Sean Stinsons

With both Ahoghill and Portglenone struggling with their juvenile teams, the idea came about in 1978 that both teams should amalgamate. Thus Sean Stinsons came into existence and they got their name from a man who gave a lifetime of service to the G.A.A. He was County Secretary for many years and had a major role in the buying and development of Casement Park. Sean was also a local publican but in October 1979 he was tragically killed in a car accident and so the amalgamation was called Sean Stinsons in his memory. A Mhuire na nGael, guigh air. The early years were lean ones for Stinsons but there was a great deal of interest and enthusiasm. There was a little success with the minors reaching the S.W Play-offs in 1982 and the U- I 2s doing likewise in 985.
As the years went on the level of commitment rose appreciably 1987 saw the U- 13.5 Team reach the League Semi-Finals and the following year the U- 14s won the South West Og Sport’, going on to represent Antrim n the Ulster Finals. Success started to come rapidly and many of the Minor County successes that would follow later can be traced back to that Team.
1990 was a very successful year with both the U- 12s and U- 16s wining their respective South West Leagues. The following year the U- 12s retained their South West title while the Minors reached the S.W Championship Finals. More Success followed in later years the highlight being the 4 in a row Minor Championship victories from 1995 to 1998.