Baile an Locha minors continue to make history when they won their first East Down Minor Feis Sevens title on Sunday afternoon at Carryduff GAC playing fields. The Loch were unbeaten in the group stages accounting for Bright, the holders Bryansford and Bredagh to finish top of their group. In the semi finals they turned around a two point deficit with Shea Croskery firing in 1-04 to see off a robust challenge from a well drilled Kilcoo side, running out victors by four points. This set up a final against the host club Carryduff but they lost Down minor player  Andrew Gilmore to injury and so only had two fit interchange players. Carryduff drew first blood to get the first two points before Eoin Lundy rifled to the net to edge the Loch in front. At the turnaround the Loch led by two points. The second half got a bit feisty but Croskery lashed home the Loch's second goal to assure the victory. Oran Flanagan hit four points with Croskery and Damian McMullan getting one apiece. Final score Baile an Locha 2-06 Carryduff 1-05. The management targeted this tournament several weeks ago with training specific to playing sevens football and it is rewarding to see the effort paying dividends. The Loch racked up an impressive haul of 11-26 over the five games won but it was the defensive masterclass that was equally impressive. Well done lads. Squad: Morgan Croskery, Rory McMullan 0-03, Shea Croskery 3-09, Oran Flanagan 3-08, Eoin Lundy 3-01, Caolan Burns 0-03, Andrew Gilmore 2-01, Jack Matthews, Tiernan McCullough, Damian McMullan 0-01.

 

Baile an Locha will now meet the South Down winners Attical in the All County final to be played same day as the Senior & Junior Feis 7's Finals.

 

The players and management will now focus on their first all county league game this Sunday at home to CPN at 11 am. They could not have got a more difficult opener with CPN the All County U16 Champions in 2016.

 

*The seniors will play Dromara in their final pre-season challenge game on Wednesday 28th March at 6.45 pm at home. Training continues every Monday at 8 pm on the 3G pitch.

 

*The senior team are seeking sponsors of the match ball for all home games this season. We now have the first seven games covered, and are looking one more donation. If any member, family or local business is interested please contact our coaching officer Gerard Lenaghan on 0785 426 2858 or email [email protected] for details.

 

*Our U16s will compete in the East Down A 15 aside league along with Castlewellan, Loughinisland, RGU and Saul. First league match is Thursday 29th March at 6.45 pm. Fixtures have yet to be published. The U16's played An Riocht in a challenge game on Tuesday at Dunavil. They will play a second game at home to Longstone on Sunday 25th March at 2 pm. 

 

*The U14's train in the Fin hall every Wednesday 7 to 8 pm.

 

*Training for the U12's, Year 6's & 4's will commence 21st March.

 

*Well done to our players on the St Malachys High School U15.5 Treanor Cup panel, Morgan Croskery, Peter O'Hare and Marc Quinn, with the enjoying their second win from two games played. All three are currently combining Down ETS football/trials with schools and club football and should be commended for their dedication on all fronts. Morgan was also part of the Down U16 ETS squad who won against Armagh in the Buncrana Cup on Saturday.

 

*We will be hosting a Child Protection seminar on Thursday 29th March 7 to 10 pm in the annexe at the Aughlisnafin Community Hall. All committee members, club coaches and mentors and those parents who wish to help on match days with transport should attend.

 

*We will be holding a fundraising quiz night in Mulhollands Sports Bar on Friday 6th April at 9 pm. Everyone welcome for a great nights craic.

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