On Sunday Carryduff’s U16 Ladies contested the ‘A’ all County Championship final against opponents Burren at the Downpatrick venue.

The high winds swirling across the pitch made for difficult playing conditions, but to their credit both teams served up a fast, skilful and highly entertaining match.

In the opening minutes the Burren ladies made their intentions known by launching numerous attacks on a very nervy Carryduff defence. Their efforts were rewarded with a point followed by a well worked goal. The Carryduff Ladies were lucky not to fall into further arrears as a Burren screamer smashed off the crossbar and further pressure saw the ball scrambled off the goal line by the hard working goalie Katy McCann and backs Ciara Rooney and Ciara Doherty.

The Carryduff ladies rallied. Good leadership from Captain Eadaoin Early and also Erin Robinson settled Carryduff nerves with each putting over a point. A further two from Eadaoin and two more from Ciara Crosbie put Carryduff into the lead.

Lee-Anne Murray and Erin Robinson started to dominate the middle of the pitch.
Lee-Anne’s astute intercepting, covering back and accurate distribution while Erin’s different style of winning ball and then with repeated strong carrying forward setting up the Carryduff attacks.

The new found confidence surged through the team. The back line of Maeve Toner, Ciara Doherty and Emma Boyle continually harassed and won vital ball.
On the half forward line Niamh Molloy, Alanah Connery and Fiona McCauley
displayed skilful, fast moving football and gave their markers a torrid time.
A well worked passing move ended up in the hands of Ciara Crosbie who coolly slotted to the Burren net giving the Carryduff ladies a comfortable lead coming up to the break.

Throughout a gutsy display from Ciara Rooney saw her snuff out many Burren attacks while Hannah Magorrian’s speed out of defence continually stretched the Burren defence. Aoife O’Reilly on the left flank further contributed working tirelessly for possession and feeding the roaming forwards.

Captain Eadaoin Early further stretched the Carryduff lead with a point and this was quickly followed by a goal by the talented youngest player on the panel, Jessica Foy.

But the Burren Ladies were not for giving in. They worked the ball downfield and sent over a point. Further pressure from Burren forced Carryduff into a foul just outside their own twenty metre line. The resulting strike saw the ball swirl in the wind and dip into the nett above the heads of the whole Carryduff goal defence line.

Half time score Carryduff 2-8 Burren 2-2

Burren started the second half in determined fashion. They started to pick off points from distance and eat into the Carryduff lead. Four unanswered points saw the match finely balanced again.

Carryduff again responded and upped their game. In particular, immense displays came in from Erin Robinson, Lee-Anne Murray, Ciara Rooney and Niamh Molloy.
Ciara Crosbie now manning the goals made a vital diving save on the line. The ball got worked down field and substitute Aoife Turner collected close to the Burren goal and drove to the nett.

Burren’s fighting spirit again showed. The attacked in numbers and got in for another goal and point keeping them in the game.

The young Carryduff side showed great composure under this Burren pressure. They packed the defence with Niamh Molloy, Ciara Rooney, Lee-Anne Murray and substitute Orla McKay mopping up repeatedly, the Burren Ladies could not get through.

Erin Robinson who seemed to have unlimited energy, even at this stage, broke out of defence and settled the contest with a further goal and point.

For the neutral this was a fine display of Ladies Football from two very talented teams. The great overall team effort from this group of Carryduff ladies means they now have made history by bringing the first U 16 ‘A’ Down All -county Ladies Trophy to Carryduff.

Full Time Score

Ceathrú Aodha Dhuibh 4-14 Boireann 3-08

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Senior Promotion Play Off

The seniors drew their first promotion play off game 0-10 to 1-07 against Ardglass at Saul on Sunday. The next game takes place next Sunday at 2pm in Darragh Cross against Bredagh.

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Down Ladies Minor League Blitz

On Sunday Carryduff contested the minor Ladies league blitz in Saval. Their first game was against Annaclone/Drumgath. The Carryduff ladies rushed into an early lead with Niamh Molloy getting a point and then Eadaoin Early finding the net. Ciara Crosbie manned the goals while Ciara Doherty, Maeve Magennis and Ciara Rooney were well on top in the back line.

The two Magorrian sisters combined well on the half back lie while Aoife OReilly set up numerous attacks. Eimear McKay and Erin Robinson (0-01) dominated midfield during this half. The roaming Claire McCourt got in for a goal while Annaclone’s response was a single point.

Half-time Carryduff 2-03 Annaclone 0-01

Annaclone/Drumgath came more into the game in the second half scoring two unanswered points. Lee-Anne Murray , Kate McKay , Katy McCann and substitutes Jessica Foy and Orla McKay all played hard during this half to contain the Annaclone team.

Final Score Carryduff 2-03 Annaclone/Drumgath 1-03

In the second game Carryduff came up against a very strong Bryansford outfit. Bryansford had the better of exchanges this first half and lead throughout.

Half time score Carryduff 0-00 Bryansford 0-03

In the second half strong play from Kate McKay, Ciara Rooney, Erin Robinson and Niamh Molloy saw the Carryduff ladies put it up to Bryansford. Maeve Maginnes controlled the full back spot and two good attacks saw Eadaoin Early score a point and this was quickly followed by a goal from Erin Robinson to level the match. Both sides had opportunities to win this game but it finished up evens

Carryduff 1-01 Bryansford 0-04

In the third game Carryduff took on hosts Saval. The Saval ladies got in for an early lead scoring a goal and a point. Eadaoin Early and Hannah Magorrian responded with two well taken points.

Half time Score Carryduff 0-02 Saval 1-01

The second half saw Carryduff playing their best football in this league blitz. Kate McKay was superb, Ciara Rooney and Ciara Doherty mopped up at the back. Eimear McKay dominated at centre back while every forward scored a point. Ciara Crosbie showed great confidence on the goal line and Carryduff Ladies ran out comfortable winners.

Carryduff 0-08 Saval 1-02

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Shield Victory for Under 16 Hurlers

The Under 16s recently annexed the County U-16 Shield with a victory over Kilclief. Played in Ardglass, it was a close fought final with goals from Robbie McLoughlin and Ryan O'Reilly helping to secure a four point win. At the end of the game,Matthew Adams collected the trophy from County Hurling Secretary Gerard McShane.

The Under 16s remain in contention for league honours with two outstanding games to play. Training continues this Wednesday from 5.45 at Páirc Aodha Dhuíbh.

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This week's winning numbers
5, 7, 11, 17


There were no winners of the Jackpot.

Congratulations to the Match 3 number winners who each won £18

The McKay Famiily
Mrs S McCrory
Mrs K Buchanan
Mrs J Hannah
Mrs A Johnston
Mr K Devine
Mr G White
Mr C Morgan

Next weeks estimated Jackpot is £1000