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.jpg) The Story So Far
The history of Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney, as probably suggested by the name, is the result of an a malgamation between two local clubs Arklow Geraldines and Bally money. As you will see from the history of both clubs each had it's own successes at various stages, but the time had come when, in the interest of GAA in Arklow, a merging of clubs was necessary.
Ballymoney GAA Club
Ballymoney GAA dates back to 1906. It's name derived from a small townland North of Arklow town. Early statistics are scarce, but it is believed the club survived until 1932.
Ballymoney was reformed in 1942 but had to wait until the "fifties" to experience real success on the playing fields. They achieved a famous "3 in a row", between 1955 and 1957, in the South Wicklow Junior Hurling and Football Leagues. In between they won the 1955 Junior B Championship. Despite their successes the club disbanded again in 1962 and twelve years elapsed before the club would be reformed for the second time on 27th November 1974.
 Once again success followed and the club finally broke from the ranks of Junior to achieve Intermediate status in 1980. This also coincided with the acquisition of a new pitch at Shelton. In 1981 they won the Intermediate county final and attained Senior status, a remarkable achievement in just 7 years since it's reformation. The club was also making great headway in Juvenile competitions winning numerous trophies at all levels. 1994 was another wonderful year for Ballymoney winning the treble of Junior A Championship, League and Swan Cup. This is just a brief history of a wonderful club and it's numerous achievements despite being twice disbanded and rising from the ashes each time to go on to bigger and better things.
Arklow Geraldines GAA
The first meeting of Arklow Geraldines was held on March 26th 1940, a time when Gaelic games had reached a low ebb in the town. Founder members at that historic meeting included former greats Billy Byrne, Pat Kinsella, Bill Neill, Joe New, Mick and Sean Boucher
 The following year, 1941, they won a Junior Championship. In 1942 they won the Junior hurling cha mpionship beating Ashford in a replay. In 1947 Arklow Geraldines reached the Inter mediate football final only to be beaten. However, they did win the Junior hurling cha mpionship that year. Arklow made a bold bid for the Senior football title in 1963 but suffered defeat at the hands of Baltinglass in a thrilling final at Aughrim. Two years later, in 1965, they reached the Senior hurling final and were unlucky to lose out to Carnew.
Despite winning 21 championships in as many years prior to 1969 in various grades they have never won that elusive Senior title. For many years they dominated all competitions at under age but have failed to reap the rewards at adult level. |
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