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C.L.G Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin
While our club is a relatively new one, Gaelic games were played in the Parish a number of decades ago. In the 60's and early 70's, St. Mary's GAA was in existence made up of Garda, Customs men and a number of locals. Dating back further, a Quigleys Point team competed in early Inishowen touraments.
CLG Naomh Pádraig was founded on February 16th 1989. The inaugral meeting was held in Scoil Naomh Bríd where a number of people felt there was a need for a structured club to be established.In the beginning the nucleus of the club centered on the school children of Scoil Naomh Bríd. In their frist year competing the club reached the county U12 'A' final where they lost to Four Masters. In the early to mid-nineties, many Inishowen underage titles were won and were followed up with county titles at U12, U14, U15 and U16 grades. The school team captured Divison 1 and 2 county titles in the Bunscoil competitions and most notably in the I.N.T.O. Mini Sevens, where the boys and girls school team were victorious in that memorable year of 1992, when a number of pupils represented their school in Croke Park on semi-final and All Ireland final day. During this golden era, a number of underage players represented their county, including Dermot McColgan, Adrian McColgan and Eamonn Reddin who all have All-Ireland medals at Vocational School level.
Numerous other players have been part of County development squads and more recently Aidan Lynch and Dermot Keaveney were members of the County Minor teams. Our first adult team entered Divison 4 of the All-County league in 1998. They progressed to Intermediate level for a number of years however have now slipped back to Junior status.
In more recent years, Scoil Naomh Fionnan has become involved in underage club activities and have temselves won boys and girls Inishowen Buscoil titles. While our underage teams have been less successful in the last number of years, it is hoped with both schools participating in competitions, that this may bear fruit in future years.
The clubs first playing pitch was the School field in Muff. From there we leased McErleans field (now Wheatfield) and then we moved to the 'Rock' field, leased by the Nicholas family. We finally purchased our own property from local businessman Jim McLaughlin in 1997. Our local community have been generous in their support financially over the years and we are grateful also to the Department of Sport and Tourism for their much needed lottery funding.
The last 20 years have been eventful for everyone involved with our club. With the club grounds currently consisting of 2 full size football pitches, clubhouse, changing rooms, indoor hall and floodlight all-surface playing area and with players competing from U10 to Senior grade and Hurling being promoted, highlights the strides the club has taken since its formation and is a testament to the vision, dedication and perseverance of a committed band of workers who have provided for our youth and the next generation.