History
of Annsborough
The move of the village soccer and
cricket teams to a new pitch provided the spur for
the formation of Annsborough Rory Ogs in 1906. The
new club played its first recorded game v. Newry Mitchels
that year on the pitch recently vacated by the soccer
team!
In various shapes or forms the G.A.A.
has been present in Annshorough since they were beaten
in the 1908 S.F.C. final; the club changed its name
to Scamus MeShanes in 1917, and remained operational
until the mid-Twenties when it went out of existence
and the newly formed Ballybannon club took its place.
Henry Murphy was one of the driving forces behind
the club during these years.
On the demise of Ballybannon, the
St. Patricks. Annsborough. club was formed in 1947
- and actually played in the old Ballybannon strip.
The club prospered in the Fifties, winning 4 Junior
League titles but its greatest year was 1983 when
it won the A.C.L. IV League and Junior Championship
double. 1983 also saw Annsborough launch its new thriving
Social Club.
The clubs contribution to Centenary
Year involved the staging of an exhibition match with
Newry Mitchels, on the same pitch as the 1906 encounter,
under 1906 rules, and with the players kitted out
in 1906 style - right down to the moustachios and
sideburns!
Best known members of the club over
the years include Tommy McAleenan, referee of countless
Hurling and Football games in the early years of the
Association, Tony McKay, former secretary of Ballytough
(another branch of the club), Mickey and Teddy Hawkins,
famous N.A.C.A.I. cyclists in the Fifties, Derrnort
King, Teddy Hardy, Eddie Mullan and Jackle Mullan,
Chairman for more than 20 years.
The club have also dabbled in hurling,
winning the Ergas Cup in 1978, and in recent years
have taken the local Pipe Band under its aegis.
