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FÁILTE ÓN CHATHAOIRLEACH

give selflessly, for the benefit of the A Chairde Gael, association to which we all belong. I am delighted to welcome you all to our As a , we have been very fortunate to have so many local showpiece games in the 2019 senior and businesses supporting our teams and competitions. Along with intermediate football championships. the valiant efforts of our much To reach the final of any history books when they hoist the valued Club committee and competition is an achievement in John McLaughlin Cup. members, quite simply, we are itself, but given the current level Today’s games will also be my unable to function. of commitment within our clubs, I last opportunity to attend our It is fitting that two of our most would like to commend the players, championship finals as County experienced and respected officials, coaches, mentors and volunteers, Chairman. I can not over emphasis Barry Cassidy and John Joe Cleary, whose commitment ensures that the enjoyment, pride and delight are taking charge of our showpiece our club championships continue to I have experienced over the past games today. We should remind be so hugely entertaining. 5 years. I would like to thank my ourselves that without our officials, The Mc Feely This year’s championships wife Veronica, and my family, we would not have our games. have provided us all with many for supporting me during my Our association relies heavily moments of drama, excitement, time in post, and also to my club, on the tireless work of our many and brilliance. Those moments , my fellow officers volunteers; I want to acknowledge have culminated to see today’s who served on the County the dedicated team of stewards participating clubs seeking victory Committee, our staff at Owenbeg and officials, both here at Celtic Group to bridge a series of gaps in time. and , and the many Park, and at Owenbeg. Each year, Whilst all victories are to be from the clubs in our county, our county ground plays host to savoured, I think it’s safe to say our and beyond, who I have had the the largest sporting events in the respective winners today will bring pleasure to cross paths with over North-West, for that we continue to unbridled joy to their clubs, families the past 5 years. be indebted to our volunteers. and parish. Seeing our teams playing in I sign off with immense pride, I McLaughlin Margaret Photo: and have been provincial and national finals are consider it an honour to have have at the forefront of Intermediate definitely great days for us all, but the opportunity to hold the position football for a considerable time, to witness the many young gaels of Cathaoirleach in our wonderful, with both competing at senior who participate from Go-Games Oakleaf County. level in recent years. Today’s through the grades to senior, in Finally, I wish all players and game presents both clubs with all codes, are the days that give officials, the very best of luck in their the opportunity to cement that most satisfaction. We should not games today. presence, by adding their name to forget where we belong, and I look Enjoy the games, thank you for the Bateson, Sheridan, Lee trophy. forward to seeing the number of your continued support, and every In our senior final, we see a return participants in our games continue best wish for the future. to the “top table” for two of our to rise, and with it our games to Go raibh maith agat. most recognisable clubs, Watty flourish. I am proud to say we have Graham’s, Glen and O’Donovan also seen All- Scór titles Brian MacGabhann Rossa, . Both clubs, brought to the Oakleaf county in Cathaoirleach, today have the opportunity to most that time. It should be remembered Coiste Chontae Dhoire definitely write themselves in to the the amount of time our volunteers Proud sponsor of the Co. Derry Intermediate AMHRÁN NA BHFIANN Sinne Fianna Fáil Singing Amhrán na bhfiann today is A tá fé gheall ag Éirinn, the Derry Scór Sinsir Amhránaoicht buion dár slua Aonair champion Clódagh McBride Football Championship Thar toinn do ráinig chugainn, from the John Mitchell’s club in Fé mhóid bheith saor. . Clodagh is 22 years of Sean tír ár sinsir feasta age and recently graduated from Ní fhagfar fé’n tiorán ná fé’n tráil University Jordanstown. She is currently working as a Speech and Anocht a théam sa bhearna bhaoil, Language Therapist in the Northern Le gean ar Ghaeil chun báis nó saoil Trust. Clodagh has been taking part in Le guna screach fé lámhach na bpiléar Scór for many years and is a member Seo libh canaídh Amhrán na bhFiann. of the Derry Scór Youth Committee.

20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 3 CLAR Sunday 20th October 2019 | Celtic Park McFeely Group Intermediate Football O’Neills Senior Football Championship Final Championship Final O’DONOVAN ROSSA MAGHERAFELT O’BRIEN’S GFC, FOREGLEN vs WATTY GRAHAM’S GLEN vs JOHN MITCHEL’S GAC, CLAUDY 3.40pm Magherafelt amach ar an bPáirc - 1.40pm Foreglen amach ar an bPáirc - Brandywell Brandywell End End 3.42pm Glen amach ar an bPáirc - Changing 1.42pm Claudy amach ar an bPáirc - Changing Rooms End Rooms End 3.48pm Oifigigh an Cluiche amach ar an bPáirc 1.50pm Oifigigh an Cluiche amach ar an bPáirc 3.50pm Captains forward for Coin Toss 1.55pm Captains forward for Coin Toss 3.55pm Teams line up behind Pipers for Parade 2.00pm Throw in 3.58pm Amhran na bhfiann 4.00pm Throw In 4.35pm Half-time games: Magherafelt v Glen Scór musicians Magherafelt and Glen clubs PROUD SPONSORS OF DERRY GAA WWW.HAMECHANICALSERVICES.COM

RIVERRIDGE DEVELOPMENT SQUADS SKILLS TEST WINNERS 2019

The results of our RiverRidge Skills These players will today each receive a presentation. A word of thanks to all our coaches, Test this year reflects a growing and to James McGurk, Steelwtown, who co- improvement overall with two ordinates the various Skills Competitions. We are grateful to RiverRidge for their continuing support players scoring the maximum points of our next generation of Derry players. available – namely Darragh Rafferty and Sean Mc Keever of the Under 20 panel. Our Feile Skills winner, Ryan Mc Nicholl, went on to win the All Ireland Feile Skills Competition and our congratulations to him and to all our winners. Our winners are:

U20: Sean McKeever, U15: Ruairí Ó’Mianáin, Slaughtneil U14 Feile: Ryan McNicholl, Glenullin* Ryan also won the All Ireland Feile Skills competition Primary School: Ceadach O’Neill,

4 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 5 by ODHRÁN CRUMLEY by ODHRÁN CRUMLEY DERRY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL 2019 PREVIEW FINAL 2019 PREVIEW O’ BRIENS FOREGLEN O’DONOVAN ROSSA vs JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY vs WATTY GRAHAMS “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all “This is the beginning of the rest of your life. your mind and love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22 37:38 You better start moving like your running out They say that familiarity breeds Aaron Kerrigan free to salvage a forward would simply malfunction contempt. draw. without his presence. of time…” – Gerry Cinnamon, Canter In recent times, the meetings In the replay they fell six behind He caused Claudy untold problems between these two on the field have before their leader, Marty Donaghy in the league meeting so, you can A novel pairing for a county final, But, they won’t want to take won’t know about their opponents been infrequent. steadied the ship as, and their deadly be sure these two will be in for closer two teams with undoubted quality the plaudits of just reaching the and it’s unlikely that there will be Years passed without this local ‘Old firepower took over Donaghy, Blaine inspection this weekend. but, very little or no tradition at the decider, they’ll want to crack that many switches to the teams that Firm’ as first Foreglen languished in Carlin and Callum McElhinney. Both net-minders have been top table of Derry football. glass ceiling and claim a maiden have got their clubs to this point. the top tier, once they had their fall, Goals win games and Emmett steady in Tiernan Burke and Kieran The fact remains that no one crown. Magherafelt will look to Shane the Mitchell’s rose to senior ball and McKeever will know full well that his Reilly have been steady with more of would have paired these two as the They overcame Loup and Lavey in Heavron for the brunt of their scores all of a sudden it was bordering on six charges have that in abundance. the same required today. decider in their pre-championship the opening rounds, no mean feat and he has provided to this point years since their last duel. His counterpart, Philly Muldoon The midfield battle will be predictions. but, nothing that would send real especially, on the free-taking front. In that time a record akin to the will know full well of this threat but in intriguing and the McGahon brothers In fact, a finale without either shockwaves throughout the county. Cormac Murphy and Emmett Undertaker at Wrestlemania began Kevin O’Connor he has a player for will definitely come up against Mark Slaughtneil or or Their semi-final clash with McGuckin will need watching inside to grow, the latest high stool synopsis all ages. McCormick the question over who indeed both seemed almost Slaughtneil was supposed to be the and Glen will have two of Oran calls the last Claudy win over their Now entering the veteran stage of will partner him remains between incomprehensible. end of the road sure; they always McGill, Ryan Dougan and Oisin nearest and dearest as eighteen his decorated career he continues to Liam O’Hara and Ciaran McFeely Rossa’s weren’t supposed to trip bottle it against their nearest and Hegarty to take care of that. years ago. lead from the front, the vocal point. depending on the fitness of the up the holders, Coleraine at the first dearest. Rossa and Glen have been solid Some scholars in blue and white Their opening round was every latter. hurdle and Glen certainly weren’t The Emmett’s eighteen point in the middle this season and doubt this theory but, in practice bit as turbulent as their rivals, Marty Donaghy, and the Kerrigan supposed to topple neighbours, the demolition of the Watty’s in the whichever pairing harvests most they cannot give an alternate Faughanvale led by six at the break brother will form the basis of the illustrious Slaughtneil dynasty. league decider only added to this from this sector could go a long way victory date and so, the record gains before 1-6 from O’Connor sent the inside attacking line they’ll come But, here we are, the hunger narrative. towards a winning formula. legitimacy and moves on. game to a replay and it was here, the face to face with Cathal O’Hara, will be real, the thirst nearing However, the game that played Ciaran McFaul will be expected The Mitchell’s have had their Vale were blown away. Shane and John Duffy. dehydration such is the wait for out is sure to be one the greatest to dominate, especially going chance to break the duct once and The subsequent draws, kept both It’s likely that Cathal will tail Aaron senior success. played within the Owenbeg venue. forward while Michael Warnock will for all, none greater than the 2007 on a collision course, as the clock Kerrigan and Shane could be tasked Magherafelt haven’t contested It had everything, the pendulum consolidate. intermediate championship semi- ticked on towards D-Day. with Donaghy. this fixture since 1983, losing 1-4 to shifting with every passing play, Cush will look for a big final, leading by ten at the break and In reality in the last eight and Conor Johnston is likely to be 1-3 to a Brian McGilligan inspired, that last ditch block on the line with performance from Danny Heavron seemingly comfortable. semi-final games neither Claudy tasked with limiting Kevin O’Connor’s Dungiven side. the lead at two and the time up, while, Jared Monaghan typically From here the green and yellow nor Foreglen had to take their foot influence on the game, elsewhere John McLaughlin last resided in saved the game and sealed a place gets through an abundance of took over, a harrowing defeat, an off the handbrake and move up the Jamie Brown could mark newly Rossa Park back in 1978, Banagher in the decider for Slaughtneil. work. epic comeback and one that would gears. found livewire, Cahir O’Connor were the victims on that occasion. Magherafelt’s journey hasn’t Emmett Bradley forms the go down as arguably their greatest in McKeever’s men overcame leaving Fionain Smyth face to face The crown has made brief stop- come without its very own amateur centrepiece of the Glen attacking off’s at Watty Graham Park. dramatics. unit while Jack Doherty has quietly this age old rivalry. and with minimum fuss with Caolan O’Connor. Most recently, in 2004 but, it left It began with a flourish and they’ll kept the wheels in motion. The chance for the greatest ever without getting out of second gear. Goals will be the clincher in this in the clutches of their neighbours, hope that the end replicates the Where Conor McCluskey will be coup however, arrives today, the This sentiment was echoed by one, both sides must to their upmost Slaughtneil as Glen merely played beginning. deployed is interesting given the chance to get one over on that ‘that Muldoon’s team, Doire Trasna and to retain their discipline in the host to the decider. Emmett McGuckin fresh off the firepower inside for Glen, Danny lot down the road’ in a championship were negated with white heat of battle keep their full This current generation are born back of sealing all three points Tallon has caused untold problems relative ease. complement on the pitch. final. winners, they’ve known no different for Coleraine Football in the Irish and has begun to show the The team that handles the No quarter was given, no quarter Now like two amateur combatants, throughout their underage careers League at Windsor Park sunk talent that his underage prowess occasion for what it is and plays was taken but more importantly the formalities are over, the warm-up at domestic, provincial and even their Eoghan Rua counterparts , suggested. no yards were gained in this year’s fights have been fought and more it like any other Sunday will take national level. punching a late goal into the net. Looking at potential match-up’s league meeting. importantly won with only the small the bragging rights and more Some would have been watching They were comfortable in their on paper, it’s hard to see past a Early season league games matter of each other standing in the importantly, the crown, I wouldn’t through the wire in 2004, dreaming dismissal of Ballinascreen to setup a maiden title for Watty Graham’s. can have little bearing come way of immortality. rule out a draw either… of the chance to become immortal, last four meeting with the fairy-tale But, as the old saying goes, paper championship time, meaning the Both have match winners as that opportunity to replicate the that was Banagher. has never won a football match early season draw between these previously mentioned while, ‘noisy neighbours.’ Rossa were fairly comfortable in and it certainly has never won a two fades into insignificance, only diamonds in the mud have been Those too young to remember the first half, Conor Kearns’ major championship. serving to whet the appetite for what unearthed throughout the year. 2004 will have the memories of the hammering home the advantage. This latest edition of the long was to follow. Oran Armstrong has risen to other half of the parish’s dominance They’ll maybe feel fortunate to storied, Derry Senior Football The road to Celtic Park has been prominence, earning plaudits across over the past few years. hang in at the end to reach their Championship has been filled to less than smooth for these two. the country for his performances and Now they have the chance, first decider in 36 years after only the brim with shock and intrigue so, Claudy led by ten at the break in their his wand of a left boot could steer they’ve made history, they’ll dare to register one score in the second and a Rossa victory isn’t out of the opener against Steelstown. the title back to O’Neill Park. be great and come 4pm on Sunday, half, failing to score for the guts of realms of possibility. Two second stanza dismissal’s Eoghan Duffy has been the man they’ll become the first ever Glen half an hour. That said, in the interest of turned the game on its head, in the for Foreglen, working in the engine side to compete in the At this stage, there is little that avoiding splinters, I cannot see past end Claudy needed a last gasp room, their system and style going Derry Senior Football Final. Adrian Cush and Jude a Glen victory.

6 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 7 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION 2019 Photos by: MARGARET McLAUGHLIN

SPORTS, NEWS & FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret McLaughlin Photography W: mclaughlinpress.com E: [email protected]

20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 9 MANAGERS FOREWORD MANAGERS FOREWORD JUDE DONNELLY DAMIEN O’CONNOR

our S&C coach Mark Coyle, Moira creating a high level of motivation Watt a year it has been! We took to the pitch who washes the jerseys and our two Setting out our goals at the start of the for the players to go as far as they with this talented group of players just after physios Orla and Danny, we could not season, it was clear and concise that the team can. The team’s commitment, have got here without you all. dedication and overall effort Christmas last year and Paddy Murray and To my family and the families of the had turned their heartbreak and defeat from can’t be condensed into a couple players and management staff who of descriptive words; it’s only myself quickly set about surrounding ourselves support us all through thick and thin; the first round of the championship last year something that can be witnessed. with a back-room team who knew the players thank you all. To the previous coaches into a hunger for success. We hope the level of hard work who have taken these boys from throughout the year all pays off on inside out. This included Stephen Murtagh, underage and helped to build this Words can’t describe the hard particular season, which i believe Sunday and that we can give our exceptional team… I salute you. work and effort that the players is fairly evident when managing families, supporters and community Steady McGuckian, Michael McKeefry and Ronan And finally, on a personal note to and management have put into the team. The sense of teamwork something to be proud off. McKenna. all the clubs I have had the privilege every training session and matches. shown by the players has created a to work with, I am eternally grateful Determination is exuded from collaborative atmosphere in which After a successful league campaign to thank our chairman Sean Keane, for the kind messages I have received the team’s attitude within this a passion for success is promoted, Damien O’Connor which saw us unbeaten until the final our committee and our past and over the last few weeks. game and brought us success in the present sponsors for all their I am honoured to be a part of Watty Larkin Cup, we are delighted to be preparations in the lead up to todays Grahams first ever Senior County Final in the County Final here today. The final. To all those in the background and what promises to be a fantastic players have given us everything and who work tirelessly for the club; game against a competitive and more all year both on and off the Dougie our kitman, Ben McGuckin hungry Magherafelt side. pitch. (stats) Sean Donnelly (running coach), I would like to take this opportunity Michael Mitchell (boxing coach), Jude Donnelly MANAGERS FOREWORD PETER McDERMOTT

County finals at any level don’t come around with the other top clubs from division MANAGERS FOREWORD 2 meant that this year’s new division too often for most clubs. Its been 14 years since 1B was going to be ultra-competitive. We couldn’t afford to look too far we last won the intermediate title and we are ahead. We ended up being crowned ADRIAN CUSH absolutely delighted to be in this year’s decider. league champions which meant promotion back to division 1. It was The fact that we are playing our was to get the manager we wanted only once the league was over that like today and now try to add to the neighbours and great rivals Foreglen and that was Emmet McKeever, son we have now reset our sights. We A chairde, recent success at Reserve and U21 only adds to the excitement and buzz of our former player and previous have got to where we want to be, as Championship level by Rossa. that the occasion brings. manager Tommy McKeever. The have our final opponents. There will On behalf of the entire management After a disappointment of how last second thing we decided was to be a huge crowd, may both teams Finally, a big thank you to our year panned out for us it was a case of simply take one game at a time. With perform and may the best team win. team, I would like to thank all those who have supporters. When the team needed regrouping over the close season and 5 senior clubs from last season now contributed and supported us in our journey to you at crucial stages in recent hitting the reset button. Our first goal playing intermediate football along Peter McDermott games your presence and vocal this year’s final. support has been heard and we will need to hear it again today. Magherafelt has not been in a tasted success at the club coming We are well aware of the A Chairde, up to now. The assistance of our county senior football final for up through the very successful challenge before us, Glen are Thank you for taking the time participating clubs is also greatly 36 years. That’s a long time for underage ranks. That’s testament a great team who have been FOGRA any club, and the response of the to the hard work and foresight of to read our match programme appreciated, in what is already knocking on the door in recent today, we hope you will enjoy a hectic build up for them. A final entire club and town to our recent the club and coaches who have years. They will present a huge Acknowledgements what we believe is a publication thanks to the ever professional championship wins have been invested heavily with their time and obstacle on the day and I hope both incredible. It is something both the nurtured and encouraged these teams serve up a game deserving of Editor: Conor Nicholl worthy of the occasion. These DJ print. management team and the players players to develop and improve. the occasion. Photography: programmes could not be What you are reading today is greatly appreciate. I want to thank our players. There Rest assured we will give this Margaret McLaughlin completed without the many done completely voluntarily, we Listening to the players they are has been a real buzz at training county final everything. Danny O’Kane talented gaels we are blessed know no other way. all immensely proud to wear the and even the wet and dark nights Le meas, to have in our county, who have Contributions: As named Míle buíochas Magherafelt, O’Donovan Rossa haven’t dampened our spirit. The willingly volunteered their time, Production: Kevin Mullan jersey every game but today is entire senior panel have been over an over again. I would like to extra special. Many of them have relentless in their pursuit of a game (DJ Print) Adrian Cush thank all who have contributed Conor Nicholl not only to this programme, but Ofigeach Caipreamh Poiblí all publications we have produced Doire C.L.G.

10 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 11 by ODHRÁN CRUMLEY

manager but I had every faith in Jude.” A TRIP DOWN Although Jude Donnelly has McKeefry’s full backing, he is adamant that Glen are still a MEMORY LANE work in progress. DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL “To me, they are not just a by PADDY HEANEY complete team yet,” he said. CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS “Take the Slaughtneil match. If Cathal Mulholland hadn’t scored that early goal, I don’t think we ever would have I’ve decided to take a trip down memory lane, having a won it. We were on a downer look at some of the historic Derry Senior Football Final’s MICHAEL McKEEFRY at that stage in the game. over the past eighty years in periods of ten years. That’s how fickle football can be.” SEEN EVERYTHING BUT Interestingly, McKeefry It seems like 1939 is the perfect year to start given the was more confident of a combatants in this year’s contest and it appears that years Glen victory ahead of the ending in nine have been a happy hunting ground for the HASN’T SEEN IT ALL semi-final contest against Slaughtneil game than he is Rossa’s in years gone by… Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Franklin D Roosevelt were still in power of a landmark win against when Michael McKeefry was born in 1936. Magherafelt in the county final. Magherafelt claimed the title for the first ever time The 83-year-old has witnessed knowledge of how the Watty “We were going in fresh. We 1939 defeating Dungiven 5-7 to 1-2 in the decider played in a lot of traumatic events in his Graham’s club has evolved through went in under no pressure. Ballinascreen, George Nash refereed the game. lifetime, albeit most of them while the decades. A lot of things were in our watching his native Glen on the He played on the Glen team favour,” he said. Magherafelt claimed the title for a fourth time in a playing fields of South Derry and which won the club’s first major Only time will tell if this 1949 decade beating Eoghan Ruadh 2-8 to 0-6 in Celtic Park, beyond! honour, a Junior Championship title current crop of Glen players Harry Owens took charge of the game. Unlike today’s Instagram in 1959. will lift the John McLaughlin generation, Michael McKeefry “My bigger achievements were on Cup for the first time in the claimed the title for a third time in Balliascreen comes from a very different era. the committee rather than on the club’s history. 1959 beating Desertmartin 3-4 to 1-3, Peter Kearny captained The octogenarian holds an innate football field. I was involved with Of course, even reaching the Wolfetones. reticence towards publicity. buying the club (The Glen Centre) the final has been a long When the voice recorder is and the pitches, and that sort of time in coming. But McKeefry Bellaghy retained the title after winning half of the titles produced, the words of an old thing,” he said. remains phlegmatic about 1969 up for grabs in that decade beating Slaughtneil 1-9 to aunt immediately spring to mind: Always conscious of his fellow it all. At 83-years-of-age, 0-8; Tom Quinn lifted the cup in Magherafelt. “She used to say: ‘You are better clubmen, McKeefry spends much he is still working six days to keep out of the public eye. The of the interview like The Godfather a week. This is a man who Bellaghy claimed the cup after a replay beating men who are running up to lift the in the garden with Michael – After stepping down at the appreciates the value of pure 1979 Magherafelt 0-14 to 0-3 in Ballinascreen. Bobby Mullan plate in the chapel are always the repeatedly going over the names end of last season, was doggedness. refereed the game and Hugh McGoldrick was the “The clubs I have always most ridiculed men in the parish’.” of the men who “need to be succeeded by Jude Donnelly, who winning . The yarn is followed by a volley of mentioned.” heads up a management team admired the most in the GAA McKeefry’s trademark mischievous His good friend Harry Kelly and that includes Paddy Murray (Kilcoo) are those small junior clubs Newbridge claimed the 10th and to this juncture that are working with very laughter. the late Michael Bryson “both and Glen man, Stephen Murtagh. 1989 last senior title beating Castledawson, 3-4 to 0-9 in And don’t be misled. Michael gave us a lot of help when we were McKeefry revealed that he was limited numbers. The clubs Ballinascreen. Billy McKeever refereed the game and McKeefry doesn’t care too much purchasing the grounds.” extremely keen to see Donnelly get that go out every Sunday and about other people’s opinion. The current chairman Sean Keane the post. There is a connection with win very few matches. The Damian Barton lifted the cup. Liam was man of Indeed, those who know him best and his committee “are doing a Donnelly who worked as a carpet clubs that go years without the match while, Fergal Kearney was the championship’s would contend that he doesn’t care magnificent job”. fitter in McKeefry’s furniture store winning anything at any level top scorer. at all! The late Murty Higgins, Jim for more than 15 years. – but they keep the whole However, he did have a McGuigan and Frank Kearney But that link doesn’t explain thing going. That is the spirit 1999 Bellaghy claimed a 19th title beating 1-11 genuine concern about failing to are name-checked as are Glen’s why McKeefry wanted his former which I admire most,” he said. to 0-11 with Damian Cassidy winning the man of the acknowledge the men and women, long standing servants Gerry employee to replace Enda Gormley. This spirit of perseverance match accolade. Liam Devlin lifted the cup while, Dessie both living and deceased, who McEldowney and Chris McGrath – “Both myself and Michael (his has been embedded into Kearney refereed the game. Gerard Cassidy finished the played their part in helping Glen “the public face of the club in the son) were particularly keen to get the club’s psyche by Frank year as the championship’s top scorer. reach their first ever county final. town”. him appointed. We saw what he Kearney’s motto: ‘Onwards McKeefry was just 16-years-old “Mention the work Enda did as achieved with other clubs. We saw and Upwards’. Loup claimed their third ever senior title beating when he joined Glen’s committee well,” he instructs, referring to the the set-up that he had in his home And McKeefry agrees. 2009 Dungiven 1-8 to 0-10 in a game handled by Barry Toland. in 1952. “I’ve been a member of the pivotal role which double Allstar for analysing games. Sitting on a sofa in his Joe O’Kane was the man of the match and the winning Glen committee ever since then,” and All-Ireland medallist, Enda “We knew his attention to detail furniture storeroom, he captain. Cathal Grieve was finished as the competitions he said. Gormley played in managing the when it came to analysing games. ponders what the final might top scorer. As such, the Maghera current players from underage to Other people were suggesting that hold, then says: businessman has an intimate senior level. we should appoint a high profile “Win or lose, we just keep going.”

12 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 13 burned when he was ten and was lucky to survive. He came on in that final ten minutes. We were leading with a few minutes to go and Galway got a goal. Ciarán got a score back and it just cleared the crossbar. Had it been a goal he’d have been a hero but we lost by a point. It was disappointing but I was glad for him at the same time. It was one of the best parts of my Gaelic Foreglen GAC All County life.” League Division III - 1983 Along with Ciarán, Noel’s sons Eunan, Ruairí and Odhran have all represented the O’Briens at adult which backs up what the deeply about the development level. Like the construction of the teenage McFeely had witnessed. of young people. It’s possibly one new A6 dual carriageway which Asked why he would not engage of the reasons he got the call will overhang the superb facilities DERRY GAA | VALUING VOLUNTEERS in long runs during training from Niall Conway to assist with at the club, progress and life sessions, rather preferring sprints, the Derry minor football team forges on through generations. responded: “if I don’t in 2007. “We have worked hard in the get the ball in the first five yards, “I didn’t say yes right away,” he past few years to consolidate the I won’t get it. But I f**king will explains. “But it didn’t take me position of the club,” he says. “It’s get it.” long and I couldn’t refuse after only when you come up against NOEL McFEELY “We had only one man who talking it over with my family. You obstacles that you know you’ve could keep up with Charlie; Philip want to do it for Derry.” got a good community, when McLaughin, our corner back,” An Ulster final disappointment everyone rows in. FOREGLEN’S says McFeely. and another point that never “We’re fairly well on with a new “Having Charlie Gallagher was against Tyrone momentarily health track around the existing involved at that time was halted the team’s progress but pitch,” reveals McFeely about UNSTOPPABLE FORCE like bringing in Mick O’Dwyer. with the safety of a back door the recent club developments. “It will Our players loved him and he management of Niall Conway, be tarmacked with lights and a changed the way we saw the Killian Conlan, Noel McFeely and safe space and walkway for the game to be honest. The man Michael McMullan soon had the entire community with the help “He said I couldn’t play with a Plaster of Paris on my broken arm. won an Ulster championship with young Oaks back on the road, a of the roads people we are keen So, before the throw-in, I went over to the van where I had a small that year and apart from road that took them all the way to progress with a new artificial that point that never was in ’97 to the All-Ireland minor final of pitch as well.” angle grinder and I cut the plaster off. In fairness, the referee was they haven’t won one since.” 2007. Whatever happens in the 2019 probably right.” A joke with a jag but a case in “I look back on that year as Intermediate final, in point, that as well as a lifetime amongst the best times of the Foreglen will go on thanks to of service to the O’Brien’s club, my life. The three fellas along people like Noel McFeely. Since Noel McFeely has never The club’s youth officer for a George Best of ’. McFeely’s thoughts are never far with us were unbelievable. The the 1840s, wars, famine, political lacked courage. He played that fifteen year period, McFeely has “He was a dentist in Derry,” from the fortunes of Derry teams. final was obviously a massive and economic strife have not championship game against held every position bar treasurer. explains McFeely. Having worked Along with his brothers Tom and disappointment but it was mixed stopped them. The plaster cast Ardmore as he has lived his life: He has won Derry Football in the Clarendon Street practice Derek, they collectively sponsor emotions too. “My son Ciarán had never stood a chance. fearlessly, selflessly and with total Championships as team captain for another Cavan great, Barney the current Intermediate Football been through a lot. He was badly devotion to the people of the (IFC, 1985), manager (JFC, 1990) Cully, full-back during the 40s, Championship. Foreglen. and chairman (IFC, 2013). Gallagher was still playing “During my time as youth From the four-and-half- Born in 1954 in a family of with the Breffni County when officer, I took our young players to mile bus journey he took as a thirteen (seven boys and six girls), he agreed to assist the men watch Derry all over the country. fourteen-year-old boy to Claudy McFeely represented Derry at of Foreglen prepare for the I even flew our U16s to Catalonia Green to watch his idol Foncey all age grades of football. “I was championship of 1969. to experience games and life out O’Kane play for the O’Brien’s, to on the fringes of the Derry senior A fifteen-year-old Noel there. The lads all helped pay listening attentively on Sunday team in the mid-eighties” he says. McFeely couldn’t pass up on their own way, raising funds and mornings at club meetings under “I was always strong and fit but I the chance to soak up the all that. the eaves of George McCormick’s was getting on in years. Time kind experience. “I’m a great believer in thatched roof, McFeely comes of ran out on that.” “Charlie Gallagher was a discipline, especially with our from a people and an area where Football-wise, it was witnessing master,” he recalls. “Training in young people. I’m not saying memories run long and deep the magic of a Cavan man ‘at those days was kicking in and mine was all that good years into the heart of the 1800s, when Jim Brolly’s field’ in the late sixties out and who could catch it the ago but when you get older, you were first recorded that captured his imagination of best. Fairly basic. But Gallagher get more astute and see things in Derry. what was possible. was all about speed. He was like differently. I emphasise that now “In Foreglen, it’s born and bred Charlie Gallagher – the subject lightening himself!” throughout the club as I think it’s into you. And you do what you of one of the best Irish sports In Fitzpatrick’s account, very important.” can for the club and the people,” books of 2019 by Paul Fitzpatrick Cavan’s Frankie Kennedy recalled Noel McFeely clearly cares he says. – has been described as ‘the a conversation with Gallagher

14 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 15 O’ BRIENS FOREGLEN O’ BRIENS FOREGLEN PEN PICS PEN PICS Name: Lee McTaggart Name: Cahir O’Connor Name: Caolán O’Connor Name: Ruairi Duffy Age: 21 Age: 19 Age: 21 Age: 27 Occupation: Boarder Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Quantity Occupation: Quantity Surveyor Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Surveyor Earliest Sporting Memory: Going to Croke Park to watch Winning U8s Blitzes for Earliest Sporting Memory: Under 10 All-Ireland Derry Play Foreglen U10 Player of the Tournament Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: at Foreglen Blitz Shaun McFeely always driving Christopher Farren My parents Biggest Influence on Career: My me about Parents

Name: Kevin O’Connor Name: Pádraic Sheerin Name: Kevin Dunne Name: John Duffy Age: 33 Age: 33 Age: 24 Age: 31 Occupation: MD at Dao-Con Occupation: Data Scientist Occupation: Glazier Occupation: Quantity Surveyor Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Tense Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning underage Silence between Ma and Da Headers and volleys for Getting to underage games in Championship driving home from the 1990s warmup in U16 Championship the back of a blue Hiace van Biggest Influence on Career: Derry V Tyrone battles Final Biggest Influence on Career: My parents. Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: My family My underage coaches My family

Name: Sean O’Connor Name: Shane Feeney Name: Rory O’Hara Name: Odhran McFeely Age: 21 Age: 24 Age: 29 Age: 23 Occupation: WWE Wrestler Occupation: Artist Occupation: Dryliner Occupation: Quantity Surveyor Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Scoring 4-20 for U12’s Winning the U12 Blitz in Winning U10 All Ireland Winning the egg and spoon Biggest Influence on Career: Faughanvale Biggest Influence on Career: race in P4 No one inspires me, I inspire Biggest Influence on Career: Kevin O’Neill (Wang) Biggest Influence on Career: myself Has to be John Sheerin John Sheerin, never lost a championship

Name: Eunan McFeely Name: Fintan O’Hara Age: 23 Name: Gavin McCormick Name: Ciarán McFeely Age: 27 Occupation: Men’s Hair Stylist Age: 23 Age: 29 Earliest Sporting Memory: Occupation: Project Manager My Occupation: Boarder Occupation: First Man Utd game, March Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Building Contractor 2003 Paddy Canning’s penalty save Biggest Influence on Career: Watching Darren O’Hara Earliest Sporting Memory: in Ulster Final The ‘Oul pair, they always said kicking a point for Foreglen Going to watch my Da play for Biggest Influence on Career: to do what makes you happy! Biggest Influence on Career: seniors My father Probably the best advice Patrick O’Kane (Trick) Biggest Influence on Career: anyone could give. Family

Name: Conrad Sheerin Name: Eoghan Duffy Name: Cathal O’Hara Name: Ruairi McFeely Age: 27 Age: 26 Age: 29 Age: 22 Occupation: Civil Engineer Occupation: Engineer Occupation: Plasterer Occupation: Student Earliest Sporting Memory: U10 Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: All-Ireland winners in Mosney Biggest Influence on Career: Winning U10 All-Ireland Training down the Lane Beating my brothers on FIFA Brian Campbell, Eamon Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: 06 O’Connor and Tagsy- My ma Biggest Influence on Career:My Underage coaches as long as I family can remember.

Name: Jonathan O’Dwyer Name: Paul O’Kane Name: Liam O’Hara Name: Mark McCormick Age: 23 Age: 23 Age: 22 Age: 29 Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Electrial Engineer Occupation: Glazer Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Derry V Kerry 2004 U12 Blitz in Celtic Park Watching Kevin O’Connor star Playing down the lane Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: for Foreglen Biggest Influence on Career: My father John Sheerin Biggest Influence on Career: Adrian O’Kane (Purdy) My mother

16 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 17 O’ BRIENS FOREGLEN PEN PICS Name: Tiarnán Burke Name: Oisin Duffy Age: 20 Age: 29 Occupation: Occupation: Finance Officer Aerospace Engineer Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Trips in the car with Da and U16 Vocational School winners brothers watching Derry 2013 games Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: Henrik Larsson My brothers

Name: Chris Farren Name: Padraig Morohan Age: 21 Age: 22 Occupation: Catching Sparks Occupation: Preacher Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Champions League Final 2005 Declan setting me up for an Biggest Influence on Career: overhead kick James (Sally) O’Kane Biggest Influence on Career: Josie

Name: Ryan Downey Name: Gavin Keely Age: 20 Age: 21 Occupation: Student Occupation: Dryliner Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Hitting my kick-out over my Going to Croke Park to watch head into my own nets in Derry play indoor Biggest Influence on Career: Biggest Influence on Career: My mother My parents

Name: Shane Duffy Age: 31 Occupation: Quantity Surveyor Earliest Sporting Memory: Holding Sam in 1993 THE COMMITTEE & MEMBERS Biggest Influence on Career: Nothing specific, just the buzz of playing with friends and OF O’BRIENS FOREGLEN WISH family

Name: James O’Kane OUR SENIOR FOOTBALLERS THE Age: 27 Occupation: Taper VERY BEST OF LUCK IN TODAY’S Earliest Sporting Memory: Watching Kelvin White, star of Magpies INTERMEDIATE FINAL Biggest Influence on Career: SP McCann role model

Name: Niall McConway Age: 26 Occupation: Electrician

Earliest Sporting Memory: Burke Mary K Photos: Playing for Drum U12s Biggest Influence on Career: /ForeglenGAC My father

18 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY PEN PICS PEN PICS Name: Lee O’Kane Name: Callum McElhinney Name: Shea Dalton Name: Cillain Higgins Age: 27 Age: 23 Age: 18 Age: 22 Occupation: Driver Occupation: Occupation: Ceiling Fixer Occupation: Sports Retail Earliest Sporting Memory: Recent Uni Graduate Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: First Time in Croke Park Earliest Sporting Memory: Claudy winning 205 Claudy ‘05 championship Biggest influence on career: First time in Anfield in 2003 Intermediate Championship Biggest influence on career: Stephen Farren Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Shea Dalton My Dad who brought me to Ronan Johnston football matches no matter where or when Name: Conor Johnston Name: Oran Armstrong Name: Odhran McCloskey Name: Stephen Farren Age: 27 Age: 23 Age: 22 Age: 27 Occupation: Personal Trainer Occupation: Occupation: Plumber Occupation: Florist Earliest Sporting Memory: Customer Protection Analyst Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning Under 12 Blitz in Earliest Sporting Memory: Claudy ‘05 championship Emmett McCloskey roaring at Feeney Arsenal “invincibles” Biggest influence on career: Under 8 Training Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Thomas McCloskey Biggest influence on career: Big Fred & Philomena Aaron Donaghy, older brother Liam Peoples McLaughlin of Marty Donaghy

Name: Shea Kerrigan Name: Caolan Hone Name: Conor Gormley Name: Cory Armstrong Age: 27 Age: 19 Age: 22 Age: 24 Occupation: Occupation: Electrician Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Electrical Project Manager Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Sunday morning blitz in U14 League winners Claudy ‘05 championship Winning Skills Competition at Owenbeg Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Primary School Biggest influence on career: Shea Dalton My Dad Biggest influence on career: My Dad Brian Harkin

Name: Darrell Devine Name: Ciarnan Higgins Name: Aaron Donaghy Jr Name: Conor McGarvey Age: 27 Age: 20 Age: 18 Age: 27 Occupation: Occupation: Doctor Occupation: Student Occupation: Electrician Engineer in Training Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing in Underage Blitz at Arsenal doing the invincible Blitzes in Owenbeg Scoring the winning point in a Claudy Parish sports Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: U12 Blitz Biggest influence on career: RJ My Father Cathal Donaghy Biggest influence on career: Parents Teddy Donaghy & Claire McGarvey

Name: Kieran Reilly Name: Eoin McGahon Name: Ross Stevenson Name: Aaron Kerrigan Age: 33 Age: 28 Age: 21 Age: 29 Occupation: Dryliner Occupation: Occupation: Student Occupation: Engineer Earliest Sporting Memory: Ecommerce Executive Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: 93 All Ireland Earliest Sporting Memory: ‘05 Champions league final Scoring 2 goals for U12s Biggest influence on career: 98 Ulster Final Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Mark Reilly Biggest influence on career: Aaron Donaghy Charlie Kerrigan Laim Bradley

Name: Dermot McFeely Name: Blaine Carlin Name: Paddy Hargan Name: Kyle Gormley Age: 26 Age: 25 Age: 30 Age: 20 Occupation: Primary School Occupation: Boarder Occupation: Yoga Instructor Occupation: Chef Teacher Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Emmett McCloskey roaring at Nuggets testimonial game 25 Winning U14 championship Scoring a header in a U10 blitz Under 8 Training years ago! against Craigbane in Banagher Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Barry Carton Big Gregory Lynch, he taught Shea Dalton The Murph me all I Know

20 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 21 JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY PEN PICS Name: Liam Connolly Name: Jamie Brown Age: 17 Age: 21 Occupation: Student Occupation: Fraud Analyst Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Sean Bean’s training Winning U14 League against Biggest influence on career: Donal my Grandad Biggest influence on career: Peoples’s Sunday’s

Name: Marty Donaghy Name: Aaron Donaghy Age: 37 Age: 23 Occupation: Construction Occupation: Technical Analyst Manager Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning the league at White Bonnie baby winner 1982 Heart Lane Kerlin Cup Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: My big brother Gavin Parents

Name: Ryan Cunning Name: Shane McGahon Age: 18 Age: 25 Occupation: Student Occupation: Site Manager Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Friday night blitz in Owenbeg Derry v Galway All Ireland Biggest influence on career: Semi Final 2001 Tony Hibbert Biggest influence on career: Michael O’Kane

Name: Fionain Smyth Age: 23 Occupation: Software Engineer Earliest Sporting Memory: Shane McGahons monster energy speech Biggest influence on career: Barry Carton PROUD SPONSORS OF

Name: Conall White JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY Age: 21 Occupation: Student Teacher Earliest Sporting Memory: Putting Odhran Crumley out over the line at U8’s Biggest influence on career: My Da, Francie Bellew and Nemanja Vidic

22 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL 2019

O’DONOVAN ROSSA WATTY GRAHAMS

1 1 Odhran Lynch Callum Mullan-Young Órán Ó Lionsigh Callum Ó Maoláin de Siún

2 3 4 2 3 4 Simon McErlain Darren O’Neill Guisseppe Lupari Orán McGill Ryan Dougan Oisin Hegarty Síomón Mac Fhirléinn Dáire Ó Néill Guisseppe Lupari Orán Mac Giolla Rioghán Ó Duagáin Oisín Ó hÉigeartaigh

5 6 7 5 6 7 Conor McCluskey Fergal Duffin Conor Kearns Cathal Mulholland Connor Carville Ethan Doherty Conchúr Mac Bhloscaidh Fearghal Ó Duifinn Conchúr Ó Ciaráin Cathair Ó Maolchallann Conchobhar Mac Cearbhaill Íatan Ó Dochartaigh

8 9 8 9 Jared Monaghan Daniel Heavron (C) Ciaran McFaul Emmett Bradley Gearóid Ó Manacháin Dónall O hÉimhrín Ciarán Mac Pháil Emmett Ó Brolcháin

10 11 12 10 11 12 Patrick McLarnon Shane Heavron John Young Michael Warnock Jack Doherty Danny Tallon (C) Pádraig Mac Giolla Earnáin Seán Ó hÉimhrín Seán Ó hÓgáin Mícheál Mac Giolla Mhearnog Séamaisín Ó Dochartaigh Daniel Talún

13 14 15 13 14 15 Anton McElhone Cormac Murphy Emmet McGuckin Paul Gunning Alex Doherty Cahir McCabe Antaine Mac Giolla Chomhain Cormac Ó Murchú Eiméid Mac Eochainn Pól Ó Conaing Alex Ó Dochartaigh Cathair Mac Cába

FIR ÍONAID: BAINISTÍOCHT: FIR ÍONAID: BAINISTÍOCHT: 16 Conor McLarnon 25 Conor Maunsell Bainisteoir 16 Andy Warnock 30 Declan Brolly Bainisteoir 17 Joe Keenan 26 Michael Lynch Adrian Cush 17 Conleth McGuckian 31 Andrew Ferguson Daniel Talún 18 Paul O’Kane 27 Lewis Davey 18 Conor Convery 32 Seanny McGroggan 19 Matthew Higgins 28 Niall Higgins 19 Tiarnan 33 Tiarnan McCusker 20 Declan Martin 29 Ben McErlain 20 Philip O’Connell 34 Conor Glass 21 Sean Og Monaghan 30 Ciaran Shields 21 Conor McDevitt 22 Conor Doherty 31 Dominic Crozier 22 Connlan Bradley 23 Conor Smylie 32 Michael McEvoy 23 Eunan Mulholland 24 Conor Rafferty 24 Stevie O’Hara 25 John McCamley 26 Declan McCusker 27 Ryan Winton 28 Conor Gallagher REFEREE: John Joe Cleary (Castledawson) 29 Conall Darragh

24 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 25 INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL The Mc Feely FINAL 2019 Group

O’ BRIENS FOREGLEN JOHN MITCHEL’S CLAUDY

1 1 Tiarnan Burke Kieran Reilly Tiarnan de Búrca Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh

2 3 4 2 3 4 John Duffy Cathal O’ Hara Shane Duffy Jamie Brown Cory Armstrong Fionan Smyth Seán Ó Dufaigh Cathal O’ hEára Sean Ó Dufaigh Séamus de Brún Cory Ó Labhraí Tréan Fionain Mac Gabhann

5 6 7 5 6 7 Pauric Morahan Oisin Duffy James O’Kane Blaine Carlin Conor Johnston Aaron Donaghy Pádraig Ó Murcháin Oisín Ó Dufaigh James Francis Ó Cathain Blaine Ó Cearúlláin Conchúr Mac Seáin Árón Ó Donnchaidh

8 9 8 9 Liam O’Hara Mark McCormick Eoin Mc Gahon Shane Mc Gahon Liam O’ hEára Marcas McCormick Eoin Mag Eacháin Seán Mag Eacháin

10 11 12 10 11 12 Eoghan Duffy Kevin Dunne Sean O’Connor Paddy Hargan Oran Armstrong Shea Kerrigan Eoghan Ó Dufaigh Caoimhín Ó Doinn Sean Ó Conchúir Pádraig Hargan Órán Ó Labhraí Tréan Sé Ó Ciaragáin

13 14 15 13 14 15 Cahir O’Connor Kevin O’Connor (C) Caolan O’Connor Stephen Farren Marty Donaghy (C) Aaron Kerrigan Cathair Ó Conchúir Caoimhín Ó Conchúir Caolan Ó Conchúir Stiofán Ó Fearáin Máirtín Ó Donnchaidh Árón Ó Ciaragáin

FIR ÍONAID: BAINISTÍOCHT: FIR ÍONAID: BAINISTÍOCHT: 16 Ryan Downey 30 Lee McTaggart Bainisteoir 16 Ryan Mercer 30 Liam Connolly Bainisteoir 17 Ruairi Duffy 31 Paul O’Kane Damien O’Connor 17 Conal White 31 Ciarnan Higgins Emmett McKeever 18 Conrad Sheerin 32 Shane 18 Jamie Donaghy 32 Cillain Higgins 19 Ciaran McFeely 19 Callum McElhinney 20 Niall McConway 20 Conor Gormley 21 Jonathan O’Dwyer 21 Darrell Devine 22 Eunan McFeely 22 Ryan Cunning 23 Gavin McCormick 23 Ross Stevenson 24 Odhran McFeely 24 Shea Dalton 25 Ruairi McFeely 25 Odhran McCloskey 26 Rory O’Hara 26 Lee O’Kane 27 Fintan O’Hara 27 Dermot McFeely REFEREE: Barry Cassidy 28 28 Christopher Farren Oran Duffy (Bellaghy) 29 Gavin Kealey 29 Conor McGarvey

26 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 27 O’DONOVAN ROSSA O’DONOVAN ROSSA PEN PICS PEN PICS Name: Odhran Lynch Name: Conor Kearns Name: Anton McElhone Name: Matthew Higgins Age: 19 Age: 27 Age: 26 Age: 25 Occupation: Little Mix Roadie Occupation: Barista Occupation: Occupation: Trampolinist Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Stadium Announcer Earliest Sporting Memory: Derry winning National Solskjaer’s winner in 1999 for Earliest Sporting Memory: Antones 30yard volley against League v Kerry in 1998 treble Heavies goal from a last Bernagh in u14 feile Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: minute free kick in an u10 Biggest influence on career: Eamon Lynch QB tournament Rossa Underage Coaches Biggest influence on career:QB

Name: Simon McErlain Name: Jared Monaghan Name: Cormac Murphy Name: Declan Martin Age: 19 Age: 31 Age: 19 Age: 19 Occupation: Oil Rigger Occupation: Jockey Occupation: Synchronised Occupation: Horse Whisperer Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Swimmer Earliest Sporting Memory: Derry Minors 2007 All Ireland Laughing at Darren (Chief) Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning u16a champoinship final O’Neill shooting Winning South Derry Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: championship at school My mum making me stick at My Dad Family Biggest influence on career: football My Da

Name: Darren O’Neill Name: Daniel Heavron Age: 30 Name: Emmet McGuckin Name: Sean Og Monaghan Age: 31 Occupation: Stunt Double Age: 28 Age: 20 Occupation: Air traffic Earliest Sporting Memory: Occupation: Fashion Designer Occupation: Nail Bar Owner Controller Getting kicked on the leg Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: playing in an u8’s blitz, wasn’t Sunday morning training in Getting robbed in final of Shooting ducks happy Rossa Brigid Heavron tournament Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Youth Coaches Looking for the lad that kicked Parents My Da me

Name: Guisseppe Lupari Name: Patrick McLarnon Name: Conor McLarnon Name: Conor Doherty Age: 20 Age: 19 Age: 27 Age: 25 Occupation: Occupation: Sommelier Occupation: Professional Dog Occupation: Comic Book Groomer Childrens Party Entertainer Illustrator Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing In Brigid Heavron 1958 Derry team paraded at Memorial Tournament Winning South Derry Celtic Park in 1998 as Granda Winning u14 All Ireland Biggest influence on career: championship at school was part of it Biggest influence on career: My dad Antonio Lupari Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Philip Kerr My Da Oule Boy

Name: Conor McCluskey Name: Shane Heavron Name: Joe Keenan Name: Conor Smylie Age: 20 Age: 25 Age: 34 Age: 28 Occupation: Occupation: Jewellery Artist Occupation: Wedding Planner Sheep Shearer Occupation: Foot Model Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing U6s for Bellaghy as Derry winning NFL 2008 Ciaran Moores Da giving him Magherafelt didn’t have a John Young lifting the U12b Biggest influence on career: Player of the Year team! Championship Parents Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Paul ‘Chalker’Brown Aidan O’Brien, Rossa Youth Decky O’Neill and cousin Fergal Logan

Name: Fergal Duffin Name: John Young Name: Paul O’Kane Name: Conor Rafferty Age: 26 Age: 29 Age: 26 Age: 26 Occupation: Yoga Master Occupation: Hairdresser Occupation: Zoo Keeper Occupation: Pet Food Taster Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing under 12s under Joe Conor Smylies tears at u10 Oisin Quinn’s wonder goal Winning u14 All Ireland Keenan and the lads blitz in Carryduff against Glen in U14 feile Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Philip Kerr Rossa Underage Coaches O’Brien brothers Inky Johnson

28 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 29 O’DONOVAN ROSSA

PEN PICS Name: Conor Maunsell Name: Ciaran Shields Age: 21 Age: 19 Occupation: Ventriloquist Occupation: Earliest Sporting Memory: Professional Shopper Carryduff tournament Earliest Sporting Memory: Biggest influence on career: Winning South Derry Tom & Rosemary championship at school Biggest influence on career: My Da

Name: Michael Lynch Name: Dominic Crozier Age: 22 Age: 27 Occupation: Occupation: Fine Art Dealer Head of Security for One Earliest Sporting Memory: Direction Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing 3rds and seeing two of Captaining Holy Trinity PS to my team mates getting sent win INTO mini 7s off for fighting Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: My Dad Eamon Lynch Ryan Ferris and my father

Name: Lewis Davey Name: Michael McEvoy Age: 24 Age: 22 Occupation: Teady Bear Repair Occupation: Chauffeur Technician Earliest Sporting Memory: Very Proud Sponsors Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning INTO mini 7s Winning a snooker Biggest influence on career: competition Family Biggest influence on career: Family and friends Name: Niall Higgins Name: Diarmaid Kielt Of Age: 25 Age: 21 Occupation: Golf Ball Diver Occupation: Basketball Player Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Wearing shinguards to u8 U8 training with Marty Kerr training Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Tom Maunsell Darren O Hagan O’Donovan Rossa GAC

Name: Ben McErlain Age: 18 Occupation: Pilot Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning South Derry championship at school Magherafelt Biggest influence on career: My father

Catherine Comer Catherine Photos: Derry SFC Final 2019

30 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire WATTY GRAHAMS WATTY GRAHAMS PEN PICS PEN PICS Name: Connor Carville Name: Callum Mullan-Young Name: Dominic Carville Name: Stevie O’Hara Age: 25 Position: Defender Age: 22 Age: 28 Age: 24 Occupation: Position: Goal-keeper Position: Defender Position: Forward Power System Engineer Occupation: Student Occupation: Accountant Occupation: Steel Fabricator Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Ginger losing the head in First Under 6 training in the Going to Derry games with 2008 Feile Final. The beginning Under 8 training. Leisure Centre Granda of a healthy rivalry Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Family Damien McCusker Beaker Parents

Name: Mark O’Donnell Name: Tiarnan Flanaghan Name: Niall Gallagher Name: Eunan Mulholland Age: 35 Age: 22 Age: 21 Age: 18 Position: Forward Position: Forward Position: Forward Position: Forward Occupation: Electrician Occupation: Welder Occupation: Student Occupation: Electrician Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Derry winning Sam Maguire Winning Castle Cup Metting Joe Kernan after Going on team bus to Feile Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: won All-Ireland in 2008 Father Chelsea Flanaghan Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Diego Maradona Oul boy and Granda

Name: Ciaran McFaul Name: Ethan Doherty Name: Jack Gunning Name: Kevin McErlean Age: 25 Age: 17 Age: 21 Age: 25 Position: Mid-Field / Forward Position: Defender Position: Forward Position: Forward Occupation: Joiner Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Joiner Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning Castle Cup with Castle Cup Derry winning All-Ireland Winning Castle Cup Glenview P.S Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Parents John J McKenna Enda Gormley & Adrian Mum ‘Clucker’ McCloskey

Name: Michael Scullion Name: Conleth McGuckian Name: Tiarnan McCusker Name: Conor Convery Age: 26 Age: 18 Age: 19 Age: 23 Position: Forward Position: Forward Position: Defender Position: Forward Occupation: Lorry Driver Occupation: Student Occupation: Joiner Occupation: Teacher Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Scoring 2-04 in Feile semi- Winning Castle Cup Watching Glen minors Falling out with my Da final replay Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Parents Father Family Seanny McGroogan

Name: John McCamley Name: Conor Glass Name: Danny Tallon Name: Seanny McGroggan Age: 33 Age: 22 Age: 23 Age: 27 Position: Mid-field Position: Defender / Mid-field Position: Forward Position: Forward Occupation: Accountant Occupation: Student Occupation: Professional Occupation: Architect Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: folklift driver Earliest Sporting Memory: Beating Keano 20 nil at one Carryduff Cup Earliest Sporting Memory: United winning treble touch. Biggest influence on career: Castle Cup Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Jordon Martin Biggest influence on career: Bunty McKee Sean Peter Gribbon Shane Gribben

Name: Ryan Winton Name: Cathal Mulholland Name: Michael Warnock Name: Declan McCusker Age: 26 Age: 23 Position: Defender Age: 26 Age: 22 Position: Forward Occupation: Punter Position: Defender Position: Defender Occupation: Electrician Earliest Sporting Memory: Occupation: Supervisor Occupation: Student Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning Patrick Higgins Cup in Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: United winning treble Desertmartin Roman taking over Chelsea Winning Castle Cup Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Parents Family Conor Gallagher Da

32 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 33 WATTY GRAHAMS WATTY GRAHAMS PEN PICS PEN PICS Name: Conor McDevitt Name: Philip O’Connell Name: Ryan Dougan Name: Sean Convery Age: 24 Age: 32 Age: 25 Age: 37 Position: Defender / Mid-field Position: Defender Position: Defender / Mid-field Position: Defender Occupation: Engineer Occupation: Occupation: Web Developer Occupation: Construction Earliest Sporting Memory: Life Assurance Administrator Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Castle Cup Earliest Sporting Memory: Castle Cup World Cup 90 in for Biggest influence on career: Derry 1993 Biggest influence on career: Feile Ryan Dougan Biggest influence on career: Conor Gallagher Biggest influence on career: Family The Tax Man

Name: Conor Gallagher Name: Cahir McCabe Name: Caolán Bradley Name: Oran McGill Age: 25 Age: 24 Age: 19 Age: 19 Position: Defender Position: Defender Position: Defender Position: Defender Occupation: Part-time farmer Occupation: Engineer Occupation: Student Occupation: Amateur Jockey Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: 3rd in Mid Ulster Cross Country Castle Cup Named vice-captain on Winning Carryduff U10 in P6 Biggest influence on career: Nannery tournament Biggest influence on career: Family Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: The Couj Caolán Convery Father

Name: Connlan Bradley Name: Diarmuid Bryson Name: Aidan Hughes Name: Oisin Hegarty Age: 28 Age: 21 Age: 20 Age: 23 Position: Defender Position: Occupation: Forward / Mid-field Position: Defender Position: Defender QA Automation Occupation: Maintenance Engineer Occupation: Occupation: Co-Ordinator Student Student Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Winning Castle Cup C in P5 Golden Cow Youth Games Castle Cup Mario Kart on the WII (Conor Convery and I lording it Cross Country Champion Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: in mid-field) Biggest influence on Aidan Hughes Michael Schumacher Biggest influence on career: career:Family Sean Marty Lockhart

Name: Andrew Ferguson Name: Daniel Heaney Name: Cathal Galagher Name: Andy Warnock Age: 20 Age: 31 Age: 22 Age: 23 Position: Goal-keeper Position: Forward Position: Forward Position: Defender Occupation: Electrician Occupation: Student Occupation: Teacher Occupation: Property Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Development Manager Watching Derry v Down in Triple bouncing the ball at Derry 1993 Earliest Sporting Memory: Ulster Championship Under 8’s Biggest influence on career: Under 8 participant medal Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Paddy Heaney Biggest influence on career: Parents. Always pushed me in Da Jack Gunning right direction.

Name: Declan Brolly Name: Jack Doherty Name: Francis McKenna Name: Alex Doherty Age: 33 Age: 22 Age: 18 Age: 18 Position: Defender Position: Forward / Mid-field Position: Forward Position: Forward Occupation: Joiner Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Occupation: Student Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Playing Under 10’s Carryduff Tournament Carryduff Tournament Castle Cup Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Mammy Myself Gary McGill My Da

Name: Paul Gunning Name: Caolán Convery Name: Emmet Bradley Name: Conall Darragh Age: 24 Age: 19 Age: 26 Age: 22 Position: Forward Position: Goal-keeper Position: Forward / Mid-field Position: Forward Occupation: Teacher Occupation: Student Occupation: Teacher Occupation: Student Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Earliest Sporting Memory: Scoring winning goal in Castle Roasting Alex Doherty at 1998 World Cup Final in the Castle Cup Cup Under 8 training Downings Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Biggest influence on career: Father Family Wayne Rooney Enda Gormley

34 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 35 by BERNIE MULLAN

McKenna. Lisnamuck continued for another three years alongside DID YOU KNOW? the Watty Graham’s. In 1949 another team in the area Tirgarval Emmett’s was formed and had a It Happened in 1919 1971 they bought the magnificent good life span. In 1919 Central Council voted to Cumber House and are probably Their first county title was the suspend all who took the ‘Oath of the only club in Ireland to own a junior which was won 60 years ago allegiance’. The Easter Congress stately mansion. Claudy men were in 1959. Their most noted club man backed the decision but not always a step ahead and it was was the great Jim McGuigan who unanimously. It was a majority the late Johnny Burke who was the sadly passed away eight years vote. The move banned many leading light in the purchase of ago. He served as Derry county hitherto enthusiastic members the site for the present Owenbeg treasurer from 1964 to 1996 and from participating in the GAA. Centre Of Excellence, the first of was instrumental in the purchase The move was not well received it’s kind in the GAA. and development of the excellent in Derry. facilities the Watty’s have today. The 1919 Ulster Convention was O’Brien’s Foreglen This is their first senior final and held in St. Patrick’s Hall, Waterside Edward Hasson, a cattle dealer the team today is a product of on Sunday 16th August. Dean was on the first Derry Committee good under age coaching. This McGlinchey after whom the in 1888. The club came into being has seen them as the only club to Ballinascreen ground is named that year like neighbours Claudy, win the St. Paul’s prestigious Ulster was appointed vice president of under the name of O’Brien’s minor tournament four years in a the Ulster Council. Muldonagh. Foreglen and row, from 2011 to 2014. On Sunday 25th May 1919 Muldonagh are one and the same. Derry travelled to Clones to play They joined the city league in 1889 O’Donavan Rossas Magherafelt. in the Ulster Football playing both hurling and football. The club history goes back to 1926 Championship. They won by 2-4 When the first North Derry when they started under the name to 0-3 but lost in the semi final league was set up in 1921 Foreglen of Pioneers Magherafelt. They to Antrim by 1-4 to 1-1. The Derry finished runners up to Dungiven. lasted two seasons but came back team was: Murray (Emmett’s), When the North Derry Board came as St. Joseph’s in 1933. In 1934 they Martin (St.Patrick’s), M Rock, P into being in 1936 the O’Brien’s changed to the present name of Doherty, H Doherty(Emmett’s), were first to affiliate. The men O’Donavan Rossas. In 1936 they McGeady (Clan Chonail), O’Dwyer behind the new club were Joe supplied five players to the Derry (Emerald Harps), W McNulty Campbell, Robert McLaughlin, county minor team (St. Patrick’s) and Duffy(capt) Paddy Donaghy and Brian ‘Sticky Maguire and Francis (St. Emmett’s), McCloskey and McFeely. In 1938 Foreglen replaced Niblock played for Ulster in Gallagher (St. Patrick’s), Campbell Muldonagh and they have been the early forties a time when and V. Doherty (Emmett’s), J there since. Magherafelt were the team to Doherty and Roddy (St. Patrick’s) Despite losing many top players beat. When Derry won the 1947 to emigration over the years they National Football League the half How GAA Life Began For Our have kept a high profile. Today forward line of Keenan, Niblock Four Finalists. they meet great rivals Claudy. and Higgins were all Rossas men. Remarkably there was a time In 1939 they won their first senior John Mitchel’s Claudy when the two clubs had jus one championship and then followed Their history can be traced back ball between them so their games a decade of success with titles to 1888 four years after the had to be played at different in 1942, 1944, 1946 and 1949. The foundation of the GAA. George times!! last of their six came in 1978 with a McLaughlin was a member of narrow victory over Banagher at the first county board. In 1889 Watty Graham’s Glen. . Their last appearance in they played both hurling and The first GAA club in the area a final was 1983 at Ballinascreen in football in the leagues of that was St. Lurach’s Maghera who very windy conditions. There they time. When the North Derry affiliated to the South Derry Board lost by just a point 1-4 to 1-3 in near league was established in 1921 a in 1933. The ‘ban’ rule wiped them impossible conditions. Claudy teacher John O’Kelly was out and they came back again They are a strong club with big secretary. It was two Claudy men under Pearse’s Maghera in 1939 numbers and only last week they Patrick O’Neill and Alfie Devine and lasted until 1944. After Pearse’s won the senior Reserve title. Like who set up the North Derry Board faded Sean Larkin’s Lisnamuck today’s opposition Glen their in 1936. A Board had existed briefly joined the league in 1945. The great work at under age level has in 1934 under the guidance of John present Watty Graham’s came to brought them to the biggest day in O’Kelly. stay in 1946 under the guidance Derry club football. They purchased 14 acres in 1968 of Patsy McKenna, Sean Conway, to develop their playing fields. In Andrew McRory and Sammy in the early stages of the championship he walked over and shook hands with Sean McGoldrick the opposing team manager and wished him luck. He didn’t just say it, he meant it. Chris gets it. The GAA isn’t the . Tomorrow we still have to live beside each other. The latest GAA marketing campaign is about belonging. The cynics and critics will see this as some sort of commercial ploy to suck people in. It’s too warm and too fuzzy for them. Maybe, just maybe, though it does make us all stop and think about the people who make our own club unique. What they provide. How our clubs are enriched by them. At the final whistle of the He can walk into the snooker people out. This day semi-final against Banagher club on a Sunday night in belongs to everyone. the widest smile of all was Chris. Magherafelt and sell lotto Chris has provided Standing on the pitch, tickets to a room full of unstinting service to the club two arms aloft. challenging customers in good times and bad. Soaking up the moment like Hugh Mulholland from You might not see his and the atmosphere. Castledawson. He leaves name on the scoresheet As much as everyone smiling with his pockets but that doesn’t mean he else on that pitch he has rattling with pound coins. isn’t needed and valued. earned it. He deserved it. DERRY GAA | VALUING VOLUNTEERS People buy from people. In his parents Mickey and He is an intrinsic and valued People buy from Chris. Mary McSwiggan he has the part of life at O’Donovan Rossa, He wasn’t around to see the ultimate backroom team. Magherafelt and, in turn, the championship success of 78 and Holidays arranged around club gives him great joy. was too young to remember Derry and Magherafelt So this afternoon in Celtic the final of 83. Regardless of matches, family events Park you will see him along CHRIS McSWIGGAN the result today he will never cut short because Chris the sideline with his green bib forget the championship was on water carrying on and “Chris” on the back. run of 2019. That’s not to say duty for the seniors. It is where Chris belongs. A MAN WHO ENRICHES US ALL he doesn’t want to win. The tankers of diesel Mickey At 37 years of age it’s been has used driving around a long time coming for him the town to enable Chris There was a loud knock on the door. and for Magherafelt. It’s as to sell club lotto tickets. if Christmas has come early If Chris isn’t fit to do And when Martin McGuinness got up from behind his desk in with the senior and reserve the weekly collection teams both in the finals. Mickey is dispatched. No Stormont he was met with a huge grin from ear to ear. Today is a landmark day for excuses accepted. the club and the community This isn’t anything new “Do you want to buy a lotto for the Rossa’s?” and it’s only right that Chris though. Chris has been doing is in the middle of it. this for over 20 years. To the seller, although He knows the days and means Chris consistently It’s the fruition of many He has seen players and miles from home in , time they go to work, what outsells other club members years of hard work and managers come and go. there only is one Rossa. nights they are at home and with ease. Chris is beyond sacrifices by players, and He has given each and Not the outfit in Belfast or what nights they are out. targets, he is the target. volunteers within the club. every one the same service, the Lough shore club from Distance is not an issue. He even makes sure to double It provides an opportunity commitment and respect. Tyrone but the south Derry club, Chris can meet you any up on sales the week before he to think of family and friends He is a valued and vital O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt. time or any place and will goes on holiday to ensure the who have crossed the part of what the club is Chris the seller, is not have a book of tickets, pen club doesn’t take a financial hit. Castledwason Road from trying to achieve. your average salesman. and money bag ready. Chris doesn’t do it for praise or Rossa Park to Milltown. This mutual respect extends He knows his customers It’s his attention to detail profile. He does it for the cause. It’s impossible to reference beyond his team mates. Before and they know him. and years of experience that Chris is a skilled operator. everyone for fear of leaving the game against Coleraine

38 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 39 enjoyed proving them right. Derry Junior Football final at We desperately wanted that Celtic Park. We were back in the cup back, but dewy-eyed big time, and nobody was for aspiration is one thing, delivering missing out. by STEVEN DOHERTY the goods is another… The early autumn sun was glorious and golden, but hung lives matter low from the Brandywell stand Nestled snuggly halfway end. The setting was magnificent WARRIORS CODE between Loughermore mountain for football, but Glack folk have and , Glack is a always held a healthy suspicion very small rural townland. She’s of good weather, and nerves Home is where the heart is. home to both landscaped jangled. natural beauty, and drivers Few outside the twin jewels that would sooner put you in Game time… of Glack and Ballykelly will the deek than pull in a bit on Manager Damien Tracey – the know the name Niall McGowan. narrow, unforgiving country ‘Dungiven Eamon Coleman’ Magoo, as he’s affectionately roads. The GAA pitch – Brolly had emptied the local bars and known, captains Glack senior Park – is situated at the very assembled a band of brothers football team. This particular heart of the community – down blessed with sport’s Holy Trinity player produced one of the great the road from the local primary – pace, defensive nous and individual displays at Celtic Park school, up the hill from Ballykelly attacking armoury. From the on Saturday before lifting the and just opposite the now sadly throw-in full-back Ciaran ‘OB’ Daniel Doherty hoists Joe Brolly Cup. Magoo is my hero, The legendary men of ’81. dilapidated AOH Hall. As a O’Brien went Full Metal Jacket the Joe Brolly Cup right up there now with Anthony youngster with a bull’s lick and on Drum’s dangerous forward Tohill, and Big Daddy. two left feet it always held a line. The contest itself was both On a day of outstanding teacher not a torment, but after once great giants? Brushing magnetic pull on me. It still does. cerebral and gripping in equal Hugs – that would have been performances, he hit 1-5, so many near-misses 38 years aside in the I had few real ambitions as a measure as the competition’s once awkward and reluctant, including a thunderous match felt like a soul-sapping eternity. semi-final had bestowed the wee halyin growing up, other pedigree side Drum looked now both bracing and plentiful. winning goal. A visionary, a Two, maybe three generations dreaded favourites tag upon the than to play for Glack seniors. to add to their many recent I had the man sweat of at least maverick, a gunslinger – our of players had toiled for Glack O’Connors and hopes were high That, and maybe being a bus championship titles. a dozen players on me and one captain led us past a blue chip since then and had nothing to across the quickly filling Lone driver but I didn’t like the thought But the wolf is not afraid of the unsuspecting umpire. (These Drum opponent and back to the show for it. Moore Road stand. of folk talking behind my back. barking dog. occasions don’t happen too top of the mount Olympus. Back I spotted at least half a dozen Somewhat annoyingly the Joe Life pretty much revolved All too often the big occasion much and I got a little carried among the Gods. of the heroes of ’81 at Celtic Brolly Cup had been annexed last around football, and watching can induce stage fright. Saturday away). The day itself, and the victory, Park prior to throw-in, queued season by our near neighbours Champion the Wonder Horse. was no such time. The players, marked the end of a long, long up at the tuckshop for some and parish rivals Limavady. The Approaching the awkward to a man, sprouted wings and ‘Randolf we’re back!’ wait for Magoo and the people lukewarm watery tea served in men from ‘the town’ had always teenage years, inspired by soared in the cold, clear Derry air. Cast adrift in the big city for of Glack. deluxe polystyrene goodness, looked down upon their less something awoken in me by Cousins Eddie McLaughlin and two decades now, as this exiled You see, O’Connors Glack had and a nerve-settling Twix. Could urbane cousins from the country, the Alessi Twins in Neighbours, ‘wee’ Jimmy O’Connor (whose writer has been, the heart has last won a championship way Glack’s new golden generation seeing us as bog-trotting, Poitín I enjoyed a very brief romantic fathers both graced the storied never left the homeland. That back in 1981. Memory should be a stand on the shoulders of these drinking cultchies. And we dalliance with a young cutty side of ’81), are both now in the umbilical bond – universal and from ‘Glack estate’. A hefty wee late, late winter of the careers infinite – remains as copper- player with teeth on her that the late 30s harbingers. fastened as ever. like a witch doctors necklace, I Sometimes, just sometimes, the It wasn’t Sam Maguire, or The 2019 County Junior knew the courtship was doomed evening is the best part of the the Anglo Celt or the John Football Champions. from the start. I decided football day. And the gnarly veterans led McLaughlin Cup. It was only the would be my first and only true the troops to ultimate victory. Junior Football Championship. love. But we’d meet again later. Every so often in sport you get But it was ours and it meant A back injury curtailed my that fairytale end. everything. It meant so much once unpromising footballing The stands instantaneously more than my idle words typed career. That and an undiagnosed emptied as crazed Glack folk on a laptop could ever convey. club foot. Desperate for a cure scrambled to embrace their And as I stood on that field of my mother once sent me to a champions. As fate would dreams, flanked by my father faith healer in , but have it, I bumped into my once and my son, brothers and uncles, he was that bad a woman in a snaggled-toothed first love on kith and kin, where on God’s wheelchair stood up and walked the pitch after the game. In truth, green Earth would you rather out. the years hadn’t been kind to have been? It had been a helluva But enough about me. Last either of us. Nothing more than wait. The long, neverending road weekend Glack was empty. firm handshakes and a “yes…lad” had finally been travelled. After a Jeeps, Ford Granadas and Aidan were exchanged, and we both 38 year hiatus the Joe Brolly Cup McDevitt’s tractor all pulled out moved hastily along in the post- was coming home. My home. en masse, festooned in sky blue match maelstrom of ecstasy and Home is where the heart is. and burgundy heading for the collective bonhomie. #GlaicAbú

40 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 41 by ODHRÁN CRUMLEY The Following friends

the road through the underage He’s been known to step and Supporters of the ranks but, Peter installed a new in when officials don’t show, club wish O’Donovan PETER THE GREAT found faith, confidence and one term springs to mind as belief in every one of them. he formed the man in the Rossa GAC Magherafelt Somehow between all of this middle for a ladies league “Crumley, if my man goes forward you and juggling work and family life, game when the man who all the best for today’s track him for me and I’ll hold the centre.” his wife, Kellie alongside; Cahan, should have appeared, County Senior Football Ruby and Oisin who (all bought didn’t. “AYE, NO BOTHER, PETER.” into Peter’s incredible thirst to do Murphy will probably kill Championship Final for their club.) He managed to me for writing this as he To set the scene it was a grim six rows from the back. organise Spinathon’s off his own wouldn’t want the praise or Friday night, the night fog began Clubs need volunteers, men back to raise vital funds for the the acclaim. • Tony OHagan • Mark Grainne and to ascend on the pitch and as ready to go the extra yard club. But, men like Peter are the • Eamon Lennox Ruari Quinn the clock ticked past half nine, without the need for praise, More than significant funds lifeblood of our association, the Claudy reserve team, now recognition or personal gain. were raised for the club but, they typify all that is good • Adrian McGuckin (Coote) • Mark McSwiggan safe in the knowledge they had Underage football in the club somehow in only a way Murphy in the GAA and when your • Barry Quinn • Prestige CMS – Mark fifteen players trudged towards seemed to be stuck in a relative could, money was raised, set thoughts may waiver it’s McGlone the hallowed Emmett Park turf to rut, it needed re-energising, and aside and then donated to both men like him that restore • Valentino Lupari take their ‘punishment beating.’ it needed a shake-up. the Foyle Hospice and MacMillan your faith in it all. • Oliver Monaghan • Damien Heron Slaughtneil formed the Last year, it was the Claudy cancer support, the mark of the Everyone in Claudy has • John and Siobhan Toner • Mickey Berryman opposition, the side that had just minor team that no one wanted man, always thinking of others. a story of him, playing • Barry McKee come so, close to winning the to touch, a tough time for players No doubt, you’ll hear Murphy football, having the craic, a • Declan Loane All-Ireland and had made the with other distractions making it from the stand today, not to quick chat or what he has • Phillip Collins • Emmett McCluskey winning of Ulster title’s look like a a mammoth challenge just to get worry it’ll all be complimentary done for the club. • Maria Diamond mere formality. men engaged. • Raymond, Mary and and instruction, he’s not one for He deserves • Ryan Murphy Barry McGuigan a key cog This team were no world verbal slurs or bad manners. acknowledgement even Aoife Monaghan roamed up to mark me, I knew I beaters the whole way through, If, you are ever at a Claudy if, he doesn’t want it, there • MDC Tiles • Seamus Murray was done for the night, not a ball there was no winning tradition game wherever it is you’ll is some much more I could • Gerard O’Callaghan • Pat Keenan I would win. and there was very little belief probably encounter Peter, may have written but, I just don’t I hadn’t noticed that Meehaul but, Peter had enough belief for it be an underage game where have the space. • Peter Tohill • MDC Tiles McGrath has rocked up beside all of them. he is coaching or a senior game Quite simply, Murphy is • Geoffrey Higgins • Paddy Young Peter, Meehaul a county man, a ‘Murphy’ as he is more elegantly umpiring to the letter of the law. Claudy… • Damien Young flyer on the road back from injury. known around the village went • Tony Morgan Did any of us have a chance of about his business out of the • Go Power • Niall Bryson catching him in full flight? Unlikely limelight, quietly, below the • Christy Walls • Darren Totten Did we catch him in full flight? radar. No… The relative calm before the • Catherine Comer • Magherafelt Sinn Fein But, this was the type of Peter storm as a storm greater than Photography • First Trust Bank pulling the club out of a hole Typhoon Hagabis took hold of • Jarlath, Oonagh, Ellie, • Bank of Ireland putting himself in the firing line, the Claudy natives garnering when others would duck below admirers across the county, Darcie, Scarlett, Paddy, • Cathcarts Magherafelt the parapet. admiration from some quarters Jarlath, Daithi Conway • ISL I’m lucky enough to say I played who would never publically • Aimee and Michael • Slim’s Magherafelt alongside Peter Murphy, maybe admit it. McKay not in his prime or for very long Extra sessions, the Peter put it • McErlains at Castle but, enough time for him to all in for the club, Gavin McGilly, • Ciaran Purvis Bakery impart some of his wisdom, an All-Ireland club winning coach • The Men’s Room • Parish Centre knowledge and guile on us young was brought in for sessions. • Laura and Clare McKay cubs. Each game was more exciting Magherafelt Peter represented Claudy with than the last and with that the • James O’Brien • O’Neills distinction for years and was part crowds grew with expectation. • Ciaran Higgins • Kerr Signs of the last John Mitchell’s team The final in Owenbeg provided to bring the Intermediate crown the perfect finish, a finale fit for • Peter Gormley • Patsy Forbes back to the village in 2005. the Hollywood production that • Enda Quinn • Davy Private Clients UK Here he was eleven years may or may not follow. • James Collins Vets (Wealth Management) later, making sure that his club A proud gleam engulfed the continued to field in reserve gaffer’s face as his men dragged • Julian Grimes • Camden Inliten competitions. him to hell and back before a • Damien McKee • ASM Peter, knows football more than late, uncharacteristic score from • McCusker Bros • Strathroy Diary LTD most, you could pick him out in Tiernan O’Kane sealed the title Owenbeg at every championship for the men in blue and white. • Adrian McGuckin and • The Performance Lab weekend, right in front of the Tiernan will be the first to admit wee Aidy • Elite Physiotherapy press box window about, five or that he was no world-beater on

42 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 43 DOWN MEMORY LANE Photos copyright Danny O’Kane

Photography by D.B. O’Kane Dungiven, Co. Derrry, BT47 4SW. Tel: 028 7774 1454 Email: [email protected]

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44 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 45 As he lay on the ground, fearing for his own life, Seamus McRory worried and prayed. A gun battle was raging between the military and paramilitary. He was an unwilling, innocent spectator. This personal experience, in Belfast’s Ballymurphy, was a snapshot of a society bereft of civil rights and constantly consumed with relentless violence. His interview with former Deputy First Minister, the SDLP’s Seamus Mallon, perfectly encapsulates both the tragedies of ‘The Troubles’ and the hopes for a better future. In ‘Born to Lead’ Seamus narrates a comprehensive overview of the historical triumphs of two ‘half parish’ GAA clubs – Slaughtneil, one of the greatest all-round clubs the Association has ever seen and the mighty men of Mullinalaghta, the outstanding 2018 Senior football club BORNchampions. FINALIST STATS This book is essentially a cameo of seventy years of Irish social, political and cultural life. It ranges from the showband era of the 1960’s to the splendid contribution of two present day Country music stars. Their current status emphasises the inherent value of “singing the songs of the people for the people”. Likewise, the lengthy careers of two recently Only one stat decides the outcome of a game – the score! retired GAA players illustrate the importance of total dedication towards achieving personal goals. Born to Lead Or does it? TO LEADThe author examines the mind set of some of his fellow alumni of St. Patrick’s College, Armagh. Insightful profiles of the legendary scoring exploits of Hogan Cup winner, Iggy Jones, and the versatility of Horslips’ Seamus McRory There are many, many factors which go into Compiled by Derry GAA’s chief Performance Barry Devlin, are a microcosm of twelve, other gifted SPCA luminaries who are also featured. All of them help immensely to make this superb that final outcome. The language of modern day Analyst Ben McGuckin the graphics below book a wonderful and enjoyable read. As he lay on the ground, fearing for Gaelic football has changed considerably over represent all the information you need to know his own life, Seamus McRory worried the past decade with the evolution of kickouts, about today’s finalists. Hours of fun!

ISBN 978-1-912606-51-1 emphasis on turnovers, attacks, shots and the Enjoy. and prayed. A gun battle was raging magic quantity: efficiency. between the military and paramilitary. He was an unwilling,9 781912 606511 innocent spectator. This personal experience, in Belfast’s Ballymurphy, was a snapshot of a society bereft of Civil Rights and relentlessly consumed with constant violence. His interview with former Deputy First Minister, the SDLP’s Seamus Mallon, perfectly encapsulates both the tragedies of The Troubles and the hopes for a better future. In “Born to Lead” Seamus The “Journey of a Derry football importance of total dedication narrates a comprehensive fan” and the chapter on Derry’s towards achieving personal overview of the historical most famous football family goals. triumphs of two “half parish” clearly illustrate this. The six The author examines the GAA clubs – Slaughtneil, one Gribbin brothers and their mind set of some of his fellow of the greatest all-round legendary literary neighbour, alumni of St Patrick’s College, clubs the Association has ever Seamus Heaney, and the Armagh. Insightful profiles of seen and the mighty men of latter’s iconic footballing the legendary scoring exploits Mullinalaghta, the outstanding uncle, Sonny McCann from of Hogan Cup winner, Iggy 2018 Leinster Senior club Castledawson, are a cameo Jones, and the versatility of champions from . of those wonderfully, friendly Horslips’ Barry Devlin are a For Slaughtneil to win three people who live along the microcosm of twelve other Ulster provincial football titles, banks of the meandering gifted SPCA luminaries who two provincial hurling titles Sluggan Drain. are also featured. Patsy Breen, and three All Ireland Senior This narrative is essentially Peter Smith and Phil Stuart Camogie championships all a summary of seventy years were three past pupils of St within a five year time - frame, of Irish social, political and Pat’s who played for Derry 2014 - 2019, is a phenomenal cultural life. It ranges from the in the 1958 All Ireland final. achievement by any standards. showband era of the 1960’s to Seamus interviewed each In a book about vivid the splendid contribution of of them. All help, immensely, memories of farming life in the two present day Country music to make this superb book a 50’s and difficult political times stars. Likewise, the lengthy wonderful and enjoyable read. in the latter half of the 20th careers of two recently retired century, the Longford - based GAA players illustrate the Derry native gives a riveting account of everyday life in all its foibles and vicissitudes. There are 32 chapters, 288 The Derry Launch of the book will take place pages and fifty photographs of in Slaughtneil Emmets GAC Hall on Saturday wonderful insights into so many November 16th at 7.30pm different people and events.

46 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 47 by SEAMUS McRORY Wedged between an array of years later we all thought that it as I watched Derry for the first competing opponents would only be a short time before time had presented me with But remaining perfectly we would be celebrating the my first boyhood idol - the poised, beautifully balanced. arrival of the Senior Holy Grail. great Jim McKeever. Dermot With hands symmetrically It would take another 25 years Devlin’s optimistic words in that A DERRY SUPPORTER BY spread around the magical before that great day dawned. Armagh dormitory had at last pigskin, After many false dawns and come true.”Some day Derry You were at least twelve numerous hard luck stories our would become the best team in BIRTH AND CONVICTION inches above all the others. day of destiny arrived in the All Ireland.” Now they were that and Your outer being hung, Ireland final of 1993.We stood much more. On being asked recently by the Editor of this programme why I was momentarily suspended, to attention and faced the As I strode across the holy almost static, in the October tricolour. We looked lovingly yet ground on that momentous such a strong supporter of Derry GAA my answer was quite simple sunshine, apprehensively, at each other. occasion who should I meet “I was born in the county, lived for the first 30 years of my life in the As you inwardly savoured the Cursorily we glanced across the but my late playing colleague wonderful feeling vast arena, seeing everywhere with Lissan, in the sixties and county and just always followed Derry teams on a consistent basis, Of being alone with your men, women and children from seventies, Tommy McGuckin. regardless of how they performed on the field of play.” spherical friend, with only the our heartlands. Places like Dungiv Tommy was a member of a

Margaret McLaughlin Margaret Photo: vast blue sky above you en,Swatragh,Ballinascreen,Glenu fantastic triumvirate of Derry It was only when he questioned time the game had ended, game. It was a Dr Lagan Cup To satisfy your innermost llin,Lavey,Magherafelt,Maghera, and Lissan men who brought me further as to the reasons how however, the magical, musical match between Armagh and thoughts, to applaud your sense Bellaghy,Ballinderry and our own us to matches all over Ulster and why I came to this simple intonations of that great man’s Derry in Ballinascreen. From that of achievement. Lissan home took centre stage. and indeed beyond. Tommy, conclusion that I let my mind voice had totally captivated me. encounter, certain outstanding The rest of us mere mortals The ball was thrown in.There was Joe McGreevey and Thomas wander back in sequence to Another GAA fan had arrived. memories remain. The below just looked on in no going back now. Donnelly were powerful football when I first began to support my When Armagh reached the determined performance of wing wondrous awe After seventy minutes of sheer supporters whose love of Derry native County. 1953 All Ireland final my GAA half back Mick Gribbin and the At what a footballing artist intensity, unbearable excitement, football was the central essence It all goes back to 1952 when curiosity had increased as I had positional play of a neighbouring could do, to catch a ball high up moments of despair, temporary of their very existence. The I was a very young child and to gradually become aware that parish’s son, Patsy Breen of in the air. ecstasy, the end drew near. redoubtable Thomas Donnelly, a particular day in September the GAA was part of what we Desertmartin, are two of the With Derry, nervously, leading who developed the template of that year. On the last were. More pertinently, thanks more prominent recollections. Four years later, in 1958,I was a by three points, made one of “thou shalt not pass me” Wednesday of the month my to my mother and father, my Still what impressed me most, first year student in St Patrick’s last desperate effort to snatch for dogged corner backs, still father ensured that the wet knowledge of local geography was the magnificent fielding of College,Armagh.In the days an equalising goal but the Oak treads the boards for Club Derry battery was charged for the and history had assumed epic Jim McKeever at centre field. and weeks prior to the match Leaf defence held firm. Suddenly whenever and wherever Derry wireless set which was the main proportions. I also knew that my I remember standing beside a our dormitory Prefect, Dermot from amongst a crowded are playing. Probably more than source of communication then mother was a native of Tyrone seasoned Derry supporter from Devlin of Loup, walked the parallelogram emerged our anyone else all of the foregoing with the outside world. I know whose county border was only Ballinderry as an Armagh attack floor incessantly, inculcating most prolific marksman with the have given me an insatiable love it sounds incredible, especially about four fields away. I was told ended in a wide. in our flexible minds, a love of most cultured of left feet. Enda for my native Derry. in this modern age of social by them that one automatically “Boys, let us watch McKeever Gaelic Games in general and an Gormley had the ball securely As a consequence of watching media, but many people did supported the county of one’s when Armagh kick the ball out”, unwavering admiration for Derry in hand. Simultaneously the Derry for so many years my not own a radio back then. This parents. Sensing my dilemma he said. in particular. As he was a Prefect referee blew the full time whistle. heart always takes an extra battery charging was a ritual it was democratically agreed As the ball was sent out high he was allowed out to attend At 4.57pm on September 19th, flutter when I just see those red that had to be performed in that I would support Derry but towards the centre of the field, the game whereas the rest of us 1993, twenty thousand Derry and white jerseys on the field advance of any major broadcast when they were knocked out of I can still vividly recall my sense had to be content with listening supporters burst out of the of play. When Derry win I am in that era. The commentary any competition I would follow of anticipation of the unknown, to a commentary by Michael stand and the terraces before totally elated. When they lose on the All Ireland football final my mother’s native Tyrone. but disappointingly at first, there O’Hehir. When Derry lost we were enveloping the expansive green my despair is only temporary as always took pride of place in When I asked what my position was no visible sign of Jim doing naturally very disappointed. sward. When Henry Downey I, psychologically, start thinking our house. When an Ulster side was when Derry played Tyrone anything extraordinary. Then At approximately 11.30pm raised aloft the Sam Maguire of how the team can improve featured in the decider the local my mother said she would suddenly, and from a standing an energetic Dermot Devlin Cup, all Derry’s supporters’ for the next outing. Regardless interest was greater and the allow me to support Derry but position, as the ball was almost returned to his post of duty, childhood dreams had become of what the score is or how preparation more meticulous if Tyrone won I would have to overhead, he took off. What went first of all to the four Derry a reality. badly they are playing I do not as the last Sunday in September promise to support Tyrone for happened next I have described students in the dormitory and I thanked God for all those think that any faithful supporter approached. The 1952 football as long as they remained in the in this extract from a prose poem then addressed the assembled, who had helped me along the should ever leave before the end final between Cavan and competition! which I wrote last year. though mostly sleeping student way, for the previous forty years, of a game. No team or no player Meath, in hindsight, was the Those above innocent reasons body, in the darkness of a for ensuring that I remained deliberately goes out to play first benchmark in my GAA or explanations pale into Only The Sky above Me boarding school Sunday night. loyal and true to the the one badly. So it is unfair on players development. insignificance compared to With the precise timing of a “Derry played well, were true faith of supporting my to compound their onfield As my father and family friends what happened a year later in guided missile beaten by a magnificent native county come what may. misery by supporters leaving huddled around the kitchen 1954. Then the theory of what You soared upwards, salmon- team but we should all be happy I thought of being huddled prematurely. Our attitude should table in total silence, listening to I thought the game was about like to your destination. because Jim McKeever had around that kitchen table at always be to look forward for Michael O’Hehir’s commentary, was replaced by the reality of The back slightly arched, the been the best player on the field. home in Lissan listening to the better times ahead. They will I, a very young child, could not attending a County match for body neatly compacted, Someday soon Derry would be captivating voice of Michael eventually come about. After all fathom the intensity of the the first time. Indeed as Lissan Extending from pointed, the best team in Ireland.” O’Hehir as he saluted the gallant it only took the prophetic words listeners nor the excited voice had not then an active club, it downward feet to skyward, When the Derry Minors won men of Breffni winning the 1952 of Dermot Devlin 35 years to of the commentator. By the was my first taste of any real outstretched fingers, the 1965 All Ireland and the U21 All Ireland final. That imperious reach fruition! Doire Abú. National title was annexed three display of high fielding, in 1954,

48 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire 20 Deireadh Fómhair, 2019 | PAIRC NA GCEILTEACH, DOIRE 49 CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS Desertmartin Burt Buncrana Emmett’s Sarsfield’s* 15 11 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 INTERMEDIATE 2 1 CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS SENIOR 50 Derry Guilds Derry St Patrick’s Clan Chonail Eoghan Rua Éire Óg An Lúb Glenullin Ballinascreen Slaughtneil Magherafelt Dungiven Lavey Newbridge Ballinderry Bellaghy Ballymaguigan Foreglen* Claudy Eoghan Rua Newbridge Greenlough Ballymaguigan Castledawson Craigbane Swatragh Foreglen Castledawson Greenlough Castledawson Newbridge Banagher

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 13 21 1953 1931 1930 1921 1918 1917 1916 1914 1962 2010 2018 1907 1952 1957 1976 1936 2003 2009 1928 19852007 1934 1935 1941 1973 2004 2014201520162017 1939 1942 194419461949 1978 1947 1951 198319841987 19911997 1938 1943 19541977 198819901992 1993 1937 19401945194819501955196619671970 1989 2011 20122013 1927 1974 198019811982199520012002 20062008 1972 1975 1979 1986199419961998199920002005 1956 19581959 19601961 19631964196519681969 1971 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Cluiche Ceannais Sinsear Iomána Dhoire

Craigbane Slaughtmanus Limavady Bellaghy Drumsurn Craigbane Ballymaguigan An Lúb Craigbane Faughanvale Craigbane Faughanvale Faughanvale Craigbane Ballymaguigan Newbridge 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 Ballymaguigan Swatragh Ballinascreen III Glack Kilrea Greenlough Glenullin Faughanvale Swatragh Glen Faughanvale Slaughtneil Glen Moneymore Foreglen Craigbane

Photo: Margaret McLaughlin derrygaa.ie You! Thank Derry. Club Join - For County & Club generations. future the for bonds those strengthen us Help together. ourcounty and binds ourcommunities GAA The CUMANN DERRY CLU DHOIRE B by FEARGHAL MAG UIGINN Scor CUIR SIAR AN CLOG! By one point Banagher were defeated in the 2019 semi-final, a result Glen musicians Annie Ní Lochainn, Meabh Níc Cormaic and Mary which evoked memories of 1978, the last time Magherafelt won the Ní Lochainn, the current Doire Scór na nÓg Ceol Uirlise champions big one! It was a wet day in Swatragh, just over forty years ago! will team up with Magherafelt musicians Róise Nic Lughaidh, Bua le cúilín a thóg an corn do Mhachaire Fíolta Ellie Nic Conmidhe and Darcie Nic Conmidhe to provide musical an úd agus an laoch idirchontae, Ger Ó Lochlainn (0-2), mar chaptaen spreagúil. Scóráil sé dhá entertainment during half-time of today’s O’Neills Senior Football chúilín ar an lá, tionchar mór ar chlár na scór! Final. Ádh Mór ! Machaire Fíolta 1-4 Beannchar 1-3 Is gann go maith a bhí scóranna sa chluiche ceannais agus a tionchar féin ag an doineann. Bhí fear na scór ar an lá, Joe Mac Uilín, díomhaoin go maith sa chéad leath ach go háirithe, mar bhí seacht mbomaite déag imeartha sular aimsigh Micí Niblóc (0-1) an chéad scór. Bhí gorta eile ann gur tháinig cúilín Bheannchair ó chic saor Mhicí Uí Chatháin (0-1) leis na foirne a fhágáil ar comhscór ag leathama. go dtí sin a cheansú ar an lá – Gerry Mac Giolla Na buaiteoirí is fearr a tháinig isteach ar an Chiannaigh, Fionntán Mac Bhloscaidh agus Micí dromchla sleamhain ag tús an dara leatha, Ó Loingsigh. Ag ceann eile na páirce d’éirigh leis tréimhse inar leagadh bunchloch na bua. Agus na buaiteoirí, más ar éigin, scóranna go leor a an lámh in uachtar ag Aodh Niblóc fá lár na aimsiú. páirce, bhí tréimhse chinniúnach scórála ag Ó Donnabháin Rossa. Níorbh é lá na báistí lá na bpointí! Tomaí Mac Aoidh (0-1) ó chic saor, sular bhain Is doiligh a chreidbheáil ar dhóigh nár thóg Éamann Mac Cathmhaoil (1-00) leas as liathróid Ó Donnabháin Rossa an chraobh ó shin. Bhí nár glanadh le ceol a bhaint as an eangach agus siad ar ais sa chluiche ceannais an bhliain dar bhí bearna na bua ann. Bhí scil ar leith san am gcionn ach chaill san athimirt i gcoinne Bhaile ag Ger Ó Lochlainn ón talamh agus dhírigh sé cic Eachaidh. Seans eile acu cur lena stór agus saor caoga slat idir na cuaillí le cur le buntáiste an séú craobh peile a bhaint (1939/42/46/49/78). na mbuaiteoirí - chun tosaigh 1-3/0-1. Más ann don phisreogachas, beidh an bhua Ach mar a léirigh oíche fhliuch ar an Abhainn leathcheannais mar thuar! Ach caithfidh mé Bheag coicís ó shin, tá teacht aniar agus admháil nach duine pisreogach mé. mianach iontu mar Bheannchar. Micí Ó Loingsigh (1-00) a chuir tús leis an aiséirí. Ruathar aonair mar ba dhual dó a chruthaigh sceoin i gcosaint Mhachaire Fíolta agus sa chíor thuathail a lean sa chearnóg, Micí féin a thug dóchas le cúl. Bhí sé ina chluiche arís. Agus ceathrú uaire fágtha ar an chlog, fuair Ger Ó Lochlainn an dara cúilín s’aige agus scór deiridh Mhachaire Fíolta sa chluiche ceannais! Cúilín na bua, cé nach raibh a fhios san am! Sa cheathrú deiridh, bhí tine ar chraiceann Bheannchair agus d’aimsigh Eoghan Ó Loingsigh (0-1) is Fionntán ‘Dubh’ Mac Bhloscaidh (0-1) Station Road Industrial Estate Magherafelt cúilín an duine leis an bhearna a laghdú go cúilín. Agus an t-am ag imeacht orthu rinne fir Bheannchair a seacht ndícheall an cluiche a chothromú agus is cinnte go raibh na deiseanna www.djprint.com acu ach gur cuireadh amú ar an lá iad. D’éirigh le cosaint Mhachaire Fíolta an chontúirt a bhí le tosaithe Bheannchair i rith na craoibhe

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