I am reprinting in full the memories of Hugh Pa O'Reilly, from Keeney and Con Smith, from the village both of whom were passionate, committed and knowledgeable GAA men. These articles appeared in the book 'Butlersbridge GFC and its People' edited by Paddy Leddy.
MEMORIES
BY: HUGH PA O'REILLY,
BY: HUGH PA O'REILLY,
As one of the oldest members of the Butlersbridge club, I am glad to get this opportunity to recall come of my happiest years with the club and also some of the events from the distant past which were handed down to me by my father. He was a G.A.A. fanatic, being a schoolboy at the time of the formation of the club in 1888. He later played, mostly in goals at the end of the century when the game was in decline. He also played again after the revival in 1903.
The men responsible for forming the club in 1888 were Joe Brady, Plush, Jimmie Reilly and Hugh Brady, (Drumahurk), Pat McGowan, Johnny Brogan, Pat Rehill, James Teevan all from Kilnaglare, Mickey King and Jimmy Maguire. James Teevan captained the team and held that title until he died – he was known as “Captain Teevan”.
These were some of the men who set the ball rolling and kept the flag flying through stormy and difficult years. Seeing that the teams consisted of 21-a-side, forty-two players altogether on a small field with scant knowledge of the rules and a referee not much better, the game became very physical. Rows broke out and sometimes excessive drinking followed the games both on and off the field.
The G.A.A. clubs were looked upon by the police as a cloak for the I.R.B. (Irish Republican Brotherhood) and the Fenians. Matches were broken up by the police. The clergy also frowned upon the G.A.A., even the parents were reluctant to let their sons be involved in case of injury. For ten or twelve years the game became almost extinct. But it was revived in 1903. Since the revival the game took on a different image – not so rough, more like soccer with the ball being played on the ground, naturally the strong man always coming out on top. After some years the number of players was reduced to 17 aside. In the early teens the number was again reduced, this time to fifteen. The catch was then introduced but in a crude manner. In 1918 I was brought to my first match. It was between Butlersbridge v Wattlebridge, Co. Fermanagh. The 'Bridge won. Many of the players on both teams were members of the Volunteers. One of the Wattlebridge players, Matt Fitzpatrick was killed in action by the Crown Forces.
In 1919 Butlersbridge won their way to the Junior final against Bailieboro. They were beaten by a point scored from a free in the last minute of the game. I remember most of the players well – Mick Browne, the Sheridan brothers, Masterson brothers, Fitzpatrick brothers, Jimmy Kelly, Jim McArdle, Tom McBride, Jack Reilly, John McGerty, Frank Gillan, B. Leddy, Vincent Smith and Pa Smith.
The 'Twenties brought the high catch, Mick Browne was a star in those days, taking balls from the clouds. Together with Jim McArdle they made the county team. Mick was a fixture there for most of the twenties. I felt very proud, if not very lucky to get my place on the team in the thirties. Although I did not achieve much success, I was glad to have played and worn the colours.
The club had many lean years in the twenties; in 1930 they had a strong team with some players drafted in from Ballyhaise. Francis Rehill, the three Walshs from Drumbo, Sean Egan, Ted Farrelly, Tom and John Sheridan, John McGowan, Mick Browne, Jim McArdle, Andy Sharkey, Andy Ronaghan, Joe Fagan, Peter Mulvaney. They reached the semi-final against Tullyvin, a team that boasted players like Hughie Reilly, T. J. Wymes and Tom Reilly. The 'Bridge were beaten after a close game. It is worthy of note that Hughie Reilly later captained the Cavan senior team that beat Kildare in the 1935 All Ireland. Another feature of the 'Bridge was that families were divided in early days. John Brogan played for Butlersbridge and his brother Phil played for Annagh in the thirties. Eugene Leddy played for the 'Bridge but played for Ashgrove in the forties. Mick Browne (Sen.), still going strong took the field with his two sons, Tom, and Mickey, and later with his six sons. Later on the Browne family was divided, Tom, and Mickey, played for Cavan Harps and the other four, Sean, Patsy, Brian, and Ken played for the 'Bridge. What a clash of brothers when the two teams met.
After many ups and downs the team once again made it to the final in 1952 after beating a strong Cormore team in the semi-final. Hopes were high that at last our time had come and on a cold wintry day they graced Breffni Park in the final. The 'Bridge were unfortunate to be pitted against a star studded Cootehill team with players like, the three sets of brothers, Gallaghers, Keyes and Coyles – all of county experience. We were beaten. In the following year, 1953 the minors brought the first cup to the village. They beat a good Kingscourt team and included players like, Ken Browne, Patsy Meehan, Con Smith, Brian Myles, Aiden Foynes, Terry Smith, Val Kyne, Brendan Farrell, Mickey McGerty, Joe Mayes and Paddy Reilly. Most of these players matured sufficiently to earn their place on later successful teams.
In 1956 a very strong team was fielded and reached the semi-final of both league and championship; beaten by two points, by the same team, Killinkere. Later in the year we were beaten again by one point by Killinkere in the Breffni Park tournament.
However, success was on the horizon. With the coming of the sixties, a strong team was welded together and in 1963 dame fortune shone on them. Trained by Longford man, Fintan Tierney, they beat a great Mountnugent team in the semi-final. Their opponents in the final were their old rivals, Killinkere but this time “the boot was on the other foot”. The 'Bridge boys romped home to a thrilling victory. The Junior cup was in Butlersbridge for the first time. I shall never forget the jubilations – bonfires blazed for miles.
The 'Bridge dwindled into wilderness somewhat until 1974. This time they reached the final to beat the men from famed Mullahoran. The trained was the great Gael, Sean O'Hare. This team achieved honours that had eluded other teams. In the same year they beat Kill by a large score to win the Junior league title.
In recent years we have achieved more success – at schoolboy level under the careful guidance of Philip Smith N.T. The girls have also played their part in camogie success, thanks to the tireless work of Evelyn Brady N.T.
Before I conclude, I wish to pay tribute to the chairman, committee and fundraisers for having achieved what almost seemed impossible – the ownership of our own pitch.
Whilst I rejoice with others, I cannot help looking back with sadness at all the great tussles that took place in the 'old bottom'. Many of those fine players have passed onto their reward – but such is life!
Although the 'Bridge have not won many major awards, the standard of football down the years was very high. Many of our players wore the county jersey at various grades. The entire Browne family followed in their father's footsteps; Con and Kevin Smith, Terry Smith, Mick McGerty, the Dunne brothers, John Shannon, Tom Sheridan, the Reilly brothers (Keeney), John Cusack, Jimmie Brown, the Leddy brothers, Declan Reilly and at present, Paul McCorry and Noel Bartley.
As I relax now in the twilight of my life, I thank God for affording me the opportunity to have met so many fine people in the G.A.A. that I might otherwise never have known.
Let's hope with such a fine pitch and with youth and experience available, the club will once more bring honours to the village
The men responsible for forming the club in 1888 were Joe Brady, Plush, Jimmie Reilly and Hugh Brady, (Drumahurk), Pat McGowan, Johnny Brogan, Pat Rehill, James Teevan all from Kilnaglare, Mickey King and Jimmy Maguire. James Teevan captained the team and held that title until he died – he was known as “Captain Teevan”.
These were some of the men who set the ball rolling and kept the flag flying through stormy and difficult years. Seeing that the teams consisted of 21-a-side, forty-two players altogether on a small field with scant knowledge of the rules and a referee not much better, the game became very physical. Rows broke out and sometimes excessive drinking followed the games both on and off the field.
The G.A.A. clubs were looked upon by the police as a cloak for the I.R.B. (Irish Republican Brotherhood) and the Fenians. Matches were broken up by the police. The clergy also frowned upon the G.A.A., even the parents were reluctant to let their sons be involved in case of injury. For ten or twelve years the game became almost extinct. But it was revived in 1903. Since the revival the game took on a different image – not so rough, more like soccer with the ball being played on the ground, naturally the strong man always coming out on top. After some years the number of players was reduced to 17 aside. In the early teens the number was again reduced, this time to fifteen. The catch was then introduced but in a crude manner. In 1918 I was brought to my first match. It was between Butlersbridge v Wattlebridge, Co. Fermanagh. The 'Bridge won. Many of the players on both teams were members of the Volunteers. One of the Wattlebridge players, Matt Fitzpatrick was killed in action by the Crown Forces.
In 1919 Butlersbridge won their way to the Junior final against Bailieboro. They were beaten by a point scored from a free in the last minute of the game. I remember most of the players well – Mick Browne, the Sheridan brothers, Masterson brothers, Fitzpatrick brothers, Jimmy Kelly, Jim McArdle, Tom McBride, Jack Reilly, John McGerty, Frank Gillan, B. Leddy, Vincent Smith and Pa Smith.
The 'Twenties brought the high catch, Mick Browne was a star in those days, taking balls from the clouds. Together with Jim McArdle they made the county team. Mick was a fixture there for most of the twenties. I felt very proud, if not very lucky to get my place on the team in the thirties. Although I did not achieve much success, I was glad to have played and worn the colours.
The club had many lean years in the twenties; in 1930 they had a strong team with some players drafted in from Ballyhaise. Francis Rehill, the three Walshs from Drumbo, Sean Egan, Ted Farrelly, Tom and John Sheridan, John McGowan, Mick Browne, Jim McArdle, Andy Sharkey, Andy Ronaghan, Joe Fagan, Peter Mulvaney. They reached the semi-final against Tullyvin, a team that boasted players like Hughie Reilly, T. J. Wymes and Tom Reilly. The 'Bridge were beaten after a close game. It is worthy of note that Hughie Reilly later captained the Cavan senior team that beat Kildare in the 1935 All Ireland. Another feature of the 'Bridge was that families were divided in early days. John Brogan played for Butlersbridge and his brother Phil played for Annagh in the thirties. Eugene Leddy played for the 'Bridge but played for Ashgrove in the forties. Mick Browne (Sen.), still going strong took the field with his two sons, Tom, and Mickey, and later with his six sons. Later on the Browne family was divided, Tom, and Mickey, played for Cavan Harps and the other four, Sean, Patsy, Brian, and Ken played for the 'Bridge. What a clash of brothers when the two teams met.
After many ups and downs the team once again made it to the final in 1952 after beating a strong Cormore team in the semi-final. Hopes were high that at last our time had come and on a cold wintry day they graced Breffni Park in the final. The 'Bridge were unfortunate to be pitted against a star studded Cootehill team with players like, the three sets of brothers, Gallaghers, Keyes and Coyles – all of county experience. We were beaten. In the following year, 1953 the minors brought the first cup to the village. They beat a good Kingscourt team and included players like, Ken Browne, Patsy Meehan, Con Smith, Brian Myles, Aiden Foynes, Terry Smith, Val Kyne, Brendan Farrell, Mickey McGerty, Joe Mayes and Paddy Reilly. Most of these players matured sufficiently to earn their place on later successful teams.
In 1956 a very strong team was fielded and reached the semi-final of both league and championship; beaten by two points, by the same team, Killinkere. Later in the year we were beaten again by one point by Killinkere in the Breffni Park tournament.
However, success was on the horizon. With the coming of the sixties, a strong team was welded together and in 1963 dame fortune shone on them. Trained by Longford man, Fintan Tierney, they beat a great Mountnugent team in the semi-final. Their opponents in the final were their old rivals, Killinkere but this time “the boot was on the other foot”. The 'Bridge boys romped home to a thrilling victory. The Junior cup was in Butlersbridge for the first time. I shall never forget the jubilations – bonfires blazed for miles.
The 'Bridge dwindled into wilderness somewhat until 1974. This time they reached the final to beat the men from famed Mullahoran. The trained was the great Gael, Sean O'Hare. This team achieved honours that had eluded other teams. In the same year they beat Kill by a large score to win the Junior league title.
In recent years we have achieved more success – at schoolboy level under the careful guidance of Philip Smith N.T. The girls have also played their part in camogie success, thanks to the tireless work of Evelyn Brady N.T.
Before I conclude, I wish to pay tribute to the chairman, committee and fundraisers for having achieved what almost seemed impossible – the ownership of our own pitch.
Whilst I rejoice with others, I cannot help looking back with sadness at all the great tussles that took place in the 'old bottom'. Many of those fine players have passed onto their reward – but such is life!
Although the 'Bridge have not won many major awards, the standard of football down the years was very high. Many of our players wore the county jersey at various grades. The entire Browne family followed in their father's footsteps; Con and Kevin Smith, Terry Smith, Mick McGerty, the Dunne brothers, John Shannon, Tom Sheridan, the Reilly brothers (Keeney), John Cusack, Jimmie Brown, the Leddy brothers, Declan Reilly and at present, Paul McCorry and Noel Bartley.
As I relax now in the twilight of my life, I thank God for affording me the opportunity to have met so many fine people in the G.A.A. that I might otherwise never have known.
Let's hope with such a fine pitch and with youth and experience available, the club will once more bring honours to the village
AS I REMEMBER
By: CON SMITH
By: CON SMITH
In my early school days back in the late forties, money was scarce and so were footballers but financial wizard, Tommy Flanagan set up a club of his own bought a football and all the boys of the village and surrounds forfeited their sweet money to him each Sunday morning after 11 o'clock confessions for a game in the Hall field. Small wonder he later became a bank manager.
A few years later an uncle of the Myles' brought two footballs home from the U.S.A. to his nephews, Thomas and Brian and thereafter there was always a ball for Myles' bottom.
Butlersbridge fielded its first underage team in the late '40s and beat the De la Salle team from Cavan but lost on an objection as Brendan Farrell and Aidan Foynes (now Fr. Aidan) were marginally over age. That was the first year of organised juvenile football in our area and I remember vividly playing my first game in Breffni Park in 1948 against De la Salle and the highlights of that game were the clashes between Peter Keavney and Michael Connolly (De la Salle) and Patsy Fitzpatrick, better known as the “Daggler” and Cathal Young.
Anyway my schooldays started at Kilnalack N.S. We played rounders at lunchtime and a bit of hurling with sticks from the adjoining wood for a short lived time as two brothers had a bit of a collision one day and the late P. J. Keavney N.T. confiscated the so-called hurleys and made a bonfire of them. So we got down to football after that. It was there I first met the Reillys, the Myles', Sean O'Hare, Patsy Meehan, the Fitzpatricks of Kilnalack, the McGertys of Urney and a host of others. Later on I progressed to St. Patrick's College, Cavan along with fellow 'Bridge boys, Aidan Foynes, Brendan Farrell, Terry Smyth and my brother Kevin.
Here we made lasting friendships with the Belturbet students of the day namely, Conal Fitzpatrick, Gerry O'Reilly, Eamonn Reilly, Brendan McCauley, who helped us bring the first championship to Butlersbridge when we won the minor championship in 1953. This was a major breakthrough for the club as the junior team was powered for many years after by Ken Browne, Michael Reilly, B. Myles, Patsy Meehan, Aidan Foynes, John Reynolds, Michael McGerty, Terry Smyth, Pa McAvinue and yours truly who were the nucleus of that victorious side.
Much credit must go to John Reilly (chairman), Sean O'Hare and Paddy McGowan for organising and entering a minor team that year. In 1952 the 'Bridge were narrowly beaten by Cootehill in the Junior final when myself and Ken Browne participated as mere boys. Our man of the match that day was Aiden Smith who curbed the activities of Dr. Brian Gallagher and aroused the notice of the county selectors by his brilliant display. I will not go on reminiscing on games we played as I could fill ten books.
My memories of the 'Bridge hinge mainly around the 'playground' or the Hall field as it is better known. It was there I learned a lot about life. When I was a youngster there was never grass on the top half of the field – it never got time to grow and on a Mission evening in May one was treated on an annual bout of fisticuffs – a pairing that was unscheduled of course – just an impromptu affair that finally engaged most of the forty or fifty young men in the field and often a runner to the locals would see another set of gents racing to engage in the fracas.
I have great memories of the club and was privileged to be captain of the 1953 victorious minor team and also served as secretary and treasurer and most meetings were held in the
Hall. I will treasure always the comradeship of families like the Brownes, Foynes, McGertys of Urney, Fitzpatricks, Myles, Reillys (Ballineary), Smiths of the Commons, Shannons (Derrylena), Dunnes, Cosgroves, McPhillips (Railway), John Reynolds, McGertys (Drumcrow), McCaffrey (Bunn), Farrells, Brogans, McAvinues, Reillys (Keeney), Reillys (Derrylena), Keavneys, McGowans, Cusacks, Leddys (Eugenes), Smyths, McCourts, Sheridans, Downes and a host of others too numerous to mention who were the backbone of our club.
My list would not be complete if I did not mention the late Mickey Brady (Drumsilla) and the late Thomas Carney (Deredis) who were pillarstones of the club and their loyalty to the ideals of the G.A.A. were unshakable.
**********
Since Hugh Pa and Con's valuable contributions were recorded, our local GAA club has gone from strength to strength both on and off the field. The development work on the field and dressing rooms has continually improved facilities there. A huge commitment is being made across the juvenile and senior levels, not alone in nurturing the football skills needed, but in building character, camaraderie and commitment which each player will carry for the rest of his/her life.
Success on the field arrived twice in the last five years – in 2002 and in 2004. I have taken the Anglo-Celt report from 21 November 2002 on the 2002 victory and in respect of the 2004 victory an article from Terry Leddy, NT, which appeared in the 2005 “Breffni Blue” and reprinted them in full as follows:
Butlersbridge topple Kildallan in entertaining Junior final
(The Anglo-Celt 21 November 2002)
BUTLERSBRIDGE, who have been out of the football limelight for many years, celebrated another championship win at Breffni Park on Sunday last at the expense of last year's finalists Kildallan.
In the club's history, Butlersbridge have only won two junior championship titles, the first coming thirty-nine years ago in 1963, a side in which the former county star the late Con Smith played a prominent role, and the second eleven years later in 1974.
Another success was long overdue for the Bridge as it was twenty-eight years since they last celebrated a championship win and it was in 1999 that they last appeared in the final. Kildallan's previous title win at this level was in 1977.
After the experience of playing in last year's final, one would have expected Kildallan to be much stronger both physically and mentally. However, Butlersbridge under the guidance of coach and former Ballyhaise player Phelim Plunkett had the edge in most phases of the game and looked much better equipped, especially in the early stages.
Nostalgic
It was both a nostalgic and memorable occasion for the 'Bridge club, its former players and supporters. In a closely-knit community, it has been the case where entire families were involved in club activities and where brothers like the Brownes, Dunnes, Smiths and Leddys among many others played a leading role at football and club affairs level as well as the successful coaches of 1963, Fintan Tierney and 1974 Sean O'Hare.
A few years later an uncle of the Myles' brought two footballs home from the U.S.A. to his nephews, Thomas and Brian and thereafter there was always a ball for Myles' bottom.
Butlersbridge fielded its first underage team in the late '40s and beat the De la Salle team from Cavan but lost on an objection as Brendan Farrell and Aidan Foynes (now Fr. Aidan) were marginally over age. That was the first year of organised juvenile football in our area and I remember vividly playing my first game in Breffni Park in 1948 against De la Salle and the highlights of that game were the clashes between Peter Keavney and Michael Connolly (De la Salle) and Patsy Fitzpatrick, better known as the “Daggler” and Cathal Young.
Anyway my schooldays started at Kilnalack N.S. We played rounders at lunchtime and a bit of hurling with sticks from the adjoining wood for a short lived time as two brothers had a bit of a collision one day and the late P. J. Keavney N.T. confiscated the so-called hurleys and made a bonfire of them. So we got down to football after that. It was there I first met the Reillys, the Myles', Sean O'Hare, Patsy Meehan, the Fitzpatricks of Kilnalack, the McGertys of Urney and a host of others. Later on I progressed to St. Patrick's College, Cavan along with fellow 'Bridge boys, Aidan Foynes, Brendan Farrell, Terry Smyth and my brother Kevin.
Here we made lasting friendships with the Belturbet students of the day namely, Conal Fitzpatrick, Gerry O'Reilly, Eamonn Reilly, Brendan McCauley, who helped us bring the first championship to Butlersbridge when we won the minor championship in 1953. This was a major breakthrough for the club as the junior team was powered for many years after by Ken Browne, Michael Reilly, B. Myles, Patsy Meehan, Aidan Foynes, John Reynolds, Michael McGerty, Terry Smyth, Pa McAvinue and yours truly who were the nucleus of that victorious side.
Much credit must go to John Reilly (chairman), Sean O'Hare and Paddy McGowan for organising and entering a minor team that year. In 1952 the 'Bridge were narrowly beaten by Cootehill in the Junior final when myself and Ken Browne participated as mere boys. Our man of the match that day was Aiden Smith who curbed the activities of Dr. Brian Gallagher and aroused the notice of the county selectors by his brilliant display. I will not go on reminiscing on games we played as I could fill ten books.
My memories of the 'Bridge hinge mainly around the 'playground' or the Hall field as it is better known. It was there I learned a lot about life. When I was a youngster there was never grass on the top half of the field – it never got time to grow and on a Mission evening in May one was treated on an annual bout of fisticuffs – a pairing that was unscheduled of course – just an impromptu affair that finally engaged most of the forty or fifty young men in the field and often a runner to the locals would see another set of gents racing to engage in the fracas.
I have great memories of the club and was privileged to be captain of the 1953 victorious minor team and also served as secretary and treasurer and most meetings were held in the
Hall. I will treasure always the comradeship of families like the Brownes, Foynes, McGertys of Urney, Fitzpatricks, Myles, Reillys (Ballineary), Smiths of the Commons, Shannons (Derrylena), Dunnes, Cosgroves, McPhillips (Railway), John Reynolds, McGertys (Drumcrow), McCaffrey (Bunn), Farrells, Brogans, McAvinues, Reillys (Keeney), Reillys (Derrylena), Keavneys, McGowans, Cusacks, Leddys (Eugenes), Smyths, McCourts, Sheridans, Downes and a host of others too numerous to mention who were the backbone of our club.
My list would not be complete if I did not mention the late Mickey Brady (Drumsilla) and the late Thomas Carney (Deredis) who were pillarstones of the club and their loyalty to the ideals of the G.A.A. were unshakable.
**********
Since Hugh Pa and Con's valuable contributions were recorded, our local GAA club has gone from strength to strength both on and off the field. The development work on the field and dressing rooms has continually improved facilities there. A huge commitment is being made across the juvenile and senior levels, not alone in nurturing the football skills needed, but in building character, camaraderie and commitment which each player will carry for the rest of his/her life.
Success on the field arrived twice in the last five years – in 2002 and in 2004. I have taken the Anglo-Celt report from 21 November 2002 on the 2002 victory and in respect of the 2004 victory an article from Terry Leddy, NT, which appeared in the 2005 “Breffni Blue” and reprinted them in full as follows:
Butlersbridge topple Kildallan in entertaining Junior final
(The Anglo-Celt 21 November 2002)
BUTLERSBRIDGE, who have been out of the football limelight for many years, celebrated another championship win at Breffni Park on Sunday last at the expense of last year's finalists Kildallan.
In the club's history, Butlersbridge have only won two junior championship titles, the first coming thirty-nine years ago in 1963, a side in which the former county star the late Con Smith played a prominent role, and the second eleven years later in 1974.
Another success was long overdue for the Bridge as it was twenty-eight years since they last celebrated a championship win and it was in 1999 that they last appeared in the final. Kildallan's previous title win at this level was in 1977.
After the experience of playing in last year's final, one would have expected Kildallan to be much stronger both physically and mentally. However, Butlersbridge under the guidance of coach and former Ballyhaise player Phelim Plunkett had the edge in most phases of the game and looked much better equipped, especially in the early stages.
Nostalgic
It was both a nostalgic and memorable occasion for the 'Bridge club, its former players and supporters. In a closely-knit community, it has been the case where entire families were involved in club activities and where brothers like the Brownes, Dunnes, Smiths and Leddys among many others played a leading role at football and club affairs level as well as the successful coaches of 1963, Fintan Tierney and 1974 Sean O'Hare.
Sean Leddy Memorial Cup
It was also appropriate that Butlersbridge captain Paul McCorry should receive on behalf of the team the Sean Leddy Memorial Cup, a member of the 'Bridge team up to his untimely death.
Kildallan who had lost the semi-final to Mullahoran but were successful on an objection and back in the competition, failed to produce their best form and only came to life in the closing minutes but too late to affect the outcome.
Injuries to Barry Rudden and Enda Herron didn't help Kildallan's cause and it was Butlersbridge, mainly through the accuracy of Michael Fitzpatrick on the 40 who always held the edge.
It was a game in which nervous tension got the better of many of the players and as a result there were a lot of passes going astray and many wides recorded. In fact there were a total of 21 wides, twelve to Butlersbridge.
Dominant
Butlersbridge made the best of possible starts and dominated the opening fifteen minutes but all they had to show for it was a lead of 0-3 to 0-0, Michael Fitzpatrick getting all three scores. They shot five wides during this period and had a goal disallowed for a square infringement.
It took Kildallan nineteen minutes to register their first score from Danny Conaty and in further pressure; the Bridge defence were kept on their toes. Four minutes later, Kildallan scored again through Ronan Reilly from a 45 and they were right back in the game.
Butlersbridge ended a fifteen minute spell without a score when Carlos Conlon was on target with one minute of the half remaining and left the 'Bridge leading by 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval.
There was a brief hold up at the start of the second-half following and accidental collision between Barry Reynolds and Sean Cassidy.
Kildallan got the opening score of the second-half from a Ronan O'Reilly free after four minutes and then introduced Barry Rudden and ......
Greater Urgency
These switches seemed to instill a little more urgency into Kildallan's play but as both sides made various substitutions and switches it had an adverse affect on the flow of the game and it was ten minutes from the end that the next score arrived.
As the score-line read 0-4 to 0-3 in the 'Bridge's favour, Kildallan were still in with a shout but this all but disappeared with ten minutes left when a free from Michael Fitzpatrick landed high into the square and came to Carlos Conlon who fisted to the net for a 1-4 to 0-3 lead.
That was the score, which helped motivate Butlersbridge into top gear in the final ten minutes. As the Kildallan defence came under sustained pressure and conceded frees, Michael Fitzpatrick punished these indiscretions and there was a further set-back for Kildallan when they were reduced to fourteen players following the sending off of Daithi Reilly four minutes from the end.
Six points separated the teams with four minutes of normal time remaining and it was at this juncture that Kildallan staged a late rally, which produced three points from Barry Rudden, all from frees to reduce the arrears to three points.
Exciting
The remaining minutes were the most entertaining of the entire game as Kildallan exerted heavy pressure in search of a match-saving goal but the 'Bridge held out.
This was a fine effort from a Butlersbridge side which always looked more composed. It was only when Kildallan staged a late rally that they looked vulnerable but in the end deserved their victory.
Butlersbridge – Niall McCorry; Mark Shannon, Diarmuid Smith, John Emmo; Paul Murphy, Padraig McGearty, Stephen O'Hara; David McEntee, Matthew Boylan; Patrick McGovern, Michael Fitzpatrick (0-5), Carlos Conlon (1-1); Sean Henry, Killian Shannon, Barry Reynolds. Subs. Paul McCorry for Mark Shannon, Ronan Flanagan for Sean Henry, Lorcan Mulvey for Patrick McGovern.
Kildallan – John Conaty; Barry Reilly, Michael Power, Sean Cassidy; Wayne O'Grady, Daithi Neary, Dale Bannon; Colin O'Hara, Pauric Wynne; Stephen O'Neill, Gareth O'Reilly, Danny Conaty (0-1); Trent Fitzpatrick, Noel Maguire, Ronan O'Reilly (0-2). Subs. Barry Rudden (0-3) for Gareth O'Reilly
Kildallan who had lost the semi-final to Mullahoran but were successful on an objection and back in the competition, failed to produce their best form and only came to life in the closing minutes but too late to affect the outcome.
Injuries to Barry Rudden and Enda Herron didn't help Kildallan's cause and it was Butlersbridge, mainly through the accuracy of Michael Fitzpatrick on the 40 who always held the edge.
It was a game in which nervous tension got the better of many of the players and as a result there were a lot of passes going astray and many wides recorded. In fact there were a total of 21 wides, twelve to Butlersbridge.
Dominant
Butlersbridge made the best of possible starts and dominated the opening fifteen minutes but all they had to show for it was a lead of 0-3 to 0-0, Michael Fitzpatrick getting all three scores. They shot five wides during this period and had a goal disallowed for a square infringement.
It took Kildallan nineteen minutes to register their first score from Danny Conaty and in further pressure; the Bridge defence were kept on their toes. Four minutes later, Kildallan scored again through Ronan Reilly from a 45 and they were right back in the game.
Butlersbridge ended a fifteen minute spell without a score when Carlos Conlon was on target with one minute of the half remaining and left the 'Bridge leading by 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval.
There was a brief hold up at the start of the second-half following and accidental collision between Barry Reynolds and Sean Cassidy.
Kildallan got the opening score of the second-half from a Ronan O'Reilly free after four minutes and then introduced Barry Rudden and ......
Greater Urgency
These switches seemed to instill a little more urgency into Kildallan's play but as both sides made various substitutions and switches it had an adverse affect on the flow of the game and it was ten minutes from the end that the next score arrived.
As the score-line read 0-4 to 0-3 in the 'Bridge's favour, Kildallan were still in with a shout but this all but disappeared with ten minutes left when a free from Michael Fitzpatrick landed high into the square and came to Carlos Conlon who fisted to the net for a 1-4 to 0-3 lead.
That was the score, which helped motivate Butlersbridge into top gear in the final ten minutes. As the Kildallan defence came under sustained pressure and conceded frees, Michael Fitzpatrick punished these indiscretions and there was a further set-back for Kildallan when they were reduced to fourteen players following the sending off of Daithi Reilly four minutes from the end.
Six points separated the teams with four minutes of normal time remaining and it was at this juncture that Kildallan staged a late rally, which produced three points from Barry Rudden, all from frees to reduce the arrears to three points.
Exciting
The remaining minutes were the most entertaining of the entire game as Kildallan exerted heavy pressure in search of a match-saving goal but the 'Bridge held out.
This was a fine effort from a Butlersbridge side which always looked more composed. It was only when Kildallan staged a late rally that they looked vulnerable but in the end deserved their victory.
Butlersbridge – Niall McCorry; Mark Shannon, Diarmuid Smith, John Emmo; Paul Murphy, Padraig McGearty, Stephen O'Hara; David McEntee, Matthew Boylan; Patrick McGovern, Michael Fitzpatrick (0-5), Carlos Conlon (1-1); Sean Henry, Killian Shannon, Barry Reynolds. Subs. Paul McCorry for Mark Shannon, Ronan Flanagan for Sean Henry, Lorcan Mulvey for Patrick McGovern.
Kildallan – John Conaty; Barry Reilly, Michael Power, Sean Cassidy; Wayne O'Grady, Daithi Neary, Dale Bannon; Colin O'Hara, Pauric Wynne; Stephen O'Neill, Gareth O'Reilly, Danny Conaty (0-1); Trent Fitzpatrick, Noel Maguire, Ronan O'Reilly (0-2). Subs. Barry Rudden (0-3) for Gareth O'Reilly
Terry Leddy, NT on 2004 victory - “Breffni Blue”
The year of 2004 will long be remembered by the players and members of Butlersbridge Emmets as one of their most successful, on the field of play, for many a long year. Although the club won the Junior Championship (The Sean Leddy Cup, named after the late Sean Leddy, a Butlersbridge and Cavan player) in 2002 and also won Cavan A.I.B. Club of the year in 2002 and 2003, the achievements in 2004 were rather special. Early that year Cavan Gael club-man Mickey Graham was appointed as team manager, with selectors Ronan Flanagan, Paddy McGovern and later Dr. Gerry McDermott. Mickey's first aim was to win promotion to Division 2. That was achieved through an excellent league campaign, where they topped the league table. In the top four play off for the league trophy Butlersbridge were edged out by Shercock who in turn were beaten by Redhills.
The second aim of the management team was to get a good run in the Junior Championship. Again this was fully achieved when on Saturday, 25th September 2004 in Ballyconnell's beautiful new pitch, Butlersbridge beat near neighbours Redhills in the Junior Championship Final Replay, on a score of 0-14 to 1-06. Two weeks earlier the teams had drawn the final in Breiffni Park. The Sean Leddy memorial cup was making its way back to Butlersbridge for the second time in three years. The captain Pauric McGearty, was recently honoured when he was voted Cavan Junior player of the year for 2004, by the Anglo-Celt readers and the Shannon Side / Northern Sound listeners – a great honours for Pauric, his family and his Club.
The all-conquering Butlersbridge team, subs and scorers on duty against Redhills was as follows:
Keith Gumley; Brian Grennan, Pauric McGearty, Mark Shannon; Stephen O'Hara, David McEntee (0-2), Andrew McConnell; Michael Fitzpatrick (0-5), Matthew Boylan; Paul McCorry, Lorcan Mulvey (0-1), Darragh Keogh (0-1); Senan Flanagan (0-2), Noel McPhillips (0-1), John Shannon (0-2). Subs used; Diarmuid Smith; Fergal Boylan; Carlos Conlon.
The Reserve Team reached league and Championship semi-finals.
Further success on the playing field came during the summer of 2004 when the under 12 team won the Roinn D League for the first time in many years. Great credit goes to their mentors, Paddy Grennan, Harry Conaty and Paddy Leddy. In the final they defeated Kill.
That success was built upon in October of 2004 when Butlersbridge National School won the Cumann na Mbunscol competition, with a great win over Ballynarry N.S. in the final. Terry Leddy was in charge of this team and is in no doubt that Gaelic games are alive and well in the Butlersbridge area.
A young camogie player from the village, Brid Boylan playing with the Castletara club was voted Camogie player of the year for 2004.
The successes of Butlersbridge in 2004 can be attributed to a number of things. Firstly there is a very sound under-age structure in place spear-headed by Paul McCorry. A team of willing workers is prepared to work with the youth and encourage them along. Secondly the committee structure in the club is excellent. The club officers – Chairman – Gerry McPhillips, Secretary – Tara McGearty, Joint Treasurers – Sinead Gilsenan and Andrew Boylan Jnr put in trojan work and are extremely well organised. The fund raising committee can boast, that over the years, the club has never been in debt despite all the work that has been done.
The second aim of the management team was to get a good run in the Junior Championship. Again this was fully achieved when on Saturday, 25th September 2004 in Ballyconnell's beautiful new pitch, Butlersbridge beat near neighbours Redhills in the Junior Championship Final Replay, on a score of 0-14 to 1-06. Two weeks earlier the teams had drawn the final in Breiffni Park. The Sean Leddy memorial cup was making its way back to Butlersbridge for the second time in three years. The captain Pauric McGearty, was recently honoured when he was voted Cavan Junior player of the year for 2004, by the Anglo-Celt readers and the Shannon Side / Northern Sound listeners – a great honours for Pauric, his family and his Club.
The all-conquering Butlersbridge team, subs and scorers on duty against Redhills was as follows:
Keith Gumley; Brian Grennan, Pauric McGearty, Mark Shannon; Stephen O'Hara, David McEntee (0-2), Andrew McConnell; Michael Fitzpatrick (0-5), Matthew Boylan; Paul McCorry, Lorcan Mulvey (0-1), Darragh Keogh (0-1); Senan Flanagan (0-2), Noel McPhillips (0-1), John Shannon (0-2). Subs used; Diarmuid Smith; Fergal Boylan; Carlos Conlon.
The Reserve Team reached league and Championship semi-finals.
Further success on the playing field came during the summer of 2004 when the under 12 team won the Roinn D League for the first time in many years. Great credit goes to their mentors, Paddy Grennan, Harry Conaty and Paddy Leddy. In the final they defeated Kill.
That success was built upon in October of 2004 when Butlersbridge National School won the Cumann na Mbunscol competition, with a great win over Ballynarry N.S. in the final. Terry Leddy was in charge of this team and is in no doubt that Gaelic games are alive and well in the Butlersbridge area.
A young camogie player from the village, Brid Boylan playing with the Castletara club was voted Camogie player of the year for 2004.
The successes of Butlersbridge in 2004 can be attributed to a number of things. Firstly there is a very sound under-age structure in place spear-headed by Paul McCorry. A team of willing workers is prepared to work with the youth and encourage them along. Secondly the committee structure in the club is excellent. The club officers – Chairman – Gerry McPhillips, Secretary – Tara McGearty, Joint Treasurers – Sinead Gilsenan and Andrew Boylan Jnr put in trojan work and are extremely well organised. The fund raising committee can boast, that over the years, the club has never been in debt despite all the work that has been done.
History of Páirc Emmet
by Terry Leddy N.T.
by Terry Leddy N.T.
I am again most grateful to Terry Leddy N.T. Butlersbridge for his work in preparing the following article on the purchase and development of our very fine Gaelic Football Club facilities located on the Clones road outside the village.
When Butlersbridge Emmets celebrated their centenary in 1988 it was fitting that their new football pitch, Páirc Emmet, was just ready to host the club’s centenary game – a past versus present selection. For over a hundred years the club had tried and failed to secure a permanent, suitable site for the playing of our national games. However, this was to change in the mid 1980’s.
In February 1986 a meeting of the committee of the Development Association (Vincent Bartley Jnr., Hugh Leddy and Mary Tierney) and the officers of Butlersbridge G.F.C. (Ambrose Shannon R.I.P., Brian McEntee and Terry Leddy) took place. At that meeting it was pointed out that the then Development Association field could be purchased by the football club, if the adjoining field viz Johnny Smith’s (Ballyhaise) field, could be purchased. Both committees agreed to pursue this possibility. In time Smith’s field was bought for £12,000 and the Development Field for £8,000. The purchase money was raised through a house to house collection in the area and through donations from ‘Bridge’ people now living outside the area, allied to finance already in the club, raised over a period of years by a very hard working finance committee.
In March, 1987, the job of excavating, draining and leveling the proposed new pitch was given to Mr. Sean Smith of P & S Construction at a cost of £ 26,000. Work commenced in May and excavation and drainage were complete by September. In April 1988 the grass seed was sown and by August the pitch was ready for the club’s centenary game. The finance for this part of the project was raised through two very successful car draws in 1987 and 1988.
Close to the pitch site was an old disused Co. Council boiler house. This was made available to the club at a nominal fee and over the next couple of years old tanks and pipe work were removed. The building was re-roofed and adequate dressing rooms were provided. In the following years perimeter fencing, dug-outs and a stand were erected.
Páirc Emmet was officially opened in May 1993 by the then G.A.A. President Mr. Peter Quinn. Longford and Cavan played at the official opening. A plaque inside the ground reminds us of two great ‘Bridge’ men who passed to their eternal reward before the official opening. One was Con Smith, who played for Butlersbridge and Cavan with distinction. The other was Ambrose Shannon who worked tirelessly for the new park. No doubt both men would be very proud of the club’s achievements in the intervening years.
It is worth noting that at no stage during purchase or development did the club ever borrow a penny from the bank. Funds were always raised in advance of work being done. The fund raising committee at the time (1987-1990) was Brian McEntee, Paul Hickey, Gerry McGerty, Paddy McGovern, Ambrose Shannon R.I.P., Liam Leddy, Noel McGovern R.I.P., Terry Leddy, Sean O’Reilly, Sean McGowan, Jimmy McGerty, Martin Duffy, John Emmo, Paddy Leddy and Michael Reynolds. The field committee, who worked so hard for so many years, was comprised of Packie Connolly, Noel McGovern R.I.P. and Patsy McEntee R.I.P.
As we speak plans are in the pipeline for a major refurbishment of Páirc Emmet – plans that would see the pitch realigned so as to create a new practice pitch and also new dressing rooms and club meeting rooms. With the work ethic that is in the club I have now doubt that these plans will become a reality.
Football in Ashgrove
My brother Raymond Dunne came across the following notices and accounts which appeared in the Anglo Celt on the dates noted.
14/1/1933 Ashgrove - A new football team has been started in Ashgrove which promises to be a credit to historic Drumlane, which produced so many famous footballers.
11/3/1933 Ashgrove- The following play Kilmore on Sunday, 19th March - Ml.Brady, Ml. Downes, F.Rodgers, J.Gaffney, J.McGowan, F.McGovern, C.Leddy, T.Mulligan, J.McGrath, T. Donohoe, J.Sheridan, J,McCardle, F.Fitzpatrick, H.Leddy, M.Donohoe, H.J.Sheridan, C.Flynn, J.Donohoe, C.Leddy, Sec.
18/3/1933 Ashgrove - All players turn out on Sunday 19th, for challenge match with Kilmore - T. Donohoe, Sec.
15/4/1933 Ashgrove Start Well - Playing at home on Sunday the new Ashgrove team made an auspicious start in their junior league match with Annagh. It proved a hard and fast struggle all throught, honours remanining with Ashgrove by 7 points to 6. A correspondent who signs himself 'Interested,' writing of the match, complains of the condition and size of the pitch and criticises the referee but these are matters which come within the province of the Co. Committee and no good can come out of publication of letters of this description. If a club has a grievance it is the business of its representatives to ventilate it at a meeting of the governing body - Ed. "A.C."
29/4/1933 Ardkill v. Ashgrove; T.Kelly.
When Butlersbridge Emmets celebrated their centenary in 1988 it was fitting that their new football pitch, Páirc Emmet, was just ready to host the club’s centenary game – a past versus present selection. For over a hundred years the club had tried and failed to secure a permanent, suitable site for the playing of our national games. However, this was to change in the mid 1980’s.
In February 1986 a meeting of the committee of the Development Association (Vincent Bartley Jnr., Hugh Leddy and Mary Tierney) and the officers of Butlersbridge G.F.C. (Ambrose Shannon R.I.P., Brian McEntee and Terry Leddy) took place. At that meeting it was pointed out that the then Development Association field could be purchased by the football club, if the adjoining field viz Johnny Smith’s (Ballyhaise) field, could be purchased. Both committees agreed to pursue this possibility. In time Smith’s field was bought for £12,000 and the Development Field for £8,000. The purchase money was raised through a house to house collection in the area and through donations from ‘Bridge’ people now living outside the area, allied to finance already in the club, raised over a period of years by a very hard working finance committee.
In March, 1987, the job of excavating, draining and leveling the proposed new pitch was given to Mr. Sean Smith of P & S Construction at a cost of £ 26,000. Work commenced in May and excavation and drainage were complete by September. In April 1988 the grass seed was sown and by August the pitch was ready for the club’s centenary game. The finance for this part of the project was raised through two very successful car draws in 1987 and 1988.
Close to the pitch site was an old disused Co. Council boiler house. This was made available to the club at a nominal fee and over the next couple of years old tanks and pipe work were removed. The building was re-roofed and adequate dressing rooms were provided. In the following years perimeter fencing, dug-outs and a stand were erected.
Páirc Emmet was officially opened in May 1993 by the then G.A.A. President Mr. Peter Quinn. Longford and Cavan played at the official opening. A plaque inside the ground reminds us of two great ‘Bridge’ men who passed to their eternal reward before the official opening. One was Con Smith, who played for Butlersbridge and Cavan with distinction. The other was Ambrose Shannon who worked tirelessly for the new park. No doubt both men would be very proud of the club’s achievements in the intervening years.
It is worth noting that at no stage during purchase or development did the club ever borrow a penny from the bank. Funds were always raised in advance of work being done. The fund raising committee at the time (1987-1990) was Brian McEntee, Paul Hickey, Gerry McGerty, Paddy McGovern, Ambrose Shannon R.I.P., Liam Leddy, Noel McGovern R.I.P., Terry Leddy, Sean O’Reilly, Sean McGowan, Jimmy McGerty, Martin Duffy, John Emmo, Paddy Leddy and Michael Reynolds. The field committee, who worked so hard for so many years, was comprised of Packie Connolly, Noel McGovern R.I.P. and Patsy McEntee R.I.P.
As we speak plans are in the pipeline for a major refurbishment of Páirc Emmet – plans that would see the pitch realigned so as to create a new practice pitch and also new dressing rooms and club meeting rooms. With the work ethic that is in the club I have now doubt that these plans will become a reality.
Football in Ashgrove
My brother Raymond Dunne came across the following notices and accounts which appeared in the Anglo Celt on the dates noted.
14/1/1933 Ashgrove - A new football team has been started in Ashgrove which promises to be a credit to historic Drumlane, which produced so many famous footballers.
11/3/1933 Ashgrove- The following play Kilmore on Sunday, 19th March - Ml.Brady, Ml. Downes, F.Rodgers, J.Gaffney, J.McGowan, F.McGovern, C.Leddy, T.Mulligan, J.McGrath, T. Donohoe, J.Sheridan, J,McCardle, F.Fitzpatrick, H.Leddy, M.Donohoe, H.J.Sheridan, C.Flynn, J.Donohoe, C.Leddy, Sec.
18/3/1933 Ashgrove - All players turn out on Sunday 19th, for challenge match with Kilmore - T. Donohoe, Sec.
15/4/1933 Ashgrove Start Well - Playing at home on Sunday the new Ashgrove team made an auspicious start in their junior league match with Annagh. It proved a hard and fast struggle all throught, honours remanining with Ashgrove by 7 points to 6. A correspondent who signs himself 'Interested,' writing of the match, complains of the condition and size of the pitch and criticises the referee but these are matters which come within the province of the Co. Committee and no good can come out of publication of letters of this description. If a club has a grievance it is the business of its representatives to ventilate it at a meeting of the governing body - Ed. "A.C."
29/4/1933 Ardkill v. Ashgrove; T.Kelly.
Footnote: One can see that many of the surnames are familar. Can anyone provide christian names or any other information on this.
Football game in Butlersbridge in 1888 - goal scored before 1st ball kicked in game
IN A FOOTBALL MATCH at Butlersbridge in 1888 between Belturbet Rory O'Moore's and Annagh Sons of Usna a goal was scored, legally, before the ball was kicked. In the early years of the G.A.A. the entire team, 21 aside, lined up in the middle of the field with the exception of the two goalkeepers. The rules permitted a player to run with the ball once it was kept hopping up and down on one hand. When the referee threw in the ball it was caught by Hugh Small of the Rory's who out paced the opposition and boxed the ball to the back of the net. ref: Facts and Fancy (by P.J. McGovern) page 17 Harp Larger Trophy Tournament souvenir program 1968.