CLUB HISTORY

The first Gaelic football club in Craigbane played in the North Derry League in 1934. Their first match was played in a field in Gortscreaghan. belonging to Brigid McLaughlin. This game was against Claudy and they lost 4-3 to 1-1. They used the name Lamh Dearg. This club only lasted a couple of seasons. The players in the 1934 team were as follows:

James O'Neill Philip Crossan Charles Kelly Patsy Brolly
Henry Kerlin Paddy McLaughlin Charles Donaghey Thomas C Gormley
Paddy Grieve John Devine Joseph Lyndsey James Devine
James Donaghy Paddy Gormley Neill Crossan Benny Kelly
Paddy Mullan

Craigbane then reformed in 1959 under the guidance of Philip Crossan. They played at the 'Rap' in Kilgort. The clubs first match was again against Claudy on 17th April and they lost on a score of 1-7 to 3-4. Some of the players in that first game were:

Freddie Gormley Mickey Gormley John Kerlin Peter McLaughlin
James McGilligan Danny McCloskey Joe Bryson Peter Mullan
Noel McLaughlin Jim O'Kane Jim O'Neill Arthur Mulhern
Billy Mulhern Frank O'Kane Patsy Murray Harry McCloskey
Hall Lynch Gerry Crossan