Brilliant Ballinderry create more history

Ballinderry are a club that are no strangers to success, hitting the headlines not only here in their own county but nationwide.

Well, they are on the road again, after landing three county Feile titles at the top level - Boys Football, Ladies Football and Camogie county champions - a phenomenal achievement that may well be a record for any one club to land such an accolade in the one year.

The boys had many great days back in the 90’s and 00’s but it has been the girls who have been taking centre stage over the last few years, claiming a double double, landing back to back county titles in Camogie and Football. This year's side will have 70% dual players involved with the camogs hitting the road first as they travel to Wexford on the weekend of 21st June and then for the footballers in both codes out the following weekend with Derry as hosts.

Speaking to Killian Conlon, who is one of the many coaches involved in this success for the club, he was quick to heap the praise on everyone involved from players to coaches and all within the club.

“It has been a monumental effort by everyone - the club is buzzing at present,” said Conlan.

“There has been great work put in by everyone. All the right people in the right places, great coaching and lots of quality among our teams.

“Numbers are rising in our schools, more houses going up all the time so our numbers are fantastic at the moment. We have players playing on school teams and on development squads and this all improves the player and adds quality.”

Ladies football in the club is only in its third year, with Aine Bell (nee McCusker) central to its beginning. The club is fielding sides from Under 6 up to minor level with up to 80/90 players now involved. They have hit the ground running and have many representing their club at schools and on county sides. They have already tasted All-Ireland Feile glory when they lifted the Division 2 title last year beating Kildress.

Ballinderry's LGFA Feile squad.

Being a dual club with so many playing both codes, football and camogie, it can cause difficulties, but both work fantastically together to make it run smoothly with dual training nights for the players to avoid continuous running for parents and players on different evenings for separate trainings.

“Communication between all the coaches of both the football and camogie is fantastic - again the right people in the right places and great coaches.”

For the Camogie, they have had many more years and are fielding right to to senior level with incredible work done at all levels leaving no stone unturned in preparation. This will be their third successive year involved, winning the All-Ireland Division 2 Féile naGael title 12 months ago when they saw off Cushendall in the decider.

It is 19 years since the boys have graced the county Feile success. It was a regular outing for families back in the day.

“It was the family holiday - trips around the country from Galway to Wexford and different places. We won 11 out of 17 titles. Many of those were the backbone to successful senior sides. The last side in 2006 is now the backbone of our current senior side.”

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Success at underage can be driven on by success at senior level and no doubt the achievements of the Ballinderry side in climbing the county and provincial Intermediate Championship and going all the way to the All-Ireland final have helped.

“Yes, the run we had with the lads was fantastic. Club colour days in the schools, the players calling into the schools and taking different coaching sessions. The trips throughout the Ulster campaign, to Newry and then to get to Croke Parkfor the All-Ireland finals. Memories for all the children of Ballinderry.”

Ballinderry boys U15 Feile team.

Success also has a cost to it, so the club have a number of fund-raising events from Feile Bingo to Big Breakfast. They also have a sponsor a player running on their socials and all this is down to a great PR team led by Ciaran McIvor.

Anyone who knows the Ballinderry club, knows the famous bridge and the sight of the winning teams crossing it with their winning silverware. Many a great household name and titles have crossed it and these three Feile teams have done so with the county titles already and don’t rule them out in taking an All-Ireland across it also. The future of the Shamrocks is bright.