* Monday 19th to Friday 23rd July NMDC Gaelic Games coaching for kids 1030am to 130pm daily at Dunavil.
* An Riocht Football and Camogie received their half yearly dividend cheques from Gaelic Telecom. Thanks to those club members and supporters who use Gaelic Telecom and raise funds for the club this way.
* Pitch side Advertising Boards at Dunavil are due for 2010 renewal.

Gaeltacht Scholarships

Lauren Clarke An Riocht recieves Scholarship fromLanguage and Culture officer Ryan Doyle and Coiste Chulturtha Officer Gareth Johnston

Ar an Mháirt 1ú Meitheamh tháinig Gaeilgóirí óga an Dúin le chéile in Óstán an Canal Court Iúr Cinn Trá le haghaidh Bronnadh Scoláireachtaí Coiste Chontae an Dúin. Tháinig na daoine óga seo ó gach cearn den Chontae. Thaisteal siad ó hArd Mhic Nasca, Ceathrú Aodha Dhuibh, Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua agus Droim an Éasa ina measc.

On Tuesday evening in the comfortable settings of the Canal Court Hotel in Newry the young Gaeilgoirí of the county came together for the awarding of the Gaeltacht Scholarships. These young Gaels travelled from every corner of the county. They travelled from places like Holywood, Carryduff, Warrenpoint and Drumaness among others.

Scholarships were awarded to 56 young Gaels who will all be participating in Irish Language Colleges in Co. Donegal this Summer. The Scholarships, funded by Collections at Championship fixtures in 2009 and the County Board will help ease somewhat the costing of sending a child for a three week excursion to a Gaeltacht College.

As well as attending daily Irish language classes, the children will be living in a community for three weeks which communicates, works, and socialises entirely through the medium of Irish. They will also participate in afternoon and evening activites which will enable the students the chance to use their language outside of the classroom.

Members of Coiste Chultúrtha an Dúin were present to award the Scholarships on behalf of Coiste Chontae an Dúin.

Speaking at the event Vice Chairman of the Down County Board William Smith commented, ‘We on Coiste Chontae an Dúin believe that it is our duty to promote all aspects of our Association, be it through our Games, Music ,Song and Dance, and of course our language. The Gaeltacht Scholarships are just another incentive to the Youth of Down to go and experience the language at first hand in the Donegal Gaeltacht.’

We hope all who received Scholarships will enjoy their time in the Gaeltacht this Summer, and come home with a little more Irish on their tongues.

Tá súil againn go mbeidh am, aimsir agus craic den chéad scóth ag Gaeil óga an Dúin agus iad i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall. Mar a deireann an seanfhocal, Labhair í agus Mairfidh sí

Down club members receive Gaelacht Scolarships

23/05/2010 * Welcome to Tir Conaill Harps from Glasgow who are on a weekend break in Mourne and who are taking part in the Jim Mulholland Cup at Dunavil on Saturday. Over forty players, officials and parents travelled over.

23/05/2010 * Good Luck to Brendan, James, John and Martin for Sundays USFC opener in Donegal and also to Matthew and Patrick who are representing Down in the Cumann Na mBunscoile exhibition match.

23/05/2010 * Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention meeting on Monday 7th June at Dunavil.

16/05/2010 * Ulster Council coaches held their ‘Game of Three Halves’ for over 100 primary school children at Dunavil on Tuesday morning.

16/05/2010 * Four An Riocht adult players representing camogie and football will run in the Newry City Marathon on 31st May to raise funds for a Players Injury Fund. Sponsorship cards are out and about and everyone is asked to support our players by sponsoring our runners.

16/05/2010 * The local primary schools held a ‘Go Games’ blitz at Dunavil on Friday, nine teams took part.

16/05/2010 * Congratulations or commiserations (not sure which is most appropriate) but good luck anyway to Sean Caughey, An Riocht senior camogie manager, on his appointment as Down Camogie chairman.

09/05/2010 Club and Volunteer Awards
Irish News Club & Volunteer Award Winners 2010
An Riocht Named Highly Commended Club in Medium Club Category
An Riocht received an award at the Irish News Club and Volunteer Awards presentation on Friday. The club was represented by James Cunningham (club chairman), Tom Cunningham (football secretary), and Christina Donnelly (Finance & Social committee).

James Cunningham, Ray Tumelty (O’Neills)

James Cunningham, Christina Donnelly, Aogan Farrell Ulster (GAA President), Tom Cunningham

THE IRISH NEWS unveiled the winners of their highly contested Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards.
at a presentation took place in the Wellington Park Hotel on Friday 7th May 2010.
The Awards initiative recognizes and rewards GAA Clubs, Schools & Volunteers throughout Ulster for their commitment to gaelic games and their community irrespective of their playing ability.
John Brolly Marketing Manager of The Irish News, congratulated all the clubs, schools and volunteers that received awards adding that ‘the Irish News Club & Volunteer awards are tangible proof that our clubs, our volunteers & our schools are indeed the foundation of GAA.’
He added, ‘the Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards have proven to be overwhelmingly successful as recognition for the hard work of the winning clubs, volunteers and schools. The awards are a great celebration of the vibrant communities that are created by schools, clubs and volunteers right across Ulster.’
Aogan Farrell, Ulster GAA President commented, ‘Comhairle Uladh CLG are delighted to partner the Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards which recognise the work and vision of the GAA grassroots in Ulster. I commend the Irish News on this excellent venture and I would like to congratulate the winning clubs, volunteers and schools.’
Attending the awards at the Wellington Park Hotel was Antrim football manager Liam Bradley who offered words of advice and support to the clubs, schools and volunteers attending.
The winning clubs were awarded £1,000 Irish News development cheque & £1,000 O’Neills Sportswear voucher.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
SMALL
CLUB AWARD WINNER - John Mitchels GAC, Glenullin
HIGHLY COMMENDED - St John's GAC, Drumnaquoile
MEDIUM
CLUB AWARD WINNER - St John Bosco GAC, Newry
HIGHLY COMMENDED - An Ríocht CLG, Kilkeel
LARGE
CLUB AWARD WINNER - Eoghan Rua CLG, Coleraine
HIGHLY COMMENDED - St Enda's GAC, Glengormley
URBAN CLUB SPECIAL RECOGNITION CLUB AWARD - Clann Eireann, Lurgan
SMALL
CLUB VOLUNTEER AWARD - Maureen Moley Dorsey Emmett’s GFC
MEDIUM
CLUB VOLUNTEER AWARD - Columba Diver Ard An Ratha CLG
LARGE
CLUB VOLUNTEER AWARD - John Daly St Patrick's GAC, Dromintee
SCHOOL, PRIMARY - St Patrick's Primary School, Newry
SCHOOL, SECOND LEVEL - St Patrick's High School, Keady

09/05/2010 La Na gClub
An Riocht marked the ‘Day of the Club’ with a family sports day at Dunavil including parade, tombola, races, bouncy castle, penalty kick, football and camogie exhibition games, cross bar challenge, crazy golf, face painting, burgers and ice cream, tea and sandwiches, and lots more. Thanks to all who supported the event.

25/04/2010 * An Riocht had ten participants on the Level One (Adult) Football Coaching Course completed at Dunavil on Friday and Saturday past – Jim Allen, Declan Campbell, Eric Campbell, Patrick Carvill, Anthony Donnan, Edmond Kali, Conrad McAlinden, Peter Morgan, Sean O’Rourke, Paul Rogers. Thanks to Conor O’Toole for arranging it and Paddy Hardy and Eamon O’Hare for facilitating.

19/04/2010 * James, Sean, Houston and Edmond attended the GAA Congress on Friday.

19/04/2010 * An Riocht had ten participants on the Level One Football Coaching Course

11/04/2010 Damage
Vandals caused damage to the main pitch at Dunavil on Wednesday night cutting adult and juvenile goal nets and digging a dozen holes into the playing surface.

11/04/2010 Mascot
Ideas, drawings etc are invited from club members, young and old, for a Club Mascot.

11/04/2010 Jobs
‘Step Ahead’ vacancies at Dunavil for groundsman, handyman, cleaner, activity supervisor, conditions apply, contact the Step Ahead advisor at Kilkeel Job Centre.

05/04/2010* Football team mentors are requested to phone or text match results on the day of the game to:
U12 Michael O'Rourke  07846377682; U14 Damian Brady 028 30267131; U16 Paula Magee   07753987224; Minor Tommy Kelly  028 40631103; Reserves Johnny McConville  028 30851471.

05/04/2010* Down County Board are offering a small number of grants for students attending Irish Colleges/Courses in the summer of 2010. The grants are being offered to school students (who are members of the GAA), who reside in County Down. The Board will be responsible for selecting the successful candidates. The final date for applications is Thursday, 29th April 2010.Late applications cannot be accepted. Forms from the club

05/04/2010* The history of the GAA in Down is the focus of a major history project about to be carried out in the Autumn. If you want to contribute by completing a questionnaire, writing a letter, donating material or recording an interview contact the club

28/03/2010* Leo, Edmond and Marc attended the Alcohol & Substance Abuse seminar in Croke Park

Edmond Kali, Leo Sloan and Marc Bowater representing An Riocht
at the Alcohol & Substance Abuse seminar in Croke Park on Saturday past.

21/03/2010* Good luck to Christopher and Conor on Wednesday with Down U21 and to the four boys on Sunday with Down seniors.

09/03/2010 *An Riocht were well represented at the GAA Officials training in Castlewellan with ten Club officials attending.

09/03/2010 * The Down Primary Schools Indoor Camogie finals took place at Dunavil on Friday.

09/03/2010 * Well done and good luck to Brendan, James, John and Martin on Saturdays past and coming with Down in the NFL. We’ll be there, travel details from the club. 

01/03/2010** Michael and Anne attended the Club treasurers meeting in the Donard Hotel.

01/03/2010** The local heat of the Down Primary Schools Indoor Camogie tournament took place on Thursday past, the county finals are this Friday.

01/03/2010** Hard luck to St Louis camogs especially Sophie, Colleen, Carrie, Noelle, Christina, Emily, Ella and Eimear who lost out by a goal in their All Ireland semi final in Banagher, County Offaly.

01/03/2010** Commiserations to Christopher and Conor who lost heavily in the Shamrock Cup final with Down U21 v Monaghan.

01/03/2010** Good luck to Brendan, James, John and Martin on Saturday with Down in the NFL. We’ll be there, travel details from the club.

22/02/2010* Good luck to St Louis camogs in their All Ireland semi final in Banagher.

15/02/2010* On Thursday 18th February there is a ‘Be Positive’ training course for adults at Dunavil.

15/02/2010* Hard luck to St Columbans footballers and St Louis footballers. Good luck to St Louis camogs.

15/02/2010* Down GAA are now beginning the process of consultation on the strategic plan 2010-2014. To this end the County Board asks the clubs to study the document and reply with any concerns that they may have, on or before 22nd February.

15/02/2010* GAA Respect Initiative. The new scheme aims to target underage games in an effort to promote and foster a spirit of goodwill and fair-play where all participants feel comfortable and welcome. There are roles of responsibility for players, mentors, referees, parents, guardians and supporters amongst others. For more information visit www.gaa.ie.

15/02/2010* A meeting with all Down GAA club treasurers will take place on Monday 1st March at 7.30 pm in the Donard Hotel. We should be grateful if you would confirm your attendance at the meeting by 28 February. The provisional agenda includes Club Fees and Insurance Schemes.
* As part of a drive to encourage more participation in Down GAA by young Gaels throughout the county, the County PRO invites underage members to submit an article on any event they attend relevant to Down GAA, be it Football, Hurling, Ladies Football, Camogie, Scór etc. A photograph of the contributor and/or the event in question may also be attached. These will be published on our website, www.downgaa.net under the heading 'Tacaí Óg' (Young Supporter). More details from the Club.

15/02/2010* The Down Primary School Girls indoor football finals took place at Dunavil on Friday.

15/02/2010* The Gaelic Start programme was completed when the Ulster coaches joined An Riocht coaches and parents at the Friday evening coaching at Dunavil.

08/02/2010* St. Louis All Ireland Camogie semi-final v Banagher from Offaly took place at Dunavil on Saturday. It was a great occasion.

08/02/2010* St Colmans and Atticall qualified from the Down primary school girls indoor football held at Dunavil on Friday. The County finals are this week.

08/02/2010* Well done to the Down boys and good luck on Saturday.

08/02/2010* Football team mentors for 2010 have been appointed as follows
SENIOR Manager Steven Poacher, Selectors Jim Allen, Tom Cunningham, Peter Walsh; Kit Edmond Kali.
SENIOR RESERVE Managers Jim Allen, Peter Walsh; Selectors Steven Poacher, Tom Cunningham.
THIRDS Management Edmond Kali, Anthony Rogers, Paddy Small.
MINOR & U16 Conrad McAlinden, Brendan Morgan, Don Cole, Danny Cunningham.
U14 Eric Campbell, Sean O’Rourke, Shane Sloan.
U12 Peter Morgan, Turlough Eastwood, Michael O’Rourke; Trainer Paddy Cole.
U10 Paddy Carvill, Declan Campbell, Vince McAlinden.
U8 Leo Sloan, Seamus Curran, Paul Rogers, Anthony Donnan
U6 Seamus Curran, Paul Rogers, Anthony Donnan.
There will be further additions once the ‘Gaelic Start’ programme is completed.
Training/Practice details are all adult players Sundays at 9am, Wednesday at 7pm and Fridays at 7pm; Minor & U16 Sunday mornings starting after the schools competitions have completed; U14 on Tuesdays at 830pm; U12 on Tuesdays at 730pm; U10 on Fridays at 9pm; U8 on Fridays at 8pm; U6 on Fridays at 7pm.

08/02/2010* Well done and Hard luck to St Louis camogs who drew their All Ireland semi-final and good luck in the replay. Good luck too to St Columbans footballers in their Ulster semi-final and St Louis footballers in their Ulster quarter-final, unfortunately both gamesare on Friday.

03/02/20101* Good luck to St Louis camogs who play their All Ireland semi-final on Saturday and well done to St Columbans footballers who reached the Ulster semi-final with victory last Friday.

Parents at the Gaelic Start programme at An Riocht

Parents and Children at the Gaelic Start programme
at An Riocht.

25/01/2010* Anyone wishing to manage or coach a Camogie team in 2010 should collect an application form from the club and complete and return it before 5th February. The next meeting of the Camogie committee is on 11th February. Any past or new players are invited to attend senior training in the town pitch on Sundays at 10am.

25/01/2010* Down Primary Schools Indoor Hurling blitz took place at Dunavil on Friday.

25/01/2010* Down senior Camogie trials took place at An Riocht on Sunday.

25/01/2010* Down GAA Recreational football seven a side blitz is on Friday 19th February, it is an opportunity for all to participate in a non-competitive environment providing fun, enjoyment, exercise, health and fitness, a social outlet, friendships, opportunity for past players/members to get reacquainted with the club. Recreational games can help create a buzz around the club.

25/01/2010* Following a meeting with the Hurling, Ladies and Camogie Boards it has been proposed to change this season's playing nights as follows:- Monday U14 football, Tuesday Minor football, Thursday U16 football. This has to be approved by CCC.

25/01/2010* All club registrations (U12, U14 and U16) to be returned for the next South Down Board meeting on 10th February. U10 registrations need to be returned by the end of February.

25/01/2010* The 2010 GAA National Youth Forum takes place on Saturday February 20th in the Hogan Stand at Croke Park beginning at 10 am with registration and finishing at 4 pm.. This is a workshop based day where delegates will work in groups discussing various topics on the future direction of the GAA. If interested let the club know.

25/01/2010* Good luck to St Columbans in the Ulster Championship on Friday.

25/01/2010* Good luck to the Down players in the McKenna Cup.

25/01/2010* ALL An Riocht team jersey sponsorships (with the exception of Senior Camogie) are up for renewal this year. Anyone interested in any team jersey sponsorship but particularly the senior football team should contact the club as soon as possible and before Tuesday 9th February.

18/01/2010* The sixth Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference takes place on Saturday 30 January in Cookstown. This year’s conference targets coaches who are working with youth players from 13-18 years. Brendan, Conrad, Edmond, Sean and Stephen have indicated they are attending, if anyone else is interested they should see Tom as soon as possible.

18/01/2010* The next training course for new refereeing recruits begins on Monday 1 February 2009 at 7.30 pm in Newcastle, contact the Club immediately if interested. An Riocht have six referees at present – Anthony, Daryl, Michael, Neil, Peter and Roy, one more and we can enter a sevens team!

18/01/2010* Gaelic Start. Specially trained coaches from Ulster GAA will be attending at Dunavil on Tuesdays in January and February from 730pm to 830pm to give advice and show drills so that we all can learn and contribute to the children’s fun. Thirty potential coaches including parents attended the information night last week but we need more! What we need you to do is come forward on Tuesday without obligation – if it’s not for you then at least you gave it a go! Absolutely no experience is required, so there is no excuse not to get involved. This opportunity is unlikely to be repeated.

18/01/2010* Congratulations to Ciara Trainor who has been selected as a British Universities Camogie Allstar.

18/01/2010* Important dates coming up for An Riocht players with their school teams – Friday 29th January St Columbans footballers Ulster quarter final, Saturday 6th February St Louis camogs All Ireland semi final, and Saturday 13th February St. Louis footballers Ulster quarter final.

18/01/2010* At the football meeting, copies of the code of conduct and player development were adopted in accordance with club policies and procedures and everyone who wants to be involved with coaching or managing teams has to complete a recruitment form. At the next football meeting Philip Kerr’s fifteen page player development document will be gone through in greater detail to ensure everyone knows what is expected. Copies can be had from the club before the meeting.

18/01/2010* Patricia and Angela attended the Camogie referees course in Castlewellan on Saturday.

11/01/2010* The sixth Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference will take place on Saturday 30th January in the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown. This year’s conference targets coaches who are working with youth players from 13-18 years.

11/01/2010* The next training course for new refereeing recruits will begin on Monday 1st February 2009, commencing at 7.30 pm sharp, in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle. The course will continue on Saturday 6th February commencing at 10.00 am continuing on Monday 8th, finishing on Monday 15th February culminating with an examination of the rules on the final night. Contact the Club immediately if interested.

18/01/2010* St. Louis footballers and Camogie players used the indoor and outdoor facilities at Dunavil as they stepped up preparations ahead of their big matches.

18/01/2010* Down U21 footballers and Down Senior Camogie were also grateful for the use of Dunavil as their competitive debuts draw ever nearer.

03/01/2010* Down played Fermanagh at Dunavil on Sunday in a senior football challenge match. Thanks to all who helped out at short notice.