Waterford IT GAA - History

History

Since its inception Waterford IT's GAA club has gone from strength to strength. In 1981 it consisted of one hurling team playing in Division 3. Today it has sixteen teams competing in twenty-two competitions in the third level education sector. Today the hurling, men’s football, ladies football and Camogie teams all compete at the top level of their respective competitions and have tasted great success down through the years. The club has always strived to provide as many games for as many students as possible, so involving the maximum number of students. This policy has been so successful that teams from Waterford IT have won a total of 71 titles, including: Division 1 Hurling titles, Fitzgibbon Cup trophies, Fresher 1 and Fresher 2 All-Irelands. Ashbourne Cup, Purcell Cups, Division 1 Leagues and numerous men's and Ladies Football titles. In fact since its foundation the club has won at least one major title every year. Recent successes include winning the Fitzgibbon cup in 2003, 2004 and 2006, the Ashbourne cup in 2001, fresher Camogie All-Ireland in 2005, the division 3 ladies football in 2003, the fresher hurling All-Ireland in 2006 and the fresher hurling and Camogie All-Ireland shield in 2007.

Waterford Institute of Technology's GAA Club is now amongst the largest and most successful in the third level sector. It has over 1000 members and continues to grow. It has been a role model for many colleges and without doubt will continue to show leadership in the third level sector. The club intends to continue its proud tradition and to remain one of the country's leading GAA clubs in the third level sector. To mark the 25th anniversary of the GAA Club a book has been written and is due to be launched in October. This is guaranteed to increase the profile of the GAA club in Waterford IT as the book contains contributions from some of the top sports writers and GAA personnel in Ireland. Waterford Institute of Technology has also recently announced a new Sports Scholarship Programme 2007-2008, which will see the number of students on Sports Scholarships in the Institute increase to over 120 in the next four years. The scholarships will be available for the duration of the student’s undergraduate studies (to a maximum of four years) and will range from €3000 to €8000 per scholarship. With the expansion of this new scholarship scheme, will come phase 1 of the new sporting developments at Waterford IT’s West Campus in Carriganore. Starting August 2007, the first phase of the development will comprise the construction of 3 full size sand carpet pitches. ‘ Sport Campus Carriganore’, when completed will set the model for best practice in the area of sport and recreation provision, and will greatly enhance the GAA club in terms of participation, performance and excellence.