Why we’re the Best Club Down Under

Clarinbridge GAA Club has been the largest sporting and social club in Clarinbridge since its foundation in 1889. Despite the heartbreak of losing four County Senior finals and being ravaged by emigration from the 1940’s onwards, the club never lost its passion and heart. The club played at Junior and Intermediate levels for the next 40 years but the Club’s perseverance was rewarded in 1983 by winning their first County Intermediate title and in 2001 winning their first County Senior title by overcoming the then reigning All Ireland Champions, Athenry.

Clarinbridge were defeated by Birr in the All Ireland Club Final in 2002, taking another nine years before they contested their next County Final. However, the team kept its self-belief and in 2010 they won their second Senior title by defeating Loughrea. Clarinbridge overcame De La Salle in the All Ireland Club Semi Final in what many commentators described as one of the greatest club games ever played.

Clarinbridge defeated O’Loughlin Gaels in the 2011 All Ireland Club Final and were crowned All Ireland Club Champions for the first time in their history. The tumultuous celebrations in Clarinbridge after the victory reflected the pride of the community and county at their success. The skill and courage shown by the team throughout the year has won huge support from followers all over the country. The sportsmanship and dignity shown by the players, on and off the field, has been a feature of this club.

The club supports charities such as the Irish Pilgrimage Trust which is located in the parish by organising challenge games on St. Stephen’s Day each year for this worthy cause. Alan Kerins, a member of the senior team established a charity, the Alan Kerins African Projects in 2007.

Alan Kerins African Projects is a development organisation working to improve the lives of those living in poverty in the developing world. The charity provides financial resources, construction and technical know-how to local community organisations working with young people. The charity has raised over €2,000,000 to date and Clarinbridge GAA Club members helped raise approximately €500,000 and are a huge support and driving force behind the charity. The club is proud of Alan’s success and wholeheartedly supports him.

The club works hard to cater for young people’s needs. Its success is evident from the number of county titles won at all underage levels in recent years. The club has recently introduced underage football and the Under 12 football team has won County Titles in 2009 and 2010. Fifty adults are involved in coaching the juvenile teams which cater for over 200 children. The club has also shown leadership by responding to emerging needs of the community and established juvenile football structures, a camogie club and a ladies football team.

We believe that Clarinbridge deserves the Etihad Trip Down Under in recognition of the above attributes and since their senior team is currently the best club team in Ireland they will exhibit the skills and passion of this great game.