Touchline Talk

MILESTONE FOR RATHFRILAND FC! - Rathfriland FC are delighted to announce a new association and main sponsor in a two year deal with The Milestone Service Station, Rathfriland. 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

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! SUPPORT IN NEWCASTLE - A massive thanks to all who travelled to the Rangers v Newcastle match on Saturday past. A crowd of 50 Rathfriland supporters were in attendance to cheer the lads on to a brilliant 2-1 win. Well done to both the team and supporters!

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 January committee meeting will take place on Tuesday February 15 at 7.30pm at the clubrooms.

SENTRY DUTY! - Saturday January 29 - David McC, Mark B, John A, Davy D, Mervyn G; Saturday February 5 - Gary W, Des D, Davie W; Saturday February 12 - Mark B, John A, Mark I. 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 in Clarence Cup - Rangers this Saturday travel to Belfast side Suffolk in the Clarence Cup. Suffolk are a Division 2A side making Rathfriland favourites - if Rangers continue their new year form they should be fine. This game has an early kick off - 1.30pm. Swifts home to Lurgan BBOB - Rathfriland Swifts this Saturday host Lurgan BBOB in a league fixture at Iveagh Park. This will be a tough game and the Swifts will have to be on their toes to get three points. Kick off 2.15pm. Colts home to Killough - Rathfriland Colts this Saturday host Killough in a league fixture at Ingram Park. Both teams drew 2-2 at the return fixture a couple of weeks ago but Rathfriland will be looking to take the three points this Saturday with home advantage. Kick off 2pm.