We are the G.A.A. club of the Ballymacward-Gurteen parish in East Galway. The club was formed in 1966 when Ballymacward and Gurteen Junior Hurling clubs amalgamated. There has always been a strong tradition of hurling in the area, with the two preceding clubs in existence since the foundation of the G.A.A. Indeed, one of the earliest records of hurling in the area dates from 1882. Pádraig Pearses now field hurling teams from U6 to Senior level. Hurlers from the club have represented Galway at all grades. A few of the notable players from our club are Cyril Donnellan (All-Ireland SHC, 2017), Michael King (All-Ireland SHC, 1980), Marty Barrett R.I.P. (All-Ireland U21, 1972 and National Hurling League, 1975), Fr. Nicholas Murray R.I.P. (a key player with our neighbours Fohenagh, in winning 2 County Senior titles) and Francis O’Brien (All-Ireland U21, 1991). We began fielding football teams in 2013 and the adult team have been promoted in consecutive years to Junior ‘A’, with underage teams also. St. Kerrill’s GFC was the pre-existing football club, formed in 1990.
