Hand ballers bow out at semi final stage:
Ryan Dunn came unstuck the U 15 singles when he came up against one of the most gifted juveniles in the country, Leitrim's Donal Wynn. Ryan got off to the worst possible start when he injured his hand in the first rally, necessitating a 15 minute medical time out. Bravely Ryan resumed but eventually succumbed 21/6 21/4.
In the U 17 doubles Daniel Connolly and Blain Lennon took on Mayo's Gearóid Hughes and Dara Ryder. The first game went point for point early on to 13 apiece when the Mayo pair pulled away to lead 19/13. The local lads then dug deep, fighting back to take the game 21/20. However the second game was dominated by the hard hitting Hughes which led to a 21/6 victory for the Connaught men. The tie break was a very tense affair at 4 each, before RGU tired somewhat suddenly before going down 11/4.
Despite not reaching the All Ireland finals these three lads have brought great pride to the Club and indeed the town with their remarkable performances in annexing the provincial titles, the first in over a decade. Hand ball is a very demanding sport and the dedication these lads have shown over the past season is worthy of the highest praise and these guys are a credit to themselves and their families, Maith Sibh
This Friday sees the final series of games in the RGU floodlit league. This has proved to be a great success for all the P6 & P7 boys and girls who have participated. The standard has been remarkably high and has improved remarkably since the commencement of the series 5 weeks ago. After the final games there will be a presentation to the kids from Down captain Dan Gordon and there will be refreshments for the parents as well as the boys and girls in the clubrooms. The games all start at 7pm sharp, so here's hoping for a pleasant evenings weather given our luck over the past few weeks.
Sunday 10th May is a special day for all GAA clubs in Ireland with activities organised in every club in the country to celebrate 125 years of the GAA. The men who met in Hayes Hotel in Thurles all those years ago would certainly be proud of the organisation that now is the most dominant sporting organisation in Ireland, as well as one that promotes all aspects of Irish cultural language and heritage. RGU will be holding a special day at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil on that day with exhibition games involving our juvenile teams as well as athletics and rounders. In the club house there will also be activities as well with dancing, music and a GAA based quiz.
As well as this there will be a display of RGU activities over the century and more since gaelic games were first played in the Town. To this end we are requesting help from anyone who may have any photos, Videos or DVDs of RGU over the years. We have built up quite an archive ourselves over the years, but we would appeal to anyone who can help to bring along any material that may be of use. This material will be returned after the 10th May. For further information contact Gerdie Collins Snr or Collie Quinn
RGU and the Ulster Council are embarking on a pilot of the new 'GAELIC START' initiative. The programme is aimed at developing generic fundamental movement skills in our youngest children through an active and fun environment. The programme will commence in the club rooms on Monday 23rd March, when all parents (of boys and girls P1-P3) and club coaches are invited to attend an information night about this project. It is hoped that as many children as possible will benefit from this great opportunity to participate in this exciting new scheme. The programme will be open to all children from primary 1-3. I hope that as many people as possible will avail of the opportunity to involve their children in this great event.
The club will also be announcing other coaching initiatives over the coming weeks for all teams in the football section
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Congratulations to James O'Hare on winning the All Ireland Senior Boys cross country schools Championship at the weekend. James was a regular on our juvenile teams until recently when he decided to concentrate on his athletics career. James' dad Sean is a member of the Lotto committee and indeed the family have long been supporters of RGU over many years. A well deserved accolade to a very dedicated young man who is destined for a fine future in his chosen sport.
Still on the athletic theme, this Sunday sees the annual Jimmy's 10k race with which there is along association at RGU. All participating RGU runners are asked to report to Joe O'Reilly or Colm McNeill at the Leisure Centre before 11.15.
Saturday coaching has started for the primary school ,children at PTR. The sessions are open to children form P1 upwards and are split in to the various age groups. Each session starts at 10.30 and will last exactly an hour.
Girls U 12 training at 12 midday every Saturday at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil. Any new members will be more than welcome.
The u 14s had their first taste of football for the year when they had an impressive win over Belfast Kingpins St Johns.
St Patrick's Night sees a fundraising event in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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A big thank you to Tony Crane for his generous sponsorship of the U 12 boys team. This is a much appreciated gesture from a man who has been very generous to the club over the years. Go raibh Mile maith agat.
Lotto:
This weeks winning numbers were 18 20 25 27. No jackpot winner but 3 people share £100 having picked 3 correct numbers.
The jackpot has now risen to a staggering £4000. This is the club's major fund raising activity and the club ask that all members support this venture by buying as well as selling a ticket. From this week it is possible to do the lotto on line by logging on to our website www.rgudownpatrick.com. So if any RGU supporters are away from the area this is an opportunity to support the club and also be in with a chance of netting a major cash prize.
Also in the club house there is an opportunity to play ' Find the joker' For just a £1 you can have a stab at winning a cash prize and with cards starting to dwindle the jokermust be uncovered soon.
Roisin Hampton has some Beanie style hats left for sale. Only £5 each but this is the second consignment and they are going fast.
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Senior ladies and Senior male football squads are reminded to hand in all quiz sheets before 30th March. Please see Marty Brady if you need any more sheets
