Elizabeth Kennedy, like her husband, Seamus, has been associated with many aspects of the community, having been secretary of the Glenn Youth Club and Athletic Club, as well as a member of the John Martin GFC committee. . A native of Dorsey, Cullyhanna, she was reared in Burren, where her late father, Felix Macken, was chairman of St Mary�s GFC for some years.

Francie Reavey�s wife, formerly Claire Treanor was born in Dominic Street, Newry, though her family hails from Donaghmore. She has worked behind the scenes, helping to organise or cater for events organised by various community organisations.

According to Francie, the Reavey family originated the Killeavy area, from which they were driven to Connaught at the time of Cromwell. Later settling at Loughisland Reavey, near Castlewellan, they are now one of the oldest families in the Barr. Francie�s mother was Mary Boyle from Clontygora, Killeavy.

Meanwhile, Kathleen Brooks, a retired top civil servant and noted historian, is a cousin of the retired Bishop of Dromore, Dr Gerard Brooks, and the Personal Secretary to three Popes. Dr John Magee, now Bishop of Cloyne.

When the original Glenn camogie club was formed in 1932, the girls who wielded the caman were sometimes considered forward or unladylike, risking ridicule or opposition. Male attitudes ranged from incredulity and horror to amusement, admiration and finally support, in the shape of training, refereeing and administration.

Expert guidance was given by officials from the Newry Shamrocks club, especially Misses McAteer and Keenan, who helped the fledging club get organised. So it was appropriate that the new St Colman�s squad should play their first match against the Shamrocks side.

Chief organiser was Susan O�Hare, with Bridie Farrell and Molly O�Hare as joint secretaries, and Mary T. McCarthy as treasurer. The coach was Paddy McCann, who hailed from Dublin. Great support came from the local John Martin GFC, whose footballers travelled everywhere with them on the bus, since both teams often played at the same venues.

The camogie side played against Shamrocks, Mayobridge, Whitecross, Warrenpoint, Camlough, Jonesboro, Rathfriland, Ballyvarley and Loughbrickland. Home matches were played at Cranney�s Meadow or the Fourmile.

On the squad were Molly Madden, Winnie Sands, Mabel Murtagh, Kathleen McEvoy, Madge and Lily McParland, Mary Alice McCarthy, Marie Lyons, Rita Jennings, Kathleen Byrne, Mary Digney, Gertie Turley, Mary McNulty, Bridie Farrell, Mary, Lily and Molly O�Hare, Anne McIlroy and Mary Anderson.

Tragedy struck when Mary Alice McCarthy received a cut to her arm from a hurly stick. Though it was immediately washed with Dettol, the community was shocked when she died from tetanus, a few days later.

Most successful year was 1941, when the squad won the Down County Championship as well as the Feis Sevens. Celebration dances and concerts were held in the AOH Hall and Dromantine, with music supplied by the Johnny Murtagh Band, including Pat Joe McEvoy, Charlie Madden and Harry McEvoy on drums, Artie and Paddy O�Hare on accordion, and violinist Harry McIlroy.

After a few years out of action, the club was revived in 1948, coached by Jimmy Duffy and Jim Magee from Newry�s Clann Uladh hurling club. Manager was Peter McParland from Sheepbridge, with Phyllis Turley as chairman and Marie Lyons, vice-chairman. The team colours were green skirts and yellow blouses.

Playing in the Newry and district League and at various Sports Days, the Glenn cailini won many awards, the prizes usually consisting of biros or a bottle of mineral.

The squad included Marie Treanor, Rose Garvey, Marie, Sheila and Nan Lyons, Philomena and Lena Jennings, Josie and Kathleen Kennedy, Marie and Bernie Murtagh, Gertie Magill, Mary Cranney, Agnes Bagnall, Judy Markey, Aileen Henry, Kathleen Donnelly, Angela and Bernadette Kennedy, Rita Smylie, Teresa O�Hare, Bridget Kerr, Mary Eleson, Phyllis and Eithne Magill, Bridie McVeigh, Molly Madden. Beatrice Rice, Sheila Donohoe and Nan Bagall.

Those far-off days of the 40�s and 60�s may be just a distant memory for those who once wielded the caman with such flair, and their enthusiastic supporters. But the community spirit of those halcyon times is still thriving, and perhaps has imbued the younger generation, who can be very proud of the tradition they have inherited.

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