This week’s Touchline Talk from Rathfriland

CLUB SHOP - Anyone wishing to purchase their Rathfriland FC regalia please contact David Davenport on 07840860308

RATHFRILAND FC YOUTH NOTICE - Could all parents of the youngest age group of Rathfriland Youth (4–7 year olds) please be reminded that over the months of Janaury and February that this group will not be meeting for coaching. The club will keep you informed on a recommencement date in March. Watch this space! NIGHT AT THE RACES - Rathfriland FC are holding a Night at the Races on Saturday February 26 at the clubrooms. Horses will soon be on sale and anyone looking to sponsor a race please see any member of the committee.

RATHFRILAND FC WEBSITE - You can check out the latest news on club’s website on www.rathfrilandfc.weebly.com/ WHERE`S MY TOWEL?! - Ally Wilson is worth the watching – for the friendly against Glenavon Reserves on Saturday past he forgot his towel and used Willie Herron’s for his first dry and then used Stephen Green’s for the big finish! Paul Rice reckons he used Herron’s for the top half and Greener’s for the bottom half! RANGERS FOR SEAVIEW! - A coach will be leaving Church Square tonight, Tuesday February 15 at 5.30pm for Rathfriland Rangers’ floodlit Clarence Cup second round game against Newington YC who ground share with Irish Premier League club Crusaders. Newington YC have won the Premier League on three out of the last five years and are currently sitting second again in the league this season – a real force in the Amateur League these days. They have also progressed well in the cup competitions over the years, picking off some Irish League clubs on the way. Newington defeated Newtownbreda in the first round while Rathfriland put paid to Suffolk - this should be a fantastic cup clash for Rathfriland FC and if you want to be part of the big night get on the coach leaving Church Square at 5.15pm (£5 charge). Anyone looking to book a space on the bus please contact Gary Wilson on 07765076535.

YOUTH FOOTBALL - Youth football continues at Rathfriland FC. All age groups are welcome from 5 years to 15 years and for new registrations players will need two passport size photographs and a copy of the birth certificate. Membership for the season is £20 with a £2 charge per training night. It is an exciting time at Rathfriland FC – if you want your child to be part of it please contact David Davenport on 07840860308 or Mark Bickerstaff on 07525214733.

COMMITTEE MEETING - The February committee meeting will take place on Tuesday February 15 at 7.30pm at the clubrooms.

MATCHDAY SPONSORS - Anyone wishing to sponsor the club on matchday please contact Commercial Manager Dessie Davenport or any member of the committee.

SPONSOR BOARDS - It is the intention of Rathfriland FC to continue to surround the main Iveagh Park pitch with Sponsorship boards over the coming months. Any person or business wishing to take the opportunity to have their business displayed 24/7 at the Wembley of the Mournes please contact our Commercial Manager Mr Dessie Davenport on 07767817703. There will be an initial fee for the set up of the board and also a sponsorship subscription, which would be renewed annually. WHAT`S MY LINE? - Brian Todd (President) 028 406 23023; Junior Murray (Chairman) 028 406 71464 / 07850656579; Mark Ingram (Vice-Chairman) 07798733361; Trevor Weir (Secretary) 07980853720; John Annett (Treasurer) 07713511373; Eric Annett (P.R.O.) 07715046132; Dessie Davenport (Commercial Manager) 07767817703; Brian Adair (Rangers Manager) 07789373242; Eric Annett (Swifts Manager) 07715046132; Bobby McDowell (Swifts Assistant Manager) 07796614982; Alex Scott (Colts Manager) 07889220476; David Davenport (Youth Development Officer) 07840860308; Mark Bickerstaff (Youth Coach Co-Ordinator) 07525214733. RFC ROLL OF HONOUR: 1962 – Rathfriland FC formed; 1965 – Iveagh Park opened; 1975 – Newcastle League Champions, Mid Ulster Shield Winners; 1976 – Mid Ulster Shield Winners, John Magee Cup Winners, Mid Ulster League Champions (Div 4); 1977 – Mid Ulster League Champions (Div 3); 1978 – Mid Ulster Shield Winners, attained 1st Division Mid Ulster League; 1979 – Mid Ulster Shield finalists; 1980 – Pavilion opened; 1982 – Irish Junior Cup finalists, Ingram Park opened; 1996 – Bobby Dalzell Cup finalists; 1997 – Winners NAFL Division 1B; 1998 – Winners NAFL Division 1A; 2005 – John Magee Cup Winners; 2006 – New pavilion opened; 2007 – Bignian Cup Finalists; 2008 – Mid Ulster League Champions (Div 3); 2009 – Foster Cup Finalists.

TRAINING - Rathfriland FC training will take place at Cheney Park on a Monday evening from 8–10pm and on a Thursday night at Havelock Park from 9–10pm (Seconds and Thirds only – Firsts still at Iveagh Park). A £2 charge will be required for the Banbridge venues). All new and existing players welcome.

RANGERS AWAY TO HIGH FLYING DERRIAGHY - Rathfriland Rangers this Saturday travel to second placed team and potential title contenders Derriaghy for the proverbial six pointer at Seycon Park, Dunmurry. Managed by former Linfield player and former Banbridge Town manager Michael Lamont, they will be a tough test for the Whites who have been on a good run of form lately as well. This one has all the hallmarks of a classic. Kick off 2pm. SWIFTS HOME TO GOODYEAR - Rathfriland Swifts this Saturday host Goodyear in a league fixture at Iveagh Park. Goodyear have had a decent season, the Swifts won the previous fixture by the odd goal in five with Goodyear always biting back. This will be a tough test with the visitors being dangerous on the break - always a tough fixture and it will more than likely be the same again on Saturday. Kick off 2.15pm. COLTS HOME TO MAGHERA - Rathfriland Colts this Saturday host Maghera in a league fixture at Ingram Park. The two teams are literally neck and neck in the league and hopefully home advantage will see the Colts through. Kick off 2pm.