THE LOTTO JACKPOT IS SCOOPED
The draw for the club lotto was held on boxing night due to the
Sunday being Christmas Eve. The unusual timing of this however will not bother Joe Henry who scooped the whopping jackpot
of £2500. It goes to show that you have to be in it to win it. The lotto will re-commence on Sunday 7th January
and you can pick up your tickets at Stevie Henry’s shop, Floral Fayre and Michelle’s shop. It only costs a quid
for 2 attempts so why not give it a go.
JUNIORS ARE MC CORMICK CUP CHAMPIONS
The senior reserve team clinched the Mc McCormick
cup for the first time in 8 years on Sunday the 17th December with a performance surely driven by the strange decision by
the South West Antrim board to play the final in Cargin. The lads were tremendous throughout this encounter even though preparations
for the final were most definitely hampered by the ambiguity surrounding the venue and the date of the match. However
the game went ahead and the men from Aldergrove travelled to Toomebridge fully intent on coming back with the trophy. This
showed during the early exchanges as the reds started the brighter, opening up a five point advantage early on which they
held at the interval. Cragin, however came out strong in the second half and showed their rougher side as a series of
hard, and some unfair, challenges led to one of Aldergrove’s' main performers on the day, Gavin Graham, coming off injured
10 mins into the final period. This enforced substitution clearly rattled the underdogs from Crumlin and Cargin clawed their
way back into the game and then into a 1 point lead. But in true Aldergrove spirit, the boys rallied and somehow lifted themselves
from the jaws of defeat to victory with a flurry of late points from Marc Meleady and Marty Finnegan to win the game by 2
points, 1-9 to 1-7. top scorer on the day was Meleady and the minor star is sure to feature prominently in the senior team
for the coming season. Just rewards for the juniors who now enjoy the benefits of a hard season and hopefully this cup can
inspire the seniors next year. A special congratulation goes to manager Stephen Graham, who has persevered all season with
less than the bare bones at times. Congratulations to all the players and management from the committee and let’s hope
that winning silverware is a sign of things to come
MANAGERS NOW IN PLACE FOR THE 2007 SEASON
The committee have elected all but 1 of the mentors
for the coming season. The only position that remains vacant is the post of minor manager, all the others have been decided
and there are a few changes but the great work done this year is evident in the number of positions being retained.
Senior -Joe Henry and Joe McGarry
Junior -Marty Flynn
Ladies -Eamon Morris
U-16 -Seamy Henry, Sean McQuade
and Peter Higgins
U-14 -Joe Hendron Paul Doherty and Alan Kelly
U-12 - James Brazier and Christopher McGarry
U-10/8/6
- Gary
McGeady, Ciaran Hanna, Des Long, Sonia Mc Kenna, John Jones, Aiden O Callaghan and Joe Feeney
Good luck to all those
mentors voted in and thank you for the hard work that you all put in every year and with the same commitment this year the
club can only prosper, Aldergrove Abu.
MINORS
CRASH TO DEFEAT TO MONEYGLASS
Not for the first time this season our minor squad has struggled to pass the big test put in front of
them. Although Moneyglass are undoubtedly a good side more was expected from the young reds and they failed to deliver. This
semi-final defeat was just as surprising, if not more so than the defeat to Lamb Dhearg a couple of months back. Aldergrove
enjoyed prolonged periods of possession throughout the game, however, they could not take advantage of this and put the necessary
scores on the board to see off a dogged, well disciplined outfit. Leading by a point and seemingly in control, if not
comfortable, a harsh free was conceded in the middle of the park. The infuriated lads surrounded the referee to complain,
as they did so, the fouled Moneyglass man brushed himself off and took a quick free kick. The ball into the forward line was
perfect and the full forward powered the ball past the hapless Paul Johnston in goals. Panic was visible in the faces
of players and managers alike as the lads searched desperately for the goal to get them back in front. A point with
the last kick of te game wasn't enough as Moneyglass progress to the decider and best of luck to them. All that’s
left now for the reds is the Laverty cup and the boys need to raise their game if they are to salvage their tattered
season.
TWO
NEW IMPORTANT APPOIONTMENTS FOR ST. JAMES’ ALDERGROVE
The committee has recently appointed Paul Hannah as coaching co-ordinator and James Brazier
as schools liaison officer. Both of these long standing clubmen are in place to aid in the progression of the club both on
and off the field. Paul’s role as coaching co-ordinator includes the overseeing of all aspects of coaching at all levels
from under 6 right up to senior level. He will have an active role within the club and will have a close relationship to all
mentors. In speaking about his new role Paul acknowledged that although we have some of the finest young talent in the county
and some excellent coaches that there is always room for improvement. James’
role as school liaison officer will see him set up links with all local schools in order to seek out the best talent within
the community and also to give all those interested in participating in gaelic
games a chance. James’ aim will be to maintain the clubs growth in the parish and to help set the foundation necessary
for future success. Good luck to both men for the coming season in their new roles.
SENIOR
TRAINING
A note for all senior footballers! Training has started, the sessions are scheduled for every Monday and Thursday
at 7.30p.m. sharp and the option of a Sunday afternoon also. Boots and trainers are required at all sessions. This invitation
to train is extended to all senior, junior and minor footballers from last year and also any new minors this year. The club
would also like to invite anyone wishing to become a playing member of the club to come to training and contact our Registrar
Darren O Neill.
TEMPORARY
WEBSITE
The club is in the process of building a brand new website using a leading web manufacturer, but a temporary website
that is updated regularly is available at http://stjamesgacaldergrove.tripod.com
The new website is expected soon and will be available at http://www.stjamesadlergrove.com
