Many's the thrill and spill at Naomh Cholmcille
July 08, 2015A weekly insight into the GAA in Inishowen, our peninsula's beating heart.
Many's the thrill and spill at Naomh Cholmcille
By Gaelscéalaí Inis Eoghain
It might be a while before the excitement dies down at CLG Naomh Colmcille, annual sports day July 26, everyone invited!
Following the birthday celebrations for club grandee Polly Devenney, who turned 94 last week, Pairc Cholmcille is teeming with Cúl Camp youngsters this morning!
According to Sharon Monaghan, assistant secretary of the red and whites, more than 70 very keen footballers turned up first thing on Monday.
She added: "CLG Naomh Colmcille is absolutely delighted at the support which our Cúl Camp has received from the surrounding community. We have young people here from Newtowncunningham, Killea, Carrigans, St Johnston and Magherabeg, all geared up for an action-packed, fun-filled week of activity.
"Cúl Camp is a brilliant initiative for girls and boys, aged 6 to 13. Its main aim is to maximise the enjoyment of Gaelic games amongst under-age players, in order to keep them involved in their local clubs.
"Throughout this week our coaches will be encouraging the youngsters to learn and develop football skills with game-based activities. These will be put into practise every day through small-sided matches and we will finish with a wee blitz on Friday, the highlight of Cúl Camp week!" said Sharon, obviously a woman in the know.
CLG Naomh Colmcille's under-age Gaels certainly have a proud tradition to draw upon, with their antecedents in two fine teams.
Sharon recollected: "Back in the day there was a club known as Naomh Báithín, which played in John Bryson's field in Carrigans. That team was made up of local fellas, customs men and Gardaí who were stationed in the area at the time.
"Meanwhile, in the early 1980's, Newtoncunningham Gaels, Bob Wilson, William Toye and James Dowds entered an under-age team in the Inishowen League. As well as being the first manager Bob was the inaugural chairperson. William was secretary and John was treasurer. The team played in a field belonging to Black's down at Blanketnook.
"The trio subsequently decided to amalgamate with Naomh Báithín, which moved to Newtowncunningham in 1985. Our new pitch officially opened two years later, by which time the president was Dr Cannon Cunnea and Leo McGurk (Sr) was the chairperson. Liam Callaghan, Sean McDaid and Art McCloon were also vital club members.
"The secretary at that time was the late Maurice O'Donnell, who managed the senior and under-age teams too! Maurice was an integral member of Naomh Báithín GAA club during its formative years and his efforts and commitment were, and are, very much appreciated," acknowledged Sharon.
Naomh Báithín changed its name to CLG Naomh Colmcille in 1993. This historic event was marked by a match, in Pairc Cholmcille, between All Ireland Champions, Donegal and Tyrone.
"After that CLG Naomh Colmcille went from strength to strength," Sharon said with understandable pride. "We reached the Junior County Final in 1994, 1997 and 1998, beating Naomh Mura from Inch in 1994.
"In 2010, with the renowned Stephen Friel as manager, CLG Naomh Colmcille won the Junior Championship, gaining promotion from division 4 to division 3 in 2012. Our senior men's team is currently mid-table, determinedly holding its own. We are also regularly fielding a reserve team. Both teams are managed by Francie Martin.
"CLG Naomh Colmcille set up a minor board in 2013 in order to bring more focus to our coaching structures. Ultimately we wanted to get as many children as possible playing as much football as possible for the club. We now have u-6, u-8, u-10, u-12, u-14, u-16, minor, u-21, senior reserve and senior teams. We also have an u-12 and u-16 ladies team. Not bad indeed," Sharon added, mentally making sure no one was left out.
Praising the current committee and coaches Sharon added that the dedication in which the club was steeped ensured CLG Naomh Colmcille's future was bright.
She added: "With lotto sellers of the calibre of Monica McDaid and Eileen Callaghan; our fearsome field committee of James McGrath, Joe Dolan, Stephen Davenport, Conor Dowds and Vinny McGrath; and unstinting sponsors, such as Kiernan's Diner and Gerry Devenney, CLG Naomh Colmcille could not go wrong.
"The club would also extend a very welcome new people and players who might have just moved to the area. Anyone who would like to get involved in CLG Naomh Colmcille, in any way, should check out our website: www.naomhcolmcille.com," encouraged Sharon.
