1937

The League for 1937 consisted of just four teams. Greencastle, Tummery, Brackey and Cranagh. This league seems to have petered out quietly. The final recorded league table was as follows up to 31st August:

These four points came from a victory over Tummery and a victory over Brackey. It appears that one match with Cranagh was declared void following a dispute.

A highlight of the 1937 season was a four-team tournamnt hold in Pomeroy. Teams taking part were Kildress, Pomeroy, Carrickmore and Greencastle. In the semi-final, Greencastle overcame Kildress and Pomeroy defeated Carrickmore. In the final, Greencastle won by a 2 pt margin after a very fine game.

JUNIOR FINAL

The 1936 Final was arranged for Sunday 4th July at the CBS grounds in Omagh, between Greencastle Erin's Hopes and Cookstown Brian Ogs.

The preview of the game states that Greencastle were worthy representatives of West Tyrone by giving consistent displays with irrepressible enthusiasm. They had proved themselves to be the superior team in their area. There was also the experience of playing in the County Final of the previous year.

GOOD GAME AT OMAGH

A large hosting of Gaels, representative of many areas throughout Tyrone, were treated to a splendid exhibition of football at the Christian Brother's Park, Omagh on Sunday on the occasion of the final of the Tyrone Junior Championship when Greencastle accomplished a final victory over Cookstown Brian Ogs with a score of Greencastle 0-08 Cookstown 1-02.

Both teams acquitted themselves very creditably and though the game was contested in wholehearted and energetic manner, it was entirely devoid of anything bordering on objectionable tactics by either side. Excellent fielding and clean kicking were features of the game, but obviously a factor that contributed in a good measure to the winner's success was their more lenghty kicking, more especially in the first half forward line. This accomplishment was the means of keeping their opponents score within accessible bounds. Well developed team work was manifested by both sides. The small difference in the scores throughout the game, kept enthusiasm worked up, and even to the final whistle, the followers of respective clubs were keenly interested as it was always possible for the aspect of the team to be transformed. Both teams were well served in defence and many spectacular clearances were witnessed at centre field, where many thrilling duels took place honours were about divided. Greencastle proved a shade faster in the forward positions and the tantalising exchanging of transferences often rendered it difficult for the Cookstown defenders to deal with difficult situations created and on many occasins extricated themselves only with the greatest endeavour.

Greencastle are to be warmly complimented on their meritorious but hard-earned victory, which is a fitting tribute to their patient and indefatigable work for the game in West Tyrone over a long period. They have placed themselves on a high pedestal in the football world and have also brought West Tyrone into the limelight.

A word of praise is also due to the losers who, though defeated, were far from being disgraced. They put up a gallant show and even to the final kick, they held on tenaciously to the slender hope that was offered them. While in a commanding position during the first half, their chances of success looked bright, but they noticeably tired towards the finish.

The Greencastle team was as follows: A. McAleer, G. Fox, P. McCullagh, P.J. McCullagh, G. Rodgers, F. Quinn, B. Morris, G. McCullagh, F. McAleer, J. Bradley, M. Morris, P. Tracey, E. McCullagh, P. McCrory, J.F. Fox.

However the story did not end there. It seems that the personnel who took the field against Cookstown may have differed from the published team. For whatever reason, Greencastle were not awarded the Junior Championship.

That was to signal the end of an era for Greencastle. In common with the most of the rest of the county, the initial enthusiasm of the early 30's had diminished and in many areas, had ceased completely. The reasons for the decline are not that clear except that emigration was draining the youth of the country, money was scarce, and it cost a lot of money in those days to run a club. In the case of Greencastle, Fr Dillon had moved on and Malachy and Brendan Morris ere studying for the Priesthood.

In five years of competitive football, the record stood as, League winners twice in 1934, 1935 Runners-up twice 1933 and 1936. West Tyrone Champions 1934, North-West Champions and beaten County Finalist 1935 and winners of the County Final on the field in 1936. Surely a record to be proud of.