The Parish of Kilsheelan and Kilcash can claim to have some influences on the founding of the GAA and the formation of rules for the game. Before the foundation of the GAA in 1884, it is fairly certain that the games of hurling and football were played in the parish. The games themselves had become very tough and dangerous and were often used as an excuse for faction fighting. Earlier in 1884 a game had been played between the footballers of South Tipperary and Waterford . This game was played in Hurley’s field in Glen, just across the river from Kilsheelan. South Tipperary was represented by Kilcash who were described as a “team of giants”. Wrestling was part of the game at this time and Kilcash were no mean opponents. The Davin brothers were at the game and were disgusted at the rough and tumble affair that they had witnessed. Maurice said to his brother Pat “For Heaven’s sake draft a set of rules for football” thus the seed was sown for the drafting of rules for the games.
The Parish of Kilsheelan and Kilcash were well to the fore in the early days. A team called Kilcash Redoubtables was formed in 1884 and they lasted until 1923. Despite their reputation there is no record of them winning any titles. They used a field in Toor know as High Street for training and matches. During those years disputes were the order of the day during matches and they were often unfinished. Around the turn of the century a team called Kilsheelan Green Isles appeared and they played at a number of venues throughout the parish. In those years the arranging of games was often haphazard for the variety of reasons.
