The Yellow Gold. Sign of the times... CLONDUFF GAA CLUB. Luach 1

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1 Volume 1, Issue 3 Summer 2014 CLONDUFF GAA CLUB CLUB PRIDE: Brendan Murray and Tommy Kelly welcome Uachtarán Cumman Luthcleas Gael Liam O'Neill at Ceannáras Chluain Daimh during his visit to Hilltown and Cabra Primary Schools in May to promote Feile na ngael. See page 11 In this edition: Games & Facilities Development Award Winners Lotto Camogie Picture Gallery Connor McConville Tournament & Schools Little Bit of History Poc Fada Sign of the times... Luach 1

2 Summer 2014 Page 2 Editorial Message from Uachtarán Chluain Daimh STALWARTS: Our President Dean Anthony Davies (left) with one of our Trustee s Paddy O Hagan at the unveiling of a plaque at the home in Burren of the late Peadar Barry, a long-serving Secretary of Down County Board. Paddy is one of only two Clonduff men to win six County Senior Championship medals (1940s/50s) - Henry Brown RIP is the other Facilities Development A new sign, designated parking spaces, one-way traffic control in lower car park, footpaths, pedestrian walkway from dressing rooms to back field, disabled car parking spaces, pedestrian crossing - the health and safety of all is of paramount importance in Cumann Chluain Daimh! We ask you all to use our facilities responsibly - park in designated spaces only, not on pedestrian walkways or disabled spaces unless you have less-abled persons in your vehicle! Enjoy your visit! Club Merchandise In Stock Nore ¼ zip top Roma Hoodie Yellow, Pink and White Training top Clonduff Shorts, Socks, Gloves Kitbags Club Ties, Umbrellas Mouth Guards, Water Bottles 125 DVD, Club History, Townlands Booklet Wristbands, Lapel Pins Phone and IPad covers Mugs, Pens Club Hats Coming Soon Handball Goggles, Balls Hurley Sticks, Balls, Helmets Clonduff GAC President Dean Anthony Davies When Alex Haley wrote Roots he didn t expect it to sell over a million copies in such a short time, nor did he expect that so many people would watch it on TV. The big question is why? Alex Haley thinks the reason for the success of Roots was that the focus is on one of our priceless possessions, what is our history? How do we get to be where we are? The history of the GAA in Clonduff has been recorded in two excellent stories, , by native men in the first history, and by native men and women in the second. According to John Jay Chapman one of the deepest impulses in man is the impulse to record. History is being made every day. I congratulate those in Clonduff club for their vision in producing THE YELLOW GOLD magazine, a source of historical events and information like Haley s Roots that will provide the material for a third CLONDUFF STORY in the years to come. Collect these magazines and keep them in a safe place for future use. Beannacht Dé Ar An Obair! Antóin Ó Daibhís

3 Summer 2014 Page 3 Games Development Update Guest Coaches get their messages across Basking in glorious sunshine, Clonduff Park on 24th May was the venue for a Combined Underage Football Coaching Day as part of the on-going Football Development Plan in Clonduff. All three of the pitches were required as simultaneous coaching sessions were up and running. Three Guest coaches were running the sessions. GETTING THE BASICS: clockwise from left: Hydration in action; Liam Hardy gets the message across to U10s/U12s; Ciaran Murtagh, has the rapt attention of U6s U10/U12 Liam Hardy, who is a Down Coaching Officer, oversaw the U10/U12 age-groups. In a similar theme to all the other guest coaches, Liam gave the outline and objectives of the session to the respective Clonduff coaches who were present. Liam was then able to view the application of both the coaches and players and advise accordingly. U6/U8 Ciarán Murtagh who is also a Down Coaching Officer and a regular visitor to the Primary School oversaw the U6/U8 age-groups. There was a great turnout of boys and girls who were accompanied by their parents. Ciarán was able to use many of the parents within his session as it s important to have as many adults as possible to help with the coaching at this age,. Concentration levels (of the children!) can make the sessions challenging. Ciarán encouraged parents to help out regardless whether they had previous coaching experience or not. THOUGHT TRANSFER: Frank Dawson, right, imparting his extensive coaching knowledge to our U14 and U16 payers and mentors U14/U16 The U14/U16 sessions were taken by a man who is no stranger to Clonduff GAC. Frank Dawson was the manager of the Clonduff Senior Footballers when they won the Championship and League double in He was delighted to be asked to take part, even though he is currently Bryansford Manager! Frank stressed to the players in this age bracket the importance of thinking about what you are doing and why, both during training sessions and games. The one-to-one attention that our own mentors were afforded from the guest coaches meant that people were more forthcoming with questions and queries which doesn t happen in bigger group coaching days. All the guests praised the club for putting such emphasis on underage football and agreed to return later in the year for a similar opportunity. Onwards and upwards!

4 Summer 2014 Page 4 Pitch Side Player Profile Gaelic Life s Player of the Month (May 2014) Name: Clonduff Team (s) this Season: Position on Team: School/Uni// Occupation: Favourite Player: Gary Haughian Senior and Seconds Football Goalkeeper Bricklayer Tomás O Se Favourite Thing About Clonduff GAA Club: Facilities Best Advice Ever Received: Train hard and play hard Favourite Training Drill: Best Trainer in Squad: Fastest Player in the Squad: Best Game Ever Seen: Shooting Hard to say! There s a lot of Bluffers in the Squad but would probably be myself and Neil Trainor Probably Packie O Hagan but if you told the boys there was a sunbed at the end of the run Rory McQuaid would likely beat him Last year s All Ireland Hurling Final between Clare and Cork and the replay was equally as good If You won Clonduff Lotto, How Would You Spend It? I would take it to Vegas on Aidan s Stag and spend the lot Who would you invite to a Dinner Party? It would be an Open Invitation What are your first memories of Clonduff GAA Club? was seeing Clonduff win the Championship in 2000 Hard to say my memory wouldn t be great. My fondest memory Ambitions as a Clonduff Player: To be part of a panel that can bring success back to the Club May was the Month of Awards for Clonduffians! JASON CLEANS UP: Our Senior Football Captain Jason Brown, left, beat the best in Ireland in the All Ireland Cic Saor (Free Kick) Competition involving athletes from Gaelic Football, Rugby and Soccer. The annual event, which was held on 3rd May, is organised by Dundalk Young Irelands GAA Club, is sponsored by Paddy Power and Corona. Jason is pictured with his 5,000 prize cheque with competition hosts Oisin McConville (Crossmaglen) and Jack O Shea (Kerry) VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Club Secretary, Anita Brannigan was selected as The Irish News/O Neills sponsored Volunteer of the Year for a Large Club at a function in The Wellington Park Hotel Belfast on Friday 2nd May. The judges particularly singled out her devotion to the club website and the development of social media within the club. Anita is pictured, right, with Marie Milligan and Jimmie Cousins who nominated her for the award

5 Fundraising Summer 2014 Page 5 A Night at the Lotto how everything rolls! Have you ever wondered what happens at A Night at the Lotto? The lotto is the main source of income for the club and relies on a band of dedicated people who quietly go about their business 52 weeks of the year. Lotto sellers carry their books with them religiously, some going for the casual sale of a ticket as they bump into people, others subtly leaving books available in the workplace and not to forget those who go around the housing estates for the convenience of anyone who may have missed the opportunity to already purchase a ticket. Lotto selling is not permitted at wakes. If you haven t been caught in this net then you will always see a book in the shops or pubs of the village. NUMBER PERFECT: Seamus McPolin and Tommy Kelly check the numbers Take care in one local shop, namely the butcher s, not to fill in the wrong book! No contribution to lotto sales is too big or too small. Sellers vary from a very grateful 5 per week up to the super- sellers at sometimes over 200 per week! By a Monday evening, collectors will have made their way around all their regular sellers to RECENT WINNERS: The latest Jackpot winners, Noleen and Paula Cairns accepting their cheques from Tommy Kelly and Brendan Murray. On the left is Goretta Cairns (mother) who sold the winning ticket and who sells over 200 tickets weekly! On the right is Seamus McParlan, Macs Bar gather in the money and tickets for that week. The actual draw takes place in a different pub every month. Once all ticket collectors have checkedin it s all systems go! We don t have a Dale Winton to carry out the draw so Tommy Kelly steps in. He s the man with the balls! An independent body is specially brought in (normally a local barman if no other suitably responsible person can be found) to spin the balls. Once all four balls are out, checking of WHEEL OF FORTUNE: Mark from The tickets frantically (but very thoroughly!!!) Boley Inn sets the balls rolling, above. begins. No drinking is permitted during Below: The lotto committee at work this procedure. All tickets are checked twice. Suspected successful tickets are handed to Mary Mc Greevy. Nothing passes her! Tickets with three matching numbers are noted. When all is done and dusted and the jackpot is safe for another week a group sigh of relief can be heard. Drinking can recommence at this stage! New lotto books are handed out for those with empties and everyone goes home to get ready for another seven days of selling! If you are not in, you can t win! New sellers are needed for some areas. If you or someone in your family could cover your area please Contact Tommy Kelly on

6 Summer 2014 Page 6 Camogie National Camogie President Visits Clonduff Park For National Feile 2014 National Feile came to Clonduff Park over the weekend of 20th-21st June 2014 when the local Camogie Club hosted Clonkill Camogie Club, Co Westmeath, who reached the semi final. During one of the games in Clonduff Park the National Camogie President Aileen Lawlor paid a visit to the club and was suitably impressed by the facilities available. The visitors were hosted in the homes of Clonduff girls who participated. On Saturday night a party was held in the Clubrooms for girls and their families from both Clonduff and Clonkill. Our Scór Sinsir musician and singer Paul Kelly led the entertainment and soon had everybody 'competing' to do their own party piece. Friendships made, never to be forgotten! In Brief Cul Camp in Clonduff Park Monday Friday 4th 8th August get the registration forms from/to Teresa Carr beforehand if possible Newry & Mourne sponsored Camogie Camp in Clonduff Park Monday Friday 11th 15th August Club sponsored Hurling Camp U8 to U12 inclusive 11th 15th August Thanks to all who attended or assisted at the Daniel Andre, Brian McGreevy and/or Gary Murray Memorial Youth Tournaments Friends of Clonduff Marquee Festival weekend - 21st 24th August Poker Night Thursday 21st August Teen Non-alcoholic UV Disco Night Friday 22nd August Family Cinema Night Saturday 23rd August Clonduff Come Dancing Sunday 24th August Historical/Social Walking Tour of Newry Date tbc in August Congratulations to our Minor Hurlers who secured the Division II League just as was going to press. Having lost only one game all year and still with a game in hand, they are deserving Champions. Supporter: a person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team (Source: Oxford English Dictionary)

7 Out & About Summer 2014 Page 7

8 Summer 2014 Page 8 Community and Social 20th Connor McConville Tournament 2014 Glorious sunshine bathed down on the 15 teams from 9 primary schools from South Down who took part in the twentieth Connor McConville tournament in Hilltown on Tuesday last. The young players enjoyed a feast of Gaelic Football played to a very high standard. The day was further enhanced by the presence of Down players Mark Poland and Conor Laverty. The competition was played in three sections and eight teams progressed to the quarter finals. In the semi-finals Hilltown overcame Annaclone while Kilcoo defeated Carrick. In what was an exciting final played to a very high standard Kilcoo came out on top and were very worthy winners. Before the presentations Kathleen Cousins principal of St Patrick s PS thanked the McConville family for their continued support for the tournament in this its 20 th year. She also thanked teachers Ms McNeill and Mr McConville and all the staff in St Patrick s for their help and all the local primary schools for their participation in what has become a very important competition in the school year. Finbarr McConville presented the runner-up trophies to St Patrick s Hilltown before presenting the Connor McConville Cup and trophies to the winning captain Cailum Madine and team mates. Above: McConville Family (back) Stephen, Sheenagh, Michaella, Christina, Arlene, Arthur, Pauline; Front Arty Noel, Ethan, Kilcoo Captain Cailum Madine, Finbarr and Rosin. Below, the two finalists in 2014 (as so often in the past) Kilcoo, left, and St Patrick s Hilltown, right. All the Winners! Year Winner Year Winner 1995 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 2005 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 1996 St Patrick s, Hilltown 2006 St Patrick s, Hilltown 1997 St Patrick s, Hilltown 2007 St Patrick s, Hilltown 1998 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 2008 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 1999 Carrick PS, Burren 2009 Carrick PS, Burren 2000 Ballyholland PS 2010 St Patrick s, Mayobridge 2001 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 2011 St Patrick s, Hilltown 2002 St Patrick s, Mayobridge 2012 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 2003 St Patrick s, Mayobridge 2013 St Malachy s, Kilcoo 2004 Carrick PS, Burren 2014 St Malachy s, Kilcoo

9 A Little Bit Of History Summer 2014 Page 9 Ross Carr A Look Back 20 Years Ago to 1994 On Sunday May 29 th 1994 for the Ulster Senior Football Championship 1 st Round Down Footballers travelled to Celtic Park Derry and produced, with their hosts, as good a game of football as you could wish to see. Mickey Linden was the star of the first half, scoring five points, and his contribution helped Down go into the interval leading 0-10 to It was high quality stuff and the Celtic Park crowd applauded the teams off at the break. Points from Anthony Tohill and Eamon Burns levelled matters before Linden s sixth point regained the lead for Down. They were one up, 0-12 to 0-11, when Derry wing-back Fergal McCusker found himself on the end of a Joe Brolly pass and somehow hooked the ball into the net. James McCartan got things back to a point with a brilliant individual score, but Anthony Tohill replied with eleven minutes left and Derry led 1-12 to Down needed a goal and substitute Ciaran McCabe obliged, finishing a superb threeman move involving Greg Blaney and Mickey Linden, by hammering past Damian McCusker. Gregory McCartan added an insurance point from a free to cap an astonishing victory in a truly historic Ulster game. Ross Carr says that Winning that game was special. Everything had set the day up. The weather, the crowd, the TV, that we couldn t wear our sponsors jerseys. (Bank of Ireland had taken up sponsorship of the football championship, so Down were unable to wear shirts which had been sponsored by Ulster Bank) It galvanised us, not that we needed it, and it was a great day to be involved in Down football. There was never any doubt after we beat Derry that we would win the All Ireland. The Monaghan game would just be another step on the way to that says Ross. Ross couldn t shake off the ankle injury he picked up in the Derry game. His place for the semi-final against Monaghan was taken by another of the stars of 1991 Gary Mason from Loughinisland whose name would become known around the world on the day of the game for terrible reasons. Around 10.20pm on Saturday 18 June, Ulster Volunteer Force gunmen burst into The Height s bar in the village and shot dead six men as they watched the Republic of Ireland play Italy in the 1994 World Cup. The next day Down gathered for a football match nobody really cared about any more. Ross wondered what the point was. I remember going to the match thinking What the hell are we doing here? There was a real emptiness. It was a case of get it done and get away. Down got the job done, finishing 0-14 to 0-08 winners, six of their points coming from Gary Mason. Ross watched from the sideline in disbelief. The mark of greatness doesn t show when things are going well. It s all about being great when things are against you. Gary Mason showed the mark of greatness not only to play, but also to put on the display of free taking he did, having come from home where his community had been destroyed. I don t know how he did it and I still can t believe it. Tyrone provided the opposition in the Ulster Final and fancied their chances, but Down blew them away with a display on a par with their 1991 provincial decider hammering of Donegal. Ross Carr and his team-mates took particular joy in that performance. Through the 80 s Tyrone always felt they could intimidate Down, that Down was a bit of a soft touch. Before the 1991 All- Ireland final one Tyrone player was asked if he thought Down would win, and he just pointed to his chest and said, No heart. But we knew we would win and it was good to beat them says Ross. Down started better, and Tyrone s attempts to impose themselves physically on their opponents just gave free-kick opportunities to Ross and Gary Mason. After twenty-three minutes, Micky Linden had the chance to find the net from a penalty, but he fired wide. Still, Down had enough in reserve to lead by 0-09 to 0-05 at half-time. Five minutes after the break Down were awarded another penalty when a bootless James McCartan was hauled down by the combined efforts of Plunkett Donaghy and Chris Lawn. This time, Ross stepped up and hammered home to make the score 1-10 to Ross was glad to take his chance. The final wasn t going well for me and I needed that to kick-start it. By that stage I knew that, if I went home in the state I was in, I would probably have broken all the windows. I wanted to take the first one but, once we got the second one, there was no chance I wasn t going to hit it. Two frees from Peter Canavan and a palmed goal from Adrian Cush narrowed the deficit to three points, but Down responded by moving into another gear and finished 1-17 to 1-11 ahead at the end. Another Ulster title won, another step towards a fifth All Ireland taken! PRIDE IN THE JERSEY: Ross was a role model and motivator for Clonduff and Down throughout the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

10 Summer 2014 Page 10 POC Fada 2014 Every year on the Monday of the Boley Fair, a band of hardy souls make their way to the Hen Mountain for the annual Poc Fada. The ideals behind the Poc Fada follow in the footsteps of the Irish legend Setanta who set off from the Cooley Mountains with his hurl and sliothar in hand. As the young warriors from Clonduff gathered at the foot of the Mourne Mountains on Monday 14th July, the beginning of a fierce battle could be sensed. The mizzling rain was not going to put these young men and women off the task ahead as the clash of the ash would provide its own thunder. In tors while the rest continued to poc around the Eastern Tor. When the target was reached at the top of the mountain, all sliothars were gathered and everyone made their way onto the flat rock on the very roof of the mountain. The leaders at this stage had hit 14 pocs. Everyone took a well earned rest and as the mist cleared the view was much appreciated. Rory had shook off the poncho at this stage and was right in contention. So too was Shane Murray although concentration would later let him down as he seemed more concerned about getting a good picture of himself. Kris Young was a dark horse at this point although after taking in more fresh air than most, his efforts faded. Mark Downey true warrior style, Rory was another in contention but Mathews appeared in a his challenge became waterproof poncho. The distracted as he tried to hit atmosphere before Poc Off Rathfriland with a sliothar could be felt and so tense from the top of the Hen! Rhys was the situation, all the Ward was well in contention sheep scarpered off the Hen too but he failed to respect Mountain to the safety of the strong wind and would nearby hills. eventually be blown offthe judges who count the course. You couldn t tell pocs took up their positions, those young fellows! noticeably more relaxed than It was all downhill from here previous years in the as they hit from high up on absence of Eddie Clancy. the cliff-top although a small Last minute preparations water obstacle had to be were made, the balls were avoided between the rocky numbered, the route marked peaks. Dean Burns had a out, rivalries were re-ignited great strike off the top off the and the first balls were rock. struck. Liam McParlan made The downhill section takes a good start but the uphill fewer pocs than the uphill climb would eventually take and if you hit the right sheep its toll on him. A strong track it can carry the sliothar southerly wind blowing over a further 50m. As they the ridge of the Rocky approached the foot of the Mountain made for extra mountain the final poc must thought in the strike. As they take you between 2 flags wove their way up through 20m apart to avoid a 1 shot the thick grass and heather, penalty. One by one they a large area of ferns at the completed the course and it foot of the rock would prove came down to the last 2 pocs challenging for previous to decide the winner. winner John Murphy who had When all was totalled up the a nervous 10 minute search winners were announced; before finally locating the Juvenile: Thomas and Oisin whereabouts of one of his Woods (Tie) strikes. All contenders Senior Men: John Murphy navigated their way around Senior Ladies: Kitty Fegan the western tor of the Hen The winners were presented Mountain. Those in the with their trophies and the juvenile section then made losers vowed to return next their way in between the two year!

11 Summer 2014 Page 11 Schools Corner Lauren Kane & Jayme McDonald Sports Awards Winners The President, the Principal and Sports Teachers The President, Club & School Camogie Coaches & Team Rith 2014 At the end of another year in St Patrick s much had been achieved. The school won four Co Handball titles, took part in Rith 2014, the football team reached the final of the Cumann na mbunscoil 11-a-side where they were defeated by a strong Burren side. They were also very active in the Hurling and Camogie Leagues. They were privileged to welcome the President of Cumman Luthcleas Gael Liam O'Neill in what was a very memorable visit. At the end-of-year Leaver s Mass for P7 Jayme McDonald and Lauren Kane received the individual boy and girl sports awards. Term 3 was extremely busy on the sporting front in St Paul s, the highlight being the visit of GAA President Liam O Neill with Club personnel. P4 -P7 took part in the annual inter-schools sports Day in Barnmeen; the football team participated in many tournaments including Connor McConville Tournament and Cumann na mbunscoil 7-a-side championship; All the pupils and many parents participated in the Annual Sport day. Mothers Race at St Paul s Sports Day St Paul s children, teachers and Board of Governors with GAA President, Feile Organisers and Club personnel The Welcoming Party at St Paul s St Paul s Football team with Principal and team coach, Vincent Devlin

12 CLONDUFF GAA CLUB 18 Castlewellan Road Ballymaghery Hilltown Co Down, BT34 5UY Follow us on Facebook & Twitter Next Edition Autumn 2014