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Senior Hurling League
Ballyvarley Vs Ballycran
Injuries have hit the Ballyvarley senior hurlers hard in recent weeks yet the Reds turned in a hard fought performance against visitors Ballycran last Tuesday. The game was in the balance right up to the later stages of the second half, with two killer goals beating the home team after a spirited display.
Early on in the contest Ballycran were making impressive diagonal runs. The pace of their corner forwards was causing problems for the Ballyvarley men. This was shown to good effect in the 4th minute when a low ball into space saw Ballycran’s forwards sprint in for an early goal.
The visitors added two more points as the movement of their forwards opened up space and scoring chances. The Reds faced an uphill battle yet slowing they came more into the game with Sean Kennedy and Paul O’Neill impressing for the home team. More possession meant more chances for Ballyvarley as they provided their forwards with ball. However there was a lack of sharpness in the Reds play and their first touch was letting them down. The ball was just not falling for the Reds upfront but their industry was rewarded with three points as a long Paul O’Neill free dropped into the net. The deficit was down to two but only for a moment as the Ardsmen instantly replied with a quick point.
For the rest of the half the Reds had the lions share of the play as the tightened up at the back with Niall Higgins, Thomas Lennon and David Lavery prominent. The home sides dominance was rewarded when the ball was 21 yards out from the Ballycran goal. Jamie Murray latched onto it with a great wristy ground stroke that lifted the net six minutes before the end of the half. That drew the game and lifted the Reds. Ballyvarley went on to have chances to take the lead but the Reds could not punish the Ardsmen.
Ballycran tagged on a couple of points before the break to leave just two points between the sides.
HALF-TIME: Ballyvarley 2-0 Ballycran 1-5
Ballyvarley began the second period as they began the first and their lethargy was punished by 1-1 within six minutes. This woke the home side up as Ballyvarley took a hold of the game. Thomas Lennon’s pace at the break saw him sweep up a lot of ball and some hard hitting tackling from David Lavery saw little room for the Ards forwards to operate. Sean Kennedy drew a point back after a long solo run and Paul O’Neill added another from a pointed free. With the visitors retaliating with two points of their own Ballyvarley needed a lift. It duly arrived when O’Neill sent a 21 yard free past the flailing keeper to the roof of the net.
A trademark long range point from David McGovern soon after left only two points in the contest as Ballyvarley pushed for the scores to tie or even win the game. However ten minutes from end Ballycran struck the killer blows. A ball to the edge of the home box was met first time with a ground swing that went like a bullet to the net. It was a cracking individual score. If that stunned the Reds a second goal soon after ended the contest. It was cruel on the Reds who were right up with their opponents. The finishing of the Ardsmen was the difference. A late Paul O’Neill point was only mere consolation as Ballycran won by seven points.
FULL-TIME: Ballyvarley 3-4 Ballycran 4-8
Sean Kennedy and Paul O’Neill were the main driving force for the Reds in the middle of the field. At the back the Ballyvarley defence as a whole battled hard with Thomas Lennon, Niall Higgins, David Lavery and Eunan McConville to the fore with James McGrath performing well in goals. Next up for the senior hurlers is a game on 8th July at home to Castlewellan.
Ballyvarley Team
James McGrath, Cathal O’Neill, Niall Higgins, Pat McGrath, Thomas Lennon, Eunan McConville, David Lavery, Sean Kennedy (0-1), Paul O’Neill (2-2), John O’Neill, David McGovern (0-1), Colin O’Neill, Jamie Murray (1-0), Conor Grew, Niall Savage. Subs: Stewart Cartmill, Conor McClorey.

Under 16 Hurling League
Newry Shamrocks Vs St Patrick’s

On Friday St Patrick’s under 16 hurlers travelled to Newry to face Newry Shamrocks. The match started well for the Reds with them on top in mid-field and half back area with Kelvan Magee, Sean O’ Hare, Kieran Maguire, James Kennedy giving a steady supply of ball to the reds forwards line in which Tony Heagarty and Paddy Mackin all had an early eye for some great goals and well taken points. Thomas Mc Kernan and Conor Strain were excellent at full-back protecting the reds keeper Michael Mc Allister. The 1st half finished with the Reds well on top, the half-time score reading St Pats 3-10 Newry 0-4. The reds began the 2nd half were they finished the first scoring at will and with Martin Connolly and John O’ Donald also grabbing some nice scores the game was over as a contest. Manager Brendan Donald used the remainder of the game by blooding some younger members of the squad both in defence and attack. The game finished with young Aidan Mc Kernan, Owen Magee and Ciaron Davis all taking some great points and goals. Next league game is at home against Clonduff on Thursday 3rd July.

Under 14 Hurling League
Ballyvarley 1-1 Mourne 4-3

Ballyvarley U14 hurlers continued their league campaign facing strong opposition from Mourne in a game they never really looked like winning. The visitors opened the game playing with confidence dominating early possession putting severe pressure on the Ballyvarley defence. An Aidan Mc Kiernan led back line remained defiant and held on for 15mins before the visitors scored the opening goal. Chris Lennon also performing excellent between the posts preventing Mourne from adding a second, however 3 points were conceded by the Reds before half time. A few opportunities did fall for the home side up front, Chris McAvoy catching a long ball and making the goalkeeper produce fine save to keep a clean sheet for Mourne in the first half.

Half time: Ballyvarley 0-0 Mourne 1-3

After the interval the reds produced some better hurling, Chris McAvoy opened their account doubling on aerial ball to claim a well taken goal and raise the spirits of the home team. However this was to be short lived as a goal reply was to follow within 3 minutes the visitors stamping their authority on the game.
Ballyvarley did rally throughout the half with MK McGrath producing producing a fine display of defending skills and Ciaron Davis working hard at midfield covering ground and making countless tackles. Jonathan Lennon took every opportunity to push forward with solo runs into the forwards claiming a point from play to reduce the deficit. Two further goals from Mourne confirmed their dominance in the game and put a gap between the teams the Reds never looked like closing.

Final score: Ballyvarley 1-1 Mourne 4-3

Ballyvarley U14 Team
Chris Lennon, Liam Stewart, Aidan McKiernan, Sinead O’Meara, Laura Stewart,
MK McGrath, Paedar McGrath, Cairon Davis, Jonathan Lennon(0,1), Rory McShane,
Jack Kearns, Shane Murray, Ronan Farrell, Chris McAvoy(1,0), Maurice McGrath,
Brendan Squires

U16 Football Championship
Annaderg Vs Clann na Banna

The U16s played old rivals Clann-na-Banna in the championship last Tuesday and although understrength the Annaderg boys produced a great performance to win the game on a score-line of 2 – 11 to 1 – 9.

The Bann played with the strong wind in the first half and fired over 4 points before Annaderg scored through a Sean O’Hare point. Great defensive work by all 7 players allowed Sean & Paddy to give the forwards opportunities to attack and add on a goal and 3 points to bring their first half total to 1 – 4 while the Bann had 6 points. The goal came from an expertly taken penalty by Darryl.
Annaderg totally outplayed Clann-na-Banna at the beginning of the second half and added a goal and 5 points before ‘Bann got their first score of the half. For the remainder of the game every Annaderg player gave 100% to ensure their team advanced to the next round of the championship.

Scorers: Darryl O’Reilly 1 – 5, Sean O’Hare 1 – 3, Niall Fegan 0 – 1, Shea McDonald 0 – 1, Aidan McIlroy 0 – 1.
Team : Paul Colgan, Eamonn Doyle, Paddy McNeill, Ruairi McNeill, Conor Strain, Matthew Topley, Shane Donnelly, Sean O’Hare, Paddy Grinter, Martin Connolly, Darryl O’Reilly, Michael Fitzpatrick, Niall Fegan, Aidan McIlroy & Shea McDonald.
Sub Michael McKay.

Aghaderg GFC and Ballyvarley Hc Club Notes
Senior Hurling
The Ballyvarley senior hurlers played at home to Ballycran on Tuesday and despite there only being two points in it for most of the game, the Ardsmen eventually won by seven points

The Senior hurlers next match is at home to Castlewellan on Tuesday 8th July. After that the Senior hurlers do not play until until Tuesday 29th July due to the holiday period. They play away to Portaferry on this date. Throw in at 7.30pm.

Due to the Club Sports day on Sunday Ballyvarley senior Hurling training is now on this Saturday at 5pm.

The next minor hurling game is on Monday 28th July away to Warrenpoint. The draw for the Minor Hurling Championship has been made. The minors play in the Preliminary Round away to Warrenpoint on Monday 25th August.

Senior Gaelic Football
The Senior footballers next game is away to Aughlisnafin on Thursday 3rd July.

Throw in at 7.30pm. Training is on Mondays at 7.30pm.

The next minor football game is on Wednesday 23rd July away to Drumgath.

Underage Hurling
The under 10, 12 and 14 hurlers continue to train away.
The under 14 hurlers play away to Clonduff on Wednesday.
The under 16 hurlers next league match is a home game against Clonduff on Thursday 3rd July.
The next under 12 hurling game is on Saturday at home to Kilclief.

Underage Camogie
The under 14 Camogs and under 12 Camogs continue to train away.
The under 12 camogs play away to Castlewellan on 12th July.

Hurling/Camogie Coaching
The ability coaching programme for 7 to 12 year old camogs and hurlers has commenced with great attendances and enjoyment had by all. Anyone interested in learning the skills of Camogie and Hurling are invited to these coaching sessions on Saturday mornings @ 11.00. Coaches interested in assisting with the programme would be very welcome. For further information contact Pat McGrath.
There are also mid-week coaching sessions for hurlers and camogs. They are at the following times:
Under 12s - Monday Night 7:00 – 8:15 – Contact Pat McGrath(Hurling)/Marty Malone (Camogie)
7-10 year olds - Monday Night 6:30 – 7:30 - Contact Peter McConville (07815 142912) /Kathleen O’Meara
Underage Gaelic Football
The under 14 footballers play Drumgath at home on 24th July.
The under 16s play Ballymartin at home on 22nd July.

The under 12 footballers play away to Tullylish on Sunday 27th July.
Under 12 footballers train on Thursdays from 7-8pm.
Under 8/10 coaching on Sundays from 12 – 1pm.

Ladies Football
Football for girls aged 10 – 14 years has commenced and anyone looking details of it should contact Ciara Devlin 07511477877.

County Hurling
The South Down hurlers played Liatroim in their first game of the Nicky Rackard Cup on Saturday. The South Down hurlers won by a goal after a good second half performance. The South Down hurlers now play Fermanagh. The game will be played on either the 12th or 13th July.

Club Merchandise
Shorts and socks in club colours will be available in Ballyvarley Hall at 12 noon to 1pm every Sunday. All juvenile and senior players should be kitted out in club colours.

GAA Cul Camp (The Official Down GAA Summer Camp)
This year the club will host one of the summer camps during the week 7th – 11th July and all camogs, footballers and hurlers between the ages of 5 and 14 are invited. The cost is £30.00 per child unfortunately there is no reduction for 2nd, 3rd child etc.
Each day coaching lasts from 10.00 – 2.30 with a 30 minute break for lunch @ 12.00. Each child will also receive a Cul Camp Kit i.e. jersey, shorts, socks and bag.
Qualified coaches from County Down will be present to teach the skills of the games.
As there are limited places you are advised to book early, application forms are available from team managers and the club Co-ordinator Aidan Hegarty.

Club Sports Day
The annual “Aghaderg GFC, Ballyvarley HC and Aghaderg C.C” Sports Day is on Sunday 6th July.
Club Function Schedule
Sports Day on the 6th July
Cul Camp from 7th-11th July
Annual BBQ on the 2nd August 2008.

New Club Website
Our new Club website is now up and running and we will try to keep it up to date with all the club activities. We are currently inputting information on the site so
log in and watch the progress as the content grows. The website can be found on either www.aghaderggfc.com or www.ballyvarleyhc.com.

For further information on any of the above notices contact club Secretary Aidan Hegarty 07813713707