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
 

Back to Gallery Page

 

"A GAA Club without Scór is just another sports club"!
- Jarlath Burns

 
Club Maíth Platinum Award Winners 2007!           Irish News Ulster Club Award Winners 2008!
 

Clonduff Cultural Sub Committee 2010

(Above) Clonduff were awarded the Peter Keenan Memorial Trophy for the 'South Down Scór Club of the Year' at the Divisional Scór Sinsir Final in Saval on Sunday 21st February. Pictured above is the Clonduff Cultural sub committee that organises Scór within Clonduff together with South Down officials. Back row: Joseph Farrell, Paula Magee (South Down and Co Scór Secretary), Cathy McPolin, Mary McGreevy, Anita Brannigan, Maura Quinn, William Smith (South Down Scór Chairperson and Co Vice Chairperson); Front row: Michael McArdle (South Down Acting Chairperson), Anne Keenan and Maureen Keenan (the late Peter's family), Brian McGreevy (Clonduff Chairperson) and Sean Downey.
 

Click to view my photosSouth Down Scór Sinsir 2010
Clonduff will have representatives in six of the eight competitions in the Scór Sinsir County Finals in Saval Sports and Leisure Complex next Sunday 28th February at 5 pm following some wonderful performances in the South Down Final on Sunday 21st February in the same venue. The level of competition and the standard of entertainment was phenomenal and those not qualifying can count themselves unlucky but in very good company.
In front of a packed house and very enthusiastic audience Clonduff mixed Set Dancing team and the Quiz team won their respective competitions to become South Down Champions. The runners-up in each competition also qualify for the County Final and those representing Clonduff are: Colleen Walls (Solo Singing), Sean Downey (Recitation), the Ceili Dancing team and the Novelty Act. The all girls Set Dancing team and the Ballad group just lost out on qualification by coming a close third in their competitions.
Clonduff also picked up the Peter Keenan Memorial Trophy for the best overall South Down Scór Club of the Year (supporting and promoting both Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir) which is testimony to the hard work and commitment of the Clonduff Cultural Committee.
(Click on the image of the Set Dancers above to view a slideshow of Clonduff Competitors in South Down Finals 21st February 2010)

 
Tráth na gCeist Gaeilge 2010

Oifigeach Chultúrtha an Dúin organised their first ever County Table Quiz on Wednesday 3rd February 2010, held in Clonduff Clubrooms. Unfortunately there wasn't a great turnout - but such things have to start somewhere! Questions were set and asked, as Gaeilge, by the new Language and Cultural Officer, Ryan Doyle. Clonduff entered two teams which finished 2nd and 3rd, to qualify for the Ulster Final to be held in Eglish, Co Tyrone on Friday 12th February. (Mayobridge were the winners). The two Clonduff teams, pictured above, were (on the left) Brian Canavan, Ciara McKeown, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan; and on the right Niamh Murray, Mary Catherine Morgan, Plunkett McConville, Brian McAleenan (Liatroim) and Kevin McShane.

 
Clonduff Talent shines in Strictly Come Dancing

On Friday Night the Canal Court Miller Suite was packed to capacity to see 'Strictly Come Dancing' organised by Clonduff's Paul McShane & Burren's Sean O'Hare. Clonduff's Frankie Quinn and Eliza Downey (Down Ladies Football Captain 2009) hosted the event.
Eight Couples participated in the show:
1. Aisling Pyers (Annaclone) & Conal McGovern (Burren)
2. Cathal Maginn (Clonduff) & Catherine McGovern (Burren)
3. Aiobheann Downey (Clonduff) & Eoin McCartan (Burren)
4. Grainne McKernan (Burren) & Danny Hughes (Saval)
5. Sheenagh McConville (Clonduff) & Eamon Toner (Burren)
6. Mairead Trainor (Burren) & Connor Toner (Burren)
7. Niamh Canavan (Saval) & Kevin McKernan (Burren)
8. Jacqueline O'Neill (Glassdrumman) & Dan McCartan (Burren)
Each couple performed 3 dances, a group dance, salsa dance and then a free-style dance. Judges on the night included Celebrity Bainisteoir Derek Davies, dance teacher Catherine Murphy and Five FM host Simon Burke. Everyone in the audience got a vote with their ticket, and then they had the opportunity to purchase additional votes.
The competition was won by Dirty Dancing Couple 'Jacqueline O'Neill & Dan McCartan, With Sheenagh McConville & Eamon Toner being placed runners up, followed by Aoibheann Downey and Eoin McCartan. The night was a great success with alot of money being raised for the Kenya Appeal 2010, and of course the Clonduff folk turned out in force to support the Clonduff Dancer's. Well Done to all to involved!!!
Photo Gallery - Top left - All eight couples
Top Right - The Clonduff Contingent (l to r) Cathal Maginn, Aoibheann Downey, Paul McShane (joint organiser), Sheenagh McConville and Francis Quinn (MC)
Left - Sheenagh McConville and Eamon Toner

 

Scór na nÓg 2010 County Finals

Many congratulations to the Scór na nÓg Quiz team of Mark Devlin,  Katherine Milligan and Ciara Kelly (pictured above with Co Secretary Sean óg McAteer, Question Master and Question setter and Co Chairman Kevin Bell) who picked up the 2010 County title in Saval on Sunday 22nd November 2009 (the County competitions take place at the end of the previous year with the Provincial and National finals taking place in the New Year). This team has been competing for the last three years - they were runners up in South Down both this year and last but obviously it's 'third time lucky'. They now go to the Ulster Semi Finals versus the Armagh and Antrim Champions in Keady on 12th December.
The young Dancers (below) who just started Set Dancing six weeks ago gave a great account of themselves in the County Final and finished in third place. A county title in the not too distant future awaits them if they stick together - they all have 3-4 years at this level! Thanks to Senior dancers Ursula and Lisa!
Clonduff Scór na nÓg Set Dancers 2010 (l to r) Nicola Ward, Noleen McAlinden, Emma McAlinden, Clare McGilligan, Caoimhe Morgan, Jenna Boden, Megan Kelly, Emma Gallagher
 
Strictly Come Jiggin' 2009 is a Huge Success
Left - the seven couples before the 'Dance Off' and right The Organiser, presenters and winners! Left to right: Sheenagh McConville (Organiser), Paul McShane (Presenter), Onagh and Aidan, the Champions, Janine and Gary runners up, Orla Maginn (Presenter) and Club Chairman (and participant) Brian McGreevy. Click here for extensive slideshow
Clonduff GAC hosted one of it's most successful fundraisers ever on Saturday 21st November in INF Hall, Hilltown. 'Strictly Come Jiggin' saw seven local couples battle it out for the honour of becoming Clonduff Dancing Champions. The hosts for the evening were Clonduff Camog Orla Maginn and Clonduff Footballer Paul McShane, and they played a big part in keeping the critic going between each dance. Our judges included Mary Grant (local celebrity), Catherine McAnulty (Carrickcruppen set-dancer), Debbie Murnin (Nurse to senior footballers) and Eugene Lively (well known mover and groover in Hilltown).
The night began with the couples arriving onto the floor wearing their own personalised t-shirts, urging those in the audience to vote for them!! Luckily Paudie Brown made it home from Denmark just in time to take to the floor with his partner GAGA Maginn, even though he had to leave his suitcase at the door!! A group dance saw the couples move to 'Evolution of Dance' and a very high standard had been set for the rest of the night. First up was Joleen 'Mambo' Morgan and club Chairperson Brian 'Bust a move' McGreevy who entertained the audience with their costumes and moves to 'Cotton Eyed Joe'. Second couple to raise the rafters was the Cabra Magpie Mickey 'Lightning Moves' Greenan and Ursula 'Quickstep' Quinn who worked the floor to 'Footloose'. Third Couple of the evening was Hostess with the mostess Pauline 'Twinkle Toes' O'Hare and Thomas 'Dirty Dancing' Murnin, who had the crowd in fits of laughter when Tooter appeared pushing Pauline in a wheelbarrow. Tooter then took the competition to a whole new level when he combined the 'Hills of Donegal'  to moves that Stavros Flatley couldn't even match!!!
Next up after the break was Dermot 'Fancy Feet' Fitzpatrick as we've never seen him before, Dermot had transformed his image for the show and went to great lengths to look like a female Irish Dancer, let's hope his eyebrows can grow back!! His partner Carol 'Cha Cha' Magee who would have given Michael Flatley himself a run for his money, re-enacted the 'Riverdance'. The props and backing dancers were first class in this act and the high calibre of talent continued right through the night. Couple five was Clonduff Ladies Footballer Onagh 'Dancing Queen' Gribben and U14 Football Manager Aidan 'Billy Elliott' Brown. They got the first standing ovation of the night when they danced to the 'Grease megamix', wearing fabulous co-ordinating outfits. Next up was the recently returned from Denmark Paudie ' Crazy Legs' Brown and Lorraine 'Lady GAGA' Maginn, who created their own megamix and pulled moves on the stage that have never been seen in Hilltown!! Last but by no means least, Gary 'Float like a Butterfly' Haughian (Senior goalkeeper) and Janine ' Jitterbug' Brannigan (Ladies Football) who performed Dirty Dancing 'Time of my life' and the crowd went crazy when Gary pulled of that 'lift'!! Seven couples had performed to a very high standard and the audience were left scratching their heads as to who would win their vote. In the end, Gary and Janine (right) emerged as runners up receiving beautifully inscribed trophies, whilst the winners were declared as Aidan and Onagh (above left) who also received trophies and flowers.
The event was a wonderful success, the audience had been entertained with video diaries and the actual dances they performed on the night! Thanks to our hosts Orla and Paul, Technical support in Ciarán McGreevy and Joe Farrell as well as Paul Fitzpatrick who recorded the whole event. (DVDs go on sale soon) Thanks also to Patrick Fitzpatrick, Deirdre and Maureen Killen. Thanks also to the INF Hall and their staff for their help in co-ordinating this event, and to Mini Macs Roadshow who had everyone in the hall dancing by the end of the night!!!
Congratulations and Thank you to each of the dancers for making last night such a success!! It was brilliant and couldn't have happened without your efforts.
Many thanks Sheenagh McConville for the original idea and all the hard work and publicity to turn such a great idea into a roaring success!
 
This group of musicians comprised the Ceíli Band that provided the music at the Ulster Scór Dha Scór and 125 Anniversary Concert held in Saval on Saturday 14th November 2009. All the counties contributed an act each with Down, Armagh and Tyrone contributing two each reflecting their overall contribution to Scór. Down was presented with a special award in recognition of having the largest Scór entry in the whole contry in 2009 with over one thousand entrants (Derry also received a presentation for the Ulster County with the biggest increase in numbers).
The musicians above are (l to r): Peter Magee (Mayobridge), Sean Murray (Clonduff), George McDermott (Cavan), Mary Catherine Murray (Clonduff) and Gareth McGreevy (Saul).
 
Pictured above are the young people who represented Clonduff in the Annual Bord na nÓg U18 table quiz - 2009r held in Ballykinlar. The Clonduff team were runners up and are (l to r) Mark Devlin, Ciara Kelly, Naoimh Murray and Katherine Milligan. They are flanked by organisers Sean McCashin (County Youth Officer) and Seamus Branniff
 

Click to view my photos

 

Friday night's Junior Disco (10th October, 2009) was a great night for the youngsters in the community, organised by Vincent Devlin on behalf of St Paul's Primary School in Cabra. Around 120 children danced the night away to music by Mini Mac Roadshow and top prizes were up for grabs for the best dancers on the night. The club would like to thank Vincent, The Cairns Family and the many parents who gave of their time to supervise on the night.

Click on the image (left) to view a slideshow of the youngsters enjoying themselves in the clubrooms.

 

'Parade of Clubs' on County Final Day 4th October 2009

The Down County Board organised a 'Parade of the Clubs' as part of the 125 Celebrations in the County before the Senior Football Championship Final on Sunday 4th October 2009.  A selection of U12 and U14 Boys represented Clonduff. The boys are pictured making their way from John Mitchel Place to Pairc Esler with their mentors Harry Brown and Liam McGreevy on left and Aidan Brown on the right (missing from photo is Sean Fearon). The parade was led by The Artane Band and the Float of County Jerseys prepared by Artie Noel and Roisin McConville and family, Kieran Tumilty and Patrick Mackin - the float was first seen at Clonduff's 125 parade on 10th May 2009.
'The Float Builders' for the County Final 2009 - Kieran Tumilty, Patrick Mackin, Roisin McConville and Artie Noel McConville The Clonduff Float leads the 'Parade of Clubs' to County Finals in Pairc Esler on Sunday 4th October. The Artane Band in background
 

Click to view my photosClonduff's 125 Trip to Dublin - On Wednesday 19th August more than 40 hardy souls gathered in Hilltown Square to board the bus that would take them to Dublin for the day. It was 8 30 am and the rain was falling in torrents but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the travellers.
This trip was jointly organised between Clonduff GAC and the Clonduff Historical Society, many of whose members overlap.
The further south the bus travelled the bluer the sky became and it remained like that all day! The first port of call was Croke Park - the assigned guide was Philip Archbold who led the group in an informative, entertaining, passionate and often amusing two hour tour of the stadium which simply flew past.
It was then on to the museum where the interactive area proved very popular and not only with the younger members of the group! Honestly you would think some people would have had more sense!
Following lunch at Croke Park the group made the short journey to Glasnevin Cemetery for another guided tour, feeling sure that Philip's 'performance' could not be topped! Sorry Philip it was by Shane Mac Tómais! Shane gave us a valuable insight into the history of Glasnevin as well as pointing out the final resting place of the some of the men and women who have helped to shape Ireland's past, present and future. The tour lasted one-and-a-half hours but it would be quite easy to spend an entire week browsing - there are 120 acres in the cemetery.
There were two magnificent guides on the tours - it is a pity that history in schools is not taught by people like these guys! The classes would be bursting at the seams!

 
Each year the Ulster Council runs a week-long Language and Cultural event in Downings, Co Donegal with a concert of Scór competitors on the Wednesday night and this event in 2009 took place on Wednesday 22nd July. A big contingent from Down, mainly Clonduff, travelled to Downings on Wednesday morning and made an overnight stay and what a night it turned out to be! Clonduff Set Dancers, Novelty Act and Juvenile musicians took part in the formal proceedings in honour of Paddy McFlynn's book launch. (Paddy is a former National President of GAA 1979-1982).  The group then retired to their hotel for a Seisún until the wee small hours of Thursday morning. In Joe Farrell's words 'We'll have to do two nights next year'! Roll on! (Click here) for a slideshow - Photos Jerry Quinn and Paula Magee
 

Kevin Mussen Honoured in Clones!

On Sunday 19th July 2009 at the Ulster Final, All Ireland winning captains from Ulster teams took centre stage when they were honoured. It was appropriate that the first man to bring Sam across the border was one such man in this historic year of the GAA and the 40th anniversary of Down's first Ulster title. Clonduff's Kevin Mussen is pictured making his way forward for the presentation.
(Photo Louis McNally)

Down Scór Competitors entertain at Captains Banquet

After all the excitement and formalities had  taken place in Clones on Sunday all the honoured captains were invited back to a banquet in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, where Down Scór competitors Stephen, Sean and Mary Catherine Murray from the Clonduff Club along with Killyclogher Ballad Group had the honour and privilege of being present to entertain at the after-match dinner. The talented trio are no strangers to this scene having previously played on several match days in Pairc Esler, Newry.  This was a great opportunity to display all that is good for Scór and another great occasion to record, in what all ready has been a great year in this County as we celebrated our 40th Anniversary in Scór.  Well done to all three musicians.
Stephen, Mary Catherine and Sean are pictured below. (Photo Paula Magee)
 
Clonduff and The Boley Fair 2009

Click to view my photosClonduff Club has played a big part in the staging of the Boley Fair in 2009. Sean Milligan was on the organising committee. On Saturday 11th July, on what should have been the ‘Family Fun Day’ Clonduff U8 footballers kicked off Clonduff GAC's Boley events when they entertained Bryansford U8 footballers when about sixty children from both clubs took part in a mini blitz – all the children got playing time and were awarded a medal at the end. Unfortunately the weather then intervened and the proceedings for the rest of the day were cancelled. (Click on the image left to view a few more pictures of the U8s and their visitors)
There was a big entry for the Handball Tournament which took place in the Handball Alley the week after the Newry and Mourne sponsored Handball Camp in Hilltown (the coaches were Des McNeill and Paul Shields. The semi-finals and the finals were played on the one-wall court at the club on Monday morning. Those taking part in the U15 competition were (Clonduff unless otherwise stated)
Shane Milligan, Ryan Dunne and Conor O’Neill (Downpatrick), Pat Havern and Stephen Digney (Saval), Packie O’Hagan, Conal Brown, John Brown, Conor Brown, Darren Harper, Liam McAleavey, Ruari McQuaid, David Quinn. Ryan Dunne eventually defeated Conal Brown 24:20 in the final. Four lads took part in the U18 competition - Ché Curran and John McAleavey (Clonduff), Eamon Savage and Daniel Connolly (Downpatrick). John defeated Daniel in the Final 22:10.
The Neighbourhood Challenge Quiz in the Clubrooms on Saturday night was one of the biggest ever with eighteen teams participating. The eventual champions were the Goward Dolmens followed by Mark’s Minors plus two in second place. A three-man United Nations team (one from Hilltown, one originally from Tyrone and one originally from Cork) were rewarded for their efforts in taking up the rear!
Sunday morning The Big Boley Breakfast, organised by the Camogs, was one hectic event – the demand was so great the food ran out twice but luckily supply sources were on hand to replenish the larder! Before the breakfast was over a great crowd of young and not so young enthusiasts set out to walk the Old Hilltown to Downpatrick route (now the lane that runs up behind St Patrick’s Primary School) from the Clubrooms to the Goward Dolmen – there was great craic there and back and the weather, whilst not exactly shining on the participants held firm until they all returned safely. Despite the rain a huge crowd turned out to witness the Tug-o-War in Clonduff Park which was eventually won by Doran’s men and The Downshire Arms Ladies. The rain also affected the staging of the Farrell & Farrell sponsored Townlands inaugural Set Dancing competition which moved from The Square to the INF, followed by a big crowd. Five teams took part with Newry Road/Yellow Road the winners and Cabra runners-up.
(Click on each of the images below to view a slideshow of that event)

Clonduff and the Boley Fair Picture Gallery 2009

Click to view my photos Click to view my photos Click to view my photos
Boley Townlands Quiz Big Boley Breakfast and Goward Dolmen Walk

Handball Camp and Boley Tournament

     
Click to view my photos Click to view my photos Click to view my photos
Poc Fada 2009 Senior Citizens Boley Tea Dance in Clubrooms Boley Tug-o-War 2009
     
Click to view my photos Click to view my photos Click to view my photos
Boley's Got Talent - Michael Jackson Tribute Set Dancing at the Boley 2009 Boley Sevens 2009

Despite the torrential rain on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, Monday dawned dry though it changed for the worse just as the juveniles competitors in the Poc Fada reached home base. Nine lads (none of the girls were brave enough) accompanied by an adult started the course (a few lost the ball along the way). First home was Conor Grant but he (with Jamie Curran) had taken 17 pucks - one more than new course record holder, Shea Murnin. The three older lads plus nine adults, including two females, set out on the more gruelling adult course by which time the weather had worsened but brave souls that they are most (but not all) completed the course. Shauna McParlan, the only female finisher completed the course with 30 pucks. Course and event organiser Damien Farnon together with Jim Murnin and Shane Murray completed the course in 21 pucks each. The weather was too bad to stay on the mountain any longer - it was decided to have a Puck Off during the Sevens tournament on Tuesday. Damien Farnon was tied up with work - Jim and Shane agreed that Eddie Clancy could be Damien's 'proxy pucker' and how Eddie fulfilled that role! In the best of three pucks each man pucked further each time but neither Jim nor Shane could match even Eddie's shortest puck, consequently Damien was declared the winner. Great credit must go to Damien - he organises and marks out the route every year. In this year's event he walked the mountain four times - 1 to lay the course, 2 accompanying a group of juveniles, 3 competing himself and 4 lift the flags (though Gerry Coughlin helped with this task). So was there ever a more worthy winner?
The inclement weather meant that the remaining outdoor events planned for Monday evening either moved indoors or had to be cancelled and unfortunately that is what happened to The Boley Knockout in Clonduff Park!
The Boley Fair is a community festival catering for all aspects of heritage and culture for all age groups - Boley's Got Talent is one such event. The Clonduff Camogs organised and produced a Tribute to Michael Jackson. Again the staging of the event fell foul of the weather on the outdoor stage but it moved indoors to The Downshire Arms. Unfortunately the stage was just a bit small for the 13 man/woman tribute group (which incidentally won 2nd prize) but not to be outdone they restaged it outside Lowry's Pub when the rain settled a bit!
Tuesday was the only dry day (apart from Opening Night) - a large crowd enjoyed Hugo Duncan in The Square before moving to Clonduff Park for the now traditional Boley Sevens. People arrived wearing t-shirts and whilst it turned colder later  it was a very pleasant day. Four teams turned up for the football (unfortunately none for the Camogie) and it was decided to run the event on a League basis with each team being guaranteed three games and the winner the team with most points at the end - in the event of a tie there would be a play-off. There were three players who had returned from the US (all on Cabra teams) especially to play in the Sevens. A very pleasing aspect of the day was the number of participants who have moved into the parish and have not previously played for Clonduff teams - the Sevens is about community and craic! After the first round of games some of the players were finding the pace just a bit much (it is an over 30s event though in hindsight some players should have been asked to produce their birth certificates) and it was agreed to reduce the playing time from 7½ mins to 5 mins each way. Gerry Coughlin (Clonduff Senior Hurling Manager and qualified referee) and Henry Brown (Minor player and Young Whistler) took charge of the games - generally everybody behaved themselves and allowed the referees to get on with the job of refereeing. Unfortunately, in the last game of the day Conor Donnan sustained a dislocated finger and had to go to hospital (thanks to Collie Lynch). The good news is that after treatment Conor was allowed home with some strong painkillers. The tournament was a close affair but Cabra 1 with two wins and a draw were declared winners with Ballygorian (2 wins) close runners-up. Players from both teams received Boley Fair plaques which were presented by Anne McKeown the Boley Fair Secretary for 2009.

Clonduff's 125 Celebrations

Lá na gClub - 10th May - What a Day!
TClick to view my photoshis was a day that will live long in the memories of Clonduff Gaels. The day dawned bright and sunny in the midst of wet and windy weather and shone on the whole proceedings all day!
Click on the image (left) to view a slideshow!
The special Mass was celebrated by Club President Dean Anthony Davies who retires from duties at the end of the month on the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination. St John the Baptist's Church Ballygorian was packed for the occasion with many more Clonduff Gaels resplendent in club dress outside. For the Mass, Clonduff native Gerry Curran had written a special reflection for inclusion in the Mass. The parade of hundreds of  players, officers and members, with each of the Parish townlands identified, got under way with the Clonduff Banner followed by the Tommy Kelly/Peter Hamill 'Clonduffmobile' with dignitaries and local musicians on board, and this was followed by the colourful McConville/Mini Mac float. On arriving at the Clonduff Club all those present formed a '125' on the pitch. Dean Davies said a Blessing and Christina McConville sang Amhrán na bhFiann. This was not only included in the Club video but also in the BBC film to be shown on Tuesday evening Sport at the end of the 6 30 news. A time capsule including club memorabilia, a jersey, and submissions for both St Paul's and St Patrick's Primary Schools was buried to be raised at the 150th Anniversary of the GAA and a native Irish Rowan Tree was planted. The activity on the two pitches show-cased all the Gaelic field sports - football for men and women, Hurling and Camogie with the individual skills of each game demonstrated. The whole day was a highlight but the Rounders match between the 'Inner City' and the 'Country Cousins' drew a very interested crowd. The one-wall handball drew another large crowd of participants as well as spectators. There was Cic Fada, Poc Fada, Hurling and Football Skills and Penalty Kick competitions for various age groups and for both sexes. And to fulfil the 'Athletics' element of the GAA there were races for mothers and fathers (separate, of course). Just before the finale of the outdoor activities the 2009 Down County Set Dancing Champions (Clonduff) showed us all just why they are County Champions. The finale was a mixed Hurling/Camogie game refereed by Gerry Coughlin and this was followed by a mixed men's/women's football match. The only prizes on the day was bragging rights!
Throughout the day a wonderful array of club memorabilia was exhibited in the clubrooms and the Club Officers and President cut the specially commissioned commemorative cake. 
The evening proceedings got underway with a Céili, called by Joe Farrell interspersed with Scór participants - musicians, dancers, reciters, singers and the Clonduff Novelty Act which won the County title in 2009. It was long (12 hours) but memorable Lá na gClub!
Below are three slideshows with over 300 photographs of the great day! More still to come!
Lá na gClub - Click here to see the day's programme!
Click on each image below to view further slideshows!

Click to view my photos

Click to view my photos

Click to view my photos

 
Click to view my photos

Clonduff got their 125 celebrations off to a good start on Thursday 7th May with an inter-club table quiz. The turnout from visiting clubs was rather small but to those who did come we say a big thank you for contributing to a good night's entertainment. The front runners from the start was the Clonduff Goward/Ballyaughian team and Mayobridge.
The quiz consisted of Scór type questions - GAA, Ireland and the Irish. A picture round on Irish Landmarks was the deciding factor - with the home side just edging out the visitors.
The picture on the right shows the winning team and the Quiz organisers - Brian Canavan, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan. The team was Kevin McShane, Colin Shields, Aishling Walls, Niamh Murray, Naoimi Murray and Rachael Dickson.
Click on the image to view a short slideshow

Clonduff will once again be running the annual Townlands Quiz during the Boley Fair.

 
Click to view my photosUnveiling the first Townland Stone
On Friday afternoon 8th May, the first of the 'Townland stones' was unveiled by Jarlath Burns the Chairman of the National 125 Committee. The first stone has been set at the Eight-mile Bridge denoting the boundary between Carcullion in which the village is situated, and Ballymaghery in which the Clonduff Club is situated. About 70 stones will be required to complete the project - they are being phased in, as funds become available - if anyone out there wishes to be part of this great project of resurrecting and restoring the townlands in the Parish of Clonduff please get in touch with any member of the Club.
The occasion was witnessed by a small group of Clonduff personnel and members of the local Historical Society, all of whom were entertained to a cup of tea in the Clubrooms before the event. The rain poured down at the tea-drinking but miraculously the sun shone for the unveiling as the photos in the slideshow on the left will show - click on the picture to view the slideshow.
The granite stones are being crafted by local craftsman Tony Branagan.
Jarlath congratulated Clonduff as one of the few clubs who whole-heartedly embraced all the Gaelic sports and spoke of the importance of GAA Clubs in not only keeping the townland unit alive but also the Irish Language.
As a token of appreciation Jarlath was presented with a glass plaque beautifully crafted by another local craftsman Patsy O'Hagan.
 
Click to view my photosSt Patrick's and St Paul's Primary Schools celebrated the GAA 125 Anniversary on Friday 24th April with a series of all day activities. The weather was favourable in the morning when all the youngsters from both schools took part in outdoor activities. The children of St Paul's used Lowry's Meadow which has a historical link with Clonduff teams of the past and has recently been used recently to accommodate club teams for training when there was just too much activity in Clonduff Park. The children from St Patrick's were all brought to Pairc Chluain Daimh where every child took part in Football, Hurling, Camogie or Rounders. The teachers in both schools were assisted and supported by Club personnel who were available on the day.
The GAA theme continued in the afternoon with  the teaching of the curriculum through the GAA resources, which has been ongoing for some time.
St Patrick's is also doing a presentation on the 'Townlands' Project which will be displayed in The Clubrooms over Lá na gClub weekend.
 
Clonduff Clubrooms has become a very popular venue in the local community for family gatherings and parties. The clubrooms provide privacy, intimacy and a family- friendly atmosphere. Below are details of two of the most recent.
On Friday 1st May 2009 the Fearon Family celebrated the birthday of their mother Mary Rose who was born 90 years ago. There was a great gathering of Mary Rose's children, grandchildren, family and friends.
The Fearons have a long association with Clonduff as former players and Sean is current manager of the U14 Football team.
The O'Hagan party that was held  on Saturday 4th April. It was a triple celebration of a Pearl Wedding anniversary and the birthdays of both Mr and Mrs O'Hagan .....Rose O'Hagan (nee McEvoy).
 The party had almost 200 people on the guest list and was organised by daughter Leanne O'Hagan on the recommendation of local Clonduffians....

Click to view my photos

Click to view my photos

 
Click to view my photos

Clonduff held a juvenile disco on Friday 13th March 2009. It was really well attended with 127 primary school children turning up. Mini Mac did  the music and the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed it. As well as the disco, Patrick also offered spot prizes to those displaying the best dancing moves on the night. Winners received Mini Mac Disco T-shirts (they cant be bought in the shops!) One of the photos shows a delighted young man kissing his new Mini Mac T-shirt.
Dean Davis dropped in for a dance or two with the youngsters. Check out the photos of the Dean enjoying himself with the youngsters.
Overall, a great night was had by all! Thanks to  Kevin Campbell, Goretta, Noleen and Paula Cairns for helping out - the more help there is, the easier things are and new faces are always welcome!
Next Juvenile Disco will take place on Easter Tuesday.

Click the image on the right to view a slideshow of the night's craic!

 
Click to view my photosThe Club Juvenile Pool finals took place in clubrooms on Sunday 1st March 2009, there was a good turnout of local youngsters to participate and watch.
The following young people had qualified for finals day:
U12-Shane Milligan, Conor Milligan, Stephen McConville and Mark Bradley
Winner: Shane Milligan, Runner Up Conor Milligan
U14- Finbarr Greenan, James McParlan, Shane Milligan and Mark Bradley
Winner Shane Milligan  Runner Up James McParlan
U16- Darren McKevitt, Caolan McPolin, Stephen McConville and Shane Milligan
Winner Shane Milligan Runner Up Caolan McPolin
U18-Sarah Bloomfield, Declan Gribben, Caolan McPolin and Darren McKevitt
Winner Caolan McPolin Runner Up Declan Gribben
Congratulations to Shane Milligan who won 3 out of 4 categories, having picked up the U13 County Handball title a few weeks earlier.  (He also plays football and participates in Scór na nÓg!) Well Done also to Sarah Bloomfield who was the only female to qualify for Finals Day!!
 

Clonduff's two Scór Sinsear County Champions 2009
Left - Novelty Act - Back (l to r) Kealim O'Hare (The President), Sean Downey (Down Hurler) and Paddy Downey (Tyrone Footballer). (Front) Eamon Devlin and Therese White (Set Dance winners 40 years on).
Above - Set Dancers
(Back) Niall Quinn, Seamus Parr, John Cunningham, Francis Quinn; (Front) Tracey Magee, Anne Kelly, Janine Branagan and Onagh Gribben
Before a capacity crowd in Saval GAC Club on Sunday 1st March Clonduff picked up two Scór Sinsear titles to add to their South Down titles won two weeks previously!  The opposition was tough in both competitions but the nature of the Novelty Act - based on Barack Obama's Irish roots - comprehensively swept the boards. Those taking part were the Downey Brothers Sean and Paddy (who wrote the script), Kealim O'Hare, Eamon Devlin and Therese White. The Set Dancing team was a new-look mixed team from previous years - Onagh Gribben, Janine Branagan, Anne Kelly, Tracey Magee, Niall and Francis Quinn, Seamus Parr and John Cunningham - but they carried on the strong tradition of Clonduff in the County Final!
Scór in Down continues to gather momentum in this the 40th anniversary of the founding of the GAA's Cultural flagship and the 125th anniversary of the founding of the GAA itself  - hopefully this increased participation will be  maintained and not just a gesture to mark the two great anniversaries!
Fear an Tí on the night was Scór chairman John Devaney while the quiz master was Brian Kennedy.
 
Click to view my photosTo mark the 40th anniversary of Scór, President McAleese hosted musicians, singers, reciters, dancers and officials from Co Down at Áras an Uachtarán on Thursday 19th February 2009 - the 40th anniversary coinciding with the GAA’s 125th anniversary .
Scór is the GAA’s principal cultural competition, which celebrates and promotes Irish traditional music, dance, poetry and drama through its club and county structures.  Each year it attracts thousands of young and not so young  who compete in eight categories from local county semi finals through to the All-Ireland finals.
President McAleese  welcomed the group at 11.00am and was entertained by the Ballad Group from Saul, who went on to lift the  All-Ireland Scór na nÓg title the following Saturday (21st February) in Athlone.
The winning groups were accompanied by club officers, Scór and GAA officials from the county.
Down’s GAA Cultural Officer and Scór chairman John Devaney described the visit as “an important acknowledgment of the work that continues in promoting Irish culture through the clubs in the county.”
John stated that “the high levels of participation and the high standards prove that Scór is the most important vehicle within the GAA for maintaining and expressing culture through music, song, dance, poetry and drama.” 
“It has stood the test of time of 40 years, and despite the many competitive distractions, it is now stronger than it has been in years” he added.
Presentations were made to President McAleese on behalf of Down Scór by Anne Marie Mulholland (Rostrevor) and Declan Boyle (St Michael's) the two solo winners in the 2009 Scór na nÓg competitions
Among those who visited the President are the county winners of Scór na nÓg (U-17) 2009.:
Ballad Group All Ireland winners from Saul
Instrumental Music winners from Saul
Solo-Singing winner from Rostrevor
Recitation/Story-telling winner from St Michael’s
Ceilí Dancing winners from Ballyholland
Set Dancing winners from Warrenpoint
Novelty Act winners from Saul
Clonduff was represented by Scór Committee members Mary McGreevy, Cathy McPolin and Anita Brannigan. Seamus Parr, the Senior Football  goalkeeper and member County Scór Sinsear Set Dancing team was the bus driver for the day.
 
South Down Scór Sinsear finals 2009 took place in Saval on Sunday 15th February when, to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of Scór, 22 of the 23 South Down football clubs were represented. This was the result of the hard work and 'coercing' abilities of a very dynamic Scór Committee.
Saval Hall was packed to capacity with most of the clubs vowing not to let their efforts be just a 'one off' and build on what was achieved in 2009.
Three new cups were presented - Cathal Sands Memorial Cup (Most Improved Scór na nÓg Club) to St Michael's (presented by Michael and Lily Sands); Moya McCormack Memorial Cup (Most Improved Scór Sinsear Club) to Rostrevor (presented by Feargal & Roisin McCormack); Peter Keenan Memorial Cup (Best Overall South Down Club) to Ballyholland (presented by Evelyn and Nichole Keenan).
The South Down Scór Committee pictured left are: Back (l to r) Gerard Keenan (Mayobridge), Kieran McGreevy (Annaclone) Anita Brannigan (Clonduff), Grainne McGovern (Warrenpoint) Gerry Quinn (Mayobridge): Front (l to r) Mary McGreevy (Clonduff) William J Smith (Glasdrumman and South Down and South Down Scór Chairman), Paula Magee (Mayobridge and County/South Down  Scór Secretary) and Cathy McPolin (Clonduff).
 

 

 

On Thursday 29th January 2009, Clonduff Club was the host for the Health and Wellness course organised by The Ulster Council and delivered by Aileen Tohill. Clonduff's representatives, pictured right are (back l to r) Shauna McParlan, Sheenagh McConville, P J McGreevy, Kitty Fegan. Front (l to r) Ciarán McGreevy, Arty Quinn, Sheenagh Tally (Facilitator) and John Anthony Gribben.

 
Click to view my photos

 

On Thursday 18th December 2008 Clonduff Clubrooms hosted the annual Christmas Party for the local Gateway Club. A big crowd of Gateway Club members and their families attended. Of course the highlight of the evening was the visit of Santa who had a gift and plenty of craic for each member. The lovely meal was cooked by Mona Killen.
The Gateway Christmas Party has now become established in the Clonduff Clubrooms which is the ideal setting for community groups and family get-togethers.
The Slideshow, left, (click on the image of Fionnuala and Santa to view the entire slideshow) shows not only Fionnuala Smith (Hilltown Gateway Leader) but also a number of members and their families - of course, some of the members pretended they were too shy to have their photos taken with Santa. (Photos courtesy of Sheenagh McConville)

 
Click to view my photosScór na nÓg 2009 - There was no joy for the Clonduff competitors in the County Scór na nÓg 2009 finals held in Carryduff on Sunday 23rd November. The resurgence of interest in Scór competitions in Down, evidenced last year was intensified with the 'standing room only' final on this the 40th Anniversary of the competitions. South Down acknowledged the effort of all competitors by issuing each one with a commemorative certificate - 22 of the 23 clubs took part in this year's activities - and the participating clubs were acknowledged at the County Finals.
The hard luck story of the county final was the quiz team of John McAleavey, Caislín Hynes and Mark Devlin (they were runners up to Mayobridge in both South Down and in the County) - they missed out by two marks - half an individual question. Also representing Clonduff in the Down final were the South Down Instrumental Music champions of Stephen, Sean and Mary Catherine Murray.
 

Click to view my photosOn Thursday 20th November Eadaoin Hynes, representing Clonduff GAC, swept aside all opposition to win the top talent competition De X-Factor final in The Canal Court Hotel.
Over the previous six months, GAA Clubs from South Down and South Armagh held their own internal competitions and the winner from each represented their clubs in the Canal Court in the final. Eadoain was the run-away winner of the Clonduff heat with her rendition of Duffy's 'Mercy' and she sure showed none towards the opposition in the final.
The fact that the winner received £5,000 - £2,500 for herself and £2,500 for the club they were representing added spice to the event!
Click here to see/hear Eadaoin footage on Youtube (there's lots of Clonduff videos)

 
On Saturday 30th August 2008, Clonduff Clubrooms was the setting for the 18th Birthday Party for Ogie (Seamus) McGaw. A big crowd was present to wish Ogie a 'Happy Birthday'. The two pictures above show Ogie having the time of his life. On the left he is pictured with his parents Seamus and Briege and his sister Sonya. On the right Sonya and Ogie are happy in each other's company.
 

Boley Fair Juvenile Sports Day and It's a Boley Knockout

Click to view my photos In 2008 Clonduff GAC organised a very successful Boley Juvenile Sports Day on Saturday 12th July and on Monday 14th July there was hilarious fun at the first ever Boley Fair Knockout!
To view a slideshow of the juveniles in action, click on the image on the left.

To see the adults making eejits of themselves, click on the right!
Click to view my photos
 
Click to view my photos

The Annual Fun Run/Walk has become an established event of Boley Fair Sunday. 2008 was no exception a large number of Children, Adults and Families took part in the event, which is a sponsored event to raise money not only for Clonduff Club but also for a deserving charity.
In 2008 the organisers looked no further than the local community. A sizable proportion of funds gathered will go to the Hilltown Play Group and the Hilltown Senior Citizens Club.

The adults were too shy to have their photos taken, click on the image left to view a slideshow of some of the younger participants.

 
Click to view my photosFor quite a few years, The Newry Wheelers Cycling Association has used Clonduff Car park and Club Rooms as the base for their bi-annual activities - one day's racing is confined and the other is open. On Saturday 21st June 2008 they staged their Open event when over 200 cyclists took part in the wet and windy conditions.
The cyclists sign on in the clubrooms and commence their racing from the top of the driveway and complete three circuits of the route which takes them from Clonduff Park to The Square, Kilcoo, turning left on to the Newry Road and onto Rathfriland. At the bottom of the brae they turn left on to the Hilltown Road, into into the village, turn left down through the village and past the Club.
Clonduff are always willing to assist other organisations - Clonduff Club member, Billy Campbell is one of the main organisers in The Wheelers'
Click on the image (left) to view a slideshow of the Wheelers' around the club rooms
 

Hall of Fame Winners 2008

The Clonduff Annual Awards night for 2008 was held in March 2009. This was also the date of the 40th Anniversary of Scór Competitions (Scór Dha Scór) and to mark the occasion, Clonduff chose the All Ireland winning Novelty Act personnel of 1977 to join the Hall of Fame - the first Down Club to do so. The three members of the act - Anne Quinn, Mary Grant and Eileen Hamill are seated at the front. In the back row are Brian McGreevy (Club Chairperson) Enda McGinley (All Ireland winning Tyrone team) and Bronagh McAlinden who presented the P J McAlinden Memorial Trophy to the three ladies.
 

County Scór Sinsear Champions 2008

The Set Dancers, looking resplendent in their re-styled dresses, regained the County Title, last held by Clonduff in 2006. Back row: Onagh Gribben, Wendy Farrell, Gayle Kane, Niamh Pritchard, Laura McShane. Front row: Lisa Parr, Ursula Quinn and Andrea Gribben For the second year in a row, super sub, Mary McGreevy helped the Clonduff team to the Quiz County title - left to right: Mary McGreevy, Marie Walls and Brian Canavan.
Both acts won their respective Ulster Semi Final.
 
Despite all the other activity on Sunday 12th August, a large crowd of players, mentors and parents attended the presentation on 'Health and Wellness' by Sharon Madigan (Dietician) in the clubrooms.
She recommended that in the interests of hygiene, all players should bring his/her own water bottle to both training and games. She said it was vitally important for players not to train or play on an empty stomach and recommended that all players should eat a balanced meal 1½ to 2 hours before the activity.
The Clonduff  Club believes this is sound advice and, while water will still be provided in the usual manner, would like everyone to bring his/her own clearly marked water bottle with them and always eat a meal a short time before a match or training.
On the right, Paul Shields (Youth Officer) is pictured with a section of the young people who attended.
 
Scór 2007
Flanked by two of the Scór Sinsear winners are the Scór na nÓg County Champions 2007 in Instrumental Music - The Murray Family, Sean, Mary Catherine and Stephen with (at back) David Mackey.
Clonduff were the top club in Scór Sinsear an Dún in 2007. They picked up three county titles - Recitation, Novelty Act and Quiz and progressed to the Ulster Final. Above (left) is Eileen McCusker (Recitation) receiving the brand new Kennedy Family trophy from Josie and Brian Kennedy (Brian is County Scór Chairman); On the right is the Quiz team of Anita Brannigan and Marie Walls who were joined in the County Final and the Ulster Semi Final by super sub Mary McGreevy (regular member Brian Canavan was unavailable). The Novelty Act group, pictured on the bottom left are: Therese White, Eamon Devlin, the mannequin, Sean Downey, Paddy Downey. In front are Cailim O'Hare and Danny Nugent. Bottom right are the three county winners with the three brand new trophies.
 
St Paul's are GAA Table Quiz County Champions 2007!
St Paul's Primary School, Cabra are Cumann na mBunscol an Duin Table Quiz Champions 2007. The children, pictured left to right are: Shane Milligan, Gabriel McCoy, Declan Gribben and Mark Devlin. They are pictured here with their trophy and their Principal, Vincent Devlin and Quiz Organiser Collie Bell. The boys went on to represent Down in the Ulster Quiz. Mark and Declan represented Down in a televised quiz on 'The Den' on RTE in March (broadcast 23rd March). Mark and Shane cut their 'quizzing teeth' in this year's Scór na nÓg and Clonduff Club is very proud not only of these two but of Declan and Gabriel also. Well done boys (and Vincent too).
 

Aisling Walls, Ciarán McGreevy and Kevin McShane who picked up the County Quiz Title in Scór na nÓg in 2005. They were runners-up in the Ulster Competition Brian Canavan, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan regained the County Scór Sinsear title in February 2006. They won their Ulster Semi Final but were defeated in the Final
Clonduff Novelty actors: Paddy and Sean Downey, Therese While and Eamon Devlin won the County Scór Sinsear title in 2006. They won their Ulster Semi Final and were unlucky in the Ulster Final. The Clonduff Set Dancers can count themselves very unlucky in the Ulster Final 2006 - their performance was almost flawless! Back: Wayne and Jayme Farrell, Ursula and Niall Quinn, Joe Farrell, Joleen Morgan, Wendy and Elaine Farrell
 
These 12 boys and girls represented Clonduff in 3 teams at the annual Down Youth Table Quiz (2005). They are pictured in the Mayobridge Club with Tom Markham - the All Ireland Minor cup won by Down in 2005!
 
Clonduff Set Dancers picked up another County Scór Sinsear title in 2005! Back row (l to r): Jayme Farrell, Niall Quinn, Wayne Farrell, Ursula Quinn. Front row (l to r) Elaine Farrell, Niamh Pritchard, Lisa Parr and Joleen Parr
 
Co Sets Champions 2004 - the men are all Farrells - Joe (2nd from left) and sons Jayme, Wayne and Keith (substituting for the injured Niall Quinn). Front Row: Elaine Farrell (Jayme's wife) Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Joleen Parr Co Quiz Champions 2004! Brian Canavan, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan
 
This team of young ladies reached the Down Co Final in 2003 competing for Clonduff in the Set Dancing Competition. Left to right: Caroline McGreevy, Laura McShane, Claire Cunningham, Tracy Magee, Jane McPolin, Onagh Gribben, Karen McConville, Janine Branagan Co Céilí Champions - one of three Scór Sinsear County title winners in 2004. Left to right: Kerrie O'Hagan, Joleen Parr, Laura McShane, Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Wendy Farrell, Gail McPolin, Elaine Farrell
 

Clonduff GAC's Very First Golf Classic - 15 June 2001

The Trail Blazers The Winners The Mourne Windows
These four young Clonduff men were the very first team to tee off in the first ever Clonduff Golf Classic. Left to right - Damian Smith, John Fegan, Stephen Brannigan, Damian Fearon This team, representing Dromara GFC returned a magnificent score of 103 to collect first prize. Four more Clonduff men, represented Mourne Windows, the senior team sponsors. Left to right - Shane Fitzpatrick, Oliver Morgan, Tooter (Thomas) Murnin and Paul McConville
 
Clonduff Senior Set Dancers reached the All Ireland Final for the first time in 2003 having won the County and Ulster titles. The dancers are (left to right) Wayne Farrell, Niamh Pritchard, Joe Farrell, Andrea Gribben, Niall Quinn, Lisa Parr, Michael Walls, Joleen Parr
 
Sean Downey won the County Scór na nÓg Recitation title in 2002 is pictured here with Cathy McPolin
 
 
Darren Gribben, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan won the County Scór Sinsear Quiz title in 2001, 2002 and 2003
 

Y2K was a special year for Clonduff - they picked up four County Titles in Scór Sinsear!

Left - Clonduff's first ever Ballad Group winners      Left to right Cathy Murray, Ann O'Hare, Niamh O'Hare, Eileen Murray and Matt McGinn

 

Right - Niamh O'Hare picked up three County Titles at Scór Sinsear 2000 - Solo Singing, Ballad Group and Ceili Dancing

 

Clonduff's Four County Scór Sinsear Champions, 2000!
Back row - Left to Right:  Ted Gilmore, Gerard Duggan (Novelty Act) Laura McShane, Ursula Quinn, Jolene Parr, Andrea Gribben, Niamh Murphy, Lisa Parr, Claire Cunningham and Caroline Brannigan (Ceili Dancing) Middle Row - Left to Right: Eileen McCusker (Novelty Act), Niamh O'Hare (Multi Award Winner), Karen McConville (Novelty Act), Ann O'Hare, Matt McGinn, Eileen Murray, Kathy Murray (Ballad Group) and Fr Tony Corr (Novelty Act)  Front: P J McGinn and Noel Carvill (Novelty Act)

 

This young group of Set Dancers kept up the great tradition of Clonduff - they won the Down and Ulster Scór na nÓg titles in 2000 and were beaten into second place in the All Ireland Final on a countback. The following week they collected the Readóri title competing against the same team. The team, from left to right (back) Michael Walls, Oonagh Gribben, John Cunningham, Wayne Farrell. f(ront) Janine Branagan, Sharleen McCaffrey, Karen Gribben and Wendy Farrell.

 
 

County U18 Table Quiz Champions and Runners Up 1999/2000!
Clonduff entered two teams in the Youth Table quiz in 1999/2000 and they picked up first and second prize! Seated: County Champions (Left to Right) Niall Quinn, Niamh Hynes, Ruari Cousins and Kevin Mooney.  Middle Row Patrice McPolin (Organiser) Colin Brannigan, Rory Grant, Cillian Cousins and Ryan Arthurs with Michael Keenan (County Youth Officer.   Clonduff's Youth Officer, John McPolin is pictured centred back with other members of the organising committee.

 
Scór Sinsear Winners 1998! Clonduff picked up three County titles  - Set Dancing, Novelty Act and Quiz. Back row: Jayme Farrell Joseph Farrell, Francie McKeown, Eileen Parr, Sean Fegan, Leona Lavery, Fr Corr, Agnes Murnin, Seamus McPolin, Keith Farrell. Front: Elaine Hillen, Gail McPolin, Anita Brannigan, Marie Walls, Andrea Gribben, Lisa Parr. Missing from the photo is Francis Quinn who was on the quiz team.
 
President Mary McAleese invited the Clonduff Dancers to Aras an Uchtaran for St Patrick's Day Party in 1998. Front (l-r) Wendy Farrell, Wayne Farrell, Onagh Gribben, Joseph Farrell, President McAleese, Martin McAleese, Laura McShane, Michael Walls, Janine Branagan. 2nd row (l-r) Kevin óg fitzpatrick, Claire Cunningham, Caroline Brannigan, Eithne Harper, Elaine Hillen, Niamh Murphy, Ursula Quinn, Sharlene McCaffrey, Niamh O'Hare. 3rd row (l-r) Peter Magee, Conan O'rourke, Jayne McPolin, Niall Quinn, Joleen Parr, Seamus Parr, Gayle McPolin, Sean Hillen. Back (l-r) Keith Farrell, Lisa Parr, Jayme Farrell, Andrea Gribben, Francis Quinn
 
These young dancers won the Set Dancing at the very last All-Ireland CCD Finals in February 1998 Back Row: (left to right)  Joe Farrell (coach) Wayne Farrell, Seamus Parr, Niall Quinn, Michael Walls, Phyllis Breslin (President of All Ireland Camogie Board) Front Row: Wendy Farrell, Sharleen McCaffrey, Oonagh Gribben and Janine Brannigan
 
This team - Anita Brannigan, Marie Walls and Francis Quinn won Clonduff's first Scór Sinear Quiz title on home ground in 1997.  They retained the title in 1998 and 1999.  They are flanked by Harry McAvoy (Down Scór) and Martin Goss presenting the Goss Shield.
 

These ladies brought three All-Ireland CCD titles back to Clonduff in 1997
Back left to right - The Set Dancers - Jolene Parr, Lisa Parr, Niamh O'Hare (Niamh also won the Solo Singing) Ursula Quinn, Jayne McPolin, Clare Cunningham, Laura McShane, Caroline Brannigan: Front left to right - Belle O'Loughlin (President All Ireland Camogie) The Quiz Team - Mary C Morgan, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan

 

CCD Winners 1994 - All Ireland Set Dancing winners - Left to right Front: Seamus Parr, Wayne Farrell, Niall Quinn, John Cunningham. Back: Onagh Gribben Wendy Farrell, Eileen McCusker (Ulster Recitation winner), Belle O'Loughlin (Ulster Camogie Council Chairperson), Maureen Kearney and Sharlene McCaffrey
 


1993 - Clonduff entered the Record Books
when they became the only Club in the history of Scór na nÓg to win both the All Ireland Ceili and Set Dancing titles on the same day, using only a total of nine dancers!  The children are: Back Row (l to r) Kevin óg Fitzpatrick, Jayme Farrell, Francis Quinn, Keith Farrell. Front (l to r) Elaine Hillen, Caroline McShane, Andrea Gribben, Lisa Parr, Joleen Parr. The children are flanked by their mentors Sean Hillen (left) and Joe Farrell (right).

John Cunningham and Kevin óg Fitzpatrick won the Scór na nÓg Instrumental Music Co title in 1994

 
 
All Ireland CCD Quiz Champions 1994 - Mary Catherine Morgan, Marie Walls and Mary Kelly won the All Ireland on the fourth occasion they reached the All Ireland Final. They are pictured here with the President of the Camogie Association Bridin Uí Mhaolagáin
 
Following the great success of Clonduff competitors in various cultural competitions a presentation was made to Joe Farrell and Sean Hillen (Dancing coaches) by Eileen Hamill (Chairperson Clonduff Camogie) and Vincent Devlin (Chairman Clonduff GAC)
 
South Down Scór na nÓg Champions 1992! Left Sean Magee and John Cunningham won the Instrumental Music and Tracy Rodgers won the Solo Singing
 
Sean Fitzpatrick (Back right) won Down and Ulster CCD Recitation title in 1990 Keith Farrell (Centre) won the Down and Ulster Final in Scór na nÓg Recitation in 1991
 
This group of youngsters won the Scór na nÓg County title for Novelty Act in 1990. They are: (l-r) P J McGinn, Francis Cousins, Sinead Hannaway, Paul McConville, Bridgín Grant and Paul Parr
 
The Fegan Sisters - Michelle, Angela and Sheenagh were Scór na nÓg Co Instrumental Champions in 1989 Clonduff's first ever Scór na nÓg Quiz winners - 1992 - Jayme Farrell, Francis Quinn and Gavin McCann Angela has moved on but Sharon is an able replacement as the Fegan Girls were once again winners in 1990
 
South Down Scór na nÓg Set Dancing Champions 1989! Back row (l to r) Laurine Harper, Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Elaine Hillen. Front row (l to r) Jayme Farrell, Kevin óg Fitzpatrick, Keith Farrell, Francis Quinn
 
In 1984, to mark the Centenary of the GAA, Clonduff staged a pageant "To Wear the Yellow Gold", telling the story of the GAA in Clonduff (founded 1887 and continuously in existence since). Pictured above is the cast. Front (l-r) Sean Hillen, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Bridgín Grant, Paul McAlinden, Lorcan Mussen. Second row (l-r) Joseph Farrell, Teeni Wilson, Aileen McGinn. Back (l-r) Helena Grant, Arthur Murphy, Eileen McCusker, Peter McPolin, Bronagh McAlinden, Pat Hannaway, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Jimmie Cousins, Peter Hamill, Sean Fitzpatrick, Francis Quinn
 
Scór na nÓg County Champions 1988 - (l to r) Elaine Hillen, Aileen McGinn, Martina McGinn, Siobhan Magee, Noreen McPolin, Edel Harper, Martina Monaghan, Denise Hillen Scór Sinsear Set Dancing team 1988 - (l to r) May McCaffrey, Sean Hillen, Kathleen McPolin, Desmond Connolly, Christina Monaghan, Ted Gilmore, Briege McCartney, Damian Murray
   
A Youthful Set Dancing team in 1987 - (l to r) Paul McConville, Karen McConville, Francis Quinn, Lisa Parr, Jayme Farrell, Tracey Magee, Keith Farrell, Mairead McGinn CCD Ulster Set Dancing Champions 1987! Back row (l to r) Grainne Harper, Noreen McPolin, Siobhan Magee, Edel Harper, Martina McGinn. Front row (l to r) Denise Hillen, Aileen McGinn, Martina Monaghan
   
The Magee Family - Siobhan, Paul and Tony who won the Co Scór na nÓg Instrumental Music title in 1986 Clonduff's 1st Set Dancing team in an Ulster Final - Back Joseph Farrell, Sean Hillen, Seamus McPolin, Patsy O'Hagan. Front: Kathleen Smyth, Kathleen McPolin, Christine Monaghan, Winnie O'Hagan
 
Down Scór na nÓg Novelty Act Champions 1985 - Pamela McQuaid, Lynn Carvill, Mary Clancy, Sheila Lowry and Lorraine Brown.
 
These ladies won the 1985 Down and Ulster CCD Novelty Act titles (l to r) Jacqueline McGreevy, Eileen McCusker, Rosaleen McCartney, Teenie Devlin and Eileen Hamill
 
Representing Clonduff in Scór Sinsear Quiz in early 1980s in Mary Catherine Morgan, Tom Gribben and Aidan Carr Clonduff Set Dancers in early 1980s - Back: Seamus McPolin, Sean Hillen, Joseph Farrell, Paddy O McConville. Front: Carmel McGinn, Kathleen Hillen, Kathleen McPolin, Margaret McShane
 
These men represented Clonduff and Down in the All Ireland Scór Sinsear Instrumental Music Final in 1983. They are Peter Cunningham, Ciaran Mussen and Liam McSherry.
 
 CCD County Quiz Champions in 1980. Mary Murphy, Pamela Arthurs and Kathleen Clancy.
 
These young ladies reached the All Ireland Final of the CCD Quiz in 1978. They are: Jacqueline McGreevy, Martina Devlin (RIP), and Elizabeth Maginn
 

Clonduff's first All Ireland Cultural Award winners!
They did us proud in 1977! All Ireland Novelty Act Winners - Anne Quinn, Mary McGinn and Eileen Hamill.  "The Matchmaker" was written and produced by Mary!

 

The very first winners of a Cultural Award in Clonduff!
These 3 young ladies, (left to right) Susan Magennis, Ursula Hamill and Ann Murphy, picked up the County CCD Quiz title in 1974

 

Top of Page

 

© Anita Brannigan
If you wish to make a comment or supply information for inclusion on this site please e-mail Anita