The Senior team played their first challenge game of pre-season at home to St Malachy’s Belfast on Sunday afternoon. The game was played over 3 x 20 minute periods. The first period ended with only the minimum separating the sides. By the end of the second period St Malachys stretched their advantage to nine points. The Fin enjoyed a strong finish in the final period to score 1-06 without reply to pull back the deficit before the visitors added a late goal and point to win a very entertaining tussle. Final score Aughlisnafin 1-15 St Malachys 4-10. Five of our minor players made their senior team debut and they did well by all accounts. Everyone enjoyed soup and sandwiches afterwards in Annsborough social club. Thanks to the new Fin Ladies team, Jennifer, Sheena, Louise, Sheenagh, Liz-Ann, Shauna and Fiona for their help with the refreshments, to Denis McKay for officiating and to St Malachy’s for the game. Next challenge game will be at home to newly promoted division 3 club Ardglass on Sunday 4th March at 10 am. Training continues this Wednesday at 7.45 pm in the Fin Hall and next Monday at 8 pm on the 3G pitch.
Baile an Locha will meet CPN Warrenpoint in their opening fixture of the All County minor league on Sunday 18th March, subject to change. The full list of fixtures can be found on our club website. The minors will play Clonduff this Sunday at 11.30 am in Hilltown.
After a brilliant effort we broke the 50 Down GAA clubs draw ticket sales barrier. The final total is yet to be confirmed. This has generated over £3,000 for the running of our club. Thank you to everyone who help sell or bought tickets.
The next meeting of the executive committee will be held this Tuesday 13th March at 8.30 pm.
The Fin Mud Run is back !! Date for your diary is Saturday 16th June 2018. There will be a meeting of the organising sub-committee very soon. If you can help out in anyway please attend this meeting.
Our children’s officer Gerard O’Hare attended the recent County led Childrens Officer training course and received his certification.
Very well done to our U16 player Conor Donnelly on winning a third boxing title in succession adding the recent Antrim success to the Ulster and Louth wins.
Conor also attended the Down U15 Emerging Talent Squad trials on Saturday morning along with his club mates Peter O’Hare and Rhys Clarke. The lads will hope to get another opportunity to impress, but the experience gained will stand to them regardless of how they fare.
*Our minor and U16 player Morgan Croskery impressed in the Down U16 ET football squad win over Antrim on Saturday keeping a clean sheet. Morgan is the minor team keeper but such is his versatility he plays outfield for our U16s.
Lotto (16/02/2018) numbers were 21, 22, 26, 28. No winners. New Jackpot £3,025. You can play the lotto on-line. Go to our club website www.aughlisnafingac.com and click on the klubfunder logo.
The senior team are seeking sponsors of the match ball for all home games this season. To date we have the first three games covered. If any member, family or local business is interested please contact our coaching officer Gerard Lenaghan on 0785 426 2858 or email pro.aughlisanfin.down@gaa.ie for details.