This year marked 20 years since the untimely passing of Longstone GAC and Down GAA Legend Ambrose Rogers. A proud ‘Stone’ man with such a memorable Gaelic Football career that saw him become a household name in Down throughout the 1980s and win an All-Ireland medal in 1991.
Clonduff GAC were once again delighted to be one of 12 clubs invited to this year’s Memorial Tournament.
Clonduff played their group games in Ballymartin against Ballymartin, Eglish (Tyrone) and Limivady winning all three games to see them through to the semi-finals. They made the short journey to Longstone where they met another group winner and Sevens Specialists Kilmacud of Dublin – it was a tough physical game but Clonduff emerged three-point winners to set up a final with the host club Longstone who had defeated neighbours Ballymartin (best runner up in the three groups) in the other semi-final.
Longstone got off to a quick but in a frantic half the teams went in level at half time! They couldn’t be separated by full time either so extra time was required. The very warm conditions were beginning to take its toll on the players but Clonduff, through their ability to convert some fine long-range points ran out winners 1-15 to 1-11.
This was a superb performance from today’s Clonduff team and a valuable experience for a lot of the younger players. Well done to the players and the management.
The Memorial Trophy was presented to Paul Lively and Finbarr McConville by Ambrose Rogers (Jnr).
After the presentation ceremony Ambrose made an emotional speech on behalf of his family and Longstone GAC thanking all the teams for their participation in today’s tournament and to everyone in Longstone and further afield who helped in any way to make this weekend such a special one in memory of his late father.
Everyone at Clonduff GAC would sincerely like to thank Longstone GAC and the The Ambrose Rogers Memorial Tournament committee for the tournament invitation and hosting. This was an exceptionally well organised and enjoyable day.
Clonduff Team (managed on the day by Jamie Fegan [R] and Anthony Morgan [L]): (Back row) Ross Carr, John Boden, Ruairi Lively, Paul Lively, Conal Brown, Arthur McConville, (Front row) Aidan Carr, Darren O’Hagan, Aaron Devlin, and Finbarr McConville
