Club History
Early Years
The origins of Ballinamere GAA Club date to the late 1880's. A priest ministering in Tullamore Parish was
eager to promote the aims of the newly formed Gaelic Athletic Association. Following the death of a young
man participating in a "faction fight" which was a common "sport" at the Fair Green in Ballycowan, he
grasped the opportunity to actively promote hurling as an alternative. In the early years of the GAA,
promoting Gaelic Games and Irish culture was a strategy used to stimulate Irish identity in a period of
civic discontent. The clubs formation was influenced by the O'Brien, Craven and Horan families. with
Pat O'Brien being the first chairman.
Hurling was the favoured sport and the club participated in Offaly championships in the early years,
however progress was stalled following defeat by Drumcullen in SH final in 1908. The Parish Rule, War
of Independence, Civil War and its ensuing issues made it very difficult for the GAA clubs to function
effectively. Ballinamere was no different resulting in a lapse of activity until revival in 1930. Fielding
a team in the newly introduced Juvenile grade was a basis for success in later years. The 40's and 50's
brought unprecedented success with five championship wins – Junior '44, '50,'59 and Intermediate '45,
'53. After a barren period, success was again attained with Junior Hurling '80, Junior Football '83, '98 and
Junior Hurling 2010. These set the scene for further achievement.
Club Progress
In the early decades Ballinamere like many had no fixed abode. As was the norm then, clubs were
dependent on the goodwill of local landowners for the use of a "field" for hurling or football. The
development of the present pitch with dressing rooms in 1980 secured the future of the Club.
Ballinamere / Durrow Minor Club formed in 1982 to coach young players. It was a natural progression
in 2006, when both clubs linked as adult level, Ballinamere becoming a Hurling Club and Durrow a
Football Club.
Modern Era
Championship success followed with Junior 'B' Hurling '06, '14, Junior 'A' 2010, U21 2011. This
progression paved the way for success in 2013, winning Offaly Intermediate and a historic Leinster
Junior Hurling Championship. The club's most successful year concluded with Ballinamere being
named Offaly GAA Club of the Year. These achievements together with quality coaching at underage
have reinvigorated the club. Underage hurling and football teams are now consistently competing for
'A' championships. Ultimate success came in 2016 with a Minor Hurling Championship win – a first 'A'
championship for B/D. Additionally the club was awarded Offaly GAA Bord na Nog club of the Year 2016.
This emerged through persistent efforts from players and coaches.
In 2016 the club embarked on its ambitious development plan to provide a second pitch with all ancillary
infrastructures. The integration of GAA and Community Centre in Ballinamere has enriched the GAA
Club. Embracing 'community' will ensure the successful delivery of the joint ambitious plans for 'Jack
Wyer Pitch', Walkway and Playground. A bright future beckons for Ballinamere GAA Club.
'History is merely a reminiscence of past deeds and failures. Achievement is reliant on vision,
ambition, and action'.
History of Club Crest
The Ballinamere Crest uniquely depicts the location, history and traditions of the Ballinamere
community. Ballinamere is located in the Barony of Ballycowan within sight of its castle. It was
built in 1626 by Sir Jasper Herbert and his wife Lady Jane Finglas who controlled the lands of the
Barony. The castle is the main feature of the crest.
The violin represents Irish culture, music and Dan Cleary's Ballinamere Ceili Band, famous
throughout Ireland and England in the 1950's and '60's.
The handshake portrays the lengthy tradition of welcome and friendship afforded to all who reside and
engage with the community.
The hurley's epitomise the association with hurling in Ballinamere. Tradition revels the game was
introduced in the latter half of 1800's by a local priest anxious to calm energetic young men. This was
in response to the death of a man participating in 'faction fights' at the Fair Green in Ballycowan.
The Club colours of Green and Gold are prominent in the crest which was designed by Aisling Molloy and adopted by the club in 2004.
