A BRIEF HISTORY OF CLANN EIREANN
1910s: Dwyers founded
in Tannaghmore. Played first in Milltown, then in Ferris’s
field opposite the old Tannaghmore school house. Founded by
Jack McKavanagh, Bob McCorry, Willie John Leathem, Mickey
and Willie Henderson and James Mallon. Won South West Antrim
League in 1916.
1920s: Dwyers won the Antrim Junior Championship and
the Gola Cup in 1924. No further success and faded out in
1929-30.
1930s: The O’Neills founded by Tommy McKavanagh, Arthur
O’Neill, and John Murray. Succeeded by the Fianna in 1932.
Changed their name to Kevin Barry’ in 1935. In 1937 the name
was changed again to Clann Eireann, which has been retained
to this day.
1940s: Clann Eireann won the Armagh Junior County Championship
against Ctossmaglen in 1945. The minors won the first Lurgan
and District Minor League. The idea of constructing a ‘hut’
for changing and holdings was first aired. It developed from
a hut to a ‘small hall’. Then under Ambrose Lavery’s influence,
the idea of a youth club took shape.
1950s: St. Colman’s Hall, built by voluntary labour,
opened 31st January 1954. The Youth Club starts. Ambrose Lavery
is first youth leader. Membership reaches 300. Clann Eireann
wins first Armagh senior Championship in 1954.
1960s: Practice pitch at the Hall completed. Three
outdoor handball alleys and two tennis courts added to Lake
Street Complex. Minor Hall and clubrooms built behind the
Hall. Membership increases to 500. Clann Eireann wins second
senior championship in 1963.
1970s: New football pitch completed by voluntary labour
at Kilwilke. Social club built at Lake Street.
1980s: Field assigned at North Circular Road for Development
of a second pitch. New changing rooms built at main football
pitch at Kilwilke. In 1981 Clann Eireann wins the county,
provincial and All Ireland club of the year awards.
1990s: Hurling Field opened in May 1990. New indoor
handball court opened at Lake Street.
2000-Present: Ball catchers constructed at hurling
and football fields. Youth Club Membership is approximately
400. Social Club built after fire.
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