History
of Loughinisland
There are no records to indicate
when Gaelic games were first played in Loughinisland
though reports of games in which Loughinisland teams
participated appear in the local newspapers from 1906
onwards. Tradition however indicates that games of
hurling and football were played much earlier, in
the 1890's, though probably prior to affiliation.
Hurling was played periodically until
the 1940's but the main thrust of the club was in
football which has been played almost continuously
throughout this century with only two periods when
no club was affiliated. During those short absences,
2 years in the 1930's and 3 years in the 1940's, players
from the area joined with other local clubs like Ballynahinch
and particularly Magheralone where there was always
a strong affinity between the two areas, being at
one time being part of the same parish. and throughout
the years players from this area have figured prominently
with Loughinisland teams.
In the 1900's, 1920's and 1930's
the club participated in the East Down Football leagues
and in the Down Senior championships, while league
successes were obtained. championship success proved
elusive being beaten semi-finalists on at least one
occasion.
With the reforming of the present
club in 1950 with a nucleus of senior players who
had been with Ballynabinch joined by a group of young
players - the products of a successful underage policy
which had conunenced in 1949 - championship success
came at all levels. The club however lost senior status
in 1958 and played throughout the 1960's in East Down
Junior and Intermediate football. Senior status was
reclaimed in 1969 and has been retained ever since
with considerable success in league and championship.
And of course Gary Mason was a leading
player in Down's All-Ireland successes in 1991 and
1994.
