About Wanderers GAA Ballyboden
About Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden
A Club Rooted in Tradition, Community, Passion and Volunteerism
Founded in 1910, Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden has been a pillar of the Ballyboden community for over a century. As a not-for-profit organization, we take immense pride in our commitment to volunteerism, community engagement, youth development, cultural heritage, and health and well-being.
From its first match in April 1910 against Clanna Gael Fontenoys, played on the historic grounds of Scoil Éanna with the permission of Pádraig Mac Piarais, to winning the inaugural Dublin Junior Football Championship in 1928, our journey has been one of resilience and ambition. While the club disbanded in 1932, it was officially reformed in 1961, and following a second Junior Football Championship victory in 1968, it briefly merged with Rathfarnham St. Enda's before re-establishing itself in 1980 as Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden.
Since then, the club has flourished, now fielding numerous football teams and juvenile hurling teams, welcoming players from ages 4 through adulthood.
A Club for Everyone
With nearly 500 active members Wanderers is a club that fosters inclusivity, belonging, and community spirit. Our catchment area primarily includes Ballyboden and the surrounding South Dublin region, with many of our juvenile players attending local schools.
We offer a pathway for all levels, from nursery programs to adult teams, while also providing a vibrant social and cultural hub for the community.
Our Home – Frank Kelly Park
A major milestone in the club’s history was the opening of Frank Kelly Park in 1991, a scenic 8-acre facility featuring two playing pitches and a dedicated training area. The club’s clubhouse, officially opened in 1999, has become a focal point for both sporting and social activities.
Our Values and Mission
- Community Engagement – We are deeply embedded in Ballyboden’s history and strive to bring people together through Gaelic Games, social initiatives, and cultural events.
- Volunteerism – The heart of our club beats with the dedication of volunteers, from coaches and administrators to parents and supporters.
- Youth Development – We invest in the future, providing structured coaching and mentoring to develop skills, teamwork, and leadership in young athletes.
- Cultural Heritage – As a proud GAA club, we uphold and promote the traditions of Gaelic football, hurling, and the Irish language.
- Health & Well-being – Sport is a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being, and we actively promote inclusion, fitness, and positive mental health for all members.
Club Identity & Crest
Our club crest is a proud reflection of our roots, featuring:
- Whitechurch Carnegie Library (built in 1910), which was an early meeting place for the club.
- The Hell Fire Club on Mount Pelier, symbolizing our local landscape.
- The Owendoher and Little Dargle Rivers, which mark the boundaries of Ballyboden parish.
- A triangular shape, representing a club built on strong foundations, mirroring the GAA Coaching Emblem.
Our distinctive black jersey with a red band, along with our alternative red jersey, symbolizes the strength and unity of Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden.
A Legacy of Success
Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden has a proud Roll of Honour, including:
- Dublin Junior Football Championships (1928, 1968)
- Dublin Junior 2 Football Championship (2020)
- Multiple AFL Division titles and Ladies Football Championships
Notable players include Seán Doherty, a Junior Championship-winning captain who later led Dublin to two All-Ireland Senior Football titles, and Nicola Daly, an Ireland women’s field hockey international and former Wanderers player.
Join Us
Whether you’re looking to play, volunteer, or support, Wanderers GAA Club Ballyboden offers a place where community, tradition, and passion thrive. Come be a part of our journey—ag seasamh le chéile go bródúil!
Wanderers GAA Ballyboden
Founded 1910