On Saturday 26th March St John’s hosted a special event to celebrate the massive achievement by members to install Floodlighting at the grounds. This project was funded with a grant from NMDDC and by members purchasing Down Draw Tickets, where the club gets a significant amount returned to funds. Without both these revenues the floodlights would not have been achievable.  The Executive Committee wish to thank every person for their support and the results are there for all to see and to benefit from for many years to come.

The day started with a range of underage games, showcasing the talents of our Juvenile members.Mayobridge Pipe Band then led the Parade of all teams and members, kitted out in the red and yellow, from the top pitch, down along the river to the bottom pitch where we were greeted by the floodlights lighting up the full pitch.All past chairpersons took to the stage and were warmly welcomed by current chairman, Jimmy Laverty,  who welcomed all and thanked everyone for their efforts.  The lights were then blessed by Fr Murray and the National Anthem was sung poignantly by Senior Player Danny McKay,  accompanied by Mayobridge Pipe Band. Patsy Russel performed compere duties as eloquently as always.

Following this, a challenge game between a specially chosen Down Select versus Ulster Select team took place under the floodlights.

It proved to be a night of pure nostalgia, with former All Ireland winning boss Pete McGrath patrolling the sidelines for the Mourne select, which included 91/94 heroes Paul Higgins and captain for the evening Peter Whithnell.  
Martin Clarke produced moments of pure class and linked up superbly with Mark Poland to keep the Ulster select side on the back foot.
Kevin Niblock, a man who spearheaded St Gall’s to All Ireland glory, was impressive throughout, and had a great contest with netminder Peter Travers, who pulled of some incredible saves!
Liam Doyle and Dan Gordon showed that class is permanent with fine scores from range, and the Drumaness duo of Donal Kennedy and Whithnell combined for the Ulster select for arguably the score of the game at the beginning of the second half.
Aidan ‘Trigger’ Kelly had a fine game, as did the evergreen Willie Megoran in the opposite corner, finishing with a cooly taken 2:01 from play.
Kevin Savage will go down in history as one the Johnnies greatest ever servants, he rolled back the years to combine well with fellow Club men Mickey Flynn, Cathal O’Connor and Eugene O’Boyle to produce a fine team score near the end. The Burn’s brothers, Declan and Conor also produced vintage displays along with midfield maestro Seán Kelly.  
Thanks to team managers Pete McGrath and Colm Flynn as well as match officials Eugene O’Hare, Seán McCashin and Peter Brannigan.  
Afterwards a Q and A hosted by the best in the business Patsy Russell took place in the Clubrooms.  
A captivated audience hung on every word as wee Pete and Kevin Niblock provided their insight on how our Games are evolving, whilst former Johnnies manager Seán Ward kept everybody entertained as always!
A fantastic and significant day in the Club’s history, and one that will be talked about for many years to come.

Later in the evening the Senior Presentation took place, delayed from last year due to Covid,
As Part of our Official Lights Switch On we also held our Award Winners and Annual Presentation Night 🥇🏆On a great night hosted in our own clubrooms – the following Johnnies won awards:Senior sportsman of the year – Sam Walsh
Senior player of the year – Ryan Gibney
Ladies’ sportswoman of the year – Venessa Boyd (Seamus boyd collected on her behalf)
Ladies’ player of the year – Louise Morgan

Club person \ Volunteer of the year – Michael Flynn

Special Merit Award Andrew Gilmore on his outstanding performances for the Down U20’s Ulster winning side.

Well done to our senior ladies and management who received their league winning trophy 🏆

Also a Presentation took place with Special recognition pictures and commemorative ties were presented to the men who were involved in the purchase of the land where Pairc Naomh Eoin now occupies. Their foresight in bidding for this land and securing it has paved the way for all our members for future benefit for years to come. We now are proud to have a top class clubroom and 2 fantastic pitches,one just recently fitted with state of the art floodlights. From Left Patsy Savage, Patsy Murray, Henry McVeigh, Brendan McCann, receiving for PF, Jimmy Laverty Chairman.

Following this a Question and Answer session took place, Patsy Russell again ably keeping the questions varied and interesting for all the audience.

The Executive Committee wish to thank all those who helped make this day such a success and particularly the organising committee including Sean Cunningham, who deserves special mention for recruiting and organising the guest players for the Select Game.