06/11/2019
Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay, the esteemed Honorary President of Queen's University Gaelic Football Club and the Past Members' Union.
Monsignor Ambrose was a significant figure within the GAA story at Queen's and had served as Club President for over four decades. He provided important support and spiritual guidance for the club and its members for many years and was a regular presence at games and club events. Earlier this year, he attended the 60th anniversary celebration of the first Sigerson Cup success of 1958, as well as the dinner to mark the conferment of honorary doctorate on his good friend Sean O'Neill.
Born in Cushendall, he had studied at Queen's, the Irish College in Rome and the Pontifical Gregorian University. Ordained in 1960 at the Basilica of St John Lateran, Fr Ambrose served as Catholic chaplain at Queen's from 1964 to 1985. In the mid 1970s, he succeeded his brother Dr John A Macaulay as the Gaelic Football Club Honorary President - Dr John had played on the first Sigerson Cup team back in 1931-32.
He then served the parish of St Anthony's in Belfast for four years, before his appointment as parish priest of St Brigids in 1989. He retired in 2010.
A highly regarded theologian and scholar of ecclesiastical history, Monsignor Ambrose had authored a number of books on significant figures and events of church history in Ireland.
Arrangements: Wake at 89a Maryville Park, Belfast on the evening of Wednesday, 6 November. Removal to St Brigid’s Church on Thursday evening (6/7pm). Funeral on Friday at 12pm and burial at St Brigid’s.
11/03/2019
Images from the recent dinner at Riddel Hall to mark 60 years since Queen's University won the Sigerson Cup for the first time.
(Photography: Brendan Digney)
15/02/2019
On this day 60 years ago, Queen's University made a significant breakthrough for Ulster football, when they overcame UCD in the Sigerson Cup Final replay by 0-10 to 0-9. The game took place in Ballybay on 15 February 1959.
This was a first Sigerson Cup success for an Ulster team. Queen's were captained by Hugh O'Kane and managed by the legendary Paddy O'Hara.
Today, we salute their achievement and remember those who have departed, including Frank Higgins who passed away last weekend.
The team will be honoured at a special dinner at the university on Thursday, 28 February.
Back Row (l-r):
Seán O’Kane, Peter Smith, Christy Mallon (RIP), Phil Stuart, Seán O’Neill, Patsy McDonald (RIP), Seamus McMahon, Henry McRory
Middle Row (l-r):
John O’Neill (RIP), Tom Scullion, Barney McNally (RIP), Paddy McGuckian, Mick Brewster (RIP), Frank Higgins (RIP), Gerry O’Neill, Charlie Murphy, Leo O’Neill, Eamonn Flanigan
Front Row (l-r):
Dessie O’Rourke, Kevin Halpenny, Paddy O’Hara (RIP), Hugh O’Kane (Captain), Dr John Macaulay (RIP), Seamus Mallon (RIP), Brendan Donaghy
14/11/2011
Veteran goalkeeper John Mackle earned the Player of the Tournament at Queen's University's annual Macaulay Cup at the weekend. The former Derry goalkeeper was presented with the Dr Joe Fearon Cup as past and present footballers of QUB enjoyed their annual reunion event. The President's XV select were John Mackle, Thomas Burns, Paul O'Neill, Conor Hamill, Conal McNulty, Paul Courtney, James Loughrey, Conal Martin, Niall McGovern, Jack Dowling, Charlie Vernon, Aidan Cole, Conal Gallagher, James McCartan and PD Savage.
Former winners of the Dr Joe Fearon Cup: Kieran McGeeney, Joe Tunney, Donal Armstrong, Noel McElvanna, Paul Courtney and Kevin McGourty
11/10/2011
Macaulay Cup on Friday, 11 November 2011 at 7pm at the new Arena Pitch at the Dub. A chance for reunions - present and past teams. Joe Fearon Cup for the Player of the Tournament. Great evening guaranteed.
14/04/2011
QUB GAA Golf Classic at Rockmount, Carryduff on Friday, 13 May. £200 for a team of four. Prizes include O'Hara Cup. Contact J Devaney at [email protected]. Sponsored by McAleer & Teague