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Cumann Lúthchleas Gael - Gaelic Athletic Association |
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Back to Gallery Page |
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U12 Winter Indoor Hurling League 1012
Clonduff's young Hurlers
went to An Riocht on Saturday 7th
January 2012 with one team (there will be
two teams on 14th) for the start of the
second indoor Hurling League. The lads
all played very well and although all
but one player was U10 last year, they
were well capable of matching the
opposition winning all but one match.
Everyone had a great time and although
everyone deserves merit, Padraig
Clancy was the stand out player in Week
One taking some excellent scores but
more importantly his defensive skill in
blocking and hooking were very
impressive.
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Betsy Gray Cup Semi Final - Clonduff 1-12 Ballygalget 2-12
Clonduff with the sun on their backs started the first half sluggish
and found themselves 1-3 to 0-0 after ten minutes - Ballygalget had
brought quite a formidable team across from the Ards and were intent
on winning this game at a canter. Clonduff had other ideas though
and gradually the backs started to get on top of the 'galget
forwards and with the ever-increasing supply of quality ball to the
forwards managed to to outscore their opponents 1-6 0-1 in the next
twenty minutes. The Yellows had control in almost every sector of
the field. In the second half with Ballygalget reshuffling their
panel closed the gap and eventually took the lead, for the next
twenty minutes the lead alternated from Clonduff to Ballygalget and
back again. A draw looked like the outcome of this Semi -Final but
with almost the last play of the game the ball was bundled into the
Clonduff net, with everybody waiting for the referee's whistle, as
the Clonduff Goalkeeper appeared to be fouled. However, the goal was
awarded and Clonduff's hopes of progressing were gone. However it
was an excellent display on which to finish a very late season. Well
done to all concerned.
Team (pictured above): Liam McParlan, Sean Downey, Paul Bloomfield,
Jamie Lowry, Eoin Murphy, Paul McCusker, Francis Quinn, John Murphy,
Paudie Mathews, Mark Downey, Shane Murray, Andrew Quinn (capt), Rian
Branagan, Shay Murnin, Chris Young, Chris McShane, Hugh Murphy, Ryan
McShane, Martin Rooney, Pearse Brannigan
Get well soon to Andrew Quinn who had to be
hospitalised following an on-field injury - thankfully it is not
more serious. |
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Clonduff U14 Hurlers win Division 2
League Title |
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| By winning
seven of their eight League games in the 2011 League
Division 2 Clonduff U14 Hurlers secured the title. The
team, pictured above are: Back row (l to r) Christopher
Lynch, Conor Woods, Rhys Ward, Lorchan Branagan, Jake
Brannigan, Charlie Carr; Front row (l to r) Patrick
Branagan, Dean Burns, Dylan Downey, Christopher Hynes,
Tiernan McEvoy, John Boden - missing from photo: Noel
Grant, Conor Murray, Gerard Coughlin, Brandon Roe, Conan
Murnin |
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All
Ireland Junior Hurling Sevens 2011 |
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Clonduff Hurlers made another little bit of history when they
participated in St Jude's All Ireland Junior Hurling Sevens on
Saturday3rd September 2011. Being the only Ulster representative at
the Tournament Clonduff were in a group along with teams from
Dublin, Offally, Kildare and Limerick. Having been able to watch the
four teams play prior to Clonduff's first game questions were asked
as to whether they could compete with this level of hurling as the
teams confronting Clonduff were all intermediate teams.
Up first was Clann na Gael from Dublin who had won their opening
game. Clonduff entertained the crowd to some great Sevens Hurling
and won 3-03 to 2-02 . Next up was Carrig and Riverstown ,Offaly.
Clonduff's Ten realised that not only could they compete at this
level but maybe they could progress to the cup competition winning
this game 3-04 to 0-3 - Joint top of group at half way stage! in
Game 3
Clonduff's opponents were Killcock, Kildare - one more win and the
Quarter finasl of cup competition would be the reward. But injuries
to Sean Downey ,Rian Branagan and Damian Farnon meant that with only
seven players to field in this game Clonduff just failed to win.
1-05 to 2-05.
Game 4
was against Killeedy,
Limerick - group leaders and unbeaten, youthful and with skills in
abundance! The large group of spectators were looking forward to
this one. First half did not disappoint - Clonduff showed no fear of
the Munster team and took an early lead. Both teams spurred on by
the large group of neutrals that had gathered served up a classic.
Only two points separated the teams at half time but in the second
half Clonduff with no available subs tiredness set in and they fired
too many wides and finished the game 4-04 6-08.
Clonduff finished group stage joint second and on score difference
were in the Shield Quarter Final - Opponents Castleknock ,Dublin.
With four of the ten patched up Clonduff missed out on Semi Finals
4-04 to 6-08.
An excellent day was had by all. Well done boys!
Clonduff Panel: Niall Quinn, Sean Downey, Andrew Quinn, Liam
McParlan, Christopher Young, John Murphy, Ciarán Smith, Rián
Branagan, ,Shane Murray and Damian Farnon. First Aid Noleen Cairns. |
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Above and right -
Charlie Carr one of Clonduff's talented young Hurlers (yellow
socks) taking part in U14 Hurling Development Squad
training during the Summer 2011 - five of our young
Hurlers participated. |
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Boley Poc Fada
The sun shone brightly for a
change as twenty participants (equalling last year's record)
converged at the base of the Hen Mountain for the Annual Poc Fada. A
massive crowd of spectators (surpassing last year) made it up to the
top to watch the proceedings (was this the result of the Hillbillies
Walking Club?). The courses were laid out, as always, by stalwart
Damian Farnon.
The U16 boys and girls were
first to take to the mountain, each accompanied by one of the adult
competitors as their marker. They received every encouragement from
their friends and families who had made the steep climb to the top.
The boys event was won by Brendan Britton (16 pocs) whilst the girls
event was won by Mollie Brown (25 pocs). Club Hurling Rep Alistair
McGilligan presented the juvenile trophies.
The adults then took to the
hill - it's still hard to get the Camogs out in numbers - cheered on
by the enthusiastic supporters atop The Hen. Both John Murphy (17
pocs) and Orla Maginn (23 pocs) (pictured left and right above) retained their titles - John was
pushed all the way with quite a number only one or two pocs behind
but there was no-one this year to push Orla! Come on Girls show the
men you are not afraid of climbing! Senior Trophies were presented
to the winners by Senior Hurling Manager Gerry Coughlin. A great
time was had by all!
Click
here to view a slideshow of the event (photos mainly by Paul
McCusker) |
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| U10
Hurling Go Games Blitz in Castlewellan |
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On
Saturday 9th April, the Clonduff juvenile Hurlers travelled to
Castlewellen to take part in the first Go Games blitz of the year,
the teams involved were Clonduff, Newry Shamrocks, Castlewellen,
Ballyvarley, Ballela, Liatroim and Warrenpoint. The first game was
against Newry Shamrocks and after a close first half Clonduff proved
too strong in the second and with each game they grew in confidence.
Due to Time Restrictions Clonduff didn't get to play Liatroim or
Warrenpoint, but their skill was more than a match for the other
teams and they ran out easy winners in the end.
Cork Senior hurler Diarmuid O'Sullivan was there with the Newry
Shamrocks management, before putting the South Down Hurlers trough
their paces, and took the time to have a chat with the lads and sign
Hurls and Jerseys. A great day was had by all and each player got
the opportunity to play in Goals, Defence, Mid Field and of course
everyone's favourite FORWARDS.
Training for all children from the age of 5 up, continues on a
Friday night from 6 - 7, helmets and hurls will be provided.
The boys in the photo are
Darragh and Shay Fitzpatrick, Aaron and Sennan Gribben, Aiden
Markey, Cathal Fitzpatrick, Padraig Clancy, Sean Magone and Charlie
Kerr |
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Senior Hurlers
2011 |
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that played Creggan Kickhams in the second Ulster Club League home game of
the season on Saturday 5th March.
Back row: Jamie Lynch, Ryan Mc Shane, Ciarán
Smith, Connor McShane, John Murphy (capt), Niall Quinn, Shane Murray, Paul
Bloomfield, Christopher McShane, Danny Nugent; Front row : Paudie Mathews
,Liam McParlan, Eoin Murphy, Sean Downey, Chris Young, Andrew Quinn, Gavin
O'Hagan, Mark Downey, Ciarán Downey, Fionnbharr Murphy |
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Junior Hurling Champions 2010 |
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Clonduff Senior Hurlers completed a good
weekend for the Club with a two-point win
over Ballyvarley in the Junior
Championship Final in Ballela on Sunday
afternoon (12th September). They scored
the first two points followed by three in
a row from the opposition but young corner
forward, Chris Young finished a great move
to the net to move Clonduff into the lead
which they never again lost. Clonduff led
1-7 to 0-9 at the break and totally
dominated play for the first 15 minutes of
the second half and moved into a six point
lead. They were pegged back with a
Ballyvarley goal. Clonduff replied with a
great point but were once again pegged
back with two long range frees from Paul
O'Neill (who scored all but one of
Ballyvarley's scores) to leave just two in
it. One other effort hit the post and
rebounded to safety. O'Neill had a final
chance of a score but it just fell short.
Clonduff are County Champions on a score
of 1-13 to 1-11! Championship Panel: Niall
Quinn, Conor Tumilty, Damian Farnon
(Capt), Paul McCusker, Andy Quinn, Shane
Murray, Francis Quinn, Paudie Matthews
(0-1), Ciarán Smyth, John Murphy (0-6,4f),
Liam McParlan (0-1), Jamie Lynch (0-1),
Fionnbharr Murphy (0-1), Paddy Branagan
(0-2), Chris Young (1-1). Subs used: Mark
Downey, Shay Murnin, Eddie Clancy. Other
subs: Jim Murnin, Chris Brown, Paul
Bloomfield, Ryan McShane, Stephen Burns,
Hugh Murphy, Rory Matthews, Shay Murnin,
Owen Roe Brogan, Eoin Murphy, Danny
Nugent.
Clonduff will play the winners of the
Tyrone v Donegal preliminary round in the
Ulster Club Quarter Final.
The Club wishes
to thank sincerely, the following for
their donations to
the senior hurling team: Fegan
Hardware, Mini Macs Disco,
Mario's, Horseshoe Bar, Rory Matthews,
Macs, Leo & Lorraine Bloomfield, Stephen
& Joan Burns, Martin & Sheila Lynch,
Paudie Matthews, Kieran Tumilty Signs,
Paddy Fegan, Colly Magee, Wineyard Off
Licence and Tescos
(Click
here to view slideshow)
View some great
action shots here courtesy of Jerry
Quinn |
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U16
Hurling Team 2010 |
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Pictured above is the Clonduff U16 Hurling
team with their mentors Paddy Branagan
(left) and Damian Farnon and John Murphy
(right). The boys had a good league season
and went out of the Championship in the
Semi Final to Carryduff by two points
after conceding a couple of late goals.,
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Hurling Semi Final 2010 |
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Junior
Hurling Championship - Clonduff v Castlewellan -
Pairc Esler, in
perfect condition, was the venue for this high
octane match between Castlewellan and Clonduff.
Clonduff fired three consecutive wides, then
with the deftest of flicks they found the back
of Castlewellan's net. Castlewellan responded
with two points scored from frees. With Clonduff
having the lion's share of possession they took
an early lead of four points. Then with a lapse
in the usually tight defence Castlewellan scored
two goals and 4 pts . Leaving the Yellas
trailing by 6 pts at half time. The second half
started with an increase in the intensity and
pressure from Clonduff. The team started to win
the midfield battle thus allowing the forwards
to get the all important scores to reduce the
deficit to the bare minimum, outscoring
Castlewellan in the second half by 3-05 to 0-4
and thus ensuring a place in the Junior Final Against Div
1 opponents Ballyvarley .Final Score Clonduff
4-08 v Castlewellan 2-10. An excellent result
for the large panel of Senior Hurlers and a
great spectacle for the large crowd who
witnessed this battle royal. In the action
shot above Liam McParlan rises high for the ball
Team and scorers:
Niall
Quinn, Connor Tumilty, Damian Farnon, Chris
Brown, Danny Nugent, Andy Quinn, Shane Murray,
Francis Quinn, Ciarán Smith, John Murphy, Mark
Downey, Liam McParlan, Jamie Lynch, Owen Roe
Brogan, Chris Young, Paddy Branagan, Shay
Murnin, Paudie Matthews, Eddie Clancy,
Fionnbharr Murphy
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Boley Fair
Monday in the Club
Boley Monday, 12th July was a
scorching hot day - ideal for the Poc Fada on
the Hen Mountain. A record number of entrants -
twenty in total male, females, adults and
juveniles. (the previous highest was 19). There
was also a record number of spectators.
 Damian
Farnon, as usual had set up the course, starting
just inside the gate at the foot of the Hen
Mountain on the road into the New Bog. The route
headed towards the right-hand side of the tors
at the peak - the juveniles passed behind the
first tor before 'pocing' down the mountain
again. The adult took the same course except
that they passed behind the second tor before
heading for 'home'. In the juvenile section
there were six boys and one girl and each was
accompanied on their journey by an adult. The
winning boy was Rhys Ward (accompanied by Damian
Farnon) who came home on 19 pocs and young Niamh
Brown, on her first outing came home on 30 pocs.
In the Senior Ladies event Orla Maginn came home
in 23 pocs with Emma McCrickard on 24. There
were 11 men in the Senior event and it was very
closely contested with the best result being 18
and the worst 23. Three men finished on 18 but
as one needed a replacement ball, one shot was
added to his tally which left Sean Curran and
John Murphy tying for the title. As usual this
was settled with one final long puck on the dirt
road to the bog - John Murphy won by a whisker!
Clonduff Chairman, Brian McGreevy made the
presentations to the four winners - Juveniles
Rhys and Niamh and Seniors John and Orla. There
were also special Boley Fair 25th Anniversary
plaques for the oldest and the youngest
competitors - the youngest was easy to sort out
the three P7 boys gave their dates of birth -
Patrick Branagan was the winner by four months.
People always say never ask a woman her age but
it was the men who argued with each other before
Jim Murnin stepped forward to accept his plaque.
Much needed refreshments were provided by Breige
Ward. A big thank you to all who participated or
supported, particularly the parents who brought
their youngsters out to the event and a special
word of thanks to Damian Farnon for all his hard
work in organising it. (Click on the image above
left to view a slideshow)
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U10 Hurling
Blitz in Clonduff Park - Five teams took
part in the 4th round of the under 10 Go Games
blitz on Saturday 19th June. Although this was
the 4th scheduled Hurling blitz, it was the
first that Clonduff had competed in due to
fixture clashes and changes, this is a problem
faced by all the clubs in Down that promote both
hurling and football, the promotion of ALL our
Gaelic Games and culture is the basis upon which
every Gaelic club in Ireland should be built and
those clubs doing so should be commended for
their efforts to keep alive our native games and
traditions. There are few clubs in Down that
can boast the diversity of Irish sport and
culture being actively promoted as in Clonduff
and it is about time that we as a club received
FULL support from our County Board to enable
us to continue doing so.
The teams
involved in the blitz were Clonduff, St Paul's,
Castlewellen, Warrenpoint and Liatroim. Each
team got to play 4 matches and there were some
excellent displays of hurling, It is very
encouraging to see the level of skill displayed
from such young hurlers. Clonduff played
Warrenpoint in their first game and quickly
settled into the task at hand. They grew in
confidence with each game and by the end of the
day were playing as a team that did Clonduff
proud.
The next
tournament is scheduled for Saturday 3rd July
but unfortunately there has also been a football
tournament arranged in Mayobridge. As a mentor
I feel it is a disgrace to put any member of our
club especially a juvenile in a position where
they have to choose between two club
activities. A Lot of hard work went into
ensuring that such clashes would not happen,
Hurling on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the
month, Football on th 2nd and 4th Saturday of
the month. I Would love if someone could tell
Clonduff why this simple rule is not being
adhered to and why the County Board is allowing
this to happen. Perhaps Hurling doesn’t matter
in Down. The only people that lose out are the
youth of our club !!!!!!!. Why is this
tournament not on a non-hurling day !!!!.
On a lighter note
a big thank you to all the senior hurling panel,
past and present, who helped make this such a
fun day for all involved, and a special thank
you to the ladies who made the tea and
sandwiches, the mentors from St Pauls can't
wait to come back again !!!. Click on the
image above right to view a few photos from the
day - apologies to Padraig Kelly and
Padraig Clancy who had to leave early and are
not in the photo. (Contributed by Paul McCusker)
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Henry Shefflin takes Primary Schools
Hurling Coaching Session in Down |
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On
Tuesday 11 May 2010, one of Ireland's most
famous current Hurlers, Henry Shefflin,
took up an invitation from Down Schools to
provide a coaching sessions for Primary
School children in South Down at the
Schools 7-a-side Hurling blitz. Above are
the Sp Paul's Primary School children with
Henry and their Principal Vincent Devlin.
Below left, a group of the young people
who attended including those from St
Patrick's Ballymaghery and on the right
some of the Cabra youngsters in action
with Henry. (Photos courtesy of Vincent
Devlin). |
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Clonduff Seconds Hurling Team Takes Field
for First Time |
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The Clonduff Hurling team that took the
field in the Armagh League on Tuesday 20th April 2010 - Front
row: Gerard
Coughlan (jnr), Chris Young ,Chris Brown, Eoin Murphy, Jamie lynch, Danny Nugent
, Owen Roe Brogan, Ciarán Downey, Connor Tumilty ,Hugh Murphy, J J Gilmore; Back
row: Stephen Powell, Francis Quinn, Eamon Mathews, Shea McPolin, Ciarán Smith,
Niall Quinn, Damian Farnon, Stephen Burns (snr), Brian Grant, Steven Burns (jnr),
Paul Bloomfield, Shane Murray, Andy Quinn, Anthony Brogan, Rory Mathews |
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Clonduff Hurlers got
their 2010 season off to a good start in 2010 - they are
pictured above (at home) v Truagh Gaels, Monaghan (left) in the
Ulster League and on the right v Warrenpoint in the Down Jun
League. They won both these games.
Clonduff is also fielding a second team in the Armagh Jun League |
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Senior Hurlers get their Ulster League
Campaign off to a Winning Start! |
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Clonduff Senior Hurlers won their first outing in
the 2010 Ulster League against a very physical
Antrim club side, All Saints Ballymena on
Saturday 6th March. At
half time the 'Yellas' led 1-5 to 1-4.
During the second half Clonduff increased
the tempo to get 4 points clear. A late
goal from All Saints left the bare minimum
between the sides but Clonduff's rear
guard held out for a good win. The final
score was 1-11 to 2-7. Team: Niall Quinn,
Danny Nugent, Damian Farnon, Francis
Quinn, Andy Quinn, Liam McParlan, J J
Gilmore, Kealim O'Hare (0-2), Ciarán
Smith, Jamie Lynch, Paudie Mathews (0-3),
Shane Murray (0-1) Chris Young (1-0),
Paddy Branagan (0-5), Eoin Murphy, Jim
Murnin, Owen Roe Brogan, Shea
McPolin, Shay Murnin, Christopher Brown,
Eamon Mathews, Hugh Murphy, Ciaran Downey,
Rory Mathews, Laurence Murphy
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St
Patrick's Primary School in Schools' Co
Indoor Hurling Final |
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Pictured above is St Patrick's Primary
School Indoor Hurling Squad who made
history when they qualified for the Co
Final! The boys lost only one of their six
games in the group stage held in
Aughlisnafin on Thursday 21st January
2010. The Co Final will be held in
Portaferry on Wednesday 27th January. The
boys are a great credit to their Games
Teacher Ms Meave McNeill, the School and
of course, their coaches in the Club.
Hilltown v Legamaddy 1.1 draw scorer
Patrick Brannigan; Hilltown v Carryduff
3.2 lost scorers Christopher Hynes, Conor
Woods; Hilltown v Aughlisnafinn 7.6 Win
scorers Ross Carr 1, Conor Woods 2,
Christopher Hynes 2, Patrick
Brannigan 2; Play-off - Hilltown v
Legamaddy 5.2 scorers Conor Woods 3, Ross
Carr 1, Brandon Roe 1; Semi-finals
Hilltown v Maghermayo 3.2 scorers Conor
woods 2, Christopher Hynes 1; Final
Hilltown v Downpatrick 3.0 Scorers
Christopher Hynes 2, Conor Woods 1.
They put on a great show in the Finals on
Wednesday 27th January in Portaferry. They
played 5 games, winning two, losing 2 and
drawing one. (The competition was won by
the homeside).
Back row (l to r) Patrick Branagan, Conan
Murnin, Conor Woods, John Boden, Callum
Branagan, Christopher Hynes; Front row (l
to r) Ross Carr, Jack Devlin, Tiarnan
McEvoy, Brandon Roe and Lee Murnin
Click
here for slideshow of more photos |
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Awards for
Clonduff Hurling Referees! |
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Pictured above are Clonduff Hurling
Referees Gerry Coughlin and Eddie Clancy
who had taken charge of U16A and U16B
Hurling Finals respectively and were
honoured at the Referees' Awards Night on
Friday 22nd January 2010. Gerry is a
seasoned referee and is also the Clonduff
Senior Hurling Manager. Eddie, in his
first year as a referee crowned a
magnificent year with the whistle by
picking up the award (he also plays Senior
Hurling and Handball). They are pictured
with another Clonduffian - Jerry Quinn
(left) who has recently been appointed
Chairman of the Referees Administration
Committee and Michael Keenan (Burren)
Chairman of the County Hurling Board.
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Clonduff
Senior Hurlers take Pre-season Training
Lying Down! |
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30+ Senior Hurlers arrived in Gymtec in
preparation for the upcoming season in the
Down, Armagh and Ulster Leagues. Gymtec Proprietor
Eamon, ably assisted by Instructor Gary
will put the Panel through an intensive
strength and conditioning programme for
the next six weeks. Panel seems to have
enjoyed the first session judging by the
smiling faces that left Gymtec or maybe
they were grimaces . Either way. Senior
Panel will be at Gymtec for the next six
weeks. |
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Clonduff Hurlers are U16 Shield
Winners 2009 |
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Clonduff U16 Hurlers collected the
Shield title on Sunday afternoon (8th
November) in Burren
when then defeated Warrenpoint in a
hard-fought but deserving victory on a
scoreline of 4-8 to 2-7.
Clonduff travelled to Burren on Sunday
past to play a strong, physical
Warrenpoint side in the Shield Final. The
‘Yellas’ started off the better of the two
sides, scoring the opening point. Clonduff
then went on to dominate the first half
with very fine scores. The attacking force
of Clonduff worked hard, and the defenders
can be very proud of the way they handled
their opposition. In the second half,
Warrenpoint piled on a lot of pressure.
Despite this pressure, Clonduff kept their
cool and saw off any threat to win by a
margin of 7 points. This fantastic win
ensured that Clonduff U16 Hurlers have won
both the League AND the Championship! A
brilliant performance by an extremely
promising underage hurling team! The
management would also like to take this
opportunity to thank all parents and
supporters for their help throughout the
entire season.
The U16 Team in 2009: Christopher
McShane, Shane Branagan, Eamonn Grant,
Jamie Lowry, Peter Fitzpatrick, Shea
McPolin, Sean Downey, Conor Pio Gribben,
Shay Murnin, Jamie Curran, Conor McShane,
Barry O'Hagan, Conor Grant, Rian Branagan
and Brendan Britton. Subs; Martin Rooney,
Declan Rooney, Lorcan Branagan, Pearse
Branagan, Ogi O’Hanlon, Niall McPolin,
David Quinn, Reese Ward, Darragh Downey. |
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Big Game for Clonduff referee |
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Rookie hurling referee Eddie Clancy
from Clonduff took charge of the U-14 Down
Hurling Championship Final between Newry
Shamrocks and Leitrim on Saturday 22nd
August 2009. Eddie has been a
revelation as a referee in this his first
year and this is, undoubtedly a first step to an
illustrious career as the 'man in the
middle'.
Eddie is one of three new referees recruited in 2009 - Ben
(Gerard) Brennan and John Francis Murray.
(Photo by Patrick Murphy) |
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On
Saturday 4th July 2009 in Clonduff Park,
Clonduff
U14 Hurlers overcame Kilclief by four points
in the quarter finals of the Championship. The boys are
pictured above with their mentors Paddy
Branagan (Left) and Damian Farnon (Right).
The team was Jamie Gribben, Dean Burns,
David Quinn, Patrick Branagan, Declan
Rooney, Brendan Britton, Martin Rooney,
Patrick Grant, Lorcan Branagan, Darragh
Downey, Owen Roe, Rhys Ward, Stephen
McConville, Conor Woods and Dillon Downey. |
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Congratulations to 10-year-old Patrick
Branagan (above) son of Paddy and Bronagh, who was
selected to play on the Down Primary Schools Hurling team
that entertained the crowd at half time in Casement Park
during the Down v Derry Ulster Semi-final game. Patrick is
pictured on the left with the medal he received on the
day. |
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 The Poc Fada
was held for the third time on the Hen Mountain as part
of The Boley Fair Festival on Monday 14th July 2008.
It consisted of both Senior and Junior competitions for hurlers and Camogs from
the local area. The senior men's competition winner was Clonduff and South Down
player, John Murphy of Rostrevor with Paul McAleenan of Leitrim
in second place, a single puck adrift. The Junior competition was won by
Clonduff U14 player, Shay Murnin of Cabra. The presentation
was carried out by Clonduff veteran (and Captain) Damien Farnon .
The Senior Ladies event was won by Kitty Fegan while Megan O'Reilly won the
Juvenile Ladies
The event was the brainchild of some members of the Senior
Hurling Club for the 2006 Boley Fair. The Senior Hurling captain
in 2008, Damian Farnon has chiefly been responsible for the
Junior and Senior routes and 2008 was no exception. Not only did
he lay out the routes but he also accompanied many of the
juniors around the course - the youngest competitors were two
eleven-year-old girls, one of whom actually finished the course
and the other one lost her ball! Well done Damian and well
done to all those who took part. |
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| Down Primary Schools
representatives who provided the entertainment at
half time in the Down v London game in Casement Park
on 1st June 2008. Clonduff and St Patrick's
representative is Lorcan Branagan is centre front
row |
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| Down Senior Hurlers
at a training session in Clonduff Park May 2008. The
coach is former QUB and Antrim star Johnny Tosh |
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| Primary School Féile 2008
held in Burren on Saturday 5th April 2008. Clonduff St
Patrick's was the best represented with two teams - P6 and
P7 and they are pictured among other participants in their
distinctive yellow shirts |
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The Minor Hurling team that reached the County B Final in
2007- Back row left to right Arthur McConville,
Shane Murray, Kevin Parr, Mark Downey, Kealim O'Hare, Paul
Bloomfield, Liam McParland (capt), Danny Nugent, J J
Gilmore, Jayme Lynch: Front row left to right Eamon
Matthews, Gavin O'Hagan, Niall Tumilty, Conor Tumilty,
Christopher Young, Darren O'Hagan, Hugh Murphy,
Christopher Brown: Managers Damien Farnon, Sean Cairns,
Kieran Smith |
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Pictured above are the
Clonduff U12 and U8 Hurlers who took Part in the Ballela
Tournament - the U12s were the Winners on Sunday 9th
September.
Report by Paul McCusker (Mentor)
On Saturday past
the U-12 Hurlers went to Balella to compete in the
Ballella U-12 hurling tournament. It was a great
opportunity for the lads to test their skills against two
unknown teams as well as the hosts, Balella.
The four teams invited were Balella, Clonduff, Camlough
and Sean Tracy’s from Lurgan. First to take the field were
Balella and Camlough and it was clear from the start that
Camlough were going to be very tough to beat, they
overcame Balella with a fine display of physical skilful,
hurling in all areas of the field.
Now it was Clonduff’s turn…
From the start it was clear that nothing was going to be
given away easily, but the Clonduff lads were fired up for
the game and simply out-classed their opponents. Declan
Rooney was very impressive in goal, stopping several shots
from the nippy Camlough forwards and used his puck outs
very cleverly picking out Brendan Britton and David
Quinn. Jamie Gribben, Noel Grant, Michael Grant and
Martin Rooney were excellent in defence while the forward
line of Paddy Grant, Darragh Downey, Lorcan Branagan and
Michael McArdle never gave an inch to the strong Camlough
defence and it was their hard work in not letting Camlough
make good clearances that enabled some fine points to be
taken by Brendan Britton.
The next Game saw Clonduff face another unknown, Sean
Tracy’s from Lurgan. This proved to be an easier match
for the lads who were still riding high from their first
encounter. Clonduff rattled the net on 3 occasions and
with the introduction of Deane and David Byrne, Charlie
Carr and Patrick Brannigan, the fresh legs were just too
much for the Lurgan side.
And so to the final Match between Clonduff and Balella.
Clonduff needed to win to claim the tournament. They had
beaten Balella well in the league but this was their home
ground and their tournament and they were not going to let
it go easily. Szymon Gorka and Jack McAvoy were
introduced into defence and Connor Woods, Kevin Darby and
Charlie Carr into attack to add some height into the
forward line. The game went right to the wire but the
Clonduff lads knew victory was within their grasp and no
one was going to take it from them. The game ended
Clonduff 1-3 Balella 1-0.
In the U-8 match Paudraig Clancy, Charlie Kerr, Ross Carr,
Dillon Downey, and Brandon Rowe lined out in an
amalgamation of Balella and Clonduff against Ballyvarley.
The match was a sheer delight to watch and when Paudraig
Clancy broke free and found the back of the net you could
here Eddie’s celebrations back home in Limerick.
A great day was had by all, and all the Clonduff lads
played with a level of skill and maturity that was a
credit to each and every one of them. It is well worth
noting that throughout the entire tournament not a single
free was conceded by Clonduff and even when things were
going against them they kept their heads and played as a
team. From all the U-12 hurling management we would like
to thank all the panel for making this such an enjoyable
day.
U-12
Team
Michael McArdle, Jack McAvoy, Declan
Rooney, Martin Rooney, Lorcan Brannigan, Noel Grant,
Michael Grant, Charlie Carr, Paddy Brannigan, Paddy Grant,
Szymon Gorka, David Byrne, Connor Woods, Darragh Downey,
Kevin Darby, Deane Byrne, David Quinn, Brendan Britton,
Jayme Gribben.
U-8
Team
Paudraig Clancy, Charlie Kerr, Ross Carr,
Dillon Downey, Brandon Rowe. |
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Boley
Poc Fada 2007
Click on the image on the right to view a slideshow of 2007's
event! Eventual winners are
pictured with Brian McGreevy (Club Chairman) and other
organisers - Damian Farnon, Alistair McGilligan, Marie Walls and
Anita Brannigan
Thirty brave souls faced the torrential rain and the Hen
Mountain on Monday afternoon for the 'Poc Fada'
run in conjunction with 'The Boley Fair' festival.
The event was organised by Damian Farnon and Alistair
McGilligan and the administrators were Marie Walls and Anita
Brannigan.
Twelve U16s took part over the shorter course.
Unfortunately there was only one girl brave enough to do
it! Megan O'Reilly completed the course with 23 hits;
Christopher Young won the boys' event with 21 hits and
Brendan Britton was runner up with 22 hits. The youngest
competitor was ten year old Noel Grant who was
accompanied round the course by his father! The Senior
event was dominated by Minor Hurlers and was won by
Darren O'Hagan with 24 hits and joint runners up were
Liam McParlan and Paul McAleenan with 25 hits. Five
adult ladies took part (three more than last year) and
they finished with much better scores than many of the
men! Mairín McAleenan (Liatroim) won with 27 hits and
joint runners up were the Gribben sisters Paula and
Karen with 28 hits. |
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All Ireland Féile na nGael 2007
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of the Clonduff Banner, left to view a
slide show)
Twenty years ago
(maybe even ten ) the suggestion that a Clonduff hurling team
would take part in the national Féile na nGael would have been
laughed at but on the weekend of 15th-17th June 2007 it happened and not only did
they take part but such was the quality of their performances
that the boys were actually disappointed that they did not
qualify for the quarter finals.
The excitement began on Thursday afternoon when the bus left
Hilltown for Glenmore in the southernmost tip of Kilkenny. Their
team won the All Ireland Hurling club final in 1991. The
community Hall in the tiny village was the rendezvous point on
Thursday evening where a hearty meal was provided and then it
was off to the “houses where we are staying”. Thursday evening
was about meeting the host families, the people who would be
“mammies and daddies “for three days and of course about meeting
new friends.
The first game was on Friday afternoon against the host club. In
truth our boys did not know what to expect, they conceded goals
in the first half but put on a magnificent second half
performances scoring four points from play and missing goal
chances. Shay Murnin (2) Barry O’Hagan and Brendan Briton were
the scorers. Shay Murnin scored the first of these and has the
distinction of being the first Clonduff boy to score at National
Féile.
That game over, it was round to the hall, more food and on to
the bus for the trip to Kilkenny city for the parade. Over some
of the narrowest and twistiest roads in Ireland but we got there
on time. The rain was pouring down when we got there but
thankfully it was over before the parade started. Jerry and
Alastair got the banner sorted out, Maura took photos, there
were speeches and then we were off. The boys looked fabulous in
their new jerseys, as always the banner got lots of favourable
comment. Michael O’Murehertaigh on the platform said “it is the
best banner I have seen so far”. Thousands of people lined the
route and it was along way “we are the yellows, we love the
yellows, come on the yellows” was chanted hundreds of times, it
got louder as we went along. Well if the others could chant so
could we and it was a long walk. It was late when we got back to
Glenmore but the craic was good. A bit of a lie-in on Saturday
morning and then down to the pitch. The first game was against
another Kilkenny side, Carrickshock, It was like a home game in
Clonduff Park, all the parents seemed to be there, and the magic
of hurling, a man from Mayobridge and a man from Kilcoo
supporting Clonduff. It was some game. Clonduff playing against
the wind scored two points from Barry O’Hagan and Niall McPolin
but their opponents got two before the break to leave the half
time score two points each. Clonduff got n top but missed goal
chances at the start of the second half. Then the other side got
a point from a free, time was running out. But the boys never
gave up and they were rewarded with goals from Shay Murnin and
Brendan Britton. The other side got a late goal but it did not
matter, Clonduff had won their first ever game at national Féile
na nGael.
Won one, lost one and one to go, against Tooreen from Co Mayo.
We had been told that they were good, the winners of this game
would go through. It was a fantastic game of hurling, they led
2-02 to 0-1 at half time but we had a shot cleared off the line.
But Clonduff never gave up. Goal chances were missed before Shay
got a point and Briton had the ball in the net, 2-04 to 1-02.
Tooreen beat Glenmore in the next game and shoot out to go
through to the semi-final and really Clonduff could have beaten
them.
But the excitement was not yet over, the news spread like
wildfire, Nicky Brennan the President of the GAA was coming in
by helicopter to meet all four teams. He landed in the field
across the road, came in and signed sticks and had his photo
taken with the teams.
Saturday night was a social night, no details!!. Sunday morning,
up for mass with the host families and then into Nowlan Park to
see some of the finals. Henry Shefflin was there got the Jersey
signed, a perfect end to a perfect weekend…well almost, it was
great to see Hilltown.
The boys who travelled
were: Christopher McShane, Shane Branagan, Shay McPolin, Peter
Fitzpatrick, Conor Grant, Sean Downey, Niall McPolin, Shay
Murnin (capt) Brendan Britton, Conor McShane, Jamie Lowry, Barry
O'Hagan, Jamie Curran, Rian Branagan, Pearse Branagan, Martin
Rooney, Lorcan Branagan, Conor Pio Gribben, Eamon Grant and Declan Rooney. The mentors who
travelled with the team were: Paddy Branagan, Damian Farnon and
Jim Murnin. Alistair and Guinevra McGilligan travelled on Friday
as part of the mentoring squad. Jerry Quinn was PRO. |
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The Clonduff Senior Hurling panel that made
history in 2007! They were the first Clonduff Hurling team to
play in an Ulster League. This photograph was taken in Clonduff
Park on Sunday 27th May before their Ulster Quarter Final game
against Latton, Co Monaghan. Clonduff won that game by 9 points.
Team: Back row: Gary Curran, Shane Murray, Arthur
McConville, John Murphy, Kieran Smith, Cailim O'Hare, Niall
Quinn, Jim Murnin, Eddie Clancy, Rory Matthews, Laurence Murphy,
Conor Tumilty. Front row: Damian Farnon, Paul Bloomfield,
Ryan McShane, Andrew Quinn, Paul Caldwell, Danny Nugent, Gary
Smith,, Neil McGeough, Paul McCusker, Liam McParlan, Paddy
Branagan. Missing from the photo is Fionnbharr Murphy who,
unfortunately sustained a hand injury in League game. |
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Congratulation to Darragh Downey
(Clonduff) who represented Down Primary Schools against Derry
Primary Schools during half time in the senior championship
match between Down and Derry at Casement Park on Sunday.
Darragh is pictured in the back row and is second from the
left. |
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Click on this image and then on
'Play' in the new page to see a short slideshow of photos from
the final! |
U-14 B Hurling
Féile final thriller
- Clonduff beat Carryduff in the B final of the Down
Feile in Castlewellan on Sunday 22nd April 2007.
Two late goals from Carryduff seemed to have won it but
a hopeful long ball into the Carryduff box somehow found
the net in the dying seconds. Clonduff go forward to
the All Ireland Finals in Kilkenny at the end of the
summer. Congratulation and well done!
Panel: Christopher McShane, Shane Branagan, Niall Crowley, Shay
McPolin, Peter Fitzpatrick, Conor Grant, Sean Downey, Niall
McPolin, Shay Murnin (capt) Brendan Britton, Conor McShane,
Jamie Lowry, Barry O'Hagan, Jamie Curran, Rian Branagan, Pearse
Branagan, Martin Rooney, Lorcan Branagan, Declan Rooney |
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Three photos of the 'Meet and Greet' session organised by the
Down Hurling Board for youngsters from across the county to come
and meet the Down and Cork players after the match on Sunday
18th March 2007. The Clonduff lads met John Gardiner, Joe Deane
and Wayne Sherlock and had their jerseys autographed by Gareth
Johnston. They were taken for their day out by their mentors
Damien Farnan and Paddy Branagan. |
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The Clonduff U12 Hurling team who were
defeated by a single point in the inaugural Sciath na nÓg competition held in Clonduff
Park on Saturday 21st October 2006 |
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| Clonduff U12 Hurling panel
who made history in 2005 when they collected the
Club's first ever U12 Hurling trophy by winning
the League! Back row: Peter Fitzpatrick, Conor
McShane, Christopher McShane, Shay McPolin,
Niall McPolin, Jamie Curran; Middle row: Jamie
Lowry, Niall Crowley, Declan Rooney, Lorcan
Branagan, Martin Rooney, Sean Downey; Front Row:
Rian Branagan, Brendan Britton, Conor Grant
(Capt), Shane Branagan, Pearce Branagan, Patrick
Branagan. Missing from the photograph is
Shay Murnin |
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| Clonduff U16 Hurling panel who reached
the Down B Championship Final in 2005. Castlewellan defeated
them by 2 points. |
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St Patrick's PS Hurling team who
reached the Schools Hurling Final 2004. Front (l to r) Paddy
Branniff (Schools Hurling Development Officer), Tony McGreevy, Lee
Fitzpatrick, Barry O'Hagan and Maeve McNeill (St Pat's PS
teacher/coach). Back (l to r) Shay Murnin, Henry Brown, Patrick
Matthews, Des McGarry, Niall McPolin and Niall Tumilty |
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| The 2003 Senior Hurling Panel (and some youthful
supporters) pictured with Club Chairman, Johnny McPolin,
(red shirt front row) and team manager Sean Cairns
(on Johnny's left) in Cennaras Chluain Daimh. |
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Triple Winners in 2002!
This team swept all before them in 2002 -
they went through the Junior League unbeaten, won the Junior
Championship and the Betsy Gray Shield! Front row (l to r)
Shea Murnin, Shane O'Hagan, Eoin Murphy, Fionnbharr Murphy,
Michael Brogan. Middle row (l to r) Paddy Murphy, Paul
Brown, John Ward, Paddy Branagan, Damian Farnon (Capt) Paul
McCusker, Liam Boyle, Alastair Mcgilligan, Niall Quinn. Back
row (l to r) Anthony Tinnelly, Padraig Matthews, Stephen
Powell, Sean Curran, Shane Boyle, John Murphy, Jim Murnin,
Robert Wilson, Rory Matthews, Sean Cairns |
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Feis 7s Runners Up 2000
Back (left to right ) Robert Wilson, Allister
McGilligan, Liam Boyle, Damian Farnon, Jim Murnin, Front: (Left to Right): Paul Brown,
Finbarr Murphy, Niall Quinn, Paddy Branagan, Paul McCusker |
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| The Triple Hurling Junior Championship, League
and 7s winning team - 1996! Back row (l to r) Shane
Quinn, Peter Murnin, Robert Wilson, Tony Wilson, Shane Burden,
Tom Grant, Jim Murnin, Sean Curran, Stephen Murnin, Thomas
Murnin, Rory Matthews. Front row (l to r) Cathal young, Mark
O'Reilly, Paul McCusker, Paddy Branagan, Padraig Matthews,
Francis Quinn, Paul McAlinden. Seated (l to r) Michael Gallagher
and Declan Wilson |
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Junior Feis Hurling 7s Hurling
Champions 1996 - Front (l to r) Padraig Matthews, Sean
Curran, Paddy Branagan, Jim Murnin (with little son Shay).
Back (l to r) Eamon McCusker, Damian Farnon, Shaun Wilson,
Allistair Mcgilligan, Paul McAlinden, Francis Quinn |
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Sean Cairns (left) and Jerry Quinn (right) led
these young lads to
U16 B Hurling Championship success in 1991.
Back row (l to r) Sean Cairns, Declan Hudson, Nigel Monaghan, Colin
Grant, Paddy Branagan, Peter Trainor, Sean Curran, Sean Hillen, Sean Wilson,
Paul Fitzpatrick, Mark O'Reilly, Jerry Quinn. Front row (l to r) Niall Quinn,
Stephen Brannigan, Damien Smyth, Francis Quinn, Rory Matthews, Joseph McGivern,
Padraig Matthews, Mark Simpson, Paul McAlinden. |
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| These lads
competed in Clonduff's first Feile na nGael in 1989 in
Portaferry. Front (l-r) Sean Simpson, Damien Smith, Declan
Wilson, Niall Quinn, John Ward, Martin Gallagher, Michael
Gallagher, Francis Quinn. Back (l-r) Barry Burden, Colin Grant,
Mark Simpson, James McCartan, Gary Smith, Padraig Matthews,
Shane Ward, Paul McAlinden, Stephen Brannigan (Carcullion).
Partially obscured by the banner is Shaun Wilson |
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| These young Hurlers won Div 3
of Feile na nGael at Castlewellan in 1986! Front row (l to
r) Nigel Monaghan, Sean O'Hanlon, shane Quinn, Paul McCusker,
Brendan McGarry, Francis Quinn, Mickey Fegan, Rory Matthews.
Back row (l to r) Sean Cairns (Team mentor), David Lowry,
Patrick Murphy, Shane Ward, Robert Wilson, John Rooney, Loughlin
O'Hare, Eamon McCusker, Shaun Wilson |
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As part of the GAA Centenary
Celebrations, the Down Co Board organised a Centenary
Hurling Tournament in 1985 for those clubs who at the time
played football only - Clonduff won the competition and so began
the history of Hurling in Clonduff GAC.
Above are the team and young supporters: Front row (l to r)
Marty Farnon, Sean Curran, Ciaron Murray, John Rooney, Rory
Matthews, Nigel Monaghan, Patrick Murphy, Loughlin O'Hare,
Fionnuala Carr, Shane Quinn. Kneeling (l to r) John Francis
Murray, Damian Murray, John Crilly, Peter Murnin, John McPolin,
Bobby Brannigan, Rory Arthurs, Eugene O'Hare. Standing (l to r)
Martin Farnon, Pat Matthews, Peter Hamill, Colm Curran, Tony
Branagan, Sean Cairns, Andy Joe Murnin, Jim Murnin, Adrian
Travers, Cathal Murray, Dominic Brannigan, Brian McGreevy, John
Brannigan, Ross Carr |
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© Anita Brannigan
If you wish to make a comment or supply information for inclusion on
this site please e-mail Anita |
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