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John Mitchels

Seán Mistéal CLG
Founded:	1957
County:	Louth
Colours:	White and Red
Grounds:	Páirc Seán Mistéal, Ballybailie, Ardee
Coordinates:	53°52′49″N 6°31′18″W / 53.88025°N 6.52179°W / 53.88025; -6.52179
Playing kits
Standard colours

John Mitchels GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club that fields gaelic football teams in competitions organised by Louth GAA. It is based in the townland of Ballybailie, part of the civil parish of Ardee, less than two miles from Ardee town centre.

As of 2023, the club competes in the Louth Junior Championship and Division 3B of the county football Leagues. Former Newtown Blues player Jimmy Murray is the manager of the senior team.

History

The club was founded in 1957 and is named after the Irish nationalist John Mitchel. In 1994, the club reached the final of the Louth Intermediate Football Championship, but lost to Lann Léire by 3–08 to 0–07. 1998 saw the Mitchels crowned Louth Junior Football Champions after beating St Bride's. The team also clinched the Double by winning the MacArdle Cup.

In 2015, club member Des Halpenny was elected Chairman of Louth GAA for a five-year period.

In 2021, the club bridged a 23-year gap when qualifying for the Junior Championship final. Opponents Glen Emmets would prove too strong, winning by five points. In July 2023, the Mitchels won the Division 3B League title, securing promotion to Division 3A for 2024.

Honours

• Louth Junior Football Championship (2): 1992, 1998
• Louth Junior A Football League (3): 1981, 1990, 1998
• Louth Junior 1 Football League Division 3B (1): 2023
• Louth Junior 2A Football Championship (1): 1967
• Kevin Mullen Shield (1): 2002
• Kevin Mullen Plate (1): 2017
• Louth Junior 2 Football League (Division 6) (1): 2018

Inter-county players

John Mitchels players who have represented Louth at senior inter-county level include:

• Stephen Melia
• Brendan Reilly

References

1. "Louth GAA club management teams begin to take shape with several recent appointments". The Argus. 6 December 2022.
2. "#WeeAreOurClub". Louth GAA. 30 May 2020.
3. "No final for Mitchells". Hogan Stand. 30 November 2004.
4. "Chairperson Halpenny survives for fifth and final year at helm". Drogheda Independent. 22 December 2018.
5. "Kealan O'Neill Hattrick sees Glen Emmets seal the Christy Bellow Cup". Dundalk Democrat. 28 October 2021.
6. "John Mitchels clinch first title in 25 years as they are crowned 3B champions". Dundalk Democrat. 13 July 2023.
7. "The golden boys". Hogan Stand. 30 November 2007.
8. "Extra time points blitz gives Mitchells Shield triumph". Drogheda Independent. 24 May 2002.
9. "Louth GAA Chairman Des Halpenny presents the McDonagh Cup to @JohnMitchelsGFC captain Aaron Keely". Louth GAA. 7 August 2018.
10. "Louth mourns the death of football legend Stephen Melia". Irish Independent. 24 October 2015.

• Gaelic Athletic Association clubs established in 1957
• 1957 establishments in Ireland
• Gaelic games clubs in County Louth
• Gaelic football clubs in County Louth