Sport Chapter
The Gaelic Athletic
Association
The Early Days
The Gaelic
Athletic Association was founded on November 1st, 1884, in Hayes Hotel,
Thurles, by Michael Cusack, a teacher and Maurice Davin, a farmer. Its aim was
the preservation and cultivation of our national pastimes.
However Gaelic
games predated 1884 – we know of Cúchulainn and his hurling skills. Hurling or
a form of the game was played in Cavan in the early 1800s. The sticks used were
called “commons” (camán) and the goals “baileys”. The simple rule of the game
was that the ball had to be played on the ground or in the air. It was a foul
to catch the ball in the air. There were no sidelines and little or no fixed
team formations. The game which could last for several hours was played mostly
on Sunday evenings by boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 25 years old.
They were encouraged and advised by the former players of the parish or
townland. This form of sport continued to be played in spite of the ravages of
the famine and emigration which followed.
But by 1885 there was a huge decline in the general fitness of the youth
and a lack of interest in most native games. The landed gentry cultivated their
sports where cricket, soccer, hockey and rugby were very much to the fore in their colleges and universities.
However these sports were very far removed from the ordinary people.
New Rules of Play
The founders of
the Gaelic Athletic Association set about laying rules for the games of hurling
and football incorporating some of the “rules” already there. Their aim was to
develop games suitable to rural parishes and ordinary folk. These rules were a
huge improvement on the dangerous play of the earlier games. Players on a team
numbered 21 and on occasions with all 42 players concentrating their energies
on a particular area of the pitch one can only imagine the ensuing melee.
Scoring a goal was the principal aim of the game; back then no number of points
could equal a goal. Scoring a point was done by putting the ball over the bar
or rope of the main posts or between the outer “points” posts. Long trousers,
jersey, cap and hob nailed made up the kit while the ball was very often strips
of leather sewn together and stuffed with hay or straw or an inflated pig’s
bladder. In the early 1890’s rules
changed with smaller teams – 17 men per team, and a goal equal to 5 points,
this latter to become 3 points. In 1910 the point’s posts were removed
completely and in 1913 the team numbered 15 players.
Athletics
The word
“Athletics” in the title of the G.A.A. immediately evokes an image of fit,
strong vigorous, muscular, Herculean
like bodies in training and in competition. The international acclaim that
Irish athletes had won in boxing, running and weight-throwing, and also in
handball and soccer here at home immediately come to mind. We know then that
the inclusion of the word is all important as we sit and enjoy the able-bodied,
sporty and sturdy teams compete and provide us with hours and days of
entertainment.
Cavan and Ballymachugh Gaelic Games.
In 1886 the Gaelic
Athletic Association was introduced to Cavan by Thomas O’Reilly and Thomas
Clancy from Ballyconnell. They called the team the “Ballyconnell Biggars” after
the well-known Irish M.P. who represented Cavan in the British of Commons.
Later their name was changed to Ballyconnell First Ulsters. The first county final was played between
them and Maghera Mac Fhionns. The first County Convention was held in
McGoldrick’s hotel on Decr.27th, 1887. The following officers
elected were Chairman: T.P. McKenna, Mullagh; Secretary: Thomas Mulligan, N.T.
Virginia; Trainer: Laurence Fitzsimons, Virginia; Committee members were
Michael Owens, Mountnugent, and Patrick Reilly, Bailieborough.
In Ballymachugh,
in 1888, two years after the foundation of the Association in the county a club
named the “Finea Knights of Freedom” was founded and at the County Convention
held in March 1889 the club was represented by Patrick Donlon, Cullaboy.
The Parnell Split
Parnell’s policy
of the right of ownership of land by tenants and the objective of Home Rule was
clearly supported by the G.A.A. in their early days. A parish which did not have a branch of
Parnell’s party, the Irish National League, could not form a G.A.A. club. With
subsequent developments the Parnell split resulted in the break up of many clubs. There was major dissension in
every club and parish. Resignations were prevalent and competitons were
discontinued. This had its effect in a
break up in Ballymachugh. However
according to the the list of clubs for the year 1890 the parish had two clubs
in existence, the “Finea Knights of Freedom” and the “Carrick Friendly Sons of
St. Patrick”. According to reports
from the Crime Branch Special, Dublin Castle in 1891 the first mentioned had a
membership of 36 while the latter had 64.
However, it must be stated that informants tended to exaggerate the
membership of the clubs and their involvements in movements such as the IRB or
ribbonmen.
The break up did not last
long and eventually reformed as Ballymachugh.
For political and economic reasons GAA activities seem to have faded
completely until in 1921 the club won the County Junior Championship. It is not certain who their opponents were
probably Kill, but interestingly the last surviving member of this team, Jimmy
Smith, died in 1995.
The 1930s and ’40s were
barren years due to emigration and lack of transport. World War II also had a detrimental effect as well and there was
no club in the parish from 1945 to 1957.
Those who wished to play football did so with neighbouring clubs and
many enjoyed success with this arrangement, such as Peter Briody with
Mullahoran (1935).
In 1957 a branch of Muintir
na Tire was founded in the parish. Its
first objective was the revival of the football club and in this it was
successful. Paddy Flood and Francie
Sheridan held the positions of Chairman and Secretary respectively. Home games were played in Redhills field
and, in 1959, the new venue was Pat Briody’s field at Clonlohan. It is interesting to note that in 1960 some
meetings were held in Peter Briody’s barn.
In the early years of the
club various fields were used over a period of time. When the club was reformed in 1957, Fitzsimons field in Finea was
used for a three-year period: 1957, 1958 and 1959.
In 1960 it was proposed to
move to a more central location and the club’s home ground was in Briody’s
field in Clonlohan from 1960 to 1993. In 1993 Ballymachugh opened its
magnificent new facilities at Sheelin Park in Ballyheelan, and the committed and tireless workers saw their dreams come to
fruition. A proud and wonderful
achievement for Baile Mhic Aodha agus a muintir!
Success evaded the club for
many years, but in 1967 the Junior League Title was won when they defeated
Crosserlough. Since that year the club
has gone from strength to strength. In
1972 the club contested the 1972 Intermediate Final but suffered defeat at the
hands of Arva. In 1979 victory was
attained over Cootehill in the Junior B League Final.
In 1981 a fantastic victory
was secured against Redhills in the Intermediate Final. One of the stars of that encounter, Seamus
McAlarney, was to die tragically in 1992 on the playing field for Cavan Masters
County Team. In the same year Ballymachugh again reached the Intermediate Final. Ballinagh were the opponents and victorious.
There followed a few lean
years for the senior team but eventually in 1999, with a highly committed and
talented panel of young players with renowned coach Declan Rowley at the helm,
the breakthrough was achieved. Great
celebrations followed this victory and it was a proud day for the club to be
crowned as County Champions once again. However the team failed to build on
this success as several players drifted from the panel for a variety of reasons
and at present the team find themselves back in the Intermediate grade and also
finished the league in mid table in Division two.
Ballymachugh
Club Factfile
Gaeilge: Baile
Mhic Aodha
Club
Colours: Green and Gold
Year
Formed: 1888
Previous
Cubs in Area: Finea Knights of
Freedom, Carrick Sons of Patrick
Club’s
Ground: Sheelin
Park,Ballyheelan.
Club
Grounds Opened: 1993
Club
Website: www.ballymachughfc.com
Present
Officers:
Chairman: Tony Tierney
Secretary: Mary Smith
Treasurer: Eugene Kiernan
P.R.O. Richie Fitzsimons
Senior
Team Coach: Michael Tynan
Clubhouse: At Sheelin Park
Men’s Gaelic Football
Ballymachugh 1967 Junior League Champions
Back (L-R):- Jim Fitzsimons, Patsy Sheridan, Seamus McLarney
(R.I.P.), Francie Plunkett, Ollie McInerney, Tony Goldrick, Val Donohoe, Liam
Plunkett, Christy Sheridan, John Hanlon, Phil Brady, Packie Smith
(Secretary). Front:- Terry Denneny, Benny Power, Henry Baxter, Brian Gaffney,
Michael Reynolds, Seamus McInerney, Johnny Kehoe, John McInerney, Brian Smith,
Martin McInerney.
Junior League Champions 1979
Back:- Seamus McLarney (R.I.P.), Mel Baxter, Norbert O’Reilly, David Clinton,
Hugh O’Reilly, Mickey Daly, John Brady, Tommy Smith, Padraig Kiernan, Ciaran
Boyle, Ciaran Lynch. Middle:- Francie Harten, Ciaran Halton,
Malachy Kelly, Phil Clarke, Tony Goldrick, Sean Smith, Seamus Mulligan, Briney
Kiernan, John Kiernan. Front:- Joe O’Reilly, Finbarr Denneny,
Tom Halton, Anthony McGarry.
Ballymachugh 1981 Intermediate Football team who
brought the first championship to the parish since 1921. Back:- Seamus McLarney (R.I.P.), Pauric Kiernan, Finbar
Denneny, Martin McInerney, Tony Walsh, Ollie McInerney, Tommy Smith, Ciaran
Lynch, Norbert O’Reilly, Briney Kiernan, Philip Clarke, Mickey Daly, John
McInerney. Front:- Ciaran Coyle, Sean Briody, Hugh O’Reilly, Mel McInerney,
Eugene Kiernan, Matt O’Reilly, Pat McCann, Pat Masterson, John Kiernan, Ciaran
Halton, Neddie Clinton, Malachy Kelly. Mascots:- Eamon Brady, Mark Kiernan,
Finbarr Harten.
Cavan
Intermediate Football Final 1999
Ballymachugh Win
Title Against 13-Man Denn
Ballymachugh 0-8
Denn 0-6
Ballymachugh became newly crowned Cavan Intermediate
football champions by virtue of a 0-8 to 0-6 victory over Denn in the final at
Breffni Park on Sunday last.
Ballymachugh last attained this honour in 1981 after
losing two finals in 1972 and 1992. It
was a great boost to the club who failed narrowly to Mullahoran in the recent
1998 Under 21 championship final replay.
A lot of missed opportunities from both sides made
this a very intense encounter where defences were on top for the large part.
Late Changes
Denn made changes from the starting line-up when
Thomas Smith switched to midfield to partner Ronan Kiernan and Martin Donohoe
went to centre-half forward, while Oliver Brady filled the vacant left-back
position. The scores were level three
times in the first half with strapping Ballymachugh midfielder Gavin Smith
showing the forwards how it should be done.
Smith got the opening score after three minutes but
Denn’s John Smith equalized three minutes later. The scores were level twice more in this half, Niall Baxter
(seventh minute), Hubert Smith (ninth min), Gavin Smith (eleventh min) and
Fergal Brady (15 mins) left the score 0-3 apiece after fifteen minutes. Fergal Brady scored again three minutes
later to give Denn a 0-4 to 0-3 lead and when Tommy Smith pointed a free in the
twenty third minute, Ballymachugh trailed by two points. The deadly accurate Brian Fitzsimons fresh
from huge scoring exploits all season kept Ballymachugh in touch with a point
with three minutes of the half remaining.
Goal chance
Denn missed a goal opportunity when Kenneth Rothwell
was narrowly wide with his kick.
Ballymachugh exerted heavy pressure towards the end of the half but shot
three wides to leave Denn leading by one point, 0-5 to 0-4 and just as
important, Denn also led in the wides tally, 7 – 6.
Brian Fitzsimons got the first score of the second
half in the fifth minute to level the scores at 0-5 apiece and two minutes
later, Gavin Smith took an excellent pass from 1997 Ulster championship
medallist Brian Donohoe to leave the teams level. Veteran Gary Goldrick was only seconds on the field in his last
ever club appearance when he pointed in the sixteenth minute, giving
Ballymachugh a two-point lead.
Confusion
The next few minutes provided controversy and a
little confusion. Denn’s Jerome Kiernan
was sent off in the seventeenth minute for an off-the-ball incident as Denn
introduced the veteran Donal Keogan to the attack. The confusion arose as Denn played with fifteen players for a
couple of minutes before the referee and Denn realized the error and Fergal
Brady went off.
As Denn launched another attack, Donal Keogan, who
was barely three minutes on the field, was booked and might have joined his
colleague on the line. Then with five
minutes left, Paschal Galligan following through a Donal Keogan free, was
involved in a tackle on goalkeeper Patrick Baxter and he, too, was sent off,
leaving Denn with thirteen players.
Donal Keogan received a yellow card for a tackle on
Brendan Sweeney with three minutes left.
That was the end of Denn’s hopes as Brian Fitzsimons stretched the lead
to three points with one minute of normal time remaining. Denn made one last, desperate effort to save
the game and forced a 45 from which Tommy Smith pointed. With three minutes of injury time being
played, Brendan Sweeney (Ballymachugh) received the red card.
This was a great performance from Ballymachugh who
will be playing in senior ranks next year.
For Denn it was their third defeat in four finals.
Ballymachugh: P. Baxter, D. Goldrick, B. Donohoe, M. Rooney, H.
Plunkett, P. Sheridan, L. Donohoe, G. Smith (0-3), B. Sweeney, G. Plunkett, R.
Fitzsimons, P. Fitzsimons, N. Baxter (0-1), B. Fitzsimons (0-3), S. Baxter.
Sub G. Goldrick (0-1) for R. Fitzsimons.
Denn: B. Boylan, Roanan Kiernan (jnr), C. McGovern, O.
Brady, P. Hyland, D. Brady, P. Galligan, Ronan Kiernan, M. Donohoe, J. Smith
(0-1), T. Smith (0-2), J. Kiernan, K. Rothwell, H. Smith (0-1), F. Brady (0-2).
Subs: P.Galligan for D. Brady, D. Keogan for F.
Brady.
Ballymachugh Intermediate Champions 1999
This same year also saw
Ballymachugh’s Under-21 team reach the County Final (1998 competition) against
Mullahoran. For a small parish this was seen as a wonderful achievement as
teams from much bigger clubs had been beaten along the way. The first game ended level between these
teams, but this game is generally believed to have been one of the finest games
seen in Breffni Park for many years.
Sean Kelly, soon to be President of GAA, was passing through Cavan on
his way home to Kerry on the evening of the first match. At the final whistle he was still there
enthralled at what he had witnessed.
The replay brought no joy however to Ballymachugh as Mullahoran went on
to be Champions for 1998.
Ballymachugh:
P. Baxter, M. Rooney, P. Fitzsimons, L Donohoe, M.
Briody,
B. Donohoe, H. Plunkett, C.
Smith, G. Plunkett, S. Baxter (1-0), R. Fitzsimons (0-2),
P. Sheridan, N. Baxter, B.
Fitzsimons (0-5) incl three frees, G. Thompson.
Frank Reid
Frank Reid from Ballyheelan
was a star footballer and Ballymachugh's only holder of an All-Ireland winners
medal. He secured his medal when Cavan beat Wexford in the All-Ireland junior
final of 1927. Frank served in the Free State Army, he was a great musician and
played in the Nol
Army Band.
This is the text of an
address presented to him on departure to America c. 1930. Local lore has it
that the address was composed by John Gibney, BeIlsgrove and James Brady of
Lavagh, who was an uncle of Peter Brady former Chairman of Cavan G.A.A. Board.
TO FRANCIS
A.REID, BALLYHEELAN.
“On behalf of
your comrades and wellwishers, we ask you to accept this little token, as a
mark of appreciation and respect, in which you are held, by us. When we heard
of your decision to emigrate it cast a gloom, not only on the people of your
native parish of Ballymachugh, in which you are held in the highest esteem, but
also among everyone, who had the pleasure of being associated with you. In
athletics, in music, in organising, in a word, anything in connection with
clean, manly sport, for the education and benefit of the people, it was on you,
Frank, we had to rely.
When you go
forth, may pleasure ever be of your party, and may social joy await your
return. May happiness with a smiling welcome meet you.
We have the
honour to be, with the sincerest gratitude and highest respect.
Yours Sincerely,
John J. Casey,
C.C.,
John Gibney,
Bejjsgrove; James Brady, Lavagh;
Philip Callery,
Ballynarry; Bernard Donohoe, Drumnavrick; Harry Baxter, Bellsgrove.”
Frank died and was buried in New York, within a few years of his arrival.
Ballymachugh
and Cavan G.A.A. – The connection
Peter Briody Vice
President Cavan County Board
Packie Smith Vice
President Cavan County Board (1999- )
Peter Brady Vice
Chairman Cavan County Board (1983-1987)
Chairman
Cavan County Board (1987-1992)
Trustee
Breffni Park
Chairman
County Hurling Board
Nicholas Baxter Chairman
Cumann Na mBunscoil (1991- present )
Paddy Gill Secretary
Cavan Minor Board 1981-
Eamonn Flood Secretary
Cavan Minor Board 2002 - 2004
The Gill Cup
A recent competition
organised by the club is the “Gill Cup”.
It is a competition between Ballymachugh and the Aran Islands, which is
played alternatively between the clubs’ home venues. It is in memory of Brian Gill ,R.I.P., a former player who died
in 1995 at such a young age. Our players and
families look forward to the trip to the Aran Islands and likewise their team
enjoy greatly the hospitality extended to them on their visit to Ballymachugh.
The Club enters Scór
competitions organised by the G.A.A. and avail of the opportunity to develop
and express their talents and compete against other clubs in the county.
Under-Age Football in the
Parish
In 1957 Tom Gray and Paddy
Gill formed an under-14 football team, the first under age team to represent
the parish. At that time Juvenille
football was played under the auspices
of Fo-Chiste Na Scol which was established in 1950 by well-known Gaels
such as Seamus Gilheaney, Bro. Cyril and others. Games were played on a home
and away basis and competitions were confined to Under-14s. The Club continued to participate for three
years and withdrew from League competitions in 1960.
In 1970, with Fr. Peter
Bohan as catalyst and with the assistance of Paddy Gill and Tom Gray, football
was revived at Juvenile level.
Groundwork was laid through their wonderful efforts and when Under-12
competitions were introduced the club was successful in reaching Under-12
Semi-finals in 1974 and Under-14 Roinn B Final in the same year. Unfortunately the side was defeated in the
final. Gowna defeated Ballymachugh in
the U14 Semi-final in Roinn B in 1980.
The team reached the same
Semi-final Roinn C in 1982 but lost to Kildallon following a replay. In 1983, in the Under-12 Roinn B competition,
we reached the final, but again no celebrations. At last, in 1984, the club celebrated victory in Under-14 Roinn C
final against Belturbet. Success
continued, again in 1985, when against the odds, victory was attained by
beating Ballinagh in the Under-14 Roinn D final.
Later that year this team
were again victorious in the Under-14 championship final Roinn C, by defeating
Belturbet. In 1985 we won the County
Under-15 seven-a-side Community Games.
In Feile Na nOg seven-a-side competition, Ballymachugh took home the
County title in the following year. On
their own the club, due to falling population, were unable to field teams in
Juvenille competitions and successfully amalgamated with Mount Nugent under the
name “Sheelin Gaels” and won Under-12 League Roinn C in 1989 and Under-12 Roinn
B in 1992. We also reached the final of
Under-14 Championship in the same year.
In 1995 our minor team
achieved a memorable victory in the League final over Kildallon in
Killygarry. Brian Donohoe was captain.
In the Under-16 League
Division 3, the club was again to the fore front with victory achieved in
Ballyjamesduff, with Niall Baxter as captain.
The 1998 Division 2 League final was eventually played in February 1999
in Breffni Park. With Martin Briody as
captain and Lavey as opponents, the club was once again victorious.
In 1998, the Roinn D
Under-14 title was won bringing great joy to parents and players alike. In 2005 the Under-13 championship Roinn D
was won by a group of talented and determined footballers, ensuring a steady
supply of talent for the future. Indeed with star attacker Stephen Harten
scoring goals for fun this particular trophy was regained in 2007.
Ballymachugh Under-16 League Winners 1996
Back row: Kevin Baxter, Brendan McAlarney, Finbarr
Sheridan, Martin Briody, Philip Gill, Paul Fitzsimons, Henry Plunkett, Brian
Fitzsimons, Dermot Walsh, Peter Baxter.
Front row: Fergal Reilly, Sean Baxter, Kilian Smith
(mascot), Niall Baxter, Michael Rooney, Philip Donohoe, Peter A. Harten, Declan
Briody, John Coyle.
Philip Donohoe
defending in style in under 16 match 1996
Brian Donohoe lifting the Minor League trophy in 1995.
Ballymachugh Ladies Gaelic Football Club
In 1976 the Ballymachugh
ladies team was founded under the direction of Joe Lynch, Chairman; Maureen
McInerney, Secretary; and Hugo McInerney, Treasurer. At that time ladies
football was very strong in Cavan with Crosserlough’s Tom Dowd a leading light.
Locally Ballymachugh had
many talented players at that time; many of who played with distinction in the
famed Breiffne blue. At under-16 level Colette Kelly (Carrick) was awarded
underage player of the year and received a trophy when she played with Cavan
against a renowned Kerry ladies team.
Other Ballymachugh players
to make the county grade were Mary Cooke, Sheila Smith and Mary Plunkett. A
notable achievement was the annexing of the Killygarry Cup when the
Ballymachugh ladies overwhelmed a strong home outfit. The ladies trained weekly
in Fitzsimons football field in Finea. Many exciting tussles were played
against such opposition as neighbours Mullahoran, Ballyhaise, Kilmore,
Templeport and Maughera.
The county board chairman
Tom Dowd, Crosserlough, did sterling work in the promotion of ladies GAA in
Cavan but unfortunateley the county board and the team drifted due to both the,
lack of funds, and recognition of the sport at that time. As a result the local
club scene also suffered. The team included such stalwarts as Pauline Briody,
Clonlohan; Ann Smith, Clonlohan; Sheila Smith, Clonoose; Siobhan McGarry,
Ballyheelan; Margaret Reilly, Maughera; Bridie Fagan, Finea; Siobhan and Maura
McHale, Finea; Maureen Lynch, Carrickabane; Margo Gaffney, Freeduff; Dolores,
Mary and Clare Plunkett, Williamstown; Frances and Imelda Reilly, Toher; Mary
Cooke, Castletown; and Ann Reilly, Killina.
The present Ballymachugh
ladies team has its origins in the hugely successful Ballynarry National School
girls’ teams that have just completed the remarkable achievement in June 2006
of winning 6 Championship titles in a row.
On July 1st 2001
the new Ballymachugh ladies team was set up under the guidance of Ann Kelly
Chairperson, Mardi Baxter Vice Chairperson, Philomena Lynch - secretary , Patricia
Galligan – Treasurer and Tommy Smith team trainer. The first victory was
attained in the under 12 grade with victories over near neighbours Gowna and
Mullahoran in a tournament run by Gowna in 2001. Later that year Mullahoran
defeated the girls in the under 12 semi-final.
In 2002 the Under-12 girls
were very successful under the management of Ann Kelly. They won all their
games en route to a very close final replay defeat to a Gowna side. Under the
management of Tommy Smith the Under-14 girls’ team reached the final but were
defeated by Lurgan.
The year 2003 saw the start
of a ladies junior side who performed well in their first year together;
reaching a semi final only to go under to the eventual winners Arva in a tight
encounter. In 2004 Ballymachugh comfortably won the under 14 B Championship
grade easily disposing of a gallant St Finbarr’s side. The junior team with an
amalgamation with Crosserlough ladies won a Division 4 league title in very
demanding conditions with an excellent victory over an Arva side.
In 2005 the club fielded
teams at all grades on their own, a notable achievement for a small panel of
players. The girls, trained by Brian Donohoe, played some fantastic football
and reached the 9 a side Division 3 final in August 2005 only to go under to a
strong Killinkere team who had been together for a long time.
In 2007 under the guidance
of long serving club stalwart Liam Donohoe the Ballymachugh ladies achieved
notable success in winning a 9 a side competition against a limited Laragh
outfit. Played in October in Ballyjamesduff the green and gold clad ladies
emerged victorius by 5 - 11 to 5 - 6.
In 2004 five Ballymachugh
team members represented their club for the Cavan county ladies teams. Deirdre
Kelly, Sheana Kiernan, Aoife Galligan, Laura Galligan and Nicole Smith played
with much distinction and skill and indeed Sheana and Deirdre are the proud
holders of Ulster medals.
So as we approach a new year
the future for the Ballymachugh ladies looks healthy. However with many attractions
off the field for young people, it is vital that all young players are properly
catered for. Our relatively small playing panel must be increased. More
involvement and assistance from players, parents and mentors alike is essential
if the Ballymachugh Ladies GFC will develop and be successful in the future.
Article compiled by Anne
Kelly and Brian Donohoe.
Camogie in Ballymachugh
The first record of a camogie team being formed in
Ballymachugh was in late 1933. This was
the year when many other clubs in Cavan came on stream. A notice appeared in the local paper on
Sunday, 4 February 1934 calling for all members to attend a camogie meeting
immediately after Mass. From the
beginning the club was called Ballymachugh Sheelin Rovers and proceeded to take
part in the County Senior Competition.
Ballymachugh was grouped with Loughduff, Cavan Town, Gowna, Drumkilly
and Mountnugent. Camogie training
sessions were initially held in Carrick every Sunday. To raise funds for the
club dances were held in the Rock House, Ballynarry. The ladies practised in a field in Aughakilmore, where Kiernan’s
piggery now stands. All camogie sticks were made locally.
The club played its first game against Mountnugent on
Sunday 15 April 1933 in the latter’s ground and gave a good
performance.
The following players represented Sheelin Rovers
against Ballytrust Padraig Pearses at Aughakilmore on Sunday 28 October 1933 at
3pm:- Kathleen Lynch, Eileen Fitzsimons, Mary Briody, Martha Gill, Gertie
Sheridan, Rose A. Galligan, Katie Galligan, Laura Dowd, Anna Dowd, Jannie
Murphy, Maggie Murphy, Brigid Plunkett (Capt.). Subs:- RA Farrell and Annie Reilly. The match aroused much local interest.
In 1935, the Sheelin Rovers club did not regroup until
June and as a result could only engage in friendly matches. Some of these friendly games were against
Drumkilly, Loughduff, Corduff and Potahee St Michael’s. The latter tow clubs were both in
Ballintemple parish. Sheelin Rovers
members who played against St Michaels in Potahee were:- B Donohoe, M Gill, N
Reilly, P Reilly, K McGarry, M Grimes, D Smith, R Fitzsimons, L Fitzsimons, B
Briody, A Donlon and K Galligan. The
Sheelin team also played two local Longford clubs, Naoimh Brid in Carrick and Mullinalaghta.
In 1936, the club was again involved in friendly games
and tournaments. Among the clubs played
were Ballytrust, Potahee, Corduff, Gowna and Aughakilmore.
The club disbanded in the following year as sporting
interests became secondary to concern for the worsening economic conditions. The necessity for girls now was to find
gainful employment.
The club played many other games during these years
and on one occasion won a tournament final in Breffni Park. There was great excitement when Nellie Nulty
scored the winning goal. The winning
team on that day was chosen from:- Martha Gill, Bridie Lynch, Kathleen Lynch,
Nellie Nulty, Babs Donohoe, Kathleen Gurhy, Maggie Grimes, Nanny Reilly, Mai
Reilly, Roseann Farrell, Brigie Plunkett, Dolly Smith, Annie Dolan, Annie
Briody, Brigie Briody, Mary Briody, Lena Down, Laura Dowd, Little Eileen
Heffernan, Brigie Leddy, Eileen Fitzsimons and Alice Fitzsimons.
In 1944 a team was formed during the year in
Ballynarry. The team was mainly drawn
from former players in the 1930s and did not affiliate with the County
Board. A few friendly games were
played.
In the 1960s, a meeting was arranged by Maureen Gill
in Carrick Old School, and a large number of young girls attended. As a result, a new camogie club was
formed. The club was called Ballymachugh
Camogie Club.
1969 Annual General Meeting
At the annual meeting, the following officers were
elected:- Rev Fr McCarthy PP, President; Rev Fr Tyrell CC, Vice-President;
Maureen Gill, Chairperson; Rita Sheridan, Secretary; Pauline Donohoe,
Treasurer; Teresa Briody, Captain; Patricia Plunkett, Vice-Captain. The elected Delegates to the County Board
were:- Angela Briody, Anne Reynolds and Dympna Harton.
A social was arranged for Crover House Hotel and
enough money was raised to buy camogie sticks, sliothars and material for
uniforms. Maura Harten completed the
uniforms and on a lovely hot Sunday in June, the girls played their first game,
which was against Ballinagh in Webb’s Field before a large crowd. The Ballymachugh team on that occasion was:-
Marian Clarke, Beatrice Denneny, Rita Sheridan, Eileen Denenny, Dympna Halton,
Annie Reynolds, Patricia Plunkett, Rose Kiernan, Rita Traynor, Bridie Coyle,
Angela Briody, Rosetta Briody, Eileen Sheridan, Eileen Masterson, Mary Teresa
Briody, Pauline Donohoe, Imelda Donohoe.
The games were now being played in Clonlohan in a
field of Pat ‘The Twin’ Briody where the footballers also played their
games. Peter Briody, Clonohan, brother
of Pat was always available to lend a hand and travelled to many games taking a
car-load of players.
Junior Semi-Final Win
In a one-sided game, Ballymachugh overcame Killygarry
in the Junior Championship semi-final at Breffni Park. The main difference between the sides was
the fitness displayed by the Ballymachugh girls. The final score was 5.0 to nil.
First Camogie Title for
Ballymachugh – Win over Drumgoon in Junior Final
The club continued, however, success evaded them until
they won their first County Title in 1974, winning the County Junior
championship when they scored an easy victory over Drumgoon at Breffni Park,
thus making history. It was indeed a
deserved success for the club as they were noted in camogie circles throughout
the County for their excellent sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Ballymachugh Junior
Winners 1974
Front row, left to right:- Noeleen Kiernan, Rosaleen Galligan, Rosemary
Galligan, Maureen Harten, Eileen Galligan, Margaret Galligan, Breda Kiernan,
Bernadette Kiernan.
Back Row, left to right:- Savina Callaghan, Mary Flynn, Helena Flynn, Mary
Reilly (Captain), Patricia Kiernan, Patricia McGarry, Bridie Maire Kiernan.
1974 Junior Camogie Winners
Fr Oliver
O’Reilly, CC, Denn, presents the junior trophy to the captain of the
Ballymachugh team, Mary Reilly. Also in
picture is the Drumgoon captain, Margaret Hand.
More success in 1975 –
Intermediate Championship Title
Ballymachugh 3.4 Croabh Rua 3.1
Ballymachugh, one of the longest established clubs in
the County, had their victory so far when they came from a goal behind at the
interval to win the County Intermediate Championship title at Breffni Park on
Sunday 1 September.
The winning Intermediate Championship panel was:- Mary
O’Reilly (Captain), Savina Callaghan, Margaret Galligan, Patricia Kiernan,
Bridie Marie Kiernan, Rosaleen Galligan, Noeleen Kiernan, Bernadette Kiernan,
Rosemary Galligan, Marion Kiernan, Eileen Galligan, Mardy Coyle, Breda Kiernan
and Anne Lynch. The team was coached by
Mel Baxter.
Intermediate Champions 1975
Intermediate Champions 1975. Victorious Captain Mary
Reilly accepts the cup from Joe Hegarty, Co. Board.
Senior Championship
Ballymachugh amalgamated with Crosskeys in the Senior
Championship and they defeated Drumgoon in the Semi-Final. They lost to Carob Rua/Cuchullains in the
Final. Ballymachugh also entered a
Novice team in the Championship but they did not have much success.
Senior Championship Final
Ballymachugh reached the Senior Championship
Final. This was a great achievement
when the club recall the fact that only two years previous to this they were in
the Junior division. They played
Castletara in the Semi-Final and the game ended in a draw. The replay secured victory for Ballymachugh. The club met Drumgoon in the Final, which
was played in September, but there was victory for Drumgoon this time.
With the team now up in the Senior grade in 1977,
competition was very keen. The Senior
team did not have much success in the League Competition but they reached the
Semi-Final in Senior Championship where they were defeated by Maghera.
The Crosserlough Gaelic Football Club invited the team
to play a game for a set of medals at their Festival on August Bank Holiday
Weekend in Kilnaleck. The opponents
were Drumgoon and Ballymachugh were victors of a very hard and fast-moving
game.
Senior Championship 1978
For the Senior Championship, the team trained three to
four evenings each week and their efforts were rewarded when that reached and
won the Senior Championship Final in Breffni Park on Sunday 6 August by beating
Maghera – the rivals of the previous year.
Ballymachugh were County Senior Champions.
The Ballymachugh team that won the County Senior
Championship title in 1978 was:- Bridie Kiernan, Anne Lynch, Eilish Foley,
Rosemary Galligan, Margaret Galligan, Noeleen Kiernan (Captain). Subs:- Pauline Briody, Breda Kiernan, Una
Farrell and Heather Keane. The team
coach was Andy McKeown.
The Ballymachugh
team who won the Cavan Senior Camogie Championship title at Breffni Park.
Front row (left to right):- Breda Farrelly, Pauline Briody, Mary
Flynn, Noeleen Kiernan (captain), Margaret Galligan, Rose Mary Galligan and
Mary Reilly.
Back row (l to r):- Bridie Kiernan, Ann Lynch, Breda Kiernan, Heather
Keane, Úna Farrell, Eilish Foley, Marion Kiernan, Rosaleen Galligan, Eileen
Galligan and Andy McKeown (coach).
Nine-a-Side Winners in 1979
Ballymachugh won the County nine-a-side competition in
1979, and the club also played in the All-Ireland seven-a-side competition,
played in Dublin on the eve of the All-Ireland Camogie Final.
In 1979, club player Marie Gill was an All-Ireland
Finalist in Under-16 skills competition.
The club continued to play at various levels until 1983 when it
disbanded until reformation two years later which lasted for only a few
years. The following players played
with the club in 1985-88:- Finola Leddy, Colette Harten, Caroline Heslin,
Caroline Leddy, Ann Marie McInerney, Christine McGarry, Roisin Lynch, Fiona
Harten, Julie Heslin, Rosemary Heslin, Deirdre Lynch, Geraldine Cullen, Sharon
Galligan, Ita Sweeney and Caroline Harten.
The Ballymachugh
camogie team 1985-88
In front:-Finola Leddy. First row:- Collette Harten, Caroline
Heslin, Caroline Leddy, Annmarie MacInerney, Christine MacGarry, Roisín
Lynch. Second row:- Fiona Harten, Julie Heslin, Fr Tony Malone, Nanto
Leddy, Brian Goldrick. Third row:- Rosemary Heslin, Deirdre
Lynch. Back row:- Anna Leddy, Geraldine Cullen. Missing from picture are Sharon Galligan, Ita Sweeney and
Caroline Harten.
Reformation in 1993
The club again reformed in 1993. Affiliating 25 players, they got the local
Lotto Draw from the Football Club to raise funds. The following is a list of players, helpers and officials:- Colette Harten, Marcella Harten, Dympna
Smith, Catherine Harten, Deirdre Donohoe, Caroline Leddy, Finola Leddy,
Annmarie Lynch, Ann Kelly, Sharon Galligan, Ashling Galligan, Michelle
Galligan, Stephanie Goldrick, Maire Baxter, Catriona Goldrick, Dolores Daly,
Rosaleen Kiernan, Jackie Denneny, Ita Sweeney, Maureen Flynn. Joint Chairpersons:- Mel Baxter and Noel
Leddy. Secretary:- Ita Sweeney. Treasurer:- Donal Gibney. Trainer:- Brendan Sweeney. The club competed in the various county
competitions until 1996 when it again disbanded, and has remained so to date.
Ballymachugh Camogie Team 1995
Back Row:- Virginia Harten, Ann Kelly (nee Smith), Dympna Smith
(nee Harten), Eileen Baxter, Aisling Galligan, Marcella Harten, Stephanie
Goldrick, Collette Harten, Thelma Murray (nee Mooney), Anne Marie Lynch, Marie
Baxter, Michelle Galligan.
Front Row:- Edel Reilly, Sandra Daly, Sharon Galligan, Fiona
Harten, Deirdre Donohoe, Patricia Brady, Brenda Cunningham (nee Mooney), Finola
Leddy
County Involvement
A large number of players from the club have played at
County level over the years at various grades including:- Angela Briody, Rose Kiernan, Noeleen
Kiernan, Eileen Galligan, Marion Kiernan, Anne Lynch, Rosemary Galligan and
Marie Gill.
At present, there is no Camogie Club in Ballymachugh,
but hopefully in the not-too-distant future the club will re-form and aim to
repeat the triumphs of the 1970s.
Ballymachugh Hurling Club
The Club was
founded in 2004
Chairman: Tom Hill
Secretary: Paul
Martin
Treasurer: Peter
Brady
Senior Trainer:
Brendan Sweeney
Underage Trainers:
Paul Martin, Tom Hill.
The panel of players
consists mostly of natives of the parish with a few from Crosserlough. In its short time in existence the club has
gone from strength to strength. In the
first year it fielded teams at U-12, U-14 and Senior level and won the Senior
League Shield beating Woodford Gaels in the final on 10th August
2004 with a score of 4-6 to 2-6. In the
same year the U-12 team won the League final, beating Gowna to capture the
prize.
In 2005 and 2006
the Senior League Shield was captured successfully. At underage level in 2006, U-12 won the League final defeating
Gowna, but in a reversal of fortune, the U-14’s lost to the same opposition in
the final. To help finance activities
members take over the sale of the Lotto tickets from the Football Club for one
month of the year. A draw is also held
for All-Ireland Tickets and this proves to be a highly successful
fundraiser. Pius Denneny provided
sponsorship for the club in 2005
and Tom Hill in 2006.
One member,
Brendan Sweeney, is an accomplished referee and his games include:
An All Ireland
County Final 2005
National League
Division 3 Final 2006
4th
Official Under 21 Final Croke Park 2006
Linesman Nicky
Packard and Christy Ring Finals Croke Park
Under 21 Division
B Final 2005
Sheelin Park
In 1986, a Park Development
Committee was formed with the express purpose of developing a new ground. The committee members included:
Pat Kiernan (Chairman)
Paddy Gill (Secretary)
Norbet Reilly (Treasurer)
Val Goldrick
Jim Fitzsimons
Val Donohoe
Henry Baxter
Terry Denneny
Patsy Sheridan
Eugene Kiernan
Owensie Smith
Packie Smith
Tommy Smith
Hannah Galligan
After much planning and hard
work, the dream of owning their own ground became a reality when a nine acre
site at Ballyheelan was purchased. At
last Ballymachugh had a spiritual home.
The ground was officially
opened by Brian McKearnan, Chairman Ulster Council on May 9th 1993.
Interestingly at present under the guiding hand of progressive chairman Tony
Tierney the cub are in the process of developing a second pitch which will ease
the pressure on the main grounds and serve much underage games.
Thoughts on Sheelin Park Development – 14 Years On
By Pat Kiernan, Chairman
In my fourteen years as
Chairman of Ballymachugh G.F.C, that day, Sunday 9 May 1993, perhaps will stand
apart as being one of the proudest moments of my tenure of this fine and
illustrious club, when an ecumenical blessing performed by the late Fr. Brendan
Gibbons (R.I.P) and the late Rev. Alan Chalmers (R.I.P) marked the opening of
Sheelin Park, Ballyheelan.
It was the culmination of
many months and indeed years of hard work, mental and physical, that involved
much of the community in the Herculean task of overseeing its development, from
green field to the magnificent arena it evolved into.
The entire parish got
involved in this project from the beginning, through ticket selling, fund
raising, whist drives; physical input through work on the field and then with
articles for the commemorative book which was published to coincide with the
opening.
Involvement did not remain
insular but travelled across the miles to our family and friends in England and
America, who are never too far from our thoughts and who never forgot their
roots. Their help and input copper fastened
our resolve to complete Sheelin Park to the highest standards which we did. We
were justifiably awarded many accolades at County and Provincial levels
thereafter for the best playing grounds and facilities.
Sheelin Park by design was
developed in the heart of the parish and its intended use for the entire
parish, a wish that was thankfully fulfilled with ladies’ and men’s football at
all grades, hurling at all levels, parish socials and meetings held there on a
regular basis and often on an evening, three different teams may be training at
the one time, making full use of its fine facilities and gym equipment.
It is heartening to see
large volumes of youngsters training and playing in Sheelin Park and that
interest in our native sport is as popular as ever. Generations to come will enjoy the facilities that so many of
their fathers, mothers and grandparents worked so earnestly to provide for
them.
Football, like the weather,
will always permeate a conversation at one stage or another and endless hours
are spent discussing memories of bygone eras and wonderful players who have
gone to their eternal rest.
My time as chairman of
Ballymachugh was an extremely happy and productive one and the help given to me
by so many people, too numerous to mention, made my work all the easier – my
sincerest thanks to one and all.
Sheelin Celtic Soccer Club
Sheelin Celtic was formed in 1992 when locals from
Finea and Ballymachugh areas came together under the management of Frank
Sheridan. Founders included Dan Reilly, Sean Briody and Shane Martin. They
joined the Meath and District League and played their home games in Crover,
beside the hotel, on grounds that are now part of the golf course. When the
club was formed, Shane Martin acted as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
Sheelin Celtic's
first pitch - Crover 1992-2000
The team was placed in Division 5 South in its first
season and while it enjoyed a good league campaign, the highlight of that first
season was its success in the Excel Print Cup, where the players finished
runners-up. Top scorer in this first season was Damien Galligan with 27 goals
to his credit and Damien plays with the
team to this day.
First Season 1992-93
Back (L-R):- Pauric Daly, Kit Daly, Antone Briody, Shane Martin,
Sean Briody, Dan Reilly, Dougie Harten.
Front (L-R):- Ollie Galligan,
Peter Galligan, Peter Brady, Damien Galligan, Mickey Daly.
Sheelin Celtic Soccer Squad 1994
Front:- Damien Galligan, Martin Daly,
Peter Brady, Paddy Carthy, Ollie Galligan.
Back:- Pauric Daly, Mickey Daly, Gene Clarke, Shane Martin, Peter
Galligan, Sean Briody.
As the club got off the ground the committee became
stronger with more people involved.
Anthony Reilly was appointed as Chairman for the 1998/99 season and
filled that post for three years.
Secretary was Joe Reilly and Caroline Reilly was club treasurer.
The club continued to grow and prosper and had a new
manager, Dan O'Reilly, for the 1995-96 seasons. Michael Tynan was next into the manager's chair in 1998-99 and
guided the team to a runner-up spot in the League and success in the Gerry
Reilly Cup in his first season in charge. The following season saw more success
with the team again in the runner-up spot to Shercock based Manor Farm, who
denied them on the last day of the season.
Tony Reilly was next to take charge of the team for a two-year period.
Following that, Michael Tynan returned to guide them until Anton Briody and
Liam McKenna then took over.
Anthony Reilly
(chairman) and Joe Reilly (Secretary) with Gerry Reilly Memorial Cup 1999
The club has moved headquarters to Drumrora and after
much planning and hard work now have quite impressive grounds. With successful
and committed underage training now in place and having won various leagues and
cups over the past number of years, a promising future is assured. Currently
the club competes in Division 3 and this is their first year in the Leinster
Junior Shield.
Sheelin Celtic Back (L-R)
Back (L-R):- Joe Reilly, Pauric Daly, Errol Stafford, Anthony
Goldrick, Craig Fox, Brendan Galligan, Philip Tevlin, Michael Tynon (Manager). Front (L-R):- Jarlath Johnstone, John
Henry, Stephen Baxter, Gordon Snell, Micheal Smith, John Joe Plunkett.
Players come from Ballymachugh, Kilnaleck, Laragh,
Ballyjamesduff, Killinkere, Virginia.
Paddy Carty took the position as Chairman in the 2001
season and carried on the same hard-working role as his predecessor. Paddy had alongside him Yvonne Kelly as
Secretary and Statia Kelly as Treasurer.
In 2004, Michael Tynan was Chairman, Caroline Reilly
acted as Secretary and Statia Kelly was Treasurer.
The year 2005 brought some new faces to Sheelin Celtic
with Stephen Baxter as Chairman, Jarlath Johnston (Stradone) as Secretary and
Joe Reilly as Treasurer.
The present
2007 Committee consists of:
Chairman – Tony Reilly
Secretary – Jarlath Johnston
Treasurer – Joe Reilly
Public Relations Officer – John Henry, Liam McKenna
Manager – Liam McKenna (Castlepollard)
Committee Members – Gordon Snell, John Henry, Douglas
Harten.
Companies who have
generously sponsored the Club
Plunketts
Crover House Hotel
Mr. Crumb (Present)
Sheelin Celtic Soccer Team 2006
Back (left to right): - Tony Reilly, Ciarán Duffy, Ciarán Boylan, Clive
Blakely, Alan Henry, Paul Kerr, Nicky Finnegan, Jarlath Reilly, Barney Reilly,
Paul Denning, John Henry, Antón Finnegan, Stephen McSherry, Brendan O’Rourke,
Kevin Finnegan, Padraig Kiernan, Seán McKenna (Team Manager).
Front (left to right): - Neuri Pektus, Colin Kiernan, Gordon Snell, Adrian
Daly, Niall Baxter and Calmer……….
Sponsored Cycle Race, October 2000
Team members travelled to Oldcastle, Virginia and
Ballyjamesduff, and back to Crover House Hotel.
Sponsors:
Plunketts, Williamstown Finea, represented here by Oliver Plunkett presenting a
set of jerseys to Gordon Snell and Brendan Galligan. Also in photograph are Oliver’s two daughters, Hazel and Elaine.
Taking a rest during sponsored cycle, October Bank Holiday Weekend 2000.
Community Games – A Lifetime of Service
When one thinks of
Community Games in the parish of Ballymachugh, one name that comes to mind is
that of the late Pat Sweeney. He
arrived in the late fifties from his native Cork and when the Community Games
movement was established in the early seventies, Pat Sweeney immediately became
interested and thus started a life long involvement. The motto of Community
Games is “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”- “A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body”,
and includes a wide range of sporting
and cultural activities.
Pat became
Chairman and Administrator at local level and at County level held the
positions of Vice-Chairman, Chairman and Games Development Officer at various
stages. He was also team manager at
Mosney Finals. At Provincial level he
filled the position of Vice-Chairman for ten years and was Chairman of the
Appeals Committee at Provincial level.
At National level
he was a member of the National Appeals Committee and also became
Vice-President.
Pat is credited
with building the community games organization in Cavan, with giving it
direction and helping to put it on a sound footing. He retired form the fisheries in the early nineties and became
ill in 2004. In 2005, at the age of 67,
due to illness, his health deteriorated and he passed away.
Insert photo of Pat
Ballymachugh Involvement
The area “Erne Valley” which incorporates the
parishes of Ballymachugh, Gowna and
Mullahoran has throughout the years
had wonderful success at the All – Ireland Community Games Finals. These
annual finals take place in Mosney, Co. Meath where the participants enjoy and
compete against the cream of every county in their respective disciplines and
return with many medals.
This parish is
proud of firstly the participation and secondly the success of its young people
in Community Games for over 30 years.
To list the winners in all events at all levels over this period of time
would be an almost impossible task and would certainly fill this book. To mention some would be unfair to the ones
omitted but, to all those who brought home medals at county, provincial, and
national levels, your achievements will always be remembered and admired. Following is a list of activities in which
medals have been won in these areas mentioned above over all these years:
Football (Boys -10, -13; Girls -10, -13), Rounders (Boys and Girls),
Basketball, Athletics (8-17yrs), Volleyball, Camogie, Puc Fada, Arts and
Model-making, Chess, Draughts, Recitation, Singing, Drama, Choir, Quizzes, and
Swimming.
Gymnastics
Special mention
must be made of Rachel Kiernan due to her International success in Gymnastics
since 2004. At international level she
has captained the Irish team in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He trophy haul includes seven international medals, two
international trophies, and fourteen All-Ireland medals. She is daughter of Attracta and Padraig
Kiernan.
Rachel Kiernan
Crover House Hotel Golf Club
Crover House Hotel
Golf Club was established in 2003. The Club’s golf course, attached to the
hotel, is on the shores of Lough Sheelin.
With picturesque and stunning views of the lake, local and visiting
members enjoy a fabulous setting. The
course has par threes and a long par five finishing hole. Competitions are frequently held on the
course with other golfing societies, and members in turn travel to other
courses to compete.
