Hall of Fame

Craigavon Cowboys Hall of Fame

Craigavon Cowboys have a rich history dating back to 1986 and in all those years some fantastic players have showed off their skills with the 'Boys. The Cowboys Hall of Fame details some of the best and most treasured players in the clubs history.

Terry Lynch - Offensive Lineman - #71

Terry was much loved throughout Irish American Football for his welcoming smile and bear hugs but he was first known for his aggressive power while in the football trenches. His football smarts was only bettered by his natural power as he proved to be one of Irelands best Offensive Linemen.
Sadly we lost Terry in 2013 but the sight of every Irish American Football jersey at his funeral is testament to the effect he had on the local sport.

Darren 'Soupy' Blanton - Quarterback - #5

Soupy was the stocky Quarterback that everyone disrespected, until they seen him play. His high football IQ to run an offence alongside his accuracy in the passing game meant that few defences could get a proper hold on Blanton.
Darren won Shamrock Bowl VII in 1992 and went on to be one, if not the, best Quarterback in Ireland while he was playing.

Gregory 'Da' Loughran - Offensive Lineman - #61

The Cowboys stalwart, affectionately known as 'Da', has been with the Cowboys since their inception in 1986. Da was a lineman that valued technique but always had a powerful punch that opposing players felt, much to their dismay.
After his playing career ended he took over coaching and is now the Head Coach, arguably the most experienced Coach in Ireland, the Cowboys are privileged to be lead by the guy famous for his Cowboy hat on the Craigavon sideline.

Charles 'Chuck' Ebron - Defensive Lineman - #69

Charles, known as Chuck, played for the Cowboys in 1980's and also was Head Coach for two years. The American Lineman had a promising career with Deleware State College before moving to Craigavon and kitting up with the Cowboys.
His knowledge of the game was key for many of the young Cowboys at the time as he coached and recruited the Cowboys before winning the Shamrock Bowl.
Still living locally but not involved

Tony Seeley - Full Back - #40

A founder member of the Cowboys, the hard nosed Full Back lifted the Shamrock Bowl each time the Cowboys have.
Known for his punishing hits and high motor, when asked what best summed up being a Craigavon Cowboy he replied: "Hardest hitting, fastest running sons of bitches ever"

John Malally - Wide Receiver - #81

John was a small but snappy Receiver, his lack of height and weight meant every opponent underestimated him and he used that to his advantage as his quick, reliable hands and unique ability to be in the right place at the right time meant he was a hard man to stop.

The elusive WR goes down in history books as being the first person to score a Touchdown in the first ever Shamrock Bowl.

Eamon 'Bear' Creaney - Linebacker - #55

Eamon was known for his aggressive tackling as Middle Linebacker and being a fearsome competitor, you where never going to beat him in a physical battle. So much so, he was used as a situational Full Back, 'cause when he came into contact, there was only going to be one winner.
Eamon lifted Shamrock Bowl I, V & VII with the Cowboys

Jim Seeley - Centre - #56

A cornerstone of the Cowboys Offence when he played, the charismatic bulldozer is regarded as the best Centre in Ireland. He led the offence with a quiet but assured demeanour although when it came to stuffing a Defensive Line up the middle there was no-one better.

Neal Callaghan - Guard - #72

The Portadown native was one of the original Cowboys and won the first two Shamrock Bowls in his stint on the Offensive Line, known for his power and deceptive quickness - he also played as Long Snapper in Special Teams.
Neal left home and went to Loughrborough University where he continued playing, captaining his side to 2 National Championships and was an Inaugural Inductee to the British Collegiate Hall of Fame.

Jeff Donaghy - Quarterback - #16

Jeff modelled himself on his hero, Joe Montana. Like Montana he wore #16, was extremely accurate but word on the street was, he didn't like getting hit. Luckily he played behind a fierce Offensive Line which kept his jersey clean and let him do the business.

Jeff won Shamrock Bowl I with the Cowboys & then went on to coach with the Cowboys.

Clifford Redpath - Strong Safety - #47

A founder member of the Cowboys, Clifford was instrumental in starting up the club and all the work that comes along with that. The quiet and unassuming character established himself on the field as a fantastic, sure tackler and great football IQ meant he was always a step ahead in reading an Offence.

Nigel Trimble - Running Back - #33

The big, tall running back was a force to be reckoned with, he would meet holes with power and his vision seen him find even the smallest of chinks of light before a powerful burst of speed took him home.

Nigel was awarded the MVP in Shamrock Bowl I which he won, along with Shamrock Bowl V & VI

John Paul Aitken - Running Back - #30

JP, known as Johnny Bravo for his hair and fondness for a mirror, was a hard-hitting running back who hit the hole with power and was not afraid to push his blockers into defenders (much to some O Linemen dismay). A patient runner who always followed his blocks that allowed him to use his quick feet and turn of speed. The simple threat of Aitken in the backfield opened up room for others to make plays as the defence had to stack the box to protect big plays from JP.

He also served as Club President and Head Coach for the Cowboys.

Manny Bell - Offensive Line - #63

Manny joined the Cowboys when they reformed in 2003 and quickly established himself as a Centre to be reckoned with as his physicality and willingness to roll his sleeves up in the trenches was a match for any opponent. Playing his first few seasons alongside brothers Chris and Shane the Craigavon native was and still is, a hugely popular figure not only throughout the Cowboys but also through the sport in Ireland.
Also serving the club through various positions on the Board as well as a hugely successful stint as Cowboys Juniors Head Coach winning back to back National Titles bringing through the next generation of Cowboys stars.