Killala GAA Club in Co. Mayo

Killala GAA Club was founded in 1926 by local Garda, James McCartan. In the early years most of the club's games were local community based leagues played at the famous Poll Bu.

The club affiliated to the North Mayo Board in 1936 and played in the Junior Championship until 1939, succeeding in getting to the final in 1938 where they were defeated by Belmullet. Between 1939 and 1941 the club did not affiliate but they resumed again in 1942. This was the beginning of a very successful period for the Killala club, during the first half of the 20th century.

In 1948 they lifted the North Mayo title and went on to win the County Junior title by defeating Louisburgh. This lead them to the Senior Championship in 1949 where they were defeated in the County Final by Crossmolina. Reverting to junior status in 1951 they again won the North Mayo title but went on to be defeated in the County Final.

Unfortunately, like many small parish clubs of that period, the club could were not always able to field full teams and as a result were dormant adult level from 1952 - 1968. However, at minor level they reached the County Final in 1964.

With renewed enthusiasm and determination Killala GAA Club was reformed in 1969. The officers responsible for reviving the club that year were Chairman: Fr Seamus Heverin, Secretary: Mikey Bourke and Treasurer: Joe Donohoe.

In 1971 the club purchased a field from the Land Commission and began the process of developing it. In 1977 the pitch was levelled and in 1979 the old dressing rooms were built. Further development saw the erection of new dressing rooms in 1991, erection of flood lights in 1993 and the drainage of the pitch in 1994.

This magnificent community effort by the people of Killala culminated in the official opening of the Gerry Maheady Park and Andrew Reilly Clubrooms on August 17th 1997, by one of the club's most famous names, Dr Joe Gilvarry. The facilities at the clubrooms and park were appropriately named after two great Killala clubmen who will remain long in the memories of the local people.

Other Things You Might Like