 Prior to 1944 one team catered for the combined interests of Ballymaguigan and Newbridge. The war came, Toome Airfield was built, practically dividing the parish in two thus making it very difficult for the Ballymaguigan based players to travel to the pitch in the creagh for training. Paddy Batson suggested that a ball be purchased so that the local players could practise in Ballymaguigan. From this initial step the beginnings of an independent club became apparent. Not content with playing amongst themselves, friendlies were arranged against established clubs. The first of these was against Castledawson away, followed soon afterwards by a home fixture with Greenlough. From this background, St. Trea's
Gaelic Football Club was formed. It was a bold decision, for Ballymaguigan
is a very small area, consisting then of some 80 odd families. The
club was called St. Trea's Ballymaguigan in honour of St. Trea, who has
many traditional associations with the area. On the 23rd April 1944
the club was inaugurated with the following office bearers:
The committee met with some opposition in having the team
accepted by the South Derry Board. Fr. Carraher, the District Chairman
at the time was not keen on having a new team in this area and suggested
they remain with Newbridge. Tom Murphy, Newbridge, proposed a compromise
- that Ballymaguigan and Newbridge remain as one but that St. Trea's would
enter and play as a second team. This proposal was put to a committee
but rejected 'unanimously'. The South Derry Board was approached
again and the club was given permission to play friendlies until the matter
was resolved. Therefore a list of players was registered with the
board, on 21st May 1944. Newbridge did not formerly object and so
the new club was accepted in the autumn of 1944. Their first official
competition was the Winter League of 1944/45. The club has been going
strong ever since!
Anyone interested in this area (Ballymaguigan Genealogy Research ) should be aware that Jerry Doyle
(San Antonio, Texas, USA), a descendant of the Doyle/McCartney families has set up a web site dedicated to family histories in the Ballymaguigan area. He would be very grateful for some
more interested parties to participate in building up this web site. He can be contacted via e-mail at the following address
jerry.doyle@sbcglobal.net
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