Formed in 1969 by Jim Wilson and George Berry, the team gave outstanding service to Carnbane League and local football.
In their inaugural league game they met Carnbane Rovers in a game which finished 1-1. The team that day was: Mervyn Hanna, Joe Boyd, Benny Boyd, Kevin Woods, Jim Havern, Issac Hanna, Joe Berry, Wm. Berry, Sammy McNeill, Tom Hughes, John McWilliams and Jim Niblock, sub.
They were unable to win any games in the 1969-70 season, drawing three, but that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm.
The club continued to increase its membership every week and in 1970 its youth side won the Donaghy League Cup without losing a game.
It was in the youth league that the club made history by naming a girl in their panel, which was: Phyllis Hanna, Robert Graham, Liam Dobbin, Norman Hanna, Patsy McEvoy, Michael Hughes, Joe McManus, Brian Havern, Sean McKevitt, Richard Hanna and Alan Wharton.
Here’s a number of pictures of Crieve Rovers teams down the years – if you spot anyone you know then tag them into our post on social media!
1. Crieve Rovers teams from yesteryear
Girls joined the Crieve youth teams. Photo: Newry Reporter
2. Crieve Rovers teams from yesteryear
These youngsters proudly display their trophies won at Crieve's Crown Park pitch. Photo: Newry Reporter
3. Crieve Rovers teams from yesteryear
A Crieve Rovers team from around the year 2000. Photo: Newry Reporter
4. Crieve Rovers teams from yesteryear
The first winners of Crieve Rovers' annual tournament in the early 1970s. Photo: Newry Reporter