Abbey CBS, Newry have a special interest in this years all Ireland final. The Newry school straddles the two counties of Armagh and Down and has long been associated with Down’s All-Ireland victories: Sean O’Neill (1960, 1961 and 1968) and D.J. Kane (1994 Captain) were prominent past pupils. To-day’s Armagh team has even greater links with the Abbey. No less than 10 members of to-day’s squad received their education at the Newry school.

Joe Kernan the team manager played in a MacRory Final in 1972 when the present Headmaster, Mr Dermot McGovern was a team-mate. Cathal O’Rourke played MacRory football for four years between 1988-91 while his brother Aidan played in 1992-94 and the last member of this family Micheal, a current county minor, is still attending the school.

Justin McNulty played in MacRory Cup semi-finals in 1992 and 1993 while his brother Enda played in 4 MacRory cup semi-finals 1992-1995. Throughout these four years the Abbey team also contained the twins John and Tony McEntee and Barry Duffy. All of these latter players including Aidan O’Rourke won Corn na nÓg medals with the school. Oisin McConville also won Dalton Cup and Corn na nÓg medals in the Abbey.

The present county captain Kieran McGeeney played MacRory Cup football for the school in 1988.

The present Vice-Principal and Down All-Ireland medal winner Val Kane was manager of the school senior teams throughout this period and he has fond memories of all these players. “All these young boys made significant sacrifices to play football for the school. They were all from rural parishes and travelled daily on buses to the school. Playing and training for football meant returning home in the dark yet they never failed to attend training. Each of them had outstanding football ability but above that they were individuals of exemplary character. Their successes have been a just reward for their talents and dedication and the whole Abbey community will be delighted to greet them when they bring Sam Maguire across the border on Monday night.”

Abbey CBS, Newry congratulates Past Pupils.

Dermot McGovern Headmaster, Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry wishes the 10 Past Pupils involved with the Armagh Panel the best of luck in the All Ireland Final against Kerry.

(Click on picture to see full size!)

Back Row:

(L-R) Kieran McGeeney (Captain), Tony McEntee, Justin McNulty, Joe Kernan (Manager), Dermot McGovern (Headmaster), Val Kane (Vice-Principal), Cathal O’Rourke

Front Row:

(L-R) Enda McNulty, Aidan O’Rourke, John McEntee, Oisin McConville and Barry Duffy.