1934 SFC-replay ends in controversy
“Ballymartin were without the services of of Doran one of their best players. The play was not too keen for Castlewellan had strong forces and did not allow their opponents to settle. Ferguson pointed for Castlewellan in the first minute and after many further attacks John O’Hare added a second from a free. Ballymartin were scarcely ever dangerous but once Ballymartin’s T. O’Hare hit the side net with a fast shot. CastIewellan again bombarded their opponnent’s goal but were kept out for a while until Castlewellan’s John O’Hare drove strongly agains the underside bar from a free into the Ballymartin net, no defender making any attempt to stop the shot. Ballymartin progressed to the centre of the field but were returned and a further series of attacks brought two more points for Castlewellan, leaving the score at the interval:- Castlewellan 1goal 4 points; Ballymartin nil
In the second half Castlewellan were set to face the breeze. Ballymartin opened well but failed to achieve anything. Castlewellan then attacked but were repulsed and sent to centrefield. From here they again progressed and Lennon notched a goal which was shortly afterwards followed by a point. Despite their deficit, Ballymartin played on very pluckily and came in very dangerous on some occasions. Their first and only point came from a free near the finish.
In the course of the game two balls were punctured and when the third was introduced Ballymartin refused to continue, as the ball was not regulation size. The game had 12 minutes to go and Castlewellan were leading by 2-5 to 1 point
At the County Committee meeting in Castlewellan the following Wednesday presided over by the Chairman Mr J. H. King Solicitor the referee Mr J Flood’s (Dundalk) report stated “ within twelve minutes of the close of the game the second ball burst and Ballymartin refused to continue the play with a No 4 (unofficial) ball. Castlewellan were leading at that point by eleven points to one.” Members of the county committee referred to the various unavailing efforts made to get a third ball of the proper size and the chairman and others complained of reports in a section of the press casting reflections on the county committee who had made every possible provision and more than they were expected to do to see that two balls of proper size were on the pitch. Castlewellan lodged a protest against a replay and claimed the match as Ballymartin had not complied with rule 37 of the county bye-laws in their failure to have the nature to have the names of players taking part in the final in the hands of the county committee seven days prior to the match. Mr Doran admitted that Ballymartin had made a mistake and said that Castlewellan’s standing on a technicality now was an endorsement of their unsportmanlike spirit.
On questions of a replay Mr Lambe for Castlewellan, said that under no circumstances would Castlewellan consent to a replay. Mr Doran complained of several statements made regarding Ballymartin’s refusal to resume with an undersized ball and said that they were quite within their rights. The chairman agreed and several members stated that Ballymartin had acted within the proper interpretation of the rules. Mr Doran said it was useless going there with a case if you had only equity and justice on your side. The chairman said that equity and justice would always be upheld to the fulest possible extent but unfortunately for Ballymartin it was rules that counted.
Finally the match was awarded to Castlewellan.
At the County Convention held in January 1935 a motion was passed to provide an All-County Senior League. Seven Clubs took part including Castlewellan and the Club. The opening game was not played to November of that year and in a preview of the first match between the town and Newry the Frontiet Sentinel had this to say about Castlewellan:-
“… we speak of a team that has quickly jumped to fame. Some three or four years ago Castlewellan was apathetic. The advent of Fr. McAlea to the district produced a big change. Starting with schools, scouts and minors, a fine club was formed and the winning of the senior county championship in 1934 was the best in a long series of achievements. In Kelly (goal), McCann (back), O’Hare (centre half), McNabb (centre field), and Hanna (forward) they have an outstanding player in every key position, and the homesteaders (Newry) will find it difficult to restrain their combined attacks”
The town beat Newry 6 points to 4 and went on to win the League which was not completed until the following year winning the Club it’s first All-County Senior League title.
We were not so fortunate in the Senior Championship and were beat by Kilcoo in the semi-final played in Newcastle. This game was previewed in the Newry Sentinel as follows:-
“Tomorrow at the new Sports Field Newcastle football fans in the county and the large number of visitors who are certain to patronise the programme will be regaled with extra fare, when the county SFC semi-final will be fought between four teams of outstanding merit. The Kilcoo v Castlewellan game takes place at 2.45 and the Ballymartin v Downpatrick game at 4-15. The Castlewellan Brass Band will play the teams to the field. Kilcoo won the Down Championship in 1922, 24,25, 26, 27, 31, and 32 and were winners of the Castlewellan and District League this year. The old spirit of Kilcoo will be found to be very much alive tomorrow. Castlewellan, Kilcoo’s next door neighbour has been noted for it’s staying capacity, its sporty character and clean standard of play. It won the 1934 Co Championship and one of its peculiarities is that, although it lays no claim to the possession of great individual players it is acknowledged to be exceedingly good as a team – to be in fact a magnificent football machine”
Also in July 1935 a newspaper report of the annual sports in Castlewellan informs us that a Castlewellan Camogie team defeats Aughlisnafin in a challenge match. John O’Hare wins the men’s 220 yard sprint and wins the high jump clearing 5 feet 5 inches. Sadie Guiness wins the schoolgirls race with an S Guiness coming second.
By 1936 Castlewellan players were appearing regularly in the Down teams and in June 1936 the team sheets of all 3 County teams, minors, juniors, and seniors, named Castlewellan players as follows B. Lynch and James Steele - Down Minor team to play Antrim in the 1st round of the Ulster Minor Championship in Corrigan Park on 21st June; Tom Hannitty (Tom was playing for a Burrenbridge team in 1936), Pat Steele, Tom McCann, George Mussen (capt),Hugh McNabb and Hugh Hanna – Down Junior Team to play Derry in semi-final of Ulster JFC at Newbridge; Tommy Steele and John O’Hare – Down Senior Team that played Tyrone at Warrenpoint on June 13th. Down won 4-6 to 2-3 for Tyrone. All three County teams in 1936 included the Steele brothers Tommy, Paddy and Jim.
On the Club front 1936 was another good year with the senior team winning a third SFC title establishing the team as one of the foremost in the County. The 1936 final was against Mayobridge and was reported as “one of the finest games ever played in the County” as in 1934 the final ended in a draw, Castlewellan scoring 6 points, to 1 goal and 3 points for the Bridge.
In the first game of the 1936 final which was refereed by Jimmie Murtagh from the Glenn club Mayobridge led by two points at half time. After Castlewellan had drawn level in the second half the Bridge again went two points ahead but with time running out Castlewellan had drawn to within one score of their opponents. The last seconds of the game were sensational. Just on time Castlewellan were awarded a ‘fifty’ . The referee told the kicker Tom McCann - (Hall of Fame) that time was up and the game would be over when the ball landed – in other words he must score direct from the kick to earn his side a replay. Tom who was an experienced defender for club and county stepped up to the ball, steadied himself and “drove the ball high above the tip of the posts – a splendid drive”(Frontier Sentinel). Was it a point or wasn’t it? These were the days before enclosed grounds and as soon as the ball was kicked the crowds came on to the field and converged on the diminutive referee who could not get near to his umpires to confirm the score. Reports at the time tell us that the referee walked like the Pied Piper from the pitch to the Donard Hotel, (presumably the referee had togged out there). At no time did he give any indication as to what the final score might be. He had only one answer to the assembled crowd. "I’ll give my report to the County Board". That report stated that after he had consulted with both umpires the result of the game was a draw – Mayobridge 1-03 Castlewellan 0-06. “During the week the referee got into personal contact with both umpires and obtained written statements from each in which they agreed that the ball went between the posts for a point, leaving the result of the game, a draw of 6 points each”.
However in a further twist the next edition of the Sentinel dated October 10th 1936 carried a staement from one of the umpires “Mr T McCormack, Rostrevor, referring to the Down senior football Final at Newcastle states that as umpire he did not declare that Castlewellan scored a point against Mayobridge at the termination of the game. Mr McCormack in his written statement given to the referee said that he was not in a position to see whether or not the shot eventuated in a score and that he had no alternative but to refer the referee to the other umpire.”
The County final Re-play was fixed for October 18th in Newcastle as reported in the Frontier Sentinel dated October 17th they ran a Who’s Who on the Teams and described the Castlewellan team as follows “ it is expected that there will be only one change to the Castlewellan team – McNabb who is now reinstated coming on in McDonalds place.
The form of the players is well known most of them having played in the county teams during the season. McCann has no equal as place kicker, whilst he has two sound players partnering him in the defence in McClean and P. Steele the latter a very stylish player. In the halves G Mussen who is the veterian of the team can still hold his own with the best. Maginn and J Steele (youngest of the brothers Steele) are dashing players. McNabb O’Hare and Lennon have also played for the county this season and are presently displaying rare form.
T Steele is one of the best wingmen playing in the county at the present time, while Kelly the goalman is both daring and safe. Jennings, King, McCavera and Hanna are a set that know what to do with the ball when they get it. Castlewellan won the Feis medals in 1934, County Champions 1934 County League 1935-36 and feis medals in 1936”
Castlewellan went on to win the replay and the following week the Sentinel reported on Castlewellan’s 1-4 to 0-3 victory:-
“The game opened in brisk fashion and Mayobridge were soon swarming round the Castlewellan goals. McCann made many good clearances, but the bridge persisted and was rewarded when Dan Barry gave them a point lead. Steele cleared from Barry the next moment and set the ‘stripes’ (Castlewellan) forwards moving. Mayobridge defence was then tested and came through unscathed but Castlewellan returned and the scores were levelled per M.King. The ball visited the defence in turn for the next few minutes and then a big opportunity was presented the ‘bridge in the form of a close in free, but Small was off the mark with the kick. Returning to the attack Mayobridge were awarded a 50 and a beautiful kick by McAlinden was rewarded with a point.
Of the two teams Mayobridge were now showing better form and raided persistently but met with stern opposition from McCann and Co., the Castlewellan defenders. The Castlewellan forwards were again set on the move per Steele and McNabb notched the equaliser. The kick-out from the 21 yard line when it should have been taken by one of the backs was taken by the goal keeper. The drive was a short one and before the keeper could get back to his post, King picked up, and running through the defence slammed the ball into the net, for a Castlewellan goal. This score had a very disheartening effect on the whole Mayobridge team and the vigour with which they launched those initial attacks now deserted them and for the remaining few minutes of the half they played as the second best team.
Interval Score:- Castlewellan 1-2; Mayobridge 0-2
During the interval heavy rain descended and when the play resumed a greasy ball and slippery pitch lowered the standard somewhat. Mayobridge again took the upward path and returned blow for blow during this half, but the Castlewellan forwards were first to hit the target when King sent over a point. Mayobridge defence was now being sorely pressed but never were Castlewellan for a moment allowed a slack rein. Mayobridge conceded a 50 but Tom McCann was narrowly wide with the kick. Mayobridge defence was again placed in jeopardy by a close in free and from the kick Jennings added a point for Castlewellan. Close to the finish of the game McCavera of Castlewellan came under the ban of the referee and was sent to the line. In the closing stages there was very close tackling around the Castlewellan goals and the “stripes” conceded two fifties which proved fruitless. Result – Castlewellan 1-4; Mayobridge 0-3.”
The successful 1934/36 teams was as follows: -
Hugh Kelly – Hugh McNabb (Capt) – Seamus Leneghan – John King – Paddy Steele – Hugh McLean – Hugh McMullan – John O’Hare – Tommy Hannity – Pat O’Boyle – Mousey Hanna – Tommy Steele – Frank Lennon – Peter Hawkins – Mick McDonald – James Maginn – Fr. P. J. O’Hare – Liam Ferguson – Tom McCann
Mick Lamb was the Club secretary at the time, and the team trainer was Barney Tumelty from Mill Hill (who later moved to live in Downpatrick). Barney was also a member of the Castlewellan Brass and Reed Band which was also formed by Father McAlea and who were very popular at the time playing at Castlewellan home games and at the various sports around the area, and around the town at holiday times. They also played carols at Christmas and before and after mass on Christmas morning. The band master was a Johnny Burns from Upper Clarkhill.
It would be sixty-five years before the town and the Bridge would meet again in a SFC. Sunday 16th September 2001, once again in St Patrick’s Park Newcastle. On this occasion their was to be no replay and although a spirited Castlewellan side run the Bridge close taking the lead briefly in the second half, the ‘Bridge favourites finally won the day beating the town 0-15 to 1-9. In the 2001 final Brian Dougherty grandson of 1936 veteran Tommy Steele scored the only goal of the final.
The success of the golden years of the early 1930’s was not to last for the town. In December of 1936 Newry’s Frontier Sentinel reported as follows:- All County Down Football League: “ Mayobridge sprung a surprise in football circles in Down on Sunday last at Mayobridge, when they defeated Castlewellan (last year’s and this year’s county champions) by the substantial score of 3 goals 4 points to 1 goal and 3 points. There was nothing “flukey” about Castlewellan’s defeat as on the run of the play the best team won “Mayobridge being all over them.” Castlewellan however were without some of their stalwarts who figured so prominently in this year’s County championship final when they met Mayobridge and drew with them in the first game and defeated them on the replay by 7 points to 3. The most notable absentees on this occasion being T. McCann, McClean and Hannity their goalie.
The Castlewellan team was H McAlinden, J. McCann, T.Steele, P. Steele, J.Steele, John O’Hare, H. McNabb, M. King, F. Lennon, P. Hanna, P. McCavera, P. Hawkins, J. Maginn.
The rut had set in and the Club was again about to hit on lean times. Mickey King was one of the first players to leave for Bryansford in 1936. The following year on Easter Sunday 1937 the Club held a ceilidhe mór in St Malachy’s Parochial Hall (now the Corncrane Centre) at which the medals won in the previous year’s senior league and championship were presented to the
respective Castlewellan teams who were the winners. This was to be the last occasion the great 1930’s team were to be together as a team. Later that year a fall out among some of the team occurred and the proud St Malachy’s Club so full of hope for the future had disbanded amidst much acrimony.
Most of the players went to Bryansford and helped our neighbours to four successive County Championships 1939-42. Reporting on the County Down Board meeting of November 1937 the Frontier Sentinel Newry reported “…the following transfers were granted Castlewellan to Ballymartin – James Maginn (1); Castlewellan to Bryansford Michael King, James and Patrick Steele, Thomas McCann (4). The following resolution was passed unanimously: - “That the officers of the Castlewellan Club be authorised to transfer players from their Club to any other affiliated Club in the County which they wish to join, such transfers to take place not later than 1st January 1938. Jim Steele, Pat Rodgers, John King, and Tommy Hannity subsequently transferred to Bryansford bringing to an end the ‘golden thirties era’ of St Malachy’s.
Earlier in the year the Sports and Aerldheacht took place as usual in Castlewellan and adults and youngsters alike flocked to the meadow for this annual carnival of sport, fun and athletics. The Frontier Sentinel reporting on the event in it’s edition of 3rd July 1937 give full coverage including the names of all the competition winners.
One name which was set to become synonymous with Castlewellan GAC for the remainder of the centuary made an appearance on the list of winners. The name of one P. Rooney was listed as coming first in the Schoolboy Race (under 6). Thankfully for the town club it wasn’t to be the last time the Rooney name would appear in the Gaelic columns of the local and national press.
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