Ranelagh Gaels was formed in 2003 and as we all know; from small acorns, great oak trees grow.
The club hasn’t yet matured fully into a massive oak, but it has put down deep roots in our community of Dublin 6 and surrounds, and has grown steadily into a permanent fixture in the area.
Ranelagh Gaels President Liam O’Hagan in his official club jacket
In 2003 a few locals, led by the vision of Liam O’Hagan, decided to start a GAA club in the village and that year Ranelagh Gaels was born, with one men’s team playing challenge matches around the county
In ’04 the Gaels lined out in the club’s first competitive games and within two years had reached a first Championship final, losing to a strong St Vinent’s side at Parnell Park.Ranelagh’s first silverware was secured in 2007, the O Broin Cup, and in 2008 and ’09 back-to-back promotions were secured. 2009 was a landmark year in more ways than one, with a ladies team established.
One of the first Ranelagh Gaels men’s teams to line out back in the early days
The milestones continue to be passed and in 2010 Ranelagh Gaels won the Ladies Junior E Championship following a nail-biting fial with Scoil Ui Chonaill – the club’s first Championship. Ranelagh also got a new crest, which is proudly displayed on the Club Wall at the entrance to the GAA Museum at Croke Park.
The club’s ladies team celebrate winning their first title – the Junior E Championship
The next big step was taken in 2012 with the foundation of the Ranelagh Gaels Juvenile Academy, offering fun football and hurling coaching and games in a safe environment and a pathway for local youngsters to represent their area on the playing fields of Dublin. The academy has grown from strength-to-strength and now there are underage teams at several grades across hurling, football and ladies football.
In 2014 redeveloped dressing rooms at Bushy Park, home for the club’s adult games, were opened, offering full storage, changing and shower facilities for players after games and training.
The club’s Gaems Promotion Officer Simon Lambert working with children at the Ranelagh Gaels Juvenile Academy
The hard work hasn’t relented and in 2015 Ranelagh Gaels fielded the club’s first hurling team at underage and the ladies won the Division 5 Cup with a thrilling win over Foxrock-Cabinteely.
The major landmark of 2016 will be the Development Plan, which has been 12 careful months in the planning and will map out a path for the club up to the doorstep of 2020.
