Touchline Talk from Rathfriland Football Club

The committee sincerely thank owner Tom McAvoy for his generosity and support from the Newry Street business and look forward to a partnership in sport and business.

Exciting times are ahead on the pitch with this sponsorship adding to what hopefully will be a positive time for both club and business. Rathfriland FC and The Milestone Service Station – the perfect match!

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

YOUTH REGISTRATION AND FOOTBALL - Wednesday nights from 7-8pm at Rathfriland FC for the rest of August will see Registration followed by football.

All age groups are welcome from 5-15 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.

On Wednesday August 25 there will be a barbeque and sponsored walk in aid of supporting funds for youth club track suits. Sponsor forms can also be collected on registration nights.

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.

IN COMMITTEE! - The September committee meeting will take place on Tuesday October 19 at 7.30pm at the clubrooms.

CUP DRAWS - Rangers have drawn Tandragee Rovers in the first round of the Irish Cup on Saturday September 18 while Rathfriland Swifts have drawn Rectory Rangers in the first round of the Junior Cup on the same date.

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 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.

A big thank you goes to al the local businesses for their sponsor boards at Iveagh Park.

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 takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm . Please note all players to be on pitch for 7pm. All new and existing players welcome.

FIXTURE BOARD: RANGERS - Saturday September 11 – home to Banbridge Rangers in Bob Radcliffe Cup. Kick off 2pm. SWIFTS: Saturday September 11 – home to Gilford Crusaders in league. Kick off 2.15pm. COLTS: Saturday September 11 – home to Ballykinlar (Bobby Dalzell Cup) Kick off 2pm.

RANGERS V RANGERS IN DERBY - This Saturday Rathfriland Rangers host Banbridge Rangers in a derby cup match at Iveagh Park – it’s the second round of the Bob Radcliffe Cup.

Banbridge are plying their trade in the Intermediate section of the Mid Ulster League and new manager Brian Adair and his team will be looking to put one over their derby rivals. A big crowd is expected for this one - kick off 2pm.

SWIFTS v CRUSADERS - Rathfriland Swifts host Gilford Crusaders in a league fixture this Saturday at Ingram Park. Gilford had a good away win last week and will be up for it on the back of this – the Swifts will be looking to make it nine from a possible twelve with a home win. Kick off 2pm.

COLTS v BALLYKINLAR - This Saturday Rathfriland Colts kick off with a cup tie against Ballykinlar. This is the Bobby Dalzell Cup and the most prestigious in the Newcastle League - `Kinlar will be favourites but the Colts will be looking to buck the trend. Kick off 2pm.