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Senior Awards 2007
Annual Dinner dance 2007
The members of the Junior Hurling Championship winning panel, the Division 2 Hurling panel and the East Down Reserve Football League winning panel will all be presented with their medals at this years annual dinner dance. Other awards to be presented include Player of the Year for each Code along with the Club Person of the Year. Tickets are priced @ £30 (Students £25)and will sell out fast-1st come 1st served I'm afraid.To make your booking contact:
Edel Teague 07849737102
Eamon Mulvenna 07703210354
Marty Hannity 07910124557
Anne Costello 07720841509
Lorraine Mc Caffrey 07739023898
This has been another tremendous year for Bredagh GAC, come along and enjoy the celebrations!
Youth Awards 2007
U-12 club personality award winners - Sean McGourty (hurling), James Durkan (football), Catherine Rocks (camogie), Shauna Watterson (girls football) missing from picture.
U-14 club personality award winners - Danny Robinson (hurling), Tim Durkan (All County football skills champion), David Malanaphy (football), Ciara Maguire (girls football), Emer Murtagh (camogie) is missing from picture
U-16 personality and player award winners - back row: Michael magee (hurling personality), Michael Guerin (hurling player), Donal Hughes (football player), Front row: Cassie Moan (girls football personality), Pieta McAllister (girls football player), Nicole O'Connor (collecting award on behalf of camogie player Roisin McAllister), Damien Moreland (football personality), Deirdre Canavan (camogie personality) is missing from photograph.
U-18 personality and player of the year award winners - Mark Devlin (hurling personality), Cormac Hughes (hurling player), John McKenna (football player), Niall Colton (football personality)
U-12 to U-18 football award winners - Damien Moreland (U-16 personality), Tim Durkan (U-14 all county skill champion), James Durkan (U-12 personality), David Malanaphy (U-14 personality), Donal Hughes (U-16 player), John McKenna (U-18 player), Niall Colton (U-18 peronality)
U-12 to U-18 hurling award winners - Mark Devlin (U-18 personality), Sean McGourty (U-12 personality), Danny Robinson (U-14 personality), Cormac Hughes (U-18 player), Michael Guerin (U-16 player), Michael Magee (U-16 personality).
U-18 hurling personality and player of the year - Mark Devlin (personality), Cormac Hughes (player)
U-18 football personality and player of the year - Niall Colton (personality), John McKenna (player).
Shauna Watterson (U-12 Football personality) Catherine Rocks (U-12 camogie personality)
Bredagh juvenile captains show off their trophy haul for 2007 - Conrad Quinn (U-14 hurling Cork blitz), Sean McGuigan (U-13 hurling Ballyvarley blitz), Paddy Woods (U-16 hurling championship), Michael Magee (U-16 football league), Aaron Maguire (U-14 hurling banbridge blitz)
Youth awards 2006
Under 8 footballers.
Under 8 hurlers
 Under 10 girls football
Under 8 Camogs
2005 Review
You can keep your hat on at Bredagh! 170 boys and girls were presented with new Medicare Beanie hats after a very successful SUMMER CAMP with superb coaches from across the GAA spectrum in County Down. Senior footballer Eoin McCartan, former Down Ladies captain Jacqui Clarke, and Down trainer Jody Gormley were among the experts who passed on their knowledge to the future stars of the County Down. Places at the camp were booked weeks in advance as interest in Gaelic Games in South Belfast reached almost fever pitch! Thankfully, a superb group of helpers and coaches came forward in 2005 to run events like this and to form a much-needed new Youth Committee.
Other highlights included the U-14 hurlers representing Down at the All Ireland Féile in Cork after winning the Division Two title at the Down Féile in Portaferry (see picture above: captain Michael Guerin with camogie captain Peita McAllister); the U-10 hurlers landing a first indoor title; the U-12 girls footballers winning the Carryduff Tournament, and the camogs competing successfully in their first year in the U-12 and U-14 Leagues.
Kevin McCarney with son Fearghal meet Sam Maguire, Dunmanway, Co.Cork
ROLL OF HONOUR
BOYS FOOTBALL
St Galls P5 Tournament ‘A’ …
… and ‘B’ Winners
East Down U-12 League & Championship Runners-up
St Teresa’s U-12 Tournament Winners
Mooney Cup Winners (U-16)
Óg Sport Shield Finalists (U-15)
GIRLS FOOTBALL
Carryduff Tournament Winners (U-12)
Castlewellan Tournament Finalists (U-12)
All County Finalists (U-12)
Bredagh Tournament Finalists (U-16)
HURLING
U-10 North Antrim Division 4 Indoor Winners
U-14 Division Two Championship Winners
Co Down Féile Division 2 Winners
Ulster Féile Division G Winners
U-16 Division Two League Winners
CAMOGIE
Down Féile Shield Finalists
BOYS FOOTBALL OVERVIEW
Trophies and triumphs were part of the story in 2005 but it really isn’t all about winning; Bredagh fielded seven boys football teams this year and they all had plenty of games and enjoyment, right through from the first game in mid-January through to the late Autumn. The U-16s completed memorable League doubles over Kilcoo and Carryduff, as well as winning the inaugural Mooney Cup. Some of the panel also had a brilliant day at the Óg Sport competition in Newry in August. Bredagh’s youngest footballers kicked off the year in style by taking not one but two trophies at the prestigious St Gall’s P5 Tournament on May Day. The U-10s reached two Finals and came agonisingly close to winning the East Down title for the third year in-a-row. The U-12s proved themselves the best team in Down outside of an exceptional Kilcoo team, and were rewarded for their tremendous efforts by a brilliant win at the St Teresa’s Tournament. The U-14s had a disappointing year though Conor McCloskey did become the first Bredagh player to qualify for the Final of the Skills competition.
UNDER-8s
A mixture of U-8s and U-10s made history by winning two cups at the St Galls P5 Tournament in early May, including the main prize on offer. The B team, made up of U-8s, won the Plate competition for Bredagh for the second year in-a-row and was captained by Declan Stewart.
The U-8s also reached the quarter-finals of the sunkissed Clonduff Tournament in June, and they won all of their group games at the inaugural Mayobridge Blitz in September and lost only to Crossmaglen in the semi-finals after a dramatic extra-time victory over Warrenpoint. There was a second trip to Dromintee and challenge matches played at Clann Eirean (third year in-a-row), Randalstown in August and of course with neighbours Carryduff.
Games Played
May 1st – St Galls P5 Tournament – 5 games, won
May 29th - Bredagh v Carryduff - 2 games
June 11th - Clonduff Tournament - 5 games
June 18th - Clann Eireann v Bredagh
August 14th – Randalstown (Creggan) v Bredagh
September 3rd – Dromintee Tournament – 4 games, semis
September 17th – Mayobridge Tournament – 5 games, semis
October 16th – Bredagh v Carryduff – 3 games
Registered U-8 players in 2005 (including hurlers): Conor Nolan, Padraic Woods, Pearse Woods, Eimeir Woods, John McNamee, Lorcan Short, Niall Smyth, Alessandro Angelone, Fionntan Quinn, Tiarnan Quinn, Liam Francis, Brendan Gallen, Shaun Lyttle, Alex Symes, Fintan Meehan, Stephen Mongan, Peter Mongan, Brendan Stewart, Peter McManus, Connell Hughes, Sean Blaney, Mark McLaughlin, Daniel Graham, Oisin O'Callaghan, James Carson, Conor Kelly, Ronan Costello, Rory McCluskey, Ella Durkan, Conor Dornan, Conall McHugh, Rian Woods, Conor Wilson, Ryan Goldsmith, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Andy Harney, Eamon Carvill, Peter Woods, Ciaran Guthrie, Daire Magee, Conall Deery, Michael Browne, Oran Kelly, Sean Kelly, Paul Mellon, Matthew Hamilton, Niall Shannon, Simon Atkinson, Rosa O Farrell, Sam O'Farrell, Conor Guerin, Conall Doyle, Daniel Legget, Matthew Leggett, Conor Boyle, Lorcan Fahy, Conor Leggett, Cillian Durkan, Dara Curran, Emmet Curran, Cillian O’Hare, Daire Cumiskey, Conall O'Rawe, Ryan Noble-Walker, Christy O'Kane, Eoin Sweeney, Michael Reid, Matthew Knight, Ronan Cunningham, Tim Cunningham, Henry McGuigan – 71 (up from 58 in 2004)
St Gall’s Shield Winners
Ryan Goldsmith, Conor Leggett, Conor Doran, Odrhan Devlin, Cormac Meehan, Eoin McCluskey, Donal McLaughlin, Thomas Gallen, Conor Kelly, Declan Stewart, Vittorio Angelone, Padraic Woods, Alex Symes.
Coaches: Kieran Kelly, Paedar Doyle, Jim McLaughlin, Damian O'Kane, Mickey Curran, Conor O’Keeffe, Louise Fitzpatrick
UNDER-10s
Here's a remarkable statistic... for the third year in-a-row Bredagh have beaten Mayobridge on their own pitch.
It may be the home of Mickey Linden, Benny Coulter and the rest of the Senior County Down champions, but Bredagh completed a hat-trick this year in the first match of the League. They followed up with a hard-earned home wins over Saval and Burren, both of which were cracking contests, but after a fourth win at Glenn the run ended at Warrenpoint. The U-10s were unlucky in losing the finals of two Tournaments, at Lavey and Downpatrick, where they came within a whisker of winning the East Down Blitz title for the third year in-a-row. However, they did make history by becoming the first Bredagh team to win the prestigious A competition at St Gall’s by beating St John's in the Final, 3-0 to 1-4. Among the heroes on the day were James Durkan, Oisin Smylie, goalkeeper Conor Francis who made a matchwinning save near the end, and captain Niall Kelly who lifted the cup at the end of a great day.
Results/Games Played
April 2nd - East Down Blitz, Downpatrick – 3 games
April 17th – Bredagh - Carryduff – 2 games
May 1st - St Galls Tournament – 5 games, won trophy
May 22nd - Bredagh - St Brigid's
June 4th - Newry Mitchels Tournament - 2 games
June 4th – East Down Blitz, Liatroim - 3 games
July 2nd – East Down Blitz, Kilclief – 4 games
August 6th – East Down ‘Super’ Blitz, Downpatrick – 4 games
August 14th – Randalstown (Creggan) - Bredagh
August 27th – Lavey Tournament – 5 games
September 10th – Banbridge Tournament – semi-finals, 6 games
September 17th – Downpatrick Tournament – q-finals, 5 games
October 2nd – Bredagh – St Enda’s
October 9th – Bredagh – St Teresa’s
October 16th – Bredagh – Carryduff
Mayobridge League
May 9th – Mayobridge 2-2 Bredagh 4-1
May 16th - Bredagh 2-2 Saval 0-6
May 24th – Glenn 1-3 Bredagh 4-4
June 7th – Bredagh 3-4 Burren 3-2
June 19th – Warrenpoint 3-9 Bredagh 2-4
Registered U-10 players in 2005: Tomas Flanigan, Donal Smyth, Ronan Smyth, Vittorio Angelone, Oisin Smylie, Conor Francis, Thomas Gallen, Cormac Meehan, Sean McGourty, Declan Stewart, Dominic McConville, Tiarnan Curran, Fionn Price, Daire McPeake, Eoin Acton, Patrick McLaughlin, Brenainn O'Callaghan, Tiarnan O'Callaghan, Niall Kelly, Conor Costello, Daniel Mulvenna, Eoin McCluskey, James Durkan, Niall Fitzpatrick, Cian Deery, Daniel McGrenaghan, Daniel Devlin, Caolan Schiable, Aidan Donaghy, Nicholas McCafferty, Donal McLaughlin, Matthew Smyth, Christopher Madden-McKee, Eoin Mageean, Rory Collins, Enda McGonigle, Donal O Kane, Mark Patterson, Eoin McLaughlin, Patrick McCarney, Tom Doherty, Andrew Woods, Ruairi Doyle. Odhran Devlin, Paul Leggett, Ruairi Cumiskey, Justin Gilmore, Ciaran Foster, Seamus McCloskey, Lawrence Whiffen – 50 (up 5 from 2004)
St Gall’s Cup Winners
Tom Doherty, James Durkan, Niall Kelly, Daire McPeake, Daniel Mulvenna, Donal O’Kane, Dominic McConville, Ruairi Doyle, Conor Costello, Conor Francis, Oisin Smylie, Tiarnan Curran.
Coaches: Micky Young, Marty Hannity, Eamon Mulvenna, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Eamon McCloskey, Boyd Devlin
UNDER-12s
The club's busiest and biggest football squad owe a huge debt of gratitude to their management team. In Donal Durkan, Lorenzo McMullan and Eugene Irwin, they had the most dedicated and enthusiastic of coaches, while organiser-supreme Sean Nolan ensured that both the 'A' squad and the Development Squad had regular football for nine months of the year. The boys responded by winning most of their games and by reaching the East Down Championship Final where Bredagh gave an outstanding Kilcoo team their toughest game of the year. In most other years, this U-12 squad would have swept the boards, though at least they were rewarded with a magnificent victory at the St Teresa's Tournament in September, where the organisers named Tim Durkan as Player of the Tournament. Late in the year, Bredagh defeated Carryduff, St Brigid's and Burren, the latter contest proving that our boys had a strong claim to be the second best U-12 team in the entire county.
Results
(C = Challenge, L – League)
March 6th - Bredagh 7-4 St Galls 2-7 (C)
March 20th – Bredagh 5-15 Bryansford 1-7 (L)
April 3rd – Downpatrick 3-5 Bredagh 5-6 (L)
April 10th – Castlewellan 2-4 Bredagh 7-13 (L)
April 17th – Bredagh 11-6 Carryduff 2-0 (L)
April 24th – Bredagh beat St Brigid’s (C)
May 8th – Bryansford 4-6 Bredagh 9-8 (L)
May 15th – Bredagh 9-12 Downpatrick 4-1 (L)
May 23rd – Bredagh 5-11 Castlewellan 5-2 (L)
May 31st - Bredagh 2-11 Kilcoo 10-7 (L)
June 12th – Carryduff 5-8 Bredagh 6-5 (L)
June 26th – Kilcoo 8-7 Bredagh 6-2 (L)
Section A League Table
1 - Kilcoo - 10 games 20 points
2 - Bredagh - 10 games 15 points
3 - Carryduff - 8 5
4 - Bryansford - 7 4
5 - Downpatrick - 8 4
6 - Castlewellan - 7 2
Note: Kilcoo and Bredagh were far and away the best teams in this top section of the League. Also, Bredagh managed to score 2-11, 6-2 and 6-3 in their games with Kilcoo. The next best scores against them in the entire season were 2-4 and 3-6.
Subsidiary League
July 4th - Downpatrick 6-10 Bredagh 2-5
July 24th - Castlewellan 4-7 Bredagh 4-6
July 31st – Bredagh 15-8 Bryansford 2-2
August 21st - Bredagh 1-4 Kilcoo 6-16
August 24th – Bredagh – St Gall’s (C)
September 1st – Bredagh – Carryduff
Championship
Round One - May 1st - Saul 2-7 Bredagh 8-8
Quarter-finals - May 29th - Bryansford 1-6 Bredagh 3-12
Semi-finals – August 28th – Bredagh 7-7 Castlewellan 4-5
Final – September 10th - Bredagh 6-3 Kilcoo 7-13
Tournament Win
September 17th at St Teresa’s – 6 games - beat Ballyshannon, Glenravel, Gort na Mona, Daviits, Carnlough and An Riocht
Development Squad
April 17th – Bredagh - Carryduff
April 21st – St Paul’s 4-6 Bredagh 7-3
May 8th – Bredagh 2-5 Carryduff 3-0
June 5th – Bredagh - Carryduff
June 12th – St Teresa's - Bredagh
August 11th – St Paul’s 2-6 Bredagh 8-6
October 16th - Bredagh - Carryduff
September 6th – Bredagh - Carryduff
October 23rd - Bredagh - St Brigid’s
Late Season Challenges
October 2nd – Bredagh - St Enda’s
October 9th – Bredagh - St Teresa’s
October 16th - Bredagh 2-11 Carryduff 2-1
October 23rd - Bredagh 4-14 St Brigid’s 4-6
October 30th – Burren lost to Bredagh
Registered U-12 players in 2005: Ryan McGarry, Daniel Nolan, Jude Moreland, Gerard Whyte, Joseph Shields, Dario Angelone, Stephen Dougal, Lorcan Smylie, Michael Deery, Michael Moynagh, Niall Irwin, Daniel Steele, John Mongan, Connor McManus, Eoghan Curran, Conor McEvoy, Robert Graham, Emmet Dougan, Ben Scullion, Stephen O'Connor, Luke McKenna, Peter Rice, Mark Quinn, Michael Cassidy, Jack Hollywood, Ciaran McColgan, Ronan McKegney, Tim Durkan, Kevin Dornan, Patrick Nevin, Declan Magee, Lorcan McMullan, Michael Robinson, Daniel Robinson, Michael Woods, Aaron Maguire, Ciaran McFarland, Michael Doran, Caolan McWilliams, Diarmaid Kielty, Kieron Cleary, Sean McGuigan, Ruairi Sheridan, Oisin Jayat, Kealan Devlin, Matthew Duffy, Connor Dunlop, Ryan McCartney, Michael Hughes – 49 (down 2 from 2004)
Coaches: Eugene Irwin, Donal Durkan, Sean Nolan, Lorenzo McMullan
UNDER-14s
A disjointed year started with a home defeat by Kilcoo in a renewing of rivalries from the U-12s two years earlier. There were good League victories over Downpatrick, Liatroim and Castlewellan and the team fought gamely in the A section of the Féile. Six players regularly attended East Down Development Squad training and matches - Michael Magee, Conor McCloskey, Declan O’Hara, Niall Wright, Emmett Costello and Donal McKegney. Conor McCloskey became the first Bredagh player to qualify for the Final of the U-14 Skills competition on County Final day.
Results
March 13th – Rostrevor 2-6 Bredagh 3-7 (C)
February 13th - Bredagh 3-10 St Brigids 1-0 (C)
April 7th – Bredagh 0-4 Kilcoo 3-3 (L)
April 14th - Downpatrick 1-13 Bredagh 5-3 (L)
April 21st – Bredagh 1-10 Carryduff 1-11 (L)
April 28th - Bredagh 1-9 Bryansford 2-10 (L)
May 12th – Liatriom 0-4 Bredagh 5-7 (L)
May 21st - Bredagh 6-9 Carryduff 4-6 (C)
May 26th – Bredagh 3-12 Castlewellan 1-1 (L)
June 9th – Kilcoo 4-12 Bredagh 0-7 (L)
June 23rd – Castlewellan 3-7 Bredagh 1-6 (L)
July 28th – Bredagh 5-3 Downpatrick 5-6 (L)
August 4th – Bryansford - Bredagh DNF (L)
August 11th – Bredagh 3-16 Liatriom 0-2 (L)
September 8th – Carryduff beat Bredagh (L)
November 12th – Bredagh beat Steelstown (C)
Section A League Table
1 - Carryduff - 12 games 20 points
2 - Kilcoo - 12 games 20 points
3 - Bryansford - 11 14
4 - Downpatrick - 12 10
5 - Bredagh - 12 8
6 - Castlewellan - 10 6
7 - Liatroim - 11 2
Championship
Round One - May 11th - Ballykinlar 1-9 Bredagh 6-10
Quarter-final - June 2nd - St John's 0-2 Bredagh 6-16
Semi-final – August 20th – Bredagh 0-3 Kilcoo 4-11
Co Down Féile, Saturday May 14th – 5 games
Bredagh 0-0 Bryansford 3-3; Bredagh 3-4 Downpatrick 3-1; Bredagh 1-1 Mayobridge 1-5; Bredagh 3-4 An Riocht 4-1; Bredagh 0-1 Kilcoo 3-6
Registered U-14 players in 2005: Rowan Blaney, Conal Mulholland, Niall Wright, Ciaran Kelly, Ben McCaughey, Donal Hughes, Aaron McPeake, Michael Guerin, Declan O'Hara, Niall Browne, Emmett Costello, Kieran McKavanagh, Pearse Leitch, Mark Kelly, Donal McKegney, Patrick Woods, Shane McCarron, Matthew Mullan, Damien Moreland, Michael McGarry, Conall Devlin, Michael Magee, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Patrick Hannity, Ryan Curran, Nathan Moreland, Matthew McMullan, Daniel Higgins, James Mulligan, Ben Horner, Niall Boyd, Damhan Farmer, Stephen McSherry, Conor McCloskey, Daniel Russell – 35 (up 2 from 2004)
Coaches: Damien Canavan, Damian McCloskey, Maurice Rooney
UNDER-15s
Bredagh reached the Final of the Shield on Saturday, August 13th at the All County 7-a-side Tournament. The Bredagh boys beat An Riocht and Loughinisland to reach the semi-finals, where they were up against Kilcoo. Our opponents were disqualified so Bredagh met Saval in the final, where there were four scores each but Bredagh lost by 1-3 to 0-4. A very magnanimous Saval manager singled out Sean Armstrong as 'the best goalkeeper in the competition' and Conor McCloskey for special praise. However, Player of the Tournament was undoubtedly stand-in midfielder Sean Irwin, who gave his best performances of the season against the cream of Down football.
UNDER-16s
A new management team of Frank McKenna, Jim McElroy and Paddy Quinn led this squad to a number of milestones in an exceptional year. The U-16s completed League doubles over both Carryduff and Kilcoo, and they became the first winners of the Mooney Cup which was the brainchild of Jim McElroy. The competition was designed to provide regular football for large squads in Bredagh, St Brigid's and St Enda's. It proved to be a great success for everyone concerned. The 2005 season started in mid-January with a home challenge against Dublin visitors Fingallians. It continued with several challenge games and an opening day triumph at Carryduff. Then came the sensational home defeat of Kilcoo in a thrilling match, where Bredagh raced into a big lead and held on to win by a point. Kilcoo gained revenge in the Championship, but the U-16s showed their mettle by winning the return League match in another classic, 3-15 to 3-12. Unfortunately, narrow home defeats by Bryansford and St John's put paid to League title hopes, but this group has definitely raised the bar at U-16 level for Bredagh teams to come.
Results
January 15th – Bredagh v Fingallians (C)
January 30th - Bredagh 0-8 St Brigid’s 1-1 (C)
February 20th - Bredagh 1-10 St Endas 0-5 (C)
March 5th - Bredagh 7-11 St Brigids 1-2 (C)
April 5th – Carryduff 1-5 Bredagh 1-10 (L)
May 3rd - Castlewellan 1-8 Bredagh 1-5 (L)
April 12th – Bredagh 3-7 Kilcoo 2-9 (L)
April 19th – Downpatrick 0-9 Bredagh 3-6 (L)
April 26th – Bredagh 0-8 Bryansford 1-7 (L)
May 17th – Bredagh 2-7 St John’s 2-8 (L)
June 14th – Bredagh 0-10 Carryduff 0-5 (L)
June 22nd – Kilcoo 3-12 Bredagh 3-15 (L)
August 2nd - Bredagh 1-6 Downpatrick 5-8 (L)
July 26th – Bryansford 1-10 Bredagh 1-8 (L)
August 23rd - St John’s 1-8 Bredagh 2-5 (L)
September 10th - Saval 1-9 Bredagh 2-5 (C)
Section A League Table
1 - Bryansford - 12 games 18 points
2 - Downpatrick - 12 games 17 points
3 - Kilcoo - 12 17
4 - Bredagh - 11 11
5 - Castlewellan - 10 7
6 - St Johns - 12 6
7 - Carryduff 11 4
Championship
Round One - May 10th - Kilclief 0-3 Bredagh 0-13
Quarter-final - June 7th - Kilcoo 2-17 Bredagh 3-5
Mooney Hotels Cup
April 24th - Bredagh 1-11 St Enda’s 2-6
May 15th - Bredagh 3-11 St Brigid’s 2-9
June 12th - St Brigid’s 1-8 Bredagh 3-11
Registered U-16 players in 2005: Niall Colton, Sean Armstrong, Brian Wright, Christian Hunter, Niall Nolan, Matthew McAfee, Kevin McIlroy, Mark McIlroy, Cormac White, Aaron Moreland, Peter Graham, Oisin Quinn, Sean Irwin, Michael Mullan, Ben McReynolds, Ryan McAlinden, John McKenna, Ruairi O'Kane, Cormac Hughes, Matthew Hollywood, Conall Doherty, Owen Costello, Rowen Smart, Donal Murphy, Michael Coffey, Mark Devlin, Dermot Colton, Gabriel Doran, Michael McAllister, Patrick Sheridan – 30 (down 7 from 2004)
Coaches: Frank McKenna, Jim McElroy, Paddy Quinn, Eugene Irwin
UNDER-18s
Bottom place on the table tells the story of a frustrating campaign. However the squad, which was unfortunately made up mainly of U-17s, was capable of reaching the heights, like when they beat leaders Teconnaught and when they reaped revenge on St Paul’s in the Championship.
The squad for 2006 has already started training.
Results (all League)
February 6th - Loughinisland 1-8 Bredagh 0-8
February 13th – Bredagh 1-4 Drumaness 0-5
February 27th – Dundrum 4-14 Bredagh 1-5
March 6th – Bredagh 1-8 Dromara/St Johns 1-7
March 20th – Liatroim 2-13 Bredagh 3-9
March 27th – Bredagh 1-6 Teconnaught 1-5
April 3 – Bredagh 0-5 Loughinisland 2-7
April 6th – Drumaness 3-7 Bredagh 4-4
April 13th – Bredagh 0-8 Dundrum 1-15
April 20th - Dromara/St John’s 1-12 Bredagh 2-5
May 11th – Bredagh 3-6 Liatriom 5-11
May 25th – Bredagh DNF Drumaness
Section B League Table
1 - Teconnaught - 12 games 18 points
2 - Liatroim - 12 games 18 points
3 - Dundrum - 12 17
4 - Loughinisland - 12 12
5 - Dromara/St Johns - 11 8
6 - Drumaness - 11 6
7 - Bredagh 11 3
Championship
May 6th - St Paul’s 1-10 Bredagh 6-10
June 5th - Bredagh lost to St Colman's
June 15th - Bredagh lost to Banbridge
Registered U-18 players in 2005: Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Patrick Cassidy, Jonathan Arthurs, Christopher Kelly, Richard Murphy, Joseph Steele, Matthew Quinn, Stephen McGettrick, Eoghan Donnelly, Paul Boyd, Niall Devlin – 12 (up 6 from 2004)
Coaches: Kieran Boyle, Paul Boyd, Eamonn Gray, Mick Coffey, Cillian Short
GIRL’S FOOTBALL OVERVIEW (by Cera McArdle)
2005 saw further strides being made in the development of juvenile football for girls in the club. The ‘Bredagh Bunnies’ nursery continues to thrive and produce a conveyor belt of players for competitive teams from U-10 upwards. The U-12s became the first Bredagh girls team to win a trophy when they put in a magnificent performance to beat Bryansford in the Final of the Carryduff Tournament. Later in the year, the same team suffered cruel defeats in both the Castlewellan Tournament and the All County Final, but the fact that they were so close to what would have been an amazing hat-trick of titles is in itself greatly encouraging. Whilst the U-14 girls didn’t win any trophies, they worked hard and by the end of the season were playing some great football and had improved individually and as a team. The same went for the U-16s though a shortage of competitive games was a problem that needs to be addressed. Bredagh were represented on Down’s U-14 Ulster winning team by Nicole O’Connor and Anna McAlinney, while Clare Byrne was in the U-16 squad.
BUNNIES FOOTBALL NURSERY - this continued to provide a foundation for the younger Bredagh girls. The U-8s and U-10s took part in a programme that focussed on fun, agility and movement with an introduction to the basic football skills. The U-10s also played in the Carryduff Tournament. There was a large overall squad, which required plenty of coaches!
Games Played
Friday May 27th - Carryduff v Bredagh
Saturday June 25th - Blitz at Carryduff
Registered U-8 & U-10 players in 2005: Maeve Deery, Aoidin Gormley, Niamh Hazard, Ciar Woods, Orlaith Woods, Bria Kane, Ellen McGourty, Aoidin McPeake, Sarah Guerin, Emer Acton, Nuala McManus, Niamh McGuire, Laura Quinn, Ella Durkan, Aoife Scott, Kathryn Wilkinson, Maeve McKeown, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Rebekah McKegney, Hannah McKegney, Clodagh Smith, Ellen McVeigh, Emer Kelly, Meabh Downey, Ciara Downey, Eimear Downey, Sara Tilly, Sile Martin, Sadhbh Breslin, Anna Hollywood, Hannah Scullion, Brid Kelly, Helen McGale, Bronagh Murray, Laura McCartney, Aisling Boyd, Alannah Conlon, Etaoin Devlin, Carla Dunlop, Anna Browne, Sarah Goldsmith, Aine Wills, Hailey McKeever, Aine McKeever, Eadaoin NiChiarrain, Eimear Smith, Bronagh Sweeney, Ciara Blaney, Niamh Woods, Molly McMullan, Dearbhla McDonnell – 51 (up 5 from 2004)
Coaches: John McGale, Patricia McGurk, Nell O'Neill, Grainne McAllister, assisted by Katie Campbell, Amy Cunningham, Louise Fitzpatrick, Suzy Irvine, Lisa Kelly, Emma Mulhern, Jamie Willighan and Laura Willlighan.
UNDER-12s
This group, in it’s inaugural year, had a memorable and historic season. The training sessions were well-attended and lively, with good camaraderie between the girls. They competed in the Down U-12 league and several blitz competitions. It was a great day for all concerned with the club when the girls won the Carryduff blitz - the first girls juvenile competition that Bredagh has won. The squad also reached the final of the Castlewellan blitz and the County final where they lost out by a single late score to Bryansford and Carryduff respectively. One of the most encouraging aspects was their response to their tough loss in the County final - the following Saturday at training the attendance and enthusiasm were back at their usual high standards. Definitely a team to watch out for in the future…
Results
(C = Challenge, L – League)
April 16th – Carryduff 3-3 Bredagh 1-6 (C)
May 24th - Bredagh 0-3 Downpatrick 2-2 (L)
June 1st - Bredagh 7-12 Saul 0-0 (L)
June 12th - Carryduff 0-3 Bredagh 2-1 (L)
June 18th - Bredagh 5-7 Bright 1-0 (L)
All County
Semi-final - August 21st – Bredagh 6-8 Bosco 1-1
Final - September 10th - Bredagh 1-2 Carryduff 2-2
Tournaments
June 25th, Carryduff – 5 games, beat Bryansford in Final
September 3rd, Castlewellan – 6 games, lost Final to Bryansford aet
Registered U-12 players in 2005: Clare Mulhern, Orla Gormley, Dominique McCabe, Sara McCoy, Aideen Murphy, Linda Haddick, Julia Hinds, Niamh O Connor, Cliodhna Quinn, Anna Lyttle, Eimear Kane, Anna Monaghan, Helen Monaghan, Kate O'Hara, Sarah Montgomery, Zoe Thompson, Rebecca Hollywood, Dearbhla Rooney, Lucy Doran, Emma Guerin, Clare Browne, Sarah Quinn, Ciara McGuire, Shauna Leitch, Alice McConville, Aisling Macklin, Cliona McCarney, Rachel Goldsmith, Emer Murtagh, Emma Nicholson, Aisha Yahyaoui, Orlaith Downey, Doireann Sheridan, Aoife Sheridan, Hannah McGale, Eadaoin Ni Mhaoilriain, Laura McAllister, Aine Canavan, Aine Donnelly, Sorcha Deery, Shannon Murray, Maeve Colton, Anna Guerin, Alexandra Bell, Aoife O'Reilly, Catherine McKeown – 46 (up 25 from 2004)
Coaches: Joe Hinds, Paul Mulhern, Paddy McAlinney, assisted by Niamh Breslin.
UNDER-14s
A topsy-turvy season started with a battling draw against Downpatrick and some below-par performances against Carryduff and Bryansford. The away match against Castlewellan saw the team start to gel together and play to their undoubted potential, carving out an impressive victory. The girls had great wins at Bright and Downpatrick, playing some fantastic flowing football. The holiday season proved difficult to cope with as they struggled to field a team, losing to Bright and narrowly to Bryansford. This is a very young team with a lot of potential and next year it is anticipated that their development will accelerate.
Results (all League)
April 24th - Downpatrick 1-7 Bredagh 2-4
April 27th - Bredagh 0-1 Carryduff 0-7
May 8th - Bryansford 2-4 Bredagh 0-2
May 22nd - Castlewellan 1-3 Bredagh 5-7
June 2nd - Carryduff 3-11 Bredagh 1-6
June 5th - Bredagh 3-9 Bright 1-3
June 12th - Bredagh 4-5 Downpatrick 1-0
August 9th – Bredagh 2-8 Bryansford 2-10
August 23rd – Bredagh 2-2 Carryduff 6-4
Registered players in 2005: Mary Flanigan, Bridget Flanigan, Meghan Deery, Anna-Maria McAlinney, Cathy Short, Blathnaid Smylie, Jenny Gallagher, Cassie Moane, Lisa Gilmore, Sarah Nugent, Nikki Pauley, Maeve McGourty, Nicole O'Connor, Catherine Murphy, Clare Macklin, Aine McGurk, Meabh Hollywood, Eithne McVeigh, Pieta McAlister, Enya McCafferty – 20 (down 20 from 2004)
Coaches: Brendan Downey, Gerry McGuire, Edel Teague.
UNDER-16s
2005 was a transitional season as a large group of girls moved out of the age-group, leaving a very young and small squad. This was compounded by the structure of the Down League which started at short notice in February and ran only until April, leaving very little preparation time and resulting in a huge part of the season devoid of competitive fixtures. The League started with a single-point loss to Carryduff, despite playing great football. This was followed by a loss to a strong Castlewellan team, where the team showed a lot of spirit, and the girls efforts were then rewarded by good victories against Bright and Aughlisnafin. The lack of football opportunities (just four League matches in total) was alleviated through the organising of two Bredagh blitzes, involving three other teams. The Bredagh girls got to the final of the second blitz before losing out to Carryduff. In the championship, the girls were further depleted by illness and absence, which meant they could only field 14 players against the same strong Castlewellan side, though the girls showed great heart in this match when they played for each other really well. There are a number of players with a bright future at this age-group and will undoubtedly progress to senior ranks if they keep playing.
Results
February 27th - Bredagh 2-2 Carryduff 3-1 (L)
March 13th - Castlewellan 3-7 Bredagh 0-1 (L)
March 20th - Bryansford w/o Bredagh (L)
April 3rd - Bredagh 4-14 Aughlisnafin 1-4 (L)
April 10th - Bredagh 3-4 Bright 1-8 (L)
May 29th - Castlewellan 3-9 Bredagh 0-6 (C)
Mini-Tournaments
May 21st, Cherryvale - 3 games played
June 19th, Cherryvale - 4 games played
Registered players in 2005: Jamie Willigan, Polly Moane, Sarah McGourty, Clare Byrne, Kathryn Quinn, Aine Hannity, Orla Day, Jessica Wylie, Meabh Whyte-McConville – 9 (down 3 from 2004)
Coaches: Marty Hannity, Jerome Quinn, Cillian Short.
END OF SEASON TRIP
As an end-of-season finale, there was a Big Day Out to Dublin for 67 girls from the U-12, U-14 and U-16 teams to see the Ladies All Ireland finals. This was a particularly good year to attend with Bredagh players Geraldine Grimley and Fionnuala McAtamney playing for Armagh in the Junior final. As a fund-raiser, there was a second annual match between the Parents and the Coaches with a Guess-the-score competition enabling the girls to collect sponsorship towards the cost of their trip. Thanks to all those who took part and/or helped with the fund-raising, and to the everyone who helped on the day – Paddy McAlinney, Sinead McAlinney, Catherine Guerin, Paul Mulhern, Brendan Downey, Gerry McGuire.
THANKS - at the start of the year a number of new coaches came forward to enable us to build on last year’s successes and to support the additional teams that we wanted to organise. The parents of the Bredagh girls have continued to provide invaluable assistance in terms of support and transport. Thanks to the Bredagh Senior Committee, Bredagh Youth Committee and Jerome Quinn in particular, for their support with all the youth developments.
HURLING OVERVIEW
"It's great to see a club like Bredagh making the strides you are making. Danny Hughes in particular deserves a lot of credit for the work he's put in and the way you have all responded". Down Hurling Board representative Matt Fitzpatrick paid a generous tribute to the Bredagh players and management after they beat Liatroim in the U-14 B Championship Final at Annsborough in September. "The blocking was terrific and some of the scores you took were absolutely fantastic". The same U-14s had terrific times at the Féile – winning the Co Down Division 2 title, winning the Division G title a week later at the Ulster Féile and enjoying a wonderful weekend at the All Ireland Féile in Cork, where they were hosted by Mayfield.
Further history was made when the 14s became the first Bredagh team to take a competitive point from a game with opponents from the Ards when they drew at home to Portaferry in a thrilling League game. The U-12 and U-16 teams also put in some excellent displays, and four Belfast Blitzes were played in June for U-10s, all organised by Eamon Mulvenna. Another new development was the introduction of indoor hurling. The U-10s quickly mastered the game and by March they had won a title. No wonder the Mulcahy brothers from Newtonshandrum were so impressed when they were special guests at the first Bredagh hurling & camogie Presentation Evening.
UNDER-8s & UNDER-10s (by Aidan Smyth)
It was another very successful season for our young hurlers. On a cold February afternoon at Cherryvale the lads turned out in force to a training session featuring Pat Mulcahy and his brother Donal who passed on a few tips and wise words to the boys, speaking highly of their skills levels and enthusiasm for the game. The first outing was to the Ballygalget Blitz where Bredagh side put up sterling performances to defeat the host club and lose narrowly to Keady and Rossa. Daniel Devlin was the star performer along with Enda McGonigle and Daniel Mulvenna.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the June Blitzes with teams from Carryduff, St Enda’s and Rossa joining Bredagh for four consecutive Saturdays of great excitement and fun, culminating in a Finals Day attended by Sambo McNaughton and Jackie Carson. The blitz was singularly instrumental in terms of developing and improving the ability and skill levels of the Bredagh lads who were in no way overawed by competing against the stronger Antrim sides. The U-10s won the Shield competition with captain Aidan Donaghy receiving the trophy. Daniel Devlin won most improved player and Conor Costello also caught the eye but each and every one of the lads deserve special praise. The U-8s were runners-up in the Cup section with Sean Blaney lifting the trophy and Mark Patterson Player of the Tournament. The uplifting aspect was the effect the Blitz had on swelling numbers, particularly the U-8 boys. Hopefully this can turn into an annual event. Unfortunately, there were no competitive games through the summer period but the training sessions were well attended. Our scouts were still on the lookout for new talent, uncovering the find of the season in 9-year-old Lawrence Whiffen. The season ended on October 1st with the boys meeting old adversaries St Enda’s at Cherryvale. Despite losing narrowly in both encounters, there was sufficient evidence to feel assured that the future of hurling in Bredagh looks bright.
Indoor Hurling
The introduction of indoor hurling for Bredagh kids at Rosario Youth Club over the winter months proved to be a masterstroke. The sessions were well-attended and on March 13th the U-10s became the first ever Down team to win a title in the North Antrim Indoor League, beating Randalstown at Ballymena Leisure Centre to become Division Four champions. 35 teams entered the whole competition, but the Bredagh lads were unfazed and secured the first piece of silverware for the club in 2005.
Results
U-8s
May 28th - Ballygalget 1-0 Bredagh 0-0
October 1st – Bredagh 6-0 St Enda’s 8-0
U-10s
North Antrim Indoor League
February 25th – 5 games played
March 6th – 5 games played
March 13th – Bredagh 3 Randalstown 1 (Final)
League
April 16th – Bredagh - Carryduff – 2 games
April 23rd – Ballygalget Blitz – 3 games
May 28th - Ballygalget 3-0 Bredagh 1-0
Challenge Games
May 28th - Ballygalget 3-0 Bredagh 1-0
October 1st – Bredagh 5-0 St Enda’s 8-2
Bredagh Blitzes
June 4th, 12th, 18th & 25th
Squad: Tomas Flanigan, Donal Smyth, Enda McGonigle, Ronan Smyth, Lawrence Whiffen, Oisin Smylie, Conor Francis, Conor Costello, Daniel Mulvenna, Sean McGourty, Daniel Devlin, Aidan Donaghy, Niall Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Foster, Mark Patterson, Daire McPeake, James Durkan, Vittorio Angelone, Daniel McGrenaghan, Conal Gormley, Ciaran Foster, Rory Collins, Eoin Mageean, Tom Doherty, Odhran Devlin, Sean Blaney, Niall Smyth, Ruairi Doyle, Daniel Graham, Ronan Quinn, Andy Harney, Eoin Sweeney, Caolan Power, Liam Francis, Chritopher Madden-Mc Kee.
Coaches: John Deery, Boyd Devlin, James Mullan, Michael McGourty, Aidan Smyth, Tom McGonigle, Michael Flanigan, Eamon Mulvenna.
UNDER-12s
Expectations were high at the start of the season, especially after the boost from the indoor hurling sessions and good turn-outs at training, but this large and potentially strong group suffered from a frustrating lack of games in County Down. So, they entered a South Antrim League which provided regular matches, if not that many victories. The best game all year was against St Paul’s when both the standard and the determination shown were very high. However, the Antrim League proved to be a big step up as far as a physical challenge was concerned. Back in Down, they were a little unlucky to meet a strong Warrenpoint squad and to lose narrowly to Ballyvarley in the Championship. Still, they have great potential and had a star performer in Niall Irwin who scored five goals in a League game against Carryduff. Also, Emmett Dougan, Tim Durkan and Kealan Devlin were called up to the U-14 Féile where they made a significant contribution. Niall Irwin and Ciaran McFarland made the same step a little later in the season. The Schools League and the Summer Camp proved to be a fertile recruiting ground, with Eugene Irwin ideally placed to identify those with good potential.
Results
North Antrim Indoor League
January 29th – 3 games
February 5th – 3 games
February 12th – 3 games
Down League
April 2nd - Castlewellan 0-1 Bredagh 11-4
May 13th - Carryduff 0-3 Bredagh 6-2
May 21st - Bredagh 1-0 Ballycran 6-0
May 28th - Ballygalget 8-3 Bredagh 0-0
June 4th - Bredagh 2-0 Warrenpoint 3-0
June 25th - Portaferry 7-3 Bredagh 1-0
August 6th – Warrenpoint bt Bredagh
South Antrim League
May 9th - St Theresa's 0-0 Bredagh 6-1
May 16th - St Gall's 2-2 Bredagh 2-0
June 8th - St Paul's 2-4 Bredagh 3-0
September 5th – Sarsfields – Bredagh
Championship
Quarter-final - September 2nd - Castlewellan 1-0 Bredagh 8-8
Semi-final – September 16th - Bredagh 3-3 Ballyvarley 3-5
Coaches: Jim Sheridan, Lorenzo McMullan, Tony Dougan, Eugene Irwin
UNDER-14s (by Danny Hughes)
This team had a really special year and each panel member should be very proud of their achievements which they deserved for the commitment and dedication shown. The first title was won in May at the Down Feile where they took the Division 2 title with wins over Castlewellan, Warrenpoint and Ballyvarley. This qualified them the national competition in Cork in June. Before that, in fact just a week after the Down Féile, the team went unbeaten at the Ulster Feile in Ballycastle, winning four matches including the final against Fermanagh champions Lisnaskea to win their Division.
It was a confident group therefore that set off to Cork though everyone knew the opposition would be much tougher against Cork teams Mayfield (our hosts) and Russell Rovers, as well as Donegal champions Burt. The boys showed no respect for tradition as they gave both Rebel county teams a major fright before going down by half a dozen points in each match. They finished the programme of matches with a fine win against a very useful Burt team. Overall, the trip was a huge success and has helped to instil in these players a great passion for the game.
Thanks also to sponsor Gerry Woods and to Aidan McKegney for producing a wonderful booklet to mark the occasion, and to everyone else who helped in the smooth-running of the trip.
The East Down League was unfortunately not completed but in the All County section we were grouped in Division 1 with the Ards teams due to our success at Féile. The highlight was a well-earned draw against Portaferry at Cherryvale in a thrilling contest in August, the first League point taken from Ards opposition by a Bredagh hurling team.
The boys continued to improve and trained hard into September when they were rewarded with the All County Division Two Championship, winning the final with a fantastic display against a fancied Liatriom team.
There were individual honours too as Paddy Woods, Daniel Higgins, Donal Hughes, Donal McKegney and Michael Guerin were on the Down Academy team that lost narrowly to Ballygalget in the Championship. Many of these players have a great love of the game and if they maintain their commitment they have a bright future.
Results (all League)
April 23rd - Ballygalget 6-14 Bredagh 0-0
May 16th - Liatriom 3-3 Bredagh 1-2
June 1st - Bredagh 1-1 Ballygalget 8-3
June 8th - Ballycran 6-5 Bredagh 3-0
August 17th - Bredagh 4-3 Portaferry 2-9
Co Down Féile
April 29th-May 1st - 3 games
Ulster Féile
May 7th – 4 games
All Ireland Féile
June 17th/18th - 3 games - Mayfield 2-5 Bredagh 1-0; Russell Rovers 1-5 Bredagh 0-1; Burt 1-5 Bredagh 3-6
Championship
Semi-final - August 26th – Castlewellan 1-1 Bredagh 5-11
Final – September 24th – Bredagh 3-7 Liatroim 1-5
Coaches: Danny Hughes, Gerry Woods, Aidan McKegney
UNDER-16s
The magnificent seven! Ciaran White's charges won all seven League games to clinch the All County B title, a sure sign of consistency and quality, and a remarkable achievement in only the second year at this level. The squad was supplemented by some U-14s, while captain Owen Costello and Niall Colton starred throughout the campaign, Cormac Hughes battled bravely despite injury in the important win at Ballyvarley, and full-back Paddy Woods went on to represent Our Lady & St Pat's in the Mageean Cup semi-finals, along with Bredagh players Stevie McGettrick and Conor McConvey. Eight of the squad - Cormac White, Donal McKegney, Patrick Woods, Conal Doherty, Matthew McAfee, Michael Mullan, Cormac Hughes and Michael Guerin - were chosen to play for a Down Academy side in a special U-15 tournament against Antrim, Donegal, and Cavan on the morning of the Ulster Final. Furthermore, Mark Devlin, Michael Mullan and Matthew McAfee also featured in the inaugural Down Academy U-16 team which competed in the ‘A’ Championship.
Next year
All of the above augurs well for the development of hurling in Bredagh. It was very encouraging to see Michael Mullan make his debut with the seniors during the course of the year, the first of our home produced players to do so. And, it has been decided to expand the club’s hurling provision and launch a minor team to cater for the wave of hurling talent attracted to the club.
Results (all League)
April 1st - Bredagh 4-5 Kilclief 2-0
April 8th - Bredagh 1-5 Liatriom 1-7
April 15th - Carryduff 1-2 Bredagh 7-9
June 24th - Clonduff 5-0 Bredagh 7-7
August 5th - Bredagh 4-6 Castlewellan 0-8
August 12th - Kilclief 2-4 Bredagh 3-5
August 22nd – Carryduff 3-2 Bredagh 5-7
August 31st – Ballyvarley 1-6 Bredagh 2-5
October 15th - Bredagh 5-5 Shamrocks 2-1
Challenge - Portaferry bt Bredagh
Championship
September 5th - Bredagh 6-9 Carryduff 3-4
Semi-final, September 17th - Bredagh 2-6 Warrenpoint 4-10
Squad: Donal Hughes, Emmett Costello, Daniel Higgins, Pearse Leitch, Patrick Woods, Kevin Duffin, Michael Magee, Cormac White, Michael Mullan, Rowan Smart, Cormac Hughes, Owen Costello, Christian Hunter, Matthew McAfee, Mark Devlin, Conal Doherty, Niall Colton (c), Michael Guerin, Niall Wright, Donal Feeney, Matthew Mullan, Conor McCloskey.
Coaches: Ciaran White, Ciaran Donnelly
CAMOGIE
The growth of the Bredagh Camogie Club has exceeded everyone’s expectations, especially as we are in an area with no previous camogie tradition. There are now over 120 girls registered between the ages of 5-15, and camogie is thriving in the Primary schools in South Belfast with coaching in St. Michael’s, Holy Rosary and St. Bernard’s. This success is down to a dynamic committee who have worked tirelessly since January - Anne Costello, Dorothy McKay, Ciaran Hughes, Nancy McGarry, Rosie Rocks, Maria Graham, Kevin McVeigh, Bronagh Wilson, Pat Hollywood and Carol McAllister. The Committee would like to place on record their gratitude to all the parents for their help and support with the children, with special thanks to the parents who provided hospitality for visiting teams. Thanks also to sponsor Charles Mulholland & Sons for the U-12 kit, to W & G Baird for their generosity, to Awards for All for the Start-Up grant, and to Ulster Bank and Yoris Minn for the sponsorship of the U-14s.
A series of special guests – Ulster's first Camogie All Star Máirín McAleenan, Down hurling manager John Crossey, All Ireland Final referee Una Kearney, Margaret Flynn from Rossa, and Down Camogie Captain Jennifer Braniff, Catherine McGourty and Grainne Connolly - visited the dozens of camogs at their Saturday training sessions and three girls were picked to play for Belfast schools against Dublin in May - Maeve Colton (Holy Rosary), Emer Murtagh and Niamh O'Connor (both St Michael's).
There were bus trips to matches as far apart as Liatroim and Cushendall, as well as a day out at Croke Park when 66 girls watched the All Ireland finals. Best of all, Bredagh camogs had tremendous successes on the field of play in their first year in competition. Their first League games were on Saturday April 16th at home to Portaferry in Cherryvale, for U-10, U-12 and U-14. The weather and the results went against us, but it was a great day for 120 camogs spread over the park. The first U-14 win came the following Saturday at home to Ballygalget, when Chloe Dougan was Player of the Day. The first U-12 win came at Liatroim when Eimear Kane scored two goals on May 14th. The U-14s also beat Ballycran and reached the final of the Co Down Féile in Portaferry, which was their finest hour as the superbly turned out girls won both the Best Presented award and a dramatic Shield semi-final. The subsequent pitch invasion by Bredagh hurlers and camogs was a sight to behold!
UNDER-10s
This group proved to be one of the biggest success stories of the season, with more than 40 girls registered, including a large number of U-8s. Although they do not participate in a League, they had a packed calendar of friendly matches with trips to Ballycran, Ballygalget, Laoitrim, Drumaness, St Malachy’s (Belfast) and Cooley. The highlight was the inaugural County Down U-10 competition at Clonduff.
Results/Games Played
U-8s
June 4th - Ballycran - Bredagh
August 21st – Liatroim Tournament – 3 games
U-10s
April 16th - Bredagh - Portaferry
April 23rd - Bredagh - Ballygalget
June 4th - Ballycran 3-0 Bredagh 0-0
August 13th – St Malachy’s Tournament – 2 games
August 21st – Liatroim Tournament – 3 games
August 27th - Clonduff Tournament – 3 games
October 9th – Trip to Cooley & match
UNDER-12s
This talented squad took part in the Down A League for the first time, which was quite a challenge against talented and more experienced opposition. However, the girls never let their heads go down, even when they were losing, and they maintained their enthusiasm throughout the season. The highlight was their success against Liatroim in Liatroim. The team also travelled to venues as far apart as Cushendall and Cooley in County Louth, all in search of match experience and they enjoyed their trips immensely! Many thanks to Carol McAllister for the Cushendall experience and Pat Hollywood for the ‘hooley in Cooley’. The girls were a joy to coach at all times. They worked tirelessly during training and developed their skills with help from specialist coaching sessions (thank you to Fintan McDonnell for his help), they improved tremendously and will be a force to be reckoned with next year.
Results
April 16th - Bredagh 0-0 Portaferry 3-5
April 23rd - Bredagh 0-0 Ballygalget 6-0
May 7th - Bredagh 0-0 Ballycran 2-3
May 14th - Liatroim 0-0 Bredagh 3-0
June 11th - Bryansford 1-0 Bredagh 5-0
June 18th - Bredagh 2-0 Ben Dhearg 0-0
August 28th – Trip to Cushendall & match
October 9th – Trip to Cooley & match
Squad: Orlaith Downey, Shannon Murray, Eimear Kane, Emma O’Hara, Eve McPeake, Anna Lyttle, Niamh O’Connor, Jemma Mullan, Maedbh Donaghy, Lucy Russell, Paula McKay, Eleanor Lennon, Maeve Colton, Maria Burke, Eimear Murtagh, Shauna Leitch, Catherine Rocks, Julie McElroy, Chantelle Clinton, Katrina Smyth, Clare LeVelly, Liadh White, Shannon Mulholland, Aine Donnelly, Sarah Maxwell Kelly, Niamh McKinney, Rebecca Clinton, Ellen Mahon O’Neill, Jenny McHugh, Orlaith McMahon, Rachel Woods, Claire Browne, Lucy Mullan, Caitriona McDonnell, Tiarna Devlin.
UNDER-14s
2005 was an unbelievably successful start for the U-14s as they competed in the Down League & Championship and did really well to notched up several wins in their first time playing together as a team. Some of the older girls had a bit of prior experience gained playing with the hurlers and at school, and they gave great encouragement to the others. At the start, the squad took time to get to know each other and to understand the positions on the field, but the basic skills soon began to improve. Several players could hardly hit the ball on the first day but they can now jab and roll lift the ball, solo, strike the ball on the ground and in the air, catch and block with confidence. It’s great to see them all come on so well in only one season, and with training continuing over the winter indoors, hopefully they will do even better next year. Six of the girls attended Down County training.
Results
April 16th - Bredagh 0-0 Portaferry 8-5
April 19th - Ballycran 7-7 Bredagh 0-0
April 24th - Bredagh 2-0 Ballygalget 0-0
May 10th - Bredagh 2-0 Darragh Cross 0-0
May 14th - Liatroim 0-4 Bredagh 2-0
May 31st - St John's 3-2 Bredagh 7-0
June 9th - Drumaness 2-3 Bredagh 2-0
June 18th - Ben Dhearg 7-2 Bredagh 0-0
August 28th – Trip to Cushendall & match
October 9th – Trip to Cooley & match
Co Down Féile
April 30th - 3 games, got to Shield Final
Championship
June 21st - An Riocht 5-0 Bredagh 0-0
Squad: Deirdre Canavan, Chloe Dougan, Laura McClorey, Nicole O’Connor, Aoife Jackson, Rachel Graham, Cathy Shortt, Róisín McAlister, Alice Donaldson, Maeve Hollywood, Cliodhna Quinn, Christina Boyle, Peita McAlister, Clare McKenna, Sarah Deazley, Sian Deighan, Bronagh Burns, Catherine Moylan.
All Camogie Coaches: Maria Graham, Pat Hollywood, Kevin McVeigh, Bronagh Wilson, Nell O’Neill, Nancy McGarry, Rosie Rocks, Anne Costello, Carol Blaney-McAlister, Ciaran Hughes, Dorothy McKay.
SCHOOLS
If you’ve never got along to see a day of the South Belfast News Schools Leagues, you are missing out! Tuesday afternoons in Cherryvale in the Summer term are a blur of activity with upwards on 145 girls and boys playing Gaelic games. The standards are very high and the drama is as good as Croke Park itself. Add the sheer enjoyment of the players, teacher and spectators, and you have great entertainment.
A new development this year was the introduction of a Girls Football League competition every week, alongside the two pitches given over to the Boys League. This worked brilliantly with terrific contests, not least on Finals Day when a Paul Doran-inspired St Bernard’s upstaged pacesetters St Michael’s and St Bride’s, though the latter took the overall League honours. Holy Rosary were Group Two winners.
Finals Day in the Boys Football League was even more dramatic with extra-time required in both sections before St Bernard’s pipped St Bride’s, St Michael’s and new boys St Joseph’s Carryduff to the title. St Joseph’s Ballyhackamore took the honours in Section B ahead of Holy Rosary, St Matthews and Scoil an Droichid.
An important development was the participation of the schools in Co Down Cumann na Bunscoil Blitzes for the first time. This was agreed after meetings in three schools with Bredagh personnel, and saw St Michael’s girls and boys footballers, as well as hurlers and camogs (see picture above), attending days in Downpatrick and Annsborough.
Arising from this, several players got to play at half-time in Ulster Championship matches, including Deccie Magee, Tim Durkan, Ronan McKegney and Niall Irwin. Some of the schools also played in Co Antrim competitions.
The hurling/camogie blitz saw St Michael’s retain both cups with captain and top scorer Niall Irwin leading the way with six superb goals. Down manager John Crossey selected Joe Shields for an All Star jersey, to add the football All Star he won in 2004. Holy Rosary competed well with Eoghan Curran catching the eye, while Ciaran McFarland and P5 Dominic McConville were best for St Bernard’s.
In the Camogie League, Mary Holland lifted the cup for St Michaels and Gemma Mullan won an All Star.
John Crossey (refereeing in the picture above) was assisted by Conor Lavery and Lisa McCrickard, and he has become a regular visitor to all of the schools, which is an invaluable service.
Thanks also to Belfast City Council Support for Sport their backing, and to Deirdre Fitzpatrick for help in raising funds. Of course, there’s no way it could all happen without the South Belfast News. The Leagues have grown in tandem with the newspaper over the last four years, and their fabulous coverage has been central to our development.
Girls Football has also started up at Aquinas Grammar. Hopefully Gaelic Games will grow in all of the bigger schools in the area.
All Stars
Specially-designed jerseys were presented to the 2005 winners: Peter Lavery (Ballyhackamore), Rory Flanagan (St Bride's), Ben Scullion (St Bernard's), Declan Magee (St Michael's), James Lavery (Carryduff), Richard Gowdy (St Matthew's), Seán Mac an Bheanta (Scoil an Droichid), Eamonn Kelly (Holy Rosary), Emer Murtagh (St Michael's), Eadaíon Ní Chiarráin (Scoil an Droichid), Rachel Goldsmith (St Bernard's), Mary Carson (St Bride's), Aine Donnelly (Holy Rosary), Gemma Mullan (St Michael’s) and Joe Shields (St Michael’s).
Schools Fixtures/Games Played
April 12th - Boys & Girls Leagues – 16 games
April 19th - Boys & Girls Leagues – 14 games
April 26th - Boys & Girls Leagues – 17 games
May 3rd - Boys & Girls League – 14 games
May 10th - Boys & Girls League – 12 games
May 17th - Boys & Girls League – 19 games
May 24th – Boys Football Finals Day – 14 games
May 31st – Girls Football Finals Day – 10 games
June 7th – Hurling & Camogie Finals Day – 9 games
Total – 125 games
TOTAL YOUTH GAMES PLAYED IN 2005 (apart from schools)
Boys Football
U-8 - 26
U-10 - 45
U-12 - 42
U-14 - 23
U-16 - 19
U-18 - 14
Total - 168
Girls Football
U-10 - 5
U-12 - 18
U-14 - 9
U-16 - 12
Total - 44
Hurling
U-8 - 2
U-10 - 40
U-12 - 22
U-14 - 17
U-16 - 12
Total - 93
Camogie
U-8 - 4
U-10 - 9
U-12 - 8
U-14 - 14
Total - 35
Overall Total – 340 (up 46 from 2004)
SCÓR
This year saw a revival of Scór with two officers appointed – Michael Flanigan and Paddy McAlinney - and significant developments such as an internal club Quiz competition. There were also successes at the East Down Scor na nOg in Castlewellan in October in three events - recitation, novelty act and quiz – with our representatives progressing to the final in all three. The quiz team consisted of Rowan Smart, Niall Colton and Owen Costello became East Down Champions. The Novelty act was Gabriel Doran, Ciaran Conlon, Paddy Woods, Michael Magee and Mary Flanigan, while Mary also took first place in the recitation semi-finals.
PICTURE CD & WEBSITE
A new Bredagh Picture CD proved to be an innovative development, featuring 800 photographs and a video montage. Thanks go to Conal Donnelly for his expertise in this production, as well as with the ever-popular Bredagh website. The Down Yearbook, with a three-page contribution from Bredagh, once again won a national award. Sincere thanks go to the South Belfast News for their wonderful and consistent coverage of all of our teams and events, particularly the Schools Leagues
Bredagh kept up with the times by introducing their very own wristbands in April 2005.
REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS
U-10 hurling star Daniel Devlin became the first Bredagh person to play in Croke Park for five years when he represented Down schools in August. Senior ladies star Arlene McCloskey also played there a few weeks later for Tyrone against Dublin, and Bredagh had players and management involved in the All Ireland Junior ladies win by Armagh in October.
Bredagh had their best ever year for representatives on Cumann na Bunscoil teams, including two on one day at the Ulster SFC game in Omagh and the Ulster SFC game in Casement Park (Declan Magee and Niall Irwin, pictured above), as well as on various county development squads.
PRESENTATION NIGHTS & AWARDS
We needed two separate Presentation Nights this year, with a Hurling/Camogie event in January (see picture above) and the Football event on March 5th.
The latter saw the first Bredagh FIRST TRUST BANK Youth Football All Stars:
Jonathan Arthurs (U-16), Diarmaid Kielty (U-10), Lisa Kelly (U-16), Cathy Short (U-12), Emmett Costello (U-12), Hannah Murray (U-16), Aidan O'Neill (U-16), Cormac Hughes (U-14), Amy Cunningham (U-16), Conor Francis (U-8), Joe Shields (U-10), Polly Moane (U-14), Conal O'Neill (U-18), Declan Magee (U-10) and Dominic McConville (U-8).
Special guests at the night were Down ladies football stars Micheala and Aibheann Downey, and former Down mens captain Brian Burns.
2004 Club Players of the Year
Boys Football - Cormac Meehan (U-8), John Mongan (U-10), Daniel O'Rourke (U-12), Cormac White (U-14), Marty McManus (U-16) and Shane Matthews (U-18). Girls Football - Nikki Pauley (U-12), Anna McAlinney (U-14), Clare Byrne (U-16).
2004 Most Improved Players of the Year
Boys Football - Tom Doherty (U-8), Ryan McGarry (U-10), James Mulligan (U-12), Dermot Colton (U-14), Joe Steele (U-16), Paddy Cassidy (U-18). Girls Football - Bláthnaid Ní Smaolaigh (U-12), Aine Hannity (U-14), Jamie Willigan (U-16).
SUMMER CAMP
The second Bredagh Summer Camp was held at Cherryvale in the second week in August with five days of football, hurling and camogie. 200 people attended each day - 170 children joined by 30 teenage and adult coaches/helpers. Everything went very smoothly, thanks to the superb voluntary back-up and organisation by the Youth Committee. In particular, Paula Durkan performed the thankless task of registration with great professionalism and fairness.
Main club sponsors Medicare insisted on rewarding all of the coaches were fabulous new coats (thanks to Deirdre Fitzpatrick for the contact and distribution) and there were also new Medicare/Bredagh hats handed out on the last day. Furthermore, 300 t-shirts were handed out at the one-day link-up with St Brigid’s at Harlequins rugby grounds. This day was sponsored by the Bank of Ireland and Belfast City Council, along with special guest Stevie McDonnell. The coaching team at the Bredagh days were first-class - Tyrone star Arlene McCloskey, Down trainer Jody Gormley, Fermanagh goalkeeper Ronan Gallagher, Armagh Junior Ladies coach Jacqui Clarke, Crossmaglen's Hugh Daly, Maeve McAtamney, Jackie & Collie McAllister, and Down footballer Eoin McCartan. Refreshments were provided each day, with fruit from McCormick's on the Ormeau Road and water from Cantrell & Cochrane.
SUMMARY (by Jerome Quinn, Youth Coordinator)
The facts and reports above say it all - 2005 has been another year of tremendous progress and success for our youth set-up, both on and off the fields of play. We had more coaches, more registered players, more teams, more games, more trips, a superb Summer Camp and a new Youth Committee, which was a major and necessary step forward in our development. My biggest thanks go to them for their support and help throughout the year in so many ways. They can all take a bow….
2005 BREDAGH YOUTH COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON - Jerome Quinn
REGISTRATION OFFICER - Simon Francis
FIXTURES & PITCH BOOKINGS - Paddy Quinn
FUNDING & SPONSORSHIP - Deirdre Fitzpatrick
GIRLS FOOTBALL REPRESENTATIVE - Cera McArdle
CAMOGIE REPRESENTATIVES - Anne Costello, Maria Graham,
Nancy McGarry, Rosie Rocks
HURLING REPRESENTATIVES - Eamon Mulvenna, Eugene Irwin
DIRECTOR of COACHING - Martin Hannity
EQUIPMENT OFFICER - Paula Durkan
CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER - Edel Teague
RESULTS SECRETARY - Jerome Quinn
SCOR/IRISH OFFICERS - Michael Flanigan, Paddy McAlinney
PHOTOGRAPHER - Carlo Angelone
EAST DOWN REPRESENTATIVES - Various
SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS - Various
All of the above contributed individually and as a team to make a tremendous difference to the running of the youth set-up. We moved to a new professional level with a new registration scheme, a new Code of Conduct, a new pitch-booking system, a new inventory of equipment and so on. All of the people approached were more than willing to come onto the first ever Youth Committee and they all played a part in a ground-breaking season.
YOUR COMMENTS - are very welcome on any of the above or on ideas for 2006. Email: jeromequinn@yahoo.com
SENIOR HURLING
Once upon a time, back in the 1980s, there was a senior hurling team in Bredagh..
.. this year, a ‘new’ team became the first to represent Bredagh in nearly two decades in a challenge game with St Galls in February.. the squad eventually grew to 40 players and the team achieved a very creditable third position in Division Two of the All County League.
A very successful and enjoyable year ended with a team led by Danny Hughes winning the first Bredagh hurling Sevens Tournament.
SENIOR MENS FOOTBALL
The season began with lots of promise and a challenge with St Brigids..
There seemed to be a certain togetherness in the squad..
Rory McCaughey emerged as a dual star..
SENIOR LADIES FOOTBALL
The evergreen Joanne Lavery helped Bredagh reach the County Final where they were desperately unlucky to lose after extra-time..
Sponsor-cum-full-back Siobhan McCarney had an unlucky break early in the season but she will bounce back in 2006..
Bredagh’s own Geraldine Grimley scored a goal for Armagh in a National League Final and was part of their All Ireland Junior Championship winning squad..
Kerry legend Mikey Sheehy was in Marbella to crown Bredagh ‘Champions of Europe’..
Bredagh’s travelling party in the sun..
JUNIOR LADIES FOOTBALL
Cera McArdle found time between running girls football in Bredagh to play for both the Seniors and the new Junior team..
Cera and other Seniors gelled brilliantly with exciting young stars such as Emma Mulhearn..
The team made a great start to the season..
.. and finished it in style by winning the League. Captain Jamie Willigan with the cup.
2005 EVENTS
Bredagh talked Sam & Liam…
.. with Barney Eastwood, Jim Nelson, John Crossey, Martin Breheny, Paddy Heaney and Pat McEnaney.
.. and there was the second Bredagh Masters Golf competition at Belvoir Park..
Shane Donnelly from the Anglo Irish Bank presented overall winner Eamon McMenamin with his prizes..
and Bredagh camogs were among the teams.
Perfect Autumn weather and a large crowd enjoyed a brilliant day's football at the second Bredagh Mencap Sevens on Saturday October 22nd in Cherryvale. The Senior Committee team beat the Managers team in the Final. The winners squad included Player of the Tournament Paul Doran, tournament organiser Conal Donnelly, Paddy Finnegan, Kevin Muldoon, James Conlon, John McCullagh, Gerard Mullan, Marty Durkan and Ciaran Conlon. The Managers knocked out Bredagh Seniors in the semi-finals. The Ladies competition was won by Cass's Cadets.
Shane Donnelly from the Anglo Irish Bank presents overall winner Eamon McMenamin with his prizes at the recent Bredagh Masters Golf competition at Belvoir Park. The weather was the best yet for the event which is now in it's third year. 21 fourballs took part with IIB winning the Team Award and Eamon taking the individual prize on a respectable 41 points.
Bredagh Chairman with Adrian Eastwood, from Eastwood Bookmakers, sponsors of the 1st tee. Willie Rea won the Best Back Nine award.
Everyone a winner!
Shane Donnelly with James Dougan, winner of the Best Front Nine.
Ladies enjoying themselves at the Presentation, from left: Nancy McGarry, Maria Graham, Petrina Conlon and Anne Costello.
2004 - Month by Month
JANUARY
Brought to book... at the Youth Presentation Night
FEBRUARY
All Ireland captain attends Awards night
U-8s bursting with enthusiam at training
MARCH
Historic hurler.. Paul Doole was on the first ever Bredagh U-16 team in this month and he later made the county panel
New U-12 coach Donal Durkan gets blocked by son Tim
APRIL
Broken stick but unbroken resolve.. we were joint winners at Ballygalget
Steadie Eddie... making the transition to the seniors
MAY
Our first visit to the Ulster hurling Féile
Kelly's Heroes.. at St Galls on May Day
JUNE
High-fliers.. the U-10s at the Carryduff Tournament
On the line.. action from the Schools League
.. and the first Girls-only Schools Finals
.. and the first Hurling/Camogie Schools Finals
JULY
Newtownstewart hosted Bredagh at the All Ireland Féile
Talking the talk.. U-16 Girls coach Brendan O'Connell
AUGUST
140 new jerseys were handed out at the Summer Camp
SEPTEMBER
Bredagh Bunnies hopping to it..
U-16 keeper 'Pup' was the players' favourite player
OCTOBER
There were several visits to Croke Park
The moment we beat an Ards team for the first time
The glamour of Reserve football
Rolling back the years... Coaches win Sevens
.. centre of attention..
Parents v Coaches
Bredagh Masters at Belvoir Park
NOVEMBER
Cork men together.. Nicholas and Sean Og
Awards night at the Four Winds
DECEMBER
Thanks to the South Belfast News for most of the above pictures
2005/2006 Awards
YOUTH AWARDS 1
The first of two Youth Presentation Nights was held at Rosario Hall on Saturday January 21st for U-8s and U-10s from boys football, girls football, camogie and hurling. The evening was a great success, mainly thanks to the superb organisation of Eugene Irwin and his team. The special guests were Down hurler 'Magic Johnson, footballer Eoin McCartan and camogie star Mairin McAleenan (pictured above).
Pictures courtesy of the SOUTH BELFAST NEWS
CAMOGIE AWARD WINNERS
U-10 Club Player of the Year - Niamh Hazard
U-10 Player of the Year - Aislinn McFarland
U-10 Most Improved Player of the Year - Olivia Boyle
HURLING AWARD WINNERS
U-8 Club Player of the Year - Ronan Quinn
U-8 Player of the Year - Sean Blaney
U-10 Club Player of the Year - Enda McGonagle
U-10 Player of the Year - Aidan Donaghy
BOYS FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
U-8 Club Player of the Year - Michael Brown
U-8 Player of the Year - Conor Kelly
U-10 Club Player of the Year - Niall Kelly
U-10 Player of the Year - Patrick McLaughlin
YOUTH AWARDS 2
The second Bredagh Youth Presentation Night was held on Saturday, February 4th in the Rosario Hall. 24 trophies were presented with two awards for every group....
2005 ROLL OF HONOUR
BOYS FOOTBALL
U-12 Club Player of the Year - Kevin Dornan
U-12 Player of the Year - Tim Durkan
U-14 Club Player of the Year - Paddy Woods
U-14 Player of the Year - Donal McKegney
U-16 Club Player of the Year - Ruairi O'Kane
U-16 Player of the Year - Owen Costello
U-18 Club Player of the Year - Michael Diffin
U-18 Player of the Year - Niall Boyle
CAMOGIE
U-12 Club Player of the Year - Shannon Murray
U-12 Player of the Year - Niamh O'Connor
U-14 Club Player of the Year - Peita McAllister
U-14 Player of the Year - Nicole O'Connor
GIRLS FOOTBALL
U-12 Club Player of the Year - Sarah Montgomery
U-12 Player of the Year - Ciara McGuire
U-14 Club Player of the Year - Eithne McVeigh
U-14 Player of the Year - Sarah Nugent
U-16 Club Player of the Year - Jamie Willighan
U-16 Player of the Year - Clare Byrne
HURLING
U-12 Club Player of the Year - Niall Irwin
U-12 Player of the Year - Emmett Dougan
U-14 Club Player of the Year - Paddy Woods
U-14 Player of the Year - Donal McKegney
U-16 Club Player of the Year - Matthew McAfee
U-16 Player of the Year - Rowen Smart
SPECIAL GUESTS
- Down hurler and Christy Ring All Star Martin Coulter, and Cork star Mary O'Connor.
Mary brought the All Ireland Ladies Football Cup and the All Ireland Camogie Cup she won with Cork in 2005.
The All Ireland Minor (boys) Football Cup and the Ulster Under-21 Football Cup were also on display.
SPECIAL MEDAL PRESENTATIONS - the U-16 hurlers, U-12 girls footballers and U-14 hurlers were all presented with medals to mark their achievements in the League and Championship. Every player from every group also received a Bredagh medal. If anyone did not receive their medal on the night, they can get it by emailing jeromequinn@yahoo.com or contacting one of their coaches.
THANKS to NIAVAC in Rosetta for the kind provision of the superb audio-visual equipment, to all of the Youth Committee for their invaluable help in running the event, including the successful ballot and shop, and to all of the sponsors of our youth teams and events.
SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT
The Bredagh Senior Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday January 28th was the best event of it’s kind in the club in nearly ten years.
ROLL of HONOUR
LADIES FOOTBALL
Most Improved Player of the Year - Grainne Hughes
Junior Player of the Year - Hannah Murray
Senior Player of the Year - Arlene McCloskey
HURLING
Most Improved Player of the Year - Rory McCaughey
Young Player of the Year - Eoghan Donnelly
Senior Player of the Year - Danny Hughes
MENS FOOTBALL
Most Improved Player of the Year - Jonathan 'Pup' Arthurs
Reserve Player of the Year - Conor O'Keeffe
Senior Player of the Year - Conal Toland/Kevin Muldoon
Club Person of the Year - Eamon Mulvenna.
Award winners 2004
Ladies Player of Year - Cera McArdle
Ladies' Most Improved Player - Emma Mulhern
Senior Player of the Year - Johnny Cleary
Reserve Player of the Year - Michael Tunney
Men's Most Improved Player - Rory McCaughey
Club Person of the year - Cera McArdle
A special presentation was made to the winners of the inaugural Sevens tournament. Left to right: Eamon Mulvenna (referee), Lorenzo McMullan, Jerome Quinn and Donal Durkan.
Bill Gardner honoured
Bill Gardner, sometime around the 1970's!
I am delighted to announce that our very own Bill Gardner, former player, club Chairman and current committee member, has been honoured by his fellow Gaels in Down. Bill has been selected on an All star Down Football team from players who have wore the Red and Black with distinction over a number of years.
Bill Gardner’s long service to Down speaks for itself – 11 years with the Seniors, from 1972-83, including three Ulster finals, one All Ireland Semi-Final, and finally a National League winners medal in 1983. His career was one with humble beginnings as Bill opted out of football for 2 years as a schoolboy at St Malachy’s and was not a Down Minor. Then , aged 18 and in Upper Sixth, teacher and Down manager Jackie Fitzsimmons brought him along to a Senior challenge game with Louth “ The all-time greats were there, like Sean O’Neill, Brendan Sloan, John Murphy and Peter Rooney, though I wasn’t fully aware of them. I had heard of them okay but had spent my early days playing in Antrim, and particularly in the city ”. Bill was with the Pearses club at underage level, and had a trial with Distillery, before Jackie Fitzsimmons spotted a natural Gaelic football talent and ‘twigged quickly’ that Bill lived on the County Down side of the Lagan.
After making his debut against Louth he quickly matured and appeared as a substitute in both the drawn and replayed games in the 1974 Ulster SFC Final with Donegal, replacing Clem Stewart and Willie Walsh, respectively. In 1975 Bill figured in the championship defeats of Antrim and Cavan but didn’t play in the final which Down lost to Derry. Three years later the Bredagh clubman finally got his hands on a winners medal with the Ulster final defeat of Cavan, “ a great achievement” though it was followed by his biggest disappointment. “Losing to Dublin in the All-Ireland Semi-Final was the thing I remember most about my Down career, because I played well on the day, and because of falling short of the demands of a county used to winning All-Irelands in the sixties”
Bill's "Giants of the Game" award
Looking back on his career Bill singles out Colm McAlarney as his greatest team-mate with Down, and his most difficult opponent in club football. “ Without hesitation, he went up for every ball and although he regularly suffered a broken nose Colm was a great catcher. He never had a bad game against Bredagh, no matter how hard I tried. One minute he would be beside me, the next he was gone! Colm was the master”
Bill also has fond words for the Down management team of James McCartan and Val Kane. “I served my apprenticeship with Down before they came along and found them to be the best management set-up of all, by far. There was no bias, and you played on merit”
On behalf of all connected to Bredagh GAC I extend my heartiest congratulations to Bill, an achievement well deserved. You are a great ambassador for our club, our county and most of all our association.
Go neiri go geal leat.
Senior Nite 2003
Award winners 2003
Senior player of the Year
Kevin Muldoon
Reserve Player of the Year
Paddy Finnegan
Most improved player
Mark Robinson
Club person of the Year
Danny Hughes
Ladies Player of the Year
Joanne Lavery
Most improved Player
Grainne McAllister
Club Person of the Year
Cera McArdle
Juvenile awards
U-8 Hurler:Conor Costello
U-10 Hurler:Tim Durkan
U-10 Club Hurler:Emmett Dougan
U-12 Hurler:Ruairi Johnston
U-12 Club Hurler:Daniel Higgins
U-14 Hurler:Cormac Hughes
U-14 Club Hurler:Mark Devlin
U-6 Footballer:Odhran Devlin
U-8 Footballer:Niall Kelly
U-8 Club Footballer:Dominic McConville
U-10 Footballers:Ben Scullion & Diarmuid Kielty
U-10 Club Footballer:Conor McManus
U-12 Footballer:Declan O'Hara
U-12 Club Footballer:Pearse Leitch
U-14 Footballer:Eoin Costello
U-14 Club Footballer:Mark McElroy
U-16 Footballer:James Johnston
U-16 Club Footballer:Paddy Cassidy
U-18 Footballer:Eddie Devlin
U-18 Club Footballer:Aaron Quinn
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