CLG Naomh Ultan
| Naomh Ultan | ||
| Founded: | 1974 | |
|---|---|---|
| County: | Donegal | |
| Colours: | Yellow And Black | |
| Grounds: | Pairc Naomh Ultan | |
| Playing kits | ||
| ||
CLG Naomh Ultan is a Gaelic football club in the villages of Bruckless and Dunkineely in the south of County Donegal, Ireland.[1][2]
History
Naomh Ultan GAA Club, based in Dunkineely, entered adult competition in 1975. Their first match was against Glenfin at Fintragh, as their own pitch was not ready in time for the start of the season. The club adopted black and amber as its colours, reflecting the earlier sporting tradition in the parish.
The club’s first significant adult success in modern times came in 1982 with the Division 3 Shield. A major milestone followed in 1984 when Naomh Ultan claimed their first Intermediate Championship title since 1936, defeating Kilcar 1–5 to 0–5 in the final. This triumph followed an unbeaten league campaign the previous season in which they did not drop a single point.
In 1997, both the Senior and Reserve teams won their respective leagues, marking a strong recovery after relegation and representing one of the club’s most successful modern periods.
However, from 2002 until their Donegal Junior B Championship victory in 2022, the club did not secure a single major adult championship title. While they continued to compete, any success proved difficult to achieve during those years.
The 2022 Junior B Championship win stands as the club’s most significant and recent on-field achievement. The club marked its 50th Anniversary in 2024, reflecting on five decades of participation in Gaelic games.
In terms of inter-county representation, although players have represented the club at local levels, not a single Naomh Ultan player has ever PLAYED in a Senior All-Ireland Football Final.
In 2025, Naomh Ultan were unable to field a senior reserve team, despite the side that had won the Junior B title just a few seasons earlier. In early 2026, the club was unable to fulfil its fixtures in the Ulster Junior Club League Group C, and had to withdraw from the competition.
With declining participation and challenges, the club faces understandable questions about what the future may hold.
Notable players
- Martin Shovlin — All-Ireland SFC winner[4][5]
- Michael Hegarty[6]
Managers
| Years | Manager |
|---|---|
| 1974–2018 | N/a |
| 2018–2020 | Liam Kennedy and Martin Shovlin |
| 2021–2022 | Aidan Duddy |
| 2023– | TBC |
Honours
- Donegal Intermediate Football Championship (2): 1984, 2002
- Donegal Junior Football Championship (2): 1936, 2015
- Donegal Junior B Football Championship (1):2022 [7]
References
- ^ GAA Club champion - Naomh Ultan's great stalwart Colm Shovlin
- ^ History
- ^ McNulty, Chris (8 June 2021). "Bumper summer teed up as Championship draws conducted". Retrieved 8 June 2021.
- ^ Martin Shovlin still king of the Naomh Ultan 50s brigade
- ^ 'We don't want to be playing at our age' - Ex-Donegal star Martin Shovlin (56) on the rural GAA crisis, Sunday Independent
- ^ "Michael Hegarty confirmed as Kilcar senior manager". Ocean FM. 23 January 2024.
- ^ Foley, Alan (10 October 2015). "Injury time winner means Naomh Ultan win dramatic Junior A final replay against Red Hugh's". Retrieved 10 October 2015.