Glasdrumman GAC

The two words written in bold on the cover of Douglas Adam's "Hitchiker's guide to the Galaxy" were uppermost in the minds of Glasdrumman's supporters in Pairc Esler in Newry on Sunday Afternoon. Those words are "DON'T PANIC" . Davitts the County Antrim Champions started the game like greyhounds out of the traps. This rocked Glasdrumman back on their heels and thanks to a timely intervention from Frank O'Neill, the Antrim men could have been goal up in a very short time.  Indeed   had the Davitts forwards been able to reflect their dominance in the opening sorties of this game on the score board, I would be writing a very different report .  They didn't and after a dour,drab dogfight of a first half the half time score was 0-3 to 0-2 advantage Antrim.  There is an obvious cliche about the number of halves in a game of football , so I'll do my best to avoid it.  I'd have loved to be a fly on the wall to hear the team talk given by Emmet Devlin to his charges at  half time.  
Right from the throw-in it was obvious that the steely determination which has seen Glasdrumman unbeaten throughout the season had been restored. Raymond Magorrian finding the back of the net to the delight of the Glasdrumman fans. Davitt's , however weren't going down without a fight an were soon back on terms with a well taken  penalty giving Glasdrumman keeper Sean Cunningham no chance.  The sending off of Ryan Doran seemed to galvanise Glasdrumman as Davitt;s weren't able to make use of their extra man and points in quick succession from Shane Harrison , sub Darren Joyce with practically his first touch of the ball  and Connaire Harrison steadied  Glasdrumman's  nerves. Shane Harrison's catching and handling were a joy to behold through out the half. A great team performance with each of the 6 forwards scoring saw Glasdrumman end the game  by winning 1-11 to 1-06 and a place in the Ulster Junior Championship  semi final against Monaghan champions Rockcorry on Sunday 15th November in the Athlethic Grouns Armagh throw in 12:45pm as part of a double header with the Loughinisland Ulster Intermediate semi final. Glasdrumman Sean Cunningham , Daniel McCartan, Frank O'Neill ,Colum Carr, Ryan Doran, Art McCartan (capt) Mark Trimble, Cathal Rodgers, Shane Harrison(0-01) Sean McDowell (0-01) Raymond Clarke (0-01)  Niall McGovern (0-01), Raymond Magorrian(1-01) Cormac Murphy(0-01) Connaire Harrison (0-03) Subs: Declan Grant, Colm Murphy, Conor McCartan, Chris McDowell,Darren Joyce (0-01) Gerard McDowell, Patrick Kelly, Paul Grant, Richard McAteer, Ryan Clerkin (0-01)  Sean McVeigh, Shaun Brennan. Thanks to all  the supporters who travelled to get behind the team. Glasdromain Abú. Congratulations to both Kilcoo and Loughinisland making it three out of three for the County in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships.
The Youth Group had a busy weekend with Halloween celebrations for both groups.  Friday night saw the Halloween Party for the younger group.  There was music, food, toasted marshmallows, games and crafts. The evening was topped of by a visit from the spectacular "Witch Modge". She was late arriving as she got lost due to the fact that her broomstick does not have GPS! but when she did arrive she enthralled the kids with stories and songs about her life and about the life of kids in Glasdrumman! She was fascinating and captured the imagination of the kids (young and old). This was one of the most interesting Halloween Parties ever in Glasdrumman and its thanks to Modge that it was so enchanting.
It was the turn of the older kids on Saturday night when they had a Halloween Lock In.  They watched horror films and then in the wee small hours of the morning in the total darkness they went for a "Witching Hour" walk.  This was certainly not for the faint hearted but the kids thoroughly enjoyed their night (not so sure about the adults)!
Without the help of our volunteers nights like this would not be possible we truly are indebted to you all. Our young volunteers are proving to be invaluable also, thank you so much for giving up your time!
Keep an eye on Glasdrumman Youth Groups Facebook page for details of this Fridays plans for youth club.
We are running a Table Quiz in the Halfway House on Friday night.  This is always a good nights craic. Admission £5 which includes a light supper. Start time 9.30 pm.  Congratulations to all the dancers from the Curran Fegan dancing school who were among the medals in this week's Ulster Championships Well Done to Cara, Clodagh and Riagan maith sibh go léir.
Next Sunday  the South Down Scór nÓg finals take place in St. Mark's Warrenpoint at 4.00 pm.  We have four acts taking part in this year's final : Solo Singing Niamh McDowell, Recitation Ciara Rooney, Instrumental Music. Cara Sloan, Peter Doran and Niamh McDowell and Ballad Group Aoife Grant, Ciara Rooney. Clodagh Morgan, Niamh McDowell and Tara Grant. We wish them well and would like to see as many people coming our to support our young talent on this occasion.  As a warm up the ballad group provided entertainment for the residents of Slieve Roe on Friday and by all accounts were very well received. Scór practice this Friday in the Clubrooms at 7.00 pm.