CLUB HISTORY

For the next five years St. Joseph's played Intermediate football with little success in terms of trophies. During this time saw the arrival of young players who would later prove to be influential in the success of the late 80's and early 90's.

At the end of the 1982 season Craigbane finished joint second and were promoted after a playoff. 1983 was a very important year in the history of Craigbane. On the 18th March, Gerry Crossan, the driving force behind every thing that happened in the club and parish was killed in a car accident. Craigbane had lost its Chairman, and Senior Team Manager. Gerry was also North Derry Board Chairman and County Board member. Gerry had been Chairman since 1972 and had set down a very strong work ethic. The death of Gerry Crossan left a huge void in the club. Vice-Chairman, Willie Gormley took over as chairman for the remainder of 1983.

Peter Gormley then took over as Chairman in 1984. Here was someone with Gerry's drive and appetite for hard work. With the help of people like Freddie Gormley, Charlie Cartin, Liam Dixon, Willie Gormley, Mary Gormley and John Hood the club kept moving forward. Gerry Crossan's greatest ambition was for the club to own its own grounds and this became the club's main objective.

On the field, senior football proved to be a real struggle. With a young team, Craigbane only survived one season. In contrast, there was one major highlight in 1983. Eddie McElhinney became the first Craigbane player to win an All-Ireland medal. Eddie was centre half forward on the Derry Minor team that beat Cork. Eddie scored a point on what was a proud day in the history of the club.