Fr Shields History
1983: The Formation
At a Greencastle GAC AGM, Francis Clarke highlighted there were people interested in forming a camogie club. Later a formation meeting took place and the football club funded its establishment by way of equipment, fees, jerseys etc. The first committee was made up of Patricia Donnelly (Chairperson), Patricia Daly (Vice-chairperson), Kathleen McCullagh (Secretary), Maureen Glass (Treasurer), Roisin Coyle (Assistant Treasurer) and Nuala McGarvey and Teresa Tuohey (Committee).
8th April 1984: The first strike of the ball
The team played their first game against Beragh in Malachy Coyle’s field. The first team consisted of; Ann Tuohey, Veronica Donaghy, Mary Daly, Marian Clarke, Kathleen McCullagh, Eileen McKenna, Ann Conway, Stephanie McCrory, Rosin Coyle Teresa Tuohey, Carmel Slane, Michelle Lennon, Kathleen McCullagh and Siobhan Donnelly.
1985 onwards: On to Victory
1985: U14 Camogie team winning the championship final against Omagh.
1986: Victorious in the Tyrone Community Games Championship, with several players going on to represent the Tyrone including Jacinta McDermott, Caroline Heagney, Kathleen O’Neill, Nichola Keenan, Tracey Teague, Michelle Conway, Majella McAleer, Breda Fod, Siobhan McKenna, Cora Teague, Tina Donnelly, Karen Glass, Sinead Donnelly, Fiona Donnelly and Mena Tuohey.
1987 the U14 team reached the Tyrone Final where they were narrowly defeated Ardboe.
1988/ 1990’s: Greencastle GAC Playing Fields nurturing talent
Camogie for beginners and underage was formed as well as senior team continuing to feature strongly.
1989/90: U14 team represented Tyrone at Ulster Community Games narrowly losing in the Final
1993: U16’s won the league, beating Trillick with Fr Ryder greeting the team on arrival home.
1999- 2009: Reflection and Redirection
Greencastle camogie continued to thrive in the club until the late 1990’s when the club eventually folded in 1999. The club remained in the wilderness until 2009 when for the GAA 125 years Centenary past players decided to participate in an exhibition game. Following this it was decided that the club would reform under the name of Fr Shield’s due to the support the late Fr Shields had for the club.
2010-2014: Drive and Determination:
2012: Fr Shields fielded a senior team for the first time in over a decade and were soon rewarded with a Junior Championship Final v Eire Og
2012: Fr Shields entered a Post Primary team into the Post Primary League and Championship competitions.
2013: Naomh Treasa (Dungannon) travelled to play Fr Shields in the junior championship semi-final. Fr Shields were 2012 finalists, and although put up a spirited performance, narrowly missed out against a strong Naomh Treasa side.
2013: The U16 team played a very strong Camogie Eglish side in the championship and unfortunately came out on the losing side
2014: Launch of Fr Shield’s Easter Family Fun Day
2017: From Strength to Strength
Fr Shield’s continued to grow and develop as a club forming a coaching structure from U8 to senior level.
2017: Several representatives from Fr Shields represented Tyrone U16 Camogie winners, including Kira Donnelly (Captian) Alannah Coyle, Meaghan Clarke, Shona Mckenna and Megan Coyle.
2017: Fr Shields U16 team reaching the Eileen Coney Championship final, narrowly missing out to Eglish.
2018: Aimee McGuigan and Megan Coyle representing Fr Shields at Tyrone U17’s All-Ireland development blitz in Dublin
2018: Kira Donnelly was nominated for Young Camogie Player of the Year at the Teamtalkmag All-Star Awards- A club first!
2018: The senior team fielded for the first time since reforming, Fr Shields entered the 7’s Tournament in Glengormley and prevailed against the odds
17th August 2019: Fr Shields hosted the first Joanne Tracey Memorial Sevens Tournament. Teams from seven counties across Ulster participating and Greenlough prevailing.
2019: U10 and Post Primary teams winning the Eire Og Tournament in late September. T
2019: Na Laochra (Fr Shields & Eire Og) U16 team winning the Anne Jordan Memorial Plate defeating Derrylaughan in the final by 1 point. Fr Shields were delighted to have Leah McGuigan (joint captain) lift the trophy.
2022: Senior ladies reached the final of the Siobhan ‘Tipp’ O’Neill Junior Championship sadly defeated by a strong Eire Og side.
School and County in recent years:
Dean Maguire College U14 team winning the Ulster Final. Teammates included Molly Clarke, Cayla Donnelly, Orla Morris, Amy Gumley, Naimh Clarke, Aiobhan Coyle, Neamh Donnelly, Trea Clarke and Sorcha Hughes.
Kira Donnelly, Leah McGuigan and Meaghan Clarke represented Tyrone winning an All-Ireland Minor Title beating Kerry 3-12 to 0-06.
2023: Neamh Clarke and Rosie Leadon represented Tyrone Minors and won the Ulster Camogie Championship.
Present Day:
Fr. Shields, as part of Greencastle GAC have grown from strength to strength in recent years with numbers increasing especially at underage.
At U6 Go-Games we have 20+ girls attending training, this is done in unison with Sperrin Ladies to ensure every child has an opportunity to try all sports. Older age groups within the Go-Games remit have attended several blitzes held at county and provincial level.
Every player can avail of our ‘loan a hurl, loan a helmet’ scheme to ensure anyone who wants to play is given the opportunity.
