RGU Notes: Double Success For Downpatrick Footballers

Senior Men and the U-16’s led to a double celebration. The U-16s started things off at 12 noon in Mayobridge with a great display of footballing skills and courage, to lift the All County U-16 B Championship against a very valiant Glenn team. The first half was dominated by the young Hoops and they went in with a comfortable 9 point lead at half time. Things changed in the second half when the back line received a pounding from the resurgent lads from Glenn. With 15 minutes gone in the 2nd half the lead was reduced to just 2 points despite all the tactical changes that the management were making. However, great resilience, and some big performances produced a great team effort which resulted in a strong finish. Two late Hoops goals put the final nail in the coffin for a very gallant and skilful opposing team. Congratulations go to both teams for providing an excellent game of football for all the supporters. The spotlight then turned to Ballykinlar where the Senior Men were making their 9th bid to regain First Division status. Although they had already beaten Liatroim twice in the league this season, no one was taking anything for granted. In what turned out to be a low scoring affair, which did not produce a lot of silky football, the Hoops found themselves 2 points down deep into injury time. However, a last gasp penalty, awarded after Peter Turley was adjudged to be taken down illegally in the box, was going to be the one single thing which would define their entire season. Peter Telford stepped up and, although the keeper made a good save, he slammed the rebound into the back of the net for a famous 1 point victory. Ecstasy for the RGU meant heartache for Liatroim who must have felt that they deserved something from the game. Congratulations to all the players and the management team on a great campaign,  which has earned them First Division football for the first time in a decade. On Saturday night a full house thoroughly enjoyed “A Night With George” in the Downshire Hospital’s Great Hall. Due to the great success, the Cultural Committee are looking at the possibility of bringing further plays to town. Watch this space for further details! Our next fund-raising event will take place on Saturday 12th November in the form of a ‘Come Dine With Me‘ event. Volunteers are needed to host a dinner party at their home, and afterwards all hosts and guests will proceed to the Clubrooms to be treated to a night of top quality entertainment. If you are interested in playing host please contact any committee member immediately. Irish classes will begin on Thursday 20th October at 7.30pm. These classes are for total beginners and will cost £10 for 6 – 8 week session. For further information contact mariacollins62@btinternet.com , alternatively you can phone Maria on 07912029095. Set dancing is back again after the summer break, and it takes place on Tuesday nights at 7.30. Anyone interested just turn up or ring Johnny on 07710369509. Lotto numbers for this week were 19, 21, 26, and 28. Jackpot not won, 5 share £100. Next week’s jackpot £3800. For party bookings ring Brian on 07745496213. If you have any club information/ announcements or match reports which you would like to have included in next week’s Club Notes, please send the details via email to rgu1@hotmail.co.uk. Our web site is updated on a regular basis. For all the latest news go to www.rgudownpatrick.com]]>