Following on from the success of the club trip across the water to Portglenone last year, members of St Vincent’s GAA travelled to County Down in mid-February.
Club members were based by the coast, in the shadow of Slieve Donard, in Newcastle. Some of the more adventurous of us managed a quick dip in the freezing Irish Sea in preparation for the football ahead.
Both Mens and Ladies teams lined out in two pre-season fixtures against St John’s GAA of Drumnaquoile. Whilst the hosts proved victorious in both fixtures, a lot of positives were taken from both matches, with some fantastic team displays on show.
A night out in Newcastle followed, with the dancing in Quinn’s not far off the high tempo of the football played earlier. Cameos from some returning club legends only added to the night.
The trip could not have gone ahead without a Trojan effort behind the scenes from our clubman Ryan Gordan, a native of Drumnaquoile. The novelty of Ryan marking his own brother was a particular highlight of the trip!
All at St Vincent’s would like to thank our hosts at St John’s for their amazing hospitality throughout. The work they put in to running their club and representing their community is an example for any GAA club to follow. We wish them well in their season ahead at all levels.
The flag makes an appearance at Manchester Airport.
The St Vincent's Ladies team at Drumnaquoile.
St Vincent's and St John's Ladies teams pictured together following their match
The Men's team under the lights at Drumnaquoile.
The combined St Vincent's and St John's mens teams following a close encounter.
Ryan Gordan, Declan Doherty and Niall Murphy make a presentation to St John's GAA following the matches.
Ryan Gordan receiving a St Vincent's jersey from Declan Doherty and Niall Murphy on behalf of the club for the work he did in making the trip happen.
Some highlights from the trip.