Naomh Fionnbarra G.F.C was established in 1957 with the amalgamation of members of the St. The club covers all of Togher Parish, County Louth from Grangebellew and Port in the south to Annagassan bridge to the North. It also stretches from the coast as far west as Drumcar. The club caters for football teams for both men and ladies boys and girls from U-6 age group to adult level. Affectionately known as 'The Barrs' or the 'Finbarrs, the adult men's team currently ply their trade in the Intermediate Football Championship and Division 2 of the All County League. Recent success for the men include the Intermediate Championship in 2001 and the Junior Championship in 2010, 2015 & 2020 along with a number of League titles, most recently Division 3 in 2014. The adult ladies team operate currently in Division 2 of the Louth Ladies League and the Intermediate Football Championship. Whatever the men can do the ladies can do and they have recently won the Junior Championship in 2011 and the Division 3 League in 2012. The Ladies have contested the last 2 Intermediate Championship Finals in 2019 & 2020 losing on both occasions narrowly to St. Anne's Camogie Club - The beginning
In 1964, a meeting was held in the late Fr. Kennedy's house in Dillonstown to form a camogie club. The chosen name was St. Anne's with a club uniform consisting of a lemon gymslip, white shirt, black tights and black canvas boots. Kennedy was elected chairman, assisted by Mary Keaskin as secretary and treasurer Mary Leonard. Kennedy was trainer/manager. Training and matches were held at various different parish locations, transport was provided by relatives and friends. In 1966 came the first taste of victory when St. Anne's reached the county senior final after Celtic and Kilkerley were expelled from the competition due to players playing indoor football which was banned at the time. The final was played in Knockbridge in October of that year against Cooley. The final score was St. Anne's 2-3, Cooley 1-3, this victory for a newly formed club was a tremendous boost for St. The club continued from strength to strength and had many successes at junior, senior and juvenile levels within the county. However, the real breakthrough came in 1978 when they claimed the first Leinster title by beating Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow in the Leinster Junior Club Championship, and went on to win another Leinster title in 1980. In the late 70's and early 80's, Louth Camogie was becoming very strong and competitive, and as the standard of Camogie improved, St. Anne's were soon becoming a match for many of the clubs in Leinster. At that same time, the county team was also making promising progress, managed by Peter Hoey. The team mostly comprised of players from St. Anne's and Kilkerley who were the strongest teams in Louth at the time. But it was in 1982 that the dream was eventually realised when Louth reached the All Ireland final. The Togher side had nine players of the panel and on 26/9/1982 they travelled to Croke Park to take on hot favourites Cork in the All Ireland Junior Championship final and surprised many when they emerged victorious with a scoreline Louth 1-7, Cork 1-6. This was a huge achievement and boost for Louth Camogie. While a small club numerically, St. Anne's were very ambitious in their ideas. Many of which stemmed from "after-match" chats, over many cups of tea served with Anne O'Neill's famous scones & apple tart in "The Glyde Inn", Annagassan. However, deeds are always more powerful than words, and with the determination, vision and commitment of a strong committee, the ideas always turned to reality, when the little club from Togher travelled to New York, Isle of Man, London and indeed to many corners of Ireland representing St. These journeys will always be a huge part of the club's rich history. Over the years, there have been many changes in Camogie in Ireland, the game has developed and funding is now available to assist with coaching material/courses, improved facilities & equipment. One important aspect was, the introduction of coaching in the local primary schools under Cumann Na mBunscol. This enabled children acquire an appreciation and knowledge of Camogie. Fortunately, many of St. Anne's talented young players were given the opportunity to participate in the Mini Sevens in Croke Park on All Ireland Hurling final and semi final days. This also ensured that a steady flow of juvenile players were emerging and at present some of these players are prominent senior players/administrators within the club. The one aspect that will probably never change, is the need for volunteers as coaches and administrators. Anne's have been blessed in this area throughout the years, and today they have some of the most respected and remarkable people keeping the national game alive. Since its formation in 1964, St. Anne's players and administrators have secured many a coveted title which has distinguished them as one of the most decorated clubs in the county. Anne's history has shown that, the club can absorb any change that comes their way and continue to prosper as a touchstone of the parish's identity. Comments Policy
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