scór sinsír we entered solo singing, instrumental music, ballad group and ceili dancing, with our solo singer Jordan Lively and ballad group of, Aoife, Catlin, Nicole, Jordan and Rachel, claiming County honours.
In the quiz we entered four teams, three in scór na nOg and one in scór sinsír, with two of these teams losing out to a place in the All Ireland by one point. With the help of every participant at all levels we won the scór club of the year, claiming the Peter Keenan memorial cup, something that hasn’t been done for the last three years.
In November, we were all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Nicole Fegan RIP, who represented Mayobridge in Ballad Group, Solo singing and instrumental music.
In December we were presented in Croke Park with the Joe McDonagh award for promoting Irish language in the club, through signage and Irish speaking classes, which continue to run on Wednesday nights, all new all new members welcome. A massive thanks to Darran Ronney for all his work in this regard. Also in December Nicole Keenan was nominated by members of the club for Ulster GAA volunteer of the month and was successful and was awarded Translink volunteer for December.
In April we had our scór celebration night to acknowledge our participants in scór, on this night we remembered Nicole Fegan R.I.P
and raised money for the hospice, we were joined by scór friends from far and near.
In May we were again saddened by the untimely passing of our County Cultural Officer William Smith R.I.P William was not only a good friend of the Scór family but was also a good friend of Mayobridge.Ar go deis anam
Summer camp
In July we ran the first ever scór summer camp in Ireland. We had five days filled with activities in song, dance and sport, with our culture at the heart of every day. We had over fifty children participating, the week was finished off with a concert where all the mummies and daddies were entertained by the new talents their children had developed throughout the week. Massive thanks has to go to Nicole and Eimear who came up with this concept and organised and planned everything, from this other clubs and counties want to roll this out next year. I would also like to thank all those who gave up their time to help with the children in any way especially to Paula who took a week off work to ensure everything ran smoothly;
Mayobridge instrumentalist were asked to play for both presidents, Aoghan O’Farrell and John Horan, during the year at special events and Nicole and Eimear entertained guests of the All Ireland Feilé banquet in July.
In August we entered 3 dancing teams in the Fleadh winning 3 Co. Titles and 2 Ulster titles gaining them a place in the All-Ireland Fleadh in Drogheda where a great weekend was had by all.
Amhrain Na bhfainn
We continue to have singers in Gavan and Eimear who sing our national anthem at numerous events around the county and this year Emily Fitzpatrick has joined them by attending Amhrain na bhfainn workshops so hopefully in the not too distant future we will see Emily representing Mayobridge.
Just to conclude I would like to thank everyone from parents, children and mentors and to Pat Joe and his committee for their continued support in everything we do.
Go Raibh maith agat Gerard
Handball
The highlight of the year was the construction of the new outdoor wall facilities. The facility has made handball accessible to more players and improved coaching. The front page of many local papers had An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar playing handball on his visit to the club. The club was privileged to have world champion, Conor Mc Elduff, lead a training session on the wall before he treated members to a highly entertaining exhibition game with Sean Digney.
On the courts Michelle Mc Coy was our biggest success when she won the National One Wall Challenger. Senior teams competed in a one wall recreational league and the club was represented at the annual competition hosted by Annsborough. Senior players competed in the Down leagues and championships. The senior club competition, Micky Annett Trophy, was won by Anton White.
Our underage players were very successful at winning County titles. One Wall winners include Molly Tumilty, Amy Mc Ateer. Ella Gribben, Conor Keenan, Darragh White and Anton White. 40×20 title winners were Ella Gribben, Erin Rooney, Amy Mc Ateer, Cathal Magee, Oisin Magone, Dan Griffin, Darragh White, Lee Fegan and Anton White.Who all went on to represent Down in the Ulster finals in Kingscourt Co.Cavan
Lee Fegan and Anton White played on the Down Minor 40x 20 team which played in the All Ireland Semi Final hosted in Waterford. The boys narrowly lost to Waterford who went on to win the final convincingly.
U14 girls competed in the Feile in Galway with Amy McAteer winning an individual skills award. The team was Cara Crimmins, Amy Mc Ateer, Orla Mc Elroy, Paudie and Erin Rooney. The club was well represented at the Ulster’s held in Loughmacrorey in July.
I would like to thank Sean, Aidy and John for all their help throughout the year with coaching and the logistics of taking our competitors all over Ireland.
Gerard
Feile
Feile preparations started in 2017 with a committee set up to begin fundraising and start safeguarding preparations for the host families. This was led by Maire Sherry who as childrens officer was meticulous in the checks and ensured that all children were guarded safely. Throughout the early part of the year we had numerous meetings on how to fundraise which included the u14 coaches and parents of players. Due to the number of volunteers that helped that weekend it is extremely hard to name everyone but special mention to Maire Sherry and Cindy Griffen for developing the Feile plan which ensured the event worked like clockwork, to Pat Joe who ensured on the works went on around the Pitch to make sure the place was looking splendid. To Joanne Hardy who liaised with both Portlaoise and Milltownpass to ensure they got there on time and was a great link between the two clubs. To the Feile committee for their time spent at meetings, fundraising and endless hours of volunteering. Finally to every last person who volunteered on the field, doing burgers, shop workers, lotto sellers, rubbish pickers parking cars, Desi on the mic, umpires, linesmen, stewards, bar staff etc for their help in making the Feile weekend one of the most amazing experiences this club has seen in its rich history, There were 16 teams playing here on finals day on Sunday and the day ran like clockwork thanks to the endless help we received from the Mayobridge community and beyond. The feedback we have received from throughout Ireland and abroad in regards to our facilities and welcome were a credit to us all. Maith thu.
Taoiseach visit
It was a terrific honour for the club to host Mr Leo Varadkar to the club on Friday 8th June 2018 as part of his tour of the North. I would like to thank the committee for keeping the visit silent until the Thursday evening. Thanks also to Brendan Monaghan for his terrific coverage of the event. An Taoiseach was impressed with the facilities and people of Mayobridge and was thankful to all in his letter to the club.
Club history/130 celebrations
As the focal part of our 130th celebration as Downs oldest club we wanted to mark it with the publication of “In the ringing of the bell” which celebrated not only the club’s history but the history of the whole community. This book was started by the late Gerry Quinn and it was testament to his work that it was dedicated to him. A committee of around 15 was set up to collate the information. Martin Goss was asked by Pat Joe and Sean O’Hare to come on board and edit the publication. Thankfully Martin said yes and the proof is in the excellent publication that was unveiled at the 130th club celebration in the Canal court. We thank Martin and his wife Mary for their tireless work and to all the history committee for their work in searching and collaborating all the information for the book. Go raibh maith mile agat.
Schools
Thanks to Mrs Cara Larkin for her work in taking the school team and for all her work in promoting Gaelic games in the primary school. To Colin Laverty who kindly helped Cara and congratulations on them winning the primary school league with an excellent win over Burren in the final. It was a fitting end to the school year especially after their defeat in the Canon Esler final by St Patrick’s the Meadow. Thanks to Sean McElroy for his work as school liaison officer in increasing the profile of the club in the primary school. We hope for continued growth and links with the primary school in the coming years ahead and I thank principal Margaret Ryan in allowing us to continue to grow links with the primary school.
Congratulations to all our members who represent our schools in their chosen sports, schools sport is some of the most competitive and enjoyable sport you will ever play and I urge all our parents and coaches to encourage our members to play for their chosen schools.
Club Maith
After a long and gruelling process, we were presented with the platinum award for Club Maith from the Ulster council this year. Club Maith is an 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. The Platinum Award is a special award which can be obtained only by outstanding, fully integrated, community-based GAA Clubs. Successful Clubs will meet all the Club Maith criteria and will deliver at least four Gaelic games as well as taking part in Scor. Special mention must go to Anne Fitzpatrick who co-ordinated this project and for all the help she received from throughout the club. It shows that we have the correct structures in place.
Health and well being
Thanks to Sean and Bernie McElroy for their continuous work in promoting health and well-being in the club. This aspect of the club is really important and some of the events over the year were financial fraud for the elderly, fit club, alcohol and drug awareness, online safety and heart and soul in corporation with Camp Micheala. Wednesday’s bingo club is a very popular event for our old and not no old, and we thank the McElroy’s for facilitating this. Go raibh maith agat go leor
Referee’s
Thanks to club referees Leo Smyth, Eddie Cuthbert and Veronica Ward for their officiating in 2018. I know that we all can lose our heads at times but without these officials we won’t have games. I thank all the referees for their help with Mayobridge and I urge anyone who has an interest in refereeing to speak to myself or any committee member in how to get onto a referee course.
Social Club .
The main hall was basically used as a Community Hall, throughout the year, featuring Scor practice, Irish
language, meetings of both Mayobridge and South Down Boards, funerals etc.
I would take this opportunity, to thank all staff, committee members, and all those willing helpers who were always on hand to assist in any way.
I would hope the incoming committee really pushes on with plans to redevelopment the social club in 2019 as it is one of the most important hubs in the community.
Thanks to the dedicated crew who keep the craic in check at the weekend and to all who held fundraisers and parties throughout 2019.
Buíochas speisialta
– To Martina Rooney for her achievement in taking the Down senior camogie team to the all-Ireland intermediate. Martina took on the job when no one wanted it and used her excellent rapport and skills to mould an excellent team who just fell short against a very strong Cork team. Congratulations also to Tina on winning Ulster camogie coach of the year.
– To my father Tom O’Hare for his guidance, advice but most importantly for his excellent care, dedication and pride in looking after the pitches here as groundsman.
– To Sean and Mairead Rooney for their help in county affairs in both football and camogie. Sean is entering into his fifth and final year as county chairman and I wish him all the best in that role.
– To Jonny McConville for his dedication and support in looking after the social club. It is only when Jonny is away on holidays that you appreciate the work his does. He is always on to hand and has been a great guide to me in my first year as secretary.
– To Sean McElroy and Martin Sherry in their help in promoting LGFA in the club. At times they were double/treble jobbing and this is an area where we need most volunteers on board to help next year as we have plenty of girls who are looking to play football for the Bridge.
– To Michael Toner, Rosemary Magee and the entire development draw committee for their great work in setting up the house draw. It is a terrific draw and I urge all club members to really get behind this promoting and selling tickets as come September we should in a really healthy position with would improve facilities for the players pf the future.
– To Helena Johnston for her excellent job as Treasurer ably assisted by Rosemary Magee. Helena’s reports at every meeting are excellent and are so precise.
– To the entire committee for their selfless work throughout the whole year, they first six months of the year were absolutely hectic but hope when we look back on it, it was worth every second of it and it was very reading.
– To our lotto sellers, this is the largest income we receive and I thank every who sold or bought a ticket this year. I would like to thank Jonny McConville, James Gallagher and Desi Kennedy and the various lotto helpers for their help in delivering the draw each Monday night. More help is always needed whether in selling tickets or helping on the rota. If you can give an hour please give your name to one of the three named above.
– To the various helpers at senior leagues and club championship games at St Patrick’s Park, to our gate persons Michael, Jimmy, James, Pat Joe, Gerard, Adrian, Anne, Johnny, Eoghan and Tim to name among others, our umpires Thomas and Kevin Coulter, shopkeepers Mairead, Bridgeen, Helena and their team of helpers for selling the tea, coffees and hot chocolates. Robbie for doing the scoreboard, Rosemary and girls on selling the half time draw, and finally to Desi Kennedy for his job on the microphone for all games, tournaments, dinner dance and events in the club.
– To Micheal Toner for his work in collating and selling the adverts for the match programmes. This is a remarkable achievable from one man and the publication is without doubt one of the best in the business. – To all our coaches for their help in coaching our youth, this at times it not an easy task but I believe the fulfilment in seeing someone improve and excel is a great feeling.
– To Peter O’Hare for his use of machinery and for his help in transporting many things throughout the year
– To Corey Quinn and Helen Coulter in their help promoting at selling the club Down draw.
– To Gerard, Paula, Nicole and Eimear for their relentless work in promoting Scor in the community. You all have built on a vibrant Scor community within the village and.
– To all or sponsors throughout the year for all their help and especially main sponsor Konrad and Nuala Fegan of Cooltech refrigeration who have kindly agreed to sponsor the senior football team to 2020.
– To all community groups within Mayobridge for their help and support. Special word to the community centre for the use of the facilities and to Seamus Lively and Colleen Lively and the band for their help over the years. It is great to see the bad representing the parish at Ulster championship games and it is fitting reward for all their hard work.
– To the handball club led by Gerard Keenan who envisaged the idea of a ball wall, this is an excellent facility which can be used by all codes and it is the envy of the county.
– To the camogie club led by secretary Mairead for the outstanding work they have done not just only this year but over the last number of years. Winning the Down club of the year was a remarkable achievement and shows the remarkable work that has went on with the camogie club.
– To Darran Rooney for all his help in promoting Irish in the club. Darran has class every Wednesday night which is proving very popular and anyone who wants to learn a cúpla focal is more than welcome to join
– To Thomas Coulter for his role as county board representative and to Paula Magee for her work at county and national level at Scór.
– Sean Magone for his role as county handball chairperson and for his work promoting the game in the club and county.
– To PJ for his work in the Down draw and for all the sellers and subscribers in making this a great fundraiser for the club.
– To Micheal Walsh for his continuous work with underage player development, hopefully we can build on this work we began in early 2017
– To Paula Magee, Brendan Monaghan, Rory O’Keefe and all contributors to PR in the club. I would urge the incoming PRO to set up a communications group to ensure all reports are stored correctly for future generations.
– To Eoghan Woods, Martin Sherry, David Clyde, Kevin Coulter and Paul Rooney, congratulations on winning a masters all Ireland title with Down,
– To all connected in Scor on winning the county Ceili dancing title last night. A special word to our two young volunteers Nicole Keenan and Eimear Magee who are so energetic and who are a great drive for culture in the club.
– To Margo Fegan and Dympna Tumilty for their amazing fundraisers and contribution to the club.
– To Noel Rooney for his time doing medical for the minors and thirds among others, he has been a
mainstay around the club for yours and he is always willing to help out.
It would be remiss of me as secretary to not mention our outgoing chairman Pat Joe Magee for his dedication to his role over the past number of years. I know he won’t be going too far but he really has set the benchmark for leadership. The structures are left in every aspect of our club and we must ensure that these structures and values are maintained for years to come. Pat Joe Magee will have a special place in club history for years to come. Go raibh maith agat go mór ó gach rud.
Finally, I would like to thanks to everyone from Club president Willie Goss to everyone that has helped and supported the club in 2018. If I have missed anyone out I am truly sorry, I look forward to 2019 with energy and enthusiasm. I would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year.
Go raibh míle maith agat Tomás Ó hÍr
Secretary report 26-11-18
