McKibben goal sees of new boys in opening Tournament game
Peter Corrigan Memorial Cup
THE first round of matches in the Castlewellan FC’s Peter Corrigan Memorial Tournament were played last Saturday.
First up were Castlewellan, who started the game with a mix of youth and experience, against tournament debutants and Newcastle League new boys Ballynagross
The Town took the lead after 33 seconds (according to offical timekeeper Colm Og) through Stevie Trainor and the same player made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Ballynagross came storming back in the second period and got two goals in quick succession but Castlewellan won it with a fine strike from Liam McKibbin.
The Town had good performances from Mal Ward, Joe O’Neill and Danny ‘Cassius Clay’ Cassidy.
Next up it was a local derby between Downpatrick FC and Killough with the Newcastle League side easily disposing of their neighbours 5-1 with the pick of the goals coming from Conor Doyle.
Tomorrow (Thursday) Newcastle take on Malachians. The semi-finals are this Saturday.
* Any Castlewellan players who haven’t registered for the forthcoming season should do so now. See Jim Burns.
Killough to face holders in final
Memorial Cup Tournament
THIS year’s Castlewellan FC Peter Corrigan Memorial final will be between Killough and holders Windmill Stars after both teams came through their respective semi-finals last Saturday.
First through were Windmill when they beat host team Castlewellan 4-3 after extra time. Castlewellan were unlucky not to go through after playing some of the best football of the tournament so far. Their goals came from Barry Travers and Joe O’Neill.
In the other semi, Killough got the better of Belfast side Malachians 4-2 in a cracking game, the highlight being two goals from Killough’s Tony McIlhone.
Downpatrick FC will play Ballynagross in the Shield final at 2pm with the main final kicking-off at 3.30pm.
Also on Saturday, the Kieran Toner Memorial Tournament will take place, starting 10.30am. Apparently Castlewellan’s answer to Rob Green has been doing some serious training for the annual penalty shoot-out.
All available members should be at the Bann Road no later than 9.45am.
Windmill again the star turn!
Peter Corrigan Memorial Tournament
WINDMILL, from Newry, retained the Castlewellan club’s Peter Corrigan Memorial Trophy on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over a Killough side that never produced any of the fluent football that they had shown in earlier rounds.
Windmill’s two goals were both converted from the penalty spot by former Newcastle player Decky Allister, one in each half of a somewhat quiet final. But all credit to the Newry outfit who looked the stronger in every department.
Player of the Tournament went to Killough’s Tony Mclhone.
In the Shield final, Ballynagross beat Downpatrick FC 3-2 in a typical, fiery derby. Best for Ballynagross were Danny Carville and Joe Corbet.
In the Kieran Toner Memorial Youth final, Tollymore won after a penalty shoot-out against Belfast side and former winners St Oliver Plunkett.
Well done to all the teams who took the trouble to attend the youth tournament and by the looks on the children’s faces they enjoyed the day’s football.
During the interval between the two Senior finals, Yohi organised the annual penalty kick shoot-out with Jim Poland in nets (and fishnets) and winner was Conor McAlinden.
In the last event of the day, Micky ‘Yifta the Shifa’ Ward beat his sparring partner Jim ‘Ovett’ Burns in a 300 metre sprint around the pitch.
After Micky crossed the winning line, out of breath Jim Polland offered to give him the kiss of life but Micky kindly refused the offer.
The club thanks everyone who helped in any way with the tournament, especially the referees and all the girls who worked at the barbeque, also Pat O’Hare for taking the photos.
