Under the headline "New Football Club", the Galway Observer reported in February 1948 that "A very enthusiastic meeting of Gaels was held recently at the CYMS Hall, Galway for the purpose of forming a football club in the city. After a lengthy discussion the plans were made for the formation of the club which will be known as The Fr. Griffin G.F.C. Many meetings have taken place and it has been decided to affiliate a senior and a junior football team in the current year's championship. If there are any interested and wish to become members of the club, they should contact any members of the committee or write to the Hon. Secretary. Great strides have been made to ensure success and so far the seeds of a good senior team have been laid. The following have been appointed... Chairman, John Davey ; Vice-chairman, Stephen Lally; Secretary, John Kindillon; Treasurer, Jimmy Ward; Austin Roche, J.J.Walsh, Paddy Fitzmaurice and Tom Brady were on the committee and Mick Lynch and Willie Naughton were board delegates.

The club made history by winning the County Senior Football championship at the first attempt, and won it again in 1949 and 1950. They won further senior titles in 1967, 1970, 1972 and 1975. They captured two Connacht Club Championships in 1970 and 1972. At minor level, they were successful in winning county honours in 1961 and 1967, and they were under-21 County Champions in 1971. They are the most successful city football team in the history of the game. Many of their players have represented the County, among them Joe Young, Tom Sandys, Liam Sammon, Colie McDonagh, Martin Newell and Johnny Geraghty.

Another city club, Eire Og, was formed in 1972 following a meeting in Tom Small's shed in Killoughter. Three years later they were in the West Board Final which they finally (after three games) lost to Carna by a point. They subsequently won three Junior West titles, and in 1980, they defeated Annaghdown to win the County title. Some of their famous players were Joe McDonagh who became president of the GAA and the Connolly brothers of hurling fame.

In February 2007, the Galway County Board announced the amalgamation of Fr. Griffins and Eire Og for a trial period of two years. On Saturday night the 8th of November, they are having a gala dinner dance in the Menlo Park Hotel to celebrate 60 years of Fr. Griffins and 35 years of Eire Og. Tickets are on sale and available fro Myles McHugh, 087 2588 763; Johanna Downes, 086 8355 997; Matt Deane, 087 2448 582; Mary Burke, 087 2252 490; Thomas Cox, 086 8286 363.

So, to honour the occasion we have today that history making team that won the County Championship 60 years ago. They are, back row, left to right; Aidan Corrigan, Staff Lally, Sean Kindillon, Redmond Newell, Mick Flaherty, Paddy Lawlor, Fr. Tom Parker, Mick Fenton, Seamus Reidy, Mick Dowling, Mick Lynch, Gerry Reidy (trainer) and Bill Naughton. In front are ; Martin Kilmartin, Paddy Higgins, Paddy O'Brien, Jimmy Ward (captain), Austin Roche, J.J.Walsh, Paddy Fitzmaurice, Seamus O'Rourke, John Davey and Mick Collins.

Please forward any queries/comments to oldgalway@kennys.ie