Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA - History

History

The club was formed in 1935 when Knockavilla, Donaskeigh and Dundrum amalgamated to form the Kickham club. This meeting is believed to have been taken place at the newly built Chaplain’s house at the Convent Cross. The first officers were President - Rev Fr. Michael Quinlan, Chairman – Sean O’Dwyer, Vice-chairman – Paddy Cleary, Secretary – Con McCarthy, Treasurer – Michael Ryan (D).

In that first year the club won the West Senior Hurling Championship and again three years later in 1938. The club won twelve further west senior hurling titles between 1946 and 1960. One player who was a member of all twelve of these winning teams was John Farrell. Between 1943 and 1947 the club also won five minor titles.

After the success of the previous two decades the 1960s saw a decline in the clubs fortunes until 1966 when a west under 21 hurling title was won and retained again in 1967 and the clubs first county title was claimed.

The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of the club as a dominant force in juvenile competition winning many under age titles in both hurling and football.

The late 1980s and 1990s saw this under age work bear fruit when the adult teams won West titles in Minor Hurling 1990-91, 1993, 1994, and 1999. County Intermediate Hurling 1992, U-21 West Hurling 1993, U-21 County Hurling 1994, West Junior Hurling 1987 and 1998. Before reclaiming The West Senior crown in 1997 and 1999.

Football titles were also won in U-21 1991(County). Minor 1992 (County) and 1999, Junior 1992. Intermediate 1993 and 1996 (County). Senior Championship and league 1998.

In the 2000s (decade), the Minor and junior hurlers, Intermediate footballers have brought more titles back to the club.