Sperrin Óg celebrated 10 years of playing in the Tyrone County League in 2001. This was the same year that the club first won a major senior title, by lifting the Division III League Shield. The Senior team went on to emulate that achievement in 2002 by winning both the Division II League and Intermediate Championship title.
Read on to find out more about the club...
We were honoured with the return of a few of our past players to strengthen our Senior Panel in the 2002 season. A total of 58 members were registered with Sperrin Óg this year.
In 2002 Sperrin Óg competed in the Tyrone Crystal Under 14 League and Championship, Grade One Elaine Treanor Juvenile League and Kelly's Inn Grade One Juvenile Championship, Grade Two Minor League and Championship and the Tony Fox Division Two Senior League and Tommy McGarvey Intermediate Championship.
Read on to find out more about the club...
We were honoured with the return of a few of our past players to strengthen our Senior Panel in the 2002 season. A total of 58 members were registered with Sperrin Óg this year.
In 2002 Sperrin Óg competed in the Tyrone Crystal Under 14 League and Championship, Grade One Elaine Treanor Juvenile League and Kelly's Inn Grade One Juvenile Championship, Grade Two Minor League and Championship and the Tony Fox Division Two Senior League and Tommy McGarvey Intermediate Championship.
Sperrin Óg Ladies GFC was formed on 3 December 1991 when a number of girls came together to form the Club in response to an invitation in the local paper. The interest on this occasion was sparked off from the fact that ladies football at last was being properly structured within Tyrone and affiliated to the Ladies Gaelic Football Association - Cumann Peile Gael na mBan. This was mainly due to the efforts of Rosemary Carson from Omagh who sought out the contacts within the association with a fair degree of difficulty.
Sperrin Óg LGFC is based in the small village of Mountfield in rural Tyrone at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains (thus deriving its name). The Club takes in the surrounding districts of Greencastle, Gortin and Loughmacrory. The first committee of Sperrin Óg elected on 3 December 1991 was:
Chairperson: - Mary Donaghy
Secretary: - Margaret Carland
Asst Secretary: - Anne Carland
Treasurer: - Bernie McFadden
Asst Treasurer: - Sharon Devlin
Committee Members: Bernie Donaghy, Jackie McElhatton, Anne Gallagher, Marietta Meenan, Teresa McGinchey, Maura McGlinchey and Lorraine McCarney.
Sperrin Óg LGFC is based in the small village of Mountfield in rural Tyrone at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains (thus deriving its name). The Club takes in the surrounding districts of Greencastle, Gortin and Loughmacrory. The first committee of Sperrin Óg elected on 3 December 1991 was:
Chairperson: - Mary Donaghy
Secretary: - Margaret Carland
Asst Secretary: - Anne Carland
Treasurer: - Bernie McFadden
Asst Treasurer: - Sharon Devlin
Committee Members: Bernie Donaghy, Jackie McElhatton, Anne Gallagher, Marietta Meenan, Teresa McGinchey, Maura McGlinchey and Lorraine McCarney.
2002
SENIOR PANEL :: The Senior Panel commenced their season with their first training session on 18th February under the management of Francis Keenan and Mickey Beggs. Maggie Carland captained the team for the 2002 season. The Senior League began on 25th May with a home fixture against Drumquin in which they secured their first two league points on a convincing score of 2-12 to 0-4. The winning streak continued with hard earned victories over old rivals Loughmacrory, Aghyaran, neighbours Badoney and St Endas. We also had walkovers from Sigersons and Trillick allowing us to win the Division II League Title for the first time coming through the campaign with full points. The Tommy McGarvey Championship began with a Quarter Final fixture on 14th June against Drumquin. The team travelled to Fintona for the big game - unfortunately Drumquin were unable to field allowing us to go through to the Semi Final on 9th August against Trillick. This game was played at Beragh and proved not as easy as we imagined it would be, however it resulted in another win on a score of 3-14 to 3-04. On 24th August all roads lead to Pomeroy for the Intermediate Championship Final against Aghyaran. A great display of ladies Football was provided on the evening. Showing great skill and determination Sperrin Óg lifted the Tommy McGarvey Championship cup on a score of 0-17 to 1-06. The Seniors then progressed to represent Tyrone in the Ulster Intermediate Championship for the first time in club history. At the Quarter Final stage they faced Ardara - Donegal Champions with a home venue on the 15th September. After a thrilling game it ended level at full time. It progressed to a nail-biting extra time performance and Sperrin Óg came out winners with a narrow margin of 3 points to spare. The next encounter of the Championship took place on Sunday 6th October meeting Newtownbutler - Fermanagh Champions at the Semi Final stage. Unfortunately we were defeated by a much stronger and experienced side on the day and ended all hopes of Ulster glory. However, it was a great experience for all involved and will be fondly remembered for many years. Francis and Mickey must be congratulated on their efforts and commitment to the Senior squad during a tough and demanding season. The club is indeed very proud of the entire Senior panel and management and look forward to seeing the team compete in the Division One Senior Masterscreen League and Championship in the 2003 season. It has been a great achievement to come from Division Three to Division One inside two years. This team certainly seems to be going from strength to strength each year and long may it last.
MINOR PANEL :: The MInor panel trained under the management of Mena and Bernie Tuohey and Claire Tracey. Karen Teague captained the team in the 2002 season. They competed in the Grade Two Minor League and Championship in which they met and defeated such teams as Beragh, Kildress, Drumquin, Moy, Galbally and Badoney. Unfortunately they were narrowly beaten by one goal with only a few minutes remaining against Loughmacrory ending all hopes of League success. The Minors performed well in their Championship campaign. They defeated Drumquin and Kildress allowing them to compete in the Grade Two Championship final. Once again Loughmacrory provided the opposition. After a hard hitting battle and a certain amount of bad luck on the day the Minors were denied Cchampionship success. Our thanks must go to the players and management for their dedication and commitment throughout the season.
JUVENILE PANEL :: Helen Clarke and Mary Keenan undertook the training and managing of this Juvenile Panel. Maureen Teague captained the team in the 2002 season. The girls participated in the Grade One Juvenile League and Championship competing against some of the top teams in the county. Along the way they beat Dromore, St Macartans, St Enda's and old rivals Loughmacrory. They also gained points from Errigal Ciaran who played an unregistered player. Unfortunately this was not enough to lift the Juvenile League title. In the Championship the girls met Aodh Ruadh in the Quarter Final stage. They put up a good battle but were unable to overcome a gallant Dungannon side. The club is very proud of our Juvenile Panel in their first year in Grade One football. It proved to be a great experience for the team and our thanks must go to each and every one of the girls and their management for their commitment and dedication throughout their long and gruelling sessions. Our congratulations must also go at this stage to Helen Clarke who managed to fit in 'Tying the Knot' to our local Councillor Sean Clarke while training the girls - The club wishes you many happy days in your future together as Husband and Wife.
UNDER 14 PANEL :: This panel competed in the Tyrone Crystal Under 14 Grade One League and Championship for the first time under the management of Peggy and Patricia McCullagh. Sarah Potter captained this team in the 2002 season. This proved to be a stepping stone of experience for our young Under 14 team. They met the top teams in this section such as Aodh Ruadh, Errigal Ciaran, Carrickmore, St Enda's, Dromore and St Macartans. The girls managed to secure a total of four points out of a possible fourteen. However this did not deter the girls in any way, if anything it motivated them to gain on their speed and skills for the future. These young girls are a credit to our club and they are the future of Sperrin Óg. Again we thank the girls for their determination and commitment throughout this hard-hitting season - well done girls.
COUNTY TEAMS :: We were represented on various County Teams throughout this year. We congratulate Louise McDermott, Kim McCullagh and Emma Daly who represented the club at Under 14 County Level. To Eimear and Maureen Teague who lined out for Tyrone Under 16 team. To Eimear again who played for the Tyrone Minors - Well done girls. The club is indeed very proud of you all. An added bonus to our successful year is to have Eimear Teague picked to go forward to the County Senior squad for the 2003 season - we look forward to seeing your debut with Tyrone Ladies in the coming season.
GAELIC FOR GIRLS CLUB :: One of the highlights for the club this year was undoubtedly the six-week Gaelic for girls club, which we ran from March to April. There were thirty-three Primary School children from Greencastle, Mountfield and Killyclogher area who took part in this fun event. It was a great success for the club in which all the girls seemed to enjoy. The Club ended with a presentation night in the Community Hall. All the Parents were invited to attend. The girls were presented with T-Shirts with our catchy logo - 'I learned to play the proper way' - printed on them. Mary Connolly, Chairperson of Tyrone Ladies and Eilis Gormley, Tyrone panelist also presented the girls with glossy certificates for their completion of the six-week club. A video was shown to all the parents of what the girls learned in the six weeks and refreshments were served for everyone afterwards. All in all this was one of the best events held by the club for many years. It is a great way to get young girls introduced to the club and also to teach them the rules of Ladies Gaelic Football in a fun way. I believe this could be an annual event within the Club. Our sincere thanks goes to all the club members who got involved and attended each week to coach the girls and to the helpers who attended the presentation to serve the refreshments. It would not have been such a great success without the help of everyone.
FASHION SHOW :: What can we say ... this would have to be one of the most successful and enjoyable fundraisers Sperrin Óg have ever organised. More than 300 people came to the Community Centre to get a look at the local talent on the 'Catwalk' on 17th May. Several shop outlets sponsored their clothes for the night such as Bowes Brothers, Silks, Blooming Kids, Sportsgear, Termon Embroidery and Cuba. Sunglasses were also modelled from Smith's Opticians and hats from House of Hats. Flowers were sponsored from The Daisy Chain and carpet from Conway Carpets while hair for our models was sponsored from K o Ko. Many of our outfits were modelled by the Committee members, Players and Supporters of Sperrin Óg and Greencastle GFC - which was a spectacle in itself. Our thanks go out to all the models who performed so well on the night - the show could not have gone on without you. A total of £2,500 was raised in aid of the new pitch development. We thank everyone who helped to make this event such a success - Paul Tuohey for his endless work in the setting up of the stage and the catwalk, to Peter Noel for the lighting, to Claire Rose McDermott for all her organisation and for looking after the models, to Smikes Disco, to all the shops for sponsoring their clothes, to Smiths Opticians, The Diasy Chain and Conway Carpets, to Omagh District Council and McGinns for the wine, to Katie Beggs and Greencastle Drama Group for the flowers throughout the hall. A special word of thanks must go to Fiona Teague and the 'Greencastle Lightening' group who surprised everyone with their entertaining sketch during the interval. Finally to the club members who came together and worked tirelessly to make a success of the night. This event proved how if we all work together in organising things we could make a success of anything.
2002 DINNER DANCE::Sperrin Óg would like to express their thanks to Mary Donaghy, Patricia McCullagh, Peggy McCullagh and Teresa McCullagh for compiling the above information.
SENIOR PANEL :: The Senior Panel commenced their season with their first training session on 18th February under the management of Francis Keenan and Mickey Beggs. Maggie Carland captained the team for the 2002 season. The Senior League began on 25th May with a home fixture against Drumquin in which they secured their first two league points on a convincing score of 2-12 to 0-4. The winning streak continued with hard earned victories over old rivals Loughmacrory, Aghyaran, neighbours Badoney and St Endas. We also had walkovers from Sigersons and Trillick allowing us to win the Division II League Title for the first time coming through the campaign with full points. The Tommy McGarvey Championship began with a Quarter Final fixture on 14th June against Drumquin. The team travelled to Fintona for the big game - unfortunately Drumquin were unable to field allowing us to go through to the Semi Final on 9th August against Trillick. This game was played at Beragh and proved not as easy as we imagined it would be, however it resulted in another win on a score of 3-14 to 3-04. On 24th August all roads lead to Pomeroy for the Intermediate Championship Final against Aghyaran. A great display of ladies Football was provided on the evening. Showing great skill and determination Sperrin Óg lifted the Tommy McGarvey Championship cup on a score of 0-17 to 1-06. The Seniors then progressed to represent Tyrone in the Ulster Intermediate Championship for the first time in club history. At the Quarter Final stage they faced Ardara - Donegal Champions with a home venue on the 15th September. After a thrilling game it ended level at full time. It progressed to a nail-biting extra time performance and Sperrin Óg came out winners with a narrow margin of 3 points to spare. The next encounter of the Championship took place on Sunday 6th October meeting Newtownbutler - Fermanagh Champions at the Semi Final stage. Unfortunately we were defeated by a much stronger and experienced side on the day and ended all hopes of Ulster glory. However, it was a great experience for all involved and will be fondly remembered for many years. Francis and Mickey must be congratulated on their efforts and commitment to the Senior squad during a tough and demanding season. The club is indeed very proud of the entire Senior panel and management and look forward to seeing the team compete in the Division One Senior Masterscreen League and Championship in the 2003 season. It has been a great achievement to come from Division Three to Division One inside two years. This team certainly seems to be going from strength to strength each year and long may it last.
MINOR PANEL :: The MInor panel trained under the management of Mena and Bernie Tuohey and Claire Tracey. Karen Teague captained the team in the 2002 season. They competed in the Grade Two Minor League and Championship in which they met and defeated such teams as Beragh, Kildress, Drumquin, Moy, Galbally and Badoney. Unfortunately they were narrowly beaten by one goal with only a few minutes remaining against Loughmacrory ending all hopes of League success. The Minors performed well in their Championship campaign. They defeated Drumquin and Kildress allowing them to compete in the Grade Two Championship final. Once again Loughmacrory provided the opposition. After a hard hitting battle and a certain amount of bad luck on the day the Minors were denied Cchampionship success. Our thanks must go to the players and management for their dedication and commitment throughout the season.
JUVENILE PANEL :: Helen Clarke and Mary Keenan undertook the training and managing of this Juvenile Panel. Maureen Teague captained the team in the 2002 season. The girls participated in the Grade One Juvenile League and Championship competing against some of the top teams in the county. Along the way they beat Dromore, St Macartans, St Enda's and old rivals Loughmacrory. They also gained points from Errigal Ciaran who played an unregistered player. Unfortunately this was not enough to lift the Juvenile League title. In the Championship the girls met Aodh Ruadh in the Quarter Final stage. They put up a good battle but were unable to overcome a gallant Dungannon side. The club is very proud of our Juvenile Panel in their first year in Grade One football. It proved to be a great experience for the team and our thanks must go to each and every one of the girls and their management for their commitment and dedication throughout their long and gruelling sessions. Our congratulations must also go at this stage to Helen Clarke who managed to fit in 'Tying the Knot' to our local Councillor Sean Clarke while training the girls - The club wishes you many happy days in your future together as Husband and Wife.
UNDER 14 PANEL :: This panel competed in the Tyrone Crystal Under 14 Grade One League and Championship for the first time under the management of Peggy and Patricia McCullagh. Sarah Potter captained this team in the 2002 season. This proved to be a stepping stone of experience for our young Under 14 team. They met the top teams in this section such as Aodh Ruadh, Errigal Ciaran, Carrickmore, St Enda's, Dromore and St Macartans. The girls managed to secure a total of four points out of a possible fourteen. However this did not deter the girls in any way, if anything it motivated them to gain on their speed and skills for the future. These young girls are a credit to our club and they are the future of Sperrin Óg. Again we thank the girls for their determination and commitment throughout this hard-hitting season - well done girls.
COUNTY TEAMS :: We were represented on various County Teams throughout this year. We congratulate Louise McDermott, Kim McCullagh and Emma Daly who represented the club at Under 14 County Level. To Eimear and Maureen Teague who lined out for Tyrone Under 16 team. To Eimear again who played for the Tyrone Minors - Well done girls. The club is indeed very proud of you all. An added bonus to our successful year is to have Eimear Teague picked to go forward to the County Senior squad for the 2003 season - we look forward to seeing your debut with Tyrone Ladies in the coming season.
GAELIC FOR GIRLS CLUB :: One of the highlights for the club this year was undoubtedly the six-week Gaelic for girls club, which we ran from March to April. There were thirty-three Primary School children from Greencastle, Mountfield and Killyclogher area who took part in this fun event. It was a great success for the club in which all the girls seemed to enjoy. The Club ended with a presentation night in the Community Hall. All the Parents were invited to attend. The girls were presented with T-Shirts with our catchy logo - 'I learned to play the proper way' - printed on them. Mary Connolly, Chairperson of Tyrone Ladies and Eilis Gormley, Tyrone panelist also presented the girls with glossy certificates for their completion of the six-week club. A video was shown to all the parents of what the girls learned in the six weeks and refreshments were served for everyone afterwards. All in all this was one of the best events held by the club for many years. It is a great way to get young girls introduced to the club and also to teach them the rules of Ladies Gaelic Football in a fun way. I believe this could be an annual event within the Club. Our sincere thanks goes to all the club members who got involved and attended each week to coach the girls and to the helpers who attended the presentation to serve the refreshments. It would not have been such a great success without the help of everyone.
FASHION SHOW :: What can we say ... this would have to be one of the most successful and enjoyable fundraisers Sperrin Óg have ever organised. More than 300 people came to the Community Centre to get a look at the local talent on the 'Catwalk' on 17th May. Several shop outlets sponsored their clothes for the night such as Bowes Brothers, Silks, Blooming Kids, Sportsgear, Termon Embroidery and Cuba. Sunglasses were also modelled from Smith's Opticians and hats from House of Hats. Flowers were sponsored from The Daisy Chain and carpet from Conway Carpets while hair for our models was sponsored from K o Ko. Many of our outfits were modelled by the Committee members, Players and Supporters of Sperrin Óg and Greencastle GFC - which was a spectacle in itself. Our thanks go out to all the models who performed so well on the night - the show could not have gone on without you. A total of £2,500 was raised in aid of the new pitch development. We thank everyone who helped to make this event such a success - Paul Tuohey for his endless work in the setting up of the stage and the catwalk, to Peter Noel for the lighting, to Claire Rose McDermott for all her organisation and for looking after the models, to Smikes Disco, to all the shops for sponsoring their clothes, to Smiths Opticians, The Diasy Chain and Conway Carpets, to Omagh District Council and McGinns for the wine, to Katie Beggs and Greencastle Drama Group for the flowers throughout the hall. A special word of thanks must go to Fiona Teague and the 'Greencastle Lightening' group who surprised everyone with their entertaining sketch during the interval. Finally to the club members who came together and worked tirelessly to make a success of the night. This event proved how if we all work together in organising things we could make a success of anything.
2002 DINNER DANCE::Sperrin Óg would like to express their thanks to Mary Donaghy, Patricia McCullagh, Peggy McCullagh and Teresa McCullagh for compiling the above information.