Clodiagh Rangers FC

In The Beginning…1978 – On the evening of July 8th 1978 sixteen people gathered at Ryan “Peelers” Pub in Rosmult, Drombane. Inspired by Mario Kempes at the recent World Cup, the purpose of their attendance was to discuss the formation of a soccer club for the area. Clodiagh Rangers A.F.C. was duly launched that night. Now over two decades on at the dawn of a new millennium it’s time to reflect on what has become one of North Tipperary s most durable clubs.
The club that has given enjoyment to hundreds who wore the colours down through the years. From the Milestone to Ballinahow and further afield the club has straddled parish boundaries and drawn people together on and off the pitch. To the pioneers of Clodiagh Rangers we say thank you for your vision. You are responsible for a thriving football club which is now welcoming the next generation of young players. Sure winter Sunday s wouldn’t t be the same without it!

Up and Running – Between the inaugural meeting on July 8th and the end of 1978 the club held about fifteen committee meetings in order to establish a firm footing. With the background work taking shape the focus turned to competition. The Club received a most generous and welcome gift from Willie Corbett N.T. when he supplied a set of jerseys for our team. On 15th October 1978 Clodiagh won its first ever trophy when they defeated Castleview Rangers by 3 goals to 1 in Templemore.

Members – Pat Moloney, Ollie Murphy, Liam Looby, Eamon Ryan(C), Pat Keane, Jack Looby, Tom Carey, Phil Lowry(Moy.),  Michael Crowe, Seamus Barry, Martin Browne, Dinny Looby, Paddy Ryan(C), Paddy Clancy, Donal Murphy, Tommy Ryan(C), Eugene Burke(R.I.P.), Padraig Burke, Johnny Dwyer, Tom Kennedy, Billy Clancy, Michael Greene, Eddie Murphy, Conor Ryan, Michael Ryan(D), Billy Phelan, Matt Shortt, Frankie Shortt, Michael McGrath, Rody Lowry, Johnny Quinlan, Pat Dunne,  Michael Ryan(Long), Paddy Looby, Tommy Tierney, Martin Murphy, Johnny Keane, J.C.Ryan, John Ryan(Line), P.McKeown, Tommy Carr, T.J. Ryan, Willie Corbett, P. Carey, Eamonn Burke, Joe Graham, Tim Bourke, Jimmy McLoughney, M. Treacy,  Eugene Shortt, Paddy Dwyer, Ger Dunne, Brendan Baker, William Ryan, Johnny Buckley.

Written by Adrian Cooke (June 2016)