The History of Cloughey FC (2020–2025)
Written on behalf of the founding members: Darryl McGrattan, Stephen “Smish” Smyth, and Paul Hughes
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Founding the Club -
The origins of Cloughey FC date back to 2019, when the three founding members — Darryl
McGrattan, Stephen “Smish” Smyth, and Paul Hughes — began playing competitive five-a-
side football in Ballygalget. As the matches grew in intensity and quality, the group moved to
Portaferry Astroturf, where the games became more structured and competitive.
Following a friendly arranged by Smish against Portavogie 2nds, the idea of forming an
official football club was born. Smish reached out to Darryl to explore the possibility of
starting a new club rooted in their passion for football and community.
With previous experience playing for clubs such as Portaferry Rovers, Kircubbin, Carryduff,
and Queen’s University Belfast, Darryl and Smish began seriously exploring the logistics.
They brought Paul Hughes on board to assist with player recruitment and operations.
In 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the three founders officially
committed to building Cloughey FC from the ground up.
Founding Principles -
The club was built on three key pillars:
- Mental, Physical and Social Wellbeing
- Inclusivity
- Providing Competitive Football for Everyone
Each founder took responsibility for key areas while working collaboratively:
- Smish: Sponsorships, funding, kits, training and pitch facilities
- Darryl: Legal documentation, including drafting the club constitution and securing
insurance and league affiliation
- Paul: Player recruitment
League Entry and First Season -
After confirming strong interest from at least 15 players, securing sponsorship from STIHL,
and obtaining Calhame as the home pitch, the club submitted a formal application to the
Newcastle League. Following a challenging Zoom meeting during the pandemic, Cloughey
FC was officially accepted into the league in November 2020, to begin competing in the
2021 season.
The inaugural committee was formed, comprising:
- Chairperson: Stephen “Smish” Smyth
- Vice-Chairperson: Darryl McGrattan
- Treasurer: Chris Smyth
- Player Representative: Paul Hughes
- Kit & Equipment Manager: Gary Meehan
The club appointed Mal Clarke as its first manager, and pre-season saw over 20 members
join the newly established squad. Caolan Smyth scored the first official goal in club history
during a tough opening fixture. The team went on to finish a very respectable 6th out of 13
in the 2021/22 McCalls Division 2 season.
Growth and Expansion -
In the 2022/23 season, the club grew to over 30 members. John Cassidy became Player
Representative, and Paul Hughes transitioned to Club Development Officer. The first team
improved their league position, finishing 5th in Division 2.
Recognising the club’s growing popularity, the founders initiated a proposal to launch a
second team. Following a successful vote and league application, the Newcastle League
approved Cloughey FC’s expansion—promoting the first team to Division 1 and accepting
the second team into Division 2.
This expansion led to several structural changes:
- Equipment Manager: Finbar Cooper (supported by Sean Savage)
- Player Rep: Conor Finnegan
- 1st Team Manager: Mal Clarke
- 2nd Team Managers: Colly and Niall Gilmore (later replaced by Mal Clarke, with
Stevie Bryans stepping up as 1st team manager)
2023–2025: Milestones and Transitions
In the 2023/24 season, the 1st team finished 7th in their debut Division 1 season, and the
newly-formed 2nd team also finished 7th in Division 2.
Later that season, Mal Clarke stepped down from management and joined the committee as
Manager Representative. At the end-of-season event, Mal became the first inductee into
the Cloughey FC Hall of Fame.
Curtis McClements took over as 2nd team manager, with John Mawhinney and Cillian
O’Neill named as assistants.
In the current 2024/25 season (at time of writing), the 1st team are sitting in a promotion
place to get to the top division of the Newcastle League, while the 2nd team also improved their league standing.
This season also marks a significant milestone as several founding and long-serving
committee members step down from their roles:
- Stephen “Smish” Smyth: Stepping down as Chairperson, elected Club Development
Leader
- Darryl McGrattan: Stepping down as Vice-Chairperson/Secretary
- Paul Hughes: Stepping down as Club Development Officer
- Chris Smyth: Stepping down as Treasurer
The New Committee (2025/26 Season)
Following a club-wide vote, the new committee for the upcoming season will be:
- Chairperson: Curtis McClements
- Vice-Chairperson: Josh McClements
- Secretary: Conor Finnegan
- Vice-Secretary: Josh Rogan
- Treasurer: Eugene Gilmore
- Club Representative: Oran Young
- Club Development Leader: Stephen “Smish” Smyth
Honorary Members (non-voting, advisory):
- Darryl McGrattan
- Paul Hughes
A Message from the Founders
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To the New Committee,
First of all, congratulations on your election into your respective roles. All three of us firmly
believe you are the right people to lead Cloughey FC into the future.
When we founded this club, we could never have imagined how much it would grow and
evolve. As you now take the reins, we ask that you continue to uphold the core principles the
club was built upon: Mental, Physical and Social Wellbeing, Inclusivity, and Providing
Competitive Football for Everyone.
Over the past five years, we have worked tirelessly to maintain those values, and many
members of the committee have played a vital role in embedding them into the heart of
Cloughey FC.
Now it’s your turn to shape the next chapter. Bring your own personality,
ideas, and vision to help this club grow stronger.
Cloughey FC is a special club—and you are all special people capable of making it even more
so. We wish each and every one of you the very best.
With thanks and pride,
Smish, Paul & Darryl.
