1924 was an historic year for GAA activities in the parish. The subject of forming a Club had been discussed many times. Eventually a meeting was held in Christy Connolly’s house in Kilsheelan (now Paddy Walsh’s) and the Club was born. Amongst those who attended were C Connolly, J Coffey, W Cummins , J Strappe, W O’Toole, P Larkin, W Larkin, J Cody, J J Cody, W O’Keeffe, D Burke, M Burke and A Doherty. Jim Coffey was appointed Chairman and Bill O’Keeffe as Secretary. This brought a new wave of interest in our games. The Club had the use of Burke’s field in Cloughcarrigeen for their activities and the team were an instant success on the playing field. Kilsheelan reached the South Final of the Junior Football championship and they played Powerstown in Clonmel. After a gripping contest Kilsheelan won by 1-2 to 1-0. For posterity the line out was as follows:
M Doyle, P Larkin, M Strappe 1-0, W O’Reilly, T Kennedy, W Larkin, J Cullinane, E Butler, J Fleming, J Reilly, J Cahill, M Kehoe, W O’Keeffe 0-1, J Mitten and J O’Keeffe 0-1.
Kilsheelan are credited with winning the County title but some doubts surround this, however, we will have to accept what the record book says.
In 1925 Kilsheelan continued their winning ways. In the Semi Final Kilsheelan defeated Garrymore by 2-4 to 0-3. The Final failed to take place as Young Irelands (Clonmel) could not field a team. Kilsheelan were nominated to represent the South. They played a North selection in Thurles and the game ended in a draw. The replay was fixed for Templemore on the 19th July. A special train ran from Kilsheelan and was filled to capacity with their supporters and they were victorious on a score line of 3-0 to 1-3. The County Final against Mid Tipp in Carrick On Suir also ended in a draw. The replay took place in Fethard with Kilsheelan winning by 1-2 to 1-1.
In 1930 Kilsheelan were becoming a force to be reckoned with, in fact, eight Kilsheelan players lined out with Tipperary in the Munster Minor Football championship. The Club were now affiliated at Senior level. On their way to the County Final they defeated all before them in convincing fashion. The Final took place in Clonmel and holders Mullinahone were the opposition. Kilsheelan’s Tommy O’Keeffe was reckoned to be the best player on the field and his influence played a major part in Kilsheelan’s 3-2 to 0-1 victory. TEAM: M Strappe, M Morrissey, John Kehoe, Thomas O’Keeffe, J O’Keeffe, P O’Sullivan, P Larkin, James Lonergan, Martin Lonergan, John Hunt, James Fleming, William Larkin, M Kehoe and Ed Butler.
1933 again proved to be a highly successful year for the Club. As there were no Senior teams in the other divisions the South championship was fiercely contested. Along the way Kilsheelan defeated Fethard, Grangemockler and Cloneen. Moyle Rovers were their opponents in the Final. The teams marched on to the field behind the Graigue Pipe Band. After a tough uncompromising game Kilsheelan were well worth their victory by 1-3 to 0-1. TEAM: Mick Dempsey, Paddy Larkin, Jimmy Lonergan, Jack Commins, Johnny Hunt, Eddie Lonergan, Bill Purcell, Jerry O’Keeffe, Mick Morrissey, P J Marron, Michael Kehoe, Laurence Kehoe, Michael Lonergan, Dinny Crotty and Johnny Kehoe. SUB: P J O’Sullivan.
During those days hurling was much the poor relation as football was the dominant game. Some years teams were fielded in hurling but with no success. In the intervening years teams were fielded in Junior and Senior Football but achieved no honours.
It should also be noted that the Club was well represented in Tipperary and Munster Railway Cup sides. The high point of 1940 was the opening of a new field at Cloughcarrigeen. The opening ceremony took place before a large attendance including the Mayor of Clonmel. The Club were very grateful to Mr Richard Burke and the officers who were in negotiation with him. Fr Mc Grath gave a wonderful account of the GAA stating it was a proud moment for him. He wound up by saying “Today we begin a new chapter in the Club’s career”.
In 1942 the Junior Football teams exploits was the highlight. They recorded wins over Grangemockler and Commercials. The South Final against Clerihan took place on the 7th October in Clonmel. Kilsheelan were the better side all through and won by 3-2 to 2-1. In the County Semi Final they defeated Moneygall by 4-8 to 1-2. In the Final at Thurles they recorded an easy win over a West selection.
The panel of players: John Harvey, Denis Lonergan, Jack Roche, Jim Finn, Jerry Coffey, Johnny Whelan (Capt.), Jim Butler, Fred Culchin, Denis O’Sullivan, Jack Larkin, Philly Kehoe, Jimmy Cronin, Sean Condon, Bill Butler, Patsy Condon, Ed Gavin and Ned Ormonde.
In order to underline the strength of our Club at that time a Senior Football team was also affiliated.
In 1946 the club won its first ever Minor Football title. They had victories over Fethard, St Patrick’s and defeated Cahir in the Final.
The Club won its first ever Hurling title in 1947 . When Kilsheelan Primary School made the breakthrough with a victory over Crough the team contained many of the stars of the future.
In 1948 they repeated this feat.
In 1950 Kilcash affiliated a team in the Junior Football championship. They played a draw with Carrick Swan and won the replay but were later defeated by Drangan. For Kilsheelan there could not have been a greater contrast in fortunes. In the Junior Football championship they recorded victories over Lisronagh and Commercials. In the Semi Final they defeated Ballyporeen by 2-4 to 0-5. The Final against Drangan took place in Ballypatrick. Kilsheelan snatched victory by 1-5 to 2-1. The County Semi Final against Aherlow took place in Cashel and Kilsheelan won by 1-4 to 1-3. In the Final at Cashel the sides were locked together at 1-4 each. Kilsheelan were awarded a free beyond the 50 yards mark but Percy Larkin was equal to the task and secured victory for Kilsheelan. TEAM: Rody Meehan, Frank Cahill, Billy Coffey, Ed Prendergast, Tom Cahill (Foxy), Paddy Hennessy, Percy Larkin, Jack Roche, Jeb Tobin, Rick Tobin, Philly Kehoe, Paddy Tobin, Tom Cahill, Simon Quinn and Tommy Coffey.
