WINTER 2023 www.dromoregfc.com @dromoregfc

www.dromoregfc.com Chairman’s Address A chairde, In the past five years during my term as chairperson there has been some fantastic days (and nights), some disappointments and a global pandemic stuck right in the middle. You wouldn’t expect anything else when involved with or following the fortunes of Dromore St. Dympna’s. It was all the excitement, fear, relief, exhaustion and elation that drew me in as a youngster to this special club. Our club secretary will of course cover everything in his address, such is the thoroughness of Joe, so thankfully it takes the pressure off me a bit. The running of a GAA club nowadays takes so many people to lend their support in whatever way is possible, I suppose that’s why it’s so unique, the support is always available, most certainly engrained into us from the generation before. I could never mention everyone that assisted me over the previous year as the list would be endless, so I will just say thanks to every person for helping me (and more importantly helping Dromore) during this past year. I do however have to pay a special tribute to my executive committee, the remainder of the committee, video & photography team, sponsors, players, club referee, the coaches from seniors down to gaelic start for their commitment over the year and finally to anyone that assisted Dromore St. Dympna’s in anyway during 2022. We are very lucky to have such willing, passionate and patient people involved within our club. There are men and women that think about our club day and night, thinking about what we are doing well, not so well and trying to make the necessary improvements. The reserve team have deservedly got the pride of place in 2022 after they had a remarkable season, it takes some team to win a double in Tyrone football! Our senior team fought to the bitter end to try to defend their county title. I think every Dromore follower left Healy Park that night with great pride in the efforts of our senior group. We are very lucky to have such a committed group of players and managers. The work being done at youth level can never be underestimated and it is great to see the improvement in the development of our teams at all levels; I am certain we are going in the right direction and all the hard work will pay off for the long-term future of our club. Our aim has always been to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to allow our youth to prosper in our games and also thrive in their lives outside of the sport. The other highlights away from the football pitch for me have been the impact of our Health and Wellbeing sub-committee and Cultural & Irish Language sub-committee. They have encouraged people within and outside our parish to get involved in community events under the banner of Dromore GFC. Dromore St. Dympna’s vigorously chased a senior championship for 74 long years, as a young lad the hurt of county final defeats was visible from the men that coached me, officiated at committee level and supported us over the fence and ultimately those same people inspired the warriors of 2007. I always wondered would that success change our club in anyway, would winning that illusive championship diminish the hunger within the club. Thankfully that was never going to be the case. In my opinion the biggest achievement our club has made over the last number of years has been to integrate the men from 2007, and the years that followed, into coaching and official roles within our club. When you look at the photos of the 2007 team and onwards up to the recent 2021 championship winning team you can see that nearly everyone has been involved or are currently involved in youth teams, school coaching, senior teams and at committee level; all of this backed up with parents and plenty of great people willing to help out. The obsession of gaelic games in Dromore has to be passed down from the previous generation to the next. I use the word obsession and although this is often a word used to describe something unpleasant, my take on obsession in

@dromoregfc Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is to be really dedicated in the pursuit of improvement. That goes from improvement in playing the game, to improvement in club structures onto improvement in club facilities. My biggest disappointment in 2022 has been the loss of the Paul McGirr tournament and this is certainly one of the priorities our club will have in 2023. Our club have always been very proud to be associated with the running of this Ulster tournament. Hopefully the expected change to underage structures will help in the tournaments reinstatement from Ulster GAA. I would like to thank our ladies club for all their support over the years. They are 30 years formed this year and they are so vital to the success of our club. It is clear to see that same obsession (and possible madness) exists within our ladies’ club consistent with our men’s club profile which is great to see! A very special word of mention has to go to the new county board chairman Martin Sludden. This is a brilliant achievement and something everyone in the club are very proud of and we wish him the very best of luck during his term. To all club members and members of the community who lost loved ones during this past year may they all rest in peace. Suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anam dílis. Finally, I would like to wish the incoming committee, all players/management from seniors down, and all of our members the very best of luck for 2023 (the 90th year of our club). There is always work to be done and more help is always appreciated from everyone connected to the club - there is nothing more rewarding… you could have far worse obsessions in life!! Go Raibh Maith Agaibh. Is mise Gearóid Ó hAnnagáin Cathaoirleach

www.dromoregfc.com Gaelic START

@dromoregfc Charles Henry Quinn TOURNAMENT

www.dromoregfc.com Reserve Division 1 League Winners 2022

@dromoregfc PLAYER PROFILES Favourite Food: Curry Favourite pastime outside sport: Yoga Childhood GAA hero: Maurice Fitzgerald, he played for Kerry during the 90’s - could score from anywhere. Earliest GAA Memory: Peter Canavan being penalised against Dublin in 1995 for picking the ball up off the ground, McLaughlins point would have levelled the game if the ref didn’t call a foul on pick up. Best advice someone has given you: Don’t be afraid of failure, it can be part of the process. Biggest influence: It would have to be the players I played with like Mairead McCann and Tina Donnelly. Favourite Dromore GAA moment: Winning the Tyrone County Championship in 2002, (I think that was the year) Best ever Dromore GAA match played in/witnessed: it’s hard to pick. Probably when we played Loughmacrory in the league after we had beat them in the championship. They where out for blood that day. Favourite Dromore player both past and present. Why? Past: Bridget Gallagher she was the oldest person on the team, and I was the youngest. She played full back, and I played corner. She was awesome; I learned a lot from watching her. Present: Catherine McNabb - I only saw her play the once and she made me realise how much the standard has risen. Toughest Dromore GAA Player (past or present): Helen McCusker Best part of playing/being involved with Dromore: It was so much fun. I think that training/practice is a good habit to pick up. I didn’t always want to go to training, but I was always glad that I did. I think that this creates good life habits and a positive relationship with exercise. Furthermore, being part of a team that competes together also teaches you that people rely on you and that you should show up for them and yourself. Which team do you like to see do well apart from Dromore? Fintona Most important skill in football: Determination  Age: 38 Favourite Food: Lobster (the ones that I catch) Favourite pastime outside sport: Helmsman for the RNLI Lifeboat on Lough Erne Childhood GAA hero: Tommy Fiddis Earliest GAA Memory: Getting my leg broke against Coalisland when playing for St. John’s Best advice someone has given you: Don’t let a problem settle. Get it sorted straight away – Sir Gerry Robinson Biggest influence: Barney Mc Aleer Favourite Dromore GAA moment: Beating Trí Leac in the championship in 2021 Best ever Dromore GAA match played in/witnessed: An Droim Mór vs Moortown under -16 championship final in 1988. Players from both sides would eventually go on to win All Ireland under 21’s with Tír Eoghain Favourite Dromore player both past and present. Why? Past: Colm Donnelly (Donks) & Mickey Slevin. Donks could play anywhere on the field. Great fielder of the ball and could score with both feet. Mickey was a great reader of the game. I was lucky enough to have got to coach both. Present: Niall Sludden – He could change a game with the flick of a ball. Toughest Dromore GAA Player (past or present): Brian Mc Nabb Best part of playing/being involved with Dromore: Good for forging friendships in the community. You could spend many a night in the Forge talking about the history of the club. Which team do you like to see do well apart from Dromore? Our good neighbours Ederney. My children play for them. Most important skill in football: High fielding of the ball.  Age: 57

www.dromoregfc.com Irish Language sa chlub 2022 Weekly language classes ongoing – Bun Rang agus Meán Rang Dianchúrsa (one day course) Ard Rang, Meán Rang agus Bun Rang - 9th November Weekly ciorcal comhrá ongoing – in person on Sunday’s online on Wednesday’s Irish language taster session – 18th November Culture Night – 9th December – Tráth na gCeist, Popup Gaeltacht agus Seisiún ceoil Gaeltacht Bursary Social Media & club notes – Irish language included in social media posts and club notes I bPáirc Ghearrdhroma Bilingual wall plaques and signs around Gardrum Park Half time draw tickets – Irish language prominent on half time draw tickets Amhrán na bhFiann sung at ladies and men’s senior games, as well as the league final – sung by Eimear Slevin live on Tyrone GAA TV More to come in 2023. Bigí linn! If interested in learning or helping with promoting Irish language in the club, contact Conall Mac Cú Uladh or any committee member. Beannachatí na Nollag Ort, agus Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise Duit

@dromoregfc Favourite Food: Any Favourite pastime outside sport: Civil & Structural Engineering Childhood GAA Hero: Sean O’Neill (Down) Earliest GAA memories: Going to watch All Ireland Finals at (Uncle) Willie Warnock’s house & getting lifts to Clones to see Ulster Finals, with Jim Hannigan. Best advice someone has given you: Never give up – Sport or Life Biggest influence: Eugene McGuigan. Favourite Dromore GAA moment: After all the disappointments – winning our first title in ’07 has to be it. Best ever Dromore match played in/witnessed: Dromore vs Ardboe Final ’09 & Dromore vs Trillick S/Final ‘21 Favourite Dromore Player both past and present: Past: Eoin McCusker – Consistent score taker and well fit to look after himself. Present: Emmett McNabb – makes scoring look easy with that magic left peg. Toughest Dromore player (past or present): Niall Mc Nulty Best part of playing/being involved with Dromore: Played, coached, served and engineered for my Club. Which team do you like to see do well, apart from Dromore: Tyrone Most important skill in football: The ability to kick with both feet - to be fit to pass with two hands is a bonus  Age: ?? PLAYER PROFILE

www.dromoregfc.com Ladies 30th Year Anniversary Match U.10 Errigal Shield Winners 2022 U.14 League Finalists 2022

@dromoregfc Secretaries Report 1971 The 1971 club season can be looked at from two angles. On the playing side it was a year which showed so much promise but as the season drew to a close lack of interest made it a very disappointing one indeed. On the management side the club decided to procure the playing field at Gardrum on a permanent basis and to do major repair on it. The fundraising for this has got off to a slow but reasonable start but as yet it is a little haphazard and not fully planned or organised. In brief the burden of this work is being palmed off on a small group of club members and is not being sufficiently shared by the club in general. The senior team: This, the first season in the all county ‘B’ league could be summed up as being a very indifferent one. On paper it looks reasonable, Dromore finished with 18 points in the league meaning winning half the games played. This is not a true reflection of the present playing panel. If the new season begins in the same style as the previous one was completed Dromore will have booked for themselves a place in next years West Tyrone Intermediate league. From a possible league winning position with about six games remaining the club eventually avoided a relegation tussle by 1 point. The championship match with Owen Roes at Omagh proved to be a spiritless meeting with the North Tyrone side whom Dromore beat comfortably in both league meetings. The Donnemana side were easy winners. The St. Enda cup saw the club beat Wolf Tones in the first round but eventually go under to Augher after a replay following a closely contested second round fixture. The club participated in four tournaments; Omagh, Trillick, Drumquin and Dromore. The team proved good value in closely contested games at Trillick and the home tournament, going under narrowly to Ballybofey, the Donegal champions, and to Trillick. At Drumquin and Omagh the Dromore challenge was almost non-existent against Ballygawley and Carrickmore respectively. The Junior Team: The Junior team played their way into the semi-final of the West Tyrone championship by defeating Killyclogher and Pomeroy, but only a skeleton team of some 12 or 13 players was sent to meet Carrickmore, with the obvious result. For the first league game against Killyclogher a panel of 25 players turned up at Gardrum, but four weeks later 9 could only be found to travel to Owen Roes. Minor and Juvenile Teams: The past years minor team failed to make any impression at that grade due to the fact that too many of the players involved had played little or no competitive football since they left school three years previous. They were defeated by Ardboe in the championship in Dunmoyle by a very large margin and did not win any games in a very mediocre section in the minor league. The Juvenile team did not break any ice but it is to this group of younger players the club will have to base its future. But for a league defeat at Fintona they may have been in the running for sectional league honours, while later in the season at the same venue they were narrowly beaten by Omagh in the Championship. Club Affairs: The club tournament was a success in every way. Favourable weather and some key intricate pairings of teams by tournament organiser John McCusker made Dromore the top tournament in West Tyrone this year. Trillick were eventual winners. Field Development: The club surveyor for this project Mr. Donal Hackett after three months has the work on the playing field ready for tender. The fundraising so far has consisted of holding two bazaars, a variety concert, a gala week, weekly bingo, two dances and a collection by a group of mummers. The club dinner dance was the most successful in the history of the club. Over three hundred attended so making profit from this function for the first time. AGM of St. Dympna’s G.F.C 1972

www.dromoregfc.com General Remarks: This is the fourth year in succession that the secretary’s report has contained sharp criticism of the senior team. I am convinced that if a firm move is not made in the near future to get a loyal spirited panel of players together who will have a pride in representing this club, then Dromore will take a place in intermediate football in 1973. Team spirit and club loyalty are qualities which a group of players do not suddenly inherit from meeting for a match about every 2 weeks. If a team prepares and trains to win a game, a person who doesn’t give a full effort can then be accused of letting their teammates down. The Junior team in its present form a large question mark. At the present time there is no organisation and nobody in the club is particularly interested in this group. Suggestions of how this can be answered, if there is an answer must come from the Junior players. The present Juvenile panel must receive the most attention this club can offer. They must be looked on as an investment for the future and be treated with this in mind. I also feel that an effort should be made to involve the women of the parish. With the number of young girls in the parish at present I do not think there would be any trouble in starting a camogie team. Anyway I do not think that men alone should be organising such functions as dinner dances etc. Thanks: I extend the thanks of the club to all who helped in anyway during the year. The Rev Monsignor Flood for such a generous lease of the playing field, St. Patricks Hall committee for the use of the hall on so many occasions. The principal of St. Johns for the use of the school last winter. Jack Maguire for taking care of the hall so well at all our functions. On the management side Andy Montague our Chairman who does so much work in such a quiet way, John McCusker who never refuses help and advise, Eddie McGlone, Eamon Teague, for his sterling work on the field development, Seamus McQuaid, Brian McGrath and Seamus Donnelly for representing the club at so many meetings. On the playing field, Tommy Hunter and Brian McGrath for the 100% effort as managers of the senior and junior teams and I think a special word of mention for the McGonagle family who have given so much to our club. Lastly Charlie Gormley the pen man who gave the club so much press coverage during the year. Gerry McGread 17/01/1972 MISSING PHOTOS TO GO HERE AGM OF ST. DYMPNA’S G.F.C 1972

@dromoregfc FINANCIAL REPORT TO GO HERE

www.dromoregfc.com FINANCIAL REPORT TO GO HERE

@dromoregfc President: Father McEntee Proposer: Gaby O’Donnell Seconded: Seamus Goodwin Vice President: Outgoing elected on block: John McCusker Proposer: Gerard Hannigan Seamus McNabb Seconded: Niall Colton Liam O’Neill Seamus McQuaid Micky Montague Tommy Hunter Chairman: Gerard Hannigan Proposer: Kevin O’Neill Seconded Fabian O’Neill Vice Chairman: Martin Sludden Proposer Niall Colton Seconded Tiernan Sludden Secretary: Joe Rafferty Proposer Seamus Goodwin Seconded Liam O’Neill Assistant Secretary: Niall McNulty Proposer Gaby O’Donnell Seconded Gerry Hannigan Treasurer: Aodhan O’Donnell Proposer Martin McGrath Seconded Tiernan Sludden Assistant Treasurer: Donal Slevin Proposer Liam O’Neill Seconded Martin Sludden PRO: Joe Rafferty Proposer Gary Hagan Seconded Eddie Teague Insurance Officer: Joe Rafferty Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Ruairi McNulty Registrar: Tiernan Sludden / Joe Rafferty Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Aidy O’Donnell Childrens Officer: Kieran McLaughlin Proposer Tiernan Sludden Seconded Martin McGrath Youth Officer: Conor O’Hara / Fabian O’Neill Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Seamus Goodwin County Board: Barry Campbell Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Gaby O’Donnell Health & Safety Officer: Niall McNulty Proposer Seamus O’Neill Seconded Martin McGrath Health & Well Being Officer: Liz O’Brien Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Niall Colton Irish Language Officer: Conal McCullagh Proposer Gerry Hannigan Seconded Fabian O’Neill Irish Language Youth Officer: Niall Sludden Proposer Cathal Colton Seconded Martin McGrath Designated Liaison Officer: Barry Campbell Proposer Donal Slevin Seconded Liam O’Neill Election of Officers 2021 AGM

www.dromoregfc.com The U.13 team of 2022 competed in the grade 2 league and championship. Training commenced on Thursday 3rd February with 22 in attendance and our numbers stayed around this number for the whole season, which was very pleasing. Our first game was a challenge match vs Drumquin on the 3G on February 25th and following that the group went onto the Donegal vs Tyrone league game in Ballybofey. Challenge matches against Ballyshannon, Red Hughes, Kileshill, Omagh and Enniskillen would follow throughout the year. The Grade 2 league started with a convincing win away to Badoney in Gortin on Saturday 19th March. Drumragh was next up losing narrowly in a tough battle on Gardrum park. On Saturday 9th of April we travelled to Fintona and won by 5 points. Greencastle travelled to Gardrum Park next and would lead to defeat by a single point. On the reversal of fixtures we would have another convincing win at home to Badoney. Our best match in the league followed coming from 6 points down at half time away to Drumragh to win by 4 in a terrific game. Following this on the 1st of May we got a group ticket to Tyrone’s Championship match vs Derry in Healy Park (many thanks to Niall O’Donnell Tyrone Truck and Trailer Ltd for sponsoring the food before the game). Next up was another titanic comeback against Fintona at home showing great character to come back from 6 points down with 15min to go and level the game at the death. Our last league game was away to Greencastle needing a win to finish 2nd and qualify for league semifinal. Unfortunately a stronger Greencastle on the day won with a few points to spare. The Championship took place on Thursday 9th June at home to Beragh. In a truly immense battle our lads played themselves into a winning situation from going 12 points down after 12minutes of play, Beragh then needing a goal at the death to force extra time. Our lads really were out on their feet at extra time and Beragh made the most of their dominance in the first half going onto win by 3 points. We were invited to two tournaments to close the year out, the first away to Killoe Og GAA in Longford on the 11th June. After a great days football the lads would win 3 games and go on to lose out to eventual winners in the semi-final. A big thanks to Gary McLaughlin for assisting us on this day and also to Dromore player Declan O’Brien for asking us down. The final day out for the lads was in the Drumragh U13.5 tournament on Saturday 18th June. We decided to keep our group as U.13s and I think the lads showed their best qualities in this tournament against older lads from other teams. After the group stages we qualified for the cup final against the grade 1 Omagh team. Omagh went onto win by 4 points but this had shown the improvement all the lads made throughout the year. This groups aim should be to reach grade one by the time they are of minor age. I have no doubt they have the commitment and quality!! Management - Joe Maguire, Jody Donnelly, Danny Colton, Caolan Slevin and Gerry Hannigan U.13 Team Report

@dromoregfc The U17 team competed in Grade One for the 2022 season and consisted of nine teams including ourselves. The U17 league season commenced on Saturday 12th March with an away game against Killyclogher. A comfortable sixpoint win was a bright start to the year. Next up was home to Donaghmore on Sunday 20th March. The lads battled gallantly and a late Donaghmore goal put gloss on the scoreboard with them leaving Gardrum park winning by seven points. A tricky game in Ardboe on Wednesday 6th April was a great test of character from the side. Winning the game by five points in brutal conditions was an excellent result. The following Wednesday 13th April, we were home to Eglish and after a nip and tuck game, we were defeated by four points. After the Eglish game there was a nine week break from competitive football due to the Tyrone minor’s season. This was a tough time for all the lads with no competitive games, but the lads stay highly committed and determined throughout the period. Some great challenge games against Scotstown, Clan Na Gael (Armagh), Ballinascreen and Sean Mac Cumhaills (Ballybofey) were played during the period with all fiercely competitive and some of these teams going on to win their respective championships. The league recommenced on Wednesday 15th June with an away game to Trillick. After a hard-fought tussle with our neighbours, we came away with a two-point win. Next up was Omagh on Wednesday 29th June. After a poor first half display, the lads turned on an exhibition in the second half to win very comfortably in the end. This led us to another two weeks break for the July holidays and after the break all competitions would gather pace and get more serious. First up was Loughmacrory at home on Wednesday 20th July. A disappointing performance on the night led to a five-point defeat. Next up was Carrickmore in the last league game on Wednesday 27th July knowing nothing less than a win would secure a place in the league semi-finals. A brilliant performance from the whole team in Gardrum park contributed to winning comfortably in the end by ten points. This qualified us for the semi-finals of the league which were fixed for Wednesday 3rd August away to Donaghmore. After battling hard, we were well defeated by the eventual league champions. We had also been paired with Donaghmore in the championship and this game was played on Wednesday 17th up in Donaghmore. The lads new the challenge ahead and worked hard to try close the gap. The lads battled gallantly throughout the game being in contention until a costly black card tipped the balance against the eventual championship winners. The 2022 U17 season can be seen to be a highly successful season for all associated. Not much was expected from the lads but the players and management new of the talent within the squad. It was wonderful to see our club back competing at the top table of minor football and being one of the best clubs at this age. It’s now up to the players to keep developing and pushing on to achieve everyone’s end goal of playing senior football in the blue jersey. No doubt there is plenty of talent and future stars within this age group. Lastly, we would like to thank all that helped in anyway throughout the year. Special mention to the parents for their ongoing work and Kieran McLaughlin from Dooley’s bus service for all the journeys! Go raibh maith agat U17 Management Team (Tiarnán Sludden, Eddie Teague, Steven Fitzpatrick, Tiernan Mc Dermott & Sean Og Barett) U.17 Team Report

www.dromoregfc.com Football moves quickly and when I had a visit from Gerry Hannigan in late November, he was either selling tickets or looking something else. Gerry being Gerry it was both. When I took on the role as manager, I knew it was going to be a hard act to follow due to Colm’s success with the U21’s and Seniors. The culture Colm has created within the squad has made this an easier and enjoyable job. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colm and Paddy for all the great work and success they have achieved in their times with the senior squad it has been fantastic as club supporter to follow. The season began in late May due to the Tyrone U20s AllIreland success. One of the main targets of the league was to try to blood a number of young players into the team and at the same time remain competitive. I felt we achieved this but with injuries and county commitments we were unable to be as consistent as we would have liked to have been in the league but for me personally I feel the league was a success, evidence from the amount of players that played senior football for the first time and did not look out of place which bodes well for the future. The championship as always is the jewel and as defending champions we wanted to prove people wrong in the opinion of the lack of back-to-back winners in Tyrone over the years. In our first game against Killyclogher the team played superbly from start to finish and everyone from 1 to 20 made an impact which was superb to see. Ten players that were involved in the 2019 U21 Ulster Final win were involved in this game which makes this an even more enjoyable win. We beat Omagh in quarters in a game which was played in a monsoon and it was a credit to our boys that we came through it even though I felt we made life difficult for ourselves at time. Against Errigal in the semi we ultimately came up short by a point. I felt we paid the price for a poor first twenty which enabled them to get a lead that they wouldn’t lose. I felt for around 40 minutes we were the better team and only for a few misses and a few questionable refereeing calls the game could have been ours but it wasn’t to be and we move on. The reserves won the league and championship double which again shows the strength in-depth of the panel and the quality of young players coming through in this parish. Finally I would like to thank the players, backroom team, medical team, the Dromore committee, Tom Ward for the food, Seamus McNabb (JJ Matthews), the supporters and anyone else that I have missed that has contributed to the senior team for making this a highly enjoyable year for myself for without everyone that I have thanked this would not have happened. With all the great work been done at youth level in the club and the culture in the senior squad I know success is never going to be far. Dromore ABU Ryan McMenamin Senior Team Report 2022

@dromoregfc Dromore were in a unique position for the start of the U.15 season. Almost 50 lads turned out for training and a decision was made by the club to enter a development team into grade 4. The season started with a tough opener away to eventual league winners Brackaville, the stronger/ older Brackaville team ran out convincing winners. The 2nd league game was at home to Aygharan and the young blues went onto gain their first victory. League wins against Donaghmore and Dungannon followed. Defeats to Clogher away, Cookstown at home and Augher away meant that qualification for the league semi finals were out of reach. Our last game was against Errigal at home and ended in defeat after a battling 2nd half. The Championship campaign commenced with a firstround match at home to Dungannon. A fantastic and dominant display led to a convincing victory and would give the lads some much needed confidence. The quarter final saw Errigal Ciaran come to Gardrum Park, the lads in blue overturned the team that defeated us by 9 points in the league two weeks previous in a fantastic display. The semi-final paired us away to a very big/physical Donaghmore team. In a game which I personally felt was the most enjoyable underage game I have seen for a few years; the Dromore spirit came to the fore. The game finished 7.07 to 5.06 after extra time in favour of the young Dromore lads. It was particularly pleasing to be there to witness the MOTM performance by the youngest and smallest player on the field Alex Peace. It was another reminder of something the Dromore faithful have seen time and again over the years (two senior captains as an example), that the physical stature of someone is no indicator of size of their heart. The U.15 development team had made their own bit of history for the club; the first development team from Dromore to reach a county final. Saturday 1st October in Loughmacrory the young blues faced a very strong Cookstown team. The game didn’t go our way and we were convincingly beaten. To quote Vince Lombardi ‘Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is”, our lads wanted to win so badly and as a result over time they will have learned a lot more about the game from losing that day, they will come back stronger. Many thanks to Sean and Claire McCusker for sponsoring the post-match pizzas which helped lift the mood a bit. Overall, it was a very successful season and the improvement is clear to see. You can’t beat playing plenty of football!! Management – Joe Maguire Gary Hagan Kieran McQuaid Niall McNulty Mark McGale Nathan Maguire Gerry Hannigan Kieran ‘Dooley’ McLaughlin (Bus Driver, Physio and general inspirational speaker) U.15 Development Team Report

www.dromoregfc.com Following a winter programme training commenced on 22/03/2022. Focus mainly on core work and getting the basic skill levels improved. We arranged two challenge games in April and both would prove very useful to let us know where we were at. Training in May progressed well although there were occasions were numbers dropped due to other commitments from time to time. Fitness and confidence amongst the group was improving week on week. Prior to the start of the competitive season the lads received new training tops and I would like to thank Terry and Carol McCarron (Rural Finance) for sponsoring these. In the 18th June we entered the Fintona tournament were we would reach the semi-finals following some great battling displays from the lads. With the U.13 season coming to an end it was obvious we had very big numbers and the club took the decision to enter a development team, this would be a very positive step for the lads. In July moving from Crawfords Lane (which served us very well) to the training pitch we could see that fitness levels had really improved. Challenge matches in Armagh followed by our 1st league game on the 25th July. Home to Beragh with a great battling win. A last minute penalty secured the victory away to Greencastle next on the 30th July. August brought victories over Rock (away), Coalisland (home) and Dungannon (away). In September the lads experienced our first league defeats at home to the Moy on the 5th and then away to eventual league winners Clonoe on the 10th. The lads never gave up in either game and were in the games right to the death. After a gruelling few weeks of training and matches Gary Hagan organised a trip to the lake in Kilrea. A great team building day away and poor Kieran McQuaid got the works on a number of occasions! On the 17th September Galbally travelled to Gardrum and the team produced maybe their best performance to date winning by 5. Our final league game was away to Badoney on the 26th which ended in a draw, the only time we were disappointed with the lads, but qualification was still achieved for league semi-final. Championship football commenced at the end of September with a convincing victory over Dungannon at home in the quarter final. The semi final saw us paired with Galbally on a very wet day in Gardrum Park. Following extra time Dromore won a titanic battle to reach the championship final. The championship final took place on Saturday 22nd October in Augher. Unfortunately a few soft goals left us with to much to do, but he lads never gave up and we couldn’t have been more proud of their battling skills. Thanks to Una and Cormac McQuaid (sponsoring), Tom Ward and Aidy Maguire (Central) for hosting the post-match meal. The league semi-final was set for the 29th October away to the Moy, after a great tussle between two well matched teams they won it at the death by the minimal margin. The lads played out of their skin and in truth deserved to get extra time at the very least. Many thanks to the men who assisted me Mark McGale , Gary Hagan, Kieran ‘Chap’ McQuaid, Joe Maguire, Nathan Maguire and Gerry. Lastly I would like to thank the parents for all their support. The development and improvement were brilliant to see throughout the year, with over 40 lads most nights it was just a joy to see. Something that was extra pleasing to me was the ‘never give up’ attitude the lads showed; ultimately that’s something that will stand to you all. Niall McNulty U.15 Team Report

@dromoregfc History Repeated in Tyrone As Martin Sludden becomes chairman of the county board in 2023 he becomes the first St. Dympna’s club man to hold that esteemed position. It is an opportune time to turn back the pages of history to look at the life and times of the first native of Dromore to be Tyrone county chairman, Father Jim McManus, c.c. So who was this Dromore man who was chairman from 1917 to 1920. Fr. Jim McManus was the son of Master James McManus and Brigid Woods. They were the first teachers in the primary school beside St. Dympna’s Chapel, mid to late 1870’s. James was from Roslea, Brigid from Co. Monaghan. They started in the school together, James to teach the boys, Brigid to teach the girls. In February 1881 they married and James bought land near to the school in Aughadaragh. He built the house that stands where the high road meets the Irvinestown road (opposite Conor Teague’s). It was here that Father Jim McManus was born and reared. Fr. Jim McManus went to go onto St. Macartans in Monaghan, later becoming a priest and was a curate in Trillick assisting the famous Fr. Matt Maguire P.P. And so as county board chairman from 1917 to 1920 he is listed as representing Kilskeery McDonagh’s who played at Loughterush in a field of the McAnespie family. Fr. Jim had a reputation of being a very talented athlete and he was a sought after referee just as Martin, our new chairman, was and is. Fr. Jim McManus was a noted athlete, and in 1908 while a curate in Inniskeen Co. Monaghan he presented Dromore Sports with a medal to be awarded to the Dromore parish champion of the 400 yard race. (We have no record who won it, what a pity). Father McManus died a young man on the 14th June 1922 and is buried in St. Dympna’s graveyard. His older brother, Richard, was Tyrone county secretary and county delegate to the Ulster council in 1909 and interestingly is listed as Dromore Athletic G.A.A. Richard emigrated to the U.S.A and never married so there was no male heir to the McManus family. A sister Afnes married Dan McElholm, a noted club and county player. They lived in the McManus home house and had a son called Colm who played for Dromore in the county final of 1946. The McManus brothers of Aughadaragh, Fr. Jim and Richard played a big part in getting the G.A.A established in Tyrone. As Martin Sludden leads Tyrone G.A.A in 2023, he will be carrying on that work one hundred years later. We know it is in good capable hands. Acknowledgements – Indebted to Joe Martin History of Tyrone G.A.A and for the family information to the late Una Carty (nee McElholm), niece of the McManus brothers, and to Colm McElholm (junior) for the information in this article. John McCusker

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@dromoregfc DROMORE GFC 1944 FR EDDIE SLEVIN,, COLM MCELHOME, ANDY MONTAGUE, JIMMY CURRAN, JACK GALLAGHER, PACKIE REILLY, TOMMY CURRAN, MICKEY MC CUSKER, JOE MC GARTALAND, TOMMY KEARNEY, DERMOT CURRAN, JACK MC CANN, EUGENE GALLAGHER, CATHAL POTYZ, GEORGE MONTAGUE, TONY MC DERMOTT Underage Team Names...

www.dromoregfc.com @dromoregfc HAPPY NEW YEAR from everyone at Dromore G.F.C.