History

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The Birth Of Gaelic Football In Ballinderry

The absence of records and documents relating to Gaelic football in Ballinderry leaves us to rely on what has been passed on to us by the older members of the Club, who regrettably are no longer with us.

In 1896 Gaelic football and the Gaelic League were under organisation in Ballinderry. In 1905 records again will show that Ballinderry Gaelic footballers were attacked at Tullyhogue on their way to play a game in Stewartstown, some players having to be escorted home the following day.

In 1911 the local footballers and the A.O.H were united in fighting what was known as the Loup elections.

In 1912 Gaelic football was played in Sally Anne’s moor, now owned by John Jo Wilson. The late Hugh Canavan recalled seeing his first game against Cookstown’s Brian Og’s, one of the few teams in Mid-Ulster at that time. Probably the last surviving member of that game is Mr. Joe McAnespie, of Union Street, Cookstown. Although a man of advanced years, he has a photographic memory of football at that time in Derry and Tyrone. The result was a win for the Brian Og’s in a game noted for its physical contact more than football skill, never the less the seeds of the G.A.A were firmly planted in Ballinderry soil; a new awakening had begun of a great movement which has since become so much of our national heritage.

1915 saw the Shamrocks compete in what was generally known as the Killybearn League, played under G.A.A rules. Also competing were: Moneymore, Mullinahoe, Drumaney, Drummullen, Killybearn and Stewartstown.

Football was also played in Bellgherty (part of the Ballinderry parish) during these years and up to about 1919, a very keen rivalry resulted when the two teams met.

In 1924 a complete revival of Gaelic Football came to South Derry, Father Downey, C.C., Magherafelt, being the organizer, assisted by Master Wallace, Ballinderry; Master O’Brien, Magherafelt; Hugh A. Mullan and J.J. McNally.

The Shamrocks playing field at this time was owned by Thomas McKinless and known as the Hill. Other teams in South Derry were Newbridge, Magherafelt, Gulladuff, Lissan, and Glenullin. Ballinderry won their first Championship in 1927 beating Magherafelt on the 3^rd April 1927.

During the latter years of the 1920s football clasped in South Derry. Master Wallace had a schoolboys’ team playing friendlies from 1927-1930. These lads, with a few more experienced players, represented Ballinderry in Tyrone on a team entered by the Tyrone Secretary, Mick Cooney.

In 1933 a revival in South Derry got the game firmly established. Ballinderry played a game with Newbridge, who had returned from the Antrim League. This game was played in Ballinascreen, and from this sprang all the clubs that make South Derry today. Records show that Ballinderry won the Championship, although Newbridge did not take part as they had already played in the Antrim Championship of 1933.

In June 1933, Ballylifford entered a team in South Derry, this meant brother against brother in some cases. They played in a field now owned by Laurence Rocks and were in existence to early 1936.

In 1935 Ballinderry played Newbridge at Loup. Some rough tactics were employed and six months suspension was handed out to both Clubs. Emigration saw some players leave, but in 1938 a parish league was formed. Five teams took part: Bellagherty, St. John’s, Ballinderry, Derrychrin and Mullan. Mullans were the eventual winners, the prize being a trip to the All-Ireland Final.

In 1939 the Shamrocks found they were unable to field a team and withdrew, thus ending an era of Shamrocks Gaelic Club

Shamrocks in the 40’s

When Shamrocks withdrew, Mullan Fianna was born. Some Shamrock players played with them for a time. They played in a field owned by Sarah Ann Kelly, later they moved over the river to McKee’s field. Due to lack of players they had to withdraw in 1942.

In the summer of 1940 the teenage lads around the Bridge assembled nightly in the field behind McVeys of Ardagh. There they had a kick around goals, called sides and they took their football very serious.

On the 15^th August Sports were held by the A.O.H in the field behind John Anderson’s. These lads entered and won a seven-a-side completion, beating Mullan in a very competitive and exciting final. One definite memory of this event was the introduction of the Stewartstown ballad singer Pat Smith.

In 1941 m meeting was held to affiliate the team in the South Derry League: Chairman, Joe Mallon; Secretary, Jack Felly; Treasurer, Mick McIvor. The played in the field below the hall. They beat Newbridge and Magherafelt in their first two games, but they were disqualified in the Championship for including a player who had played for Mullan when the Shamrocks were not competing.

Records show that a meeting was held where twelve pairs of boots were to be bought. T. J. Eastwood’s price was 5/6 per pair. Mick McIvor was instructed to try and buy them for 5/- and Mick being a good dealer struck the bargain.

In the Winter League of 1943-44 the Shamrocks won their first trophy since bring reformed, beating Kilrea in the final at Castledawson. The Shamrocks longest serving player of all time was, Thomas J. McKinless, who wore the Ballinderry colors for 35 years.

In 1948 the Minors Joined forces with Drummullan, fielding a strong and talented team. They lost the Championship on a protest, contested the final of the League on a cold November day, before a large crowed. Paddy Bradley drove got the ball in the back of the net to make it all square. The replay was a thriller for skill and speed and our side finished on point in front, only to lose on a protest for failing to have one of the player’s names in Irish.

Shamrocks in the 50s  

In the early fifties we had dropped to Junior ranks in South Derry playing Ballymaguigan in the South Derry Championship which was unfinished. In the Junior Semi-Final of 1953 we were defeated by Loup, but came back to senior ranks via the League.

In the senior ranks in 1954 we had a great win over old rivals Newbridge. We were severely reprimanded by the County Board for an unfinished game with Magherfelt, but retuned to the County Grounds to win their Gold Medal Tournament. We had a great run in the Senior Championship, beating Bellaghy in the semi-final only to lose to Lavey in the final.

In 1953 we reached the final of the Dungiven Carnival (blitz) but were beat by a strong Foreglen side. But even so it was an enjoyable evening spent in Dungiven. We ourselves never held a Carnival until 1956. It was a great success. Top teams from Derry, Antrim, and, Tyrone drew a very large crowed and were thrilled and excited with football from the top draw. Creggan came out the winners by only one point. This was our first financial venture to boost our very low funds.

At senior level we won no competitions, but we were a force fit to play with the best. Bellaghy was mainly our big obstacle and, as records have shown they where one if not the best team from Derry at that time.

In the Minor scene right through the fifties we were always fielding strong talented teams, especially in 1952, when we beat a Bellaghy side in the League final, which was undefeated for two years.

Shamrocks in the 60s

 From 1960 until the early seventies, Ballinderry produced some very good teams at all levels, from senior to under-fifteen. In 1961 our under-fifteen team won the Derry Championship after defeating Pearses, Derry City, in the All County Final at Celtic Park. These schoolboys progressed to win the South Derry Minor League in 1964, and by 1967 these same lad formed the nucleus of a new Shamrock Senior Team.

As our team was now playing in the Second Division, they set about their task of winning Division Two and regaining their Division One status again.

Shamrocks in the 70s

In the early seventies, with the assistance of a few more mature minors, the team showed great promise, but in the championships of 1971, 1972 and 1973 they fell to Newbridge, Ballinascreen and Bellaghy respectively. Under trainer Matt Trolan, with a heavy scheduled training and commitment, they took the championship in 1974, Beating St. Mary’s Banagher in the final.

Must speculation and debate took place regarding their outcome in the Ulster Club Championship game in Cavan County champions, Ramor United, at Breffni Park, Cavan. The blue and white of the Shamrocks, which was not an uncommon color for Breffni Park, was stormed by the large following with chants of “Shamrocks forever.”

This was the game that the club will remember best. It was hard fast and robust. Shamrocks in the end came out clear winners. Breffni Park committee and Ramor United are deserving of a special praise for making this one of the Shamrocks momentous occasions.

At Magherafelt County Grounds against Trillick, after controlling the game for most of the hour, we were lucky to draw in the last minute, while in the replay at Omagh the fitter Trillick team came out the winners.

In 1975, with a last minute goal the Rossas of Magherafelt dismissed us from the championship of that year. In 1976 Ballinascreen were our conquerors. In 1975 with wins over Slaughtneil, Dungiven, And Ballinascreen, we reached the final against Lavey, who took their chance to win the title.

During the seventies we had some very good seasons, winning the All-County League on two occasions, the Sean Larkin Cup, Dean McGlinchey Cup, Donaghmore Top For twice, Toome Gold Watch tournament and numerous other tournaments, including Moneyglass Carnival in 1978.

Our Reserve teams also had a good run in the seventies, winning the Reserve championship in 1976, The Reserve League in 1976, 77 and 78 and the Graham Cup in 76 and 77.

In 1977 our under-14 team won the South Derry Championship.

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