Publications | Down Survey | 2001 Issue Contents

Sporting Down
Noel Hogg

In 1999 the museum had a small exhibition called Sporting Down. This was received well by the public and as a result additional items were donated. Following from this, it was decided to make a more permanent record by publishing not only those items which had been on display, but also those which could not be fitted into the exhibition and others more recently acquired. Our main theme for this year's Down Survey is the Victorians, and while many of the sports detailed below began or were formalised in the 19th century, most of the items in our collection are from the 20th century. We would particularly like to extend this date range, to find out more about the people behind the objects and to emphasise the important role played by local sports clubs in our county.

Downpatrick Cricket Club is successful in the 1953 cup final

Horse racing is one of our oldest sports, established in County Down in the l7th century. Meetings were held in Downpatrick at a venue still known today as the Old Racecourse. The sport continues its long association with County Down with racing taking place at Down Royal and Downpatrick racecourses. During the 1970s Downpatrick Racecourse faced the prospect of closure but strong local support ensured its survival.

During the 19th century, as some sections of society had more leisure time and clubs were established, there were more opportunities for people to become involved in sport. Cricket was popular, particularly so within the Lecale area. Downpatrick Cricket Club was formed in 1849 and its history has been recorded in a recent publication to celebrate its 150th anniversary.¹ Clubs were also formed in other towns such as Banbridge, Comber, Killyleagh and Newry.²

In 1876 the first Lacrosse club in Ireland was established in Newtownards. Around the same time a Curling club was formed in the town at Kiltonga, matches being held on the pond of Kiltonga Bleach Works.²

Down High School Hockey Team, c1939-40

Although golf had been played since the l7th century, the earliest clubs were formed in the late 19th century. Belfast Golf Club, founded in 1881 (later adding Royal to its name) and located at Craigavad, Holywood, is recorded as the oldest golf club in Ireland. The Royal County Down Golf Club at Newcastle was established in 1889 and the club at Ardglass was founded in 1896.³

By 1886 Bangor, Newry and Newtownards had cycling clubs.² Hockey clubs were also established in the late 19th century, along with clubs associated with lawn tennis, football, rowing and sailing. Together with rugby, they added to the diverse sports represented in the county.

In 1887 the Down Jubilee Sports were held as part of Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebrations. If anyone has information about this event we would be glad to hear about it, since we have a tankard, given as a prize, in the collection.

Leitrim Fontenoys, 1902

Towards the end of the 19th century more women were able to take part in sports. While the Museum has some specimens and photographs relating to women in sport, we would welcome more. During the 20th century children also became more involved in sport as part of the school curriculum.

We would also like more artefacts to add to our collection relating to GAA sports. At the moment, most of the material in our collection comprises documents or photographs. Formed in 1884, the GAA has a strong association with South Down; the Leitrim Fontenoys are Down's oldest club, formed soon after the GAA itself. The ancient sport of hurling and many early references to the sport in County Down have been recorded by Sighle Nic an Utaigh.⁴

The range of sporting activities has continued and widened considerably since Victorian times. It is our intention to develop the collection and to make it more representative of sport in County Down. For the purpose of future study or exhibitions there are sports other than those noted here which should be represented and we would like more items relating to those sports where there are quite clearly gaps. Photographs of people participating on the sports field and of others who have achieved county or country recognition would be especially welcome. Please let us know if you can help us to expand, maintain and update this story with further objects, photographs or information.

Noel Hogg is a volunteer at Down County Museum.

1.	Downpatrick Cricket Club, 1849-1999.
2.	George Henry Bassett, County Down Guide and Directory ( 1886).
3.	Albert W K Colmer and Ivor Ray, Ardglass Golf Club (1982); George Rice, Ardglass Golf Club Centenary, 1896-1996 (1996); Harry McCaw and Brum Henderson, Royal County Down Golf Club, The First Century (1988).
4.	Sighle Nic an Utaigh, An Dun the GAA Story (1991); and Leitrim Fontenoys, GAC (1988).