Annaclone
History
Eanach Cluana means "Meadow of the
Bog". Between the drurnlins and marshes of Annacione
there is much history. Part of this history is the
formation and fostering of the Gaelic tradition.
While Annactone first formally affiliated
to the G.A. A. in 1896 oral record traces Gaelic Football
and Hurling in the parish at least as far back as
1888. Indeed football was recorded in the Ballyroney
end of the parish in November 1887.
Annaclone competed, in unofficial
and official games through the early decades of the
century, with supply of one of their players, Barney
Greenan. to a County team of that period.
The difficulties of the Twenties
set the clubs progress back, but there was a revival
in the Thirties, with two Annaelone men, Dan Morgan
and John Killian prominent on the successful Down
1934 Junior team. From 1949 the parish supplied two
teams. with the formation of Magheral, and both teams
knew success before they merged once again in 1959.
One of the clubs greatest players,
Breen Morgan starred on the great Down team of 1960/61,
and strong youth teams through the Sixties and Seventies
kept the club to the fore.
The clubs future was further consolidated
with the opening of their new pitch, Gaelic Park,
in 1972.
The Eighties have also saw progress.
The County J.F.C. title was won in 1980 and 1982 and
1980 also saw the formation of St. Brigid's Camogic
Club.
With such a legacy to sustain them,
Annaelone look to the future with confidence. A strong
committee and a productive youth policy should ensure
success on the field of play during the 1990's, while
off the field with the planned new club hall and cultural
programme, the Gaelic tradition will grow stronger
in Eanach Cluana.
