RGU Notes For 18 June 2017

After a great win for the Hoops away to league leaders Castlewellan the previous week, Kilcoo were the visitors to PTR, and the Magpies went away with the spoils after a comprehensive victory writes Collie Quinn.

Mayobridge are the visitors this week and a much improved performance will be required to steady the ship.

The U-12 girls beat Saul On Sunday whilst the U-12 boys had a friendly against our neighbours as well.

A great day was had by all at PTR on Saturday morning when 15 visiting teams descended on the complex for our U-10 Annual Blitz sponsored by Plus2 Print.

In glorious sunshine, this was virtual gaelfest of football with Armagh teams to the fore. Pearse Ogs defeated Armagh City rival in the Cup Final whist South Armagh team Dromintee defeated Maghery in the shield. Antrim visitors Glenravel defeated St Brigids in the Plate.

RGU fielded 2 teams and went out in the semi finals of the Shield and plate after giving good account of themselves.

Training continues on Wednesday at 7pm for all kids.

P1 &2 Notes: there will be no nursery or primary 1 football on 1st July. The primary 2’s will be traveling to Leitrim for a fun morning of football all parents who want to play need to confirm child name and bring child on the morning. Please contact Kirsty on 07511737936 detail will be confirmed closer to the time.

Cúl Camp: Please Facebook for details of applying for this year’s Camp. This year we will be hosting the Cúlcamp on week commencing 7th August. Applications can be made online for any one P3 and above. P1&2 need to fill out a written application and hand back to Kyla.

Both teams will continue to train Wednesday at 7pm.

Well done to Tim Prenter and Ronan Murphy who both starred for the Down U-17 Hurlers this afternoon as they overcame Waterford in the Celtic Challenge semi final. Next up the All Ireland Final next weekend

The Lotto was held on Sunday night and the jackpot continues to grow. Numbers drawn were 7.14.19.23. Twenty three (23) people get £10 each for getting 3 numbers. Next week’s jackpot rises to £9500. Why not pop along to the club for about 7.45pm on Sunday evening to see the draw being done or actually drawing the numbers yourself.

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Liam Byrne (RIP), a true great in the annals of Russell Gaelic Union and Past President of the club.

Liam was the son of a real icon in our history, Willie Byrne, one of the founders of “The Thomas Russell Club” which later became our beloved Russell Gaelic Union.

Liam, along with his brother Seamus, gave a lifetime of service to not only the club but to all things associated with the Gaelic tradition.

Many of the players who won Junior Championship in the 1980’s and then on to senior glory in the 1990’s would have first played under the guidance of Liam in their juvenile days.

Liam was the archetypal great clubman, always willing to help with any activity in the club. No task was ever too menial for Liam to do.
He was a great Down GAA follower over the decades and before ill health, there were not too many Down games he would have missed and his house was always bedecked with the Red and Black in the lead up to all games.

Liam’s love and zest for the GAA was something he passed on to his children and his grandchildren and there was no prouder man when granddaughter Orla was part of the Down All-Ireland winning Ladies team two years ago. .

As he goes to his eternal rest, we extend our condolences to his widow Dolores, children Fiona, Stephen, Liam and Catriona, his grandchildren and the extended family circle. Ar Dhéis Dé go rabh a anam úasal.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Cahir family on the passing of Brendan ( (RIP) father of past player and current P2 group mentor, Seamus. Ar dhéis Dé go rabh a anam úasal.