History
of Kilclief
At the beginning of this century
there were two hurling teams in Kilclief parish, the
Red Hands and the Hearts of Down, and it is recorded
that, after a challenge gaiiie between the "Hearts"
and "Brian Og's" front Belfast. on Easter Sunday 1903.
the County Cornmittee of the Gaelic Athletic Association
in Co. Down was formed at the Banks of Killard, with
James Denvir of Ballynarry its first Chairman.
Later the two local teams amalgamated
to form the Ben Dearg Hurling team, a team which competed
with outstanding success for over fifty years. A break
in hurling came from the mid-Fiftiesv until the mid-Sixties
when Gaelic football, had been organised in the club
in the early Forties, was enjoying success. Playing
in the Senior A League from 1965 until 1976 they captured
the league title in 1970 and 1972. football had been
played in the parish in the 1930's by a noteable Ballyculter
team.
Adult hurling was re-organised in
1968 and has continued sincethen without a break,although
the hurlers have not, so far, been able to emulate
the achievements of their forefathers.
Camogie has also played its part
in club activities. In every decade since 1930 the
girls have made a noteworthy contribution to Ben Dearg's
successes.
Today hurling, football and camogie
are being played at adult and all juvenile levels,
so the future looks bright for one of the oldest Gaelic
Athletic Clubs in County Down.
