History
of Drumaness
Drumaness along with Ballynabinch
and Dunmore form the Parish of Magheradroll. There
is evidence of Gaelic football being played in the
parish as far back as 1889 when a club was in existence
in Glassdrumrnond, on the Belfast side of Ballynahinch.
It is not known how long this club lasted.
A club was formed in Ballynahinch
in 1935 and continued until it transferred to Drumaness
in February 1957 where it has remained ever since.
A club also functioned for a short
time in Dunmore in the early Fifties when Fr. MeGovern
was curate.
As the Drumaness club led a nomadic
life with regards to playing facilities it was agreed
by the committee in the late Seventies that a disused
building should be rented to start a social club.
The funds generated from this venture could then be
used to purchase a playing field which would then
give the club a permanent base. This venture was pursued
and the social club was officially opened by the East
Down Chairman Harry MeEvoy on the 28th August, 1981.
The social club flourished and in
June 1982 a field adjacent to the soccer club was
purchased to develop as a playing field. After much
hard work by a few dedicated club members and enormous
expense the magnificent new playing pitch was officially
opened on 10th May, 1987 by the Ulster President,
Peter Quinn. Games between Down v. Clare camogie,
Down v. Cork, football and Down v. Antrim, hurling
followed.
Probably their most famous playing
member was Peter Withnell whose goals in the All-ireland
semi-final v Kerry in 1991 will live long in the memory.
