Kildavin
/ Clonegal GAA Club
Gaelic
football was played in the parish before the turn on the
20th Century. A team was formed in Clonegal in 1888 and some
of the Kildavin men joined this club. The first Kildavin
team on record was a team of 21 players which represented
Kildavin in 1894. In 1912 a game was arranged between Kildavin
and Clonegal which Clonegal won by a single point. After
this game the enthusiasm led to a meeting in Maria Doyle’s
(Kinsella’s shop) in Kildavin. Further meetings were
held in April 1914 and on 26th May 1914 the Junior Football
Club was formed. Down the line they were offered a field
by Michael Kavanagh of Ballyshancarragh. For a short period
in 1918 Kildavin and Clonegal were united on the field but
Kildavin decided to go it alone for 1919. In December 1919
Kildavin won their first championship. This was the first
time a team from the east of the county had won it.
There were many ups and downs through the years with 1970 being a particularly
memorable year. In this year they won the Senior Football Championship and
the League while the Junior Hurlers also did the honours. This year also saw
the opening of Spellman Park, Kildavin. The under 21’s lost the final
this year.
So many
stories could be told and names that bring a sense of pride
and admiration to the area are inscribed in the memory of
Gaelic sports in Kildavin and Clonegal. Football and hurling,
junior and senior, camogie and scor all hold their place
of honour in Kildavin Clonegal Gaelic Athletic Association
and Spellman Park, Kildavin.
For a truly remarkable detailed story of the GAA in the Kildavin Clonegal area
you should read “Footprints to the Future” by Willie D. White
2009 saw the opening of the new Spellman Park Complex with facilities that
any club in Ireland would be proud of. It is our fervent wish that these facilities
and the memories of the past will inspire our teams to even greater achievements.
AGM
2017 Looking Forward and Looking Back
A well-attended AGM of Kildavin Clonegal GAA Club heard that during
last year the first shoots of the efforts of many in the club were beginning
to show dividend’s with the club emerging from one of the more turbulent
periods in its history. The club had been successful in securing four grants
over the last year, which will make refurbishment of the building possible. Secretary
Donal Murphy reminded those in attendance that the clubs intermediate team reached
the county semi-final and delivered some good performances in the league and
championship campaign. While silverware eluded the club it was never out of reach.
At other levels the club struggled to field teams but must recognise there are
some outstanding players among its numbers.
The Juvenile wing of the club is growing in strength reaching two county finals
at under 12 and under 14. Its hard working committee have embarked on a player
development programme. A whole of club games and development programme is envisaged
as a part of the work of next year’s executive.
The
Committee:
| Chairperson |
John
Byrne |
| Secretary |
Donal
Murphy |
| Treasurer |
|
| Vice
Chairperson |
|
| Assistant
Secretary |
Bernie
Hickey |
| Assistant
Treasurer |
|
| P.R.O |
Damian
Treacy |
| County
Board Delegate |
|
| Players
Representative |
Pauric
Ryan |
| Fixtures
Officer |
Aidan
Kelly Snr |
| Registrar |
Damian
Treacy |
| Health & Well
Being Officer |
Paul
Harrington |
| Insurance
Officer |
Paul
Harrington |
| Health & Safety
Officer |
Sinéad
Doyle |
Juveniles:
Chairperson: Raymond Treacy 087 761 0135
Secretary: Yvonne Dunne 087 249 0757
Treasurer: Alison Dunne
Gift Vouchers
are available. The vouchers will allow the purchaser to give
gym membership, use of the sports arena, club membership.
As well as being available to individuals; the vouchers would
make memorable gifts by businesses to their loyal customers.
Enquiries to Luke at 087 6430352
Anyone wishing to participate in the club or explore participating in the club,
either on or off the field, contact any member of the committee see www.kildavinclonegalgaa.ie for
contact details.
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Website: www.kildavinclonegalgaa.ie
Email: secretary@kildavinclonegalgaa.ie
