Connemara GAA
Old black-and-white photograph of a rugby team, in two rows, in striped jerseys Two old photographs side by side: a team of men in waistcoats and caps, and three young men in suits Collage of old team photographs, including Clifden 1977, Inishbofin v St Vincent's of Dublin, and the St Cáillín's (Ballyconneely) hurling team

Connemara GAA — History, Folklore and Audio Memories

A GAA history — rugby, folklore, Connemara ponies, and the statistics of Omey Church Parish (Clifden), with additional material — also including an insight into Connemara’s political families.

Latest Updates

  • Connemara Pony Memories

    Connemara Pony Memories 2022
    James Mongan, Tom MacLochlainn, Padraic Heanue, Sean Luskin, Graine O'Malley, Malachy Gorhanm, and Prisilla Diamond.

    Produced by John O'Malley in Association with Connemara Community Radio

    This programme is now available permanently on the Radio Podcasts

  • What Do We Know About the Evolvement of the Connemara Pony?

    What do we know about the evolvement of the Connemara Pony? 2022

    Connemara Ponies are synonymous with Connemara since the 1800s. There are many suggestions/theories how this distinct name evolved from the small Irish pony that was widespread in Ireland at that time and not exclusive to Connemara. (Just for the record, archaeologists have discovered that the small Irish Pony existed based on excavations in Loughrea Co Galway in 2018 – online.)

  • Wicklow GAA — Reeling in the Years

    Wicklow GAA

    Reeling in the Years
    In the past, the common fuel for heating homes was Turf/Peat. The Turf/Peat was extracted from the bog. The historical method of extraction involved the use of a spade with a flange to create/shape the turf sod. The turf spade was/is called a Slean in Gaelic or Slane in English.

    Ellie O’Malley gives a demonstration below of this almost dead art/skill on her grandparent’s bog at Moyard, Connemara Co Galway.

  • A Brief Introduction to the Late Jackie Salmon

    A Brief Introduction to the late Jackie Salmon
    The Connemara GAA legend Jackie Salmon was born in Cloonluane, Renvyle in the 1930s. He was born into a passionate GAA family with his father Stevie prominent in the GAA in Connemara in the 30s and 40s. Jackie like multitudes emigrated at a young age, in his case to England first and later New York so he only played football primarily at under age before emigration.

    He became very prominent in New York as a player and administrator with pride of place initially with his beloved Connemara Gaels. However as an administrator he expanded his role and progressed all the way to the highest office, culminating in his election as president of greater New York GAA, initially for six years. This occurred in 1978 when he replaced the legendary John Kerry O’Donnell. His popularity during his presidency was created by his kindness and support to especially emigrants from not alone Connemara but nationwide as well. After his six-year stint as president his popularity still remained and it was no surprise to see him being elected once more in 1990 for a further six-year period. Many people paid tributes to Jackie on his departure from this life however the true reflection of the man was the thousands that paid tribute to him when he was alive?

  • Ballyconneely's Canadian-Funded Pier History

    See section: Local History - Ballyconneely - bottom of the page

    In the 1880s the Canadian Government made Grants available for the construction of new fisheries, Piers and Harbours in Connemara, including Doleen Pier in Ballyconneely Village.

    See also history of Canadian W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. Ivor Ernest Smithson J/89117 RCAF Age 23, who is buried a short distance from the pier, both of which sites are inter-visible.

View all updates →