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You will fondly remember this game Clarence!
The first game of the 2014 season is away to Donacloney. The last time I played there was the 1981 Senior Cup semi-final played in front of a capacity crowd, even the factory roof was full of the Cloney faithful chanting we are on our way to Wembly as they raced to 88/1 at drinks chasing a modest 150 with pro West Indian Harper still to bat!!But what a comeback by North Down to win it by 3runs- a dropped catch but a quick pick up and throw ran out the last Cloney batsman.
I can't really expect the same excitement next Saturday but you never know in cricket1

Billy, if I had to pinpoint one reason for the involvement of so many ex players at and about Moylena it is quite simply - John McCormick. His passion for the club from the best player to the guy just starting out is infectious . To see him at 70 years of age don the pads in the nets the other week to give a master class in technique was awesome and then the next day see him helping get the back pitch ready for the new season. With that enthusiasm you just can't help but want to be involved. As I enter my 44th season of competitive cricket , John is the one constant throughout all those years . Even when I left because I wanted to play at a higher level for four seasons he was constantly reminding me just how great a club Muckamore is and that's why we coined the phrase " there are no gates at Moylena " which is true in every sense of the word. Every club has it's stalwarts but I don't think any club has such a passionate one as John who loves everyone who makes even the smallest contribution to Muckamore. When you receive the McCormick " hair dryer " treatment you know he rates you highly.

That is an admirable quality to have around a club, too many ex players take a lot from a sport during their playing careers and then give nothing in return, a sad indication on society!

Billy I think we know it's going to be tough and we accept we are most people's favourites to go down so finishing 7 th will be seen as a success. We are building structures on and off the field designed to help us be a Premier League for many years. Over 50 at nets tonight and I think we will be one if the best supported teams in the Premier League. It's great to see so many names on our captains board still actively involved in the club namely myself, Fred Ashton, John McCormick, Harry McFadden, Andy Clement , Les Allen, Simon Thompson, Peter Bates, Charles Henderson, Richard Keates, The Muckamore family is stronger than ever.

All very admirable and should be commended Ivan but can they stay up in a very tough Premier League. Id be shocked

Mr Kennedy, you seem to comment on everything so dont see what your issue is with my opinion of your current club.

Clarence - I recall being lambasted when I made comments about the "pros" in the past so it is payback time!

Phew Ivan!
I can see now how you have lost all that weight!
Great stuff at Moyelna and thanks to Billy's post everyone can share in what's happening at Muckamore. Good role model for many clubs if they can marshall their forces as efficiently.
Well done everyone involved.

Come on Andy lighten up!
I seem to recall similar comments about CI and North Down in recent times so the comment is fair game. One thing I did learn at school was 14 into 11 doesn't go! Also, I have 'inside knowledge" as the club chairman was in Barbados on a pre-season scouting trip and found at least one new talent! Sharon will certainly make the 1st XI tea-team!

Billy Dobbin
What ever we are doing at Muckamore it seems to be working . Four teams out this weekend in friendlies. 92 adult players registered for the 2014 season. Five weekend teams and two midweek teams being fielded. Six newly qualified Level 2 coaches. 41 adults at practice last night. A three month winter indoor coaching Academy for kids with an average attendance of 65. An Easter camp and a Summer camp organised. More sponsors than ever before . Full fund raising calendar, money invested in a new roller and other ground machinery . ( and we have now tarmaced the entrance ).

What qualifies Mr. Dobbin to comment on the selection policy of any club?

Nathan Waller 108 off 109 balls for Sussex 2s. Is this the same guy who has moved from Lisburn to CIYMS?

Muckamore mean business, 3 new signings, pro mess up. The guys who got them up will enjoy the 2nds im sure!

Folks, with just over 2 weeks to the start of the season what fixtures are arranged for this weekend.

Lurgan are going to Phoenix this Saturday with a 1pm start.

I was wondering if any clubs in the north west would be looking for a friendly this saturday the 12th against downpatrick cc at your ground? We are already up that way and have a game on sunday, our saturday fixture fell through. If so drop me an e-mail paultateuk@yahoo.co.uk or 07791270964.

Any more transfer rumours in Section 1 or Premier League?