Raymond McSherry related that, when the All-county Division Four was formed, O�Hanlon�s won the title in 1966, including the Magennis, Loughlin, Burns, Canavan, Garvey and Lennon families, plus others who had come to live in the village. During the 70�s, no team existed until 1976, when the local Pioneers formed a squad, with Paddy McSherry arranging games against Pioneer sides from Killeavy, Glenn and Ballyvarley, etc. In 1977, the club entered the South Armagh `B� League, the first game being against Crossmaglen. And in 1978 they entered the All-county League Division Three.

The lineout was P.J. Fitzpatrick, Eugene Convery, Danny and Jim Smyth, Tommy Lennon, Seamus Murphy, Michael Devlin, Hugh Daly, Dominic Garvey, Jim Magill, Joe Devlin, Sean McClorey, Desmond Canavan, Sean McSherry and Ciaran Savage. The subs were Raymond and Kevin McSherry and Jim Loughlin. Others who joined the squad included Felix Raffery, Pat McClorey, Thomas Feehan, Edward Kennedy, Damien Canavan, Liam Magennis, Pat Crossan, Liam Smyth, Danny Trainor, Eugene and Johnney McVeigh, Fergal Murphy, Jimmy Burns, Billy McLoughlin, Dan and Gerard Magill.

Awarded Division Club of the Year in 1994, with Brian Canavan as coach, the team were in a play-off for third place for promotion in 1996, moved up to Division Three the following year. They had received t A.I.B Award for small clubs in the early 80�s.

A special celebration was held at Poyntzpass in 1992, to mark O�Hanlon club�s golden jubilee, recalling the victories of 1940 and `66. Many members were present to receive mementos at the function, organised by Raymond McSherry. Among the Collins Cup survivors from 1940 were Terry Murray, Mickey Waddell, Gerry Conlon, Dan Mackay, Hugh Cranny, Jim Murnaghan and Tom Burns.

And to relive the glory of 1966, with conquest of the Division Four title were captain Fergal Murphy, Liam and John Magennis, Willie McLoughlin, tom Canavan, Jim O�Loughlin, Nickey and Dominic Garvey, Raymond McSherry and Seamus Murphy. Travelling from distant parts were Bernard Magennis, Dermot McGrath, Terry Grant, Colman Trainor, Gerry Davis, and Michael Kavanagh. Others were in Australia and South Africa. Frank Monaghan received the �Hall of Fame� Award.

Meanwhile, a South Armagh Gael, who had expressed the desire to manage the first Orchard county squad to win the Sam Maguire Cup, was the multi-talented Malachy McGeeney from Cullyhanna, who has been principal of St Peter�s primary school at Bessbrook.

Former G.A.A. star, referee, coach and administrator, he was also a champion handballer. And he holds the record of scoring two goals and two points in an All-Ireland Final against a star-packed Kerry side, as well as punching over no less than 11 points in one match.

Big Mal�s original aim was to be a priest, - two of his aunts became nuns. While at St Colman�s College in Newry. His fellow students included Noel Rice, Bertie Watson, �Red �Donnelly and Pat Kierans. While at the Violet Hill college, he decided to make teaching his career.

After graduating from St Mary�s Training College in Belfast, Malachy spent two years in Manchester as a substitute teacher. Among his colleagues were Tony Kierans, who became principal of Glassdrumman school near Crossmaglen, and Agnes Quinn from Cullyhanna, widow of the late Brian McCourt of Newry. She became the founder of Unislim. By coincidence, the soccer legend, Matt Busby attended Mass at the same church, and belonged to the same social club as young McGeeney.

Joining the Shannon Rangers G.A.A team, competing in the Lancashire League, Mal gained a place in the county squad, where his scoring prowess helped to collect the British Championship title. They played against a talented Kerry side in the All-Ireland Junior Championship Final at Croke Park. Marked by the great Mick Morris, Malachy scored two goals and two points, but his team was defeated.

Now realising that his future lay back home, the Cullyhanna teacher obtained a post at St Peter�s primary school at Bessbrook, eventually becoming principal. Turning out for his native St Patrick�s, where he became captain, his skills attracted the attention of the county selectors. He played for the senior squad during five seasons, marking Downs�s Patsy O�Hagan in one match.

Since Malachy�s publican brother, Seamus was secretary of St Patrick�s G.F.C., he became a member of the committee. And in 1965 he was elected Secretary of the South Armagh G.A.A. Board, a post he retained until the late 80�s. And he was a referee for over 20 years.

The career in management began with St Michael�s minor hurling side, which won the County League and Championship in 1968. He went on to coach the St Patrick�s G.F.C. squad, which collected the �B� Championship and Intermediate titles; the Granemore team which won the County Junior Championship; and the Forkhill side, who became the junior champions in 1981.

Later, this dedicated Gael became long-time County Youth Officer, representing Armagh and Ulster Youth Officers at All-Ireland conventions; organiser of Og Sport, the All-Ireland Feile competition; as well as his role with Cumann Na mBunscoil. He was also elected All-Ireland President of the Primary Schools Board.

No doubt this versatile sportsman would have the experience and expertise to manage a squad, which could win an All-Ireland Senior Championship title. But whether Malachy McGeeney would be interested in throwing his old jerseys or medals against the wall of a dressing-room, during the interval in a crucial match, is another question!

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