History
The current Man O’ War GAA Club was founded in 1946 after a challenge match between Hedgestown and Man O’ War. Both teams struggled to field a full side, so they agreed to join forces. From that point, Man O’ War Gaelic Football Club was born.
In the early years, putting a team together remained a constant challenge. Still, one founding member, Johnny Jones, never gave up. Through setbacks and difficulties, he kept pushing to build a strong and lasting club. His efforts finally paid off in 1954 when Man O’ War won its first trophy—the Nugent Cup in the Fingal Junior League.
Success didn’t come quickly after that. The club waited eleven more years before lifting its next piece of silverware: the Jubilee Cup, won after a victory over Starlights in Ballyboughal. That win brought fresh energy to the club. Juvenile teams were set up, and they soon became the backbone of a winning side.
This new generation of players brought home several titles in the Fingal League. Their biggest achievement came in 1979 when Man O’ War won the Dublin Junior Football Championship. After many close calls in the past, they finally claimed the title by edging out Fingallians in a nail-biting final in Rush—coming from behind to win by a single point.
A New Era of Progress and Pride
During the late ’80s and ’90s, success came in bursts while the team competed in Division 8. Things began to change in the mid-90s when a promising group of juvenile players came through the ranks. Their hard work laid the foundation for the team that went on to win the Parson Cup in 2005, marking a return to Division 7.
The following years brought steady progress. The team moved up through Division 6 and into Division 5, showing they could compete strongly at that level. In May 2007, the lads narrowly lost the Junior ‘B’ Championship Final—but they bounced back brilliantly. Later that year, they lifted both the Division 6 title and the Stacey Cup, followed by the Conlon Cup in 2008.
Our men’s team reached the Championship finals again in 2009 and 2011, falling just short on both occasions. Then came a historic breakthrough.
On Sunday, October 29th, after a 44-year wait, our men’s team brought the Dublin Junior Championship trophy back to the club. They secured a thrilling win over O’Dwyers in the final held in the Naul.
After the final whistle, the celebrations began. The team traveled by convoy from the Naul to the Nags Head, through the Five Roads and Balrothery Village, before reaching the Man O’War clubhouse. Supporters of all ages lined the route, waving flags and welcoming the lads home with cheers and pride.
That evening, players, families, and friends gathered in the clubhouse before heading to the Man O’War Pub to continue the celebrations. Members of the 1979 championship-winning team joined in, with some even slipping on their old jerseys—bringing generations of players together in one unforgettable night.
As music played and stories flowed, the club took time to remember loyal supporters no longer with us. Glasses were raised in their honour, knowing they would have been at the heart of the celebration.
1992 – here come the Girls
We established our Ladies section in 1992, and since then, Ladies Football at Man O’War has grown from strength to strength. Over the years, our teams have proudly brought home league titles, cup victories, and juvenile championships.
A major milestone came in September 2019, when Captain Dearbhla Sheridan lifted the Adult Championship trophy—the first in our club’s history. It was a proud and unforgettable moment for everyone involved in the journey.
In August 2022, we marked 30 years of Ladies Football in true Man O’War style. We began with a community mass, celebrated by Fr. Tom Hogan and Fr. Micheál O’Grady, with music from Angela Morgan’s beautiful choir and participation from our Ladies Footballers. Players from all age groups read the Prayers of the Faithful, making it a special and personal occasion.
Before the commemorative match, our hall filled with conversation and memories as past and present members gathered over refreshments. A photo gallery showcasing more than 30 years of history brought plenty of smiles and laughter.
Later, a huge crowd made their way to the Man O’War Pub to continue the celebration. It was a night full of joy, stories, and community spirit. During the event, the team honoured Bernice Jones Moore with gifts to recognise her 30 years of dedication to Ladies Football at the club.
Dermot Sheridan (Treasurer) and Pat Moore (Vice-Chairperson) delivered heartfelt speeches, thanking everyone who continues to give their time, energy, and passion to the development of Ladies Football at Man O’War.
Building for the Future
In 2008, Man O’War GFC began an ambitious development project to enhance our club facilities. We added a second full-sized grass pitch and installed full floodlighting, making year-round training possible for all teams.
By August 2015, we officially opened our modern clubhouse, which includes a spacious hall, four changing rooms, and several meeting rooms to support club activities and community events.
Between 2020 and 2024, we continued to invest in the club’s future. We completed a walkway around both playing pitches, open to members and the wider community for walking and exercise.
On the first floor of the clubhouse, we now proudly offer a state-of-the-art gym and fitness area, fully equipped to support player development, rehabilitation, and overall wellness.
Our club Crest
Ever wonder what our club crest is? How it became and who designed it. Its a great story. Read on to learn more!