As we celebrate 100 years of Raheens GAA, we take a moment to look back at one of the most defining days in our club’s history—the 1934 Kildare Senior Football Final replay against Athy, played on Sunday, November 18th.

Though we fell short that day in what was described as one of the finest matches seen in the county in years, Raheens had announced itself as a force in Kildare football. It was a moment of heartbreak, yet also of immense pride, as our players stood toe-to-toe with the reigning champions. It was clear that Raheens was ready to compete at the highest level—and history would prove it.

That team, featuring the likes of J. Murphy, T. Murphy, M. Campbell, and J. Sharpe, laid the foundation for what was to come. In the ninety years that followed, Raheens would go on to win 10 Senior Football Championships, a feat that established our club as one of the greats in Kildare football. The lessons learned that day in 1934—the spirit, determination, and resilience—became the hallmarks of Raheens teams for generations.

The occasion itself was remarkable, drawing one of the largest crowds ever seen at a Gaelic football final in Kildare. Dignitaries in attendance included Col. Ned Broy, Chief Commissioner of the Gardaí and a Rathangan man, who addressed both teams before the game. The presence of Central Council’s Secretary PJ O Keeffe, as well as the match being officiated by Paul Doyle, highlighted the significance of the contest. Adding to the atmosphere, the Ballysannon Pipers provided musical entertainment, making it a day to remember both on and off the field.

Looking back from the vantage point of our centenary, we recognize how far we have come. From the heartbreak of 1934 to the triumphs that followed, from the battles against the best in the county to the lasting legacy we have built—Raheens GAA stands tall as a club rich in history, success, and pride.

As we celebrate 100 years, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us, determination to continue their legacy, and excitement for what the future holds. Here’s to the next century of Raheens GAA!

P.S 

It’s not just the battles on the field that define our history, but also the strong sense of community that has always been at the heart of our club. A perfect example of this is a notice we recently came across from October 1934, advertising the Raheens Annual Dance, held on Sunday, October 28th, in Clongorey School.

Long before nightclubs, DJs, or massive event halls, our club gathered in local venues, where the community came together to celebrate, socialise, and support their team. The Bohemian Dance Band provided the entertainment, and the pricing structure tells its own story of the era—3 & 6 for Gents, 2 & 6 for Ladies, or 5 shillings for a couple. Its interesting to note the price of a pint in 1934 was 11 pence, just shy of a shilling. No dinner was involved, just a night of music, dancing, and club spirit.

The following is a transcript of the Match Day report from the Kildare Observer

Athy, 2-6; Raheens, 1-4.

Not within the memory of most Gaels has such a large crowd of spectators been seen at a Gaelic final as that which attended last Sunday’s match. The drawn game had demonstrated the rise of another youthful team to challenge the supremacy of Athy. It was admitted by all that Raheens had merited the honours in the first encounter with the champions and it was expected that in the replay that Athy would be unable to retain their proud position of being premier team in Co. Kildare. Opinions were at variance as to who should be the final victors and the Raheens followers were quite confident of the abilities of their favourites to reach the final goal; their optimism was not misplaced, for although final honours were not secured, Raheens showed themselves a stalwart team able for forty minutes to hold the Athy team at bay. It was the best match seen in the county for a great many years. Rathangan and Naas on on the previous Sunday had played with vigour and determination but the senior final stood out as a stylish and classy exhibition of the Gaelic code. In the first moiety high class football predominated and although three points divided the contestants at the short whistle, nevertheless, there was no apparent superiority in either team. With the resumption in the second half  intensive work was indulged in by both teams and when Raheens scoring a goal drew level with their opponents all realised that the struggle had entered a phase of intensity determination. Athy backs were a wonderful combination, repelling attacks with perfect judgment. Athy went forward by a point, it was replied to by Raheens with a similar score. Neck to neck both teams ran and the enthusiasm of the followers of either side grew in intensity as time slipped by. Unfortunately fouls committed in the back division of Raheens team gave Athy their oppertunity, and a goal by Mannion nearly shattered the morale of their opponents. Fighting hard to regain their lost position Raheens made heroic efforts to wipe out the deficit, dame fortune did not favour them, on two occasions, goals were only averted by a stroke of luck. The final whistle found Athy winners but exhausted. If credit is due to Athy for the wonderful game they played much more must be given to Raheens for their magnificent attempt  to secure the senior crown. They have no regrets to feel over their exhibition and a little more luck and the records might appear differently. They have achieved in defeat a great triumph they have shown themselves as a finished senior combination and they can with confidence look forward to 1935 season. Malone and Waters dominated the situation. J. Murphy, T. Murphy, M. Campbell and J. Sharpe were outstanding on the Raheens side. Were it not for J. J. Murphy, Matthews, Mulhall, and Fox Athy would not be in the proud position they are today. The exhibition given was a credit to both sides and the many Gaels present from other counties had an exhibition given them of Kildare football at its best.

 

[Photograph of F. Malone]

P. J. O’Keeffe, Secretary Central Council, was an interested spectator and Paul Doyle as referee gave every satisfaction. Col. Broy, Chief Com-
 missioner, Guards – Rathangan man, was introduced to both captains before the match, and addressing the players complimented them on their appearance. He started the game by throwing in the ball. The Ballysannon Pipers gave a selection before the match and during the interval and their services were much appreciated.

We look forward to the match in the “Leinster Leader” Cup between Naas and Raheens, which takes place early in December. Both teams have an about equal points and the winners are most likely to figure in the final of the “Leader” Cup