It may now be the home of Drumcondra FC and owe its allegiance to the FAI rather than the GAA but at the end of the 19th century Clonturk Park in Drumcondra was the venue for the first ever All-Ireland finals in both hurling and football.

Over the weekend that history was marked by Dublin City Council erecting a commemorative plaque, unveiled by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí De Róiste and Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns.

The Finals included landmark occasions such as Cork’s first All-Ireland championships in hurling and football, and Dublin’s first football title, as well as Kerry’s victory in the 1891 All-Ireland senior hurling final.

After Clonturk Park’s era as the preferred GAA venue in the city came to an end, the All-Ireland finals of the 1895 Championships were the first to be played a short distance away at Butterly’s amusement grounds on Jones’s Road, the venue now better known as Croke Park.

The matches were played at a time of upheaval for the fledgling GAA and in an age where the Association was in danger of fading only a decade after its foundation.

It makes the significance of the Clonturk Park finals even more worthy of celebration as they represent the GAA’s spirit of survival against the odds.

An information panel giving more details on the games played there will follow in the coming weeks. An event to mark the staging of the 1893 All-Ireland finals in football (won by Young Ireland’s of Wexford) and hurling (won by Blackrock of Cork) will take place in the Phoenix Park this July.

“In this, the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the GAA, it is wonderful to see this plaque at Clonturk Park being unveiled and with it the chance to remember and acknowledge the important contribution made by the players and officials who kept our games alive during this period and ensured they could grow and prosper,” said Jarlath Burns.

“Our thanks to Dublin City Council and local residents for their support. It is good to know that the warriors who played out their own epic contests here for All-Ireland honours will be celebrated once more.”

“Clonturk Park is a site of national sporting significance, and it is also a crucial part of the Dublin GAA success story,” added Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí De Róiste, who has maintained a stronmg sports focus in his time in office.

“Gaelic games in Dublin predate the formation of the GAA itself in 1884. The presence of Dublin teams in Clonturk were part of a Dublin revival. And while it was common for Dublin teams of this time to be comprised of many country players working in the city, the success of Dublin teams fed the expansion of the GAA in the city and later the new suburbs that rose up in the early decades of independence.”

“I wish to commend the GAA with more than 90 clubs in Dublin today. This presence owes much to the inspiration that can be traced back to the players at Clonturk Park.”

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee following an application from the GAA History and Commemorations Committee for a plaque commemorating Clonturk Park as an historic GAA venue. The plaque has been placed on the wall of the pavilion of Drumcondra F.C. in Clonturk Park.

“The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin,” said Councillor Vincent Jackson, DCC Naming and Commemoration Committee Chairperson.

All-Ireland finals at Clonturk Park

Hurling

1890 – Cork (Aghabullogue) 1-6 v Wexford (Castlebridge) 2-2*

1891 – Kerry (Ballyduff) 2-3 v Wexford (Crossabeg) 1-5 (after extra time)

1892 – Cork 2-4 v Dublin 1-1*

1894 – Cork (Blackrock) 5-20 v Dublin (Rapparees) 2-0

*Matches unfinished, titles later awarded to Cork

Football

1890 – Cork (Midleton) 2-4 v Wexford (Blues & Whites) 0-1

1891 – Dublin (Young Irelands) 2-1 v Cork (Clondrohid) 1-9*

1892 – Dublin (Young Irelands) 1-4 v Kerry (Laune Rangers) 0-3

1894 – Dublin (Young Irelands) 0-6 v Cork (Nils) 1-1**

*In 1891 goals were worth more than any number of points. After an objection, a proposed replay was unplayed

**In 1894 goals were worth five points. After a replay, title later awarded to Dublin
 

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