Tir Chonaill Gaels GFC London
The Tir Chonaill Gaels GFC club was formed in 1962 by prominently Donegal men. The first ever meeting took place in the Red Lion pub in Kilburn and was chaired by Jackie Reilly. Other people in attendance included Bernard Laverty, Peader & Mickey Duffy, Jackie Rushe, Liam Doherty, Christy Boyle, Terry McIntyre and John Kelly. There were many others but their names are too many to mention. The club was originally named Clan na Domnaill or Club of the O'Donnells, but this was changed, as the London County Board would not allow the name to be used. It was changed to the present name.
The club has also won numerous All British B&I nine- a-side tournaments. They have also completed in the Kilmacud sevens in Dublin on many occasions. The Gaels have played in this tournament more times than any other overseas team. The club in recent years have a policy of playing a number of friendly matches against teams from Ireland. Either the club goes back to visit these teams or the club will play host to these teams.
Over the years the club has had the honour of playing against some of the finest teams from Ireland either in competition or in friend lies. The club has played in nine All-Ireland quarter final club championship against teams such as Lavey (Derry) twice, Knockmore (Mayo), Crossmaglen (Armagh) twice, Nemo Rangers (Cork), Castlehaven (Cork, Ballinderry (Derry), Burren (Down) and Castlebar Mitchels (Mayo). They have also played a number of prestige friendlies against teams such as Kilcar (Donegal), Killybegs (Donegal), Civil Service (Dublin), St Olafs (Dublin), Ballyshannon (Donegal), Donegal (New York), University of Ulster (Belfast) and many more.
