Getting to Know: The Western Gaels GAA Club

1.      When was your group club founded? 

For a number of years Naomh Eoin and O’Curry’s underage teams competed as as an underage team. In 2016, Kilkee joined forces with the other 2 clubs at some underage levels. Since 2019 the three clubs have been joined at all age groups from 

 U6/s to u21s. 

In 2020 it was decided to officially name the amalgamation of the three clubs as Western Gaels.  

2. Could you give us a brief history of your club ? 

As Western Gaels was only officially formed in 2020, our history is a short one but the vision for the club is probably best described by Conor Murray who designed our New Crest in 2020. 

“The lighthouse symbolises Naomh Eoin, and is an adaptation of their existing crest. The lighthouse radiates light and signifies hope. The star is a nod to the Kilkee crest and has been used as a symbol by St. Senan’s for decades. The star also signifies guidance. The quill gives a visual reference to the great scholar Eugene O’Curry, whom O’Curry’s are named after. It reminds us of the strength of knowledge and communication. The currach is depicted with three men rowing together. This symbolises the three teams and communities coming together and combining our strengths to battle as one”. 

3. What would you describe as being the club’s role in the community? 

Our role is to cater for underage boys and young adult from the three clubs on Loop Head Peninsula, Naomh Eoin, O’Currys and St. Senan’s Kilkee and to allow them the opportunity to participate in Gaelic football. Our hope is that the experience of the team environment will allow them to grow and develop both as individuals and valuable members of the community. 

The population decline has meant that it has become impossible for any of these teams to compete on an individual basis so the natural allegiance of the three clubs spanning the peninsula was formed. 

4. What achievements are the club most proud of?  

              Between neighbouring clubs there is naturally an intense rivalry which can span many generations. Combining clubs can be a tricky situation and there is always a fear factor of how this might pan out over time. As a new club we are proud of how our three parent clubs have worked to ensure the success of this amalgamation and how positive an integration it has been. 

5. What is the best part of being a GAA club on Loop Head? 

The GAA is such an important part of the fabric of Loop Head. This amalgamation allows the young boys and men to compete in a sport they enjoy and, in the process, we hope they achieve personal development and a deep sense of belonging to their community. To be facilitators of this is without doubt the best part of been involved in this club. 

6.  What are the club’s current challenges? i.e.  fundraising? Volunteers? New Members? Others? 

It is always a challenge to attract new volunteers, but as a club we are lucky to have the support of our three parent clubs in this respect and they also provide funding for our needs. We are delighted to see parents of newcomers to the club get involved and they are always welcome to help in whatever way they can. 

7. In an ideal world, where would you like to see the club in 5 years- time?  

Ideally, our club would be competitive in games, an inclusive club for players of all abilities and have ample volunteers to help run the club. We hope that facilities in our three club parent grounds would continue to develop in line with the great strides they have made in recent years.  We would also wish that the majority of the players we have put through our ranks, continue to compete or for the adult clubs in the peninsula and that the opportunities exist that would allow then to remain in the community if they so wish to. 

8. What is your group working on/towards right now? 

Returning to play is the buzz word in sport at the moment and we are working to ensure that this can be done as effectively as possible. It has been a difficult time for young people so we are delighted that a sense of normality is returning. 

9. What is the best way to connect with your group for the purpose of enrolling, joining or generally volunteering? 

Our social media presence is mainly through the adult club channels.