History

The first recorded evidence of an official GAA Club in Aghaderg was in 1889 when Ballyvarley Shamrocks were one of nine new clubs formed in Down

The earliest recorded Gaelic games played in the parish of Aghaderg dates back to 1903 when a Ballyvarley Hurling team (composing mostly of players from Banbridge) took on a team from Newry. During the next 40 years a series of Gaelic teams came into being and then later disappeared. Despite the lack of continuous Gaelic games the spirit of Cumann Luthchleas Gael was kept alive and well within the parish thanks to the efforts of the people behind these teams in difficult times.

Finally in 1943 Aghaderg GFC was founded and has been in continuous existence ever since. Interestingly in 1946 Ballyvarley HC was formed and hence was born the only club in Down to have a double-barrelled name that reflects the parish name (Aghaderg) and a townland name (Ballyvarley) wherein the hurling tradition was strong.

Now with over 60 continuous years of Gaelic games within the parish of Aghaderg it is hearting to note that despite the lack of honours or silverware the club extends to all the members of its community, young and old, boys and girls, the talented and not so talented, the opportunity to partake within the community and to feel appreciated for the efforts they make. Today the young people of the community have opportunities to partake in football, hurling, camogie, Irish dancing, athletics and scor whilst the older generation take advantages of club facilities to partake in bowls or whist.

The club despite the problems of the present looks forward to the next sixty years with confidence. Plans to improve the training, playing and changing facilities of the club are being actively pursued whilst at the same time the club is embracing the technologies of the 21st century. Consequently all members of the club and community will have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding all club activities. It is a good time to be part of the GAA and the clubs commitment to this web site is a sign of its faith in the future.


KEY  EVENTS  IN  100  YEARS  OF  AGHADERG  GAA  HISTORY 
 
1889
  • Formation of Ballyvarley Shamrocks. Played in Shamrock Park.

1903

  • Aug - 1st recorded GAA game in Aghaderg Parish: Clann Na Banna hurling team v. Fag An Bealac(Newry) in McConville’s Hurley Field at the Blue Road, Ballyvarley

1904/05
  • Clann Na Banna are Down Senior Football Champions

1909
  • Ballyvarley Shamrocks are Down SFC Finalists v. Newry Faughs in Ballyvarley

1910
  • Ballyvarley Shamrocks are Down SHC Winners. Beat Newry Faughs.
  • Ballyvarley Shamrocks are Down SFC Finalists v. Newry Clan Uladh 1-1 to 2-1

1913
  • Erection of AOH Nationalist Hall at Blue Road, Ballyvarley

1916
  • Ballyvarley Shamrocks are Down SHC Finalists. Drew 6-1 to 6-1 with Kilclief. Game not replayed.

1917
  • Shamrocks move back to McConville’s Hurley Field at Blue Road

1921
  • AOH Hall at Blue Road burned to the ground. Subsequently rebuilt.
  • Eire Og, Loughbrickland formed

1921-24
  • Leagues suspended due to “Troubles”

1926
  • Pat McCann, Frank McGrath, Fr Mick McCartan and a.n.other McCann played for Down Senior Hurlers
  • Club colours are black and amber stripes

1930
  • Formation of Loughbrickland Camogie Team

1932
  • Loughbrickland are Down Camogie League Champions
  • Ballyvarley enter Rathfriland and District Hurling League
  • Ballyvarley enter South Down and Mourne Junior Football League

1933
  • Loughbrickland are Down Camogie League Runners-up.

1934
  • Ballyvarley win Rathfriland and District Hurling League
  • Loughbrickland are Down Camogie League Runners-up
  • Formation of St Colmans Football team, Loughbrickland
  • Transfer of Fr Mick McCartan signals demise of GAA teams

1940-41
  • Aghaderg GFC(Loughbrickland) become first team to bear the Parish name

1943
  • Aug 29th – Formation of Aghaderg GFC
  • Play at Pearse Park(the Cottage Field), behind Bertie Leckey’s
  • Club colours are red and white
  • Oct 17th – 1st league game v. Rostrevor (away). Won 2-4 to 0-6
  • Runners-up in Frontier Junior League

1944
  • Two grounds used – Pearse Park and Greenan Hill
  • May 21st – First appearance in Feis Sevens competition, in Hilltown
  • July – First championship game in JFC  v. Drumgath(away). Lost 0-4 to 1-4

1946
  • March 29th – Formation of Ballyvarley Hurling Club
  • August 29th – At AGM club assumes title of “Aghaderg GFC and Ballyvarley HC”
  • September 8th – 1st hurling game was JHC in Banbridge v. Ballela Seconds (lost)
  • December- Club moves to Shamrock Park (home of Ballyvarley Shamrocks). 1st dressing rooms erected (a nissan hut)

1947
  • Combined Aghaderg, Tullylish and Banbridge team win Down MFC

1948
  • Runners-up in Frontier Junior League. Promoted to Intermediate League 
  • Bertie Leckey is Down Hurling Secretary for 48-49

1949
  • Jackie Warnock wins McCrory Cup medal and plays for Down MF
  • Harry McCann, John Henry O’Neill and Bertie Leckey on Down SH panel
  • Gerard McGrath is goalkeeper for Down MH.
  • Bertie Leckey is Asst Secretary South Down and Mourne League 1949-1964

1951
  • Banbridge, with seven Aghaderg players, win Down Minor FC
  • Club changes it’s colours to black and amber hoops.
  • Bertie Leckey is Down County Board Member 1952-70

1953
  • Aghaderg qualify for Feis Sevens football finals in Newcastle
  • Joe Lennon plays for Down JF
  • John Lennon and Hugh Ross play for Down MF
  • Joe Lennon beats his brother Eddie to win the Down Handball Title

1954
  • Club move to Brennan’s Field at the Blue Road
  • Aghaderg win Winter League and promoted to All County SFL
  • Hugh Ross plays for Down MF in Ulster MFC Final

1955
  • Aghaderg play in the All County SFL “B”
  • Joe and Eddie Lennon on Down Senior football team
  • Joe, Eddie and John Lennon play for Down Juniors in Ulster Final v. Derry
  • Ballyvarley play in Down JHC Final in Newcastle. Lose to Leitrim

1956
  • Aghaderg are runners-up in SFL “B” and win promotion to SFL “A”
  • 1st Senior football championship game v. Clonduff (home). Lost 0-8 to 2-10.
  • Eddie Lennon plays for Down JF

1957
  • Gerard McGrath and Hugh Ross play for Down SF
  • Eddie Lennon, Gerard McGrath and Hugh Ross play for Down JF
  • Suez Crisis – All County Leagues abandoned for regional leagues
  • Dan Lennon wins Irish Marathon Championship

1958
  • Aghaderg win S.D. Intermediate FL by beating Longstone 3-3 to 1-4 in the Final
  • Aghaderg qualify for the 2nd time for the Feis Sevens football finals in Newcastle
  • Ballyvarley are Down JHC Finalists. Lost to Leitrim in Ballela
  • Dan Lennon wins 2nd Irish Marathon Championship

1959
  • Aghaderg play in SFL “A” for the first time. Relegated at the end of the season
  • Aghaderg’s 1st SFC victory. Beat Dromara in Annaclone by 2-5 to 0-3
  • Joe Lennon on 1st Down team to win the Ulster SFC. Plays for Ulster in Railway Cup.

1960
  • Aghaderg qualify for 3rd time for Feis Sevens football finals in Newcastle
  • Frank Lennon wins Ulster MFC Medal
  • Joe Lennon stars on Down team that captures their first All-Ireland Senior Football Title. Wins a Railway Cup Medal with Ulster.

1961
  • Aghaderg’s last season in the All County SFL. Relegated to  Intermediate League
  • Joe Lennon wins his 2nd  All-Ireland SFC Medal and his 3rd Ulster SFC medal

1962
  • John Lennon plays for Down SF. Plays in Ulster JF Final, losing 0-8 to 0-7 to Cavan

1963
  • Ballyvarley win 1st senior title by winning the South Down HL
  • Ballyvarley Hurlers qualify for the Feis Sevens Finals in Newcastle for first time
  • Ballyvarley enter first juvenile team in competition (minors in MHC)

1964
  • Aghaderg’s first Youth Club Committee is formed in November
  • Bertie Leckey is South Down Board Secretary 1964-65

1965
  • Ballyvarley win their 1st juvenile competition, the South Down and Mourne U-15 HL.
  • Bertie Leckey is All County League Secretary 1965-70

1966
  • Club move to Jimmy Lennon’s field in Lisnagade
  • Land is purchased from Gerry Taylor for a new playing field on the Scarva Road. Planning permission for a new field is granted in June.

1967
  • Field Committee set up to plan for the “New Field”

1968
  • Joe Lennon captains Down to their third All-Ireland Senior Football

 
1969
  • Martin Byrne and Dessie Macken play for Down U-16 H
  • Bertie Leckey resigns from Down Co Board ending an association lasting 20 years
  • The first of two seasons of Winter Quiz and Talent Competitions are organised in the Hall

1970
  • Eugene Fullerton plays for Down MH
  • Gabriel Barry plays for Down U-16 H

1971
  • First Scor Seachto Competitions begin in January
  • Quiz team of Seamus McGrath, Gerry Davis and Augustine Lennon (snr) win the South Down Title
  • Ballyvarley play U-16 HC game v. Ballela on New Field
  • Ballyvarley win South Down U-16 HC
  • Martin Byrnes plays for Down MH
  • Sean O’Neill, Gabriel Barry, Brian Sands, Raphael Cribbin and Brendan Maguire play for Down U-16 H

1972
  • Sun March 19th – 1st official competitive game in “New Field”. South Down IFL game v. Ballymartin. Score: 0-3 to 3-8
  • Ballyvarley in Down MHC Final v. Portaferry in Leitrim
  • Martin Byrne, Gabriel Barry and Sean O’Neill play in Ulster MHC(Sp) Final in Ballyvarley v. Armagh
  • Martin Byrne and Gabriel Barry win All Ireland MHC(Sp) Medals
  • Down JHC Final is played in Ballyvarley. Ballela beat Leitrim
  • New Youth Committee is formed in March
  • Patsy McKernan in Down Final of Scor’s Instrumental Music
  • The 1st Junior Scor Seachto competitions are held in Ballyvarley Hall on Fri 25th Feb

1973
  • Mon 29th Jan – Club’s Pavilion is destroyed by fire
  • Mary O’Neill (solo-singing) and the Quiz team (Brendan Lennon, Liam Ross and Seamus McAreavey) are South Down Scor na Nog Champions
  • Aghaderg are South Down U-16 Football League and Championship Finalists and South Down 7-a-side Champions
  • Ballyvarley win South Down U-16 HC
  • Seamus McGrath, Martin Byrne, Joe McGrath, Cairbre McGovern play for Down JH
  • Gabriel Barry and Sean O’Neill play for Down MH
  • Raphael Cribbin, Brendan Lennon and Liam Ross play for Down U-16 H
  • Billy Clarke and Raphael Cribbin win All-Ireland(minor counties) U-15 Voc Schools Hurling Medals
  • Ballad Group (Seamus Kelly, Chris McParland, Louise Byrne and Patsy McKernan) and the Quiz team (Seamus McGrath, Gerard Davis and Gerard O’Neill) are County Scor Champions

1974
  • Ballyvarley win Down JHL, beating Kilkeel by 4-4 to 4-3 in play-off in Ballykinlar
  • Ballyvarley win Ulster Community Games U-14 H Title
  • Mary O’Neill (solo-singing) wins South Down Scor na NOg Title
  • Quiz team (Brendan Lennon, Liam Ross and Kieran McGovern) win County Title in Scor na NOg and reach the Ulster Final
  • Chris McParland (solo-singing) wins County Scor Title
  • Raphael Cribbin plays for Down MF
  • Raphael Cribbin, Liam Ross, Michael Higgins and Brendan Lennon play for Down MH
  • Dermot Maguire, Michael Farrissey and Seamus McAreavey play for Down U-16 H
  • Sean O’Neill, Joe McGrath, Francis McGrath, Gerard O’Neill, Brendan Lennon, Liam Ross, Martin Byrne, Gabriel Cribbin, Raphael Cribbin and Joe Cribbin play for Down JH
  • Raphael Cribbin, Dermot Maguire, Billy Clarke, Michael Farrissey and Charlie Grimes on Down Voc Schools Hurling team
  • A Hall Committee is formed to plan for the building of a new hall
  • Gerard McGrath is on the South Down Board

1975
  • Mary O’Neill (solo-singing) wins 3rd South Down Scor Na Nog Title
  • Ballyvarley win Down JHC, beating Leitrim by 3-6 to 3-2 in the final at Holy Cross Park in Attical
  • Ballyvarley qualify for Feis Sevens Finals
  • Michael Sands, Raphael Cribbin and Seamus Rooney play for Down MF
  • Liam Ross, Raphael Cribbin, Brendan Lennon, Michael Higgins play for Down MH
  • Gerard O’Neill, Sean O’Neill, Francis McGrath, Martin Byrne, Joe McGrath and Liam Ross play for Down JH
  • Sean O’Neill and Liam Ross win Ulster U-21 HC Medals
  • Bill Geoghegan, Dermot Maguire, Michael Farrissey and John McClorey win All-Ireland Voc Schools (minor Counties) Hurling Medals
  • Liam Ross and Michael Sands win Hogan Cup Medals with St Colmans College
  • Patsy McKernan (Instrumental Music) wins South Down Scor title
  • Quiz team of Seamus McGrath, Brendan Lennon, Liam Ross and Jimmy Stewart are County Scor Champions
  • Gerard O’Neill on Down Youth Board and is South Down Juv H League Secretary

1976
  • Ballyvarley qualify for Feis Sevens Hurling Finals
  • Ballyvarley win South Down U-16 H Lg and C’ship
  • Ballyvarley U-14 Hurlers win South Down U-14 H Lg and C’ship and 7-a-side title
  • Michael Sands plays for Down MF
  • Gerard O’Neill, Sean O’Neill, Martin Byrne and Brendan Lennon on Down JH team
  • Sean O’Neill plays for Down U-21 H
  • Michael Farrissey plays for Down MH
  • Kevin O’Neill, Brendan Malone, Michael McKiverigan, John Lennon and Aidan McGrath on Down U-16 H team that reach All-Ireland Final
  • Gerard O’Neill on Down Youth Board and is South Down Juv H League Secretary
  • Novelty Act, “The Irish Politician” (Michael McKiverigan and Seamus McEvoy) are Down and South Down Champions in Scor Na NOg
  • Bertie Leckey is member of Commission 1976-78

1977
  • Ballyvarley win South Down U-16 HL
  • Michael Sands at Centre Half Back on Down’s All-Ireland MFC Winning team
  • Raphael Cribbin, Liam Ross and Brendan Lennon win Ulster U-21 HC Medals
  • Brendan Malone and Kevin O’Neill play for Down MH
  • Gerard O’Neill is Asst Secretary on Down Hurling Board and is
  • Secretary of Down Hurling Referees Board

1978
·         Ballyvarley win Down Junior Hurling Feis Sevens
·         Ballyvarley Minor Hurlers win South Down MHL and are
          All Co C’ship Finalists
·         Ballyvarley win South Down U-16 HL and C’ship
·         Ballyvarley win South Down U-12 HL
·         Michael Sands wins Ulster SFC Medal and Ulster U-21 FC Medal
·         Gerard O’Neill played for Down SH
·         Raphael Cribbin and Liam Ross play for Down U-21 H
·         John Lennon, Michael McKiverigan, Kevin O’Neill and
          Brendan Malone win All-Ireland MHC(Sp) medals beating
          Kerry in a replay at Croke Park by 2-9 to 2-6. Gerard O'Neill
          was manager
·         Colm Broderick and Terence Wilson win All-Ireland U-16HC
          (Sp) Medals
·         Gerard O’Neill is Asst Secretary of Down Hurling Board and
          Secretary of the Down Hurling Development Committee
1979
  • Aghaderg are relegated to SFL Div 5
  • Ballyvarley are Down IHC Finalists in Kilclief. Lose 0-3 to 2-10 to Ballygalget
  • Ballyvarley Minor Hurlers win South Down Hurling League
  • Michael Sands plays for Down SF and wins an All-Ireland U-21 FC Medal
  • Kevin O’Neill plays in All-Ireland Minor HC(Sp) Final
  • Gerard O’Neill on Down Hurling Development Committee
  • John Joe Sands is selector for the Down team that wins the Ulster MFC

1980
  • Quiz team of Agustin Lennon(Jnr), Eugene Stewart and Andrew McMahon are Down Scor Na NOg Champions
  • Michael Sands plays for Down SF
  • Kevin O’Neill plays for Down U-21H
  • Kevin O’Neill is midfield on only Down team to reach the All-Ireland U-19 Voc Schools(Senior) Final in Pairc Ui Caoimh, Cork. Galway win by  2-7 to 3-8
  • Jimmy Stewart is Vice-Chairman of the Down Hurling Board

1981
·         Ballyvarley win U-14 South Down HC
·         Ballyvarley U-14 Hurlers visit Blackrock Club in Cork
·         Ballyvarley win South Down U-12 HL
·         Michael Sands plays for Down SF
·         Kevin O’Neill plays for Down SH
·         Tom Sands plays for Down MF
·         Damien Lennon and Gary McQuaid play for Down U-15H
·         Jimmy Stewart is Vice-Chairman of the Down Hurling Board
          and Chairman of the Down Juvenile Hurling Committee
·         Gerard O’Neill is Secretary of the Down Juvenile Hurling
          Committee and is on Down Youth Board
·         Gerard McGrath is on Down Hurling Referees Board
·         Terry Grant wins South Down Recitation Title in Scor
·         October – Work begins on the New Hall
1982
  • Ballyvarley lose Down JH Feis Sevens Final to Leitrim
  • Ballyvarley win treble of Div 2 of the Feile and the U-14 HL and C’ship
  • Kevin and Sean O’Neill play for Down SH
  • Damien Lennon wins an All-Ireland U-16 HC(Sp) Medal v. Kerry at Croke Park
  • Gerard Lennon, Aidan McAvoy, Eugene Stewart and Damien Lennon play for Down MH
  • Bertie Leckey is on the Down History Committee 1982-84

1983
  • Ballyvarley are Down IHC Finalists. Lose to Ballygalget in Loughinisland by 0-3 to 7-7
  • Ballyvarley win Down JH Feis Sevens by beating Leitrim 4-5 to 2-2
  • Ballyvarley Reserve win Division 4HL(South)
  • Kevin and Sean O’Neill play for Down SH. Kevin plays in Croke Park in All-Ireland “B” HC Final. Down lost by 2-13 to 3-16 to Kerry
  • Brendan Donald and Finbar Lennon win All-Ireland U-16 HC(Sp) medals beating Carlow in Croke Park
  • Damien Lennon is on the Down MH
  • Jimmy Stewart, Gerard O’Neill and Brendan Lennon are on the Down Hurling Board. Jimmy is also Chairman of the Down Hurling Development Committee. Gerard is Chairman of the Down Juvenile Hurling Committee responsible for fixtures
  • The Club’s third Youth Committee was formed in January
  • April 29th – The Official Opening of the New Hall
  • The club wins the South Down Club Of The Year Award

1984
  • June 10th - Official Opening of Club Grounds by GAA President Paddy Buggy
  • Launch of official club history “The Aghaderg Story”
  • Tullylish win South Down U-16 FC with 5 Aghaderg players. Lose County Final to Drumaness by 1-6 to 2-7
  • The club are suspended, along with Glasdrumman, following incidents during a league game, in Ballyvarley
  • Jimmy Stewart on Down Hurling Board and Chairman of the Down Hurling Development Committee
  • Gerard O’Neill appointed as Down’s first Director of Coaching for Hurling. Organises first Down Coaching Seminar
  • Quiz team of Aidan Lennon, Sean McMahon and Dermot Stewart win the South Down Scor Na NOg title
  • Bertie Leckey on the County History Committee
  • Kevin O’Neill playing for Down SH
  • Damien Lennon and Brendan Donald win Ulster MHC Medal
  • Damien Lennon plays for Down MF
  • Damien Lennon wins Ulster U-21 HC Medal

1985
  • Gerard O’Neill is Down Director of Coaching for Hurling
  • Sean O’Neill, Brendan Donald and Anthony McGrath play for Down JH
  • Brendan Donald wins 2nd Ulster MHC Medal
  • Martin Burns wins Hogan Cup Medal with St Colman’s College

1986
  • Quiz team of Aidan Lennon, Sean McMahon and Dermot Stewart are Ulster, Down and South Down Scor Na NOg Champions
  • July - Jimmy Stewart is All-Ireland and Ulster Clubman Of The Year

1987
  • Quiz team(Aidan Lennon, Sean McMahon and Dermot Stewart) retain Ulster and Down Scor Na NOg titles
  • Ballyvarley beat Ben Dearg by 2-7 to 1-1 to win 3rd Down JH Feis Sevens Title
  • Finbar Lennon wins an Ulster U-21 HC Medal and plays for Down SH
  • Aghaderg Camogie team are Down Novice Championship Finalists v. Ballyholland
  • Ballyvarley are Down IHC Finalists, losing to Ballycran by 1-5 to 1-7 in Newcastle

1988
  • Aghaderg win the Down Novice Camogie Championship Final, beating Annaclone by 3-1 to 2-2 in Ballela
  • Katrina McGrath, Shauna McGovern, Nuala Warnock and Delia McCartan play for Down Minors

1989
  • Aghaderg win Down Junior Camogie League Final by beating Drumaness 5-4 to 3-2 in Annsboro
  • Aghaderg win Down Junior Camogie Championship Final, beating Mayobridge by  2-2 to 1-1 at St Mark’s, Warrenpoint
  • U-14 Footballers win their section of the South Down League
  • Katrina McGrath and Delia McCartan on Down Minor(U-16) Camogie team
  • Sinead and Claire McGovern on Down U-14 Camogie team
  • Quiz team of Aidan Lennon, Sean McMahon and Donal Doyle are County Scor Na NOg Champions

1990
  • Aghaderg win Jean McGrath Memorial Trophy for the first time
  • Aghaderg win South Down U-14 Camogie 7-a-side title
  • Jacqueline McNally and Shauna McGovern play for Down Junior Camogie team
  • Sinead McGovern, Claire McGovern, Caroline Fegan, Nuala Warnock and Ciara Fitzpatrick play for Down Minor(U-16) Camogie team
  • Ciara McGovern and Claire McGrath play for Down U-14 Camogie team

1991
  • Kieran Lennon and Gerard Lennon on Down JH team
  • Sinead McGovern is Down Minor(U-16) Camogie Player Of The Year

1992
  • Anthony McGrath, Sean O’Neill, Aidan McAvoy and Kevin O’Neill win Ulster JHC Medals

1993
  • Claire McGrath and Ciara McGovern win Ulster Minor Camogie Lg and C’ship medals. Francis McGrath was manager
  • Sinead McGovern wins Maguire Cup medal with Down Seniors
  • Ballyvarley win treble of Div 2 Feile, Lg and C’ship 
  • Aghaderg win the Intermediate Camogie League and promotion to the Senior League
  • Anthony McGrath wins All-Ireland JHC Medal v. London at Ruislip
  • Christopher McGovern plays for Down U-14 H who win  the Tony
    Forrestal Cup in Waterford
  • Katrina McGrath, Sinead and Claire McGovern play on Down Junior and Senior Camogie teams
  • Aghaderg Club receive the Camogie Club Of The Year Award
  • Sinead McGovern is the County U-18 Player Of The Year
  • Bertie Leckey is the secretary of the Down Referees Committee

1994
  • Aghadeg Camogie team in Senior League and Championship
  • Ballyvarley lose Feis Sevens JH Final to Darragh Cross
  • Ballyvarley U-14H lose the Div 2 Feile final to Kilclief
  • Ballyvarley win U-14 HL and lose the C’ship Final to Downpatrick
  • Ballyvarley lose Betsy Gray Cup Final, in Hilltown, to Newry Shamrocks by 4-1 to 2-8
  • Christopher McGovern, Gerard Fullerton, Christopher Sands, Neil Blevins and Niall Sands play for Down U-16 H
  • Colm O’Neill plays for Down U-14 H
  • Paul McGivern and Philip McGovern play for South Down U-12 F
  • Sinead and Claire McGovern play on Down Senior Camogie team
  • Ciara McGovern and Clare McGrath play on Down U-18 Camogie team
  • Clare McGrath plays on Down Minor Camogie team
  • Gerard O’Neill on Down Hurling Board and Down Communication Committee
  • Francis McGrath manager of the Down Minor and U-18 Camogie teams
  • Aghaderg introduce the Club Membership Scheme

1995
  • Aghaderg Senior Footballers win the South Down Winter League
  • Aghaderg Senior Footballers lose out in Promotion Play-offs
  • Ballyvarley lose U-14 HC Final to Downpatrick  
  • Ballyvarley win U-16 HL and Cship. Beat Downpatrick in an “infamous” Hurling Championship Final in Leitrim by 2-11 to 0-1
  • Clare McGrath plays for Down Minor Camogie team
  • Gerard Fullerton, Neil Blevins, Niall Sands and David McGovern play for Down MH B Team
  • Gerard Fullerton, Darren Macken and David McGovern play for Down U-16 H B Team
  • Christopher McGovern and Christopher Sands play for Down U-16 and Minor Hurling A Teams
  • Paul Stevenson plays for Down U-14 H
  • Rory Simpson and Colm Farrell played for South Down U-12 F
  • Sinead, Claire and Ciara McGovern play for the Down Camogie Senior and Junior Teams, winning Ulster Senior C’ship and losing All-Ireland Junior Final
  • Clare McGrath and Ciara McGovern win U-18 Ulster C’ship
  • Gerard O’Neill on Down Hurling Board and Down Communication Committee
  • Bertie Leckey on Down County Referees Committee
  • Francis McGrath is manager of the Down Senior Camogie Team
  • Deirdre and Claire McGovern were managers of the Down U-14 Camogie Team

1996
  • Ballyvarley win Div 2 Feile and U-14 HL. Lose C’ship Final
  • Aghaderg win the South Down Division 2 U-14 FL, beating Drumgath by 5-9 to 3-13
  • Ballyvarley win the U-16 HC, beating Kilclief, at St John’s by 1-6 to 1-4
  • Bertie Leckey is the 1st winner of the South Down Hall Of Fame Award
  • Sinead, Claire and Ciara McGovern and Clare McGrath win Ulster Senior Championship and the Maguire Cup
  • Dessie Winters referees County Minor Final and Ciaran McNally referees the U-16 County Final

1997
  • Ballyvarley U-14H win Banbridge Council’s Youth Team Of The Year Award
  • Bertie Leckey wins Banbridge Council’s Service To Sport Award
  • Ballyvarley lose U-16 HC final replay to Leitrim by 2-7 to 3-8 in Ballela.
  • James McGrath and Michael Cairns play for Down U-14 H
  • Martin and Cathal O’Neill play for Down U-16 H “B” Team

1998
  • Ballyvarley win the Betsy Gray Shield, beating Newry Shamrocks by 5-10 to 0-2 in the Final in Ballykinlar
  • Ballyvarley win the U-16 HL but lose C’ship Final to Kilclief

1999
  • Aghaderg win promotion to SFL Div 3
  • Ballyvarley win 4th Down JH Feis Title, beating Castlewellan by 4-4 to 1-2
  • Ballyvarley win 1st MHC, beating Castlewellan by 2-7 to 1-5 in Ballykinlar
  • Aghaderg are runners-up in the South Down MFL
  • Aghaderg GFC and Ballyvarley HC received the Chairman’s Award for Achievement at the South Down Awards Night, for the success of the football and hurling teams this year
  • Martin O’Neill plays for Down MH
  • Rory Simpson is on Ulster U-17 Compromise Rules Team

2000
  • Ballyvarley lose Betsy Gray Shield Final, in St Johns, to Darragh Cross by 1-6 to 3-6
  • Ballyvarley lose MHC Final, in Annsboro, to Kilclief
  • A combined Aghaderg/Annaclone Minor team win the South Down League
  • Aghaderg/Annaclone U-21 Team beat Rostrevor, after a replay, to win the South Down final. Lose to Kilcoo in County Final.
  • Jimmy Stewart wins Banbridge Council’s Service To Sport Award
  • John McAreavey captains Down U-16 Footballers
  • Colm O’Neill plays for Down JH
  • Martin O’Neill, James McGrath, David Lavery and Eunan McConville play for Down MH
  • Martin O’Neill and David McGovern played for Down U-21 H
  • Rory Simpson and John McAreavey play for Down MF
  • Kevin Maguire and Martin Farrell play for South Down U-14 F and Martin wins Bord NaNOg Skills Competition

2001
  • Aghaderg reach 1st Junior Football Championship Final. Lose to Newry Mitchels by 0-9 to 2-9
  • A combined Aghaderg/Annaclone team win the South Down MFL, beating Newry Bosco by 0-17 to 1-10 in final
  • Rory Simpson and Colm Farrell play for Down MF
  • Colm O’Neill plays for Down JH
  • Aghaderg/Annaclone U-21 Team are South Down finalist’s v An Riocht.
  • James McGrath and Michael Cairns play for Down MH

2002
  • Ballyvarley lose Betsy Gray Shield Final to combined Clonduff/Rostrevor team in Newry
  • Ballyvarley lose ACHL Div 2 play-off to Clonduff/Rostrevor by 1-6 to 2-10
  • John McAreavey plays for Down MF
  • Colm O’Neill and David McGovern play for Down JH
  • James McGrath plays for Down U-21 H
  • Aoibhne O’Neill plays for Down U-14 Camogie team.

2003
  • Martin O’Neill and David McGovern play for Down JH
  • Aghaderg relegated to SFL Div 4
  • Club celebrate Diamond Jubilee and a Centenary of GAA Activity in the Parish

  
2006      

  • Junior Hurling Championship


2009

  • Divsion II Hurling League Title

 

 

MAIN  OFFICE  BEARERS
 
Chairman (16)
 
Rev John J Pettit(6)      1943-1949        
Frank McGrath (14)      1949-1963
Jimmy Stewart (13)      1964, 1971-1975, 1979-1981, 1992, 1997-1999         
Bertie Leckey   (1)        1965
Gerard McGrath  (5)     1966-1969, 1976
Francis Burns  (2)         1970, 1978       
T B Lennon   (1)           1977
Brendan Lennon   (2)    1982-1983        
Seamus McGrath  (1)    1984,
Brendan Warnock (3)    1985-1987        
John P Lennon  (1)        1988
Seamus Byrne (1)         1989                
Gerard O’Neill (3)          1990-1991, 1996
Adrian Lennon  (3)        1993-1995        
Martin Malone (1)          2000
Aidan Lavery  (3)          2001-2003
Secretary  (17)
 
Bertie Leckey (18)        1943- 1961       
Jimmy Stewart (2)        1962, 1985
William O’Keefe (1)       1963                
Michael Anderson (4)    1963-1966
Agustin Lennon Snr (3)  1967-1969        
Jim Morgan  (3)            1970-1972
Margaret Lennon  (1)    1973                
Liam Ross (4)               1974, 1977-1979
Francis McGrath (2)      1975-1976        
Gerard O’Neill (7)         1980-84, 1986-87
Gregory McGrath (1)     1982                
Gus Lennon Jnr  (5)       1988-1992
Ciaran McNally (3)       1993-1995        
Seamus McGrath (3)    1996-97, 2003
Liam McDermott (1)     1998                
Donal Moran (3)           1999-2001
Mark McGrath (1)         2002
Treasurer (14)
 
Rev Fr Pat Gavin        (3)          1943-1945
William McDermott  (15)           1945-1959
Jimmy Stewart           (2)           1960-1961
Celestine McGrath     (1)           1962
T B Lennon               (13)         1963-1975
John Simpson            (2)          1976-1977
Jeannette Sands         (1)         1978
Francis McGrath       (6)            1979-1984
Brendan Lennon       (1)            1985
Felicity Stewart        (5)             1986-1990
John P Lennon          (1)            1991
Sean Warnock          (2)            1992-1993
Bertie Leckey           (8)            1994-2001
Pat Lennon               (2)            2002-2003


 
AGHADERG  GFC  AND  BALLYVARLEY HC  CLUB  AWARDS
 
CLUB  PERSON  OF  THE  YEAR
For the first nine years of the club awards, 1966-1974, there was only one club award and this was called the Clubman Of The Year Award. This award was competed for by both players and officials and the winner was selected by the main club committee. Players dominated this award in the early years. The trophy presented in the first two decades of the award was the “Aghaderg Cup”.

Joe McGrath                 1966                            
Francis Burns                1967
Charlie Simpson            1968                            
Peter Morgan                1969
Gerard McGrath            1970                            
Raphael Cribbin            1971
Brendan Lennon            1972                            
Seamus McGrath           1973
Gerard O’Neill               1974                            
Jimmy Stewart              1975
Seamus McGrath           1976                            
Gerard McGrath            1977
Francis Burns                1978                            
Jimmy Stewart              1979
Gerard McGrath            1980                            
Gerard O'Neill               1981
John Higgins                 1982                            
Gerard O'Neill               1983
Helen Stewart               1984                            
Jimmy Stewart              1985
Gerard O’Neill               1986                            
Brendan Warnock         1987
Deirdre McGrath           1988                            
Felicity Stewart             1989
Gus Lennon                  1990                            
Bertie Leckey               1991
Gus Lennon                  1992                            
Bertie Leckey               1993
Adrian Lennon              1994                            
Adrian Lennon              1995
Francis McGrath            1996                            
Seamus McGrath          1997
Donal Moran                1998                            
Seamus McGrath          1999
Damien Simpson          2000                            
Donal Moran                2001
Mark McGrath              2002

YOUTH  AWARD

Andrew McMahon        1984                            
Felicity Stewart           1985 
Brenda McAvoy           1986                            
Bernice McGrath          1987
Bronagh Lennon          1988                            
Aidan Lennon              1989
Sean Warnock             1990                            
Sean Warnock             1991
Kieran Lennon             1992                            
Kieran Lennon              1993
Ciara Fitzpatrick           1994                            
Damien Simpson          1995
Cathy McGrath             1996                            
Damien Simpson          1997
Cathy McGrath             1998                            
Colm O’Neill                 1999
Paul McGivern              2000                            
Colm O’Neill                 2001
Conor Lavery               2002

SENIOR  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Michael Higgins            1975                            
Joe McGrath                1976
Gregory McGrath         1977                            
Michael Sands              1978
Michael Higgins            1979                            
Sean O’Neill                 1980
Kevin O’Neill                1981                            
Anthony McGrath          1982
Gusty Lennon               1983                            
Tom Sands                  1984
Kevin O’Neill                1985                            
Cairbre McGovern        1986
Martin Malone              1987                            
Martin Burns                1988 
No  Award                 1989                            
Brendan Malone           1990
Brendan Malone           1991                            
Sean McAvoy               1992
Martin Burns                1993                            
Martin Fitzpatrick          1994
Jonathan McGovern      1995                            
Kevin Burns                 1996
Martin Fitzpatrick          1997                            
Mervyn Colgan             1998
Mark Rice                    1999                            
Jonathan McGovern      2000
Cathal McGrath            2001                            
Rory Simpson              2002

SENIOR  HURLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Sean O’Neill                 1975                            
Martin Byrnes              1976
Gerard O’Neill              1977                            
Sean O’Neill                 1978
Kevin O’Neill                1979                            
Kevin O’Neill                1980
Sean O’Neill                 1981                            
Kevin O’Neill                1982
Gerard Lennon             1983                            
Michael Higgins            1984
Brendan Donald           1985                            
Seamus Lennon           1986
Seamus Lennon           1987                            
Kevin O’Neill                1988
Sean O’Neill                 1989                            
Kevin O’Neill                1990
Sean O’Neill                 1991                            
Sean O’Neill                 1992
Anthony McGrath          1993                            
Sean O’Neill                 1994
Seamus Lennon            1995                            
Gerard Lennon             1996
Eugene Stewart            1997                            
Colm O’Neill                 1998
Martin O’Neill                1999                            
James McGrath             2000
Gerard Lennon              2001                            
Martin O’Neill                2002 
  
SENIOR  CAMOGIE  PLAYER  OF  THE  YEAR
Dolores Lennon             1987                            
Katrina McGrath            1988
Jacqueline McNally        1989                            
Shauna McGovern         1990
Nuala Warnock             1991                            
Catherine McDermott    1992
Sinead McGovern          1993                            
Clare McGovern            1994
Clare McGrath              1995

RESERVE  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Martin Cunningham       2001

MINOR  HURLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Colm O’Neill                 1998                            
David Lavery               1999
Martin O’Neill                2000                            
Michael Cairns              2001

MINOR  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

William Fitzpatrick         1992                            
Dan Strain                    1993
Graeme Donaghy          1998                            
Kevin Falloon                1999
Cathal McGrath             2000                            
James McGrath             2001

U-16  HURLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Kevin O’Neill                1974                            
Aidan McGrath             1975
Michael McKiverigan     1976                            
Kevin O’Neill                1977
Colm Broderick            1978                            
Terence Lennon           1979
Damien Lennon            1980
(Loughbrickland)                            
Brendan Donald           1981 
Sean Warnock             1982                            
Damien Lennon            1983 
(Banbridge)
Peter Murray                1984                            
Kieran Lennon              1985
Anthony Blackburn       1987                            
Conor Grew                 1988
Gerard Fullerton           1994                            
Chris McGovern           1995
Martin O’Neill               1996                            
Cathal O’Neill               1997
Paul McGivern              1998

U-16  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Danny Smith                1974                            
Kevin O’Neill                1975
Patrick Higgins             1976                            
John Lennon                1977
Damien Lennon            1978                            
Brendan Donald           1979
Martin Burns                1980                            
Sean McAvoy               1981
Martin Burns                1982                            
Kevin Burns                 1983
Martin Burns                1984                            
Sean McAvoy               1985
Jonathan McGovern      1987                            
Dan Strain                   1990
Liam Burns                  1991                            
Michael Cribbin            1994
Chris McGovern           1995                            
Colm O’Neill                1996
Paul McGivern             1997

U-14  HURLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Andrew McGrath          1988                            
Chris McGovern           1992
Chris McGovern           1993                            
Paul Stevenson            1994
Paul Stevenson            1995                            
Paul McGivern              1996

U-14  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Jonathan McGovern      1990                            
Chris McGovern           1992
Gerard Fullerton           1993                            
Colin O’Malley              1994
Paul McGivern              1995                            
Kevin Falloon               1996

U-12  HURLER  OF  THE  YEAR

David McGovern           1991

U-12  FOOTBALLER  OF  THE  YEAR

Jonathan McGovern      1988                            
Chris McGovern           1991
Philip McGovern           1992                            
Paul McGivern              1994
Martin Farrell               1995                           
John McAreavey          1996