Longstone GAC Notes

(Sunday, June 19)

*Longstone had their first Golf Classic on Friday, and although conditions were not ideal, it was a successful and enjoyable day with 32 teams taking part. The teams which finished 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd were captained by Alan Shields, Peter Kelly and Enda Murphy respectively. Non-golfing team competition was won by Gary Trainor’s team. Shot of the Day appeared to be going to Hugh Trainor for a long time with a superb shot, but it was cruelly taken away late in the competition by a clever shot by John-Paul Haughian. A big thank-you to Conrad Developments, main sponsor of the event, and to those who organised the Golf Classic over the past couple of months and who helped out on the day.

*Camogie: Longstone’s U14s maintained their winning form when they had convincing wins in their last two league games against Mayobridge and Aghaderg. On both occasions the Longstone girls gave a solid team performance and each and every one of them is worthy of special praise for the skills and efforts they displayed. The draw for the U14 camogie Championship Shield has been made and Longstone play Warrenpoint on Thursday 14th July. The U12s visited Clonduff last Saturday afternoon for Round 11 of their Blitz.  Katie Smith and Cora and Aine Trimble were superb in defence with some great ground strokes while Aisling Trimble had some brilliant puck-outs from goals.  Aoife McDowell, Breanna Magorrian and Orianna McGoey displayed some magnificent lifting and pucking of the ball while Lauren McComb and Sarah Fitzpatrick were very unlucky not to snatch a few goals with the sliotar just going wide of the Clonduff post. And the U8 camogs took part in a well attended and very enjoyable All County Blitz hosted by Kilcoo last Sunday.  Longstone played four very competitive and evenly matched games against Ben Dearg, Liatroim, Clonduff and Ballygalget and there were amazing skills shown by all the teams for such a young age group.  For Longstone Linden Haughian and Tara Rooney did some great tackling and clearing of the ball while Natasha Rooney and Grainne Cunningham displayed some fine lifting and pucking.  Holly Trainer and Shannon McCartan were very strong in the forward line and in Longstone’s game against Ballygalget Holly along with Natasha Rooney scored a goal apiece.

*Football:

The U-12s were at home to St Michaels on Sunday and recorded a

nineteen point win with some excellent football on the day. Players 

who caught the eye were Lee and Eve Haughian, Christopher Burden and Tyrone Fegan in defence and up front Conor Shields, Callum McDowell and Gareth Fitzpatrick were excellent throughout.

The U-10s were away to An Riocht last Saturday for a tournament and were in excellent form beating Clonduff A by three points, Bredagh  by one point and Glenravel by seven points to top the group and go through to the cup competition. In the cup quarter final they played a very good  

Teconnaught side and eventually recorded a four point win and a semi final against Burren A. Burren got off to a good start and opened up a seven point lead but as usual Longstone rallied well and reduced the gap to four points and with time running out had Burren under constant pressure but luck was not on their side and with virtually the last kick of the game the Burren keeper pulled off a great stop to deny Longstone the win and  seconds later the final whistle blew to put them out of the competition. There were 39 teams at the tournament so to be narrowly beaten in the cup semi-final is a clear indication of how well this team is playing at the moment. Well done to the players on a great performance. Also thanks to An Riocht for hosting such an enjoyable tournament. Longstone U-10s travelled to An Riocht last Monday in the Mourne  

League knowing a win would see them crowned  Mourne league Champions and An Riocht knew a win would still leave them in with a chance to win the league so both teams went for the win. This was a physical encounter and at half time there was only two points between the sides in favour of Longstone. The second half started in the same pattern but gradually the visitors got a real grip on the  

game as they continued to play the excellent football they have been  

playing all year and the sound of the final whistle sparked the  

jubilant  scenes that confirmed them as  U-10 Champions Of Mourne   

2011 with one game remaining. The second game of the night also saw the visitors emerge with a victory with all the younger players

showing great improvement week by week. This panel has now played 14 games to date in the league with 14 wins recorded, a brilliant record and well done to all. The team deserves this success for turning out week after week in big numbers for training, their application at training, the good manners and general excellent behaviour, and the good discipline they show no matter where they are taken or who they play. The panel this year is Reece Lacey, Niall Sloan, Michael Burden, Christopher Burden, Caitlin Trainor, Aaron McComb, Taylor Poland, Gareth Fitzpatrick, Shane McDowell, Oisin Trimble, Dylan Poland, Ronan Mooney, Erin Rogers, Dermott Martin, Cain Rogers, Conor McPolin and James McCartan. Well done Champions you deserve it. Special mention also to Michelle Poland who has turned out each week at training and so allowing the girls in the panel to train, thanks Michelle.

*Upcoming games: Thurs U16 v Glasdrumman (a) 7.30pm/ Fri Sen v Kilcoo (a) 7.30pm/ Sat U12 camogie v An Riocht (a) & U8 Go Games in Burren/ Sun Sen v Rostrevor (a), U16 v Drumclone (a) 1pm & U12 v Glasdrumman (h) 11am/ Mon Jun camogie v Ballygalget (a), U14 v Clonduff B (a) 7.30pm & U10 v Glasdrumman (h) 7pm.

*Condolences to the family of Thomas Rooney, Head Rd., on the recent passing of a much loved and respected man.

*Juvenile S-Factor, ages 6-16, returns to Longstone this Saturday, 8-11pm. It promises to be an entertaining night with celebrity judges in attendance, i.e. Big Norman, Dessie and Colleen Haughian. All proceeds in aid of Moneydarragh PS Playground Fund.

*Cul Camp, ages 6-13, in Longstone this Summer during the week August 8-12. Cost for nursery children (P1 and P2 pupils during 2010-11) is £25 per child. For older children the cost is £35 per child.

*Anyone interested in helping out at the Longstone Cul camp, August 8-12,  should contact Damian Young (07843 171293) as soon as possible please.

*We wish Down well in this Saurday’s 1^st round qualifier away to Clare.

*Lower Mourne Gaelic League Scoil Samhraidh (summer school) will take place in Longstone from Monday, July 4-8. Boys and girls, age 4-14 can attend to experience a mixture of activities in gaelic games, dance, music and Irish language.  Cost is £30, inc. all activities and a jersey. Register with Ronan, Irish language development officer, 4376 8784 or contact your school principal or sign up on the first day of the summer school.

*Numbers 13, 14, 24, 28. 5 Matched 3. Jackpot £5700 this Sunday night.