Rathdowney–Errill GAA
Rath Domhnaigh-Eireil | |||||||||
Founded: | 2005 | ||||||||
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County: | Laois | ||||||||
Colours: | Red and Green | ||||||||
Grounds: | Kelly O'Daly Park and Páirc Eireil | ||||||||
Playing kits | |||||||||
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Senior Club Championships | |||||||||
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Rathdowney-Errill Gaelic Athletic Association Club is a hurling club in County Laois, Ireland.
The club colours are green and red.
The club was created in 2005 by the complete amalgamation at all levels of hurling of neighbouring clubs Errill and Rathdowney.
In 2006 the Rathdowney-Errill team won the Laois Senior Hurling Championship for the first time ever, defeating Tinnahinch. Liam Wynne captained the club and became the first man from the Parish to captain a County Senior Hurling team since 1952. They repeated the feat in 2008 after a terrific final against Portlaoise. Rathdowney-Errill edged it on a score of 1-19 to 2-15. John Purcell, another Errill man, captained the team on that occasion.
Facilities
Rathdowney-Errill are blessed with two of the finest GAA grounds in Laois. Rathdowney's Kelly O'Daly Park has hosted many County Finals, Leinster Club Championship and Inter-County matches down through the years. Erril's GAA Grounds, Páirc Eireil, opened in the late 90's. Both venues can boast two excellent playing pitches and clubhouse's.
Current Status
Rathdowney-Errill are the reigning county champions a both senior and minor level. The club has enjoyed unprecedented success in its relativeley short existence. They currently field four adult hurling teams.
Notable Club Members
Current
- Brian Campion played for Leinster last year in the Railway Cup, while he is also the current captain of the Laois Senior Hurlers.
Past
- Jack Daly, Jimmy Hiney, Frank Kileen, Paddy Campion and Jim Deegan won an All-Ireland medal with Laois in 1915.
- Harry Grey is another famous Rathdowney club member, winning a SHC title with Rathdowney in 1936 before moving to Dublin and winning an All-Ireland with them in 1938. He was selected on the Laois Team of the Millenium along with Mick Mahon.