CLUB HISTORY

Clanna Gael and Fontenoy merged in 1969.

History shows that quite a number of clubs played gaelic games in the D2 and D4 areas at one time or another before eventually evolving into the Clanna Gael Fontenoy club as we know it today.

The name Fontenoy itself comes from a small town in Belgium. It was scene of a battle on the 11th May 1745 and was part of the War of the Austrian Succession between the French on the one hand and the British and Dutch on the other. The latter were assured of victory, or so it seemed, until the Irish Brigade – fighting for the French – made one last charge. To the cry of ‘Remember Limerick’ – a reference to the long defence of Limerick from the Williamites – the Irish Brigade, led by Lord Clare, Charles O’Brien, routed the British and Dutch forces and won the day. The Celtic Cross Memorial erected at Fontenoy by nationalists was unveiled there by the Lord Mayor of Dublin on 25th August 1907.

It is reported that this area was greatly represented in the Irish Brigade. So when the first meeting took place at 20 Bath Avenue on 7th October 1887, the name Fontenoys was proposed for the new Club and passed. The first meeting was chaired by Mr J.J. Murphy. After a large number of members were enrolled, the following officers were elected: President, W. Nolan; Vice President, E. Mongoven; Captain J.J. (Joe) Byrne; Vice captain, C. Purfield; Treasurer P. Redmond; Hon. Secretary J.J. Murphy, 6 Havelock Square West. Committee Members: P. Dunne, W. Moore, L Mooney, P. Ricken and J. Reade.

One of Fontenoys’ earliest matches was a gaelic football match in Elm Park (now St Vincent’s Hospital) against John Mitchells on 23rd October 1887. Fontenoys scored first but didn’t score again as they were beaten 1-15 to 0-1. The team on that day was D Holland, J Reade, P Wall, C Breslin, J McLoughlin, M Downes, J Byrne, W Walsh, A Breslin, J McCaul, F Looney, W Byrne, W Keogh, A Wilson, H Cullen, E Eustace, W Allen, E Fox, J Keating, J Kavanagh and J Yoe.   It is very fitting the Club respects this heritage and holds an annual event in Elm Park where historical references are kept alive.

In 1895 Isles of the Sea, with local players  won the Dublin Championship again with Tommy Dunne as the captain before winning it less than five years later in 1901 with Captain Dan Holland when they beat Ballymun Kickhams in the final   Like a lot of smaller GAA clubs at the turn of the century, they no longer exist with emigration, wars and economic hardship  but left an indelible mark.

Senior Football

Clanna Gael won the senior football championship in 1968.  Prior to this victory, Clanna Gael last won it in 1936, captained by Sean O'Siochain, for many years Secretary and Director General of the GAA.

Through the 1940s and 1950s they fielded many outstanding teams with the club amalgamating successfully into a team of some of the best Kerry and Dublin inter-county stars, also aided by established players from other counties. The strong teams of Dublin football in the 1950s were St Vincents, Sean McDermott's, The Gardai, UCD and Clanna Gael. Clanna Gael appeared in many finals with many years of hard luck until that victory of '68 after 32 years.

When Dublin won the All-Ireland in 1963, the Club supplied Mickey Whelan, Paddy Holden, Gerry Davy, Chris Kane, Aidan Donnelly and Tony Gilleen to the team. The appointment of Mossie O'Driscoll from Valentia Island- fresh from the under 21's - as the senior captain in 1968 was regarded as an inspired move. The selectors showed great foresight and courage in this endeavour as they appointed a very young player in a team containing a number of illustrious Dublin senior footballers.

Valentia's Pat O'Connell also played on that winning team of '68 as well as James McGill of Ardcost and Thady O'Donoghue from Firies.  

The aforementioned Irish international soccer physio, Mick Byrne played at right corner forward in a team which left it's indelible mark on Dublin GAA fields.  Eugene Davey played along his brother and went on top

In 1978, following a defeat to Na Fianna, the club lost its senior status.

This was regained after a 46 year absence in 2024, where the Club will compete in the Intermediate Championship Final. 

The Club will play senior championship in 2025.

(This section to be completed shortly with other codes)