History of Sport in Newry and Mourne

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Sport has come a long way since medieval times when people had little time or energy for recreational activities. Leisure time activities were confined to feast days and games were local with each area having their own traditional activities. More recent times, however, have seen many developments in sport. Technology, schools and government bodies have all influenced, and helped to increase, interest in many forms of sport. Commercialisation of sport has expanded rapidly, especially the provision for spectator sport. As part of a national culture, it has now extended to the majority of the population.

Newry Grammar School Girls Hockey Team c.1950. Hockey was popular among girls at Newry Grammar School and they competed for the Ulster Schools Cup and the Consolation Cup. Newry and Mourne Museum Collection

Very high standards have been achieved by local sportsmen and women at national and international levels. Sporting activities in a community teach many positive life skills such as team work, the benefits of competitiveness, and of course, the physical advantages of being fit and healthy.

Ballyholland Harps is one of the many local GAA clubs in the Newry and Mourne area which give children and young people the opportunity to play Gaelic games. This programme is from the opening of their playing field in 1984. Newry and Mourne Museum Collection

Interest and participation in sports permeates the social and cultural fabric of life in the Newry and Mourne area. Most people have played a sport at some stage in their lives and have followed the achievements of a club, team or sports personality. Traditional team sports, such as Gaelic games, soccer and hockey have flourished throughout the 20th century. In recent decades basketball, martial arts and gymnastics have gained popularity, while other sports, including rowing and table tennis, have diminished.

In Gaelic football, trophies and titles have been won at county and national level. Inspirational managers who have brought their county teams to victory have included Joe McKernan from Crossmaglen and Peter McGrath from Rostrevor. Many Newry and Mourne sports people have achieved individual recognition on the national and international scene. In hockey, Billy McConnell from Newry won a bronze medal with Great Britain at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. At the Seoul Olympics in 1988 Violet McBride from Kilkeel was vice-captain of the Great Britain hockey team.

Prize winner’s shield c.1957 from Newry Ornithological Association which closed in 2011. Showing caged birds was once a popular sport in Newry, attracting competitors from other parts of Northern Ireland. Newry and Mourne Museum Collection

Newry Rowing Club in 1905. Newry Rowing Club held an annual regatta at Newry in the late 19th century and competed at the Henley Regatta in 1903 and at the Dublin Metropolitan Regatta in 1905. Newry and Mourne Museum Collection

The old Newry and Mourne District Council became the first Council to form a Sports Advisory Committee. The Sports Personality Awards has been delivered since 1973, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the district and indeed, in Northern Ireland. Over the years, some notable sports men and women have made presentations at this event including Pat Jennings, Mary Peters, Mark Lawrenson, Jim McKeever, Janet Gray, Peter McParland, Páidi Ó’Sé, Danny McAlinden, Billy Bingham, Brian Hamilton, Dennis Taylor, Adrian Logan, Stephen Watson and Jarlath Burns. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, now in association with Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA), present eleven categories at the awards ceremony ensuring those involved in local sport receive the recognition they deserve.