The Gaa In The Glens Of Antrim

The History of Gaelic Games
in the
Glens of Antrim

Origins of Hurling
5th century B.C. – representation of a “stick and ball” game Athens
Trinity College Library, Dublin – manuscript describes a contest in Cong, Mayo in 1272 B.C. between The Firbolgs and Tuatha de Danann
Brehon Laws (B.C.) – catered for those injured in hurling matches
Cuchullain – folklore story with a hurl of bronze and a ball of silver
1366 – Statutes of Kilkenny banned the wearing of Irish Dress and the use of the Brehon Laws
1527 -,Galway Statutes banned the “horling of the litill ball with hockie sticks or staves
Wild Geese – post siege of Limerick, demonstrated hurling in the continent as it was played in Erin go Bragh

Earliest Representation of a Stick & Ball Game
Athens Archaeological Museum
Found Athens 1922, dates from 5th Century B.C

Stick & Ball Game
Medieval Denmark 1333

15th Century Grave Slab
Clonca Church Ruin, Malin Head
inscription reads – made by Fearghas MacAllain
To the memory of Manas MacMhoireasdain of Iona

Shinney (Camanachd)
Also referred to as Shinty, Shinny and hurling
Mull of Kintyre & Antrim Coast use the term Shinney
Scots believe it was brought from N.E Ireland 1500 years ago
Winter game especially at Christmas and the New Year
Aird a Chumhaing – refers to hurling / camanachd as a Winter Christmas recreation

Local References
Shaw Mason Parochial Survey 1817 – “ a great concourse of people assemble on the strand at Whitepark to play cammon or shinney
Ordnance Survey Memoirs 1830 – record caman being played at Ballymoney, Carrickfergus and Loughgiel.
Lord Cushendun’s memoirs (unpublished) writes that his grandfather Edmund Alexander McNeill (1785-1879) was best boxer and hurler in the Glens
1882 Government Official investigating the “Distress in Co. Antrim” reported that in Ballyeamon he found that shinney was still being played where the reputation of the whole parish was at stake

The GAA Nationally
Founded 01.11.1884 in Miss Hayes Commercial Hotel, Thurles
Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin, John McKay, John Wyse Power, John K. Bracken, P.J. O’Ryan, Thomas St George McCarthy
Previous Attempts (8) all failed to produce a National Athletics Organisation
Included organisations like Dublin Amateur Athletics Club 1867, A.A.A. of Ireland 1881 – Cusack involved in 6 of these
1881 Cusack actually advocated cricket as Ireland's national sport
Patrons secured – Archbishop Thomas W. Croke, Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Davitt
2nd Meeting in Victoria Hotel Cork, January 1885 effectively taken over by the Irish Parliamentary Party
3rd Meeting before the GAA marked it’s cards with the I.P.P. And I.R.B.

Miss Hayes Commercial Hotel, Thurles 1884
Maurice Davin and Michael Cusack

Market Day, Thurles 1894

GAA in the Glens of Antrim
Glenarm Shauns was first team to be formed in 1903
1904 first Feis na Gleann
Cushendun defeated Glenarm in the semi-final
Carey defeated Glenariffe in the other semi-final
Some reports that Glenarm played Carey in final have since been corrected
Irish Weekly August 1904 reported that “...Cushendun lost in the final of the Shield of Heroes
Corroborated by Dan McCarry in interview for The Emmet Review
Feis provided the impetus for the whole Gaelic Movement

Francis Joseph Biggar 1863 -1926
Founder of Feis na Gleann
7th son of a 71th son, b. Mallusk Co Antrim, educated R.BA.I., Solicitor, Freemason, Gael

Miss Ada McNeill 1860 - 1959
Secretary to the first Feis Committee 1904
b. England, 1st cousin Lord Cushendun, member of Gaelic League and enthusiastic revivalist

Feis na nGleann
Founded by Francis Joseph Biggar a Protestant gentleman from Belfast 1904
Committee : President Miss Barbara McDonnell, Cushendall
Secretary Miss Ada McNeill, Cushendun
Treasurer Joseph Duffy, Cushendall
Committee Representatives from each of the Glens
Denis Black, Glendun
William McLaughlin, Glendun
1905 – committee elected under presidency of Fr Magill Culfeightrin
Tournament organised in Glenarm
Participants Glenariffe Oisins, Feystown Eoin Roe’s
Mullaghsandal Shamrocks, Glenarm Shane O’Neill’s
Glenarm were winners of the Athy Cup

Roger Casement 1864 - 1916
Umpire at Feis na nGleann 1904 (referee was Dan Dempsey)

Roger Casement’s Boat, Fainne Gael an Lae
Feis na nGleann 1904 – Casement led a party of Irish Speakers from Rathlin

Preparing for the first Feis 1904
Includes: Roger Casement, Margaret Dobbs, Ada Mcneill, Annie McGavock, Rose Young, John (Benmore) Clarke
Francis J. Biggar, Padraic McCormaic, Harry Scally, Andy Dooey, Joseph Duffy, Denis Maginnis, Stephen Clarke
Rev, Tom Toal, Rev McGrattan

Feis na Gleann Parade, Red Bay, Glenariffe

Main Street, Waterfoot

Feis na Gleann 1904
Holden’s Hall, Glenariffe

Cassie McNeill, Glenarm
Feis na nGleann 1904

Boy Dancer
Feis na nGleann

Practising in Neil John O’Boyle’s Field
Early 20th Century

Preparing for Match, Glenariffe 1904

Tussle at Feis, Glenariffe 1904

Parading Through Red Arch, Feis na nGleann

Beginning of Hurling Match
Neil John O’Boyle’s Field, Glenariffe 1906

Prior to Parade
Outside Legge House,
Cushendall 1906

Outside former Coast Guard Station, Cushendun – Currently Maud Cottages 1906
Preparing for Parade to Cushendall Feis
Inscription read Gan Teagan,Gan Tir – Without A Language, Without A Country

Match Parade at Feis, Cushendall 1906

Feis na nGleann, Cushendall 1906
Senior Hurling Match (now 4th Fairway of Golf Course)

Feis na Gleann, 1906, Cushendall
Note temporary bridge to what is now the 4th fairway on Golf Course

Feis na Gleann 1906
Shore Street, Cushendall

Feis na nGleann Cushendall, 1906
Minor Hurling Match

O’Neill War Pipers, Armagh
Feis na nGleann

Feis na nGleann – Pipes and Drums

Feis na Gleann Committee 1932
Altmore street Glenarm
L-R: Johnny (Benmore) Clarke, Rev, L. Kirkwood, Miss Madge Logue, Rev. Diamond, Hugh Flatley,
Annie McAllister (Waterfoot)Rev. Clenaghan, Maggie O’Boyle (Glenarm), Archie McKinley (Carnlough)

Formation of North Antrim GAA Divisional Board
Antrim County Convention 1906 resolution passed to form N. A. Committee
Inaugural Meeting Cushendall 01.04.1906
In attendance Mr George Martin, Ulster Council secretary
Mr B. O’Brien, Antrim County Board secretary
Mr George Martin, Belfast and Presiding officer
Committee Elected President Fr Patrick Magill, PP Culfeightrin
Chairman Mr Patrick Moore, Carey
Secretary Mr J.J. Dodd, Glenarm
Treasurer Mr Dominic Quinn, Cushendun
Committee Mr Moore
Mr Quinn
Mr Magill
Mr McAllister
Mr McAleese

Irish News Thursday April 5th 1905 – “Organising North Antrim”

North Antrim 1906
Inaugural Meeting Cushendall School Sunday 15th April 1906
Affiliated Teams Carey (Fag a’Ballach)
Mullaghsandal (Shamrocks)
Cushendun (Brian Boru)
Glenarm (Shane O’Neill)
Loughgiel (Tir na nOg)
Feystown (Eoin Roe O’Neill’s)
Carnagear (Sarsfield’s)
Meeting 2 Cushendall 2nd June 1906
Additional Teams Glenariffe (Oisins)
Cushendall (Ruairi Og)
North Antrim Championship Final 1906
Carey 5-7 Mullaghsandal 1-2
Feis Cushendall 27th June 1906
North Antrim 7 South Antrim (Tir na nOg) 24

North Antrim Team 1906
Arthur Harvey, Jimmy (Barney) McAuley, John McDade, James B. Delargy (Glenariffe)
Tom Hernon, Archie McKay, A. McNeill (Cushendun)
J. McKeegan, A. McAlister (Cushendall)
H. McCollam, H. McKay, J.McAleese, H. McKee (Loughgiel)
H. McAllister, J Magill, D. McAllister, (Mullaghsandal)
Robinson, J O’Hara (Glenarm
C. Magill, W. Bell (Feystown) also Mulvenna and J.McAllister - subs

North Antrim Hurling Select 1906

North Antrim 1907
McQuillan's , Ballycastle entered into competitions
N. A. Final Cushendun 3.07 Carey 2.06 (Cushendall)
County Final Crowley’s 32 Cushendun 9 (Belfast)
North Antrim 1908
N.A. Final Cushendun defeated Glenarm by a point (Cushendall)
County Final Seaghan an Diomais 2.11 Cushendun 1.01 (Glenarm)
Cushendall won Coulter Cup presented to Captain later Fr George McKillop
North Antrim 1909
Cushendun withdrew some players going to Ballycastle.
Loughgiel Dalriadians joined League competition

North Antrim 1909
Cushendun withdrew with some players going to Ballycastle.
Loughgiel Dalriadians joined League competition for trophy presented by Fr Eardley P.P. Culfeightrin
N.A Final Carey defeated Loughgiel Tir na nOg, lost County Final to Brian Og of Belfast 3-08 to 1-09
North Antrim 1910
N.A. Final Ballycastle 7.05 Glenarm 2.04 (Loughgiel)
County Final Seaghans 6.02 Ballycastle 2.06 (Glenarm)
Goals reverted to current Format – Points post abolished
North Antrim 1911
Dunloy Cuchullain's join competition and win N.A. Title but defeated in County Final by Mitchel’s

North Antrim 1912
Economic Strife and widespread emigration
Participating teams: Ballycastle McQuillan’s, Carey, Loughgiel Shamrocks, Rasharkin St Olcan’s , Armoy Lamh Dhearg, Ballycastle Og
Cushendun and Cushendall were gone and Loughgiel Shamrocks were also gone before the end of the year but returned in 1916
Ballycastle won N.A. Championship after Carey failed to field
Mitchel’s retained County title
North Antrim 1913 – 15
Teams reduced from 17–a-side to 15-a-side ( prior to 1892 it was 21-a-side)
Ballycastle win N.A and County title beating Seaghan’s by a point and retained the title in 1914
Ballycastle N.A. Champions but lost to Seaghan’s

News paper Cutting
19 July 1912

North Antrim 1916 - 17
Carey, Cushendun, Loughgiel, Glenariffe re-entered
N.A. Final Carey beat Loughgiel 2.00 to 1.01 and go on to win 2nd County title
Carey lose County final to Stephen’s 4.02 to 4.01
North Antrim1918 - 1925
Little Activity for next 8 years including Feis
1922 just 4 N.A teams registered – Loughgiel, Ballycastle, Glenarm, Dunloy
Loughgiel win County Championships in 1920, 1924 and 1925
Mullaghsandal win N.A title in 1921 after Loughgiel failed to field
Torr Emmet’s appear briefly in early 20s
1924 N.A. Championship not played until 1925

North Antrim 1926
Committee reconstituted
League reorganised with Ballycastle A and B, Carey, Cushendun, Loughgiel, Glenariffe, Dunloy, Glenarm and Glenann
Glenann organised by Dan McAllister and Hugh McSparran but disputes with other clubs caused divided loyalties and the team only lasted a year.
In Glenann, Ballyeamon and round about,
A team of hurlers was rigged out,
It caused a boom in the hurling trade,
A whole new set of sticks was made.
There was Paddy Randy and Dan’s Dan,
Hughie Billy from sweet Glenann,
John Lynn from Tromra Brae,
And Charlie Tin Boots, from far away.
Loughgiel win N.A. Final after Ballycastle failed to field over dispute about venue. They go on to defeat Randalstown in the final but objection lodged by Randalstown over illegal (Carey) players precipitates replay. Loughgiel failed to field for replay.

Hugh McSparran, Lubane, Glenann(butcher, miller)
Organiser of Glenann Hurling Team circa 1926

North Antrim 1927
Cushendun “Gaels” get services of 5 Loughgiel players after internal dispute
Gerard, Jim and Frank Connolly and J.P. McAllister and J. McAleese
Cushendall re-enter led by Alex (Waxy) Butler from Ballycastle
Loughgiel defeat Carey in N.A. Final but lose to O’Connell’s in County Final
North Antrim 1928
Feis na nGleann revived and held in Cushendall
Traditional North Antrim v South Antrim abandoned as ball was lost but South awarded Sean an Diomais Cup as they were leading 9-5
N.A Championship (played on a league basis), Glenarm winning but lose County final to O’Connell’s at Corrigan Park 5.06 to 3.03
Football league played during the Winter in North Antrim for first time

North Antrim 1929
Loughgiel win N.A, and defeat O’Connell’s in County final
7-a-side Competitions played in Ballycastle and Cushendall
Cushendun participate as the Emmet’s and win N.A. League
First Minor championship won by Roddy McCorley’s, Ballycastle
North Antrim 1930
Dunloy defeat Loughgiel in N.A final but lose to O’Connell’s in County Final
Dunloy make it a double by winning N.A. League final defeating Cushendun

North Antrim - Teams No Longer In Existence
Carnagear Sarsfields ( circa 1903)
Always struggled to keep a team together. Initially they had no home pitch
Players included John, Charlie, Sammy, Frank and Alex McAllister, Bob, Pat and John Scullion, John Semple, Pat and Dan O’Boyle (Slemish)
Dissipated after 2 season due to emigration
Braid Celtic - Ballyfore (circa 1907)
Joined North Antrim League 1907
Players included Paddy Gribben, John, James and Charlie Rowan, Hughie, James, John and Barney Dobbin
There was a very gallant team,
Their names I’ll tell to you
There was Big Johnny, James and Charlie
Patrick, George and Hugh
Paddy Gribben, Barney McKeown
And the man who made the ball
And the place they went to practise first,
Was in the McKeownstown Fall

North Antrim - Teams No Longer in Existence
Mullaghsandal Shamrocks (circa 1904)
Formed and captained by ‘the fleet-footed Jimmy Magill’
Lost North Antrim League Final to Carey in 1906
Played in 2 different fields at Pat McAllister’s farm Loughdoo and Billy McAllister’s at Ligg
Feystown Owen Roes (circa 1905)
Players included Mulvenna brothers from Claudy, Feeney brothers from Aughboy and Bell brothers from Cairncastle
Wore green jerseys with a harp on front and known as Feystown harps
McCracken’s Glenbush (1944) – won N.A Junior Championship
Glenshesk (1943)
Cloughmills (1944)
Ballintoy(1944)

The GAA in Carnlough
Carnlough Harps
Formed 1906-07 – had 2 players in N.A. Team 1907 (Gibbons & McMullan)
1922 William Martin presented ‘Martin Cup’ to N.A. Committee
J. Martin elected secretary North Antrim Board 1924
1932 - Michael Collins Carnlough (formed by Rev J. Clenaghan, Archie McKinley, Carey)
Played football from 1935 – mid ‘40s; no record of hurling in the ‘40s or thereafter
Sports Park secured at Stoneyhill
Antrim County Convention held in Carnlough 1934
Archie McKinley elected North Antrim Chairman 1943
1948 – Jackie Darragh, P. O’Kane and Liam Forde played for N.A. Against S.W. Antrim
1950 – Austin McKinley (son of Archie) played with Antrim footballers 1950s
From mid 50s to mid 60s no mention of Carnlough in leagues
1966 – Carnlough GAC
rejoined leagues withdrawing in 1974 (lost Junior Football final)
c1967 - Defeated Dunloy by a point in Championship
Players included – Tony Hoey, Frank Ward, Sean O’Neill, Ritchie Hamill, Willie Cassidy
Club built in late Sixties on Ballymena line but bombed c1972

North Antrim – Teams No Longer in Existence
St Ciaran’s Ballyeamon (1944)
Players came from Ballyeamon apart from 4 Kinney brothers from Layde
Lasted not much more than a year
Involved in a famous fracas involving Patsy Kinney and Gus McKay (C’Dun)
The Ballyeamon Jersey ‘Myth’
Ballyeamon did wear jerseys with green and black hoops
Cushendall’s colours were described in a referee’s report as “motley”
Cushendun wore red jerseys with a green hoop originally
Cushendun acquired jerseys from an Armoy team and Mrs A. McSparran dyed them green and black
Gradually though, some of the Ballyeamon jerseys were “acquired” after they went out of existence.
Some jerseys bought by Fr John McSparran at Athletic Stores in Belfast who stocked a North Down rugby team’s jerseys.
No jerseys stolen and the “stealing” of the colours was done by Ballyeamon

St Ciaran’s Ballyeamon
Back Row L-R: Charlie Delargy (Altmore), Jamie O’Rawe (Tully House), Pat McNaughton (Cairns),
Danny McKillop (Glenburn), Arthur Delargy (Altmore)
Front Row L-R: Hal Harvey Glenariffe, John McKeegan (Tully), David McIlwaine (Tully), Hugh McKeegan (Tully)
Richard McCurry (Tavnagharry), Kevin McCollam (Glenariffe)
Seated L-R: Charlie Hamill (Cushendall), Henry O’Rawe (Tully House)

Shane O’Neill’s, Glenarm
Founded - 1903
Founders – John ‘Benmore’ Clarke, Francis Joseph Biggar,
James McRann
Ground – Feystown
1928 - North Antrim Senior Championship
1933 – North Antrim Senior Championship
1945 – County Minor Hurling Championship
1957 – County Junior Championship
1975 – North Antrim Junior Football Championship
1976 – Intermediate Hurling Championship

John ‘Benmore’ Clarke 1868 -1934
Founding father of Shane O’Neill’s

Carey Faugh’s
Founded - 1903
Founders - Denis Maguire, Patrick Moore assisted by Fr Eardly
Ground - St Patrick’s Park, Ballyvoy
1904 - Winners of “Shield of the Heroes” at Feis na nGleann
1906 – first North Antrim team to win the County championship defeating Crowley's
1916 – 2nd County Championship defeating Belfast Harps in the final
1923 – 3rd and last County Championship defeating O’Connell’s in the final
1954 – Senior Feis Cup

Shield of the Heroes - 1904

Carey Faughs 1906

Carey Faugh’s 1906
Back Row L-R: Alex McBride, John McBride, Alex McKinley, Dan McCarry, John McDonnell, Dan Lamont, John Lynn
Middle Row L-R: James McAllister, Hugh McCormick, paddy Butler, James McCarry, Paddy Lynn, Dan Gillan, Neil McNaughton
Front Row L-R: Pat McCarry, Frank Black, Pat Moore

Antrim Senior Hurling Champions 1924, Carey Faughs

Senior Feis Cup Winners 1954, Carey Faughs

Robert Emmet’s, Cushendun
Founded – 1904 also known as Brian Boru’s, Gaels
Founders – Dominic Quinn, Denis Black, Willie McLaughlin
Ground – Lig an Airgid
1907/08 – North Antrim Championship
1931 – Antrim Senior Championship
1963 - North Antrim Junior Championship
1973 – Antrim Intermediate Championship
1989 – Antrim Minor Championship (St Pat’s)

Cushendun Hurlers circa 1904

Training at McBride’s Field Cushendun 1904

Cushendun Emmet’s circa 1928 – after training
Yard at The Strand House, Cushendun
Back L-R: Dan McAfee, Jimmy (Scotland) McMullan, unknown..
Middle L-R: Archie McSparran, Charlie Leavey, unknown, Hugh McGavock
Front L-R: Harry Scally, Jim McKendry, Dan McCormick, Jim (Bach) McMullan, Alex McKay

Cushendun Emmet’s 1928
Back L-R: Jim McKendry, Harry Scally, John (Packer) McLaughlin, Johnny McKiernan, Archie McSparran, Denis McKeegan, Hugh McGavock
Front L-R:Alex Delargy, Dan McCormick, Archie (The Guy) McNaughton, Denis Black (mentor) Alex McKay, Pat McLarnon, Alex O’Hara, Neil Delargy

Cushendun Emmet’s c1929

Cushendun Emmet’s 1930
Back L-R:Hugh McGavock, Alex McKay, Denis McKeegan, Neil Delargy Johnny (Baker) McNeill, Archie McNaughton, Dan McCormick, Stephen Cochrane, John (Packer) McLaughlin
Front L-R:Johnny McKiernan, Alex Delargy, Jim McKendry, Pat McLarnon, Archie McSparran

Sports Day Cushendun c1945
Lawn at Glenmona House

“The Rigs”, Cushendun Hurling Field c1931
Note – the field runs parallel with the beach

Official Opening New Pavilion Cushendun 1994
L-R: Rev P. Delargy, Rev B. Mooney, Rev J. McGurnaghan, Oliver Kelly, Malachy McSparran
Michael Brogan, Anne Marie McKendry, Jack Boothman, Ian McQuiston, Brigid McSparran, Nuala Boothman
Seamus Graham, Tom McLean

Oisins, Glenariffe
Founded – 1904 preceded by Michael Dwyer's and the Auld Oisins
Founders – Master Dan Delargy, John McKillen
Ground – McAllister and McVeigh Memorial Park
1935 – County Senior Hurling Championship
1937 – County Senior Hurling Championship
1955 – County junior Championship
1975 - Senior Feis Cup

Antrim Senior Hurling Champions 1937, Oisins Glenariffe
Back L-R: Alex McMullan, Charlie McDonnell, Dan McAlister, Willie Graham, pat McAlister,
Robert McMullan, Charlie Black, Mick McKillop, Bob Graham, Fr Maguiness
Front L-R: Alex McDonnell, Mick Graham, Aneas Black, Jim McMullan, Archie Darragh,
Charlie McAlister, Dan McKillop, George Harvey

County Junior Hurling Champions 1959 Oisins Glenariffe

Ruairi Og, Cushendall
Founded – 1906
Founders – Fr George McKillop
Ground – Pairc Naomh Mhuire
1946 – Countess of Antrim Cup
1948 – North Antrim Senior Football Championship
1981 – Antrim Senior Hurling Championship
1991/93 – 3 consecutive Antrim Senior Hurling Championships

Minor Team, Ruairi Og Cushendall circa 1935
Back L-R: Neilly Mullan, Chris Mullan, Benny O’Loan, John McNaughton, Willie McKillop,
Paddy McCollam, Dan McNaughton, Dan McAlister, Pat McNaughton
Front L-R: Tommy Scollay, Mick McKillop, Mannix McAlister,
Denis Gore, Harry Blaney, Danny Anderson

Ruairi Og Cushendall 1940

”Magnificent Seven” 1947 Ruairi Og Cushendall

Senior Feis Cup Winners 1970, Ruairi Og Cushendall

1963 County Minor Hurling Champions, Ruairi Og, Cushendall

Back L-R: Brendan McAuley, Sean McNaughton, Archie McNaughton, Kieran Kearney, Paddy McAteer,
Kieran Dempsey, Jamie Quinn, Brendan McGaughey, Archie McKeegan
Front L-R: Malachy Delargy, Cathal McNaughton, John Delargy, Danny McNaughton, Kevin McNaughton
Donal McNaughton, Jock McKay

McQuillan’s, Ballycastle
Founded – 1907
Founders – Eddie Donnelly, William Scally, John Jennings, Pat Duffin
Ground – Pairc MacUilin
1909 - North Antrim Hurling Championship
1913 – County Senior Hurling Championship, retained 1914
1934 – County Junior Football Championship
1952 -1954 – 3 consecutive County Senior Hurling Championships
1986 – last Senior Hurling Championship

Sinn Fein Sports, Ballycastle
Tug – o – war
Sept 6th, 1924

Ballycastle McQuillan’s Minor Team 1940
Back L-R:Seamus Clarke, Kevin O’Connor, Brendan Donnelly, Frankie Fleming, Dessie Donnelly, John Kearns
Middle L-R: Jimmy Kelly, Sean Barton, P. McFaul, Frank Butler, Phelim McAuley
Front L-R: Brian Kearns, Liam McCormick, Mickey Butler, Paddy Jennings

Ballycastle McQuillan’s Antrim Senior Hurling Champions 1964
Back Row L-R: Jimmy Harkin, Eddie Donnelly, Paddy McShane, Jim McToal, Kevin Donnelly, Sean McShane, Brendan Donnelly
Front Row L-R: James Brown, Dessie Elliott, Colm Lynn, Robbie Elliott, Rab Coyles, Seamus McShane, John Harkin, Brendan Elliott

Ballycastle McQuillan’s – Antrim Senior Hurling Champions 1964
L-R Jim Toal, Fr Charlie Denver, Brian McShane, Robbie Elliot, Seamus Clarke, Eddie Donnell, Club Sponsor

Dunloy Cuchullain's
Founded – 1908
Founders – Andy Dooey, Paddy McCamphill, Bob Black, Dan Boyle
Ground – Pearse Park
1911 – North Antrim Championship Hurling title
1923 – All County junior Football Championship
1924 – All County Senior Football Championship
1925 – retained All County Senior Football Championship
1936 – last All County Senior Football Championship
1990 – first All County Senior Hurling Championship
2009 – Senior Hurling champions

Cuchullain's Dunloy – Football 1922-1927

Cuchullain's Dunloy – Football 1935

Cuchullain's Dunloy – Late 40s

Shamrocks Loughgiel
Founded – 1915 preceded by Tir na nOg and Dalriada (1907)
Founders – Eddie Connolly, Harry Connolly, John Campbell
Ground – Fr Healy & Fr Barrett Parks
1919 - North Antrim League
1920 – Antrim Senior Hurling Championship
1924/25 – Antrim Senior Hurling Championship
1966-68 – 3 consecutive County Senior Championships
1983 – All Ireland Club Championship
1989 – Last Antrim Senior Hurling Championship

Shamrocks Loughgiel 1924/1925

Shamrocks Loughgiel 1960

Shamrocks Loughgiel
All Ireland Club Champions 1983

Con Magee’s, Glenravel
Founded – 1916/17
Founders – Rev T. Toal, Danny Fyfe, Charles O’Loan,
J. Higgins
Ground – Fr Maginn Park
1920 - A.O.H. Tournament Winners (Loughgiel)
1937 – County Junior Football Championship
1942,42,44,46 – North Antrim League
1956 – County Intermediate League
1957 – All County Division 1 League
1964 – County Minor and Under 21 Football Championship
1966 – County Senior Football Championship
1976 – Antrim Junior Hurling Championship

Con MagAoidh Glenravel – early 20th Century

Con Magee’s , Glenravel 1933

Antrim Senior League Champions 1958, Con MagAoidh Glenravel

Antrim Minor Football Champions 1964, Con MagAoidh Glenravel

St Mary’s GAC, Rasharkin
Founded – 1943 preceded by Rasharkin St Olcan’s 1909
Founders - John Dougan, Terry Mc Shane Tony Mc Lernon, Stephen Mc Auley and Fr. Agnew.
Grounds – Jamsie McLernon Memorial Park 2000
1958 Antrim Junior Football Championship
1963 Lost in final of Antrim Senior Football Championship to St John’s
1978 – Antrim Intermediate Football Championship
1991 – Junior Hurling Championship also 2009
1997 – Reserve Football Championship
2003 – Junior football Championship
1993- 2003 – 1 U21, 2 Minor and 2 Under 16 Football Championships

Rasharkin Senior Team 1963

Glen Rovers, Armoy
Founded-1956 preceded by Armoy Lamh Dhearg (1912 -22), Armoy GAC (‘40-’42),
Glenshesk GAC (‘43-’44), St Olcan’s GAC (‘45-’52),
Founders – Charles Molloy (Lamh Dhearg)
Grounds – Pairc an Cromach
1956 – County Junior Championship
1971 – County Intermediate Championship
1974 - Senior Feis Cup
1976 – County Minor Championship
1984 – Intermediate Championship also 1986, last win 1994
2007 – County & Ulster Junior Championship

Glen Rovers, Armoy 1959
Back L-R: Paddy McAuley (Manager) Frank McCaughan, Robbie Traynor, Seamus Donnelly, William Devlin, Jim McToal,
Joe Reilly, Hector Cassley, Paddy McToal, Jim Devlin, and John McCaughan (Assistant Manager)
Front L-R: Barney Laverty, Olcan Loughridge, Arthur Devlin, Robert Dallas, Joe Smith, Pat Doherty.

1986 Antrim Intermediate Hurling Champions, Glen Rovers, Armoy
Back L-R: Gerry Burns, Hugh Connolly, Joe Mc Fetridge, Hugh Mc Donnell, Mickey Mc Clafferty,
Sean Mc Bride, Paddy Strickland, Raymond Mc Fetridge, John Mc Arthur, Seamus Kane,
Paul Mc Clafferty, Paddy Stewart, Nealis McAuley, Paddy Watson, George Mc Bride, Hector Devlin
Front L-R: . Paul Mc Bride (standing), Sean Close, Colm Mc Bride, James Mc Donnell, Paul Stewart,
Gerard Mc Clafferty, Colm Mc Erlain, Seamus Mc Erlain, Tommy McCormick, Eugene Laverty,
Olcan Mc Fetridge, Vincent Mc Erlain, Edgar Dornan, Mervyn Forsythe.

Armoy Glen Rovers 1992

Latharna Og, Larne
Founded 1965 – preceded by St Mary’s (1922)
Founders Rev John Moley, James McCaughan, Alex McGarry, Denis McKillop
Jim McKermitt, Dominic Magill, John Brown
Ground - Brustin Brae
1974 – Minor Camogie Championship
- North Antrim Junior Hurling championship
1981 - North Antrim Junior Hurling Championship
1988 – Junior Feis Cup
1989 – Junior Feis Cup retained
2008 – McCaughan Cup Winners, New training Complex opened

St Mary’s GAC, Larne – 1922 Antrim Junior Football Champions
Note a ‘Robert Fulton’ 3rd from left, front row – better known as Bertie Fulton

All Saint’s , Ballymena
Founded – 1975 preceded by McCracken’s 1920s, St Patrick’s 1959,
All Saints 1965-68
Founders – Fr Fergus Jordan, Seamus MacCrory, Anthony Mulvenna
Ground – Slemish Park
1977 – South West under 16 League
1978 – All Ireland Scor Ballad Winners
1978 – Grounds Purchased that would become Slemish Park
1979 – Antrim Club of the Year
1987 – Official Opening of Slemish Park
1997 – Official Opening of Pavilion by GAA President Jack Boothman

North Antrim Football Select 1923-24
Players from McCracken's Ballymena
Back row - 4th - 6th from left, Jack Miles, Barney McNally and Alex Mc Manus
Middle Row 3rd - 5th from left, Danny McQuillan, Charles and Dr Wm. Ludlow
Front Row - Barney McCambridge, Unknown?

St Patrick’s, Ballymena 1959
Back row - D O’Connell, F McAuley, T Quinn, S Davis, H MacRory,
J McGuckian, C Mc Manus, H Crawfoot, J Duffy, Fr Scullion
Front Row - C Kelly, M McReynolds, J O’Loughlin, S McKervey,
J Agnew, A O’Hara, B Mc Cambridge, B Goldring, B Agnew.

St Brigid’s, Cloughmills
Founded – 1991 preceded by Patrick Og’s 1940
Founders – Davy Martin, Michael McCann
Ground - Fr Leonard Park
1997 – Antrim Junior Hurling Championship
1997 – Junior Feis
1999 – Grounds Purchased
2005 – Pitch Completed

St Brigid’s Cloughmills
Antrim Junior Hurling Champions 1997

St Brigid’s Cloughmills 1997

Antrim All Ireland Hurling Final 1943

Antrim Ulster Senior Hurling Champions 1938
Back L-R:Tom Best (trainer, O’Connell’s), John McAlister (Glenariffe), Tom Walsh (O’Connell’s), Sean McKeown (Gael Uladh), Gene Thornbury (Gael Uladh),
Dan Gibson (Glenariffe)Paddy Byrne (Rossa), Jimmy Walsh (O’Connell’s), Tom Rice (Eire Og), Bob Foley (Manager)
Front L-R: Tom McAlister (St John’s), John Clarke (Sarsfield’s), Willie Graham(Glenariffe), Malachy McDonnell (Rossa), John McNally (Tir Na nOg),
Jack Donnelly (O’Donnell’s), Harry Devlin (Eire Og), Dan McAllister (Glenariffe),

Ulster Railway Cup 1940’s

Antrim Parade 1959 Final Casement Park

Antrim (All Ireland ‘Home’ Junior Champions - 1959

Antrim All Ireland Hurling Finalists 1989
Grand Hotel Malahide

All Ireland Hurling Final 1989 - Antrim (v Tipperary)
Back L-R: Paul McKillen, Brian Donnelly, Des Donnelly, Niall Patterson,
Terence Donnelly, Dominic McKinley, Dominic McMullan
Front L-R:Terence McNaughton, Olcan McFetridge, Donal Armstrong, Ciaran Barr,
James McNaughton, Gary O’Kane, Leonard McKeegan, Aidan McCarry

Ulster Football Final 2009 Antrim v Tyrone

Antrim Camogie (founded 2004)
1932 – First All Ireland played for the O’Duffy Cup
Players wore gym frocks below-knee, black stockings, black boots, white blouses and belts
1972 – Camogie Congress permitted more modern uniforms
1944-1947 Antrim win 3 camogie titles in a row
Two players of 1947 team went on to referee All Ireland finals – Nancy Murray and Lily Spence who went on to hold the office of President of the Camogie Association
Antrim won further titles in 1956, 1967, 1979
2004 Mairead McAtamney named in Team of the Century
1956 – Six Dunloy players in the Antrim team incl. Kearns sisters, Madge Rainey Eithne Duggan
1979 Birthday girl Carol Blaney playing in goals in the final named as player-of-the-match

1946 Antrim Retain O’Duffy Cup

1947Antrim Make It 3-in-a-Row

The Changing Shape of the Caman

The Gaelic Athletic Association
“When one sits down and really looks at the hard work that has gone into this project, it really brings home the true meaning of club loyalty .... it should serve as an example to all those various organisations .... who are prepared to tolerate poor facilities, instead of knuckling down and having a go at bringing standards up to scratch”
“In this aspect a progressive GAA club .... scores time and time again over rugby and soccer outfits. Family involvement is extremely important and bonds formed often in childhood, are carried over and developed on the playing field. In other team games, the majority of players only see each other at training sessions and on match days and consequently it is that bit harder to create lasting club loyalty.”
Willie John McBride – former Ireland and British & Irish Lions Rugby Captain at the opening of the New Complex at Con Magee’s, Glenravel

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The Gaa In The Glens Of Antrim

by martinmccarry on Nov 24, 2009

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The Gaa In The Glens Of Antrim Presentation Transcript