Armagh Harps
Christmas Draw: Time is running out to get your tickets for the Club’s super Xmas draw!! Remember this year there will be not one, but three draws and three very lucky winners!!!
Xmas Night – £500
Boxing Night- £500
New Years Eve Night- £1,000
Each ticket purchased enters you into all three draws! What an opportunity! For your chance to win purchase a ticket from the Social Club or any Committee Member (members are listed below). Tickets only £10- remember this gives you entry to all three draws!!!!
XMAS MERCHANDISE ORDERS- Pre-ordered Harps merchandise can be collected from the Social Club from 7.30pm tonight.
XMAS AT ARMAGH HARPS -The Social Club is the place to be this Xmas- a host of exciting and varied entertainment is planned including-
Festive Family Fun Day, Sunday 21 December- Celebrate Xmas early with all the family on Sunday afternoon. Mums and dads, grannies and grandas, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, toddlers and babies……you’re all invited to this festive family fun day this Sunday afternoon!!!!
It’s rumoured the “big man” has promised to take time out from his hectic schedule to see all the kids!!! See you all from 2pm this Sunday!
Xmas Night- DJ Bull will rock the Club
Boxing Night- Ashvery Gents will have you on your feet
Monday 29 December- fundraising night for Romania
Tuesday 30 December- 5 Card Poker!!! Super cash prizes.
New Year’s Eve- welcome in 2015 with the superb Purple Heart
New Year’s Night- Tickles (enough said!)
UNDER 12 GIRLS- Super attendances from these young ladies over the past few weeks in St Patrick’s Grammar School- great sessions and great fun had by all. Paula and Stephen wish you all a very happy Xmas!
UNDER 12 BOYS- Two great and very enjoyable sessions for the P7’s and first year boys were held in St Patrick’s Grammar School this past two weeks. We’ll be back out again in January. Colm, Malachy, and Paul hope you enjoy the Xmas break!
UNDER 14 BOYS- Training sessions (for those born in 2001 & 2002) continues tomorrow night (Tuesday 16 December) in St Patricks Grammar Sports Hall between 7and 8pm. Get out and enjoy!
ARMAGH HARPS ANNOUNCES ACTIVE8- The Club will be arranging various training opportunities in St Patrick’s Grammar School for our adult members in the New Year. The classes, including Pilates, Yoga, Dance and Boxercise, are open to all- regardless of ability!!
Don’t feel guilty about enjoying the festive entertainment in the Social Club….we’ll help you get back into shape in the New Year!!! This will be your chance to work of the excesses of the festive season!!!! Watch this space for details of classes.
ABBEY LOTTO – Sunday’s lucky numbers drawn were 5, 6, 15, and 27.
Next week’s jackpot is £1,650. Wouldn’t that be nice to win in advance of Xmas! Remember if you’re not in you can’t win!!! Buy your Lotto ticket now…only £1 per ticket!!
Please note that from the New Year the Lotto draw will be made on a Monday night. Details of winning numbers will continue to be published via the Club notes, the parish bulletin and on Facebook and Twitter.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2015-
Chair- Paul Gribben
Vice Chair- Paul Quinn
Secretary- Art McGinn
Registrar- Miriam Clarke
Treasurer- Martin Gill
Committee Members-
Frankie McKenna
Aidan Breen
Conor Coulter
Neil McArdle
Barry Moore
John Rath
Paul McKay
Paula Enright
Brenda Gill
John Vernon
Aidan O’Kane
Colm O’Hare
The Club is grateful to these volunteers for their commitment and wishes them well in the tasks ahead.
SOCIAL CLUB- The Harps Club is not just for Xmas! Exciting new groups will entertain over the winter months. Make the Harps Social Club your regular weekend haunt!!!!!
Indeed, come along and enjoy the craic in the Social Club at any time. Why not just pop in for a relaxing drink any night, listen to the jukebox, watch the footie, play pool or snooker? BT Openzone available in the Club.
Need a venue for a party? The Club, which proudly displays the 5* rating for hygiene from Armagh Council Environmental Health, is now available for private parties and functions-free!!
Book your birthday or special occasion party now!! Contact Brian in the Social Club on 02837523281 regarding bookings.
PART TIME OR CASUAL WORK- Are you interested in part time or casual bar work? If so contact Brian on 028375232821. Experience desirable but not essential.
LOYALTY CARD SCHEME -The “Loyalty Card Scheme” is being extensively used by members who are reaping the benefits through the reduced costs in the Social Club. Loyalty Cards are available to all members and can be collected from the Social Club. Collect your card now!!
ZUMBA CLASSES- Grainne Keenan’s Zumba continues each Wednesday night in the Social Club from 7.30-8.30 pm, only £3.
STARS OF THE FUTURE DRAMA GROUP- Continues in the Social Club, on Saturday from 12.30pm for boys and girls age 4 years to 10 years. A second session for 11-14 year olds is available from 1.30-2.30pm! Cost £4 per session. Contact Nicole Knipe 07742849759.
IRISH LANGUAGE- Líofa is an innovative and exciting project that could enable you to become fluent in the Irish language by 2015. Why not log onto the website and register.
CAIRDE NA CLAIRSIGH – Is Armagh Harps GFC important to you?
Do you believe our young people need help and support?
Do you value what Armagh Harps and the GAA provide?
Is what we’re about attractive to you?
If you can answer “Yes” to any of these questions then Cairde Na Clairsigh is for you.
Members of Cairde Na Clairsigh agree to contribute at least £10 per month to help make Armagh Harps better for our young people. In return we’ll play our part to achieve a better Armagh Harps. We think that’s a very good deal for everyone!
To join download the Standing Order mandate from the Club website (www.armaghharps.com), Facebook or Twitter, and return to any Committee Member or to the Social Club (address above).
New “Cairde” members are always welcome. Be part of a unique group and wear the special “Cairde” coats. Note that “Cairde” members are full Harps and GAA members.
ABBEY PARK COMPLEX- For information or access please contact groundsman Brian Toner.
CLOTHING BANK- Please donate all unwanted women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes and boots, handbags, belts, curtains, bedding, blankets and towels to the clothing bank in Abbey Park. All donations will help support Club funds.
HARPS GIFT VOUCHERS- Gift vouchers are available from the Social Club and are refundable against Harps merchandise and can be used towards spend in the Social Club or towards membership etc. Makes the perfect birthday, Xmas present!!!
YOUTUBE CHANNEL- Visit Armagh Harps on YouTube www.youtube.com/user/armaghharpsgfc
If you have any videos featuring any Club activity, new or old, please e-mail them to armaghharps@btconnect.com for uploading to the site.
NEWS- Please feel free to forward news, features, events, match reports, photos etc to armaghharps@btconnect.com for consideration for inclusion in the various social media platforms.
Cúchulainn CLG, An Mullach Bán
SCÓR NA NÓG
Two acts from Cúchulainn CLG qualified for the Ulster final of Scór na nÓg on December 12th. The instrumental group (Miceal Muckian, Niamh and Fionn Downey and Tomás Ó Ceallaigh) and Moya Strain in the solo singing category. The adjudicators commented on the beautiful musical arrangements and team work of the instrumental group. Moya Strain held the audience captive with her beautiful version of Briege Murphy’s “The Hills of South Armagh”. Adjudicators commented on the clarity of her voice and her ability to really tell the story of the song. Sincere congratulations to both acts on a wonderful achievement and let’s hope you can now take it one step further. Further congratulations to Whitecross dancers, Carrickcruppin ballad group and Cullyhanna leiriu who will all be making the trip to Threemile House on January 17th @5pm.
Mullaghbawn Instrumental
SYMPATHIES
The Committee and Members of Cúchulainn CLG, An Mullach Bán deeply regret the death of Peter Quinn, brother of esteemed members Eamon and vice president Michael, club supporters Brian Quinn and Bridget Muckian and brother in-law of esteemed member Maura Quinn. We extend our deepest sympathy to them and the family circle. A Mhuire na nGael, guí air.
SYMPATHIES
The Committee and Members of Cúchulainn CLG, An Mullach Bán also deeply regret the passing of Anne Loughran, grandmother of camogie player Megan Loughran and mother of former camogie manager Gerry Loughran. We extend our deepest sympathy to them and the family circle. A Mhuire na nGael, guí air.
SCÓR SINSEAR
The South Armagh heat of Scór Sinsear 2015 will be held in Whitecross on Friday, Febrruary 6th @8pm. If any acts are fortunate enough to progress the county final, it will be held on Sunday Febuary 22nd @6pm, with the venue to be confirmed. Anyone interested in representing our club in Scór Sinsear can contact cultural officer Fergal O’Brien on 02830888066 or 07980726360. It is a thriving element of the GAA in our area nowadays and Fergal would be extremely interested in speaking to anyone who comes forward.
GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW
Mullaghbawn GAA are again this year taking part in the GAA National Club Draw. Some great prizes are on offer and tickets cost only £10. Please support this draw if you can by either purchasing a ticket or selling some. Remember all money raised by the club will be retained by the club.
CLUB CALENDAR
Great news! The Club Calendar is now available for purchase, in the clubrooms or Spar Shop. It is priced at £5 each or three for £12. This is an ideal present for Christmas and you can support your local club at the same time. A huge thanks to Noelle from Shanroe Photography who collated the photographs, Print Line Direct for the printing and all of the sponsors. Aidan Strain Electrical, PT Fitness & Leisure, Boyle & Co. Accountants, Shanroe Photography, Garvey’s Bar & Restaurant, McVeigh Bathroom & Tiles, Julia’s Chinese & Takeaway, Todays Local, Printline Direct, Mullaghbawn Pharmacy, Newry Furniture Centre, Spar Supermarket, Off Licence & Post Office, Mullaghbawn, Seraphic Holistic Therapies, Tara Walsh Solicitors Ltd., McConvilles Family Funeral Services, McKinley Motors, Spar Patrick St. Newry, Railway Bar, St. Mary’s Primary School and Martin McQuillans Wholesale Fruit & Veg.
CHRISTMAS CLUB
All orders that were placed for Christmas are in stock and ready for collection. Contact Bernie on 30888015 or call to the club from 9.30pm any Sunday Night to collect!
CLUB MULLAGHBAWN
Club Mullaghbawn is a fantastic way to contribute to the development of our club. Your contribution of £10 or £20 per month will help to raise much needed funds.
BINGO & CARDS
Cards continue on Wednesday @ 8.30pm in the upstairs lounge. Bingo starts downstairs @ 9.00pm, also on Wednesday. Everyone is welcome.
LOTTO
Numbers: 11, 21, 24, 28
No Jackpot Winner
Match 3 Winners: Una & Gary Barron (Carricknagavna rd)
Sellers Prize: Doreen Kearns & Crawley Family
Next week’s Jackpot: £3100 on Dec 14th
Shane O’Neills GAC
Minor Girls
It was heartbreak for our minor girls on Sunday afternoon, losing by two points to Cavan side Eastern Gaels in the Ulster final, 3 – 13 to 2 – 14 after extra-time.
The Shanes had a strong wind at their backs in the first-half and they made they most of it in the opening minutes when they went 1 – 2 to no score ahead with Aimee Mackin scoring a goal and point and her sister Blaithin getting the other one. The sides then swapped two points apiece with Aimee Mackin on target on both occasions before the Shanes hit a real purple patch, scoring five points in a row with the scores coming from Aimee Mackin (0 – 3), Blaithin Mackin (0 – 1) and Aoibheann Jones (0 – 1). Eastern Gaels registered their third point of the contest to halt the Shanes scoring run but a late point from Aimee Mackin gave the Camlough side and ten point half-time advantage, 1 – 10 to 0 – 3.
Shane O’Neill’s Minor Girls
With the wind now at their backs the Cavan champions were a different side in the opening ten minutes of the second-half and they rattled off a goal and three points to get themselves right back into the game. Aimee Mackin then fired over for the Shanes with Eastern Gaels responding immediately with their seventh point of the game before the Shanes stretched their lead to six with two well taken Aimee Mackin points. However the Cavan champions got a real hold on proceedings at this stage, scoring a goal and four points to put them ahead for the first time in the game with time rapidly running out. To their credit the Shanes kept plugging away and forced extra-time with a last ditch Aimee Mackin point with the contest ending all square, 2 – 11 to 1 – 14, after normal time.
The Shanes got off to the worst possible start in the opening period of extra-time when Eastern Gaels goaled for the third time but the Shanes replied in great fashion with Aimee Mackin finding the back of her opponents net. With the sides level again the Shanes keeper Leanne Lennon made an excellent save to keep the score all-square but it was Eastern Gaels who got the final point of the opening period of additional time to lead by one. The Shanes had several chances in second ten minutes of extra-time but the Cavan side packed their defence and managed to keep the Armagh champions scoreless whilst adding a further point of their own to claim the win by two, 3 – 13 to 2 – 14.
Whilst obviously disappointed with the result the Shanes girls can hold their heads high at having represented their club and county at this level during year and narrowly missing out on their second successive Ulster minor title by the kick of a ball. On behalf of the club I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the girls and their entire management team for their achievements throughout the year and the success they brought to the club. I would also like to thank everyone who came along to support the girls over the past weeks and months, all their parents for their continued support during the year and to local club Carrickcruppen for use of their field for training purposes recently.
Gaelic4Girls
The last session of Gaelic4Girls before Christmas took place last Wednesday night in Bessbrook Community Centre. Nicola Sloan from Compass North Kids lead a “Fitness for Kids” training session which all the girls really enjoyed. Gaelic4Girl resumes on Saturday 10th January and the club would like to wish all the Gaelic4Girls players and parents a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
U14 and U12 Girls Presentation
Our U14 & U12 2014 girls’ presentation night was scheduled to place club last Thursday night but was postponed and will now take place on Tuesday, 16th December at 7pm in the club. All girls and parents are welcome.
Best Wishes
Best wishes this week to our underage player Padraig Magee who goes into hospital for an operation on a knee injury he received during the year. Best wishes also to one of younger player Niamh Muckian who is currently recovering after a nasty hand injury.
Lotto
Last weeks winning lotto numbers were 4, 10, 13 & 16. There were no jackpot winners and 3 x match three winners. The jackpot now stands at £1750.
Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
On behalf of the committee of Shane O’Neills I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone associated with the club a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year – to all those who sponsored the club in any way this year, to all those who contributed in any way to the successful running of the club, to all the local papers, websites and photographers who continued to promote our club, to everyone who bought lotto tickets and fundraising draw tickets throughout the year, to all our Cairde members, to all our players (senior and underage) and their families and to anyone else involved with the club in any way.
**Can you please arrange to include the attached picture with our club notes:
Shane O’Neills minor girls prior to their Ulster Final
Silverbridge Harps GAC Notes
Condolences
Sincere sympathy to our senior player Gerard McGarvey on the recent passing of his grandfather, Peter Quinn, Carrive, father of former players Malachy and Sean and grandfather of former player, Aidan. Deepest condolences to the extended Quinn and McGarvey families. Requiem Mass for Peter will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) in St. Mary’s Church, Mullaghbawn at 11.00am.
Santa Sunday
Scores of children were entertained when Santa arrived in style to the clubrooms on Sunday. Having been transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland, the children had the opportunity to chat with and receive a gift from Santa in his Grotto, along with a visit to the Elves Workshop and the spectacular Snowball Room. Organisers wish to thank the children and their parents for coming along in such numbers, and a special thank you to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop off at Silverbridge Club before rushing back to the North Pole.
Club Shop
All pre-ordered club wear must be collected this Tuesday between 7-8pm. Please ensure that all half-zip tops, jerseys, etc, which have been pre-ordered, are collected at this time as any stock not claimed and paid for will be placed for resale due to demand.
Half-zip tops in all adult sizes are currently in stock – perfect for Christmas gifts!
There are big reductions in price across a range of club wear in both junior and adult sizes – kids’ t-shirts with club crest from just £5.00. Grab a bargain in time for Christmas! Club jerseys, training tops and t-shirts in stock in all sizes. Shop open Tuesday 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
Christmas Disco
For 10 to 14-year-olds in the Resource Centre this Friday 19th December 7.30pm – 10pm.
All Star Presentation and Christmas Party Night
Takes place this Saturday 20th December in the clubrooms with music by Seamus and Bernard. The party will get underway with a special presentation to our club All Star award winner, Mairéad Tennyson, commencing at 8.30pm sharp. Everyone is welcome. Make sure to come along early and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper.
Membership
For 2015 is now open with prices unchanged at: adults £30, over-65’s £10 and students £5. Membership Officer Mary McCann will be available to process applications every Monday in the Wee Bar from 8-9.30pm commencing Monday 12th January.
Lotto
The club lotto remains the biggest in the area with the jackpot having reached a massive £18,100. The lotto is vital source of income, ensuring the successful running of the club and the ability to maintain the various services provided to player members and the wider community. Continued thanks to our lotto committee, current sellers and patrons, your support is much appreciated. Additional help is always welcome. If you think you could sell a few tickets at your workplace or in your locality, please contact any committee member.
Dates to note:
Dinner Dance
Advance notice of the annual Dinner Dance, which will be held on Saturday 24th January in the Carrickdale Hotel.
Silverbridge Variety Show
A final one-off performance of the Variety Show will take place on Saturday 31st January with all proceeds in aid of the Dr. Fee Scanner Appeal. Tickets on sale soon.
St. Brigid’s Youth Club: Tuesday night for girls and Wednesday for boys, 7pm – 9pm each night. The Youth Club will finish up for the year on Wednesday and will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2015. We wish everyone a merry Christmas.
Silverbridge Bowls Club: Now meets on Wednesdays from 8-10pm and on Thursdays from 9pm. All new members very welcome.
Circuits: every Monday and Thursday 8-9pm for male and female with all levels of fitness catered for.
Entertainment & Upcoming Events:
The Wee Bar is open every Saturday night. Clubrooms open every Thursday night at 8.30pm for usual social entertainment, come along – it could be your lucky night!
If you have something to be included in the notes, the deadline for receipt of copy is 6.00pm on Saturday, contact Bronagh Murphy on 02830868537, 07799 627922 or email: bronagh@crossexaminer.co.uk.
Follow us on facebook ‘Silverbridge Harps GFC’ and Twitter @SilverbridgeGAA.
St Patrick’s Cullyhanna GFC
Scór
Friday night brought the fantastic news that our magnificent Leiriú act had triumphed in the Ulster semi-final of Scór na nÓg and will go on to represent Cullyhanna and Armagh in the Ulster final. This is another stunning achievement for our fantastic young dramatists and let’s hope they can repeat their 2013 Ulster triumph. A huge congratulations to the participants Mary Donnelly, Diarmuid Brecknell, Oran Murray, Colum Donnelly and Dermot Savage with a great deal of credit also due to their dedicated mentors Margaret Donnelly, Bernie Donnelly, Karen Murray and Marie Hoey.
Christmas Party
The club Christmas party will take place on Saturday 20th December. This is always a very enjoyable occasion so we encourage as many people as possible to come along. There will be a darts competition on the night with festive prizes including turkey and ham for the winners.
Pat O’Hanlon
On behalf of all the members of St Patrick’s GFC, we would like to wish local principal Pat O’Hanlon a very happy retirement as he leaves his post in St Patrick’s Primary School. The links between the GAA and the local education system have always been very strong and we, and indeed all other clubs in the locality, are very grateful to men like Pat for spreading the gospel of Gaelic Games amongst our youth. We sincerely hope he has many deservedly content years of retirement.
Arm Wrestling
Festive entertainment will come in a novel form in Cullyhanna with an arm wrestling challenge in aid of our Senior team fundraising. This should be an intense sporting event on Sunday 28th December as we crown the Strongman of South Armagh. The arm wrestlers of Cullyhanna want to take on the best South Armagh has to offer so there will be a £200 prize to the club of the winner of the competition. So entrants have a chance to gain both glory for themselves and cash for their club!
AGM
We had a successful AGM last Sunday evening at which the many achievements on and off the field in 2015 were noted. Among the motions considered and approved was a proposal to recognise Kieran McConville’s many years of dedicated service to the club by bestowing the office of Honorary Life Vice President upon him. The committee officers elected for 2015 were as follows- Chairman: Frank Lloyd Vice-chairman: Malachy Toner, Secretary:Aeneas Carragher, Assistant Secretary: Paddy Savage, Treasurer: Gary McKeown, Assistant Treasurer: Colm Conlon, Coaching Officer: Martin McQuillan, Youth Officer: Conor McAneney, Development officer: Martin McCreesh, Cultural officer: Marie Hoey, PRO Paddy Savage. We wish all of the committee well in their posts for 2015.
Committee
The inaugural meeting of the 2015 committee will take place tonight (Monday 15th) at 9pm.
Underage Coaching
Anyone interested in helping coach or manage any of our underage teams please contact Conor McAneney on 07985 110960.
St. Michael’s Newtownhamilton GAC
Underage Structures
Although most underage managers from last year will return to duty for the 2015 season, more help is still needed at some age groups before the new management teams can be finalized. With this in mind, can anyone interested in helping with any underage training or games please contact any member of the committee. An underage presentation night will be held in January (date TBA), in the new Rural Community Hall to celebrate the achievements of our players throughout last year. This will be a lively night of craic for players and their families and coaches, with a high profile guest appearance also on the cards.
GAA National Club Draw
Tickets for the National Club Draw are on sale for £10.00 from committee members and senior players. Fantastic Prizes are up for grabs including A Trip with the 2015 All-stars and trip for 2 to New York.
Club Merchandise
If anyone is interested in purchasing club merchandise (shorts, socks, kit bags, jackets, fleeces etc) please contact Carmel McGarvey (02830 878535).
Sarsfields GFC
Most Important Notices
1. Wednesday 17 December – Coaching for primary 1, 2 and 3 boys and girls in the Hall from 6pm to 7pm. Cost £1 per night
2. Meeting for all coaches & managers will take place on Monday 29 December at 7.30pm in the Hall to discuss plans for 2015
3. Membership for 2015 is now due. £20 for adults and £5 for under 18’s
Latest News
Coaching for primary 1,2 and 3 boys and girls continues this Wednesday night 03 December in the Hall from 6pm to 7pm. Cost £1 per night. All children to bring £1 and a drink.
Club Sarsfields is seeking new members to assist with meeting the costs of ongoing development works at the club. Members make a monthly contribution to the scheme with all contributions going towards ongoing club development. The target is to reach 100 members by the end of the year to allow development works to be completed. Please speak to any committee member or team manager who will provide further details
Can all parents please note that construction work is currently ongoing at the field and no children are to be left unsupervised on club premises.
The club website is currently being upgraded. To access Sarsfields Club Notes please log onto The Official Armagh GAA website – Forums-Armagh Club Notes were all details of events happening at the club can be found.
National Draw tickets are now on sale from any committee members costing £10. Sarsfields will receive all the funds from the ticket sales which will go directly to all football teams within the club. Please support this fund-raiser to ensure that the club can continue to sustain the running costs of all ladies and boys team within the club. Tickets will be available to purchase at the presentation night this Friday. Any tickets purchased will also be entered in an additional draw for Sarsfields members only for a prize of £100.
Lotto
This week’s lotto numbers 1, 5, 17, 21 – 3 winners – Maurice Hogan, Margaret Mc Dowell & Liz Stevenson – Next week’s jackpot £650
SARSFIELDS COMMUNITY HALL EVENTS
SARSFIELDS COMMUNITY BINGO
Resumes every Sunday night 7pm
£5 entry. Jackpot Snowball £100 prize
Line £5 House £10. Everyone welcome
MOTHER & TODDLER GROUP
Starting back every Thursday
9.30AM to 11.30AM
DIAMOND RIO JUNIOR CLASS
Every Saturday
10 AM – 12.00PM Cost £2.00
TIN WHISTLE LESSONS
Starting on Monday 15th September
For beginners and advanced
7.30 – 8.30PM Cost £3.00
SARSFIELDS YOUTH CLUB
Starts back Thursday 8th January for Junior members. Thursday 15th January Senior members.
7.30 – 9.00PM Membership £2.00
Nightly subscription £1.00
SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP
Every Wednesday 11AM to 2.00PM
DIAMOND RIO DANCE CLASS
Every Tuesday 8.00 to 9.00PM Cost £3.00
MONTIAGHS MUSIC AND DRAMA CLUB
Montiagh’s Music and Drama Club starts back every Saturday 12pm – 1.30pm, £3 each week.
We have quite a year planned this year, beginning with a fundraising show in December, “Holy Boy” by David Palmer!
Madden Raparees GFC
Annual General Meeting
The club’s Annual General Meeting took place in the Community Centre on Sunday evening past, our Chairman Brian Grimley kicked off the proceedings with his review of the 2014 season both on and off the pitch. He recapped on the development work that was undertaken at the football field including the assembly of the new gym facilities, erection of the wall and new entrance and paid tribute to the many volunteers whom without their countless hours none of the work would have been possible.
He went on to thank the many participants in the Strictly comes to Madden for the effort they invested in training and fundraising required to make the event the huge success it was. Brian then provided the attendees with a run down of the sporting highlights throughout the entire club from the under sixteen championship final, through to the seniors appearance at the All Ireland Intermediate Sevens tournament to the under ten team winning the inaugural Eire Og Tournament.
He commented on the facilities that we currently possess being amongst the most coveted in the county with the pitch recently being used to host Ulster Colleges games and the Community Centre only last week entertaining delegates from clubs throughout Armagh for the County Convention. The clubs underage set-up is thriving with numbers growing year on year, visible through the healthy turn outs at the various training sessions and at the underage presentation a few weeks ago. Brian wished all of the players, management and members a successful 2015 before handing over to Secretary Joe Smith.
Luckily for Joe, Brian had covered the lot within his speech and Joe was let off the hook this year. It was now the turn of our Treasurer Conall Rafferty to provide the attendees with a detailed analysis of the financial status of the club. Conall’s report did not disappoint and as always there were many queries regarding some of the incomings and outgoings.
Conall finished off with a brief explanation of what it takes to run the club on an annual basis and also estimated figures of payments required at the beginning of 2015. It was made quite clear to everyone present that a greater effort will be needed from not only the people within the room, but all club members to support the club financially through 2015 in order to ensure the club remains afloat.
It was now time for the current club officers to vacate their positions. Francie Mallon temporarily took the chair to oversee the appointment of the officers for the 2015 season. Thankfully Francies job was not made too difficult with the vast majority of roles remaining as they were, Chairman Brian Grimley was ratified for his fourth year in succession, indeed the only change saw Brendan Vallely vacate his role as joint PRO, only to be replaced by Laura Woods. This year saw a new role emerge in the form of a Health and Wellbeing officer in Laura Woods. A full list of the officers is shown below;
Chairman: Brian Grimley, Vice Chairman: Paul Vallely, Secretary: Joe Smith, Assistant Secretary: Laura Woods, Treasurer: Conall Rafferty, Assistant Treasurer: Brendan McGuinness, PRO: David Loughran & Laura Woods, Youth Officer: Danny Donnelly, Health and Wellbeing Officer: Laura Woods, Registrar: Tom Morgan.
The committee for 2015 was also elected with the following representatives offering their services to assist the named officers above; Anthony, Enda and Cillian Mallon, Patrick Mone, Ciaran Morgan, Brian Morgan, Patrick Woods, Brendan Vallely, Anthony Smith, Benedict McCusker and Patrick Molloy.
Weekly Lotto
This week’s winning lotto numbers were 5, 9, 11, and 15. Thankfully there was no jackpot winner this week following in the footsteps of Brendan McGuinness last week. There were six winners of £10 in Harold Simington (Linwoods), Rosie McCann (Middletown), Shannon Smith and Shea McMahon (Both Kilcreevy), Laura Woods and Kerri Morgan (Both Madden) Next weeks jackpot will be £ 1,050.00.
St Colmcille’s Grange GAC
Following the first committee meeting there are a number of sub committee’s established, should anyone wish to join any of the sub committee’s please contact the relevant person below, this is an ideal way to help the club in an area that you are interested in.
Coaching – Tom Gribben Snr – 07879 891513
Finance & Fundraising – Mary Rafferty – 07815 315655, Seamus Mallon
– 07751 927648, Stephen McAneney – 07850 751619
Public Relations & Entertainment – John McArdle – 07881 945104
Irish Culture – Antaine O’Donnaille – 07767 271228
Project Development – Tomas McElmeel – 07733 238148
Field & Premises Maintenance – James O’Hagan – 07764 171019
Congratulations to our Senior player and Assistant Treasurer Stephen McAneney and Rachel on the birth of their beautiful wee girl Holly Sarah. A future star for Grange Ladies no doubt.
We would like to wish Jemmy Smyth ‘Get Well Soon’ after his recent surgery. Hopefully it’ll not be long till he’s back with his chuckle brothers supporting the club
ST COLMCILLE’S GRANGE SENIOR MEN.
Following the recent committee meeting Peter Rafferty has been appointed as Senior Manager for the men’s team. Peter needs no introduction having played for Armagh for numerous years and managed Armagh U21 to their All Ireland success in 2004. Peter has also previously been part of the management team of the Grange Senior team on 10 occasions spread over the last 30 years, including the last winning Intermediate team, let’s hope he can replicate that in the coming season. We would like to wish him all the best for the coming season.
ST COLMCILLE’S GRANGE LADIES SENIOR & UNDERAGE.
Anyone interested in playing football for our senior ladies or any of our underage girls teams next season contact Paula Keegan 07743 398249 as we have football for all ages, U12, U14, U16, Minor & Senior. All new players welcome. Training will be starting mid Jan 2015. Congratulations to Paula Murphy on her appointment as Child Protection Officer for the Armagh Ladies County Board.
ZUMBA FOR EVERYONE
Zumba will be starting back on Tues 13th Jan from 7pm to 8pm @ £3, venue to be confirmed, anyone interested just come along and join in as it is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. All ages welcome.
LADIES DARTS TEAM
The ladies darts team are on a break now for Christmas and well done to the team so far as they are unbeaten in the league. They have just finished their run of 5 weeks of turkey nights and winning prizes along the way. Well done to Grange Ladies Darts Team, Gretta O’Neill, Bernie O’Hare, Eileen McElmeel, Catherine McArdle, Paula Murphy, Eileen Morris, Annemarie McArdle & Paula Keegan. Next League game Wed 14th Jan. Enjoy your Christmas ladies and maybe SANTA will put new Darts or new Dart Boards in all your stockings so you can practise during the holidays.
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
We have a small number of Club Kit bags available, these would make an ideal Christmas present. Small £15. Large £20. Contact Mary on 07815315655. Stuck for ideas, Why not buy a National Draw ticket for a Christmas gift, they are now on sale from any committee members costing £10. Prizes include trips abroad, weekends at All-Ireland football and hurling finals and semi-finals, shopping trips, vouchers and many more. As well as giving the Christmas gift you are also helping St Colmcille’s GAC as we will receive all the funds from the ticket sales which will go directly to all football teams within the club.
ST COLMCILLE’S GAC LOTTO
St Colmcille’s GAC lotto week 35. 10th December 2014. Winning numbers. 3-5-7-22. No winner. Three match 3.. Next week’s Jackpot £2250. Over Christmas the Lotto draw will take place on Monday 22nd December and Monday 29th December. Tickets can be bought of any committee member, in the Social Club or Kevin Hughes Shop.Wouldn’t that be nice to win in advance of Christmas. Remember if you’re not in you can’t win!!! Buy your Lotto ticket now…only £1 per ticket!!The lotto is absolutely essential to our club. It enables us to promote Gaelic games and culture as well as community activities for everyone to enjoy. Your support is much appreciated.
ST COLMCILLE’S YOUTH
The annual review of our underage structures for 2015 will be taking place in the coming weeks. Opportunities to manage, coach, mentor or assist with logistics from U6 to Minor level are available. Anyone interested in assisting with underage teams next season, in any capacity, is asked to attend a meeting on Tuesday 6th January 2015 at 8pm in the club rooms. Contact Tom Gribben Snr on 07879 891513 for any further details.
SOCIAL CLUB
Dates for your diary include: Christmas night Music by DJ Bull, admission is for members and local patrons only, prize for the most festive outfit. New Years Eve: Irish Traditional Music by Ciorcal Comhra Ard Mhaca. The Social club is available for any event for the benefit of the people of the area, be it a christening, after wedding party or charity fundraiser etc. please contact any committee member if you wish to use the club. Upcoming nights include Annual Dinner Dance in Hillgrove Hotel on 31st January and a Charity night on 24th January, so why not come along and enjoy a good night’s entertainment for a good cause.
SPOT OF HISTORY
Last Week’s Question: In 1989 the Grange Ladies Football team was formed. Name their first Management team? Answer: Kieran ‘Budgie’ Cullen, and Colm MacGabhann. Did you know Kieran was also the first Chairperson of Armagh Ladies County Board.
The Grange Senior men won their first All County Junior title in 1972, Can you name their daughters that where part of the first All County Junior title winners for the Ladies in 2001?
