St. Finbarr's Gaelic Football Club is one of the oldest and most established sports clubs in Perth, Western Australia. Founded in 1976, the club has played a key role in the development and promotion of Gaelic football in the city. The club's main focus is on Gaelic football, with both a senior men's team and a senior ladies' team.
In recent years, St. Finbarr's GFC has had great success on the field. In 2023, the men's team won the WA League and Championship, while the ladies' team achieved a double win in 2022. The club prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive nature, always seeking to assist new members who may be transitioning to a new country, state, or simply joining a team for the first time.
Whether it's helping with work contacts, accommodation, visa advice, or inviting newcomers to social events, St. Finbarr's is committed to providing support.
Training sessions at St. Finbarr's GFC are known for being fun and enjoyable. The club also organises various social events throughout the year, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community among its members. Those interested in joining the club are encouraged to reach out and make contact.
The club also offers a club app, available for both iOS and Android, which provides further information on the club's activities and events.
The club's training ground is located at Henderson Park, 99 Jersey St, Jolimont, WA 6014. The club has a strong presence on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. St. Finbarr's GFC also offers an online shop for purchasing club merchandise.
St. Finbarr's Gaelic Football Club traces its origins back to County Cork, Ireland, as several founding club members hailed from that region. The decision to name the club after the Cork patron saint, St. Finbarr, reflects this connexion.
The club's distinctive green, white, and gold colours were chosen based on the Irish tricolour. Michael (Mick) Morgan served as the club's first president in 1976, and many other club players and members from that time still reside in Perth today.
Before the establishment of the club in 1976, informal Gaelic football games were played in Perth, particularly on what is now Langley Park and in Nedlands. St. Finbarr's competed against teams like Kalamunda (now known as Morley), Greenwood, Queens Park, and WAIT (now Curtin University) in the early days of Gaelic football in the city. Many St.
Finbarr's players also represented the state at the Australasian games, showcasing their talent and commitment to the sport.
The St. Finbarr's ladies' team was formed in 1994 following a women's exhibition match at the St. Patrick's Day carnival held at Belmont Oval. Alongside the Thornlie Shamrocks (now Western Shamrocks), St.
Finbarr's contributed to the growth and competitiveness of women's Gaelic football in Western Australia. This has allowed the Western Australian ladies' team to compete at a high level in the Australasian games.
Overall, St. Finbarr's Gaelic Football Club is a thriving and historic sports club in Perth, dedicated to the growth and promotion of Gaelic football in the local community. With a rich history, successful teams, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals to get involved and be part of a close-knit sporting community.