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The Newtown Story/ June 23, 1999:
As a
part of the celebrations of the centenary of the
Feildian Athletic Association, the Senior team Soccer
hosted The Newtown Rangers Fc from Dublin, Ireland.
Other than for the Challenge Cup national club
tournament, Newtown were the first senior club side to
visit Newfoundland since the St, John's selects played
the Toronto Blizzard in 1982. |
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Arrangements for the tour were made by Jamie Morry,
long -time Feildian and player-coach of the
Intermediate soccer team and came about his spin-off
of the growing business relationships between the
province and the Republic of Ireland. As an employee
of Newtel Information Solutions Jamie has had the
opportunity to visit Ireland of occasions. One the
benefits of the work assignment was the chance to
renew his contacts with family friend Gary Kavanagh. |
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One of the
things discussed whenever Jamie and Gary got together
was the possibility of arranging some sort of cultural
exchange between Newfoundland and Ireland, whether it
be through sports, music or the arts. When Jamie first
raised the idea of Gary's team, the Newtown Rangers,
traveling to Newfoundland to mark the feildian
centenary celebrations, he received a very
enthusiastic and supportive response, as Gary and his
family have fond memories of his time in Newfoundland
and the hospitality and generosity of the Newfoundland
people. Gary took the concept to his club executive
and sold them on the idea, and so the tour came about. |
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The only
previous Irish team to have played in Newfoundland was
the Northern Ireland National Team who played the
Canadian Nationals in an international friendly here
in 1981.
Those who remember that game at King George the 5th
Park will recall the ground being so wet that the
players needed water wings-hopefully the weather will
be more co-operative this time. |
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Game
Results:
The big
game had drawn a huge crowd to the centennial field in
St. Lawrence. The crowd had anticipated a great and
competitive game. The Laurentians dominated the first
half. Fellow Laurentian Richard Kelly scored 2 goals.
During the second half Newtown Rangers took control of
the game with goals from the 53 minute mark and the
tying goal at the 102 minute mark. The game continued
into an extra 15 minutes of playing time, but neither
team could break the ti-breaker.
The Game was enjoyed by all who attended.
Newtown
Bio.... |
