Getting to Know: O’Currys GAA Club
1: When was your group club founded?
O’Curry GAA Club was formed in 1946.
2: Could you give us a brief history of your club?
O’Currys is a GAA Club whose main sporting activity is the playing of Gaelic football. It is named after the famed Irish Scholar, Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe, who hailed from Doonaha. It caters for all ages from Under-8s to adult. Throughout the years, it has produced many fine footballers, who not alone donned the green and gold of the Club, but also the County jersey. The Club grounds is in Doonaha and consists of a pitch named, O’Curry Park and dressing room facilities. Like all GAA Club organisations, its strength is in its voluntary ethos and this is something we are very proud of as a Club.
3: What would you describe as being the club’s role in the community?
The Club plays a leading role in the Community. It is a focal point for the Community in the Parish of Carrigaholt and knits them together in times of joy and sorrow. It is where the people of the Parish socialise and play together.
4: What achievements are the club most proud of?
The achievements of the Club are many, its greatest achievements is being able to facilitate, particularly, our juveniles in the promotion of our Gaelic games. Since its foundation, the Club has won a Senior Football Championship in 1946, two Intermediate Championships, three Junior-A Championships, two Under-21 Championships, Minor-B Championship, and has had numerous successes at Juvenile level.
5: What is the best part of being a GAA club on Loop Head?
Due to the lack of playing numbers, the Club has linked up with Naomh Eoin and St Senans, Kilkee, to play together at all levels from Under-21 down to Under-8’s. This has fostered a great comradery between the youth of the Loophead Peninsula. There is a great sense of identity.
6: What are the club’s current challenges? i.e. fundraising? Volunteers? New Members? Others?
Our Club faces many challenges mainly due to the fall in population. The cost to run a club increases on a yearly basis, particularly, with regard to insurance. Insurance alone for most clubs is in the region of €4,500. Fundraising is a major issue in that the Club is competing with other Clubs in a very small area with a limited population whose resources are also limited in terms of finance.
7: In an ideal world, where would you like to see the club in 5 years- time?
In an ideal world, the Club would also like to recruit more volunteers and to improve our playing facilities (Club House and Grounds).
8: What is your club working on/towards right now?
The Club is currently working on improving coaching facilities and laying out a plan to improve our playing facilities.
9: What is the best way to connect with your club for the purpose of enrolling, joining or generally volunteering?
We connect with our group through our website and social media. We also use the Parish Newsletter - you can connect with us through our website below
O'Currys GAA | GAA (ocurrysgaa.com) or on FaceBook at (2) O' Currys GAA | Facebook
