Cumann Lúthchleas Gael - Gaelic Athletic Association

Cumann Chluain Daimh - Clonduff GAA Club

Clonduff GAA Club is at the heart of the community, providing a range of Gaelic Games and Activities

Football, Camogie, Hurling, Ladies Football, Handball, Cultural & Social Activities!

Who is Clonduff Committee & Contacts Weekly Activities Milestones All-Ireland  Winners Gallery Clonduff Manual
Click here to email Clonduff    Clonduff People - Past and Present

Senior Co Winners - 9 SFC - 1930, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1980, 2000, AI Football 7s 2009;
3 Senior Ladies FC - 2006, 2007, 2008; 2 Senior Camogie Championship - 2007, 2009, AI Camogie 7s Shield 2009; 2 Senior Handball Titles;
2 JHC; 41 County Scór Titles!

 

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"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!

All Ireland Cultural Winners

 

Scór Sinsear

1977 Novelty Act Mary McGinn, Ann Quinn, Eileen Hamill

                             
Scór na nÓg

1991 Set Dance Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Elaine Hillen, Ursula Quinn, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Kevin og Fitzpatrick, Francis Quinn
1993* Set Dance Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Elaine Hillen, Ursula Quinn, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Kevin og Fitzpatrick, Francis Quinn
1993* Ceili Dance Lisa Parr, Andrea Gribben, Elaine Hillen, Ursula Quinn, Caroline McShane, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Francis Quinn
 

Ceol Caint Agus Damhsa

1975 Recitation Mary McGinn
1989 Recitation Eileen McCusker
1992 Set Dance Elaine Hillen, Andrea Gribben, Lisa Parr, Ursula Quinn, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Kevin og Fitzpatrick, Francis Quinn
1992 Ceili Dance Elaine Hillen, Andrea Gribben, Lisa Parr, Ursula Quinn, Caroline McShane, Jayme Farrell, Keith Farrell, Francis Quinn
1993 Quiz Mary Morgan, Mary Kelly, Marie Walls
1994 Set Dance Maureen Kearney, Wendy Farrell, Oonagh Gribben, Sharleen McCaffrey, Seamus Parr, Wayne Farrell, John Cunningham, Niall Quinn
1995 Céili Dance Eithne Harper, Liza Parr, Jolene Parr, Laura McShane, Niamh Murphy, Naoimh O’Hare, Niamh Ptirchard, Ursula Quinn
1996 Set Dance Liza Parr, Jolene Parr, Laura McShane, Naoimh O’Hare, Ursula Quinn, Claire Cunningham, Jayne McPolin, Caroline Brannigan
1997 Ceili Dance Eithne Harper, Liza Parr, Jolene Parr, Laura McShane, Niamh Murphy, Naoimh O’Hare, Caroline Brannigan, Ursula Quinn
1997 Quiz Mary Morgan, Anita Brannigan, Marie Walls
1997 Solo Singing Naimh O'Hare
1998 Set Dance Wendy Farrell, Sharleen McCaffrey, Oonagh Gribben, Janine Brannigan, Seamus Parr, Michael Walls, Wayne Farrell, Niall Quinn
 
 

Hilltown 10K - Message from Patricia Brown - one of theOrganisers

On behalf of Shereen, Billy, Paul and myself, we wish to thank you for your support in promoting, attending and use of car park and club for Hilltown 10k and Fun Run on Sunday! As always very much appreciated! hope you all enjoyed and be back for more next year! Thank you

A great crowd braved the chilly April day for the fourth annual 10K and Fun Run. Top Left: Fun Runners/Walkers get going on the 10K on the orders of Matt McGinn and Patricia Brown. Top right Jamie Curran is flanked by John and Connor Brown. Below left the serious runners get under way including Assistant Treasurer Paudie Matthews (no 30) and Sean McGreevy (black top behind Paudie) and on the bottom right Eileen McCusker and Secretary Anita Brannigan eventually make it home in last place along with camera-shy Assistant Secretary Marie Milligan. But it wasn't about the prizes they were going to receive! (Photos Jimmie Cousins - see our Facebook page for originals)

   
 

Cultural/Historical Visit to Dublin - Easter 2013

A group of 30, including 11 children left Clonduff Clubrooms on Wednesday 3rd April for a visit to 'Our Spiritual Headquarters' Croke Park, which was a first some some of the young people and a first tour for some of the not so young! The guide, Cian Keane entertained us for two hours with informative and hilarious stories. The group is pictured above in the VIP area of the Hogan Stand. This is a trip that everyone of us should undertake sooner rather than later! See our facebook page for an album of photos.

Following a light lunch the group then proceeded to Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum. The first port of call was Daniel O'Connell's crypt and then on to O'Donovan Rossa's grave where an actor gave a marvellous performance of Padraig Pearse's graveside oration at O'Donovan Rossa's burial in 1915 ". . . but the fools, the fools, the fools! — they have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace". It was then on to the most visited grave in the cemetery - Michael Collins' before moving into the new museum to view the interactive presentations and timelines as well as the history of burials and the cemetery itself. This too, is a landmark where one could spend many hours absorbing the history of the country from its opening in 1832. Following a welcome cuppa in the new cafe we embarked on the return journey to Hilltown where the day was completed with an evening meal in our own local historical landmark - The Downshire Arms.

 

The Easter Bunny Has Been Rescued

Despite the snow covering the mountains in the background, the sky was blue, the sun shone and there was a definite buzz in the air in Clonduff Park at midday on Easter Tuesday (2nd April 2013) when around 120 youngsters and their adults turned up to help free the Easter Bunny that had been kidnapped some time in the week before Easter.

They followed the trail picking up clues and Easter Eggs along the way, spotted and captured the kidnapper and freed the bunny! Back in the clubrooms again there was a welcome cup of tea/coffee, face painting (Thanks Maureen, Karen, Ciara and Lisa), colouring in, Easter Bonnet Parade and distribution of prizes. Every child and adult received an Easter Egg and by all accounts a magnificent time was had by all! Hopefully this will be the first of many such events!

A major Thank You to the Cultural and Community sub committee of Clonduff GAA Club who organised the event; to Maria, Plunkett, Thomas, Charlie, Leo, Sean, Kathleen and other club personnel (and their family members) who helped in any way on Easter Monday or Tuesday - it wouldn't have happened without this combined effort!

 

GAA NATIONAL CONGRESS
Niamh Murray was Down's Youth Representative at National Congress on w/e 22nd, 23rd March 2013 in The Dome, Derry. Here are a couple of photos and her personal account of the event - photo on left is the platform party and the right is the Dessert served at Saturday night's Banquet

NM: "Last weekend I was at GAA Congress in Derry, this was an experience I enjoyed very much. On Friday evening after workshops and reports, Joe Brolly spoke to us, very movingly about organ donation – it was felt that this is something the GAA are going to support. The National Youth Committee also spoke on Friday evening, it was good to see that young people are being listened to. All the motions were put through on Saturday, I thought these would have caused more controversy particularly surrounding the black card, but this was not the case. On Saturday we were also addressed by President Michael D Higgins as well as Liam O’Neill. Congress concluded on Saturday evening, followed by Mass then a banquet where Phil Coulter entertained us. This was a great experience and aside from the formalities of Congress there was great craic as well and it was brilliant to meet people from all over Ireland and further a-field."

 

St Colman's U14 Athletic Team are All Ireland Cross Country Champions!

Congratulations to St Colman's College U14 Cross Country team, and in particular our own Darren Quinn (with cup) who the All Ireland Cross Country Team title held in UUJ on Saturday 8th March 2013. Darren, a member of our U14 Football team is the son of Artie and Mary Lou.

 

Clonduff's Karaoke 'Treadathon'

 
 

What a great event the Karaoke Treadathon turned out to be! This novel fundraising idea brought the young and not so young members of Clonduff GAA Club together with the common goal of raising funds for the newly refurbished clubrooms. The younger members got proceedings under way at 4pm on Friday 15th March 2013 and the not so young brought it to a conclusion somewhere around 4am on Saturday 16th March.

There were five treadmills on the go (with one in reserve) and each participant was allotted a 20 min slot - the treadmills were all donated for the event and to those people who did so we say a big 'thank you'. The Juvenile session ended at 8pm when the Club Chairman, Brendan Murray got things under way for the adults. The craic and banter was mighty and those brave and/or fit enough gave some 'amazing' performances at the Karaoke whilst doing their run, walk or crawl.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Friends of Clonduff and especially the organisers Orla, Carol and Martin and also to the Bar and Social Club staff who kept the refreshments, burgers and chips in constant supply.

A big ‘thank you’ to those who donated prizes for the raffle/auction – Macs Bar (Wine), Spar Hilltown (Large Easter Egg), Edel Lennon (Beauty Voucher), Diamonds Restaurant (Meal Voucher), Lorraine Bloomfield (His & Hers Bathrobe set), Rory Maginn (Bottle Jameson), Orla Maginn (St Patrick’s Day edition Down Jersey), Paul McShane (Signed Down Jersey for auction [bought by Miceál Crilly], and Best Dressed [118 118 – Orla Gribben, Therese McStay, Jackie Gilmore])

A great night/early morning was had by all, even the bank manager!

Check out the many photos on the Clonduff FaceBook Page

 
 

Great night for Clonduff in the South Down Scór Sinsir Finals - three acts made it this far and all three collected the South Down titles - Ceili Dance team (Janine Branagan, Ellen Murphy, Niamh Canning, Lisa Gribben, Caroline McGreevy, Joeleen Morgan, Ursula Quinn, Wendy Branagan), Instrumental Music (Stephen and Sean Murray with Paul Kelly) and the Set Dancing team (Ursula Quinn, Francis Quinn, Joleen Morgan, Wayne Farrell, Janine Branagan, Niall Quinn, Wendy Branagan, Jayme Farrell).  Well done everybody and Good Luck in the County Final next Sunday in St Malachy's High School, Castlewellan - commencing at 4pm.

 

South Down Ceili Dance Champions 2013

South Down Instrumental Mucic Champions 2013 South Down Set Dance Champions 2013
 

SCÓR SINSIR 2013 

Almost flawless performances by Clonduff Ceili and Set Dancers and the Murray Boys in Instrumental Music saw them emerge winners in their respective competitions in the second South Down Scór Sinsir Semi Final on Friday 8th February in Mayobridge. This was one of the best and most keenly contested rounds in Scór Sinsir for many years. These three acts will represent Clonduff GAA Club in the South Down Final on Sunday 17th February in Saval at 5pm. Clonduff Club also competed in Solo Singing, Recitation and Quiz and to all who represented Our Club in Mayobridge we say 'Thank You - you did us proud'!

On the right is Stephen and Sean Murray - Sean's first Scór Sinsir

Below left Our Solo Singer Christina McConville

Below right Recitation Competitor Ciara Kelly

Below (left) is the Ceili Dance team: Janine Branagan, Ellen Murphy (l), Niamh Canning (obscured), Lisa Gribben (b), Caroline McGreevy (obscured), Joleen Morgan (r), Ursula Quinn, Wendy Branagan (f) Below (right) is The Set Dance team (l to r) Ursula Quinn, Francis Quinn, Joleen Morgan, Wayne Farrell, Janine Branagan, Niall Quinn, Wendy Branagan, Jayme Farrell

Thanks also to our new Cultural and Community Officer, Jimmie Cousins who organised the Clonduff competitors. Jimmie hopes we will have a full complement of competitors in both Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir next year! Well done to all concerned! Jimmie took the above photographs
 

Clonduff Club Pool Team 2013

L-R Shane Milligan, Patrick Morgan, Conor Milligan, Conall Gribben, Caolan McPolin, Sean Milligan, Janis Drikis

 

HILLTOWN POOL LEAGUE CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT 2012

Clonduff Clubrooms has become the established venue for the Annual Christmas Pool Tournament organised by the Hilltown Pool League.
Over 30 Players participated. The tournament got 
under way at 2.00pm. As always the games were played in great spirit with high quality of pool on show. As they got down to the business end of the draw, the Semi Finals were contested by Decky Burns v Tony Greenan which Decky narrowly won 3-2 and in the other Semi-Final, Sam O'Hare defeated Declan Duffy 3-2 after coming from 2-0 Down.
In the Final there was a high standard of pool played with Sam OHare taking the 1st frame and was unlucky not to win the second. Decky took the second and from that point on Decky began to take control and took the title and prize-money on a 3-1 scoreline. 
Everyone there thoroughly enjoyed their day and a big thanks must go to Clonduff club and all the Clonduff volunteers who give up their free time to Set up the Club for the event, the Bar staff, those who cooked the food which was greatly appreciated, those who Set up the Pool Tables and also John Travers for organising the draw fixtures on the day and ensured that the event went like clockwork.

The photo above shows the finalist Winner: Decky Burns (right) and Runner-Up: Sam OHare (left)

 

Niamh for National Congress 2013

Congratulations to Niamh Murray (above) who was elected at the Down County Convention on Wednesday 12th December 2012 to attend National Congress as Down U21 Delegate. Niamh is chairman Brendan's daughter but in her own right she is a member of Bord na nÓg. Well done Niamh!

Congress will he held in Derry City in April 2013 in recognition of Derry's selection as European City of Culture 2013.

Niamh is the second young Clonduffian to be selected as Youth Delegate to National Congress - Ciarán McGreevy was the Down Delegate when National Congress was held in Newcastle Co Down in 2010.

 

Clonduff Development Draw Winners - Wednesday 12th December 2012 (12/12/12)

£12000 winner Peter Martin Fitzpatrick. Seller Dalsey Mooney
£100 Jim Wright seller Shannon O'Hagan
£100 Grace Lavelle seller Oliver Morgan
£100 Kieran Morgan seller Gerard Morgan
£100 Lucy Kearney seller Carol Magee
£100 Sam & Louie Brannigan seller Paudie Matthews

Left - Young Evie Lyness-Feenan draws out Peter martin's winning draw ticket.

Below The Super 12 Winner Peter Martin Fitzpatrick (centre) receiving his £12,000 cheque from draw co-ordinators Mary McGreevy, Marie Walls, Niall Rafferty and Roisin McConville.
Dalsey Mooney was the seller of the winning ticket.

 

South Down Awards 2012 - The last photo of Jerry Quinn RIP

It was a great night for the Gaels of Clonduff at the Annual South Down Awards on Friday 30th November in Mayobridge Social Club when the Guest of Honour was Tyrone Legend Mickey Harte. Some of the Clonduff contingent and Award winners are pictured above with the Man Himself.

The night began with a traditional music group comprising the Murray Family (Clonduff) - Sean, Mary Catherine and Eoin - and a group from Mayobridge including their Uncle and cousins - Peter, Eimear and Cathal.

The winners included: Gerard (or as we know him Ben) Brennan (Juvenile Referee); Arthur McConville (Player of the Year); Clonduff GAA Club (Chairman's Award); Sara Louise Carr (Recognition of her Soaring Star Award), Sean McNally (Recognition of his All Ireland Handball Silver Masters title) and the big one of the night - Hall of Fame to Fintan Mussen.

In the traditional 'envelope collection' for Charity the proceeds were divided between the Michaela Foundation and the Ryan Doyle Repatriation Fund.

Full list of winners:

Adult Referee of the Year – Kieran Trainor (Longstone), Neil Cousins (An Riocht), Ronan Barry (Tullylish)

Juvenile Referee of the Year – Paul Faloon (Saval), Kieran Mooney (Rostrevor), Gerard Brennan (Clonduff)

Player of the Year – Ryan Kelly (Longstone), Arthur McConville (Clonduff), Mark Poland (Longstone)

Club of the Year – Cumann Pheadar Naofa Warrenpoint

Chairman’s Awards – St John Bosco, Rostrevor, Clonduff

All Ireland Handball Winners – Sean McNally, Lorraine Havern, Stephen Digney, Pat Havern, Brian Havern

Down Minor C All Ireland Camogie Winners – accepted by Niamh Mallon (Capt), Paul Boyle (Manager)

Camogie Soaring Star Winners – Sara Louise Carr, Karen Tinnelly

Special Award for Services to Scór – Paula Magee

Hall of Fame – Fintan Mussen (Clonduff)                                                                         (Click here for more Photos or check out our Facebook page)

 

125 Presentation to Make a Wish Foundation

On Tuesday afternoon 27th November 2012 Gail McKee, Fundraising Manager, Make a Wish Foundation visited Clonduff Clubrooms to collect a cheque for £1,000 - a share of the proceeds from the 'Table Draw' at the 125 Banquet on Sunday 4th November.

Pictured at the presentation are: (L to R) Noreen Tumilty, Jerry Quinn, Gail McKee, Sheenagh McConville, Brendan Murray, Marie Milligan, Connor Donnan

 

South Down Scór na nÓg 2013 Finals

What a wonderful South Down Scór na nÓg Final in St Mark's High School on Sunday evening, 18th November 2012! Whilst Clonduff didn't win any titles - perhaps they should have but they got three runners up places and a further automatic place and will be in the County Final on Sunday 25th November in Abbey CBS @ 4pm. On stage will be our Instrumental Music, Ballad Group, Set Dancers and Quiz team.

Well done everybody and all the best in your respective County Finals on Sunday!

Clonduff Ballad Group - Back Row: Noel Mussen (Chair SD Scór), Anne Kelly, Ciara Tumilty, Bernice McAleenan, Ellen Kelly, Mary Catherine Murray; Front row: The Downey Sisters - Mayobridge Ballad Group and Anita Brannigan (Secretary SD Scór)

Clonduff Instrumental Music Group - Back row: Gerard Keenan (SD Scór) Anne Kelly, Thomas Kelly, Bernice McAleenan, Mary Catherine Murray, Kevin McElroy; Front row: Michael McArdle (South Down Chair), Ballyholland Musicians and Noel Mussen

Our Juvenile Set Dancing Team: - Laura Mackin, Clare McAlinden, Clare McGilligan, Emma McAlinden, Jenna Boden, Nicola Ward, Katie McGilligan, Meghan Kelly Clonduff Football Quiz team with South Down members: Back row: Anita Brannigan, Conor Milligan, Mark Devlin, Shane Milligan, Noel Mussen; Front row: Glenn Quiz team
 
 

Clonduff GAA Club's Visit to Stormont

13 Clonduff members took up the invite from local MLA Karen McKevitt to visit Stormont in recognition of their achievements. Back row: Fintan Mussen, Leo Lowry, Collie Rodgers, Anita Brannigan, Noreen Tumilty, Brendan Murray. Front row: Tommy Kelly, Jerry Quinn, Maura Quinn, Marie Milligan, Mary Murray, Eileen McCusker, Connor Donnan - a very enjoyable trip it was!

Click here to view some more photos!

 

125 Tree Planting - Clonduff Park 2012

What a morning Saturday 10th November 2012 was! So many children and their parents turned up at 10am for the opportunity to plant a tree on the bank on the road side of the new pitch they were all planted by 10.50am! This batch of trees came courtesy of The Woodland Trust and whilst it was a one-off the Club is hoping to purchase additional trees and shrubs to cover the steep bank below the new field in the very near future.

Following the planting the children and their parent were treated to a welcome cup of tea/coffee for adults and soft drink and crisps for the children. Dermot O'Hagan, the organiser then presented each child with a certificate and Children's Officer Teresa Carr presented them with the special 125 Commemorative Medal.

Thanks to everyone who turned up to make this a memorable morning for the children! What a wonderful way to end a wonderful week in the history of this illustrious club. Click here to view a slideshow of Jerry Quinn's & Jimmie Cousins' Photos    Click here to view a slideshow of Anita's Photos

 

Celebrating 125 Years of the GAA in Clonduff

Above - Proud Clonduffians who participated in the special Celebratory Mass in St John the Evangelist Church, Ballymaghery, to kick-start what turned out to be a wondrous day of celebration. Words are hard to find to describe it - but here goes!
At INF Hall the 400 guests were greeted with a Mulled Wine/Soft Drinks reception and a group of local musicians playing traditional music. Formal proceedings got under way about 3.30pm in the capable hand of Fear na Tí Francis Quinn and Fintan Mussen. Each of the seven courses of the Banquet were led out by one of  'our sporting greats' - local men and women wearing appropriate face masks and stopped along the way to shake the hand of the real man/woman whose mask they were wearing. The courses were interspersed with 15-20 min slots of facts and an awful lot of humour, as well as video clips from our emigrants in San Francisco, Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney and London and live Skype link-ups to Paddy 'Badger' Brown and Eugene 'Darner' O'Hagan in New York and Sean Spiers in San Francisco. What a feat!By the end of the evening over 1,700 people were following the live streaming via www.panthersolutionstoday.com

Above - some of the Guests on the day - the inspirational Joe McDonagh former President of the GAA with Mary and Brendan Murray (Mr and Mrs Chairman), County Chairperson Seamus Walsh and Club President Dean Anthony Davies.

Other invited guests included Mr and Mrs Paraíc Duffy (Director General Croke Park), Mr and Mrs Aogán Ó Fearghaill (President Ulster Council), Paddy McFlynn (Iar-Uacharan, CLG and Down President), Sean Óg McAteer (Secretary Down Co Board), Deirdre McGrath and Francie (Chairperson Down Camogie), Paul Kelly Chairperson Down Ladies Football), Mr and Mrs Michael McArdle (Chairperson South Down Board), Sean McNally (Chairperson Down Handball), Lord Mayor John and Mrs McArdle (Newry and Mourne District Council), O'Hagan Family and Guests Claregalway, Fr Jarlath Cushenan (Clonduff PP), Fr Feidlimidh Magennis, Fr P J Murray, Canon Francis Brown, Canon Frank Kearney, Msgr Patsy McAleenan (unfortunately unable to attend through illness - we wish him well), Kathleen Cousins and Jimmie (Principal St Patrick's PS), Vincent Devlin and Maura (Principal St Paul's PS), Gerard Devlin and Gabrielle (Chief Ranger John O'Neill INF Hilltown)

Click here to view a slideshow of photos by Jerry Quinn and Jimmie Cousins - more to come! Click here for Jerry Quinn Vol 2 Photos.

Hundreds of photos and comments on our Facebook Page - clonduffgac 

Clonduff GAA Club's Individual Award Winners 2012 - the 125 Year!

The Annual Awards were presented during the 125 Banquet on Sunday 4th November 2012:

Senior Footballer of the Year - Peter McGinn & Sons Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill - recipient Paul Lively

Seconds Player of the Year - Bradley Family Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill - recipient Connor Grant

Thirds Player of the Year - Horseshoe Bar Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill - recipient Declan Gribben

Minor Footballer of the Year - Brown Bros Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill - recipient Connor Brown

Senior Hurler of the Year - James Matthews Trophy presented by Seamus Walsh - recipient Shane Murray

Minor Hurler of the Year - presented by Seamus Walsh - recipient Rián Branagan

Senior Ladies Footballer of the Year - INF Trophy presented by Seamus Walsh - recipient Jackie Gilmore

Senior Camogie Player of the Year - presented by Seamus Walsh - recipient Debra Murray

Junior Camogie Player of the Year - presented by Seamus Walsh - recipient Nicola O'Hagan

Special Presentation to Sara Louise Carr in recognition of her Camogie All Star Award

Club Person of the Year - Hugh McShane Trophy presented by Gerard McShane - recipient Anita Brannigan

Hall of Fame - P J McAlinden Trophy presented by Bronagh McAlinden - recipient Fintan Mussen and Jerry Quinn (jointly)

 

Juvenile Set Dancing Classes in Clonduff Clubrooms

There is a thriving Juvenile Set Dancing Class (photos above and below) running every Wednesday Night in Clonduff Clubrooms It started out in September with the girls participating in Scór na nÓg and has now mushroomed to three full sets every week. Joe Farrell takes the class ably assisted by Ursula Quinn, Wendy Branagan and Sean Hillen. Well done to all concerned!

 
 

Getting Ready for 125 Day!

Club Chairman Brendan Murray is getting a 'hand' with his 'Special Ediition Clonduff Tie' from 125 committee member Orla Maginn, meanwhile Connor Donnan and Sarah Bloomfield fight over the last ticket available.

Tickets are all gone! Clonduff Ties are on sale in the shops, and each of the man attending the event is encouraged to wear the club tie! Why Not?

With only a few days left until the 125 Banquet, final preparations are underway to celebrate Clonduff's 125th Birthday! It all happens on Sunday 4th November - the first recorded match involving a Clonduff team took place on 5th November 1887! The day will begin with a special MASS at 1pm in St John the Evangelist Church, Ballymaghery and everyone is welcome to come along. This is followed IMMEDIATELY by DRINKS RECEPTION at 2.30 pm and THE BANQUET beginning promptly at 3 pm.
Tickets for the Banquet SOLD OUT a few weeks ago, so for those lucky enough to get one of the 'GOLDEN' tickets for the event, a great day's entertainment is guaranteed.

The Reception in the INF Hall will begin at 2:30pm sharp, and we ask that everyone go directly from Mass to the INF Hall as the live streaming of the event means we have a very tight schedule.

We are encouraging all the gentlemen attending to wear the special edition Clonduff Tie, and you can buy the tie in local shops.

There will be a photographer in the INF Hall to take professional photos of this spectacular one-off occasion, so if its a photo of everyone at your table or a romantic snapshot - be sure capture the moment.

 

Meanwhile get those yellow flags up around the Parish"


Happy 125th Birthday Clonduff - Its going to be a great party!!

 

Around the World Programme in Clonduff Youth Club

Pictured above is the group of young Clonduffians who are taking part in our Around the World Programme in Clonduff Youth Club (Autumn 2012). Left to right: Charlie Carr, Peter McAleavey, Niall O'Hagan, Charlie Carr, Sinead Doyle, Elizabeth Wilson, Katie McGilligan, Clare McGilligan and Chinese Culture facilitator Paul Yam from the Wah Hep Chinese Association. Youth Club Organiser Marian Fitzpatrick is 'hiding' behind Katie. All of these young people can be found on the playing fields of Clonduff GAA Club at other times of the Year.

 

Lorraine and Leo are Silver Jublinarians!

Heartiest congratulations to our Social Club Officer, Lorraine Bloomfield and hubby Leo who celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary at the weekend (Saturday 6th October) at a surprise party in Clonduff GAA Clubrooms. The party was organised by their children Martin and Sarah, ably assisted from Down Under by their younger son Paul.

Lorraine and Leo are on the right of the photo on the left with other family members.

The Clubrooms (above) were tastefully decorated by Martin, Sarah and their friend Oonagh Doyle - fit for a right royal reception!

 
 

Match for Michaela

Pictured in Casement Park on Monday 1st October 2012 at the Launch of 'Match for Michaela'  (All Ireland Champions Donegal to take on Joe Kernan's Ulster Select) are (l to r): Clonduff's Niohmi Murray (one of three inaugural winners of Michaela Foundation Bursaries), John McAreavey, Joe Kernan, Aógan Ó Fearraill (Ulster GAA President), Mickey Harte and  Eilis Cassidy (Foundation Bursarry winner). Niohmi and Eilis are modelling the new jerseys for the Match.

 

Launch of 125 Banquet Tickets

Pictured above are some members of the 125 Sub Committee launching the ticket for the celebratory banquet to be held on 4th November 2012. Back row (l to r) Connor Donnan, Francis Quinn, Plunkett McConville, Vincent Devlin, Paul McConville; Front row (l to r) Brendan Murray, Marie Milligan, Lorraine Bloomfield and Tommy Kelly. Tickets can be purchased now and paid for in instalments! Contact any of the above people (or Sheenagh McConville, Jerry Quinn, Mark McPolin, James McConville, Anita Brannigan, Noreen Tumilty) for further details.

 

Opening of New Pitch and Switching on the Floodlights!

Sunday 19th August - the rain stayed away and the crowd turned out in force. It was a great day! Proceedings got underway at 4pm with the 'Join In' Sports for all - the obstacle race (organised by Shereen) was very popular as was the improvised One-wall Handball (Sean McNally), Long Puck (Paul McCusker) and Football skills (Aidan and Collie). Then everybody moved up to the new pitch for the mini games - U8 Football (Clonduff v Kilcoo) refereed by Young Ref Mark Devlin; U14 Camogie (Clonduff v Kilcoo - though which was which was hard to tell); U10 Hurling (Clonduff v Warrenpoint) refereed by Young Ref Martin Rooney; U12 Ladies Football (Clonduff v Rostrevor) refereed by Young Ref Sarah Bloomfield. These four games were representative of the 30+ teams fielded in Clonduff were a great spectacle and a fitting way to open the formal proceedings!

The formalities began shortly after 7pm - Jerry Quinn (Clonduff GAA Club PRO) introduced the Platform Party - Oliver Galligan (Ulster Council) Seamus Walsh (Down Co Chair), Sean Óg McAteer (Co Secretary), Michael McArdle (South Down Chair), Deirdre McGrath (Co Camogie Chair), Paul Kelly (Ladies Football Co Chair), Mayor John McArdle (Newry & Mourne District Council), Damien McConville (Sport NI), Fr Jarlath Cushenan (Clonduff PP), Dean Anthony Davies (Clonduff GAA President) and Brendan Murray (Clonduff GAA Club Chair). Jerry also welcomed the visitors from the other clubs in Down who turned out in numbers as well as representatives of McAvoy Construction who had 'created' the new pitch and Mr and Mrs Brendan O'Hagan, Claregalway (Brendan is son of the late Great Patsy O'Hagan) who had travelled up especially for the occasion.

There were short speeches by Oliver, Seamus, Michael and Brendan before the Blessing carried out by Dean Davies and Fr Cushenan. The Party then moved to the entrance to the field for the cutting of the tape (Oliver and Seamus) before returning to the platform where Damien performed the 'Switching On' ceremony.

The 'main event' then got under way with the Ross Carr Select taking on the  Clonduff Senior Football team under the scrutiny of Clonduff's inter-county referee Ciarán Branagan. Whilst the official result was a draw (a bit suspect perhaps) the result, like in the mini games was unimportant - the players had a lot of fun and the spectators were treated to a 'now and then' spectacle. Mickey Linden, DJ Kane, Tony McEntee, Ross, Cathal, Peter Withnell among others still can show the 'youngsters' how it's done! Johnny McAleavey in goals, Plunkett and John Morgan in Midfield wouldn't go amiss in any Clonduff team but the highlight of the day had to be Martin Farnon (current Senior Football Selector and a member of the 1980 Clonduff Championship winning team) taking to the field! No doubt a sight to behold!

Refreshments for all were served in the clubrooms and the 'Early Bird' draw in the 'Friends of Clonduff' draw took place and this was won by Ciarán Cranny of Newry who bought his ticket from Roisin McConville who to date has sold over 200 tickets. (The next draw will take place at the 125 Banquet on 4th November before the major draw on 12/12/12).

Clonduff GAA Club sincerely thanks all those, past and present, who played a part in the day's proceedings, all those who helped in the organisation, all those who attended and all those who sold tickets for the draw! Roll on the 125 Banquet which takes place on 4th November! See you all there!

The Platform Party at the cutting of the tape are: (l to r) Fr J Cushenan PP, Michael McArdle, Dean A Davies, Seamus Walsh, Brendan Murray, Mayor John McArdle, Oliver Galligan, Sean Óg McAteer, Damien McConville and Jerry Quinn.

Click here to view a slideshow of Anita's Photos - other to follow!

 

Kellogs GAA Cúl Camp in Clonduff Park 2012

Clonduff once again hosted a very successful Cúl Camp (this year sponsored by Kellogs) for 4-13 year old boys and girls. The 4-7 year olds attend the Nursery Camp some of whom are pictured (above) going through their paces with Clonduff's Onagh Gribben. There were in excess of 50 children in the Nursery section which ran from 10 am to 12-30. The older children attended from 10 am to 2.30 pm.

The youngsters can participate in Football, Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie.

For once the camp was blessed with a great week of weather with not one spot of rain!

Four of the coaches were from Clonduff GAA Club - Onagh, Niohmi Murray, Sarah Bloomfield and Orla Gribben which was co-ordinated by Clonduff's Children's Officer Teresa Carr and the head coach was Gareth Thornton (a former coach with Clonduff Senior Football team)

Click here to view a slideshow of photos on Snapfish - you need to log in but it's free!

 

Down Memory Lane by Jacqueline Rooney!

These lovely 'lasses' took part in an early Boley Fair match. The photo came to us from Jacqueline Savage's Facebook page via Helena Grant. Mo Brown says he has reason to know the year was 1987!

Helena says the team is: Back row (l to r) Marty Woods, Peter Hamill, Tony Brannigan (home on holidays from Australia), Martin Farnon, Paddy Brown, Paddy Oliver McConville, Maurice Brown; Middle row:  Vincent Devlin, Eamonn McCusker, Brian McGreevy, Johnny McCumiskey, Andrew Carr, Cathal Murray, Aidan Brown; Front row: Hugh Grant, Thomas Murnin, Louis Brown, Thomas Brown - help us out with the names of the two boys with their heads down.

 

Anticipation on Bondi Beach, Sydney - Sunday 22nd July 2012

This group of mainly Clonduff ex pats on Bondi Beach prior to heading off to watch the Ulster Final - Back row: Seamus Parr, Ruairi Cousins, Kieran Loughlin (Kilcoo), Kevin Parr, Peter Heatley (Warrenpoint), Eoin Murphy; Front row: Noleen Quinn (Castlewellan), Fionnbharr Murphy, Colin Brannigan - Seamus, Kevin and Colin (with significant others) flew from Melbourne to Sydney on Saturday and upwards on 20 local young people of this agre-group met up on Saturday night for pre-match craic!

 
Clonduff GAA Club and The Boley Fair 2012

Poc Fada on The Hen Mountain

Traditionally on Boley Fair Monday Clonduff GAA Club organises the Poc Fada on the Hen Mountain The weather bad been drizzly in the morning but by the time Poc Off came around the weather had improved dramatically (picture above) and most of those completing the course finished in t-shirts. There were twelve adults and four juveniles slogging it around the mountain and quite a number of supporters completed the course including six-year-old Grace and four-year-old Martín McCusker from San Francisco who accompanied their Daddy who was competing for the first time. Moya and Orla Maginn were the only adult females whilst Cassie Fitzpatrick was the only juvenile female. The youngest competitor was ten-year-old Padraig Clancy. By the time they got back to base Rhys Ward had won the juvenile section for the second year in a row and Cassie was awarded the juvenile female prize. What a different story with the adults - the Maginn sisters couldn't be separated (Orla was going for her third title in a row) and neither could Eddie Clancy and John Murphy (also going for his third in a row). The hard slog around the mountain was reduced to one long puck each - Orla and John both successfully retained their titles - come on folks let's give them stiffer competition next year!

Later in the evening, in glorious sunshine the Parish Sevens was a close fought, entertaining game between the Clonduff Sarsfields and Clonduff Red Hands (names aptly chosen by organiser Paul Kelly representing former names of Clonduff teams from the early 20th Century). The Sarsfields, captained by Nigel McPolin were the  eventual winners. The Red Hands were captained by Connor Maginn and P J McGreevy was in charge of the whistle. Presentations were made in the clubrooms to members of both teams as follows: Red Hands (below left) Back row - John Boden, Eddie Clancy, Connor Maginn, Rory Matthews, (front) Paul McShane, Kieran Kelly, Connor Donnan (Missing Collie Magee); The Sarsfields (below right)- Gavin McCann, Paul Kelly, Nigel McPolin, Tony Wilson (with son), Gerard McNeill (back), Shay Fitzpatrick, Paddy Green (back), Eamonn McCusker.

Well done everybody for a great Boley Monday!


Parish Sevens


Clonduff's 125 Boley Parade

On Sunday 8th July, Clonduff GAA Club were given pride of place in the Boley Fair Parade to mark their 125th year of playing Gaelic Football. The heavy rain in mid-morning had disappeared before all the GAA Club members  had left the top car park. Those taking part represented all the field sports, handball, Scór from U6 right up to Social Footballers and they reached Hilltown Square without a spot of rain!

About to lead off the parade with the new banner (created by Kieran Tumilty)are Senior Footballers Ruairi Lively and Finbarr McConville (above)followed by the 'Clonduffmobile' (below left) lovingly created by Tommy Kelly and Peter Hamill (Tommy drove the tractor). Below right Kieran Kelly marshals the U6s followed by active members of increasing age ranges in all sports.


Big Boley Breakfast 2012

The 'Big Breakfast' has become a feature in Clonduff Clubrooms on occasional Sunday morning. This excellent fund-raising idea was the brainchild of Clonduff Camogs several years ago and the Camogs are still the driving force behind its success. On Boley Fair Sunday, 8th July, the ladies were again to the forefront but midway through the morning the Senior Footballers, their managers and some Senior Ladies  Footballers stepped in to lend a hand - and how well they did it! They coped so well they will be allowed to do it again! Pictured above are (l to r) Paul Lively, Kieran Trainor, Paul McPolin and Shane McGreevy.

Boley Family Fun Quiz 2012

Clonduff GAA Club has been running the Boley Quiz for a number of years initially as a Townlands Quiz but changed the format in 2011 to a 'Family' orientated Quiz. The Clancy Family were on the winning team in 2011 and this year Mother Clancy, Eimear and daughter Grace joined Bronagh Morgan in Team 'Clueless' whilst Dad Eddie and Boys joined Stephen Morgan and his sons in Team 'Boys Aloud' in the Clubrooms on Friday 6th July. In a fun-filled evening Eimear and little Grace obviously made the right choice and emerged winners by a narrow margin from Team 'Ben and Me' which was Elaine, Ben and Shay Brennan. There was a great spirit on the night and the good-natured banter and competitiveness among the teams was a joy to behold. At the end of the quiz, Quiz-Master (or is it Mistress) Anita Brannigan presented to Brannigan Family Perpetual Trophy to Eimear, Grace and Bronagh (above) and the Runner-up plaques to the Brennan Family (below left). A long standing feature of the Boley Quiz has been the 'Wooden Spooners' and 2012 was no different with the awards going to 'Cabra Knowalls' comprising McAlinden and Campbell Family Members (below right).
 

Gaeltacht Scholarship for Emma Gallagher

Congratulations to 13-year-old Emma Gallagher who received a Gaeltacht Scholarship from Down Co Cultural and Language Committee on Saturday 9th June. Emma, centre above is pictured with Co Cultural/Language Officer Paula Magee, Co Chairperson Seamus Walsh and Sean Ennis (Down Senior Hurler and former Gaeltacht student). Emma is a member of the Clonduff U14 Camogie team, U16 Ladies Football team and is a juvenile Scór na nÓg dancer in both Ceili and Sets. Well done Emma!

Parents are reminded that Clonduff distributes small bursaries to juvenile members who will be attending Gaeltacht. Put a note in writing to secretary stating child's name, dob and team he/she plays for.

 

Launch of Five-year Plan

A great turnout of Clonduff Gaels in the clubrooms on Wednesday 16th May for the presentation of the very ambitious plan covering the next five years. The plan embraces all aspects and all codes and identified the following areas as key to the success of the plan:

Coaching and Games Development

Administration

Public Relations, Communications and Culture

Physical Development

Finance and Fundraising

Community Enhancement

The vision of the plan is to make a great club the best it can possibly be in all areas!

The plan was co-ordinated and presented by Dermot O'Hagan (above centre) - his father, Paddy (extreme left above) - one of only two Clonduff men ever to have won eight Senior County Championships medals (the other being the late Henry Brown, RIP) - attended the launch. Also included in photo above is Club President Dean A Davies (2nd from left), Sean Óg McAteer (Down Co Secretary) and Club Chairperson Brendan Murray.

The attendees were given the opportunity to discuss the plan and were then treated to light refreshments.

 

125 Trip to Claregalway (Saturday 31st March-Sunday 1st April 2012)

As part of the ongoing celebrations to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Clonduff GAA Club a party of players and supporters departed Hilltown at 9am on Saturday morning - some by bus and some in cars to Claregalway - the home club of the late Patsy O'Hagan (RIP) - Patsy was a founding member of the Football Club.

All four field sports were represented and games for each were organised by the host club. The Hurlers and the Camogs played their games on Saturday afternoon but the visitors lost narrowly in hard fought games in both codes. Then it was on to the Galway League game when Claregalway hosted Moycullen in the first League game of the year - Claregalway won by six points.

On Saturday night the whole contingent was treated to a great reception - food and entertainment in The Arches Hotel. the Clonduff Chairman, Brendan Murray handed over a magnificent locally sourced Mourne granite sculpture to mark the occasion and issued an invite to Claregalway - for a return visit to Clonduff in 2013. It was instantly accepted. Brendan is pictured above exchanging mementos with Claregalway Officers - Tom Clarke (Chairperson), Tom Lenihan (President) and John Feeney (Secretary). (Photo courtesy of Francis Quinn)

On Sunday morning the Clonduff contingent attended Patsy's Anniversary Mass and visited his grave, where Clonduff Captain, John Fegan laid a spray of flowers as a mark of respect to Patsy before heading off to the pitch for the the Ladies and Men's Football matches with their local counterparts - the Ladies lost but the men won and received the new Patsy O'Hagan Memorial Cup. To mark the occasion, the Claregalway team lined out in the Down strip, kindly lent by County Board for the weekend. Patsy's two grandson's wore the numbers that Patsy won his two All Irelands in - Danny Cummins, a current member of the Galway team wore 14  and Colm O'Hagan wore 5.

Brendan Murray was a very proud bearer of the cup from Claregalway to Clonduff and his first stop was with 'The Darner' - Patsy's brother John.

The results over the two days were unimportant on such a weekend! The occasion was very special and one that will live long in the memory of all those who were privileged to be part of the inaugural Patsy O'Hagan Weekend - a very fitting tribute indeed to a great son of Clonduff!

A special word of thanks to all those who travelled but especially to the players and mentors who were a credit to themselves, their families and Clonduff GAA Club! Lots of photos to come! Below, Brendan O'Hagan (Patsy's son) presenting the Patsy O'Hagan Memorial cup to Clonduff Captain John Fegan (photo courtesy of Sheenagh McConville).

 

Inaugural Michaela Foundation Awards

Congratulations to Niohmi Murray, (back centre) daughter of our Chairman Brendan who was one of the three recipients of the inaugural Michaela Foundation Awards valued at £1,000 each in conjunction with 'The Irish News' to help allay the costs of Higher Education. The bursaries were presented on Friday 30th March 2012 at Queens University.

The Michaela Foundation was established by John McAreavey and the Harte Family following the murder of Michaela on Honeymoon in January 2011. They wished to commemorate and celebrate Michaela’s life -she was a woman of great faith, who believed this faith was the reason she was so happy in her life. She had a love of the Gaelic language and above else loved to have fun and enjoy life. Michaela was also a keen pioneer and exhibited her love of life without the need for alcohol or additives.

The awards were made to the three students in three disciplines, Irish, Religious Education and any other General discipline.

The purpose of the Michaela Foundation Award is two fold. It provides three students with some much needed financial support for college life as well as providing the wider public a monthly blog in the format, ” View from the Student” in terms of the following areas:

- The practical and emotional challenge of leaving home for university

- The excitement of starting a new chapter in their lives

- The challenge of balancing academic work with social life

Niohmi, a student teacher at Stranmillis College, was awarded the General Studies Category and the blogs of the three recipients will appear monthly in The Irish News as well as online.

Photo (Irish News, Saturday 31st March 2012) show the three recipients - Eilish Cassidy (Slaughtneil, Co Derry) received the Irish Award; Niohmi Murray (Clonduff, Co Down) and Rosemary Jeffries (Derry) Religious Studies with (front) Mickey Harte and John McAreavey.

Great achievement Niohmi - well done!

 

St Patrick's Eve in Clonduff Clubrooms

A great evening and night's craic took place in the clubrooms on Friday 16th March. The evening started with a Senior Football Challenge match between Clonduff and Whitecross and both teams were entertained to great traditional music and a welcome bowl of Irish stew. Cora Magee and Paula Higgins and their students from our weekly traditional music school got proceedings off to a lively start and they were later joined by the Murray Family. Eileen McCusker accompanied them on the spoons before regaling us with a couple of hilarious recitations. Francis Quinn then gave us an exhibition of the 'Brush Dance'. Cormac McKay and Neil Francis O'Hagan joined the party with music and song; which continued for quite some time - John Curran's and Noreen Tumilty's melodic tones were a joy to behold; Eileen once again was in fine form with her storytelling and a rendition of 'Hail Glorious St Patrick' in which the whole audience joined - the Chairman, not to be outdone, gave us a great story about a bodily function much to the disgust of his daughter! The talent for entertainment in our Parish knows no bounds!

The Irish Stew and Green Juice went down a treat - thanks to Marie (and Sean), Noreen and Lorraine for making the stew and to Bobby McGowan and Patrick Morgan for donating the potatoes for the stew! Thanks also to those who donated prizes for the raffle. A great night was had by all and there was a request to hold another night like it in the not too distant future!

 

John Boden Just Wants to Dance

Congratulations to John Boden (above) one of Clonduff's newest committee members and his dance partner Siobhan Morgan who won Bryansford's 'Want to Dance' with Siobhan dancing as 'The Outlaws'. John, a native of Bryansford turned out for his native club and was declared winner on the night! Well done John1 Can Clonduff find someone to better John in the Grand Finale? Come on you Yellas!

 

VOTE FOR ETHAN

The Gaelic Life newspaper is currently running a Kiddie GAA competition with £1,350 worth of prizes on offer .....including a set of jerseys for an underage CLONDUFF team!!

Ethan McConville has been shortlisted!!

Can we ask that all Clonduff followers vote for Ethan online (Facebook or Gaelic Life Webpage) or by cutting out the coupon in THIS week's edition (THURSDAY 15TH MARCH 2012) and returning it by post.

VOTE FOR ETHAN!!     VOTE FOR ETHAN!!     VOTE FOR ETHAN!!

 

Clonduff Set Dancers retain County Championship Title 2012

Congratulations to our Set Dancers, pictured above who retained their County title in Abbey Grammar School Newry on Sunday night (25th February 2012). The Dancers with Co Chairman Seamus Walsh (back left) and Fear an Ti James White (back right)  are standing (l to r) Francis Quinn, Jayme Farrell, Niall Quinn, Joe Farrell; seated (l to r) Wendy Branagan, Ursula Quinn, Lisa Gribben, Janine Branagan,

Thanks to the Ceili team of Wendy, Ursula, Lisa, Janine, Orla Gribben,  Kerrie O'Hagan, Niamh and Ellen Murphy, and the Quiz team of Brian Canavan, Paul Shields and Anita Brannigan who also represented Clonduff with honour in the finals.

 

Many Hands Make Light Work!

On Saturday 25th February 2012,we laid the copings on the wall on the new field. This was very labour-intensive work, which could have taken a few Saturday to sort out normally. However 17 men turned up and the work was completed in a half day! It was a tremendous effort, and also a great day's 'banter'. The workers were: Mo, Paddy, PJ, Liam, Brian, Harry, Dermot, John, Peter, Raw, Leo, Sid, Martin, Sean, Lawrence and Arty.

A special mention to Lorraine for serving up a hearty breakfast which all the boys really enjoyed. Also to Blair for coming down after coming home from work. 

With this kind of effort we will get get a lot of jobs done in and around the club.

 

U18 Pool in Clonduff Club

Congratulations to 15 year old Shane Milligan, above centre who retained the U18 Pool title played off in the Clubrooms on Friday 24th February 201

 

Clonduff's Young Referees for 2012 and beyond!

P J Quinn (back right) Down Referees Administrator, conducted a Young Referees Course towards the end of 2011 with one night of theory (Saval) and one night of practical skills (Clonduff). Of the eight young people attending five of them were from Clonduff. Back row (1-3) Mark Devlin, Stephen McConville, Shane Milligan; Front row (1 and 2) Sarah Bloomfield and Natasha Boyle.

The Young Referees course prepares the young people to take charge of Go Games up to and including U12 level

 

Clonduff 125 Chat Night - Friday 17th February 2012

This was a great night's craic hosted by Assistant PRO Francis Quinn, with reminiscences of players from the 1940s to 2000s! Jerry and Francis secured recordings from Paddy O'Hagan, one of only two Clonduff players to ever win six County Championship medals (the other was the later Henry Brown) and is the last surviving member of the County Team that secured Down's first All Ireland title - the Junior in 1946! Next up on video was Leo Lowry who regaled us with stories from the 50s - he and his family attended on the night; then it was the turn of John (Darner) O'Hagan who had us all in stitches with his anecdotal stories of his playing days - particularly the story about sustaining a 'blood injury' on the cheek only to discover a week later someone's tooth had embedded itself in his cheek - on confronting the tooth's owner some time later the Castlewellan player revealed that he'd lost two teeth and wondered where the other one had gone!

The second part of the show was a 'live' panel of players from the 1980 and 2000 Championship winning teams - P O McConville, Martin Farnon, Arty Noel McConville (1980); Ross Carr and Cathal Murray (2000). The three Eddies pictured above - Eddie Gribben, Eddie O'Hagan and Eddie McParland played in 1950s and 1960s but were a bit shy about sitting on the panel. It was a great idea to kick off our 125 celebrations - great entertainment and inspiration!

 

Clonduff Lads on St Colman's Gael Linn Irish Language Table Quiz!

Congratulations to Mark Devlin and Declan Gribben (together with Sean Branniff and Patrick Gallagher), who were the St Colman's Quiz team that won the Gael Linn Irish Language Table Quiz last week! They were pitting their wits against 22 other teams from St Joseph's Crossmaglen and Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry and St Colman's. The quiz was held in Newry Sports Centre on Tuesday 7th February. Declan (2nd from right) and Mark (extreme right) are members of Clonduff Scór na nÓg Trath na gCeist team. We are proud to know you Declan and Mark!

 

Christmas Gourmet Evening

Clonduff Camogs joined forces with Morgan Meats Hilltown to host a Gourmet evening in the Clubrooms on Friday 2nd December.

Guests were treated to a Christmas scene of tantalising aromas and tastes for the festive season. Mulled wine, mince pies covered in Brandy and cream, and other refreshments were served to guests on arrival.

Doing the honours was Chef Patracia McClean joined by colleagues from the Southern Region College Ann Murray and Theresa Keenan O’Connor.

Patracia had patrons spellbound with her menu of Thai Beef Noodles, Smokey Lentil soup, sweet and sour turkey with braised rice, Turkey a la King, and finally Christmas Cake with Filo Mince parcels.

Following the demonstration by Mrs McClean her colleague Ann Murray gave a demonstration on table settings and napkin folding and Mrs. O’Connor did desserts.

Complimenting the work of the chefs were a number of stands.

J’adore Make up, -Patrice Maginn,

Imelda’s Cup Cakes, -Mrs. Imelda Rooney accompanied by her daughter Marie McNamee and son Eugene who also displayed a wide range of Christmas cakes and other Christmas goodies.

Barleywood Flowers -Mrs. Mags Graham gave a demonstration of flower arranging and presented a number of arrangements.

Jamie Oliver Cookware -Gail Graham.

Crafts and Jewellery -Alice Murphy who had on show a variety of art work and personally designed Christmas decorations and Jewellery.

Speaking at the end of the event Guinevra McGilligan chairperson of the Clonduff Camogie club thanked Colm Morgan and Patracia McClean for staging the event, Noreen Tumilty and Teresa Carr and everyone else who had worked to make the evening a success.

Organisers and Presenters are pictured above (l to r) Maura Quinn, Guinevra McGilligan, Patricia Keenan, Anne Murray, Teresa Carr, Colm Morgan, Noreen Tumilty and Patricia McClean.

 

Great Clonduff Night at South Down Awards 2011

Thirty Clonduff members attended the Annual South Down Awards in Burren Social Club on Friday 25th November 2011. Arthur McConville had been nominated for 'Player of the Year' and finished runner-up to Kevin McKernan (Burren); the Club was presented with a 'Chairman's Award' in recognition of its role in the community (providing four field sports, handball, big participants in Scór, developing the new field, providing 12 active referees in all field sports, playing active part in Divisional and County activities); Fionnuala Carr and Orla Maginn received awards in recognition of their 'Soaring Star' awards; Ursula Quinn (Secretary Co Camogie) accepted award in recognition of U16 Camogs winning All Ireland title (six Clonduff girls on team) and Cathal Murray (along with Principal Cormac McKinney) in recognition of St Colman's winning back-to-back Hogan Cup (All Ireland) Senior Colleges title (with Cathal at the helm). A great night was had by all!

Full list of winners:

Juvenile Referee of the Year: Fergal Laverty, Kieran Mooney, Ronan Barry

Senior Referee of the Year: Kieran Trainor, Brendan Rice, Neil Cousins

Player of the Year: Kevin McKernan, Arthur McConville, Paul Murphy

Coaches of the Year: Vincent Byrne, Gerard McVeigh, Edmund Kali, Martin Tumilty

Chairman's Award: Clonduff, Glenn, Bosco

Club of the Year: Burren

Hall of Fame: Dan McCartan

A feature of the South Down Awards night is a presentation to a charity of choice. This year it was 'The Michaela Foundation' to help students 'look after themselves'. The magnificent sum of £1,200 was presented by South Down Treasurer Philip O'Hare to the husband and brother of the late Michaela McAreavey (nee Harte) John McAreavey and Mark Harte - John outlined how the money would be spent.

The entertainment on the night was provided by Gene Fitzpatrick who had the packed house in stitches - and not an improper word the whole night!

The photo above shows many of the Clonduff members who attended. Below left Players of the Year with Board Members and below right The Clonduff Officers Marie Walls, Brendan Murray and Anita Brannigan  with their Chairman's Award

 

Social Initiative Forum in Croke Park

On the day of the County Final - 15th October 2011 - Clonduff had three delegates attending the Social Initiative in the Croke Park Conference Centre - Brendan Murray, Anita Brannigan and Marie Milligan (good shot of their best features above). Clonduff had been selected as one of two Down Clubs to pilot the SI programme and with Niall Rafferty as the SI Officer it was very successful - back in July four delegates (Brendan Murray, Marie Walls, Niall Rafferty and Paul Kelly) attended a Garden Party for SI clubs in Áras an Uachtaráin hosted by President McAleese. For the first ever forum, Ulster was asked to select a Club to make a Presentation and Clonduff were asked and duly obliged with Anita making the Presentation on behalf of Clonduff, Down and Ulster.
 

'Yellow Day' in Local Primary Schools

In the run-up to the Championship Final, the local Primary Schools played a full part - they participated in the Art Competition (see photos elsewhere) and held a 'Yellow Day' when the children were encouraged to wear something yellow to show their support for the teams. Below is St Paul's Primary School, Cabra.

 

Championship Fever Hits the Parish of Clonduff 2011

Art Competition

In association with our local primary schools, the club launched a very successful Art Competition, thank you to the teachers and children who made such an effort with their entries. The judges had great difficulty in choosing the winning entries.

St Paul's Art Competition Winners St Patrick's Art Competition Winners
Principal of St Paul's, Mr Vincent Devlin and Mrs Pauline Paul with the artists from St Paul's displaying their prizes at the school gate (l to r) Aidan Kelly, Megan Farnon, Eoghan McAlinden, Niamh Travers, Ryan Woods and Anna Morgan (front) Principal of St Patrick's Mrs Kathleen Cousins with the winners with their prizes (back row) Laurence Brannigan, Molly Brown, Oskar Tomasick; (front) Charlie McConville and Clodagh Kelly. Missing from photo Aoife Trainor as she was sick on the day - Mrs Cousins accepted her prize
 

Well done to all the children who participated in the competition! The winning artwork will be displayed in the schools on their 'Yellow Day' - St Paul's on Thursday (13th) and St Patrick's on Friday (14th). All the rest of the entries will be on display in the Clonduff Shop on the Main Street opposite the Mace Shop.

Big Breakfast

Our club hosted a very successful ‘Big Breakfast’ on Sunday 9th October, where our senior players greeted their young fans, whilst enjoying a tasty breakfast. There was an excellent turnout at the breakfast, and a very BIG thank you to everyone who helped, cooked and cleaned up – it was a brilliant morning for our Club – Well Done Ladies and Gentlemen.

During the Big Breakfast the Senior Players distributed certificates and 'goodie bags' to the U6 boys and girls who attended the FUNdamentals Programme on Sunday mornings but has now come to an end for the season.

 

Clonduff Cul Camp 2011

The Annual VHI Cul Camp (sponsored by Club Down) was held in Clonduff Park from 1st to 5th August when 150 children aged 4-14 turned up for this great week of fun and skills in Football (boys and girls) and Camogie/Hurling. The weather was brilliant and the excitement was sky high on the Wednesday when our own Down Rose, Nicole Curran returned to the club where she was a very skilful Camogie player until she went off to University in England. Nicole also represented Clonduff in Solo Singing in the Scór na nÓg competitions.

Everybody in Clonduff wishes Nicole all the best in the 'Rose of Tralee' pageant which takes place on 22nd/23rd August, preceded by a week long festival including 'The Rose Cup' in which a Clonduff U13 Football team will be participating by invitation on Saturday 20th August!

 

GAA Chat Night in Clonduff

On Friday 29th July a most enjoyable (and insightful) night was held in the Clonduff Clubrooms when the great and the good and the funny side of four All Ireland Winners, a GAA Journalist and Clonduff's equally entertaining Fear an Tí held the audience enthralled and entertained, often with the tears running down their faces! The night was organised by Ross Carr and his guests were Bernard Flynn (former Meath footballer and RTE football pundit), Michael Duignan (former Offaly Hurler and RTE Hurling pundit), Benny Tierney (Armagh and Irish News), Oisin McConville (Armagh and TV3 football pundit) and 'Against the Breeze' journalist with Irish News, Paddy Heaney were brilliantly prompted and questioned by Francis Quinn. Pictured above are: Back row (l to r) Francis Quinn, Anita Brannigan, Teresa Carr, Marie Walls, Brendan Murray; Front row (l to r) Bernard Flynn, Benny Tierney, Paddy Heaney, Michael Duignan and Oisin McConville.
 
Family Fun Quiz 2011

 The family fun quiz was a great success in the Clubrooms on Sunday 24th July. There were 13 tables representing upwards on 30 families. There was something there for all ages and it was indicative of what the evening was about when parents called their children in from the field to answer the questions! The real  winners on the night were the youngsters that are going to Athlone to participate in the All Ireland Community Games Finals in August. On the night, however, the quiz winners and recipients of The Brannigan Family Perpetual Trophy were The Provincial Mix closely followed by The Harps while the winners of the Wooden Spoons were the Carnmeen Challengers. What a great way to spend a Sunday evening! Pictured above with the Trophy is Jimmy Smith (formerly Sligo), Eddie Clancy (formerly Limerick) and the Clancy children and Loretta Smith

 

Boley Parish Sevens

Only two teams turned up this year for the Parish Sevens on Boley Tuesday, 12th July - perhaps some people were confused by the Inter Club Tournament on Saturday 9th July. However those that did provided a great spectacle and not content with playing a game of two halves they wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity and the appreciation of the spectators - they played four 'halves'! The skill and fitness levels were remarkable with great end to end fare. There were some great goals scored playing into the 'Go Games' nets. At the end of 32 mins football (4 x 8 mins) 'The Non-shirts', captained by Peter Withnell emerged one point winners over 'The Shirts', captained by Tony Wilson.

There was a big welcome for Gavin Mackin who religiously makes it home from San Francisco to take part every year. The Boley plaques were presented in the clubrooms by Brian McGreevy and Anita Brannigan and Mary Rodgers entertained everyone with her rendition of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain".

Those taking part are pictured above: Back row (l to r) Tony Wilson, Paddy Green, Paul Trainor, Gerry Coughlin (Ref), Peter Murnin, Eddie Clancy and Hugh Grant representing 'The Shirts'; Front (l to r) who represented 'The Non-shirts' - Gerard McNeill, Liam McGreevy, Peter Withnell, Gavin Mackin, Gerard Carvill and James Mackin.  

 

Clonduff's First Ever Inter Club Social Sevens - July 2011

The sun shone in Clonduff Park on Saturday 9th July and so did the players from An Riocht, Longstone, Drumgath, Aughlisnafin, Rostrevor and Clonduff who participated in Clonduff's first ever Inter Club Social Sevens Tournament. The fact that a number of teams had withdrawn because of the earlier start time (necessitated by Down's Qualifier time being fixed in Newry for 3 pm) certainly didn't dampen the enthusiasm or detract from the spectacle. Clonduff and An Riocht topped their groups and played the runners up in the other group in the semi final for the Cup. Clonduff played Rostrevor and it went to a 5-min period of extra time before Rostrevor emerged the winners. Mourne opponents An Riocht and Longstone faced each other in the other semi final with The Kingdom emerging winners. Whilst the two Cup Finalists took a well-earned rest before the final, Drumgath and Aughlisnafin played out a thrilling Plate Final with Drumgath emerging the winners. The Cup Final was a thrilling affair between An Riocht and Rostrevor - An Riocht had beaten Rostrevor in the Group stage - but in the final Rostrevor pulled out all the stops and emerged the winners of the game but in truth everyone who took part was a winner. All the players were treated to tea and sandwiches in the clubrooms afterwards where many stayed and listened to the Down v Leitrim game on the radio.

Of course the tournament could not have been run without the services of the Club referees Ben Brennan, Gerry Coughlin and John Anthony Gribben; the Tournament administrators Paul and Tommy Kelly, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan and the very valuable tea maker Attracta Brown and to them all we say a very big 'Thank You'. 

 

Clonduff Members at Áras an Uachtaráin

On Tuesday 5th July 2011, President Mary McAleese hosted a Garden Party for the GAA Clubs of Ireland who are involved in the Social Initiative. The scheme is specifically aimed at people who are no longer playing sport. Clonduff as one of two Pilot Clubs in Down was represented by Club Chairman Brendan Murray, Treasurer (and Walking Club member) Marie Walls, Niall Rafferty (Vice Chairman/Social Initiative Organiser) and Paul Kelly (Social Footballer). They are pictured above with President and Senator McAleese

 
Canon Joey O'Hagan is 100 Years Old!

Congratulations to Canon Joey O'Hagan who celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday 17th June. Canon Joey celebrated Mass in his home on his birthday and on Saturday 18th June the Saturday evening Mass in Cabra, where he served as a curate for 18 years, retiring just six years ago, the Mass was a celebration for Canon Joey. They was a large attendance at the Mass celebrated by Fr Cushenan and Dean Davis. The Dean, former Parish Priest and Diocese Historian delivered a wonderful 'This is Your Life Canon Joey' during the Mass. The congregation was entertained to refreshments in the Cabra Hall after Mass where Canon Joey and his nieces accepted cards and well wishes of the parishioners. Many more of them Canon Joey!

The photo above shows Clonduff Secretary, Anita Brannigan  presenting the Birthday Boy with a card on behalf of all in Clonduff GAC in Cabra Hall.

 
£1,000 Drop Fundraiser in Clonduff Clubrooms

On Friday 17th June ‘Friends of Clonduff’ hosted ‘Thousand Pound Drop’ in the Clubrooms, based on the TV show ‘Million Pound Drop’ presented by Clonduff’s Golden Girl Orla Maginn. One Thousand pounds had been transported from a secret location to the clubrooms on Friday evening monitored by the security team of Senior Players Ryan McShane (Hurling) and Neil Trainor (Football). In round 1 of the show the first contestants to take to the stage were Gary Haughian and Conor Óg O’Hagan - the boys battled through the first few rounds but unfortunately lost all their money on question 4!! In Round 2 Daragh Sherry and Karl O’Hagan put their heads together trying to win the jackpot, unfortunately for them they lost their money on question 2 when they were quizzed on Boxing. The night was well under way when family double act James and Ryan McConville took to the stage, they reached question 5 but got stuck on a Rose of Tralee question!! Next to the stage was P J McGreevy and Mark Brown, they turned out to be the most successful contestants of the evening, reaching question 7. The first lady to go under the spotlight was club treasurer Marie Walls assisting Aidan Brown on the question forum, the audience had high hopes for this duo considering Marie’s experience on the Scór quiz team, however they lost all their money.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and to those who helped with the preparations, including Shane Hanaway and Thomas Murnin who created the ‘Drop Boxes’ and Patrick Mackin (Mini Mac Disco Roadshow) who provided the music for the event. Orla Maginn, Sheenagh McConville, Niall Rafferty and Paul McShane who co-ordinated the event on behalf of the Social and Fundraising Committee. And a massive thank you to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare, in particular, our two Senior footballers Rory Grant and Shane O’Hagan deserve special recognition for providing the power point presentation and questions. Well done boys!! This was a very successful night hosted in co-ordination with members of all our senior teams; such was the success of this evening that it will return to the clubrooms at the end of the summer.

 

Country Dancing in Clonduff Clubrooms

For the last few months Clonduff Clubrooms have been hosting a weekly Country Club Dance on Saturday nights and it is now flourishing.

Click on the image on the left to view the patrons, of a certain vintage enjoying themselves on Saturday 14th May dancing to the music of 'Twilight'

The band on Saturday 21st May is 'Odd Man Out' - Everybody Welcome!

 

Scór Sinsir 2011

Clonduff Set Dancers who once again annexed the County Title in Castlewellan on Sunday night (27th February). The Ceili Dancing team were unlucky in being beaten to the title by Saval. The Clonduff team Pictured below is: Niall & Francis Quinn, Joe and Wayne Farrell; Ursula Quinn, Wendy Farrell, Lisa Gribben and Jolene Morgan (both nee Parr). They meet the Derry and Antrim Champions in Abbey CBS Newry on Saturday 5th March in Ulster Semi Final

Set Dancers 2011 (above) Ceili Dancers 2011 (below)

The Ceili Dancers who were runners up in South Down and Co Finals 2011 (l to r) Janine Branagan, Jolene Morgan, Wendy Farrell, Lisa Gribben, Ursula Quinn, Gayle Kane, Kerrie O'Hagan and Orla McPolin
 

New Walking Club Launched

Between 50 and 60 people turned out (pictured below) on Thursday 10th February 2011 to support the launch of the new 'Hillbilli Ramblers' which is one of the activities organised as part of the GAA's Social Initiative. A committee was set up to formally register the club and the aim is to walk on the beautiful Mourne Mountains every second and fourth Sunday of the month setting out early in the morning.
Official Registration is in the Clonduff Clubrooms on Wednesday 9th March (8.30/9 pm)

First Walk (gentle 2-hour stroll) is on Sunday 13th March - details will be given at registration

After the first walk, walkers can choose to stay with the gentle group or can progress to a more active group - an experienced leader will accompany each group. Alternatively, if for some reason 2 or 3 people cannot make the designated day they can arrange to walk (in a small group) at a time convenient to themselves.

 

Gaelic Start 2010/11

Well over 60 boys and girls (and their parents) in the P1 to P4 age range are taking part in Clonduff's FUNdamentals Gaelic Start programme in the INF Hall on Tuesday evenings. The response was so great that the group was sub-divided with the Under 6s attending at 6 45 and the Over 6s attending at 7 45. The initiative was initially led by Ulster Council coaches Ciarán Murtagh and Gareth Thornton but from next week onwards (15th February) it will be led by the parents themselves and Clonduff coaches.
 

Tráth na gCeist 2011

More than 50 dedicated Gaeilgeoirí, representing 12 different clubs came together on Thursday night past (20th January 2011) for the second annual Irish language Table quiz. The quiz goers braved the cold weather to come out for the Down heat of the national quiz.
The Clonduff team, pictured above are Anita Brannigan, Ciarán McGreevy, Plunkett McConville and Marie Walls were runners-up and will be one of three teams representing Down in the Ulster competition in Eglish, Co Tyrone on Friday 28th January.

 

Clonduff's First County Title for 2011!

Clonduff won their first Scór na nÓg Novelty Act title in 20 years in the magnificent surroundings of the the new Abbey Grammar School, Newry on Sunday evening (21st November). It was an original script by Senior competitor Paddy Downey entitled "It's a Rocky Road to Dublin" that had the audience in stitches and won over the three adjudicators - the actors were Noel Grant, Darragh O'Hanlon,  Michael Grant and Darragh Downey. They will participate in the Ulster Semi Final (also in the Abbey) on Saturday 11th December competing with the winners of Derry and Antrim.
Our County winners will meet the County winners of Derry and Antrim and we wish them continued success!
The Novelty Actors are pictured above with County PRO Ronan McMahon and County Language and Cultural Officer Ryan Doyle.
 

South Down Scór na nÓg 2011

The New Abbey Grammar School Newry was the setting for the South Down Scór na nÓg finals on Sunday 14th November 2011. The standard  was high and the competitions were keenly contested and most entertaining. With five strong teams competing in all competitions the audience in attendance were not disappointed, and the adjudicators had a huge job in deciding their winners. 

At the end of the evening Clonduff, with over 60 participants was adjudged the 'Most Improved' Club and Mairead Sheppard (top picture) presented the The Cathal Sands Memorial Cup on behalf of Michael and Lily Sands to former Chairperson Brian McGreevy (top picture) - Mairead and Brian with South Down Chairperson Michael McArdle and Co Vice Chairperson William Smith

Clonduff winners below left - Instrumental Music: Tanya McAleenan and Mary Catherine Murray (missing Sean Murray) with Cathy McPolin and William Smith; below right is Ciara Kelly who won the Recitation (with runner up Ryan Byrne Drumgath) with Kieran McGreevy and Michael McArdle. Clonduff were also runners up in Novelty Act and Quiz. Winners and runners up will be on stage on Sunday afternoon in the Down County Final at 3.00pm in the same venue, where they will be joined by the winners and runners up from the East Down Final. 

 

Down Minors 1977 Re-unite in Clonduff Clubrooms

A Reunion for the Down Minor Football Team who were crowned All Ireland Champions in 1977, took place on Friday 12th November in Clonduff GAC Clubrooms. The team had based their entire training programme in Pairc Chluain Daimh.
The evening celebrated the first ever Minor All Ireland title won by a Down team. The event began with a brief presentation featuring photos from this historic journey, followed by evening dinner and speeches from Team Manager Sean O’Neill, Selectors Sean McManus, Paul Lambe, Sean Lavery and Tony Hadden, as well as Team Captain John McCartan (Glen), Dr Walsh (Team Doctor) and Harry McEvoy (Chairman Down County Board 1977). Everyone recalled their own personal memories and those in attendance received a special commemorative booklet which included various match reports, photos and team sheets of 1977. A special word of thanks must go to Sean McManus who mainly organised the reunion and compiled the excellent souvenir booklet for this historic occasion.

 

Moss Keane RIP - The Clonduff Connection:  The death has been announced on 5th Oct 2010 of former Irish Rugby International, Moss Keane who at the age of 62 lost the fight with Cancer.

Moss Keane was born in Curnow County Kerry, he played minor, U 21 and Junior County football  for Kerry before turning to Rugby at the age of 21 - he was the first GAA player to do so after the Ban was lifted. It was during his GAA career that he won three Sigerson cup medals with University College Cork and one of those was won in Clonduff Park!

It was in 1969 and Queens University in Belfast were due to host the Sigerson weekend but because of  'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland the Southern Universities were reluctant to travel (and stay overnight) in Belfast. Clonduff were delighted to help, and the games were actually played in Clonduff Park!

Moss Keane was full back and captain of that winning UCC team in 1969. Thus Moss Keane came to play in Clonduff Park. (Contributed by Jerry Quinn)

 

Clonduff GAC Celebrates with Down!

A big contingent of Clonduffians attended both the Down Pre-match Breakfast in The Canal Court on Wednesday morning (15th September) and also the Post-match Banquet in the City West Hotel on Sunday evening (19th September). Pictured above are some of the Clonduffians in City West. Back row (l to r) Aoibheann Downey, Sheenagh McConville, Niall Rafferty, Colum Lynch, Johnny McPolin, Cathy McPolin, P J McGreevy, Sean McGreevy, Sean Spires (took his holidays from San Francisco to coincide with the All Ireland Final), Mary McGreevy, Brian McGreevy, Francis Quinn, Jerry Quinn; Front row (l to r) Leann McParlan, Maura Quinn, Brian Canavan, Pauline O'Donaghue, Anita Brannigan, Marie Walls, Tommy. There were lots of other families represented including Carrs, O'Hagans, Browns, McConvilles, Downeys - we are hopeful of getting more photographs of the weekend including the Homecoming on Monday nights when hundreds of supporters gathered at Clonduff's new Car Park and the Church Cark Park to pay tribute to the boys who gave us such joy throughout the summer. The players travelled on board an open top bus. Chairman, Brian McGreevy welcomed and congratulated them and Aidan Carr responded on behalf of the players.

Below are the musicians who provided the pre-banquet entertainment - Clonduff's  Murray Family (back) Stephen and Sean; (front) Mary Catherine flanked by Mayobridge men Ciarán Morgan (l) and Peter Magee (r).  The same group (along with six other Down Instrumental Music Groups) provided eight hours of traditional music at the Down Golf Classic at The Spa Golf Course, Ballynahinch prior to the All Ireland Final

 

Clonduff Set Dancers in RTE Recording Studio

Clonduff Mixed Set Dancing team were invited to participate in TG4's 'An Jig Gig' to be screen in Autumn 2010. On Thursday 27th May 2010, the eight dancers (pictured above on the An Jig Gig set -  Jayme, Wendy and Elaine Farrell (Joe and Irene's son, daughter and daughter-in-law), Francis, Ursula and Niall Quinn (Maura and Jerry's children), John Cunningham (Peter and Goretti's son) and Joleen Morgan (Joe and Eileen Parr's daughter) and Joe Farrell, as their mentor, set out for RTE Building in Donnybrook Dublin to rehearse and record the show. Later in the morning a bus load of supporters set out for the studio. There was only a maximum of two minutes to showcase their talent so they performed a specially adapted and choreographed version of the 'Cavan Reel'.
Recording began about 2 15 pm and concluded about 4 45 pm - Clonduff were the 9th act out of 10 on stage and they danced brilliantly and got great comments from the judges. Unfortunately only one of the ten acts was progressing to the quarter final stage and it wasn't our team but they were in good company as a young man, who is a current world champion in his age group didn't make it either!
It was a wonderful experience for the supporters as well as for the dancers - they got to see exactly how a show is put together. What will be screened in under an hour took two and a half hours to record!
Look who supporters Jerry Quinn and Anita Brannigan ran into outside the recording studio - Micheál Ó Muírcheartaigh!

 

Party Against Poverty - Clonduff ran a Fun Quiz on Friday night (21st May 2010) in support of Ulster Camogie and Ulster Ladies Football drive to raise funds for Trocaire's campaign for 'Women in Uganda'.
Whilst there were some traditional quiz questions there was a lot of fun with the 'Catchphrases', identifying 'stills' from classic films and the introductory music to TV shows to say nothing of the 'Chocolates' round.
It was a very closely contested event with the 'Mentalists' (above left)coming out on top and they very kindly donated their winnings back to the fund. One of their team members, Catherine McConville (former Down Ladies Football Secretary) won the first raffle prize and young Niamh Brown (Clonduff Camogie) won the other. A great night's craic was had by all and the handsome sum of £280 was raised for the very worthy cause.

Lá na gClub 2010
Click to view my photos
Sunday 9th May was designated by Cumann Luthchleas Gael as a National day to celebrate Gaelic Youth and Volunteerism. Clonduff's programme of activities started at 12 30 pm with a blessing by Fr Cushenan following which well over 100 young people and their parents paraded behind the Feile award-winning Club banner the short distance from Ballymaghery Church car park to the playing fields. A full programme of coaching, skills competitions and small-sided games took place. Regular coaches were assisted by Minor and Senior players in all codes. There were lots of side shows including Face Painting, 'Hitting the Target', 'Rings' and skittles. Undoubtedly the skittles were a very popular attraction where people 'from 9 to 90' had a go and continued long after the field activities ended around 4 30.
There was a break in activities at 2 30 when Scór na nÓg singer Christina McConville sang Amhran na bhFiann before the 'Parade of Champions' when young people and schools coaches from Clonduff, who had brought honour to theirs schools, colleges and universities were presented to the crowd.
Throughout the afternoon, Traditional Irish Music was relayed across the complex and when the outdoor activities concluded the Youth Pool finals took place in the clubrooms (eliminators had been run off earlier in the year). The results were as follows:
U18 - winner Caolan McPolin, runner up Mark Bradley
U16 - winner  Mark Bradley, runner up Conor Milligan
U14 - winner Shane Milligan, runner up Mark Devlin
U12 - winner  Conor Milligan, runner up Dean McCabe
A great time was had by all and the general feeling was that this should become a regular event, if not in the GAA Calendar certainly in the Clonduff Calendar
 

Parade of Schools Champions 2010

As part of the activities for Lá na gClub 2010 on Sunday 9th May Clonduff recognised the achievements of the young Clonduff boys and girls and their mentors from the Club who brought honour to their schools, colleges and universities during the current school year. Schools represented in the picture above represent St Colman's College, St Mark's High School and Southern Regional College. On the extreme left is Cathal Murray (St Colman's) and Mark Copland (SRC). There was also one representative on UCD Freshers winning team and two University Camogie All Stars. Mentors missing from the photo are Lorraine Maginn (St Mark's Camogie and Football) and Ryan McShane (University of Liverpool Camogie Coach).
 

THE LIFE AND SOUL OF OUR COMMUNITY – PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE
Clonduff GAC Community Support Scheme (CCSS)

A large gathering of parents, children and the wider community gathered at the special launch of the Clonduff Community Support Scheme on Monday 19th April 2010. This event was to increase awareness of the club’s new development plans, whilst emphasising how this project will enhance our local community.

Clonduff Vice Chairman Niall Rafferty along with the club’s development officer Nigel McPolin led this special public meeting to highlight what is taking place. The presenters described a range of exciting developments envisaged for the Club, including a new floodlit playing field, now nearing completion and a proposed state of the art sports hall. They also mapped the way forward in terms of how the Club could best meet related fundraising requirements. The special fundraising brochure which had been designed by Roger Sherry was also distributed at the meeting.

Community support for the scheme was described as ‘vital’ as the details of a new fundraising campaign were announced. The Club’s senior players and non playing members will be promoting this new Clonduff Community Support scheme, whereby, all households and businesses in the community, together with Clonduff’s international Diaspora, will be invited to donate £5 per week towards the scheme which will run for 3 years.

It was pointed out and agreed that such an outlay represented excellent value for money considering the quality of the new facilities on offer. Niall Rafferty reflected on the range of sporting and social activities available through the Club and the importance of improving recreational opportunities for the youth of the community, given today’s challenging social and economic environment.

One member of the audience pointed out that it would be very hard to imagine life in the community without the Club while another suggested that the Club invite parents down to the Club on any given Saturday or Sunday of the new season, to see the excellent, and often unnoticed, work that goes on with underage players across all sports. Other members recommended holding Sport’s Days and all of these recommendations will be carried out over the next few months.

Each child that attended with his or her parent(s) was entered into a Free Prize draw for club and related merchandise. The winners, pictured above, with Niall Rafferty, Felix McKernan, Thomas Murnin and Nigel McPolin, were as follows:

1st Aoife Brown – Clonduff Jersey

2nd Anna McAlinden - Clonduff Shorts and Socks

3rd Joey O’Hare - Clonduff Shorts and Socks

4th Darragh McAlinden - O'Neill's Football

5th Conor McAlinden - O'Neill's Football

6th Jake Morgan - O'Neill's Football

7th Clara Cowan - O'Neill's Football

8th Evie Lynas-Feehan - O'Neill's Football

9th Katie Murnin - O'Neill's Football

10th Aoife Trainor - O'Neill's Football

11th Rory McKernan - O'Neill's Football

12th Ben Magee - Clonduff Sports Bag

 
Clonduff Delegates at National Youth Forum in Croke Park

Niomhi Murray and Katherine Milligan were among the 9-strong youth delegation that travelled to Croke Park on Saturday 20th February 2010 for the National Youth Forum which was attended by some 300 young people aged 16-20 years from throughout the country. The young people were transported to and from the event and were accompanied by County Youth Officer, Sean McCashin. Christy Cooney, the National President of the GAA address the young people and was in attendance throughout the day for the workshops and discussion groups.

The three priorities for the forum were,

1.     To bring together the broadest representation of members aged 16-20 from around the Association to share their stories, idea and ambitions for our clubs and the GAA of the future.

2.     To discover what they  believe to be the best practices, strengths and resources of the GAA in order to understand the positive core on which the GAA has been built as seen and experienced by the young attendees

3     To collectively imagine and envision the best possible future for the GAA in terms of:
- More enjoyable experience playing and preparing for our games

        - The role of our clubs in our community

        - Our games as an event, a place to go, an occasion - at county and club level

        - How to make the best of technology and communications

        - Enjoying being involved in the GAA as a volunteer in any role

        - Making our club and the Association more attractive to those currently involved

        - Building the reputation and brand of the GAA

        - Our games Internationally

Niomhi and Katherine had a great day out and feel they learned a lot some of which they hope they can help implement in Clonduff. They enjoyed the

experience and camaraderie and built up a good contact network.


(Above) the Down Delegates with Youth Officer Sean McCashin (extreme left) and Christy Cooney (Uachtarán CLG) at the 2010 Youth Forum in Croke Park. Niomhi is beside Sean and Katherine is beside her at the back. (Right) the delegation on the pitch.
 

Clonduff's Ciarán McGreevy at National Congress 2010

Front row - Some of Down's delegates at National Congress 2010 held in Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on the weekend 16th to 18th April - (l to r) Seamus Walsh (Chairperson), Sean óg McAteer (Secretary), Diarmuid Cahill (Delegate) and Ciarán McGreevy (Youth Delegate).

Down's Iconic Event and National Congress 2010
On Friday 16th April, the Down Co Board hosted a magnificent event of Down Icons - the members of 1960/61 'Breakthrough Teams' hence the title 'Iconic Event'.
Down is hosting the National Congress in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle over the weekend 16th-18th April commencing at 7 pm. By way of a preliminary event they played host to the mighty men and their families of 1960/61 to mark the Golden Jubilee of that first title. Around 800 people were treated to lunch and drinks in the massive marquee in the grounds of the Slieve Donard. Every club in Down was invited to send along a limited number of representatives to the event. The mellifluous Jack Devaney compered the event which was attended by the great and the good in the world of GAA - Christy Cooney, Jack Boothman, Nicky Brennan, Paddy McFlynn, Peter McDermot (the man in the cap) dignitaries from the Ulster Council, and delegates from practically every county in the country as well as some well-known faces from the world of media - TV, Radio, Newspapers, etc.
One of the highlights was the address by Uachtarán na hEireann, Mary McAleese (who was accompanied by husband Martin). She voiced the feelings of everyone present by speaking of how honoured she was in the presence of these Icons and sadly some of whom had transferred to St Peter's team in the sky. She quoted that great Chinese Proverb "As we drink the water from the well, we should never forget who dug it" - the Men of 1960 dug the well from which Down Gaels have drunk on five occasions.
Each member of the squad and management or a family representative was individually introduced by Miceál Ó Murircheartaigh and presented with a specially commissioned Beellek China vase by Christy Cooney. Down Co Scór Sinir Instrumental Music Champions from Darragh Cross and Glenn's Declan McConaghy (Recitation/Story Telling) provided the entertainment.
This was a wonderful event with which to start Congress at which Clonduff's Ciarán McGreevy is Down's Youth Representative.
Clonduff was well represented in the congregation at the Congress Mass on Saturday evening and The Murray Family (Stephen, Sean and Mary Catherine) helped provide the Sacred Music; Scór singer Ruby Crothers was in the specially selected Choir and young Ross Carr (pictured above right) was selected to carry the Gifts in the Offertory Procession.

 

Club Chairperson Brian McGreevy and Events Secretary Sheenagh McConville visited the two primary schools on Thursday 15th April to distribute the invites and Entry Forms for the launch of the Clonduff GAC Community Support Scheme (CCSS).

Visit to St Paul's Visit to St Patrick's

Brian and Sheenagh with some of St Paul's aspiring Gaels and the Principal, Vincent Devlin St Patrick's Acting Principal, Mrs Kathleen Cousins, Club Chairman Brian McGreevy and some aspiring Clonduffians
 

County Scór Celebration night 2010

A big crowd of Down Gaels gathered in Clonduff Clubrooms on Tuesday 6th April to celebrate in song, dance, music and craic the talent of the county's  Senior, Juvenile and Aspiring Scór participants in a relaxed informal atmosphere. The function was attended by Seamus Walsh (Co Chairperson), William Smith (Co Vice Chairperson) and that grand man of Down GAA and great Scór supporter, Paddy McFlynn. Fear an Ti for the evening was one of the bright young faces of the Down Culture and Language Committee James White; Stage Manager was Gerard Keenan and Anita Brannigan was the 'Act Co-ordinator'.
Proceedings got under way at 8 30 pm with Clonduff's Christina McConville singing Amhran na bhFiann, followed by the Murray Family setting the tone for the rest of the evening for the acts from Saul, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint (current All Ireland Readóirí Set Dancing Champions), Teconnaught, Mayobridge, Annaclone, Tullylish, Glenn and of course the homeside, Clonduff who, in addition to the Murray Family and Christina, strutted their stuff in the Novelty Act, Ballad Group, Recitation (Sean Downey) and Set Dancing.
The Down Cultural Committee sincerely thanked Clonduff not only for the use of their facilities but also for the level of hospitality shown towards guests throughout the evening.  A Special word of thanks also to all those who took part during the celebration, without the support of those Clubs represented on the evening, the event could not have taken place.  Fear An Tí James concluded by wishing Áíne Brolly from the Breadgh club every success in the forth coming All Ireland final in Killarney on 24th April.
Clonduff provided a delightful hot and cold buffet supper, following which, Joseph Farrell involved all and sundry in Sets-Ceíli which concluded about 12 30 am. (Click the image above to view a few photos of the night)

 

Clonduff GAC Community Support Scheme (CCSS) Launched in Clonduff

A big crowd of adult players from every code (Football, Hurling, Camogie, Ladies Football) turned out to give their support to the Clonduff GAC Community Support Scheme which was launched in the Clonduff Clubrooms on Monday 15th March 2010.
The scheme is to provide for the shortfall in funding required for the development of physical resources in the club - the new floodlit pitch is just Phase One in the ambitious plans to provide state of the art facilities for the Clonduff Community. Members sign up for a three-year commitment to a monthly Direct Debit scheme - if a contributor is a tax payer, the club can claim back 27p for every £1 donated from the Inland Revenue via CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club)
CCSS will be launched to the wider community - parents, grand parent, other family members, ex pats, or anyone else who has an interest in Clonduff GAC - on Monday 29th March at 8 pm


Left - The committee behind the Clonduff GAC Community Support Scheme - Back row: Ross Carr, Roger Sherry, John O'Hagan, Brian McGreevy; Front row: Marie Walls, Niall Rafferty, Sheenagh McConville and Roisin McConville
Above: A section of the players who attended the Launch.

The scheme will be launched to the general public in April 2010

 

Scor Sinsir County Champions 2010

Clonduff's two reigning County Scór Sinsir Champions retained their titles in an amazingly high standard of competition in Saval Sports and Leisure Complex on Sunday 28th February 2010. The Novelty Act (above) with Co Language and Cultural Officer Ryan Doyle (Left) and Co Chairperson Seamus Walsh (right) - back row: Owen Roe Brogan, Sean Downey, Anthony Brogan; front row: Eamon Devlin, Chloe Franks, Kealim O'Hare, were involved in a tight competition - all four acts had the audience 'in stitches'. The Set Dancers below - back row: John Cunningham, Francis Quinn, Niall Quinn, Jayme Farrell; front row: Jolene Morgan, Wendy Farrell, Ursula Quinn, Elaine Farrell - had the packed house and the adjudicators in raptures with their footwork and energy. The Ceili Dancers (Ursula Quinn, Elaine Farrell, Wendy Farrell, Jolene Morgan, Gayle Kane, Kerri O'Hagan, Janine Branagan and Niamh Murphy), Sean Downey (Recitation), Colleen Walls (Solo Singing) and Quiz team (Marie Walls, Brian Canavan and Anita Brannigan) all had hard luck in one of the closest County Finals for very many years.
 

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 (Clonduff Scór Committee), Paula Magee (South Down and Co Scór Secretary), Cathy McPolin (Clonduff and South Down Scór Committees), Mary McGreevy (Clonduff and South Down Scór Committees), Anita Brannigan (Clonduff, South Down and County Scór Committees), 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 (Clonduff Scór Committee).
 
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.
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
 

'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
 

Clonduff's 125 Trip to Dublin - On Wednesday 19th August 2009 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!

 

Annual Scór Concert in Downings - 2009

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!
 

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

Clonduff 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 (above) 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

Boley Townlands Quiz Big Boley Breakfast and Goward Dolmen Walk

Handball Camp and Boley Tournament

     
Poc Fada Senior Citizens Boley Tea Dance in Clubrooms Boley Tug-o-War
     
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!

This 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!

 

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 above shows the winning team and the Quiz organisers - Back row (l to r) Brian Canavan, Kevin McShane, Marie Walls and Anita Brannigan; Front row (l to r) Aishling Walls, Niamh Murray, Niohmi Murray, Rachel Dickson.

 

Unveiling of first Townland Stone (Friday 8th May 2009)

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.

 

St Patrick's and St Paul's Primary Schools celebrate GAA's 125

St Patrick's St Paul's

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 is very much the hub of the local community - family gatherings / parties / Meeting Rooms / Enteretainment, etc

Mrs Fearon's 90th Birthday

Celebrating Their Wedding Anniversary

Local INF Held National Conference

Juvenile Disco

The Club Juvenile Pool finals took place in clubrooms on Sunday 1st March 2009

U12 Finalists U18 Finalists

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.
 

Scór Dha Scór

To 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 15th December Clonduff Clubrooms hosted their 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 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!

 

 
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.
 
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

 

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