Cumann MacÚilin Ballycastle successfully host Feile na nGael group stages

Ballycastle Councillor and current chair of Moyle Council Dónal Cunningham paid tribute to McQuillan GAC  and Ballycastle Camogie Club for  what he  called the professionalism of their staging of the group stages and Cup and Shield quarter finals  of the national u-14 Hurling Feile na  nGael tournament.

“If the success of any tournament is measured in the numbers of people who participate; spectators and visitors who enjoy the event  then the group stages/Shield and Cup quarter finals of Feile na nGael has to be declared a magnificent success.

In glorious sunshine in Pairc MacUilin over Friday and Saturday, the  club played host to top Dublin side St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh with the vistors impressing with a 3-9 to 0-4 win, up in Loughgiel  Kilkenny’s Bennettsbridge  finished 4 points ahead of Loughgiel 0-9 to 0-5.

With all of the action in Ballycastle on Saturday morning Plunketts continued their winning streak with a 4-5 to 0-5 win over Loughgiel, meanwhile Bennettsbridge set up an intriguing final group match with a 1-8 to 0-2 win over McQuillans Ballycastle. In a tense and pulsating final group game  Bennettsbridge edged out Plunketts by the narrowest of margins 3-7 to 4-3, an ever improving Ballycastle scored their first victory of the group with a 2-3 to 1-5 win over Loughgiel Shamrocks.

The various quarter finals saw victories for Dunloy over Plunketts, Cushendall over Loughgiel, St Eamon’s over Bennettsbridge and Ballycastle over Castletown.

A fabulous few days of hurling in splendid facilities (well done Cathal and groundstaff). Good Luck to all the sides in tomorrows semi finals.

 

 

 

Ballycastle and Glens successfully host 2014 ‘Giro d’Italia’

 

After months and weeks of preparation which saw almost everything that didn’t move change colour to pink, Ballycastle and the Glens successfully played host to Day 2 of the 2014 Giro d’Italia.

 The community spirit generated in the preparation for the event wasn’t dampened by the day’s rain.

 Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham said “The Giro is probably the world’s largest cycling race featuring approx 200 of the world’s elite cyclists from around the globe. Ballycastle and the Glens were honoured to host this fantastic spectacle and despite the rain, once again we proved our ability to host major world events.”

 “The spectacular aerial TV shots of the local coast line and the majestic Bonamargy Friary were beamed to a massive global audience and I hope that this can be a major spur to further promote the area as a global destination”

 “Today the local community, independent businesses and Council staff proved themselves to be ambassadors for the area and ideal hosts for tourists and visitors“

SDLP Representatives salute weekend of Camogie Successes

 

SDLP Representatives Joanne McKeown, Margaret Anne McKillop and Donal Cunningham have saluted a superb weekend of local Camogie success which saw Antrim Minors capture the All Ireland B Minor Shield after an impressive 6-11 to 3-10 win over Dublin and the Ballycastle Senior Club side win the 2014 Senior Pan Celtic festival held in Derry.

France 20-22 Ireland- Six Nations Champions 2014

In what only can be described as a classic, Ireland beat France 22-20 in Paris to claim the Six Nations title and give a fairytale ending to Brian O’Driscoll’s international career.
In a game that had everything including a disallowed French try for a forward pass (90seconds from time), Irelands Johnny Sexton had scored two tries, missed five kickable points and was knocked out cold trying to tackle man mountain Mathieu Bastareaud.
Ulster’s Andrew Trimble had scored Irelands other try

Ballycastle to host Antrim’s National Hurling League matches in 2014

 

Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham has expressed his delight that his home GAA club McQuillan GAC will host both of Antrim’s Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B home matches at Páirc MacUílín in 2014.

The Ballycastle venue will see the Saffrons entertain Wexford and Cork on February 16 and March 16 respectively.

Councillor Cunningham has urged local accommodation providers to make a special effort whether through advertising or special rates to encourage as many visitors as possible from both Wexford and Cork.

“Let’s make these two weekends memorable for the Club, Town and County”

Good Luck – Cross and Passion Hurlers

 

Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham has sent his best wishes to Cross & Passion College Hurling Teams who are playing in the Ulster Final on Friday night. The McNamee Team (U-13 1/2) play St Killian’s Garron Tower at 6:30 pm while the Mageean Team (U-18 1/2) play St Pat’s Maghera at 8:00 pm  Both games are in Queens Playing Fields – The Dub – Belfast

Chluichí Ceannais Iomána Faoi 21 na hÉireann

Good Luck to Matthew Donnelly, Stephen McAfee and Ciaran Clarke and the rest of the Antrim lads in todays All-Ireland U-21 Hurling final in Thurles.