Cumann Lúthchleas Gael - Gaelic Athletic Association

       
Winners of 9 SFC titles - 1930, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1980, 2000, AI Foobtball 7s 2009; 3 Senior Ladies FC - 2006, 2007, 2008; 2 Sen Camogie titles 2007, 2009, AI Camogie 7s Shield 2009
 

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Clonduff U14 Ladies Footballers can count themselves very unlucky in the B Championship final v Loughinisland on Sunday 8th November in Downpatrick. Loughinisland were the overwhelming favourites.
The girls started off well but they missed a couple of good chances at the start of the game. Then they upped the pace and at half time the score was Clonduff 1-4 Loughinisland 2-0. Clonduff started off the second half well going 4 points ahead with minutes to go but Loughinisland came up to draw the game. Extra time was played 10 mins each way. Clonduff came up the field and got the first score - a point, but that was the signal for Loughinisland to up their game and in the second period of extra time and scored a goal and a point. When the final whistle was blown the Clonduff girls were really disappointed but each and every girl played her heart out and the best team was beaten on the day. A big contingent of Clonduff supporters travelled to the game and while the result was disappointing the performance certainly was not.
Final Score: Loughinisland 4-4 Clonduff 2-7
After the game everyone, including many of the parents and other family members, went to the clubrooms where they were treated to a lovely meal. The team presented Paula and Peter with gifts for all the hard work they had done with the team. They also gave Goretta Cairns flowers for washing the jerseys for them. Peter, Paula and Goretta would like to thank the girls very much for the gifts they would also like to thank the sponsors (names will be published next week) for the hoodies and socks names and the Club for the meal.
Clonduff team and scorers: Vanessa Wilson, Sarah Bloomfield, Niamh McGreevy, Jane Smith, Laura Grant, Leona McGarry, Bernice McAleenan, Roisin Mulholland (0-2), Leona Killen, Clare McGilligan, Jenna Boden (0-3), Nicole Lynch, Rachael Harper, Leanne McAleavey (2-1) Cliodhna Crothers, Petrina  Lively, Maria Murray, Elaine Murphy, Tara McNeil, Michelle Murray, Cara McAvoy and Cara Boden. The girls are pictured above with Club Chairman Brian McGreevy and their mentors Paula Cairns and Peter McAleavey at the presentation of hooded tops and socks on the evening prior to the game. (Click here for additional photos)
 

Clonduff Ladies Footballer Weds

Angeline McPolin, a member of Clonduff Ladies tied the knot in the lovely autumnal sunshine on Saturday 26th September in St John's Church Ballymaghery with her long-time beau Arthur Gribben. Angeline is pictured arriving at the church with her bridesmaids (left to right) Bronagh Gribben, and her sisters Colleen and Olivia, and her little daughter Eimear. Best wishes for the future Angeline and Arthur from all in Clonduff!
 
Paula Cairns is just one of a number of Clonduff's qualified referees who made a name for themselves in 2009.  Paula qualified in 2008 as a Ladies' Football referee and took part in the 'Gaelic for Girls' tournament in Croke Park in 2008. In 2009 Paula has taken charge of junior and juvenile games up to and including Championship Semi Finals and performed to a very high standard. On Sunday 20th September she took charge of the Ladies U16B Final  played in Clonduff Park. Paula is pictured (middle left) in Clonduff Park with her umpires for the day - sister Noleen, mother Goretta, former Clonduff referee Paddy Morgan and her father Sean. On the right she is pictured between the two opposing Captains from Shamrocks and Castlewellan. (Paula continues to play the Ladies game for Clonduff.)
 
Clonduff  U14 Ladies Footballers (above with team coach Paula Cairns) who played in (and won) the Championship Quarter Final on Saturday 5th September 2009. Included in the picture are: Vanessa Wilson, Cara McAvoy, Niamh McGreevy, Bernice McAleenan, Sarah Bloomfield, Leona Mc Garry, Jayne Smith, Roisin Mulholland, Leona Killen, Tara McNeill, Cliodhna Crothers, Laura Grant, Rachael Harper, Jenna Boden, Nicole Lynch, Leanne McAleavey and Cara Boden
 
   

These three Down girls were selected on the Bord Gais National League Division Two 'Team of the Year' (l to r) Aileen Pyers (Annaclone), Orla Fegan (Shamrocks) Michaela Downey (Clonduff). They accepted their awards from the Ladies' President Pat Quill on Tuesday 9th June 2009. 
     
   

Click to view my photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the Image (right) to view a
slideshow of action shots from the
first round of the Senior Ladies
Championship v Downpatrick in 2009
Photos courtesy of Liam McCormick

    Clonduff Ladies took part in the Feis an Duin Sevens for the first time in 2009. They met and defeated Downpatrick in the Final on Sunday 7th June, without the County players. The successful team pictured above are: Back row (l to r) Lorraine Maginn, Kelly Carvill, Paul Gribben, Colleen McShane, Colleen McPolin. Front row (l to r) Pauline Trainor, Onagh Gribben, Jolene Branagan, Janine Branagan and Leanne McParlan. In front is team mascot Eimear McPolin
     
   

Clonduff Junior Ladies played with wind advantage in their championship game at home on Tuesday 5th May and led at half time 1-5 to no score.
Whilst the visitors did get three scores in the second half Clonduff were always in control and were much more accurate in their score-taking against the wind than in the first half.
Team and scorers: Angeline McPolin, Janine Branagan (0-1), Bridget Quinn (Capt), Christina McConville, Lizzie Barry, Michaella McConville, Orla Gribben, Onagh Gribben (1-3), Paula Cairns (0-1), Megan O'Reilly, Pauline Trainor, Sheenagh McConville (1-0), Ali Britton (0-2), Shauna McParlan (0-1), Cathy McParlan. Sub used: Niamh McGreevy.

The team pictured left are: Back row (l to r) John A Gribben (Manager), Paula Cairns, Shauna McParlan, Michaella McConville, Onagh Gribben, Christina McConville, Pauline Trainor, Bridget Quinn (Capt), Cathy McParlan, Niamh McGreevy, Frank Holland (Trainer). Front row (l to r) Megan O'Reilly, Angeline McPolin, Alice Britton, Lizzie Barry, Sheenagh McConville and Orla Gribben.

     
     
    Michaela Downey wins All Star award
MICHAELA Downey was absolutely delighted to receive a 2008 Ladies Football All Star, becoming the first ladies footballer from Down to be receive this high-profile award.
On Saturday evening (20th November 2008) the Clonduff footballer won a place in the half-forward line at a glittering spectacular at Dublin’s City West Hotel, attended by Irish president Mary McAleese and Geraldine Giles, president of Cumann Peil na mBan. The event was hosted by RTE broadcaster Marty Morrissey and TG4’s Daithi O’Se.
The Newry girl was nominated alongside her namesake and county defender Eliza Downey.
She was presented with her award by President Mary McAleese and outgoing President of Cumann Peil Gael na Mban, Geraldine Giles.
But although Michaela might well be surprised at her award, few who saw her play would question the wisdom of the judging panel.
For example in the 2008 All Ireland Qualifiers, that was televised by TG4, the supremely talented Downey won the Player of the Match as her Down side narrowly lost by a single point to the mighty Kerry.
The former Newry Bosco dynamo, who also excels at camogie, basketball, hockey, squash, badminton and swimming, has star quality written all over her. She plays football with skill, speed and strength, specialising in lung-bursting solo runs, sometimes almost the length of the park. Michaela tackles hard, has a steely will to win and is a prolific goal-scorer.
(Report Courtesy of The Newry Democrat)
Michaela was also Down's Joint Player of the Year (2008) along with her namesake, Eliza Downey.
     
    Michaela Downey.Michaela Downey completes Africa Treadmill Run
CLONDUFF and Down Ladies Football All-Star Michaela Downey ran the Down element of the Run To Africa charity on Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th October 2008 in Tesco, Banbridge.
Treadmills were placed in Tesco stores throughout Ireland, with Crossmaglen and Armagh's Alma O'Donnell running in Portadown, with the aim of running the equivalent miles to Ethiopia and raising much needed funds for children's charity projects in the beleaguered African state.
Michaela, along with former Down star Mickey Linden, Ulster GAA President and Mullaghbawn's Gerry Doherty helped raise some much needed funds by running a few miles. She was also supported by a number of Clonduff Club members..
In thanking all those involved, Michaela said  "I thank anyone who contributed in any way to the success of the weekend, including patrons of Tesco for their generosity, runners who took part over the weekend, sponsors and contributors.
Run For Africa was founded by Tracey Piggot, and along with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Tesco Ireland they held a Run for Africa in every county in Ireland. The charity aims to use sport to help children in some of the poorest parts of the world. Michaela was designated co-ordinator for the charity in Co Down and the top fundraisers for the project will have the opportunity to travel to Africa to see the impact of their efforts in person.
    Left - Mickey Linden and Michaela with support runners

 

 

Right - Sheenagh McConville (Clonduff) and Mickey Linden strut their stuff

     
   

Clonduff Ladies win the Down Senior trophy to make it Three-in-a-row in 2008!

   

   
Back row (l to r) Karen Gribben, Fionnuala Carr, Lorraine Maginn, Lisa Gribben, Catherine Rooney, Elaine McCourt, Bridget Quinn, Shauna McParlan, Paula Gribben, Onagh Gribben, Cathy McParlan; Middle row (l to r) Aoibheann Downey, Sara-Louise Carr, Colleen McPolin, Clodagh Nugent, Colleen McPolin, Jolene Branagan, Leann McParlan, Jackie Gilmore, Michaela Downey; Front row (l to r) Sheenagh McConville, Lucia Morgan, Angeline McPolin, Christine Grimes, Janine Branagan, Kelly Carvill, Michaela McConville, Pauline Trainor
CLONDUFF 4-09 BREDAGH 1-05
Believing that a good start is half the battle the Clonduff girls set about an early blitz which literally blew Bredagh out of the water and left the Belfast girls with no way back after an opening quarter which had yielded three goals.
Lorraine Maginn had the ball in the Bredagh net after two minutes and with the wind in their backs Karen Gribben (2) and Michaela Downey added points to put Clonduff 1-03 up after five minutes.
With the Downey sisters dominant at centre-half and midfield respectively the Clonduff forwards enjoyed a good supply of the ball.
The champions stretched their lead when the Bredagh 'keeper could only deflect a Jackie Gilmore lob to the net and two minutes later Lorraine Maginn got her second following a good run by Michaela Downey and, with the half-time score: Clonduff 3-06, Bredagh 0-3, the challengers had a mountain to climb.
Bredagh certainly enjoyed a lot more possession in the second half and they contained Clonduff to three points, all from frees until Michaela Downey found the net direct from a free kick in stoppage time. The Clonduff 'keeper Elaine McCourt in great form. Elaine and the Downey sisters have now collected eleven Down SFC medals!
The photo above shows Vice Captain Colleen McShane and Captain Karen Gribben with the 'Century Electrical Wholesale' County Senior trophy and Lorraine Maginn (right) with the Player of the Match trophy.
This win gave Clonduff their third Senior title in a row.  They easily disposed of the Fermanagh champions in the Ulster Quarter finals but found the Donegal Champions (Moville) too hot to handle
Clonduff team and scorers: Elaine McCourt, Clodagh Nugent, Colleen McShane, Coleen McPolin, Leanne McParlan, Aoibheann Downey, Joleen Branagan, Jackie Gilmore 1-00, Michaela Downey 1-04, Kelly Carville, Paula Gribben 0-2, Sara Louise Carr 0-01, Christine Grimes, Karen Gribben 0-02 and Lorraine Maginn 2-00. Subs used: Janine Brannagan for Coleen McPolin, Michaela McConville for Kelly Carville, Lisa Gribben for Karen Gribben Bridget Quinn for Clodagh Nugent and Pauline Trainor for Jackie Gilmore.
Click here to view some additional images of the 2008 final
     
    Click to view my photos

One of Clonduff's newest referees, Paula Cairns was invited to officiate in the new initiative "Gaelic 4 Girls" in Croke Park for U14 players on Sunday 13th July 2008. Despite being on holidays in Sligo, Paula and her family made the round trip of 340 miles to take part. Croke Park was laid out in five pitches and Paula was involved in every game played, either as a referee, linesperson or Umpire.

Paula is in the centre of this picture (white shirt) - click on the image to view a slideshow of Paula's Big Day Out!

     
   

    Down Ladies' Captain (and Clonduff kingpin) Michaela Downey accepting a set of new kit bags prior to the Down v Clare League Semi Final, from Amy Nicholson (Bonny's Caravan Park), Newcastle. Also in the picture is Down and Bryansford player Natasha Ferris.
     
   

    Clonduff Ladies and their Mentors before the Championship Final 2007 - the Ladies not only did back-to-back championships, they also won the Senior League for the first time.
Back Row: Austin Ward, Karen Gribben, Bridget Quinn, Kelly Carvill, Lorraine Maginn, Paula Gribben, Elaine (Dot) McCourt, Aoibheann Downey, Janine Branagan, Colleen McShane, Lisa McPolin, Paul McShane, Gerard McShane. Middle Row: Johnny McAleavey, Cathy McParlan, Onagh Gribben, Michaela Downey, Leanne McParlan, Colleen McPolin, Fionnuala Carr, Jolene Branagan, Catherine Keenan, John A Gribben. Front Row: Lisa Parr, Lucia Morgan, Mary McPolin, Michaela McConville, Lizzie Barry, Jackie Gilmore.
Click here to view a slideshow
     
   

    The Clonduff U14 Ladies Football team that reached the County B Final in 2007. The team was coached by Paula Cairns and Peter McAleavey. Back row: left to right - Laura McGarry, Sarah Bloomfield, Katherine Milligan, Christina McConville, Catherine Rooney, Aoife Brown, Tanya McAleenan, Grace Brown. Middle row: left to right - Chelsea Brennan, Alice Britton, Carrie Smith, Megan O'Reilly, Roisin Mulholland. Front row: left to right -Laura Grant, Ciara Kelly, Leanne McAleavey, Jenna Boden, Orlagh Gribben, Niamh McGreevy
     
   
    Down Ladies U16 Footballers won the All Ireland B Championship when they defeated Roscommon 5-7 to 2-13 in Navan on Saturday 16 September 2006. What a fortnight for 16 year old Paula Gribben!
    On Friday 1 September Paula was an integral part of the Minor Camogie team that won the All Ireland B title; on Sunday 3 September she picked up 'Player of the Game' when Clonduff Ladies won Down Senior Championship; on Saturday 16 September she played for Down U16 Ladies when they annexed the All Ireland B Championship
 
Karen Gribben Clonduff Ladies Captain 2006 with the Down Senior Trophy Younger sister Paula who won the 'Player of the Game' award during the Down Senior Final! There was other Gribben Family involvement in Clonduff's success in Down! Three sisters are playing members (Left to Right) - Karen, Onagh and Paula, with their father, John Anthony (one of the Team Mentors)
 
Down Senior Football Champions 2006! Clonduff Ladies and their mentors before collecting the Senior Football title at the first time of asking when they overcame reigning champions Castlewellan on Sunday 3rd September 2006! Pictured back row L to R - John Anthony Gribben, Lucia Morgan, Aoibheann Downey, Lorraine Maginn, Jackie Gilmore, Liz Barry, Bridget Kearney, Kelley Carvill, Louise Savage, Elaine McCourt, Colleen McPolin, Colleen McShane, Sheenagh McConville, Lisa Parr, Michaela Downey, Catherine Keenan, Rita Kearney (Nurse), Paul McShane (Trainer). Front row L to R - Johnny McAleavey, Mary McPolin, Jolene Branagan, Janine Branagan, Christine Branagan, Paula Gribben, Karen Gribben (Capt), Angeline McPolin, Paula Cairns, Lisa McPolin, Leann McParlan, Onagh Gribben, Austin Ward.
 
Down Intermediate Champions 2005! Back row (l to r) Karen Gribben, Liz Barry, Paula Cairns, Andrina O'Hare, Catherine Keenan, Ursula Walls, Colleen McPolin, Bridget Kearney, Kelley Carvill, Louise Savage, Maria Carvill, Lisa Parr, Onagh Gribben. Front row (l to r) Karen Simpson, Paula Gribben, Mary McPolin, Christine Branagan, Jolene Branagan, Colleen McShane, Janine Branagan, Sara-Louise Carr and Maria Maginn.
 

Seamus McParlan (Mac's Bar) presenting kit bags to the Ladies Intermediate team prior to the Down Final 2004. The Ladies (l to r) are:  Angeline McPolin, Lorraine Maginn (Captain), Marie McParlan and Christine Branagan
 
The Junior Ladies pictured in Owen Roe Park, Kilcoo prior to their comprehensive Junior Championship Final win. They were a little less sedate after the game! Back row (l to r) Karen Gribben, Andrea Gribben, Lisa Parr, Lorraine Maginn, Onagh Gribben, Bridget Kearney, Olivia McPolin, Grainne Brogan, Fionnuala Walls, Lucia Morgan. Middle Row (l to r) Colleen McShane, Colleen McPolin, Jackie Gilmore, Rita Kearney, Louise Savage, Angeline McPolin, Jolene Branagan, Michelle McPolin, Caroline McCumiskey. Front Row (l to r) Siobhan McShane, Janine Branagan, Sarah Devlin, Paula Gribben, Sara Louise Carr (missing Paula Cairns)
 
    Onagh Gribben accepts the Down Ladies Junior Cup following their 3-17 to 0-3 win over Teconnaught in 2002.
The girls had a magnificent run in 2002. They also went through the Junior League unbeaten and beat the Donegal Champions, Termon in the preliminary round of the Ulster Club series. Unfortunately they succumbed by 4 points to the Derry Champions in the next round. What a marvellous achievement in only their second year in existence!
 
Eamon Rooney of E Rooney Coach Hire handing over a set of jerseys to Onagh Gribben (Captain). Also in the picture is Club Chairman, John McPolin before the first home game.
 
The First Ladies Team to take the field! This picture was taken before their first home game in 2002. Front row (l to r) Paula Gribben, Kylie Doherty, Sara Devlin, Leon Doherty. Middle row (l to r) Lucia Morgan, Jackie Gilmore, Colleen McPolin, Siobhan McShane, Maria Savage, Christine Branagan, Janine Branagan, Jolene Branagan, Bridget Morgan. Back row (l to r) Lorraine Maginn, Marie McParlan, Linda Gilmore, Maria Wilson, Bridget Kearney, Sarah Grant, Onagh Gribben, Karen Gribben, Michelle McPolin, Olivia McPolin, Marina Gilmore, Noleen Cairns.

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