History
of Shamrocks
The early Street Leagues in the 1940's
led to the foundation of Shamrocks, who have since
risen to be the Premier Club in the Frontier Town.
In 1946, just a year after their foundation they won
their first Senior title and in the following decade
took two more.
Supported by a strong committee they
worked to develop the Club off as well as on the field.
A new hall was opened in 1969 and since then their
development has really taken off at Paire an luir
( now Pairc Esler), with a fine Social Centre which
promotes weekly Ceilis and the development of a new
sports complex.
In 1966 hurling came under the wing
of Shamrocks when Clann Uladh, who had kept the game
alive from the Thirties, voted to amalgamate with
Shamrocks.
Shamrocks have always endeavoured
to promote all the aims of Cumann Luthchleas Gael
and have provided outstanding players and administrators
at County and National level. On the playing side
Tony Hadden, Eddie Bums, John Murphy and Larry Powell
are holders of All-Ireland Senior Football medals.
D J Kane was captain of the Sam Maguire winning side
of 1994. John McGivern won an All-Ireland Junior Hurling
medal in 1964 and Sean Holywood (RIP) long time Down
Senior Hurling Manager, has represented Ulster in
Railway Cup competitions.
Former County Secretary T.P. Murphy
has been a Trustee of the G.A.A. and County Officers,
Fr H Esler and Larry Beattie have been Shamrocks men,
and so was that most faithful of Down supporters,
Bobby Langan. Handball, Athletics and Camogie are
all included in the Club's activities and its Ceili
Dancing team won a a National Scor title in 1982.
