The local GAA Club was formed in 1885 and the first captain was Patrick G Kelly, who was also the first president and chairman of the Galway County Board (1886-1888). In the early years the hurling club enjoyed great success and won many of its games.

On Easter Monday, 1886, Athenry played Clara from Offaly in Athlone. A procession was held by both teams.  Athenry were dressed in orange and green jerseys, white trousers and gold caps.    Claramen wore white jerseys, black trousers and green caps.  Athenry won 2-5 to nil with a goal by Michael Geogan.  That game was the first where flags were used to mark the pitch and the goalposts had crossbars.  The local press carried a report on the game for the first time.

HURLING 1887-1888

The season re-opened on the 4th of March. Tournaments were still widespread at Athenry and Gurteen.    Over 30 clubs were represented at the County convention on 23rd October at Athenry, Patrick C Kelly acted as Chairman of the County Committee.   A motion was passed that “no branch of the association be allowed compete in the championship unless each member belongs to the parish.”  This motion was passed and this resolved any confusion which there may have been.

1889-1890

In 1889 the first County Championship was held. There are no records of Athenry’s performances.    In March 1890, Athenry failed to field a team at Craughwell, but played in a tournament at Gurteen on July 1st as a result of the Home Rule party splitting up. The GAA also split.

1891-1892

In 1890 (June 7th), Turloughmore defeated Athenry by 0-4 to 0-1. With the death of Charles S Parnell leading members resigned, clubs faded out along with competitions.  Some Athenry people who attended the funeral were John Ryan, Johnny Kelly and Derus McDonagh.    In 1892 there were no games involving Athenry.

1895-1898

During the following years Athenry contested very few matches.    The year 1898 (the centenary of the 1798 rising) saw many special tournaments played to commemorate the occasion.  Athenrv relayed in some tournaments and won many games.  In July 1898 they beat College Road by 4-1  to 3-2, they also beat Turloughmore by 1-4 to 0-1. In December of 1898 Connaught lost to Munster in an interprovincial hurling match by a huge margin.

1899-1901

On December the 10th 1899 the Galway Hurlers were beaten by Tipperary at Athenry in the All-Ireland semi-final.    It was also during these years (1899-1901) that the De Wetts Football team was formed.

1909-1910

Derrydonnell captured the junior hurling county final in 1909 beating Castlegar and Cregmore on the way.   

1911

In 1911 Derrydonnell won the County cup for the first and only time. They defeated Claregalway in the final which was played in Tuam, together with the football final, won by Tuam.

1912

In 1912 , Andy Keane was aboard the ill-fated Titanic and was drowned,. He had been a member of the Derrydonnell team which won the county cup the previous year.  Andy’s county medal was with him on the Titanic. Castlegar ended Derrydonnell’s bid to win a second title in a row on October 6th at Clarinbridge with the unusual score of 6-0 to 1-0.

1914

Athenry won the North Galway District Board junior hurling title but were defeated by Killimor in the county semi-final at Ballymacward on Feb 1 5th 1914.

1915,1916,1917

Very little was recorded for these years.    In 1916 Athenry won county junior  hurling championship.    It was a most amazing contest, between Athenry and Abbey.   At halftime the score was Abbey 4-6 Athenry O-1. Yet the final score was Athenry 5-4 Abbey 4-6.

1921

The events on November 21st, 1921 which became known as Bloody Sunday been and will continue to be long remembered. The most notable event of this year was the arrest and shooting on the 8th December of Liam Mellows

1923

Galway played Limerick in the 1923 All-Ireland final played on December 14th 1924. Galway won their first All-Ireland final by 7-3 to 5-4.

1928-1929

In 1929 Derrydonnell started out on a good run in the junior hurling championship which did not finish until 1931,when in the county final against Cappataggle in Loughrea.    Derrydonnell won by 4-0 to 3-0.

1934-1938

n 1934 the GAA celebrated its Golden Jubilee.    During the first fifty years the GAA introduced many new competitions such as theRailway Cup (1927) and the National League (1925) and also minor and junior championships.

1948

1948 was a great year for Athenry’s junior and minor hurling teams as they completed a North Board Double.  Both games were played at Corofin.  In the minor final Athenry defeated Ballinasloe by 3-6 to 2-0. George Moran of Newcastle was a member of the county junior hurling team defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final.

1957

Athenry won the county junior title for Athenry with the Conways, Bobby Gardiner, Paddy Ryan and Mickey Hession particularly brilliant. Athenry minors had a good victory over Turlough but did not progress any further.

Cussane won the North Board Junior(B)  title and beat Cois Fharrige in the county semi-final, however they were well defeated by Beagh in the County final.   Athenry senior team qualified for the county senior semi -final where they were defeated by Castlegar.

1959

Newcastle won the North Board league with wins over Athenry, Cussane (after a replay), Annaghdown and Abbey.    They won the county semi -final easily defeating Carnmore 6-8 to 4-2, however mainly due to the fact that a player was injured.   Newcastle’s performance was not up to their earlier rounds and they lost to Eyrecourt by 1-5 to 0-4.

1960

Yet another attempt was made to have one team in the Parish. That year, Newcastle, defeated Annaghdown in the North Board Final. In the county semi -final they played Ballinderreen and won but Ballindereen objected and a replay was ordered.    Meanwhile the other semi- final between Carnmore and Kilimor never took place because both teams were declared illegal.  So the replay between Newcastle and Ballinderreen would be the County Intermediate Final.  The match was fixed for Athenry but due to heavy rain the pitch was unplayable.  Therefore the match was played at Clarinbridge.    The match began with TJ Jordan scoring a goal for Newcastle.   It was always a very close game with no side ever having full control.   As the match came to a close Frank Burke scored a point to win the Intermediate dup.   Best for Newcastle were Goalie, George Moran, Bertie Burns, Bertie Rohan and Sean Connors.

1962-1963

Newcastle defeated Abbeyknockmoy in the North Board Intermediate championship.    Newcastle lost to Moycullen in the county semi- final by 7-5 to 5-4.    Under the name St Patricks’ both clubs joined (Carnaun and Newcastle) for a senior hurling team but were defeated by Cappataggle 5-4 to 2-4.Cussane defeated Newcastle by 8-6 to 5-4 in the North Board Intermediate Finals at Athenry.    They went on to win the county semi -final but were defeated by Killmordaly by 3-12 to 4-7.

1964-1965

Athenry Hurlers had a great victory over previous year’s county intermediate champions, Moycullen.    In the second round they played Liam Mellows but were beaten by a point. Newc0stle defeated Cussane in the North Board Intermediate final.  In the County semi-final against Carnmore the match was abandoned when spectators invaded the pitch. This match saw the end of the Newcastle era, as they did not play again.

1966

In 1966 Athenry Minors win the first of their 7 minor titles. In the North Board Final they received a walkover from Ahascragh.  In the semi-final they caused a huge shock by defeating Portumnn by 7-5 to 6-6.  In their first County minor final at Kenny Park, Athenry defeated Castlegar by 5-5 to 3-3.   Athenry were slow to start but goals by JJ Brady and Michael Coffey gave Athenry a half-time lead.    In the second half Athenry added four more goals. They were scored by Ignatius Madden, Christy Coffey, Juno Barrett and Michael Coffey. Tom Howley had a great game in the goal and Tom Long played a Captains role at right full back.

Athenrv senior hurlers won their first major title defeating Fohenagh in the Reeves Cup fina.  In a gale swept afternoon Athenry won by 5-2 to 3-3.  Again Gerry Donoghue and Tome Burke had fine games while John Crosby was excellent at midfield. However team captain Anthony Poniard was man of the match.

1968

Athenry minors were awarded the North Board title after Turloughmore failed to field a team for the final at Kenny Park,  they then bet Oranmore/Maree in the semi-final, however in the final they were beaten by Craughwell by 2-4 to Athenry’s 1-2. The under 16 championship was won by Athenry after they bet Turloughmore in the North Board final and then defeated Loughrea in the county semi-final and Oranmore/Maree in the count^ final.  The cup was presented to team captain Johnny Bannon.    In the Senior Championship Athenry made an early exit losing to Kilomardaly by 7-5 to 6-6. The U-211s son the North Board title but were defeated by Moycullen in the county semi- final. Pake Ruane retired as club chairman after 9 years in the job.

1970

Athenry  were defeated in the first round of the county senior championship by Tommy Larkins. Four Locals played in the All OIreland Minor final of this yearwhen Galway were beaten by Cork namely Sean Hynes (Galway’s Captain), PJ Molloy, Mixie Donoghue and Stephen Cloonan. Hynes and Cloonan were also on the Galway minor team which won the All-Ireland minor football final defeating Kerry after a replay. In the minor football championship Athenry were defeated by Tuam Stars after a replay.  The minor hurlers lost the North Board final to Turloughmore after having defeated Ahascragh in the first round. The U-21 team did win the North Board Final but were defeated by Craughwell in the county semi-final

1971

Athenry seniors defeated Fohenagh in the first round of the county cup but were defeated by Turlough in the second round.  Athenry got a little revenge in the u-21  North Board final defeating Turlough 5-5 to 4-7. They defeated Craughwell in the county semi -final, but were well beaten in the final by Mullagh.

1972

Galway won their first ever u-21  hurling title with 3 Athenry players -PJ Molloy, Gerry Kelly, Luke Glynn when they defeated Dublin in the final played in Limerick.  Athenry u-21’s won the North Board title by defeating Turlough in the final, however Athenry were defeated by Oranmore/Maree in the county semi -final.  Athenry were defeated by Castlegar in the first round of the senior hurling Championship. Although not played until the following year Athenry junior team won the North Board final by Turloughmore. The u-14 won the North Board title but were defeated by Killimordaly in the county semi -final,

1973

Athenry Seniors had a good win over Ardrahan in the first round of the cup but were defeated by Kilmordaly in the second round.  The minors were defeated by Abbey in the North Board final. The u-21’s retained their North Board title with wins over Abbey and Turlough.  They went on to win the county semi- final defeating Loughrea after a replay, however they were beaten in the final by Oranmore/Maree.    The Galway minor team defeated by Kilkenny in the final contained Athenry man Gerry Holian.

1974

Athenry advanced to the quarter final of the county junior championship with a five point win over Ballinderreen.  Athenry were then defeated by Castlegar in a poor county semi-final at Kenny Park. Basil Holian played on the county minors and PJ Molloy played on the county senior team however both teams were defeated in the all-Ireland semi- finals. The Athenry Minors were defeated by Turloughmore in the Forth Board Championship. The u-21’s however defeated Turlough in the Forth Board final to win their fifth title in a row. The u-2t’s however defeated r-h3£iCasftle gar in the semi-final.

1975

Three Athenry men were on the Galway senior panel that won the National league title for the first time in 24 years,  the players were PJ Molloy, Luke Glynn and Gerry Kelly. Athenry County seniors were beaten by Gort in the first round of the Championship.  Galway senior recorded their first ever victory over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.  PJ Molloy played on the Galway team, however Galway were well defeated in the final by Kilkenny. Athenry won their first Community Games county final defeating Gort in the final after wins over Spiddal and Mervue in the earlier rounds Athenry were defeated in the Connaught Final by Oran, Roscommon after a replay. The clubs junior team made a promising start to the championship defeating Tuam Stars but failed to Ahascragh in the second round. The u-21’s after a great run of wins in the Forth Board, lost theirtitle by the narrowest of margins to Turloughmore 2-9 to 3-5.

1976

Athenry Senior hurlers were in great form, they won a tournament at Carnmore defeating Carnmore in the final . Carnmore continued their great run by winning the county league competition, however, Athenry enjoyed little success in the county championship going out in the first round to Carnmore.    Athenry u-21  team had a promising opening game defeating a good team in Carnmore.   A delay in their next fixture caused a narrow defeat by old rivals-Turloughmore.  Athenry failed to field a minor team in 1976 due to lack of interest from players and mentors.   Wolfe Tones junior football team won the division three league defeating Gort in the final despite having to line out without players like PJ Molloy and Stephen Cloonan.

1977

It was a great year for Athenry senior hurlers making their first appearance in the senior final.    On the way to the final they defeated Mullagh by 4 points. Next Athenry defeated Killimordaly in a great game.  In the semi- final Athenry recorded an impressive win over Ballinderreen.  In the county final Athenry were narrowly defeated by Kiltormer by 3-10 to 3-8. After just twelve minutes, Athenry’s Tom Cloonan was sent off along with Kiltormer vetern Michael Hoare. The game was slow to take off and Kiltormer led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half time. Athenry made a great start to t e second half, a goal by Michael Donnellan and two points by PJ Molloy left Athenry with a 3 point advantage.    Kiltormer then scrambled a goal and continued to pile on the pressure.  Two close frees were converted by Tony Furey and a point by Sonny Glynn seemed to give Kiltormer the title with 3 minutes to go.    Then Gerry Holian scored a great goal. This left Kiltormer ahead by a point.  Points were exchanged by Kiltormer’s John Goode and Athenry’s  Mick Donnellan.   A very late point from Furey was the last score and Kiltormer had won by two points.    The match came to a premature ending after 5 minutes when the supporters invaded the pitch thinking the match was over.  Instead of finishing the match the referee blew for fulltime.

1978

The club made their first visit abroad in February of 1978, a team travelled to London and defeated St Gabriels by 1-8 to 2-3 in a tough game.  After the euphoria of 1977 Athenry seniors were in the first round defeated by Gort.  The u-21 team were also beaten in the Gort first round when the Referee made a mix up with the scores.  A replay followed and Gort won.  The Wolfe Tones qualified for the league final but Athenry received no notification of the match until 11.30 on the night before the match was due to be played.  Athenry did not turn up and Sarsfields won the cup.

1979

In the first round of the county championships Athenry defeated Carnmore. Carnmore objected claiming that Mixie Donaghue had no qualification to play for Athenry. The disciplenary committee awarded the game to Carnmore. Then Athenry appealed the decision after a three hour debate the county board overruled the hurling committees decision and voted in favour of Athenry.  In the quarter final Athenry were defeated by Castlegar (who went on to win the county cup).

1980

After a gap of 57 years Galway hurlers won the All-Ireland.    One of the heroes for Galway was Athenry man PJ Molloy scoring a great goal. The following Saturday the winning Galway team visited Athenry.    The team received a warm welcome on a wintery night.  Joe Connolly introduced all the players and PJ Molloy received the loudest cheer.  Feile na nGael was held in Galway.  Athenry defeated O’Donavan Rossa club from Belfast in the opening game by 2-3 to 1-5.    In the next round Athenry beat Craughwell and qualified for the semi-final.    In the semi-final Athenry were defeated by Dungarvan by 1-5 to 1-3.  The Athenry seniors after a poor start to the County Championship qualified for the quarter-final against Meelick-Eyrecourt.  Athenry had no luck and were beaten well by 4-9 to 1-11. The u-21 team were beaten by Loughrea while the minors in a second replay lost to Craughwell at Clarinbridge.

1981

Athenry won their first county title in 12 years when they won the county minor B championship beating Carnmore in the final after a replay drawn on the first occasion.   All of the team played their part in winning this title. Athenry Community Games hurlers won the county final against Gort, having already accounted for Abbeyknockmoy and New Inn.  Athenry went on to easily capture the Connaught title against Roscommon and in the National Final played at Mosney, Athenry were well beaten by Cork on a final score of 7-8 to 2-3.  Athenry were knocked out of the county-senior title by Tommy Larkins in a play off after they had earlier defeated St Thomas, Pearses and Carnmore were beaten by Tommy Larking so Athenry had to play Thomas for the remaining place in the county quarter finals.

1982

This was the year Athenry won the Community Games all Ireland final at Mosney when they played Farranree from Cork in the final. It was a game full of whole hearted endeavour and am abundance.    With time almost up Athenry scored the winning goal in one of the most exciting finishes ever seen in the All-Ireland. Athenry u-14’s were included in the Division (B) in the u-14 Feile Championship.    After a good and lucky run in the opening rounds with narrow wins over Maree/Oranmore and Clarinbridge and a comfortable win over Ardrahan, Athenry reached the county semi- final beating Kilconerion by 3-4 to 1-2. Loughrea,  the eventual county (A) winners put paid to Athenry’s hopes of representing Galway in the Feile na nGael finals in Dublin winning by 1-5 to 0-2.  However they could still look forward to the county (B) final against Annaghdown, a game which Athenry won by 1-10 to Annaghdown’s 3-1 and the highlights of the game were the displays of the team captain Martin Fitzpatrick scorer of 7 points, Paul Moran and Geard Keane. The u-12’s were beaten in the County Final by 2-3 to 2-0 to Killiomor after a series of good wins.

The U-16’S were beaten by Turlough after they had earlier defeated Cork. Athenry Minors were defeated by Killimor in the county quarter final but the u-21’s captured the county final after a great display by Pascal Healy, Adrian Ruane, Dermot Monaghan, Joe Morrisey,  Sean Kindrigean and Seamus Kearns.    PJ Molloy who had in 1977 become the first Galway man to head the Annual Nationwide scoring awards powered his way back to the top scoring 15-19 over 20 games, an average of 6.8 points. Athenry Seniors after a first round victory over Loughrea were defeated by Turlough in their second game and Carnmore in the ir third game and Sarsfields in their final game. Gerry Waldron was a member of the Galway Minor Panel that lost the All- Ireland final. Pascal Healy played at half back on the county u-21 team.

1983

In order to avoid relegation, Athenry fielded the youngest team in the county with seven of the previous year’s successful u-21 team. However they were defeated narrowly by Kinvara in the first round by 2-10 to 1-1Q and lost to Loughrea by 6-5 to 2-16. Athenry however defeated Killiomardaly by 7-7 to 5-12. In the remaining game there were beaten by Mullagh. The club under -21 hurlers easily accounted for Beagh, Gort, and Ardrahan in their opening games of the championship.    Their next oponents were Kiltormer, Athenry won by 2-8 to 1-6.    Athenry were defeated by Sarsfields, however. The minor hurling team were defeated in their second outing by Tynagh after a good win over Abbey/Duniry in the opening round. Pat Higgins played on the Galway Minor team after eleven previous appearances in the final. Pascal Healy was man of the match in the Galway All-Ireland u-21 success.

1984

Athenry opened their season with a draw with Sarsfields in the opening round and Atihenry had similar result against Gort. However, they were defeated by Tommy Larkins and Kinvara. The club played in a special All-Ireland centenary hurling tournament involving 8 of the oldest clubs in the country.   Athenry surprised most of the observers by qualifying for the final against 1983 Munster champions Moycarkey-Borris.   However they were well beaten in the final. The club also took part in the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland sevens for the first time with very little experience of a 7 a side they were defeated by the eventual finalists Buffer Alley.    The minors reached the county final where for the first time they met Turlough in the County final.    Turloughmore were hot favourites for the final due to some impressive wins over Loughrea and Castlegar. The match started and Athenry were the more impressive side. Then Athenry were awarded a sympathy penalty which was sent to the net. Then Joe Morrissey scored a point from over 80 yards for Athenry, but disaster struck when goals against the run of play left Turloughmore ahead by 3-7 to 0-8.    At the start of the second half Turlough scored another goal. That score should have been enough to knock the heart out of any team.The man of the match was Joe Morrissey who played and excellent game.

Athenry u-14 team reached the countv final. In the final they would play Abbey/Duniry, it was a very close match with Athenrv winning by 2 points. Athenry represented Galway at Feile na nGael.    Athenry had a goal win over Gorey but lost to Lismore of Water ford in the next round.    Athenry junior footballers secured enough points to reach the semi -final of the south east league.  Athenry had convincing wins over Kilgerril and Sarsfields to win the Jack Whelan Memorial Cup and a place in the county championship semi-final,    The Athenry u-21 team were unlucky to lose to Turlough in the semi- final. Victory was snatched from Athenry by a late Turlough goal. The minor football team won defeating Caltra by 1-4 to 0-3. The junior footballers qualified for the county junior Centenary competition final and defeated County champions Caherlistrane.    The centenary trophy was presented to Athenry captain Dermot Monaghan by GPC secretary Sean Lawless.

1987

This was a historic year for the GAA in Athenry in many ways winning county titles in 3 grades, minor, u-21 and senior to become the first club in Galway to win all 3 in one year.  In this year, Athenry seniors were much more confident than in previous years and they won their fair group matches. One of these games was surely the most remarkable oi the year, Joe Cooney’s Sarsfields were Athenry’s opponents and the Galway star shot a personal of 2-10 but it was’nt enough to stop Athenry that day as they clocked up 7-10 to Sarsfields 3-16. To win a county senior cup you need luck and Athenry had this in their quarter final against Kiltormer winning the game by a late point scored by, PJ Molloy.

Gort provided the semi- final opposition but the game belonged to one man PJ Molloy, tormenting the Gort defence, the remarkable veteran ended with a personal tally of 2-9 as Athenry out stated Gort by 2-15 to 2-11.

Galway’s great championship specialists, Castlegar now stood between Athenry and that elusive first county title. On the 18th Oct in Duggan Park before a record attendance of 14,000, Athenry triumphed by 1-2 to 2-6. In August the Athenry minors had retained their countv title by 1-12 to 3-4 against Castlegar, and three weeks after the senior final theu-21  team lined out in an attempt to win the clubs first title in that grade.  They succeeded by 2-5 to 0-5 and their opponents in that final, yes indeed, Castlegar.

So Athenry made history by becoming the first club to win the minor, the u-21 and the senior hurling treble in Galway.    The seniors want on to a comfortable victory over Padraig Pearses, Roscommon in the Connaught club final.