Let's Go Bredagh!

WHAT A YEAR!

WELCOME TO THE STORY OF A MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORIC YEAR for Bredagh Youth. Our Under-10 and Under-12 footballers both became East Down champions, our hurlers won four trophies in their first year in competitive action, and there were several 'firsts' for our girl's football teams.

Two of the trophies were won on one memorable afternoon at Downpatrick in early September (see picture, top right). Eoin Costello captained the U-14 hurlers to the B Championship Shield and Daniel Nolan led the U-10 footballers to East Down Blitz success.

It was also a year to remember for the many Tyrone fans in Bredagh, including Under-8 stars Niall and Conor Kelly who got their hands on the Sam Maguire cup (see picture, top left).

Many of the year’s other high points are captured here in picture form, and just as important, so too are moments of fun, enjoyment and pride that made it all worthwhile. This is reflected in the title of the book as the chant 'Let's Go Bredagh, Let's Go!' became a familiar one among substitutes and supporters as silverware began to arrive during the season.

This review is a tribute to all of the players, coaches and parents whose dedication and commitment made it happen. Thanks also to sponsors Club Energise, to the South Belfast News for their many superb photographs and to other picture contributions from Sean Nolan and Carlo Angelone... ...Enjoy and let's do it again in 2004!

Jerome Quinn Youth Coordinator

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PICTURES ON FRONT COVER : Clockwise from top left: U-8 star Vittorio Angelone, U-12 captain Declan O'Hara with the East Down Championship Shield, Kate Hollywood in U-13 action, U-12 hurler Ruairi Johnston, U-12 hurling captain Paddy Woods with the B Championship Shield, U-10 goalkeeper Conor McManus, U-16 defender Niall Boyle, and St Bernard's captain Conor McCloskey in the Schools League.

boy’s football

Under-8

BREDAGH'S YOUNGEST FOOTBALLERS ENJOYED A SUPERB YEAR WITH BIG TURN-OUTS, HIGH SKILL LEVELS AND LOTS OF GAMES Dublin fan Tom Doherty (top left) was profiled in the South Belfast News; coaches Kieran Kelly and Jim McLaughlin had their hands full on an end-ofseason trip to Clann Eireann (top right). Tiarnan Curran and Mickey Curran were on hand when the going got tough (left), and the smiling trio are Alessandro Angelone, Ella Durkan and Conall Doyle.

BREDAGH UNDER-8 FOOTBALL TEAM Back Row, left to right: Niall Fitzpatrick, Declan Stewart, Fionn Price, Conor Costello, Nicholas McCafferty, Michael Deery, Tom Doherty, Daire McPeake. Front: Lorcan McMullan, Niall Kelly, Michael Woods, Donal O'Kane, Daniel Mulvenna, Patrick McLaughlin, Vittorio Angelone.

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boy’s football

Under-10

THREE TOURNAMENT FINALS in one year makes the 2003 U-10 team the most successful ever from Bredagh. They also played in the Mayobridge League for the first time and took several notable scalps, including the host club on their own pitch.

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IT ALL STARTED on a seriously hot Summer day at the Carryduff Tournament. Diarmaid Kielty and Ciaran McFarland tackled like tigers in defence (top), while Declan Magee inspired the team all the way to the Final (bottom picture).

Danny Nolan is in support and Declan's mum and dad are in the background of the picture.

boy’s football

Under-10

The Bredagh Huddle.

SAVAL 2-3 BREDAGH 4-4, MAYOBRIDGE LEAGUE, THURSDAY JUNE 12TH Back Row, left to right: Jack Holywood, Ruairi Sheridan, Tim Durkan, Conor McEvoy, Ben Scullion, Ciaran McFarland, Paul Maguire-Wilson, Eamonn Kelly, Eoghan Curran, Mark Quinn, Ciaran McColgan. Front: Diarmaid Kielty, Danny Nolan, Michael Cassidy, Deccie Magee, Niall Irwin, Joseph Shields, Ronan McKegney, Daniel Steele, Michael Doran.

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boy’s football

Under-10

IT'S ALL ABOUT PRACTICE Brian Cunningham showed how to shoot for goal.

TOPPLING THE KINGDOM Tim Durkan and Deccie Magee closed in on An Riocht when they visited Cherryvale.

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boy’s football

MICKEY YOUNG'S TEAM TALK at half-time in Warrenpoint in July sparked a superb revival.

Under-10

DESERVED SUCCESS came on 'Super Saturday' at Downpatrick when the boys beat Kilcoo and Castlewellan to capture the East Down Shield.

Below Left: Eoghan Curran, Michael Cassidy, Declan Magee and Eamonn Kelly.

Below Right: Doran's Pride - Michael and Noel.

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boy’s football

Under-12

THE MOMENT! Captain Declan O'Hara raised the East Down Championship Shield for his delighted team-mates and supporters at Loughinisland on August 30th after Bredagh had beaten Kilcoo by 5-7 to 4-3 in the Final.

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CONOR MCCLOSKEY AND MARCUS YOUNG epitomised the determination of the city boys to make history. Bredagh dominated the defending champions and led by fifteen points at half-time. After the game East Down official Matt Fitzpatrick told the crowd that 'In all my years of watching Under-12 Finals that is the best exhibition of football I have ever seen. Bredagh did to Kilcoo what Kilcoo had been doing to everyone else in East Down for the last ten years'.

In October, the boys returned to the same venue to beat the same opposition in the League Final, 4-2 to 1-8.

boy’s football

Under-12

PLAYING LIKE CHAMPIONS Jamie Cleary (top) was rock-solid at full-back; Marcus Young (right) tormented the Kilcoo defence.

East Down Champions 2003 - Bredagh U-12s

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boy’s football

Under-12

OVERCOMING CARRYDUFF Coach Damien Canavan delivered words of advice at half-time in Teconnaught on Tuesday, August 19th. It was a nailbiting Championship semi-final with a goal from Marcus Young in the last minute clinching victory for Bredagh, 2-6 to 1-6.

ALL COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH - BREDAGH 3-3 MAYOBRIDGE 3-4

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Back Row, left to right: Paul Doran, Damien Moreland, Declan O'Hara, Michael Magee, Ryan Magee, Paddy Hannity, Paddy Woods, Pearse Leitch, Ruairi Johnston, Emmett Costello, Jamie Cleary, Donal Hughes, Marcus Young, Conor McCloskey. Middle row: Damian McCloskey, Ben Horner, Daniel Kelly, Niall Wright, Matthew Mullan, Donal McKegney, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Danny Nolan, Emmett Loughrey, Damhan Farmer, Damien Canavan. Front row: Nathan Moreland, Daniel O'Rourke, Tim Durkan, Charlie McGrath, Ryan McElkerney, Michael Guerin, Rowan Blaney, Kaelan Devlin, Declan Magee and Niall Browne.

boy’s football

Under-12

THE UNTOUCHABLES Bredagh Under-12s won every game in East Down in 2003, starting at Downpatrick on April 6th with a 6-6 to 6-3 League victory and including a Championship quarter-final defeat of Castlewellan on August 10th, 9-8 to 5-3. Declan O'Hara (above) and Ruairi Johnston (below) ruled midfield in the Castlewellan contest, while Ciaran Fitzpatrick and resident actor Michael 'Diddles' Magee were pictured before the Downpatrick game.

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boy’s football

Under-14 Left: Eugene Irwin and Frank McKenna managed the team in 2003.

Below Left: Cormac Hughes and Declan O'Hara wore the red and black of Down on Shane King's Development Team.

Below: Cormac White closes in on John McKenna - all the hard work in training paid off with our best U-14 results in years.

BREDAGH U-14s, 2003

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Back Row, left to right: Rowan Smart, Dermot Colton, Eoin Costello, Simon McCluney, Mark McElroy, Niall Colton, Michael McAllister, Matthew Hollywood, Kevin McElroy. Front: Matthew McAfee, Cormac White, Michael Mullan, Niall Nolan, Cormac Hughes, Sean Armstrong, Oisin Quinn, Michael Coffey, John McKenna, Sean Irwin, Aaron Moreland.

boy’s football

Under-16

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS came for Paul Boyd, Stevie Gray and Paddy Cassidy (above) when they got through East Down trials, while Aquinas student James Johnston (top right) made the full county team.

TURN-OUTS AT TRAINING WERE EXCELLENT throughout the year. Right: Kevin McElroy. Far right: Stevie Gray and Joe Steele.

BREDAGH U-16S, 2003 Back Row, left to right: Back Row, left to right: Dermot Coffey, Stevie Gray, Paul Boyd, Michael Diffin, Joe Steele, James Johnston, Kevin Harte, Paddy Cassidy, Paul McCurry. Front: Conal Short, Declan Noble, Eoin Costello, Niall Devlin, Jonathan Johnston, Aidan O'Neill, Niall Boyle.

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boy’s football

Under-18

THE MINORS HAD A FINE SEASON and were just pipped for second place in the League.

Their Coaches were Gerry Conlon (inset), Sean Rafferty, Jim Alexander and Pat Matthews.

BREDAGH MINORS, 2003

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Back Row, left to right: Ronan McCann, Aaron Quinn, Tom Kelly, Paul McGlade, Sean Coleman, Paul Alexander, Henry Deazley, Michael Lee. Front: Ryan Smith, Conor Rafferty, Eddie Burns, Rory McCaughey, Paul Milligan, Conal O'Neill.

boy’s football

Under-21

BREDAGH FIELDED AN U-21 TEAM for the first time in the Autumn. Goalkeeper Eddie Burns was superb in all three matches played, with saves like the one in the above picture. The Bredagh defenders are Conor McDaid (left) and Paul McGlade (right).

BREDAGH U-21S 2003 Back Row, left to right: Shane Matthews, Aaron Quinn, Paul Bradley, Conor Sharvin, Chris Donnelly, Mark Robins, Kevin Harte, Ronan McCann. Front: Ryan Smith, Paul McCorry, James Johnston, Eddie Burns, Conor Rafferty, Paul McGlade, Kevin Muldoon.

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girl’s football

Under-13

HISTORY WAS MADE ON A WEEKLY BASIS early in the girl’s season with the U-13s beating Carryduff for the first time and reaching their first Down semi-final, while the U-16s competed in the League for the first time and enjoyed their first win over Downpatrick.

Above: C&C Trade Marketing Executive Siobhan McCarney presented new jerseys at the start of the year. Siobhan is pictured here with Orla Downey. Above Right: Lagan College student Clare Byrne starred for the U-16s.

ACTION FROM THE U-13S first home League game against Bright. Sinead Norwood and Polly Moane chased back to close down an opponent; Bredagh won by 4-2 to 2-1.

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girl’s football

Under-16

BRYANSFORD ARE STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT but Bredagh showed in this U-16 Championship game at Cherryvale that they are getting closer all the time. The trio of Bredagh girls closing in are, from left to right, Laura Willigan, Sinead Norwood and Amy Cunningham.

BREDAGH U-16S, 2003 Back Row, left to right: Sinead Norwood, Polly Moane, Hannah Murray, Louise Fitzpatrick, Moya McGurk, Laura Willigan, Caoimhe McCullagh, Maria Smilie, Amy Cunningham, Kathryn Quinn, Jamie Willigan. Front: Cassie Moane, Nicky Pauley, Orla Day, Anna-Maria McAlliney, Clare Byrne, Meadbh Whyte, Emma Mulhern, Kate Holywood, Nicci Linden.

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hurling

Under-10 BALLYCRAN TOURNAMENT Sixteen boys and girls enjoyed a great day in the sun at Ballycran on August 16th. On top of the dug-out, from left to right: Mark Quinn, Michael Cassidy, Seamus McCloskey, Sean McCabe, Ronan McKegney, Lorcan McMullan, Jack Hollywood, Declan Magee, Dominic McConville, Niall Irwin, Dario Angelone, Joseph Shields.

Front: Lorenzo McMullan (standing), Aoife Sheridan, Jim Sheridan, Ruairi Sheridan, Conor Costello, Enda McGonagle, Tomas Flanigan, Jerome and Laura Quinn.

Above: Smile when you’re winning!

Above Right: We licked them!

Conor Costello, Enda McGonagle and TomĂĄs Flanigan chill out in the dug-out.

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Three generations of the Costello family are in this wonderful picture taken by Carlo Angelone. Seven-year-old Conor posed for the camera after scoring the goal that clinched third place for Bredagh, while his dad Frank Junior and grandad Frank Senior stood proudly in the background.

hurling

Under-10

BATTLING WITH BALLELA Bredagh had two end-ofseason challenge games with Ballela.

Left: Emmett Dougan prepares to clash the ash.

Below: Ruairi Sheridan in thoughtful mood.

Bottom: Tim Durkan keeps his eye on the sliothar.

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hurling

Under-12

DOING IT FOR DANNY Former Down and Ulster star Danny Hughes has led the remarkable revival of hurling and camogie in South Belfast. Boys and girls have turned out week after week and success has quickly followed. The U-12s are pictured below after winning a Blitz at Carryduff and Alice Donaldson is the camog in the top picture.

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hurling

Under-12

ALL COUNTY U-12 CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL BREDAGH 1-2 BALLYCRAN 3-4 The city boys came close to a major upset on Saturday October 11th when they led hot favourites Ballycran by two points at half-time. Bredagh showed that they can mix it with the best and that this is only the beginning.

Right: Daniel Higgins sticks close to his man.

Below: Ruairi Johnston and Conor McCloskey move in to tackle.

Bottom pictures: Courage and skill from the amazing Michael 'Diddles' Magee as he performs the art of blocking.

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hurling

UNDER-13 CHALLENGE - BREDAGH 16-5 CARRYDUFF 1-1 Bredagh finished the season in style with an emphatic victory over their city neighbours at Cherryvale on Sunday, October 26th.

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Under-12

Above: Donal McKegney kept a close eye on Ross McFarland.

Below: The stylish Emmett Costello got away from his marker and scored four goals.

hurling

Under-12

MAGIC JOHNSTON! Sporting the new Bredagh hooped socks, impressive midfielder Ruairi Johnston rose to the challenge against Carryduff.

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hurling

Under-14

THE HURLING SUCCESSES IN 2003 WERE REWARDING AND ENJOYABLE Above: The U-12s broke out of a team picture at Kilclief before their Championship quarter-final victory.

Left: Eoin Costello was presented with the U-14 B Championship Shield after Bredagh had beaten Ballela by 8-3 to 3-0 in the Final at Downpatrick on 'Super Saturday'.

BREDAGH'S TRAVELLING SUPPORT gathered to take pictures of their hurling heroes at Downpatrick. U-10 football captain Danny Nolan, who picked up the East Down Shield at the same venue just a few hours earlier, stood in admiration (right of picture).

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hurling

Under-14

U-14 CAPTAIN EOIN COSTELLO also collected the Shield from the Down Feile in May. Bredagh stunned Newry Shamrocks in the Final after extratime, winning by 1-2 to 1-1. One onlooker was heard to say to his friend: 'I thought you said Bredagh couldn't play hurling!'

U-12 CAPTAIN PADDY WOODS was the inspiration behind the last hurling success of the season with a terrific goal in the defeat of Warrenpoint in the B Championship Final at Castlewellan in October.

BREDAGH U-12S, DOWN B CHAMPIONS, 2003

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Schools

hurling

SPREADING THE GOSPEL It's a long way from Clare to South Belfast but Anne Costello is determined to bring a little bit of her native county to Holy Rosary Primary School. The camogie coach was responsible for the delivery of 24 new hurls and sliothars in December 2003, courtesy of Bredagh and the Down Board. Holy Rosary Principal Sean Merrick is also in the picture and the four girls are Laura Mulholland, Cathy Short, Deirbhle Bresland and Sara McCarrison.

Hurling and camogie fever has taken a firm grip at Ravenhill Road Primary School St Michaels thanks to P6 teacher Tony Dougan. Since it's introduction three years ago, dozens of boys and girls have enjoyed the clash of the ash.

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Schools

football

SOUTH BELFAST NEWS SCHOOLS LEAGUE The Bredagh-organised 2003 Schools League was launched at Holy Rosary PS in May. Teachers and pupils from seven schools were presented with new footballs and jerseys, courtesy of the South Belfast News. Down footballer and Coaching Officer Shane King later took weekly sessions at six of the schools and helped run League games every Tuesday.

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Schools

football

CHAMPIONS! St Bernards were the winners of the 2003 Schools League Above & left: Conor McCloskey played a captain's role in the Final against St Michaels on June 10th. Right: Niall Wright's all-action style became familiar to both St Bernards and Bredagh U-12s during the year.

Back Row, left to right: Niall Wright, Paddy Hannity, Donal Hughes, Conor McCloskey, Dessie Donnelly (Principal), Conall Devlin, Niall Donnelly, Niall Byrne. Front: Kieran McKavanagh, Danny Nolan, Niall Boyd, Michael McGuigan.

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Schools

football

GAMES WERE PLAYED over a seven-week period at a very high standard, with Holy Rosary and St Michaels competing in Group One. Conor Magee got past Kaelan Devlin (above) and had some extra help from Emmett Costello in attempting a block on the same player (right).

ST JOSEPHS BALLYHACKAMORE (in blue) and Scoil an Droichid played through the rain in Group Two. The Irish school went on to win their section and two individual awards - Michael McGabhan (Player of the Tournament) and Bláthnaid Ní Smaolaigh (Girl Player of the Tournament). Their players in this picture are, from left, Amy Connolly, Proinsias O'Neill and Tómas Corr.

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Schools

football

Donal Hughes

St Matthews : Sean Turley, Marc Renic, Gavin McGoldrick, Jack McGuigan, Francis Brennan, Robert McAuley, Christopher Cooley, Patrick Doherty, Eamon McGuigan, John Doherty, Ciaran Vernon, Robert McDowell, James Lawlor, Paul McGratten.

Michael Magee

St Brides : Ruadhri Austin, Stephen Smyth, Ronan O'Kane, Barry Monaghan, Conor Heaney, Lorcan Gallagher, Jeri Cronin, Peter Mooney, Daniel Nolan, Michael Webb, Daniel McCrea, Paddy McAuley, Jack Lavery, Conall McCann.

Daniel Kelly

Scoil and Droichid : Bláthnaid Ní Smaolaigh, Dearbhla Ní Ruanaidh, Máire Sykes, Úna Ní Bhrádaigh, Proinsias Ní Néill, Caoimhín Ó Corra, Labhaoise Sykes, Mícheál Mac Gabhann, Tomás Ó Corra, Eoghan Ó Cianáin, Megan Nic Giolla Mhaoil, Eithne Nic an Bheatha, Seán Ó Garmaile, Amaí Ní Chonghaile, Aaron Rosach, Caoimhín Mag Eachaidh.

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Jack Duffin

Schools

football

Kaelan Devlin

St Michaels : Back Row: Ruairi Johnston, Jonathan Li, Ben Horner, Donal McKegney, Charlie McGrath, Ronan McGarry, Gavin Ball, Michael Johnston. Front: Michael Magee, Daniel Donnelly, Matthew McMullan, Daniel Higgins, Ben Walker, Conor Magee. Missing from photo: Emmett Costello.

Francis Brennan

St Josephs, Ballyhackamore : Back Row: Gareth Reilly, James Doherty, Daniel Kelly, Aisling Barton, Luke Graham, Conor Shevlin, Una-Louise Conlan. Front: Feargal Smyth, Ryan Wallace, Damien Connolly, Steven Gibson, Niall Brown, Ben Wort.

Bláthnaid Ní Smaolaigh

Michael MacGabhan

Holy Rosary : Back Row: Jamie Cleary, Matthew Cross, Brendan McLarnon, Pearse Leitch, Michael Moynagh, Emmett Loughrey, Chris Kelly, Ciaran Ashe, Marty Maguire. Front: Liam McAree, Kaelan Devlin, Michael Smith, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Danny Molloy, Conal Short, Jack Duffin.

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