back to list

2004 Johnny Rooney

Johnny Rooney was born into a family steeped in the true G.A.A. tradition. He got his inspiration firstly from his uncle who won a senior championship medal with the Town in 1934 and then from his two older brothers who repeated this feat also with the Town in 1950. Because of his date of birth he always seemed to miss out on the clubs under-age success in the early 1950's and possibly could be termed as a late developer in terms of team successes with the Town. He made his senior league debut for Castlewellan in 1956 in the away fixture to Cabra in his favourite role as a right corner back, with his two elder brothers featuring in the forward line. But it was the year 1958 that he would sample his first major successes at club level, firstly when he played on the winning Town Feis 7 who defeated Ballykinlar in the Feis final and followed this up later in the year by starring in the Castlewellan defence on the team that captured the club’s fifth Down senior football championship title by beating Clonduff in the final at Newcastle. In the same year the team was denied the treble by Glenn when they had to settle for runners-up spot in the All-Co. 'A' League. This was followed by another senior championship final appearance in 1962 when he was then the clubs vice-captain, but on this occasion Glenn proved to be a major stumbling block. He was a member of the successful 'B' league and 'A' league teams in 1963 and 1964 and then collected his second Down senior football championship medal in 1965 when the Town defeated Clonduff once again in the county final.

With his playing days coming to an end he joined the club committee in 1967 and for the next fifteen years he served the club with diligence in whatever capacity he was required, whether as field marker, gateman, umpire and when we opened our social club in 1974 he had no difficulty fulfilling the unenviable role of doorman which could be a most daunting and difficult task in those pioneering social club days. But it was with the club bus where he devoted so much of his personal time, whether as a driver, mechanic or cleaner that he is fondly remembered not only by club teams, and county supporters alike, but also by the Legion of Mary, on their many trips to places like Knock in Co.Mayo or boy scouts and girl guide troops, school outings and trips or wherever the need arose often traveling the length and breadth of Ireland returning home in the early hours of the next day.

His team mates and mentors have all described him as a solid, honest, dedicated performer, regardless of his size or posture who was forever fearless in the tackle, and in the interest of Town teams played in numerous positions whenever the need arose. In later years he has remained true and loyal challenging any outsider with anything derogatory to say about his beloved Town team, and always fit to hold his corner in a good argument.

Johnny Rooney is a most deserving recipient of the prestigious 26th Hall of Fame award taking his place along side brothers Dan, Pat, and Frankie not forgetting their mother Bessie. A truly remarkable and dedicated town GAA family.

back to list