| Westport GAA Club |
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Westport GAA Club History Records show that Gaelic football was played in Westport as far back as 1889, the ‘Tuam News’ news paper has it on record that Westport participated in organized competitions in West Mayo during that time.
Cumann Lúthchleas Geal Chathair na Mart The major difficulty in tracing the history of the Westport GAA club is that the name of the team changed on a regular basis. With travel and emigration a problem during the late 1890 and 1900, very good players were lost due to this trend. In rural areas of Westport, where talented players developed, Gaelic football teams were set up. These teams drew other good talented players from different areas. Records listed the following teams Westport McHales, Westport Croaghpatricks, Derry Croaghpatricks, Aughagower, Aughagower / Derry, Attyreech Shamrock Rovers, Murrisk Sunbursts, Murrisk / Louisburgh, Westport Quay, participated in Gaelic football in the parish. March 24th 1936 at a meeting, all the GAA groups of the parish joined forces and re-organised the Westport GAA club as one unit. The first pitch the club could really call its own was opened in 1958. It was appropriately called ‘St. Patrick’s GAA Park’. Major John McBride from Westport Quay was one of the first presidents of the Mayo GAA board and his brother Josie was the first president of the Connacht Council. The Westport GAA club always had strong representation on the county and national GAA committees, something that is still very much to the fore in the club.
Bord na nÓg 2009 is now up and running in Westport. Westport Bord na Nog, caters for all underage football between the ages of seven and eighteen and have over 200 children registered, which meet and are coached at Westport pitch at the Newport road. The Under 8 & Under 10 age groups play in blitzes and some friendly fixtures are also organised for this group.
Under age training session on the Astro Turf
We have over 30 coaches working with all teams and would welcome anyone who can come on board.
All coaches must pass a garda vetting code of conduct, which is sent to Croke Park to be checked. Caitheorlach: Austin Groden Telephone: 085 174 2588 Telephone: 086 837 2792
Westport GAA celebrate 125 years Our under age students help to research the history of Westport GAA. TY students from Westport’s Rice College have launched a project to research and explore the history and heritage behind Westport GAA club as part of the GAA’s 125 anniversary celebrations. “The project co-ordinators Piaras Ó Raghallaigh from Westport GAA and Sinead McManus from Rice College praised the students for their hard work stating that it was appropriate to undertake this venture for the GAA’s 125 celebrations. For more information: Rice College Transition Year Students
Westport ASTRO TURF Facilities Westport floodlit Astro Turf facility is now in operation, with all the senior and underage ladies and men’s teams making full use of this wonderful facility for training and match purposes. This pitch allows teams to train after dark, wet or dry in a safe environment.
Westport GAA Astro Turf facilities in use
For further information: www.westportgaa.com
Austin Groden |
