This was a day that will live long in the memories of Clonduff Gaels. The day dawned bright and sunny in the midst of wet and windy weather and shone on the whole proceedings all day!
The special Mass was celebrated by Club President Dean Anthony Davies who retires from duties at the end of the month on the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination. St John the Baptist’s Church Ballygorian was packed for the occasion with many more Clonduff Gaels resplendent in club dress outside. For the Mass, Clonduff native Gerry Curran had written a special reflection for inclusion in the Mass. The parade of hundreds of players, officers and members, with each of the Parish townlands identified, got under way with the Clonduff Banner followed by the Tommy Kelly/Peter Hamill ‘Clonduffmobile’ with dignitaries and local musicians on board, and this was followed by the colourful McConville/Mini Mac float. On arriving at the Clonduff Club all those present formed a ‘125’ on the pitch. Dean Davies said a Blessing and Christina McConville sang Amhrán na bhFiann. This was not only included in the Club video but also in the BBC film to be shown on Tuesday evening Sport at the end of the 6 30 news. A time capsule including club memorabilia, a jersey, and submissions for both St Paul’s and St Patrick’s Primary Schools was buried to be raised at the 150th Anniversary of the GAA and a native Irish Rowan Tree was planted. The activity on the two pitches show-cased all the Gaelic field sports – football for men and women, Hurling and Camogie with the individual skills of each game demonstrated. The whole day was a highlight but the Rounders match between the ‘Inner City’ and the ‘Country Cousins’ drew a very interested crowd. The one-wall handball drew another large crowd of participants as well as spectators. There was Cic Fada, Poc Fada, Hurling and Football Skills and Penalty Kick competitions for various age groups and for both sexes. And to fulfil the ‘Athletics’ element of the GAA there were races for mothers and fathers (separate, of course). Just before the finale of the outdoor activities the 2009 Down County Set Dancing Champions (Clonduff) showed us all just why they are County Champions. The finale was a mixed Hurling/Camogie game refereed by Gerry Coughlin and this was followed by a mixed men’s/women’s football match. The only prizes on the day was bragging rights!
Throughout the day a wonderful array of club memorabilia was exhibited in the clubrooms and the Club Officers and President cut the specially commissioned commemorative cake.
The evening proceedings got underway with a Céili, called by Joe Farrell interspersed with Scór participants – musicians, dancers, reciters, singers and the Clonduff Novelty Act which won the County title in 2009. It was long (12 hours) but memorable Lá na gClub!
