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| Great Community Spirit At Whitecross Is Envied | |
That humble little club in the parish of Loughgilly, - one of the oldest in the county, - may not have contained any world-class players. But it can boast of 100 years’ service to local youth and the community, by generations of dedicated Gaels.
And what a host of outstanding sportsman have devoted their time, energy and talents to the service of St Killian’s GFC, since its foundation in 1904. These include Hugh Cooney (first captain), Louis Trodden, James Judge, Louis Murphy, Atty Hearty, Joe Canning, John Moley. Sean and Seamus Reavey, John McClorey, Carl Feehan, Dan McSherry and Terry O’Hanlon. Among others, who have rendered sterling service over the years, were Tom Markey, recently deceased, Patsy Loughran, Sean McCann. Jimmy Nogher and Annie McClorey, wife of the late great player, John McClorey. Historian Joe Canning was club secretary for 12 years, delegate for many years, Secretary of the South Armagh Board, County Treasurer for 20 years, described as “one of the most outstanding officials of modern times.” And Louis Trodden, M.A., a founder of the Glenn John Martin Club, sparked a revival at the Whitecross club, of which he had become chairman. A native of Newtownhamilton, he later became principal at a Warrenpoint school, and married the accomplished musician, Mrs Lilian McArdle-Trodden, who died recently. A teacher at the Irish College in Omeath, and later at Glenn, his arrival at Whitecross in 1932 ushered in the brightest period in the club’s history, with St Killian’s winning the County Junior Championship, three years later, - their first major success in 30 years. He also revived the local pipe band, was a keen collector of folk-lore, was a fine ballad-singer, and died 25 years ago. Another prominent personality was Louis Murphy, whose father had been principal at the local school. Representing his club and county with distinction, he contributed to various journals and produced a book on local history. Joining the Irish Civil Service, he served in Dublin, where he played with the Clann na Gael side, and was then transferred to Kerry, where he became Chairman of the prestigious Listowel Writers Group, including John B. Keane and Brian McMahon. St Killian’s GFC honoured him with the “Hall of Fame” award in 75. Louis Murphy died about three years ago. This junior club has contributed some outstanding players to county and provincial squads, such as Hugh O’Hanlon and Peter McGleenan, who won Ulster Senior Championship medals. And Jim Finnegan starred on the 1977 Armagh side, which won the Ulster title. Others who have represented the Orchard County include Louis Murphy, Charles Watterson, Benny Feehan and John Moley. Maybe the most memorable season came in 1969, when a talent-packed St Killian’s side collected the County Junior Championship crown, defeating old rivals, Ballymacnab, after a replay. The club was also promoted in the league. This was the crowning ambition of club chairman, Atty Hearty, whose death, three years later at the age of 42, stunned the entire community. The victorious Whitecross squad consisted of Jim Malone, Brendan McParland, John and Gerry Toner, Tom Ferris, Gerry McParland, Carl Feehan, John Fearon, Brian Reavey (RIP), Gerry McKeown, David Garey, John Moley, Con Malone and Turlough Toner. A jubilant Joe Canning declared: “This season will go down as one of the most outstanding in the club’s long history. It was a year when we raised ourselves from the lowest possible position to the top place among junior clubs in the county. And it was a season in which bitter memories may disappear and frustrating years disappear in this great double success. “After a lapse of 29 years, we have won the County Junior Championship. And the scenes of jubilation, which greeted our success, were a spontaneous reaction of people who, for far too long, have been starved of success. A glorious year has ended a frustrating decade,” he added.
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