GLENN girls ruled supreme during the 60’s, when their camogie squad emulated the exploits of the star-packed John Martin GFC sides.

Indeed, the cailini from Donaghmore were undefeated in Down from 1964 to `67, collecting the County League and Championships, reaching the Ulster Clubs Final.

Those names deserve to rank alongside such as Dan and James McCartan, P.J. McElroy, Seamus Kennedy, Fr Fergus and Aidan Conlon, Dominic McCartan and Val Kane, in the Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, that talented team broke up in 1967, due to marriage, religious vocation and emigration, - for example, some of the Sands sisters settled in Canada. For the same reasons a previous successful side in the 40’s went out of existence, after winning County Championship and Feis Sevens titles.

But when Angela (Kennedy) Ruddy hung up her caman, she did not rest on her laurels, but joined a host of local ladies in a wide range of community activities.

The list is impressive, including Annie Bagnall, Elizabeth Kennedy, Moira Conlon, Chris Grey, Sadie O’Hare, Geraldine McNally, Teresa McCrink, Claire Reavey, Kathleen Brooks, Kathleen Smyth, Vera McConville, Fiona Kelly, Margaret Murtagh, Kathleen Devlin, Susan Turley, Nuala Murphy, Vera McConville, Maureen Gallagher, Fiona Macken, Geraldine McEvoy and Winnie Kirwin.

In fact, Angela Kennedy started the first youth club, when she taught sewing and knitting to a group of girls in “The Hut” at the Fourmile; they included the Connell, Bagnall and Byrne sisters.

Learning to play camogie at the Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry, under the direction of Sister De Sales, Angela recalled the glory days of the Glenn side, of which she was captain. Opponents were Mayobridge, - under the captaincy of Bernarde O’Hare, - Ballyholland, Downpatrick, Portaferry, Kilclief and Killeavy, one of whose squad, Mary McKnight, (now Mrs Kevin O’Neill), she played alongside on the Ulster side.

It was ironic that Angela had to leave the room during deliberations on the Ulster selection, since she was treasurer of the Ulster Council, and a probable member of the squad. Still inside was her husband, a member of the selection committee. P.J. Ruddy had also been a member of the Ballyholland squad, which won the Down Junior Championship in 1962.

There was tremendous enthusiasm and support for the camogie side, especially from players and members of the John Martin GFC. The “Peacefield” home of the late councillor Nan Sands, a member of the Down Co Board, was a virtual open-house for the camogie players and supporters.

Club chairman was Pat James O’Hare; secretary Francie Reavey; and the committee consisted of Dennis Smyth, Seamus O’Hare, Aidan Conlon, Hugh Kennedy and P.J. Turley.

Of course, the Kennedy family have been steeped in the Glenn GAA. Angela’s grandfather, father and two brothers, Seamus and Hugh, have been players with the John Martin squad. Seamus is the current coach, as well as having been a member of the Down GAA panel in 1960/61.

Angela now resides at Mountain View Drive in Newry, close to St Colman’s College, where her husband is caretaker, She has three sons and three daughters. Damian teaches at St Patrick’s primary school in the Meadow, and manages the Red Devils soccer side; Ronan is on the staff of the Abbey Grammar School, and was Glenn GFC “Player of the Year,” while Conal has graduated from Queen’s University, with an Honours degree in Mathematics. Mrs Ruddy was a teacher at the Special Needs School, formerly at Bessbrook.

One daughter, Mrs Lorraine Campbell is manageress of Winemart at the Buttercrane shopping centre; Aine is studying chemical engineering at Queen’s University, while Ciara, a student at Our Lady’s Grammar School, is captain of the netball squad.

Annie Bagnall, sister of the late legendary Gerry Bagnall, was the first woman to be elected to the John Martin GFC, and was chosen as “Clubwoman of the Year” in 1976. She has also been involved with the drama society, concerts and pantomimes.

Next Page >