Club Officers (l to r) Anita Brannigan, Dean A Davies, Brendan Murray, Marie Walls cut the Celebration Cake
Sunday 4th November 2012, 125 years almost to the day after Clonduff GAA played their first game of Football in Ballyroney on 5th November 1887 (report in Banbridge Chronicle) dawned bright and clear.
The Celebratory Day began with a Special Mass in St John’s Church Ballymaghery celebrated by out Club President Dean Anthony Davies. A large crowd attended the mass in which many members took an active part.
Following the Mass there was a parade from the Church to the INF Hall where a Champagne/Mulled Wine Reception awaited. 400 guests arrived for the sumptuous seven-course banquet which commenced at 3pm (and concluded around 11pm – well the formalities did).
The courses were interspersed with the Club Awards and fabulous home-grown entertainment. The event on the day was co-hosted by Fintan Mussen and Francis Quinn and was streamed across the world where upwards on 2,000 ex-pats joined in the celebrations. There were live interviews with some of those ex-pats! What a day!
Handball Award to Sen McNally by Co Chairman Seamus Walsh
The Chairman’s Nephew and Niece, siblings Shane and Deborah Murray were recipients of awards
Some of the Guests on the day – the inspirational Joe McDonagh former President of the GAA, County Chairperson Seamus Walsh and Club President Dean Anthony Davies.
Other invited guests included Mr and Mrs Paraíc Duffy (Director General Croke Park), Mr and Mrs Aogán Ó Fearghaill (President Ulster Council), Paddy McFlynn (Iar-Uacharan, CLG and Down President), Sean Óg McAteer (Secretary Down Co Board), Deirdre McGrath and Francie (Chairperson Down Camogie), Paul Kelly Chairperson Down Ladies Football), Mr and Mrs Michael McArdle (Chairperson South Down Board), Sean McNally (Chairperson Down Handball), Lord Mayor John and Mrs McArdle (Newry and Mourne District Council), O’Hagan Family and Guests Claregalway, Fr Jarlath Cushenan (Clonduff PP), Fr Feidlimidh Magennis, Fr P J Murray, Canon Francis Brown, Canon Frank Kearney, Msgr Patsy McAleenan (unfortunately unable to attend through illness – we wish him well), Kathleen Cousins and Jimmie (Principal St Patrick’s PS), Vincent Devlin and Maura (Principal St Paul’s PS), Gerard Devlin and Gabrielle (Chief Ranger John O’Neill INF Hilltown)
(Hundreds of photos and comments on our Facebook Page – clonduffgac)
Club Person of the Year Anita Brannigan (Secretary) receives her award from Gerard McShane
Joint Hall of Fame inductees Fintan Mussen (l) and Jerry Quinn (r) are presented with their award by Bronagh Brannigan
Clonduff GAA Club’s Individual Award Winners 2012 – the 125 Year!
The Annual Awards were presented during the 125 Banquet on Sunday 4th November 2012:
Senior Footballer of the Year – Peter McGinn & Sons Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Paul Lively
Seconds Player of the Year – Bradley Family Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Connor Grant
Thirds Player of the Year – Horseshoe Bar Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Declan Gribben
Minor Footballer of the Year – Brown Bros Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Connor Brown
Senior Hurler of the Year – James Matthews Trophy presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Shane Murray
Minor Hurler of the Year – presented by Aogán Ó Feargaill – recipient Rián Branagan
Senior Ladies Footballer of the Year – INF Trophy presented by Seamus Walsh – recipient Jackie Gilmore
Senior Camogie Player of the Year – presented by Seamus Walsh – recipient Debra Murray
Junior Camogie Player of the Year – presented by Seamus Walsh – recipient Nicola O’Hagan
Special Presentation to Sara Louise Carr in recognition of her Camogie All Star Award
Club Person of the Year – Hugh McShane Trophy presented by Gerard McShane – recipient Anita Brannigan
Hall of Fame – P J McAlinden Trophy presented by Bronagh McAlinden – recipient Fintan Mussen and Jerry Quinn (jointly)
