The Athenry GAA Story covers the history of Gaelic Games in the parish of Athe ry from the foundation of the Association in November 1884 to the end of the Twentieth Century.
In the Spring of 1885 a club was formed in Athenry by Patrick C. Kelly, and from humble beginnings teams from the parish, at various times, have been a powerful force in hurling, football, camogie and handball.
The Athenry De-Wetts were football lengends and won three county titles in 1903, 1904 nd 1906. A county hurling title followed when Derrydonnell won the 1911 coutny senior championship. One of their players, Andy Keane, was lost on board the Titanic. He had with him his county medal and a dozen hurleys. In the twenties players from Athenry won the All-Ireland Senior Handball Title and several other titles over the years. In the forties Athenry teams won minor and junior county football titles and a junior hurling title in 1957. Newcastle hurlers won the 1960 county intermediate title. The seventies were dominataed by camogie players who won numerous county titles and an All-Ireland Club Title in 1977. The St. Mary's GAA Club was formed in 1966 following the introduction of the 'Parish Rule'. Success did not come easily, but victory in the 1987 county senior hurling final was memorable. Ten years later, at Croke Park before 35,000 spectators, Athenry were crowned AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Champions and were back to win the title again in 2000 and 2001. This remarkable achievement puts Athenry at the top on the honours list in the county.
ATHENRY GAA STORY is available from Cloonan's Filling Station, Athenry or from any committee member