Rasharkin - St Marys
2008 has been an extremely busy year for Naomh Mhuire Ros Earcain on and off the playing field, there is an ever increasing demand on players, managers, coaches, referees, committee members, grounds men and supporters.
Like many other dual clubs it is a great achievement to be able to operate and participate at any level as a dual club especially with current society and all the distractions it brings.
Adult Team Performance
On the 13th December 2007 our senior footballers gained promotion to Division 1 football by defeating St.Ergnats Moneyglass by three points under the lights at Casement. This year under new management of John McNeill, Oran O'Kane and Frank Hasson we are having a mixed bag – we had good run in the senior Championship defeating Dunloy and St.Pauls in August before losing out to Lamh Dhearg by the minimum at the semi final stage, we picked up the Feis Cup in June and were defeated in the O'Cahan Cup by Cargin. Currently were at the wrong end of division one with eight games remaining to prove ourselves.
Our second team is having successful league campaign and with four games remaining they find themselves in contention for Division 4 league honours under watchful mentors Cathal Cowan and Johnny McErlaine. We lost out in the Reserve fooball championship to St.Pauls by a point at semi final stage.
The Under 21 footballers had a disappointing loss against Aldergrove in May.
Our Junior Hurling team has had another heartbreaking summer losing their third consecutive Junior county final to St.Teresa's by the narrowest margin. They find themselves safe in Division 3 hurling next season thanks to some good league victories against Sarsfields, St.Galls and Lamh Dhearg. Thanks go to the team mentors Dan McKay, Martin McGrath, Paul Kearns, Larry Kelly, Anthony McTaggart and Tom McGill.
Juvenile Team Performance
Minor Football winning captain Ciaran McGuckin receiving the South West Minor Shield from South West Chairman Leo Heatley.
The Under 16's & under 14's both finished fourth in the league and lost to Cargin and Antrim respectively at the semi final stage, while our Under 12's lost the SW shield semi final to Lisburn.
On the Hurling side we are currently unbeaten in the North Antrim minor league, we lost to St.Brendan's in the minor championship for the second year but defeated Glenshesk in B shield final.
The Under 16's finished in the top half of league and were beaten by Creggan in the B Shield semi final. The Under14's finished in the top half of the league, but were defeated by Glenshesk in B shield and by Tir na nOg in the SW Feile, while the under 12's finished well south in the league and were beaten by Oisins in the B championship.
Club Development
The major redevelopment of our facilities at Dreen has completed it's first fundraising initiative which was the club development draw. This draw was launched in September 07 and concluded in July '08 between dates the name St. Mary's Rasharkin has been echoed all around the nine Ulster counties. This draw was a tremendous success for the club and congratulations to 1st prize winners Thomas and Philomena Convery Maghera. Many thanks to all who supported us.
County Representation
Paul Doherty and Brendan Hasson have had a memorable 2008 with our County Senior Football Team who won the Tommy Murphy Cup in August. Both men played an intricate role in achieving this success. Congratulations to Paul and Benny on this wonderful accomplishment not only representing their county but winning an all Ireland competition in Croke Park.
Youth Activities
Our underage players were well catered for this year with a host of fundraisers, games and activities organized.
FUNdamentals for primary 1 through to primary 6 kicked off the season in January; these were planned fun and games in the community hall once a week for three months. This was attended by more than 60 children each week.
Sunday morning training for under 6 to under 10 started from March to October has also proved very successful. There were various blitzes held during this time but the finale was in October with the main ABC format U12 blitz which was attended by eight clubs including Swatragh, Ballerin, Glenavy, Pearses, Castledawson and Coleraine
Up and coming star Cathal Darragh with his winners medal at our club's Funday held in October.
All these activities have been very successful and well attended by children, helpers and parents, thanks to all mentors and helpers involved especially Patrick Kennedy, Terry Hasson, Eamon McGarrell, Thomas Doherty, Karol Doherty, Gerard Darragh, Lorraine and Damien McFerran.
Club Referees
Owen Quinn and Damien McFerran are well recognized and impartial referees in the South West and Antrim we wish them continued success officiating on behalf of St.Mary's. Our Young Whistlers, Cormac Hasson and Conor Mc Gilligan are progressing well at juvenile level.
Grounds and Facilities
Our content ground man Brian O'Neill proud of his efforts this season.
Finance and Fundraising
On a weekly basis we run a lotto draw and bingo other fundraisers run throughout the year include family quizzes, poker nights and classic golf outing.
As mentioned earlier the development draw proved to be a success, whilst everyone connected with the club deserve credit for this John McAuley and Dominic O'Neill are to be singled out for their continued work and diligence in managing financial affairs of the club.
Special Achievement
John McNeill has been part of the Antrim Over 40's Masters for the last four seasons, he was a member of the national team representing Ireland in Australia in October – Congratulations to John in flying the Rasharkin flag down under!
The 50th Anniversary of the Junior Championship winning team was this year a special night of celebration was held in the Manor Kilrea to acknowledge their past success.
Unsung Hero's
Michael Hardy club secretary who never stops working relentlessly throughout the year. Michael Hasson the current Ulster PRO, Danny McLarnon current CCC secretary, Ciaran Hasson current assistant secretary and website master.
Finally our club chairman Anthony McMullan personifies Naomh Mhuire in his dedication and commitment.
It is appropriate to acknowledge and sincerely thank all of the various people who have contributed in so many ways to the continuing success of our club. To our players, committee, mentors, sponsors and supporters who sacrifice their time and money for the betterment and promotion of our national games; it is you who make Naomh Mhuire Ros Earcain Cumann Luthchleas Gael flourish, thanks to one and all.