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2004 in PICTURES
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
The 2004 Committee, pictured recently at the Annual Awards Night.
The main office-holders were returned for another year at the AGM on 28th November with two new faces on the committee, Kevin Muldoon and Gerard Mullan. Chairman Nicky McCafferty paid tribute to everyone who contributed to another successful year for the club and urged people to become involved in the Comhairle programme in January. As a result of motions passed, the club will enter a junior womens team and a senior Hurling team in 2005. Nicky paid tribute to outgoing committee members Lorraine McCafferty, Bill Gardiner and James McKenna and called for members to make 2005 the best year yet for Bredagh, on and off the field. Membership fees have been revised and payment will be required before the season begins.
2004 BREDAGH SUMMER CAMP
MAROON HEAVEN! Bredagh's very own Summer Camp was a tremendous success at Cherryvale from August 3rd-6th with 140 boys and girls enjoying four days of gaelic football and hurling, ended on the Friday when everyone was presented with a new Bredagh jersey!
Meabh Downey won two tickets for the All Ireland Quarter-finals, presented by Belfast City Councillor Pat Convery, Chairman of the Client Services Committee. The Council's Support for Sport scheme part-funded the Camp.
Sheena and Fionntan Quinn.
Young and old enjoyed the Camp! Philomena and Ronnie Hughes with grandson Owen McAllister.
Girls a-loud!
The first to receive a Bredagh jersey was birthday boy Daniel Mulvenna (pictured above)
They were coached every day by a total of thirty coaches led by Shane King (pictured above). Overall, it was a fantastic team effort by the Bredagh club - coaches, parents and youth players all giving up their time to make the Camp a success.
The Skills winners were James Mulligan, Aaron McPeake and Peita McAllister.
'Hands up' says hurling coach Lorenzo McMullan.
Michael Guerin and Ciaran Fitzpatrick prepare to clash the ash.
 
All of these pictures are courtesy of the South Belfast News.
LOST PROPERTY: a plain red fleece, a brown fleece, a pair of Patrick majestic gloves, a blue Hooch zip-up top and a red/blue Gap fleece top. Email: jeromequinn@yahoo.com
Many thanks to McCormicks Fresh Foods Shop on the Ormeau Road for the supply of fresh fruit all week at the camp and to C & C for the Ballygowan water.
AT THE CAMP: Daniel Higgins, Michael Deery, Enda McGonigle, Daniel Steele, Ben McCaughey, Joe Shields, Anna Lyttle, Michael Coffey, Caolan Schiable, Jessica Wylie, Ryan McElkerney, Anna Maria McAlinney, Thomas Gallen, Jemma Mullan, Daniel O'Rourke, Daniel Mulvenna, Nuala McManus, Conor McEvoy, Ben Scullion, Donal McLaughlin, Tom Doherty, Sarah Deazley, Odhran Devlin, Kealan Devlin, Daire McPeake, Aaron McPeake, Emer Kelly, Kieran Kelly, Tiarnán Curran, Eoghan Curran, Fionntan Quinn, Cliodhna Quinn, Lorcan Short, Cathy Short, Conor Costello, Emmett Costello, Hannah McKegney, Ronan McKegney, Eimear Kane, Bria Kane, Seamus McCloskey, Conor McCloskey, Mark Quinn, Kathryn Quinn, Michael Robinson, Daniel Robinson, James Quinn, Ronan Quinn, Conor Kelly, Niall Kelly, Lorcan Smylie, Oisin Smylie, Pearse Leitch, Shauna Leitch, Claire McKenna, Peter McKenna, Cormac Hughes, Donal Hughes, Ruairi Doyle, Conall Doyle, Kieran McKavanagh, Mark McKavanagh, Declan Stewart, Brendan Stewart, Ruairi Cumiskey, Daire Cumiskey, Dominic McConville, Alice McConville, Ciaran McFarland, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Niall Fitzpatrick, Declan Magee, Michael Magee, Michael McGarry, Ryan McGarry, Ella Durkan, James Durkan, Tim Durkan, Dario Angelone, Vittorio Angelone, Alessandro Angelone, Keiron Cleary, Cillian Cleary, Jamie Cleary, Meabh Downey, Ciara Downey, Eimear Downey, Orlaith Downey, Patrick McCarney, Nicholas Kearney, Sean McGuigan, Peita McAllister, Alice Donaldson, Patrick McCarney, Cillian Lenaghan, Diarmuid Kielty, Daniel McGrenaghan, Daniel Nolan, Nikki Pauley, Sarah Nugent, Conor Dornan, Ben Walker, Peter Rice, Gabriel Doran, Lucy Doran, Tomás Flanigan, Bridget Flanigan, Padraic Woods, Pearse Woods, Cassie Moane, Polly Moane, Ruairi Sheridan, Aoife Sheridan, Doireann Sheridan, Sarah Guerin, Emma Guerin, Michael Guerin, Lorcan McMullan, Molly McMullan, Peter Leggett, Paul Leggett, Conor Leggett, Matthew Leggett, James Mulligan, Eoin McCloskey, Rory McCloskey, Zoe Thompson, Jack Carlin, Anthony McManus, Emer Murtagh, Anna Doherty, Anthony Bergin, Roisin McAllister, Aaron Maguire, Donal O'Kane, Kate Hollywood, Rebecca Hollywood, Aideen McPeake.
Review 2003
BREDAGH HURLING ROLL of HONOUR
U-12 All County B Championship Winners
U-12 All County League Division Three Winners
U-14 All County B Championship Winners
U-14 Feile Shield Winners
and....
U-8 Ballycran Tournament - 3rd
U-12 A Championship Semi-finalists
U-12 Darragh Cross Tournament - Joint Winners
U-12 Kilclief Tournament - Joint Winners
The hurling successes in 2003 have been great and as you can see they've enjoyed themselves along the way, which is what it's really all about. This is the U-12s breaking out of a team picture at Kilclief in the championship.
A different perspective on the triumphant U-14 B Championship day at Downpatrick.
REPORT & PICTURES FROM BALLYCRAN SEMI-FINAL
All County A U-12 Championship Semi-final - Bredagh 1-2 Ballycran 3-4, Saturday October 11th at Cherryvale
Ben Horner goes into battle with the 'Cran...
Ruairi Johnston and Conor McCloskey close in...
Ruairi in a midfield clash...
Diddles with block number one...
Diddles with block number two...
Daniel Higgins sticks close...
We did well!
PICTURES COURTESY OF THE SOUTH BELFAST NEWS
THE STORY: The Ballycran managers admitted after this game that they honestly expected to win easily but what a fright they had! The boys from the Ards found themselves losing at half-time (1-1 to 0-2) and in a panic situation. That was a credit to the superb and determined play by the newest hurling team in County Down, and to their coaches. Last week, Bredagh were crowned Down U-12 B Champions and although their competitive season is over, a challenge has been lined up against Carryduff at U-13 level in a fortnight. This is not the end, only the beginning!
THE REPORT: Bredagh's U-12 Hurlers came close to pulling off a major upset after this enthralling contest. Whilst they lost the match by eight points, they won the hearts of the large home support and the respect and admiration of the Ballycran contingent. Ballycran have a proud hurling tradition and have mixed it with the best since their formation in 1939. Contrast this with Bredagh who are in their first year of competition. This should really have been a mismatch, but Bredagh had not read the script and after a first half of totally committed, uncompromising hurling the unthinkable became reality as the Belfast boys led by two points on a scoreline of 1-1 to 0-2. Ballycran were rocked. Their mentors were worried as they knew Bredagh had played the better hurling and their lead was fully justified. Conor McCloskey had expertly dispatched the goal to the corner of the net after a great cross from the left wing by Paddy Woods and the point came from the stick of the brilliant Ruairi Johnston who was the best player on view over the hour.
Ballycran started the second half in determined mood and were rewarded with a rather fortunate goal to take a one point lead. The gap increased to four when they scored another soon after, but Bredagh refused to throw in the towel. They simply upped their workrate and both sides served up some great exchanges of hurling which had the large crowd in full voice. The Ballycran defence was hard to penetrate; when young Emmett Dougan did find a way through his shot was saved. At the other end Ballycran scored a well-worked third goal and tagged on a couple of points. Bredagh battled to the end and got the last score of the game, a lovely point by Ben Horner from a tight angle. The 'cran now meet near neighbours Ballygalget in the final. As for Bredagh, they are already Champions having annexed the B Championship last week and on this showing they have gone a long way to bridging the gulf in class which has traditionally existed between the Ards teams and the rest of Down. For best players see the Team List as all sixteen who played were true stars.
TEAM & SCORERS: Ben McCaughey, Matthew Mullan, Emmett Costello, Pearse Leitch, Daniel Higgins, Donal McKegney, Michael Magee, Ben Horner 0-1, Ruairi Johnston 0-1, Conor McCloskey 1-0, Donal Hughes, Tim Durkan, Charlie McGrath, Paddy Woods (c) and Emmett Dougan. Sub Damhan Farmer for McGrath.
UNDER-10s
IRWIN IS BREDAGH’S HAT-TRICK HERO
Bredagh’s Under-10 hurlers beat Ballela at Dromore in their last match of the season in October a tightly-contested match that went right to the wire. They had to call upon all their courage and hurling skills to finish on a high note. Ballela were two goals in front before Bredagh woke up and realised they were in a competitive match. Goals from Niall Irwin and Sean McGuigan got the visitors back into the contest, though they still trailed at the break by three goals to two. It could have been worse but for some great defensive displays from Michael Guirov, Tomas Flanagan and Ruairi Sheridan, and excellent support from Deccie Magee, Jamie Durkan and Dario Angelone.
SECOND-HALF
Bredagh played fluent first-time ground hurling after the break and got their reward with three great goals. The first was a cracker - Niall Irwin's first-time pull flying into the net. The second came from a superb long-range free by Emmett Dougan and the third from the stick of Ciaran McColgan when he was put through by Vittorio Angelone. Bredagh seemed to be home and dry, but an injury to star midfielder Tim Durkan and a resurgence by Ballela saw the home team come within one goal in the last five minutes. It was a tense finish with birthday boy Jack Hollywood, Ronan McKegney and Michael Cassidy defending superbly, and forwards Michael Deery, Daniel Mulvenna and Aidan Donaghy combining well together for hat-trick hero and Man of the Match Niall Irwin grabbing his third goal to give Bredagh a two-goal cushion. It was an excellent second-half display enjoyed by a large crowd of Bredagh supporters and a fitting end to a very successful season for Bredagh’s young heroes.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jack Hollywood, Dario Angelone, Michael Guirov, Jamie Durkan, Ronan McKegney, Ruairi Sheridan, Tim Durkan, Niall Irwin 3-0, Vittorio Angelone, Michael Deery, Sean McGuigan 1-0, Declan Magee, Tomas Flanagan, Emmett Dougan 1-0, Daniel Mulvenna, Ciaran McColgan 1-0, Michael Cassidy, Ella Durkan.
REPORT ON FIRST GAME WITH BALLELA AT CHERRYVALE
Bredagh’s Young Heroes Continue Strong Run
Sunday, November 9th - Bredagh 6-2 Ballela 1-0
It may be mid-November but Bredagh’s Under-10 hurlers are still going strong. On Sunday, they won part one of a double challenge with fellow Co Down side Ballela at Cherryvale in a highly entertaining and competitive match. The Bredagh boys displayed magnificient ground hurling skills in the first-half to open up a 12-point lead, 4-0 to no score. All four goals came as a result of first-time hurling with Tim Durkan getting the first, followed by an Emmett Dougan bullet to the bottom corner. Star performer Conor Costello grabbed the two other goals from close range. In the second-half, the visitors came into the contest more though Bredagh got the first score against the run of play when Niall Irwin whipped first time to give the Ballela keeper no chance. This seemed to spur the green and golds into action as they quickly registered their first and only goal. They did create other opportunities but came up against a miserly Bredagh defence in which Ciaran McFarland was outstanding. Ciaran had able lieutenants in Dario Angelone, Tomas Flanagan, Ruairi Sheridan and Jamie Durkan who covered every blade of grass and played like an All Star throughout the game.
Bredagh finished with a flourish when a Lorcan McMullan ground stroke to the net was followed by another Niall Irwin goal, laid on by great combination play from Deccie Magee and Michael Deery. Daniel Mulvenna was unlucky to shave the wrong side of the post but the last and best score of the game came from an excellent long-range point from inside his own half by Tim Durkan.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jack Holywood, Dario Angelone, Patrick Nevin, Jamie Durkan, Edward Campion, Ciaran McFarland, Ruari Sheridan, Tim Durkan 1-1, Niall Irwin 2-0, Lorcan McMullan 0-1, Michael Deery, Conor Costello 2-0, Declan Magee, Tomas Flanagan, Emmett Dougan 1-0, Daniel Mulvenna, John Lenihan, Ella Durkan.
RETURN WITH BALLELA: Nov 16th, Ballela 4-0 Bredagh 6-0
Under-10 Challenge, Sunday October 26th - Bredagh 8-2 Carryduff 0-0
Niall Irwin gets away with the sliothar
Tim Durkan moves in to block, watched by Ciaran McFarland
Deccie Magee doesn't care how big they are
Lorcan McMullan pulls first time to oufox several Carryduff players
Deccie Magee goes for a point
The victorious Bredagh Under-10s. Back row, left to right: Lorcan McMullan, Declan Magee, Ruairi Sheridan, Joseph Shields, Ronan McKegney, Niall Irwin, Ciaran McFarland, Niall Fitzpatrick, Tim Durkan. Front row: Jack Hollywood, Jamie Durkan, Dario Angelone, Aiden Donaghy, Conor Costello, Daniel Mulvenna, Aaron Maguire, Niall Kelly.
MATCH REPORT: Bredagh gained sweet revenge for their one-point defeat at Carryduff six weeks ago, the memory of which was still playing on the minds of certain players, not least Lorcan McMullan. Bredagh were the superior side throughout the game and when they concentrated on first time ground hurling, Carryduff was unable to stay with them. Tim Durkan and Niall Irwin quickly took control of midfield and the first goal came from Conor Costello when he doubled first time on the sliothar to send it crashing into the bottom right corner of the net. Bredagh’s second score was arguably the best and it came from a Cushendall man - Aidan Donaghy. The wee man collected the ball 30 yards out and drove it over the bar. He added 1-1 in the second-half to finish as Bredagh’s top scorer and he was named Man of the Match - not bad for an Under-8! Lorcan McMullan finished off an excellent period of ground hurling with another goal, followed by two more from Declan Magee and Aaron Maguire.
Jack Holywood in goals made some brilliant saves and was ably supported by Joseph Shields, Jamie Durkan and Dario Angelone. In the half-backs, Ciaran McFarland, Ruairi Sheridan and Niall Fitzpatrick made some great long clearances, one of which resulted in a goal for Ronan McKegney. Niall Kelly and Daniel Mulvenna also went close, and Tomas Flanagan, Sean McGuigan, Emmett Dougan and Michael Guirov all played very well in the second-half.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jack Holywood, Dario Angelone, Joseph Shields, Jamie Durkin, Niall Fitzpatrick, Ciaran McFarland, Ruairi Sheridan, Tim Durkan 1-0, Niall Irwin 1-0, Lorcan McMullan 1-0, Aaron Maguire 1-0, Conor Costello 1-0, Niall Kelly, Sean McGuigan, Ronan McKegney 1-0, Declan Magee 1-0, Tomas Flanagan, Emmett Dougan, Daniel Mulvenna, Aiden Donaghy 1-2, Michael Guirov.
Under-13 Challenge, Sunday October 26th - Bredagh 16-5 Carryduff 1-1
Emmett Costello gets away from his marker
Sean Irwin goes in for the ball
Keep swinging! Peter Graham looks on
Donal McKegney keeps a close eye on Ross McFarland
Ruairi Johnston was up for this one...
The victorious Bredagh Under-13s. Back row, left to right: Aidan McKegney (Coach), Michael Guerin, Daniel Higgins, Cormac White, Pearse Leitch, Cormac Hughes, Paddy Woods, Donal Hughes, Emmett Costello, Donal McKegney, Matthew Mullan, Danny Hughes (Coach). Front Row: Declan O'Hara, Michael Magee, Ruairi Johnston, Conal Doherty, Sean Irwin, Peter Graham, Charlie McGrath, Sian Deignan.
MATCH REPORT: Bredagh and Carryduff are close geographically but there was nothing close about the scoreline in this challenge match. The home side were in tremendous form as they coasted to victory against their neighbours from up the road. This was an opportunity to assess next season's respective Under-14 squads, and on this showing Bredagh look well-placed to build on the successes of 2003. Carryduff too have some very useful young hurlers who will benefit from regular competition next season. From the outset Bredagh piled on the pressure and it was not long before the scores began to flow. There were some great individual feats of scoring with Emmett Costello leading the way on 4-1 and Cormac Hughes recording 3-2 from midfield. Full-forward Sean Irwin was on fire, cracking in 4-0 in the first-half before being replaced to save the beleaguered Carryduff defence further punishment. At half-time Bredagh were ahead 7-5 to 0-0 and the second half was more of the same. Carryduff never gave up battling and did manage to mount a number of attacking moves in the second period and were rewarded with a well-taken goal and point. Bredagh’s defence were in fine form, particularly the half-back line of Donal McKegney, Cormac White and Diddles Magee. Cormac Hughes and Ruairi Johnston were in complete control at midfield and up front Sean Irwin, Emmett Costello, Donal Hughes and Peter Graham were the main dangermen. A special mention goes to debut boys Declan O’Hara and Michael Guieran, who both acquitted themselves very well. Michael chipped in with a second-half goal.
TEAM & SCORERS: Matthew Mullan 1-0, Daniel Higgins, Paddy Woods, Pearse Leitch, Donal McKegney, Cormac White 1-0, Michael Magee, Cormac Hughes 3-2, Ruairi Johnston 1-0, Donal Hughes 0-1, Emmett Costello 4-1, Peter Graham 1-0, Declan O'Hara, Sean Irwin 4-0, Conall Doherty 0-1. Subs: Charlie McGrath, Michael Guieran 1-0 and Sian Diegan.
In his address to the Down Hurling AGM, County Chairman Brian McAvoy made these references to our club....
In recent years there has been significant strides taken by the Warrenpoint Club, for example, in the promotion of hurling at underage level and I am encouraged by the efforts being taken by primarily football clubs such as Bredagh, St. John’s, Carryduff, An Riocht and to a lesser extent Darragh Cross, to develop the game in their area. Next year these clubs, and longer established ones too, will have the opportunity to test their skills on a new plain when organised indoor hurling is introduced to the county for the first time. Under the expert guidance of people such as Danny Hughes, Lorenzo McMullan and Jerome Quinn the Bredagh Club have made tremendous progress over the past year and their success in the U-12 ‘B’ Championship, U-14 ‘B’ Championship and the Feile Na nGael ‘B’ competition was well merited. To assist in the progression of these clubs, an All County U-12 Hurling League is worthy of serious consideration by the incoming committee.
AWARDS FOR BREDAGH
Bredagh were nominated for an award at the prestigious Aisling Awards on Thursday, November 13th at the Europa Hotel. We didn't win, but the nomination in itself was of value in raising the profile of our club. Well done to the winners, from the Special Olympics team.
Earlier in 2003, Bredagh won a £750 Development Package cheque from the Irish News for being highly-recommended in the City Club section of the newspaper's inaugural club awards scheme. Hundreds of clubs entered, with many from Belfast, Armagh, Newry and Derry in competition with Bredagh, yet we were one of only two clubs honoured at the ceremony, Ardoyne Kickhams being the other one. As Paul Doran said: 'This is a remarkable achievement for a club without a base and is a tribute to the members at all levels who unselfishly give of their time'. Chairman Nicky McCafferty collected the cheque and praised all parts of the club, from the girls to the hurlers and from the underage boys to the senior men.
NOTE - NEW SOCKS: The new Bredagh hooped socks seen in the pictures above are now available in all sizes. Price only £4 from JQ or email jeromequinn@yahoo.com
BREDAGH FOOTBALL ROLL of HONOUR
U-10 East Down Blitz Winners
U-12 East Down A Championship Winners
U-12 East Down League Winners
and.....
U-10 Carryduff Tournament Runners-up
U-10 Banbridge Tournament Runners-up
U-12 All County Championship Runners-up
U-14 Feile Semi-finalists
U-15 Og Sport Shield Semi-finalists
UNDER-8s
More than forty Bredagh Under-8 footballers enjoyed a coach trip to Lurgan on Sunday October 19th to take on Clann Eireann in three games. It was another great day out for the boys, their coaches and parents, with some great football on show. In one outstanding example, a sweeping move from defence to attack ended with a brilliant score for Niall Kelly. The first-time, accurate passing from Niall Fitzpatrick, Lorcan Smilie, Lorcan McMullan and Declan Stewart showed how much this squad of players has improved during the year, while Jim McLaughlin's team won their game and Mickey Curran's 'wee ones' put in a great effort right to the final whistle, as you can see from the pictures.
Aidan Doherty checks out the 'A' team before their game
Ruairi Doyle admires some skilful play
Niall Kelly prepares to pick-up
Lorcan Smilie awaits the outcome
Markie Quinn on the ball
Queue up for crisps and drinks
Thanks to Carlo Angelone for all these great pictures.
'Calm down lads', says coach Jim McLaughlin
Coach Mickey Curran and Tiarnan Curran (Derry shirt) show concern for a big fella on the 'C' team
Ella Durkan (centre) was the best girls player on show
No way through for the Clanns
Markie Quinn takes a solo
Tiarnan Curran gets his hands on the ball
Line-up to shake hands
BREDAGH SQUAD: Nicholas McCafferty, Lorcan McMullan, Niall Kelly, Vittorio Angellone, Fionn Price, Ronan Quinn, Conall Doyle, Conor Costello, Daire McPeake, Conor Kelly, Conall Gormley, Daniel Mulvenna, Donal O'Kane, Eoin McCluskey, Padraig Woods, Liam Francis, Niall Fitzpatrick, Stephen Dougal, Patrick McLaughlin, Mark Quinn, Conor Francis, Ella Durkan, Tiarnan Curran, Declan Stewart, Donal McLaughlin, Tom Doherty, Ruairi Doyle, Brendan John Stewart, Peter McManus, Mark McLaughlin, Odhran Devlin, Michael Woods, Daire Cumiskey, Alessandro Angellone, Cillian Lenaghan, Caolan Schiable, Ruairi Cumiskey, Oisin Smilie, Lorcan Smilie, Dominic McConville, Mickey Curran's lads and someone else who didn't go home on the bus!
UNDER-10s
Goalkeeper Conor McManus (pictured above) was the outstanding player at the BANBRIDGE TOURNAMENT in September with some truly breathtaking saves, including one from a penalty. The boys can now claim to be the most successful U-10 team Bredagh has ever had as they have reached three Finals in 2003.
SUPER SATURDAY!
Downpatrick was the place to be on Saturday, September 6th, as Bredagh amazingly collected not one but two trophies in just a few hours...
First, at 3.00pm...
U-10 football captain Daniel Nolan received the East Down U-10 Blitz Shield after the team beat Castlewellan in the final...
.... and secondly, at 6.00pm...
U-14 hurling captain Eoin Costello received the Co Down B Championship Shield after the team beat Ballela in the final by 8-3 to 3-0.
CLICK HERE FOR U-10 PICTURES
CLICK HERE FOR U-14 PICTURES
GLORY YEAR FOR UNDER-12s
East Down League Final - Bredagh 4-2 Kilcoo 1-8 - Saturday, October 4th in Loughinisland
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MATCH REPORT: Hat-trick hero Conor McCloskey broke Kilcoo hearts once again and confirmed Bredagh's position as the top Under-12 football team in East Down for 2003. McCloskey scored two goals in the first-half and one in the second for his hat-trick. He also kicked two points and had a well-placed penalty superbly saved by the Kilcoo goalkeeper. But this was far from a one-man show. The entire team and subs had to dig deep against a Kilcoo side intent on revenge after losing to Bredagh in the Championship Final. They went on the attack from the throw-in and quickly built up a 1-2 to no score advantage. Bredagh's response was quick and effective. First, Emmett Costello's quick free found Danny Nolan who slipped the ball to the onrunning McCloskey. He raced through on goal and fired a shot which went in off the post. Secondly, midfielders Johnston and Hannity worked a one-two from a 45 and sent a high ball into the goal area. The Kilcoo defence allowed it to bounce and McCloskey was there again to whip a fierce volley to the net. Conor added a point from play but was denied another goal by a diving save from a penalty, which was awarded for a foul on the excellent Costello. It was level at the break, but Bredagh fell behind early in the second-half as the majority of refereeing decisions appeared to go for the opposition. Still, the boys kept plugging away and with two points between the sides and time running out, McCloskey cheekily went for goal from a free. The ball went over the Kilcoo defenders on the line and into the net. More dubious decisions presented Kilcoo with an easy free for the equalising point, but when the alert Ciaran Fitzpatrick collected the ball from a poor kick-out and sent a high kick over the head of the Kilcoo goalkeeper, it was all over. Bredagh players and their travelling support made themselves heard and why not - we were League Champions, 2003.
DECCIE AT THE DOUBLE!
Team captain Declan O'Hara lifted the cup and did his club proud once again with an eloquent and modest speech (see below). And so, Bredagh has won the double of League and Championship in a marvellous season. The League was won with fourteen straight wins, scoring 97 goals and 114 points along the way. From the first game in Downpatrick on April 6th to the Final on October 4th, no-one could stop the Bredagh boys. In the Championship, Bredagh overcame Castlewellan, Carryduff and Kilcoo in East Down before losing by just one point in the All County Final to Mayobridge. It's been a truly remarkable year for the players, coaches and supporters.
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DECCIE'S SPEECH!
'Thanks to Kilcoo for a great match. They've got nothing to be ashamed of, they were absolutely brilliant. I'd like to thank the team who helped us get here, I'd also like to thank the East Down Board for setting this up and Loughinisland for giving us their brilliant facility. I'd like to thank all the coaches who've got us here and who made us the team we are today. Thanks a lot and come on Bredagh!'
EAST DOWN SPEECH by James Magennis
'Bredagh through the whole season have been worthy champions in the championship and now in the League. I thought the skill out there from both teams was tremendous - a credit to their mentors and a credit to the lads themselves. The game was played in the true spirit without a cross word in the whole game'.
BREDAGH TEAM & SCORERS: Paddy Woods, Damien Moreland, Jamie Cleary, Donal McKegney, Pearse Leitch, Declan O'Hara, Michael Magee, Paddy Hannity, Ruairi Johnston, Donal Hughes, Marcus Young, Emmett Costello, Ciaran Fitzpatrick 1-0, Conor McCloskey 3-2, Danny Nolan. Subs: Charlie McGrath for Moreland, Rowan Blaney for McGrath, Niall Wright for Young, Young for Hannity. Subs not used: Michael Guerin, Ben Horner, Matthew Mullan, Ryan McElkerney, Damhan Farmer, Daniel Kelly, Emmett Loughry, Ben Walker, Ryan Magee.
All County U-12 Football Championship Final - Bredagh 3-3 Mayobridge 3-4 - Saturday, September 27th in An Riocht
MATCH REPORT: Defeat is hard to take, especially when you are so used to winning and when it is in an All County Final, but there was absolutely no disgrace for the Bredagh boys in losing to Mayobridge by just one point after a magnificent fightback. They gave it everything and proved once again that they are a special group of players, capable of mixing it with the very best in the entire county. And if they had any doubts about their achievement in getting this far, then surely the lengthy round of applause given to them from the big group of parents, coaches and supporters will have convinced them. It was an amazing and unique scene - 20-odd disconsolate players sitting on the ground in the middle of pitch before the presentation, surrounded by smiling faces and being applauded for at least a minute! Eventually the faces began to lift as the players realised just how proud everyone was of them, regardless of the result.
The County Board representative echoed the feelings of Bredagh fans by stating that 'this is an exceptional football team who could easily have won today. There was nothing in it, only the kick of a ball, and we were all impressed by the way they fought to the very end. Your people are obviously proud of you all, and rightly so'.
The Mayobridge captain conceded in his speech that Bredagh had given his team 'probably the hardest game of our whole season'.
The 'losing feeling'.
As for the game itself, Bredagh fell behind early on by 1-1 to no score. A fortunate Danny Nolan goal and another from Marcus Young after a great move involving Ciaran Fitzpatrick saw the East Down boys take the lead, though Mayobridge pointed twice to level at 1-3 to 2-0. A Conor McCloskey free was equalised by the 'Bridge to leave it level at the break. However the boys had not performed well in the half, with poor shooting and a lack of conviction in going for the ball, apart from our exceptional captain Declan O'Hara.
For the second-half, Bredagh brought on Pearse Leitch and moved Paddy Hannity to full-forward, but we conceded two quick goals. The first came after a mix-up saw the ball fall kindly to a Mayobridge forward and the second was a high ball that dropped in at the far post. The next fifteen minutes saw Bredagh pin Mayobridge into their own half but fail to score a single point. Niall Wright came in for some 'special' treatment and had to go off injured, while Danny Nolan had a close-range shot cleared off the line, but still the Bredagh team fought courageously and eventually got their reward when Ciaran Fitzpatrick fired a terrific shot to the roof of the net. There was still time for the game to be rescued and points from a Conor McCloskey free and Nolan again reduced the deficit to one point, but just when it looked like an equaliser was bound to come, the referee blew the final whistle.
TEAM & SCORERS: Paddy Woods, Damien Moreland, Jamie Cleary, Emmett Costello, Donal McKegney, Declan O'Hara, Michael Magee, Paddy Hannity & Ruairi Johnston, Donal Hughes, Conor McCloskey 0-2, Niall Wright, Danny Nolan 1-1, Ciaran Fitzpatrick 1-0, Marcus Young 1-0.
Subs: Pearse Leitch for Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick for Wright.
Squad members: Kaelan Devlin, Michael Guerin, Matthew Mullan, Ben Horner, Daniel O'Rourke, Tim Durkan, Ryan McElkerney, Ben Walker, Ryan Magee, Emmett Loughrey, Daniel Kelly, Niall Browne, Decky Magee.
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This is the U-12 team pictured here at the C'ship Semi-final win over Carryduff in Teconnaught.
CLICK HERE FOR THE U-12 EAST DOWN C'SHIP FINAL WIN
The first ever Bredagh U-21 side in three games at the end of 2003:
GAME ONE - Castlewellan 4-18 Bredagh 1-2
Bredagh made their debut at Under-21 level with an away game at Annsboro against a strong Castlewellan team in the newly-formed East Down League. Eddie Burns gave a good performance in goals and new boys Paul Bradley and Oliver McWilliams did well in the full-back line. Left-half-back Conal O'Neill was Bredagh’s best player, while Conor Carson never gave up at midfield. The forwards just couldn’t get into the game with the Castlewellan defence constantly providing stern resistance.
TEAM & SCORERS: Eddie Burns, Paul Bradley, Aaron Quinn, Oliver McWilliams, Brian Willigan, Rory McCaughey, Conal O’Neill, Mark Robins, Conor Carson, Shane Matthews, James Johnston 0-1, Eamon Vize, Ronan McCann, Paul McGlade 1-1, Michael Lee. Subs: Conor McDaid, Chris McAnanay and Ryan Smith.
THANKS to everyone who helped with transport - Nicky McCafferty, Kevin McCarney, Ciaran O'Keefe, Gerry Lee, Oliver McWilliams and Ciaran O'Keeffe.
GAME TWO - Bredagh 0-2 Liatroim/St Johns 9-13
GAME THREE - Bredagh 0-2 Kilcoo 4-9
Sunday November 30th - The curtain finally came down on a momentous season for our youth teams when the Under-21s put up a good show in the first-half against a very strong Kilcoo side at Cherryvale.
This is Pat Matthews' report: We had ten of the coming year’s minor team lining out for this tough encounter. Last week, there was 12 of next year’s minors. At half time Kilcoo led by 1-6 to 0-2 with their goal coming from a penalty. In the first seconds of the second-half they scored from a doubtful penalty award. Their last goal came from the last kick of the ball. Men of the match were Paul Alexander, Johnnie Cleary, Kevin Muldoon, Conal O'Neill and Eddie Burns, though it would be unfair not to praise all the players as they played their hearts out and refused to lie down.
TEAM & SCORER: Eddie Burns, Conor Sharvin, Oliver McMullan, Paul McGlade, Paul Bradley, Kevin Muldoon, Conal O'Neill, Conor Carson, Paul Alexander, Kieran Conlon, Johnnie Cleary 0-2, Ronan McCann, Ryan Smith, Conor Rafferty, Chris Donnelly. Sub: Terence Brown for Alexander (injured).
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