DEDICATED families have played a crucial role in all aspects of community life in the historic parish of Donaghmore, over many generations.

Clans like Bagnall, Byrne, Brooks, Cranney, Conlon, Devlin, Gallagher, Kennedy, McCartan, McConville, McCrink, McKay, McNally, McNulty, Murtagh, O�Hare and Reavey have been a glowing inspiration of commitment.

Incidentally, when the GAA President, Con Murphy, was due to visit the Glenn John Martin GFC in 1976, the club chairman, Seamus Kennedy, was notified that the purpose was to view the new football field, meet officials and club members. There would not be time for a sit-down meal.

So the enterprising Seamus secured a card-table, and produced a bottle of whiskey and glasses from the boot to his car. During the rest of his term-of-office, wherever the GAA chief travelled, he would recall the hospitality he received at the little club in the County Down.

Of course, the Kennedy family is typical of family involvement in the club, with four generations having played for John Martin GFC sides. Indeed, Seamus and his brother, Hugh, played on the same team as their father, James. Also, Seamus and his son, Kevin, were in the one squad, while his grandsons, Gerard and Jarlath now play for Glenn.

Mr and Mrs Kennedy also have five daughters, - Mrs Mary Walsh, Mrs Ita Cunning, Mrs Siobhan Abhdurahannan, Mrs Fiona Ohora and Deirdre Kennedy.

Meanwhile, Mrs Elizabeth Kennedy was voted John Martin GFC �Clubwoman of the Year,� in recognition of her immense contribution to the club, of which she was one of the first female members. She was secretary of the Glenn Athletic Club, of which her husband was chairman, and also of the Drama Society.

Seamus goes �away back� with Glenn GFC, dating from 1954, when he and James McCartan were selected for a minor county trial. And he won an Ulster Junior Championship medal in 1958. Then came the �glory years�, as the Glenn side swept to the summit of Down football, collecting three Senior County Championship and League trophies, as well as a host of Feis Sevens titles. Seamus was also in the Down 1960/61 squads.

Incidentally, another John Martin GFC player, Val Kane must hold a record for winning Ulster Minor and Championship medals, one day in 1963; similarly Ulster Senior and Under-21 Championship medals on the same day in 1965. And, of course, he was in the Mourne squad, which won the National League and Sam Maguire Cup in 1968.

Meanwhile, a sister of Seamus, Angela (Kennedy) Ruddy, was captain of the Mary McCracken camogie club, which had outstanding successes in the 60�s. She also played for Ulster. And his brother, Hugh, has not only played for Glenn GFC, but was also chairman of the camogie club.

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