40th anniversary celebrations

The long awaited launch night of Carryduff GAC’s Strictly Come Dancing competition took place in the King’s Head on Friday 27 January.

Sponsored by Sentel, the night was an overwhelming success and great cráic. A capacity crowd awaited the limousine and red carpet entrance of the contestants.

MC for the evening, George Osborne, introduced each of the contestants in turn before the draw was made to pair off the dancing partners.

The atmosphere was electric as the envelopes were handed over in turn and the pairings announced.

The eventual line up saw some spectacular matches made and promises to deliver a gripping competition.

Paired off on the evening were:

Couple 1: Gavin Kelly and Amy Cunningham

Couple 2: Stephen Flynn and Carrie Lavery

Couple 3: John McGowan and Roisin Robinson

Couple 4: Kieron Moore and Ailish McMeel

Couple 5: Eugene McNicholl and Mary Early

Couple 6: Colm Boyle and Linda McGoran

Couple 7: Barry O'Neill and Claire O'Neill

Couple 8: Philip Doherty and Emer McKay

The couples were interviewed by George and then led the audience as the floor opened for dancing for the remainder of the night.

Already predictions were being made by some as the couples now embark on an intense 12-week preparation towards the grand final.

Hushed comments, however,  were made in cautionary tones by others that one would do very well to keep an eye on the quiet ones as the competition progresses.

Best wishes are extended to all dancers and their supporters in what promises to be an intriguing and highly entertaining competition.

The Strictly Come Dancing event on Friday 13 April is part of Carryduff’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

A Fun Day at the club will also be held on Saturday 2 June as well as a Gala Dinner on Saturday 13 October.

Membership

All members are reminded that annual membership fees are now due. Details of all membership fees and the necessary forms are available on the club website.

Lottery results for 24 January

Numbers drawn: 1 – 9 – 12 – 18. No jackpot winner this week. Congratulations to the winners who matched three numbers: Audrey Watson, Paul Atherton, Eddie McCrory, Daniel McConnell and Diane (Emma) McNally who won £32 each.

Men’s Senior Football

Senior training will commence on Wednesday 1 February at 8.30pm sharp at Aquinas.

Please bring boots and trainers. All senior playing members should attend. New members welcome.

Any queries, or for more information please contact Andy Moohan on 07736074813.

U12 training

U12 football training commenced on Sunday 29 of January on the Gaelic pitch at Lough Moss and continues this Sunday.

Training starts at 3pm and ends at 4.30pm.

U14 hurling training

Training takes place at the club pitches from 10 – 11.30am on Sunday.

Hurling Qualifying Tournament

A new generation of young Carryduff hurlers travelled from St Joseph’s Primary School to the Bunscoil qualifying tournament in the excellent facilities at the Ballymote Centre, Downpatrick.

Hoping to repeat the exploits of their predecessors, they were drawn in a difficult group with hosts Downpatrick, old adversaries Legamaddy and new kids on the block Ballynahinch (coached by Paul Coulter).

The boys got off to a slow start in the first game against Ballynahinch, but gradually gained the upper hand through midfield dominance of Frank McWilliams.

Following a fine penalty save from James Rodgers, the forwards Jack Laverty and Eoin Haigney both goaled and the team ran out eventual winners 6-1.

A sterner test followed against Downpatrick.

This time Joshua Cullen stepped up to the mark at midfield and helped steer his side to a 2-0 victory.

This result effectively sealed qualification, however, the St Joseph’s boys were encouraged to maintain their high level of quality hurling.

Resolute defending by Eoin McGleenon and Callum McCabe ensured another clean sheet, whilst Oisin McCaughey and Euan Neeson dominated up front to seal another 2-0 victory.

The team performed very well and can now look forward to the finals at Ballymote on 1 February.

We wish them the best of luck.