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The first mention of a
Gaelic football team from the Doohamlet area was as early as 1896 when the Hugh
O'Neill's took part in a tournament held in Donaghmoyne. The Democrat reported
them to be 'Old and tried players. In fact there was probably a team even
earlier than this as it was reported in the press that a championship match was
played on the Sheepwalk in 1889 though not involving Doohamlet. The fact that
there was a pitch in the area would suggest that there was a team as well.
Gaelic football went into decline in the latter end of the nineteenth century
and soccer came to the fore. May 1904 marked the re-emergence of the GAA in
Monaghan and Doohamlet fielded a team at Castleblayney sports on the ninth of
July 1905.
Doohamlet was represented at the 1906 county convention held on the eleventh
march. This give Doohamlet official status for the first time and heralded
their arrival on the Gaelic football scene. The men responsible for forming the
club at that time were, Jem Finnigan (Rossollus), Owen Morgan (Black smith
Doohamlet cross) James McDonnell (Corryloan) and Peter King from Donaghmoyne
who was working in the area. Doohamlet got a bye in the first round of the championship
that year and met the 1905 champions Inniskeen on the twelfth of May at
the sheepwalk. Enniskeen won but Doohamlet O Neills were now firmly established
and newspaper reports carried accounts of their many performances. At that time
Doohamlet colours were Green with a white sash. At
the 1916 county convention a new junior board was set up.Doohamlet along with
Donaghmoyne, Bawn, Latton, Tullycorbet and Carrick formed this division. There
was little time for football during the struggle for independence. Doohamlet
did field a junior team in 1922 and a dispute over the sending off of Johnny
McArdle meant they had no vote at the 1923 convention. First Success
. The
first success came to the club in 1927 when they won the Junior championship. The
performance of the Doohammlet team at that time was described as 'an excellent
exhibition of gymnastics ju-jitsu and football all rolled in to one.'While the
enthusiasm of the spectators ran so high that they unconsciously gave a strange
dance. The team that won the championship was as fol lows. John Loughman, Eddie
Keenan, Jem Connolly, Eddie McAdam, Christy Loughman, Owen Mooney, Packie
McArdle, James Keenan, Jack McCabe, Frank Moorehead, Mickey Markey, Arthur
McGuinness, John McMahon, Packie Keenan, John Connolly. First Year Senior
With Doohamlet now senior a big push was made to take senior honours to the
parish for the first time. At the 1928 AGM Jem Finnegan was elected chairman
thus giving twenty-two years service to the club. Doohamlet defeated all
opposition that year except Corcaghan who defeated them with the last kick of
the ball in the Championship semi-final. 1935 was another successful year for
the O'Neill's when they won the intermediate league for the first time. They
also reached the championship final but were defeated by Currin in Ballybay.It
was the minors who stole the lime light in 1936 getting to the county final
against Blayney.They were event ually defeated 2-2 to 1-3. Much honour was
brought to the club in 1938 when Enda McCormack starred on the county team that
won the Reforming of Doohamlet O'Neills
The New O'Neill's With an upturn in the economy many young people were able to
find work with out leaving their county. This resulted in the reforming of the
club at a meeting on the twelfth of January 1969 in Doohamlet hall. The
following officers were elected. President Fr. Dan Duffy, Chairman Eamon
Connolly, Vice chairman Hugh Malone, Secretary Michael Connolly, Assis
Secretary Frank McManus, Treasurer Michael Connolly. It was decided the club
colours would be blue and black The first game for the team was a baptism of
fire as they made the long journey to Killanny the leading Junior club at the
time. The blues got a much talked about victory on a score line of 2-3 to 0-6.
The team on dutie that day was, Sean Connolly, Anthony Connolly, Michael
McManus, Gerry Boyd, Marin Connolly, Jimmy Walsh, Eamon Connolly, Hugh Malone,
Jimmy Markey, Liam Keenan, Teddy Duffy, Michael Connolly, Gene Malone, Michael
Rush, Brendan Farrell. The first home game on the sheepwalk evoked much
interest especially as it was against local rivals Blackhill. Doohamlet also won
this one with scoring frantically in the dying minutes to win 3-6 to 2-5. 1974 a Memorable Year
A
Memorable Year For those old enough to remember 1974 was a golden year for the
club. The team lost only on game in forty-two outings over a period of fifteen
months. Trophies won included the McCaldin Shield (Junior Championship) The
Gerflex cup (Tournament) won twice the Tommy Fee cup (Blackhill Tournament) and
the Clontibret festival cup The panel that year was, Sean Connolly, Mac Malone,
Hugh Malone, Martin Con nolly, Michael Marray, Pat McAleer, Eamon Connolly, Jim
Connolly, Noel Marr ay, Pat King, Teddy Duffy, Peter Finnegan, Jimmy Walsh,
Terry King, Gerry M alone. Anthony Connolly, Stan McDonnell, Frank Hamilton,
Liam Keenan, Patsy Connolly, Francie Connelly, Colm King Gerry Duffy.Donal
Connolly. Padraig McGuinness. ManagerJimmy Markey.New Grounds Towards the end
of 1977 moves were made towards aquiring our own grounds. On the thirteenth of
December the land was purchased from Thomas Geoghegan. Work began immediately
to develop the site.
1978 was a good year when the club won three tournaments The next big success
came on the sixteenth of October 1983 when the club won the Dr. Ward Cup.
Played at Oram against their great rivals Enniskeen. Doohamlet overcame gale
force winds a sending off and an injury to midfield star Eamon McEneaney to
lift the trophy. The team that day was, Lou McEnaney, Padraig McGuinness,
Benny Malone, Michael Marray, Martin McEneaney, Gerr y Malone, John Malone,
Dessie McBennett, Eamon McEneaney, Eamon McBennett, Noel Marray, Donal
Connolly, John McEneaney, Sean McBennett, Pat King. Subs , Brendan Malone, Sean
Malone, Martin Connolly. The under sixteen team also won the McCormack cup that
year defeating Drumhowan in the final. 1984 saw the Junior B team taking the
honours by lifting the Hugh Brady cup . Having defeated Maghercloone on a score
line of 1-6 to 0-6. And so a club that has contributed so much to Gaelic
football in the county was included on the role of honour in the centenary year
of the GAA. The biggest event in the clubs long history was the official
opening of O'Neill Park on Sunday the 5th August 1984. The day started with
mass for past and present membe rs at 10am. The highlight of the day was the
official opening performed by Paddy Smyth from Croke Park whose father came
from Doohamlet. This was followed by a county match between Monaghan and During
this period Doohamlet competed strongly in Intermediate ranks, narrowly failing
to reach the Hackett Cup final in 1985.
At this time the Intermediate Championship had been discontinued and
division two clubs participated in the Senior Championship. In the centenary year of 1984 Doohamlet lost
narrowly, 0 - 7 to 0 - 6 to fellow parishioners Clontibret in the first
round. In the 1986 Championship defeat
was suffered at the hands of a strong Emyvale outfit. In
1987 Doohamlet were back in junior ranks and once again, proved a strong force
at the lower grade. Unfortunately,
defeat was to come our way in the junior final of 1987 when Magheracloone won
after a replay. The team for drawn match
with Mageracloone was: Martin Walshe, Gerry Malone, John Malone, Francis
Markey, Sean McGinn, Finbarr Malone, Martin Connolly, Dessie McBennett, Eamon
McEneaney, Eamon McBennett, Noel Marray, Donal Connolly, Oliver Malone, Pat
King and John McEneaney. Subs used: Jim
Geoghegan and Brendan Malone. Other panellists: Sean McBennett, Padraig McGuinness, Gerry
McGinn, Sean Malone, Paul McElroy, Padraig Finnegan, Patsy Connolly, Raymond
Duffy and Keith Loughman. Fortunes
didn't fare any better in the league when we lost to Corduff after a replayed
semi-final in 1987. Two
years later we suffered another championship final defeat when going under to
Latton, 2 - 9 to 0 - 8. The same
opposition also beat us 1 - 9 to 0 - 8 in the league semi-final on their way to
a junior double. By way of consolation
we returned to intermediate ranks for 1990 when beating Drumhowan in a play-off
match. On
the reserve front Doohamlet lost the Kierans Cup final of 1987 to Drumhowan in
a controversial match, which resulted in three Doohamlet players being
dismissed. However, in the early months
of 1989 Doohamlet gained sweet revenge against the same opposition when winning
the McKeown Cup competition, which was held over from the previous year. During
this period development work continued at O'Neill Park. A new spectator stand was erected and terrace
stepping commenced in order to provide comfort for our patrons. An
AGM held on Monday 14th January 1991 the following officers were elected:
Honorary Presidents: Kevin McGuinness (RIP),
Tomas Geoghegan (RIP), Fr Mulligan (RIP) and Fr Corrigan; Chairman, Jim
Connolly; Secretary, P.J. Meehan; Vice Chairman, Brendan Farrell; Assistant Secretary, John Malone; Treasurer;
Eamon Connolly; Assistant Treasurer, John
Doran; Development Officer, Brendan Malone; P.R.O. Michael McEneaney; Minor
Secretary, Gerry Malone; Juvenile Secretary John Doran; Under 21 members: Oliver
Malone and Patrick Clarke; Committee members: Brian Kernaghan,
Sean Malone, Michael Marray, Bernard McKenna and Michael Connolly. Management of the adult teams was left in the
hands of P.J. Meehan, Gerry Malone and Noel Marray. On
the playing scene of 1991 Doohamlet drew with Oram, 2 - 5 to 1 - 8, in
semi-final of junior championship. Team:
Pauric McGuinness, Sean McBennett, Benny Malone, Gerry Malone, Gerry Coleman,
John Malone, Paul McElroy, Finbarr Malone, Eamon McEneaney, Sean McGinn, Oliver
Malone, Noel Marray, Eamon McBennett, John McEneaney, and Sean O'Neill. Subs used: Trevor Duffy, Dessie
McBennett and Martin McEneaney. A
weakened team eventually lost out after a second replay. Juvenile Front While
fortunes may have taken a downward spiral at adult level in the 90's the club
began to make significant progress on the juvenile front. A new emphasis was placed on our youth and a
major effort was make in coaching at under-age level thanks mainly to the
efforts of men such as Eamon Connolly, Michael Marray, P.J. Meehan, Jim
Connolly, Michael McManus and Michael McEneaney. In
1992 an under 12 team managed by Eamon Connolly and Michael Marray qualified
for the Magill Cup Final. Even though
the team lost they made history by becoming the first Doohamlet under age side
to reach a county final. Three
years later in 1995 the under 15 side had progressed to win the Lee Bros Cup
division 2 competition in spectacular style, defeating Donaghmoyne in the
semi-final and Clones in the final. It
was a historic break through at youth level for the club and the memorable
fashion in which it was achieved generated a roller-coaster journey of success
that has continued into the new Millennium. Team: James Casey, Aidan O'Neill, David Campbell, Martin Connolly, Enda
O'Neill, Pauric Marray, Gabriel Casey, Shane McManus, Kieran McManus, Ted
Duffy, Martin Hughes, Enda Connolly, Aaron Leonard, Gordon Lavelle and Greg
Duffy. Subs: Glen Cumiskey, Gerard Connolly, Derek
Connolly, Colin Finnegan and Niall Connolly.
Mentors: Michael McManus and Francie Connolly. Minors Two
years later in 1997 the members of the Lee Cup team with the addition of Rory
McManus (Captain) and Shane Johnny
Connolly stormed their way to a 11-a-side minor double of the St. Dympna's Cup
and the Kellett Cup. In 1999 the Kellett
Cup was won again. Incredibly, two
further minor doubles were added in 2001 and 2004. The
2004 team was: Wayne Cumiskey, Darren Connolly, Michael Malone, Christopher
Boylan, Seamus Malone, Damien King, Paul McArdle, Lorcan Duffy, Pauric O'Neill,
Gavin King and Kieran Finnegan. Subs:
Christopher Malone, Stephen Gilsenan, Pauric McBennett, Eoin McKenna and Brian
Sewell. Other
under-age triumphs include, under 16 Curley Cup in 1997 and under 15 division 3
of 1998 and an under 15
(McGuigan Cup) and under 14 (Farney Cup) double in 2000. Back
in 1997 Christopher Boylan played a key role in Clontibret parish winning
County and Ulster titles in Community Games.
Other members of that panel were Brian Sewell, Kieran Finnegan and
Michael Malone. Under 21's In
February of 2001 the under 21 side defeated Corduff 1 - 8 to 0 - 9, thus
bringing first ever under 21 title to club.
Team Panel: James Casey (Captain),
Colin Finnegan, Gabriel Casey, Niall 'Jim' Connolly, Glen Cumiskey, Enda
O'Neill, Rory McManus,. Kieran McManus, Martin Hughes, Derek Connolly, Shane
McManus, Shane 'Johnny' Connolly, Ted Duffy, Greg Duffy, Enda Connolly, Pauric
Marray, Aidan O'Neill, Mark Murphy, Kevin McArdle and Eamon Hughes. Management: Dessie McBennett and Michael McManus. In
2002 the Flanagan Cup was regained when Clones were defeated in final. The under 21 title returned to Doohamlet in
2004 when Corduff were conquered in final. Champions at Last The
year of 1999 will never be forgotten around Doohamlet. Our heroes bridge a 25 year gap to win Junior
Championship. Playing out of division 4
which comprised mainly of reserve teams, Doohamlet sprang major shock when defeating
much fancied division 3 opponents Cremartin and Rockcorry to reach final. Hot favourites Clones were defeated to record
a memorable success for Doohamlet's young team on a score of 1 - 12 to 3 - 4. Team: James Casey, Enda Connolly,
Pauric Marrray, Enda O'Neill, Gabriel Casey, Trevor Duffy, Keiran Mc Manus,
Ollie Hughes, Rory McManus, Shane McManus, Gavin Duffy, Martin Hughes, Kieran
Walshe, Dessie McBennett and Greg Duffy.
Subs used: Declan O'Neill and Shame 'Johnny Connolly. Panellists: Glen Cumiskey, Ciaran
Ashmore, Martin Connolly, Patrick Connolly (RIP), Aidan O'Neill, Niall 'Jim'
Connolly, Damien Malone, Frank Hughes and Seamus Casey. Management: Dessie McBennett, Eamon
McBennett and Jim Connolly. Doohamlet
Ladies continued the successful trend in 1999 when winning a historic first
ever Junior Championship. The year
proved most satisfying on the playing scene when adding the minor success in
the Kellett Cup and the under 10's bringing the McBennett Cup to Doohamlet for
the first time. Also
in 1999 Doohamlet star Shane McManus played a prominent role in Monaghan
winning Ulster U-21 Championship. Shane
also received the honour of County Juvenile Player back in 1995. The
Club gained recognition at county board level when Brendan Farrell was elected
club official of the year. The
final years of the century had Doohamlet competing strongly in Scor. In 1997 Doohamlet were county champions in
ballad singing and in 1998 and 1999 juvenile player, Wayne Cumiskey, won County
Honours in the recitation category. New Millennium In
the first year of the new Millennium, Doohamlet were back in intermediate ranks
but in experience and the absence of the injured Shane McManus resulted in
relegation back to junior. In
2001 a second junior championship came our way in three years when Killeevan
were defeated 1 - 18 to 0 - 8 in final.
Eire Og were over come in semi-final, 1 - 13 to 1 - 10. Doohamlet had lost opening round to Aughnamullen
but reached semi-final stage with back-door wins over Currin, Blackhill and
Killanny. Team: James Casey,
Gabriel Casey, Pauric Marray, Declan O'Neill, Niall Connolly, Trevor Duffy,
Glen Cumiskey, Greg Duffy, Kieran McManus, Ted Duffy, S. McManus, Martin
Hughes, Gavin Duffy, Ollie Hughes and Shane 'Johnny' Connolly (Captain). Subs used: Enda Connolly and Enda
O'Neill. Other panellists: Rory
McManus, Seamus Casey, Aidan O'Neill, Colin Finnegan, Mark Murphy, Eamon
Hughes, Gary Connolly and Kevin McArdle.
Management: Dessie McBennett, Eamon McBennett and Kieran
Brennan. Niall
'Jim' Connolly and Ted Duffy became proud holders of All Ireland medals with
Monaghan's Vocational Schools success.
Niall Connolly and Glenn Cumiskey feature on county minor team who
reached Ulster Final. During
2002 a major drainage and resurfacing scheme commenced on playing pitch. Training and under-age games took place on
the "Stoney Meadow" and adult games on neighbouring grounds. Early in the season victories over Colmcilles
of Derry and Tyrone's Degenish earned Doohamlet a place in Ulster Junior Final
against Drumgoon. After a gallant effort
Doohamlet were unlucky to loose narrowly to the eventual All Ireland winners. In
the Intermediate Championship Doohamlet beat Eire Og and then Monaghan Harps 0
- 13 to 1 - 8. The team lost to Carrick
and finally ousted by Drunhowan in back-door game. During the summer Doohamlet won Ulster Junior
Sevens in Ballybinlar. Ted Duffy was
nominated player of tournament. Panel:
Pauric Marray, Ted Duffy, Shane McManus, Greg Duffy, Martin Hughes, Kieran
McManus, Ollie Hughes, Gabriel Casey, Kevin McArdle and Shane 'Patsy' Connolly. Strong Challenge The
club mounted a strong challenge in Intermediate ranks in 2003. The quest for championship honours began
with a narrow win over Emyvale 1 - 8 to 0 - 10.
We then lost to Corduff but got back in winning mode with a replay win
over Rockcorry. Revenge was gained over
Corduff with a 2 - 10 to 0 - 9 semi-final victory. However, after a bright start in the final
against Aghabog we lost narrowly 1 - 12 to 1 - 11. Drumhowan were beaten in league semi-final, 0 - 12
to 0 - 5. Again, we suffered further
disappointment when losing, 1 - 13 to 2 - 7, to Inniskeen in final. Loyal and hardworking Club Chairman, PJ Meehan wins
County Club Official of 2003. In 2004, Doohamlet improved their league position
after a slow start. We lost out for a
league semi-final spot when defeated by Emyvale in a play off match. Defeats against Ballybay and Emyvale resulted
in our championship ambitions being twarted for another year. In the later part of 2004 playing action returned to
O’Neill Park when resurfacing was completed. In 2005, Doohamlet put in another strong bid for
Intermediate Championship Honours. Wins
over Aghabog , Donaghmoyne and Clones had earned a semi-final spot. Clones emerged through the “back-door” rounds
to be our opponents and were defeated, 1 - 11 to 1 - 10, after a replay. Inniskeen were waiting in the final. A late Doohamlet rally just failed to
overturn an eight points deficit, narrowly losing, 1 - 13 to 2 - 9. Team:
James Casey, Darren Connolly, Emmett Mc Manus, Colin Connolly,
Niall Jim Connolly, Pauric Marray, Shane ‘Johnny’ Connolly, Greg Duffy, Glen
Cumiskey, Ted Duffy, Shane Mc Manus, Niall Johnny Connolly, Paul Mc Ardle,
Ollie Hughes, and Kieran Mc Manus. Subs
used: Martin Hughes, Lorcan
Duffy, Trevor Duffy, and Gavin Duffy, Other panellists: Kevin Mc Ardle, Rory Mc Manus, Shane
Patsy Connolly, Eamon Hughes, Enda Connolly, Enda O’Neill, Mark Murphy, David
Campbell, and Wayne Cumiskey. After a lapse of a few years Doohamlet fielded a
team at reserve level. Following a slow
start the team embarked on a fifteen match unbeaten run to claim a championship
and league double. In the league,
Aghabog were ousted in the semi-final while Rockcorry were defeated after
exciting Mc Keown Cup Final. Wins over
Aughnamullen, Blayney, Clontibret and a final triumph against Killeevan added
the Crawley Cup for a well-deserved double.
Team v Killeevan: Wayne
Cumiskey, David Campbell, Colin Connolly, Enda O’Neill, Eamon Hughes, Enda
Connolly, Niall Jim Connolly, Paul Mc Ardle, Emmett Mc Manns, Rory Mc Manus,
Trevor Duffy, Lorcan Duffy, Mark Murphy, Niall Johnny Connolly, and Gavin
Duffy. (Captain). Subs used:
Shane Patsy Connolly, Rory O’Neill, and Christopher Boylan. Other panellists: Brian Sewell, Gavin King, Kieran
Finnegan, Pauric O’Neill, Daryl Duffy, Aidan O’Neill, Damien King and Colin
Finnegan. N. B. Earlier in year, Greg Duffy and Shane Johnny
Connolly had featured as extra graded players. Shane
Mc Manus plays prominent role in league campaign which results in Monaghan
being crowned Division 2 Champions. Centenary Year The executive appointed to lead club in its
centenary year is as follows: Presidents: Fr Phil Connolly, John Rushe and Benny Duffy. Chairman:
John Doran, Secretary: Pat King, Treasurer: Eamon Connolly, Vice Chairman: Brendan Malone, Assistant Secretary: Gerry Malone, Assistant Treasurer: P. J. Meehan.
Youth Secretary: Michael
Mc Eneaney, PRO: Martin Walshe, County
Board Representative: Aidan Mc
Meel, Insurance Officer: Aidan Mc
Meel, Registrar: Jim Connolly,
Under
21 Member: Emmett Mc Manus. |
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