Culdaff Football Club was founded in 1972, and it has been at the centre of the
community for 50 years. The month of July has seen a wide range of celebratory
events in the village – including exhibitions, an over-40’s match and a blitz for the
younger footballers.
To commemorate this major milestone, the Club enlisted the help of local film-
maker Paul McCarroll to produce a 36-minute documentary of history, highlights
and memories. The film includes interviews with several key members of the
Club: Hugh Diver, Brian Deeney, Erin McLaughlin, John McFeely, Dermot O Brien,
Ann Doherty, James McLaughlin and Edward Ruddy.
According to Paul, “Making this film has been a pleasure and an honour – it’s a
story I really wanted to tell. I am a supporter of Culdaff FC and I spend most
Sunday afternoons in Caratra Park. I’ve huge respect for what has been achieved
by all the players and committee members, over the years. It’s a small village,
but what’s been done here has been massive. For me, it’s an powerful story of
vision, volunteering and community.”
Lochlainn McCool, chairman of Culdaff FC, comments: “ We wanted to remember
the great events and people of the last 50 years, so we’ve been working with Paul
over the last few months to provide the archive materials and interviewees. It
wasn’t possible in a short film to mention every person who has contributed to
the club over the last 50 years, but we are extremely grateful to everyone who
has given so much. I think and hope the film reflects the epic nature of what has
been achieved here, and the bright future that lies ahead for our club.”
