Club History
70 years of GAA football in New York, from junior to senior level
Founded in 1955, Brooklyn Shamrocks GAA is one of New York's oldest and most storied Gaelic football clubs. A GAA-sanctioned club for seven decades, we have been promoting Irish culture and Gaelic games in Brooklyn, building a community that feels like family while competing in junior and senior football across the New York GAA.
Our Story
The Brooklyn Shamrocks were founded in 1955 by Irish immigrants who wanted to maintain their connection to home through the sports they loved. What started as informal kickabouts in local parks grew into an organized club competing at the highest levels in North American GAA.
Gaelic Park in the Bronx became our spiritual home for competitive matches - the historic venue that has hosted New York GAA since 1928. The sight of the elevated train passing by during matches has become an iconic part of our club's story.
Through the decades, Brooklyn Shamrocks has evolved while staying true to our founding mission: bringing the joy of Gaelic games to Brooklyn and welcoming anyone who shares our passion for sport and community.
Timeline
Club Founded
Brooklyn Shamrocks established by Irish immigrants in Brooklyn, initially with strong Kerry influence. The founding members wanted to maintain their connection to home through the sports they loved.
Irish Haven, Sunset Park
Irish Haven in Sunset Park with Brooklyn Shamrocks fixtures displayed in the top left corner. Pictured is Irish Haven founder Frank Lawler behind the taps - a glimpse into the Brooklyn Irish community that supported the club.
Frank Lawler at Irish Haven, Sunset Park, 1967
Junior Final
Brooklyn Shamrocks competed in the Junior Final during the early years of the club, showcasing the growth and competitive spirit of the organization.
Brooklyn Shamrocks Junior Final, 1972
First Annual Dinner Dance
Inaugural Annual Dinner Dance celebration at Bay Ridge Manor, beginning a tradition that continues to this day.
The Early Days
Brooklyn Shamrocks in the late 1970s - a glimpse into the club's formative years as the community grew and Gaelic football took root in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Shamrocks, 1979
Classic Era
The club competed proudly wearing the iconic green jerseys with bold "BROOKLYN" lettering across the chest. A golden era that produced many memorable moments. This team photo features the legendary Pádraic Joyce, who would go on to become one of Galway's greatest ever players and All-Ireland winner.
Brooklyn Shamrocks team photo, 1997 - featuring Pádraic Joyce
Shore Road Days
Brooklyn played home games by the Verrazano Bridge on Shore Road in Bay Ridge - a quintessentially Brooklyn setting for Gaelic football. Featured: Declan McAleer (on the ball), Enda Lally (#14), Bobby Murphy & John Egan.
Brooklyn vs Long Island at Shore Road, Bay Ridge
Brooklyn Boys Shade It
NY GAA Reports coverage of Brooklyn/Long Island's 1-10 to 1-8 victory over Rangers in the intermediate football game at Gaelic Park. Man of the Match: Darren Moore. Featured players included Enda Lally, Declan McAleer, Conor Moore, Denis McGoldrick, and Eoin Delaney.
NY GAA Reports by Eugene Kyne
Brooklyn Shamrocks / Long Island Gaels Partnership
Combined team formed with Long Island Gaels, strengthening both clubs and expanding the reach of Gaelic games in the New York area.
Brooklyn Shamrocks / Long Island Gaels combined team
Junior B Champions
Won the New York Junior B Football Championship - the first championship in the club's modern era, beginning our rise through the divisions.
Junior B Championship winners - our first title
Junior A League Champions
Captured the Junior A League title, continuing our upward trajectory through New York GAA.
Brooklyn Shamrocks team, 2014
Junior A Champions
Won the New York Junior A Football Championship, completing back-to-back successes at Junior A level.
Junior A Championship celebration
Intermediate League Champions
Won the Intermediate League, building momentum toward the championship. That December, the club travelled to Newry, Ireland to play Newry Mitchels in a memorial game honoring Karl Heaney.
Brooklyn Shamrocks vs Newry Mitchels - Karl Heaney Memorial Game, December 2018
Intermediate Champions
Won the New York Intermediate Football Championship, earning promotion to the Senior division.
Intermediate Championship winners
Senior League Champions
Historic first-ever Senior Football League championship. Brooklyn 2-13 defeated Westmeath 1-13 at Gaelic Park under manager Tommy McConvey. Captain Conor Connolly lifted the trophy.
Senior League Champions at Gaelic Park
New York Make History
Seven Brooklyn Shamrocks players and manager featured as New York achieved their first-ever Connacht SFC victory, defeating Leitrim in a dramatic penalty shootout at Gaelic Park. The match finished 0-15 to 0-15 after extra time. Club stalwart Niall Madine scored a crucial penalty, while Michael Cunningham made key saves in goal. Alan Campbell at full back, Bill Maher at wing back, and Shane Bolger and Paddy Boyle also featured for New York in this historic win after 23 previous attempts.
Brooklyn Shamrocks players and manager after the historic win (R-L): Alan Campbell, Niall Madine, Tommy McConvey (Manager), Bill Maher, Shane Bolger, Paddy Boyle, Michael Cunningham
Read full article70th Anniversary
The 47th Annual Dinner Dance celebrates 70 years of Brooklyn Shamrocks - seven decades of Gaelic football excellence in Brooklyn.
Our Homes
Gaelic Park, The Bronx
Our spiritual home for competitive matches. Historic venue that has hosted New York GAA since 1928. The iconic elevated train passing during matches is quintessentially New York GAA.
Randall's Island
Our training base where we develop players of all skill levels. Regular sessions throughout the season from March to September.
The Future
As we celebrate 70 years in 2025, Brooklyn Shamrocks continues to grow, welcoming new members and transfers from GAA clubs worldwide. We remain committed to our founding mission: bringing the joy of Gaelic games to New York.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking to play football in NYC or completely new to GAA, you're welcome at Brooklyn Shamrocks.
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