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Armagh GAA club notes, January 21

Ballyhegan Davitts

Strictly Come Dancing

Tickets for the night are now on sale from all dancers, committee members and from McKeevers’ Bar, Poradown. They have already started selling at a serious rate so please don’t leave it too late if you want to go. U-18’s must be accompanied by an adult on the night. Armagh City Hotel are offering concessions on rooms for the night – £84 for a twin or double room (inc. breakfast) and £71 for a single room (inc. breakfast). Keep an eye out on Facebook (search Ballyhegan Davitts present Strictly Come Dancing), the website and in local press for further details/news.

Ballyhegan Strictly Come Dancing

Ballyhegan Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Fundraiser

A number of fundraisers are being held by the dancers in the run up to Strictly to help boost the total amount the Club will raise from the event. If you can, please go along to support the dancers who have already put in countless hours of their own time practicing and are now running other events to raise money for Our Club.

There will be a pub quiz on Friday 30th January @8.30pm in The Famous Grouse.

Another pub quiz will be held on Friday 6th Feb @ 9pm in Keegan’s Bar, Armagh.

Keep an eye out for a night to be held in February in McKeever’s Bar, Portadown. More details to follow this ASAP.

Ballyhegan Youth Notices

Youth Registration night will be Friday 30th January in the club rooms starting at 7.30pm sharp.

Youth meeting for all underage coaches at 8.30pm Friday 16th January directly after senior training.

Any parent or past coach who wishes to become involved with the underage structures please contact Joe McKeever on 07857976436 -Training for P7-U14 inclusive will start on Wednesday 21st January in the club rooms at 7pm (Cost – £1 per session). Coaches of relevant groups are requested to attend to keep the ratio of child:coaches at a permitted level.

Walking Group

A walking group will start on Wednesday 21st January at 7pm to 8pm. The walking track lights will be on for this time. Everyone welcome. For further details contact Bernie McKeever (07977165828), Patrica Doherty (07917433833) or Frances McKeever (07884266032).

Ballyhegan Branded Club Mugs

There are still a few Club Mugs remaining. This particular design will not be produced again so if you would like one of the last available ones of their kind contact Jarlath McCann on 07842761889 asap.

@ the Club-rooms:

EGR Legs, Bums & Tums           –             Monday 8pm

EGR Spin                                   –             Wednesday 7pm

EGR Circuits                               –             Thursday 7pm

EGR Spin                                   –             Saturday 9am

MICHAEL’S NEWTOWNHAMILTON GAC

St.Michaels GFC would like to wish a happy, healthy and successful 2015 to all of our club members, players, families and supporters in Newtown and further afield

Senior Panel:

The club would wish the new management team of Darragh Faherty, Jasper McParland and Richard Gough the very best of luck for 2015. With a realistic chance of league success and a tough championship opener against Derrynoose to look forward to, the senior team will be preparing for a big year as training begins soon. This year’s team will have the honour of being the first St.Michaels senior team to Tog out in the new NRCA Building and we all hope that our senior and underage teams can bring home some silverware to display here for generations to come.

Christmas Draw Winners

£100 Jim McManus Snr, £50 Rosin Tavey, £25 Louise Lenagh, Joe Hughes, Anto Brophy, Tara Murphy, Caroline Wade, Aine Lenagh, Kathryn Pattison, Grace Vallely

Members Draw Winners

£100 Pat McManus & Ann Rock, £50 Rick Gough, AIdy Carragher, Paul Quinn

Underage

The Underage Presentation Night takes place this Friday 23rd January in the NRCA Hall at 7.30pm. We are looking forward to seeing all underage players’ coaches supporters and family at this event, as well as a surprise guest.

Annual Club Dinner-Dance

The Club will be having the annual dinner dance and awards ceremony in the Hall on Saturday 28th February. This promises to be a great night with good food and music organized, everyone associated with the club is welcome and encouraged to attend this first big event of 2015.

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).

St Colmcille’s GAC Grange

Congratulations to Barry & Dervla Mallon on the birth of their beautiful wee daughter Eva Rose. The ladies team’s future is looking strong.

Membership is now due, payable to any committee member. Adults £30, Minors £15, U16 and below £10.

Scór

There will be a meeting in the club at 8.30 pm on Wednesday 21st January to finalise St. Colmcille’s entries in this year’s Scór Sinsear.  The categories in the Scór are: Céilí Dancing, Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Recitation, Ballad Group, Novelty Act, Quiz and Set Dancing.  If you have an interest in any of these areas or if you would like to be part of promoting cultural activities at the club please come along this Wednesday night. and bring a few friends too!

St Colmcille’s Grange Ladies Senior & Underage.

Grange Ladies training continues every Monday & Thursday from 7.15 til 8.30pm for all U16, Minor & Senior players. All new players welcome.

ZUMBA for everyone

Zumba has started on Tuesday nights from 7.15pm to 8.15pm @ £3, 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.

Following a narrow defeat to Devlins last week, the ladies darts team next League game is on Wed 21st January at home to Devlins.

St Colmcille’s GAC lotto

St Colmcille’s GAC lotto Week 40…..14th January 2015. Winning numbers. 3, 5, 8, 23. No winner. Three match 3.. Next week’s Jackpot £2500. Tickets can be bought of any committee member, in the Social Club or Kevin Hughes Shop. 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. 

National Draw tickets must be returned asap as we have to register them with Croke Park, they can be left behind the bar or to any committee member.

St Colmcille’s Youth

U16 training starts Thursday 22nd January at 7pm and continues on Sunday 25th January at 12.15.

There are still opportunities to manage, coach, mentor or assist with logistics, anyone interested in assisting in any capacity can contact Tom Gribben Snr on 07879 891513 for any further details.

Social Club

Charity Night

There will be a Charity night on Saturday 24th January with music by Johnny Brooks with some great items for auction and raffle. Proceeds to Southern Area Hospice with a donation to Orthopaedic Ward, Craigavon Area Hospital in memory of Rosemary Murphy. Come along for a Great cause and good nights craic

Annual Dinner and Presentation Night

Takes place in the Clubrooms Saturday 31st January. There will be 3 Course meal followed by dancing to Michael Kennedy. Adm is strictly by ticket only @ £15. Tickets are limited and are non transferable. To book your ticket contact Mary Rafferty 07815 315655 or John McArdle 07881 945104. Anyone who has order tickets can collect them in club on Friday night between 9 and 10pm.

“Brains of the Grange” – Battle of the Town lands to resume this month.

Following last year’s successful and entertaining competition the Grange GAC are running their town land quiz again.  Participants from over 30 town lands to the north of Armagh City will get the chance to battle it out to become “the Brains of the Grange.” The quiz will begin on Thursday 29th January from 9.00 – 10.00 pm and will run for seven weeks.  Each town land will be able to enter a team of four to compete for the prestigious John Vallely Memorial Trophy which was won last year by the town land of Mullynure. Six teams will compete every Thursday night for six weeks and in the seventh week, on the 13th of March, the grand final will be held. Participation is free and every team will get a free copy of the Grange town land map which gives the meaning of every town land name.  Maps are kindly sponsored by CAIRDE Teo.

Thursday 29th January will see Knockaconey, Annahagh, Tullyard, Carrickloughran, Kilmachugh and Aghanore pit their wits and memories against each other. The following week, on Thursday 5th February, the teams will be from Ballymackilmurray, Ballynick, Grange Blundel, Tirgarve, Killylyn and Annahclare. Best of luck to all the teams taking part in this year’s competition.

Spot of History

Last Weeks Question: Following the recent rescinding of Colm Cavanagh Red card, can anyone name the 3 Grange players to have Red cards overturned having been sent off in Championship Semi finals? Adrian Mallon in 1972, Colm Nugent in 2010 and Eoin Rafferty in 2014.

Question: Fund raising plays a key role in allowing us to participate in Gaelic Games & Culture, some ideas have lead to prestigious titles. Can you name the residing ‘Lord Mayor of the the Grange’ or the ‘Hunk of the Grange’?

Shane O’Neills

Senior Men

Our senior men begin their pre-season training regime this Thursday night, 22nd January in St Paul’s gym from 7.45pm – 8.45pm. All players are asked to bring £2.00 to cover the cost of the facilities.

Senior Ladies

Our senior ladies are planning a team building weekend in Derry on Saturday 21st March to start the season. It is hoped to play a friendly game on Saturday afternoon before spending the night in Derry and travelling back home on Sunday. Anyone interested in going is asked to contact Peter Lynch asap.

Senior, Minor & U16 Ladies Training

A strength and conditioning training programme for the above ladies teams will begin in Bessbrook Community Centre on Tuesday, 3rd February. These sessions will take place every Tuesday and Friday from 6.45pm – 7.45pm, finishing on Friday, 13th March. Each session will cost £3.00 per person and is also open to all family and friends should they wish to attend. U14 girls who plan to play U16 football do not need to attend these sessions but can do so if they wish.

Minor Boys

Our minor boys begin training this Thursday night, 22nd January along with the senior men from 7.45pm – 8.45pm in St Paul’s gym. All lads eligible to play minor football this year are asked to attend and to bring £2.00 to cover the cost of the facilities. 

U16 Boys

Our U16 boys have been training now for several weeks in preparation for the new season and continue to train every Sunday morning at 10.30am at the club. All players are reminded to bring their £1.00 per week.

U14 Girls:

The U14s girls start training in Bessbrook Community Centre from 7.00pm-8.00pm every Wednesday evening from Wednesday 4th February.

U10s

Training for our U10 footballers continue to train on Friday evenings in Cloughreagh Community Centre from 7.30pm – 8.30pm. All boys and girls at this age group are welcome and encouraged to attend and to bring £1.00 to cover the cost of the facilities.

U8s

Our U8 footballers also continue to train every Friday evening in Cloughreagh Community Centre from 6.30pm – 7.30pm. All boys and girls at this age group are welcome and encouraged to attend and to bring £1.00 to cover the cost of the facilities.

U6s

Training for our U6s resumes this Wednesday evening in Bessbrook Community Centre from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. All boys and girls at this age group are welcome and encouraged to attend and to bring £1.00 to cover the cost of the facilities.

Gaelic4Girls

There was no Gaelic4Girls on Saturday due to the Open Day held in St Paul’s School. Week 6 of the programme will take place next Saturday, 24th January at the Shane’s field. Text notification will be forwarded to all parents during the week.

Underage Managers

There are still a couple of underage managers positions to be filled and anyone interested in taking on any of these roles is asked to contact the club youth officer Seamie O’Hare on 07816 268077.

Club Membership

Club membership is now due for renewal and the rates have been set as follows:

Adult: £20.00

Juvenile (U18): £10.00

OAPs: £10.00

Cairde Members: £10.00

Lotto

Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 7, 12, 18 & 25. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at £2000. The lotto brings much needed funds into the club and anyone who feels that they can sell a few tickets every week is asked to contact Mick Mackin on 07746 242231.

Condolences

Everyone at the club would like to extend their deepest sympathies to Clare, Frank and the entire McCabe family at this sad time.

Cúchulainn CLG, An Mullach Bán

SCÓR NA NÓG ULSTER FINAL

Mullaghbawn

Ulster Champion Moya Strain

Moya Strain etched her name in the Ulster Scór history books on Saturday evening past in Monaghan, as she was crowned Provincial Champion in the Solo Singing category. Moya delivered a wonderful rendition of the Hills of South Armagh and the crowd were sent into raptures when the result was announced.

Everyone is equally proud of our Instrumental Group who despite having the audience rocking in the aisles, narrowly missed out in their category. Míceal & Thomas Muckian, Niamh & Fionn Downey, and Tomas O’Ceallaigh; you are credit to your families and community. Thanks must go to Elaine O’Sullivan for her hard work and dedication in preparing the group throughout the year.

Apologies to Tomas Muckian who was omitted from the club notes last week. Anyone is interested in attending the All-Ireland must contact our cultural officer Fergal O’Brien to request your ticket on Monday (January 19th). Tickets cost €20 and there are no concessions. It is important that we get as many people as possible down to the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Saturday February 14th to show Moya our support. Congratulations to the Cullyhanna Leiriu act who will be joining us in Dublin for the final. Commiserations to the Whitecross Céilí Dancers & Carrickcruppen Ballad Group who were unfortunate to miss out in their respective categories. It must be said that the comradery of the South Armagh clubs was something special and demonstrated what a great part of the world we live in. Finally thanks to Fergal O’Brien and his assistant Thomas Kelly who continue to dedicate so much time and effort to Scór in our club.

A special word of mention also to Siobhan Downey for organising the bus and to Maura & Eamon Quinn who arrived to the gathering in the club armed with sandwiches for everyone to enjoy on their return to the club. The community is on a high and this is evident in the droves of messages which are being posted on the club twitter & facebook accounts. Looks like it’s going to be an exciting few weeks around the village in the build up to the All-Ireland!

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

Mullaghbawn will take on An Port Mor in the first round of the 2015 Armagh Intermediate Championship, following this week’s draw.

SCHOOL QUIZ

There will be a quiz held in the clubrooms this Friday, January 23rd @7.30pm in aid of St Mary’s Primary School’s ICT Development Fund. Priced at £5 per adult and £3 per child, it is sure to be great family evening and is suitable for pupils in P5 upwards. Please support if you can.

SCÓR SINSEAR

The South Armagh heat of Scór Sinsear 2015 will be held in Whitecross on Friday, February 6th @8pm. If any acts are fortunate enough to progress the county final, it will be held on Sunday February 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.

CLUB CALENDAR

The Club Calendar is still available for purchase, in the clubrooms or Spar Shop. It is priced at £5 or three for £12. Thanks to Shanroe Photography.

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: 6,7,21,27

No Jackpot Winner

Match 3 Winners: Seamus& Margaret Strain (c/o Club Mullaghbawn), Peter Reel (Bog Road) & Michael Crawley (Lislea)

Sellers Prize: Sue O’Hare & Gerard Larkin

Next week’s Jackpot: £3350 on Jan 18th

St. Patrick’s Cullyhanna GFC

Ulster Scór na nÓg Final

We had the magnificent news on Saturday evening that our fantastic Leiriú act had triumphed in the Ulster final in Threemilehouse, County Monaghan. This is their second Ulster title in three years and such a wonderful record is testament to fantastic ability of young actors and also the hard work and dedication of their mentors. Performing “On a single day” were Diarmuid Brecknell, Mary Donnelly, Dermot Savage, Colum Donnelly and Oran Murray. These young dramatists deserve huge credit for all that they have achieved for our club, as do their magnificent mentors, Margaret Donnelly, Bernie Donnelly, Karen Murray and Marie Hoey.

A note of congratulations also to our neighbouring clubs Mullaghban, Whitecross and Carrickcruppen all of whose representatives acquitted themselves excellently in the Ulster final and well done to Moya Strain of Mullaghban who won the Ulster title in solo singing.

Ulster Under 21 Championship Quarter-final: St Patrick’s 2-9 St Joseph’s, Cavan 3-7

After annexing the Armagh championship in tremendous style last November, the reward for this talented young Cullyhanna side was an Ulster quarter-final clash with a Cavan amalgamation on Sunday evening. The match was played in cold but dry conditions at the excellent facilities of the Kickhams Creggan club in county Antrim. A decent contingent of Cullyhanna supporters made the long trip north and they witnessed a closely contested match in which the final outcome was in doubt to the finish.

The good start made by the Cavan outfit was undoubtedly their foundation for victory as an early Cullyhanna point was cancelled out by a goal and a point from St Joseph’s. Aidan Nugent responded for St Pat’s with a pointed free but the next three points went to the Cavan side as they asserted their dominance in the first quarter. Five adrift with twenty minutes played, St Pat’s needed a response and Aidan Nugent and Shea Hoey provided it in quickfire fashion with a pointed free and a well taken goal to reduce the deficit to the minimum. An excellently struck 45 doubled the St Joseph’s advantage but Cullyhanna managed to regain parity before the break as excellent ball carrying from Aidan Nugent allowed Gareth Mackin to release Kieran McCooey for a fine point before Gareth Mackin fired an outstanding kick over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

With the score at 1-5 apiece at the break, the momentum looked to be with the Cullyhanna lads and further supporting evidence was provided for that theory when Aidan Nugent kicked the opening two points of the second half. However disaster struck almost immediately after the second of those scores with St Joseph’s managing a second goal against the run of the play. The major score reinvigorated the Cavan lads and a brace of points gave them a commanding three point lead with only ten minutes remaining.

But Cullyhanna were in no mood to give in tamely as Aidan Nugent reduced the margin to a single point with two expertly struck free kicks. Cullyhanna pressed for an equalising score but as St Joseph’s countered, a penalty resulted. When that was converted with only a couple of minutes remaining, defeat seemed inevitable yet this gallant bunch from Cullyhanna were unwilling to meekly accept such a fate and embarked immediately on a magnificent team move which resulted in Kieran McCooey firing a ferocious shot to the net. Having been handed that lifeline, St Pat’s were desperate for an equaliser but their efforts were thwarted by a composed Cavan side who retained possession expertly to see out the time remaining and hold on for a one point victory.

This will have been a desperately disappointing outcome for a group of lads who gave their absolute all throughout the sixty minutes. Despite their best efforts, unfortunately they fell slightly short but should be immensely proud of their achievements this season. On the day, Cathal Donnelly and Kieran McCooey excelled in defence with Aidan Nugent exerting a significant scoring threat throughout. With so many of these lads eligible for the grade again next year, we hope they can make it back to this competition and perhaps go further through the tournament. On behalf of the committee and members, we would like to sincerely thank all the under 21 lads for their efforts this season and also mark our appreciation for the magnificent job done by the management team of Stephen Reel, Mal Mackin and Ciaran Nugent.

Scorers: Aidan Nugent (0-6), Kieran McCooey (1-1), Shea Hoey (1-0), Gareth Mackin (0-1)

Bingo

The ever popular Bingo series continues on the afternoons of Sunday 25th January and Sunday 15th February.

National Draw

Please support local sellers of tickets for the GAA national draw over the next week. Tickets to be handed back to the club on Friday evening.

Darts

A huge congratulations to our darts team who won the South Armagh Cup last Friday night in Belleek.

Fashion show

We will be holding another fashion extravaganza in the club on Friday 6th March so please mark this date in your diaries.

Membership

Membership is now due with costs frozen at 2014 rates- £20 for adults, £10 for students and OAPs and £5 for juveniles with Cairde members entitled to 2 adult members and two juvenile or student memberships. Membership is free for children under 6.

Under 14s

Under 14 training began indoors on Friday night due to the inclement weather. There was a great effort from those in attendance but a number of players were not present and we would encourage them to come along to the next session on Monday 19th January. Players are asked to be at the club for 6 45pm, with training starting at 7pm and all players should bring boots, trainers, gum shields and warm clothing.

Music

Anyone interested in Banjo lessons, Fiddle lessons or tin whistle lessons, please come along to the club on Monday nights and speak to the Mentors or contact Marie (mob 07784537106).

Senior Scór

Anybody interested in taking part in Senior Scór, please contact Marie Hoey (07784537106). We would very much encourage people to put their names forward especially those with an interest in Scór who haven’t previously been involved.

Sympathy

We wish to offer our sincerest condolences to the Rooney family on the recent sad death of Mickey Rooney, Tullynavall Road. May he Rest in Peace.

The late Malachy McGeeney

The death of our club vice-President Malachy McGeeney has robbed the club and indeed the wider G.A.A. community of a man who dedicated his whole life to the promotion of the ideals of An Cumann Luthchleas Gael. In a wide variety of capacities from player, educator and administrator Malachy brought to bear his dedication, drive and excellent administrative abilities to develop and promote the ideals of the association in a positive and progressive way. By nature a gentleman he used his people skills effectively to get individuals and organisations on board to unite and achieve the desired objective. Always in the front rank Malachy led by example never asking anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. His work first with the South Board, Youth Board and Cumann na mBunscol saw him give a lifetime of service to the entire G.A.A. community in his native county.

As a player Malachy first drew notice to himself when at sixteen years of age he played a starring role with the Armagh minor team which won its way to the All-Ireland final in 1957. It was to be one of Malachy’s greatest disappointments in his playing career that a broken wrist in training saw him miss out his big day in Croke Park where Armagh lost out to Meath in the decider. At that tender age Malachy was already featuring in the senior ranks of his local Thomas Williams’s side and he went on to give much great service as an effective scoring forward to that club and its successor St Patrick’s. Probably the highlight of his club career, which many of the older inhabitants of the area will recall, was the 1964 junior championship final where he scored 6 of the team’s 8 points to being the club their first ever county championship trophy. Despite being in poor health he was determined to attend the recent golden jubilee celebration of that success which took place last November and there was no prouder man than Malachy when he went up to receive his medal that night. His playing career coincided with the rise of the club in the ranks of Armagh football so that by 1968 the team were competing in the first division of league football.

Malachy’s contribution to the G.A.A. in Cullyhanna was not alone on the playing field. Even in his playing days he was active in the ranks of the various club committees and again brought great drive and efficiency to whatever role he was entrusted with. He was particularly anxious to promote underage football and spent much time and effort in helping with the club minor and U-16 football teams of the day. Despite moving to live nearer his work in Cloughreagh the Cullyhanna club remained very dear to him. He seldom if ever missed a club AGM, attended as many matches as possible and kept well up to date with all the activities of the club both on and off the field. He was much gratified to see the strides the club has made over the last decades, first in acquiring their own playing field and then the subsequent developments that have followed. Deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to his wife Mona, children Ciarán and Maria, grandchildren Caolán and Eabha, sister June, nephew and club member Gary McGeeney and wide circle of friends.

Armagh Harps 

SENIOR PRESENTATION NIGHT- The 2014 Awards take place on Friday 30th January at 8.30pm in the Social Club. Come along in support of those teams and individuals who have given their all for the Club in 2014. The superb “All Folked Up” will provide the entertainment. A night not to be missed!!!!

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW- The full draw for the Senior Championship took place last night and produced some tasty fixtures- see below. Na Claírsigh has been drawn against Wolfe Tones in the first round. The “back door” system remains in place, no dates or venues as yet.

St Pat’s V St Paul’s; Annaghmore V Tír na nÓg; Granemore V Crossmaglen; Sarsfields V Pearse Óg; Harps V Wolfe Tones; Maghery V Forkhill; Cruppen V Killeavy; Drominee V Ballymacnab

PUNTERS LEAGUE- Once again Harps Seniors will run the very popular National League “Punters League”. Punters predict the results of all National League Football matches per round and following the seventh round of matches the punter with the most point’s wins- simple!!!! Last year Eamonn Kelly, a former member of the Senior Management Team, walked away with the £300 first prize.

£20 covers all seven rounds, payable in advance of throw-in on 30 January. Prizes for the top three overall, plus weekly prize winners. Coupon can be arranged through any senior player, Committee member or from the Social Club.

ABBEY LOTTO – Monday 12th January’s lucky numbers drawn were 6, 8, 12, and 15. Two matched three numbers.

Next week’s jackpot is £1,900. Wouldn’t this help to offset those Xmas expenses! Remember if you’re not in you can’t win!!! Buy your Lotto ticket now…only £1 per ticket!

Please note that the Lotto is now being drawn 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.

Armagh Harps Youth Meeting

There will be a Youth meeting in Armagh Harps Social Club on Thurs Night 22nd Jan at 8pm. Anyone interested in helping or coaching a youth team for 2015 are asked to attend the meeting. If you are interested in helping out and are unable to attend the meeting please contact our Youth Officer Aidan Breen on 07720838684.

Armagh Harps Registration Morning

Armagh Harps Annual Registration Morning will take place on Sunday 1st February from 11am to 1pm in the Social Club. All players and mentors from Under 6 through to Senior Boys & Girls are asked to attend. All players MUST be members of the Association in order to compete and be insured on the field of play.

Underage Training Times/Venues

BOYS & GIRLS UNDER 6, 8, 10 & 12’s-Winter training commences indoors on Tues 27th January in St Patrick’s Grammar School. Entrance via the Moy Road.   All players to bring Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1.

U6 s (Inc) Nursery – Tuesday Nights 6.30pm – 7.30pm

U8s – Tuesday Nights 7.30pm – 8.30pm

U10s – Wednesday Nights 6.30pm – 7.30pm

U12s (Boys) – Wednesday Nights 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

BOYS UNDER 14’s- Training in preparation for the Féile continues twice a week- Tuesday’s at 6pm and Thursday’s at 7pm both on the JD Pitch. Good luck to all the players and mentors!!

GIRLS UNDER 14’s- Training for the 2015 season commences Mon 19th Jan indoors St Patricks Primary School at 6pm to 7pm and on Thurs night on the JD at 6pm. Don’t Forget Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1. Good luck girls!!!

ARMAGH HARPS ANNOUNCES ACTIVE8- The Club is arranging various training opportunities for our adult members. The free classes (yes free!!!!!) include Pilates, Yoga, Dance and Boxercise and are open to all members- regardless of ability- and will take place in St Patrick’s Grammar School on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, beginning next month!!

This is your chance to work of the excesses of the festive season!!!! The classes will coincide with underage training sessions 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Your child’s training, so you can too! No excuses!!! Watch this space for details of the programmes.

Interested parties should contact Declan Toal on 07779720543 to advise of their preferred class/classes and night/nights.

MEMBERSHIP IS NOW DUE

Membership forms are available in the Social Club. All Players and Mentors for 2015 MUST be a member of Armagh Harps.

Full/Football Membership £25; 10 Year Full/Football Membership

(2015 – 2024) £200; Student Membership £15; Social Membership £15; Honorary/Senior (O.A.P.) Membership No Fee & Youth Membership; £10

IRISH CLASSES- Armagh County Board are running an Intensive Irish language course on Saturday 31 January at the Athletic Grounds. The course will cater for all levels, Beginner, Intermediate and Higher.  The course will start at 11am and run through until 4pm.  The cost is £10 and lunch will be provided.

To book a place, or for further details contact Seán – sean@cairdeteo.com.

SCÓR SINSIR- The first round of the 2015 Scór Sinsir will take place on Friday 13th February in Maghery.  All those interested in competing contact Barry Moore on 07803901813 or bazarmagh@yahoo.co.uk

SOCIAL CLUB- Exciting new groups will continue to entertain over the coming 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- Each Wedneday night in the Social Club- 7.30-8.30pm.

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!!!

ARMAGH DINNER DANCE- Tickets for this year’s dinner dance in the Carrickdale Hotel on 13 February are available from the County office (37527278).

KIERAN McGEENEY PRINT- Limited edition prints of the current manager by renowned local artist Lorcan Valley are available from the County office (37527278).

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.

Silverbridge Harps GAC

Condolence

This week the Gaels of Ard Mhacha and beyond bade a final farewell to one of our most dedicated volunteers Mr. Malachy McGeeney. Silverbridge Harps wish to add our voice to the many who have paid him tribute. Malachy was a great friend to our club and loved South Armagh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and our Association has lost a man of energy, of integrity and of vision. Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a anam.

Dinner Dance

The club’s annual Dinner Dance will be held this Saturday 24th January in the Carrickdale Hotel. Tickets are available from committee members. The dinner dance is an important event in our club’s calendar and provides us with the opportunity to honor and recognize individual and team achievements from the past year. As such, it would be appreciated if members could make a concerted effort to attend.

Variety Show

A final one-off performance of the Variety Show will take place on Saturday 31st January in the Resource Centre, commencing at 7.00pm. Tickets are currently on sale in local shops, priced at £5.00 with all proceeds in aid of the Dr. Fee Scanner Appeal.

DVDs of last month’s performance of the Variety Show are now on sale and can be purchased in Donnelly’s shop, Silverbridge, Coole Fuels and Murphy’s shop, Glassdrummond at a cost of £5.00.

President’s Award

Our faithful and popular clubman, Michael Mallie, has been chosen to receive a 2015 GAA President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding voluntary and prolonged contribution to the GAA at third level. Michael will be presented with the award at a special banquet in Croke Park on Friday 6th February. Any members wishing to attend can purchase tickets online at www.gaa.ie/tickets/presidentsawards. Priced at €30, tickets are available on a first come first served basis. The event will be filmed by TG4 to be broadcast at a later date.

Club Shop

The club shop will remain closed for the month of January, re-opening Tuesday 3rd

February 7.00-8.00pm.

Presentation Night

Presentation night for Gaelic Go Start U8 and U10s on Friday 6th February at 7.30pm.

Membership

Menbership 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. 

Lotto

The club lotto remains the biggest in the area with the jackpot having reached a massive £18,400. 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.

Meeting

Meeting of the Executive Committee will take place this Tuesday 20th January at 8.30pm.

St. Brigid’s Youth Club

The Youth Club will not take place on the next two Fridays due to other events being held in the hall. Tuesdays (girls) and Wednesdays (boys) will continue as normal, 7-9pm each night.

Young Volunteers Skills Building Programme: The Youth Club, in partnership with St Oliver Plunkett Youth Club, Crossmaglen, is introducing Young Volunteers Skills Building Programme, aimed at young people age 13 and over. It offers participants the opportunity to learn a range of skills and confidence-building activities, leading to a recognised award. This course award is an ideal inclusion in CV or UCAS applications and will help successful candidates stand out from the crowd. The programme will involve meeting new people and making new friends, learning new skills, building confidence and independence, fun games and activities. Young people who successfully complete the programme will be recognised and receive the Millennium Volunteers Award. Come along to an information night this Thursday 22nd January from 7-9pm in Silverbridge Resource Centre (Games Room) to find out more about the programme.

Silverbridge Bowls Club

Every Wednesday from 8-10pm and Thursday from 9pm.  All new members very welcome.

Circuits

Every Monday and Thursday 8-9pm for males and females with all levels of fitness catered for.

COAST

(Cancer Outreach & Support Together): The COAST group is for women who currently have, or have had, a cancer diagnosis and is open to women of all ages across the south Armagh and Newry & Mourne area.

The group is hosting a 6-week ‘Time For Me’ course which includes relaxation techniques, meditation, Tai Chi, aromatherapy, healthy eating and more. It will be held in the Resource Centre with week two on Thursday 22 Jan 7-9pm and continuing on Thursday 29th Jan 10-12 noon; Thursday 5th Feb 7-9pm; Thursday 12th Feb 10-12 noon and Thursday 19th Feb 7-9pm. The group will be delighted to welcome new members. Anyone interested in the course or seeking information on the COAST group please contact Mairead on (00353) 85 1313 016.

Dates to note

Scór Sinsear: The first round of Scór Sinsear will take place in Whitecross on Friday 6th February at 8.00pm with the County Final scheduled for Sunday 22nd February. Our participation in Scór is an important element of our club’s ethos and is actively encouraged. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Cultural Officer John Muckian on 0780 1254 774, email jmuckiansilverbridge@gmail.com and John will be available in the clubrooms every Monday evening 8-10pm.

Comhghairdeas to our neighbouring clubs Mullaghbawn and Cullyhanna on their success in the Ulster final of Scór na nÓg at the weekend when they won the provincial title in Solo Singing and Novelty Act respectively. Maith sibh.

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.

High Moss Sarsfields GFC

Most Important Notices

Coaching for primary 1 and 2 boys and girls continues this Wednesday night 21 January 2015 on the new training pitch from 6pm to 7pm. Cost £1 . All children to bring £1 and a drink. Children to wear trainers and appropriate outdoor gear in case of cold/wet weather. If weather is too severe coaching will take place in Hall.

New Sarsfields training pitch (available for hire)

New Sarsfields training pitch (available for hire)

Coaching for primary 3 and 4 boys and girls commences this Wednesday night 21 January 2015 on the new training pitch from6pm to 7pm. Cost £1 . All children to bring £1 and a drink. Children to wear trainers and appropriate outdoor gear in case of cold/wet weather. If weather is too severe coaching will take place in Hall.

The new 3G pitch is now up and running with all teams allocated coaching times. We have a few slots available for private/group hire. Please email Francis Reynolds at francis.reynolds1@hotmail.com for further details.

Membership for 2015 is now due. £20 for adults and £5 for under 18’s

Lotto

This week’s lotto numbers 1, 11, 16, 19 – 1 winner – Donal McGeown – Next week’s jackpot £900

General Notes

The club have 2 places allocated on a First Aid Course organised by Craigavon Sports Development Unit. If any existing or new club coaches would like to attend this course please contact francis.reynolds1@hotmail.com The dates of the First Aid Course are Wednesday 18th and Wednesday 25th March 2015 and will take place in Craigavon Civic Centre from 6.30pm to 9.30pm each evening.

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

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