Fulham’s hurling and Gaelic football club has reached a major milestone as they celebrate 20 years of sporting success.
The team, called Fulham Irish, was first formed in 2006 and founded with a hope of catering to the growing Irish population in London.
Twenty years later they have become one of the capitals top clubs.
Youth coach Martin Conway said: “Reaching 20 years is a huge milestone. It reflects a legacy of success both on and off the pitch.
“It is a moment of celebration and a statement of intent.”
What began as a small team of players has grown into a multi-team club competing in both hurling and Gaelic football competitions.
Since being established, the club has formed youth, junior and senior teams continually evolving to cater for those that have a love of the sport.
Alex Kelleher, senior football coach, said: “The club provides a valuable outlet to escape the pressures of London life. We work hard and play hard.”
In 2023 the club launched their youth section in response to growing demand, with members skyrocketing to over 200 in fewer than three years.
Cyrill Rothermundt, youth coach, said: “South London is deprived of youth clubs, but we hope that we can create a momentum to increase opportunities and the footprint south of the river to raise the level.”
The club’s ambitions do not stop there with hopes of building the largest and most inclusive Gaelic club in South London as well as establishing Gaelic games as a mainstream community sport across south London schools.
The team, alongside London GAA, hope to embed Gaelic games into the PE curriculum.
Former player Dave Connolly said: “20 years done- we’re only just getting started.”
The impact of the team extend beyond the pitch with players praising the community as one of the club’s greatest successes.
Conway said: “It provides a sense of home, belonging and cultural continuity for people who moved away from Ireland – and now increasingly for second generation Irish families.
“The club has become far more than a sporting organisation, it is a community anchor where families connect, children grow up with shared values, and Irish identity is celebrated proudly within the diversity of London life.”
Tony Duffy, who is part of the hurling team management, said: “My ambition is for this club to be the first choice of anyone moving to London – anyone who simply wants to be part of the GAA community, whether they have Irish roots or not.”
As they enter their third decade, the club’s story looks to be defined by more than just silverware but the community they have built and the effort that has gone into growing the sport outside of Ireland.
Featured image credit: Sheila Fernandes
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