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The Foundation of Ballinagh G.F.C.
ESTD.1888
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A GAA club was formed in Ballinagh in 1888 and Ballinagh Erin's Hope appears to be the name affilliated in March 1889 as was Kilmore Rangers, a second club in the parish based in Drumcor. This club later joined with Tom Maroney's of Cornafean to form the new Naomh Fionnain Club. Ballinagh had limited success in it's formative years and won it's first trophy in 1913, the Junior Championship. Below are some of the highlights in it's 117 Year History.
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1953- Junior Championship Final
In 1953 Ballinagh won the Junior Championship by defeating a much fancied Kingscourt side. In 2003 a Dinner Dance was held by Ballinagh GFC to recognise the players who took part in triumph 50 years before hand. A Poem was written in memory of the Event and can be seen be clicking the link below.
The Ballad of 1953
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1960- Unplayed Championship Final
In 1960 Ballinagh Club affiliated a Senior team and in the first round were drawn against defending champions Virginia. Ballinagh emerged victorious and went on to play Cornafean and this was were the trouble started. Cornafean had defeated Cavan Gaels in round one but a subsequent objection meant the Ballinagh v Cornafean game had to be postponed pending the outcome of the Gaels objection.
The final had been fixed for Sep 4 at that years Convention but a bye-law in the county also stated that any team would be granted two clear weeks between their Semi and the Final. The objection was withdrawn near the end of August and Ballinagh played and defeated Cornafean on the 28th of August, thus qualifying to play Bailieboro in the final. Ballinagh had three injuries after the match and knew they were to lose other players who had to travel abroad, so they deceided to invoke the bye law giving them two weeks grace.
Bailieboro objected strongly and wouldn't agree to a refixturing of the game. At the next County Board Meeting on Nov 14th the Bailieboro position hadn't changed and they made it clear they thought they should be awarded the game, even though Ballinagh were prepared to pay the game at any time even the following summer. Bailieboro were duly awarded the match.
Ballinagh lodged an appeal with the Ulster Council and they ordered the county board to refix the final. Bailieboro wouldn't agree to the refixture and were suspended for 6 Months. Ballinagh were declared champions but declined to accept trophies the team had not played for.
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