BELLAGHY are the kings of Derry club football with 21 county titles annexed over their illustrious history that includes four Ulster championships and in 1972 were crowned All-Ireland champions.

Recently their reenergised camogie development delivered the All-Ireland Féile title but the club also lost three of his long-serving greats of yesteryear.

“Two former Bellaghy players Charles J Mulholland and Jim McKeefry died in Leicester,” former club player Willie Cassidy informed.

“Both were in their mid-80s, almost 70 years ago (1947) the two footballers featured on the first ever team to take a trophy to the famous Wolfe Tone club – the South Derry minor league.

“They were presented with their medals at a function in the club, by the then GAA President - the late Paddy McFlynn”

The third of the trio to pass away was ‘famous full back’ Joe McKeever. “He featured in Bellaghy’s first ever county senior championship final – 1951 encounter against Dungiven.  Joe died in New York,” added Cassidy.

“All three spent their entire adult lives abroad. Bellaghy are rightly celebrating anther All-Ireland title with the U14 camogs’ magnificent achievement in Tipperary.

“It should be remembered by the Gaels of Bellaghy, three men who died in foreign lands, also part of historic teams who wore the blue and white with pride and distinction.”

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