The first mention of Portumna in terms of Gaelic games comes in 1888 with regard to a junior Gaelic football game against Eyrecourt. The club remained in the background of senior club hurling until 1995 when Portumna contested their first county final. Victory on that occasion went to Sarsfield's. The 2000s saw a golden age for the club as it contested seven consecutive county finals between 2003 and 2009. Victory was achieved in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Portumna also won three All-Ireland titles during this period (2006, 2008 and 2009).
Martin Dolphin aka "Superstar" is being compared with the likes of the "rattler" who currently plays corner back for the Kerry under 21 hurling team. Dolphin of American ancestery could have been a superstar in the States for an NFL or baseball franchise.
