The Magpies Notes - 17th May 2004

There hasn't been too much excitement within the club this week simply because there hasn't been much happening. The seniors had a tough game against local rivals and county champions Bryansford. The seconds kicked of the championships season against Kilclief and the under 14s were in action in the Feile na nOg An Dun at the weekend.

" The seniors had their second defeat of the season at home to Bryansford at the weekend. This was a tough match and the players had to be committed from the start. The magpies must have thought they were on their way to victory when they led by three points with just a few minutes left on the clock. However a lapse in concentration allowed the ford to score a goal and they added another two points to grasp the win from the jaws of defeat by a score of 0-8 to 1-7. The players will be disappointed to have lost this one not just because it was a local derby or the fact it was at home but because of the nature in which they lost the game. They clearly could have won this game and others might say should have won it but they will out to prove a point against Liatroim on Friday night.

" The seconds got the championship season under way with a comfortable win over Kilclief. The team were short of a number of players and certainly made hard work of it at times but goals from Phelm McGreevy, Martin McClean, Sean Micheal Devlin and Ryan Morgan were more than enough as they ran out easy winners on a score line of 4-10 to 1-8.

" The under 14s had a tough group in the Feile na nOg competition with Downpatrick, Rostrevor and Mayobridge the opposition but played some great football to advance to the next stage with Downpatrick. Downpatrick were up first for the lads and they won 2-6 to 2-2 so next it was the turn of Rostrevor and some excellent point scoring gave them a winning score of 1-12 to 1-3. Going in to the last match against Mayobridge they knew a victory would guarantee progression and the bridge knew that anything less than a win and they would be out. In a very entertaining and competitive match it took a Paul Devlin free with the last kick of the game to win by a single point and advance to the next stage unbeaten. Downpatrick will follow them after a draw against Rostrevor in their last match secured their place.

" The under 14s had their trip to Croke Park for the National Football League finals following their county championship success last year. While Down lost the young lads had a very enjoyable day out and the club are proud of the way they conducted themselves. Many thanks to all those who gave up their time and helped on the day.

" Just to remind all underage players that club membership is now due and should be paid to either team mentors or Gerry Laverty. Club membership for underage players is £2.

Brendan Gribben (PRO) Kilcoo GFC 028 - 437 - 71672