Dalsey Mooney was one of Clonduff’s finest young players and actually captained Down Minors to their first ever All Ireland Final appearance in 1966. He was a great exponent of the ‘Sevens’ which were extremely popular in the County at the time – he was the scorer-in-chief when Clonduff collected the Senior Sevens title in 1967. A career changing injury cut short Dalsey’s Senior playing days but he became one of the most valuable volunteers in Clonduff Club – juvenile coach, Lotto, Social Club including ‘Head Chef’, carnival, field, Executive – to mention just a few but in truth there was no job beyond Dalsey’s capabilities or his call until his untimely death in August 2015. He was inducted into Clonduff’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2014.
Dalsey’s family and Club wished to preserve his name in Clonduff Club life and an annual Sevens Tournament for u13s was created, with all abilities catered for by inaugurating a Cup, Shield and Plaque competition.
This took place on Sunday 1st October 2023 and what a success it turned out to be! Over 20 teams from across Down, and even one team from Scotland converged on Clonduff Park on the Sunday morning to showcase their skills in the small-sided game!
Many thanks to Damian Fearon who organised and coordinated the event; the club referees and past and present players who took charge of the seven pitches across the club’s three fields; the young Clonduff players who acted as umpires and ‘runners’; the parents who supplied the food and looked after the refreshments; the Cairns Family and helpers in the club shop; Cathy & Dermot Fitzpatrick and helpers on the Burger Bar, and of course to the Mooney Family themselves – Dalsey’s wife Eileen, his daughter Elaine and grandchildren Ryan, Thomas and Aimee attended and presided over the prizegiving with grandson Ryan speaking on behalf of the family.
Club chair, Ross Carr spoke of Dalsey’s enormous contribution to Clonduff, and thanked those clubs who attended and everyone who helped in any way.
A special word of thanks to the volunteers who remained after the event to clean up and get the pitch ready for the next activities.
In the end, the three finals were played simultaneously on the three pitches on the main field and the results were as follows:
Plaque – Clonduff Ógs defeated Coatbridge (Scotland)
Shield – Mayobridge defeated Liatriom
Cup – Clonduff Gaels defeated Cumann Peadar Naofa Warrenpoint
It was a resounding success, and we look forward to hosting the Dalsey Mooney u13 boys Tournament alongside the Mark Mooney u13 LGFA Tournament in 2024 – Well done to all involved!
