Athenry GAA


St. Mary's, Athenry is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Athenry in County Galway. The club is a dual club competing in both gaelic football and hurling at all age levels.

Hurling

History

Athenry GAA club was founded in 1885. The club remained in the background of senior club hurling until 1977 when Athenry contested their first county final. Victory on that occasion went to Kiltormer. Athenry's next county final appearance came in 1987, when they were victorious. They defeated Castlegar 1-12 to 2-6. They went all the way to the All-Ireland final but they were defeated by Midleton from Cork. Athenry also went on to compete in the next two county finals in 1988 and 1989 where they were defeated on both occasions. 1991 was Athenry's next county final appearance; however, they were again defeated by Kiltormer. Athenry's second county title came in 1994 after they defeated Sarsfields 2-6 to 0-9. Following this county final victory, a golden age for the club began. Six county titles, six Connacht titles, and three All Ireland titles were achieved in a ten year period from 1994 to 2004.

Camogie

Athenry camogie club won the All-Ireland Senior Club Camogie Championship in 1977. They won further Connacht titles in 1972, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1986, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and were Galway senior champions on 13 occasions.
The club was founded in 1973 by Gilbert McCarthy, a teacher at Presentation, Athenry, Christy Kelly and Anthony Poniard. Their initial club success was based on the successful Presentation School sides and many of the players who won All-Ireland senior and junior championships in 1974.
Kenny Park is commonly used as a home ground by Galway senior camogie team.

Honours

Notable players