Club History

Toronto Gaels Gaelic Football Club was founded on St. Patrick's Day, 1987, when the old club Garryowen's chapter came to a close. For nearly four decades, we have been a home away from home for the Irish community in Toronto. Toronto Gaels have always been about more than football. We are a club built on the belief that sport is one of the most powerful ways to build community. Take a look back at the last 4 decades of Toronto Gaels below.

Founded on St. Patrick's Day

The Toronto Gaels were founded on March 17, 1987. Key figures in the founding of the club included Billy Millar, Billy Gilroy, and Joe Matthews. From the outset the Gaels were competitive, claiming their first championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

1987

The Senior Double

The Toronto Gaels 1994 season was a landmark year, with the club securing the Senior League & Championship double. Captained by Charlie Doorley, the team featured notable players like Mark O'Brien, Deco Kiernan, and Niall Cotter, marking a high point after their formation in 1987.

Charlie Doorley was named Toronto GAA Player of the Year, an honour he would claim again in 2002, making him one of only a handful of players to win it twice.

1994

1997

10th Anniversary Tour to Ireland

To mark a decade of the club, the Gaels embarked on a two-week tour to Ireland, playing against St. John's (Belfast), Derrygonnelly Harps (Fermanagh), and Whitehall Colmcilles (Dublin). The trip was a tribute to the many Belfast, Fermanagh, and Dublin members whose contributions had shaped the club's first ten years.

2007

2008

2009

During a challenging period for the club, the Gaels came close to folding. However, due to the efforts and determination of committee members Paul Deeney, Greg Callan, Shane Watters, Anthony McGuire, and Iain McMahon the club was able to continue. Their work during these years provided the stability needed for future growth.

2010

The club almost folds

2011

2012

Intermediate Champions

The club's resurgence took shape with a Men's Intermediate Championship win, ending an 18-year drought. Enda McCaffrey was named Toronto GAA Intermediate Player of the Year for his contribution to the title winning campaign.