HURlers

While Fulham Irish first fielded a football team in 2006, it would be another five years before our hurlers took to the field for a first competitive fixture against Clann na Gael in Mitcham on April 3 2011. In that inaugural year, the team reached the Intermediate Hurling Championship Final, losing narrowly to a strong Michael Cusack's side. Nevertheless, they ended the season with silverware – captain Colm Davis lifting both the Ronan and McCullough cups before the year was out.

The team had been set up to cater for the large number of young hurlers who moved to South London during the last recession. While those fresh legs were valuable on the field, the help and support offered by more experienced heads on the sidelines was invaluable in getting the team off the ground. Chief among those were Martin Carroll, Mick Ruby, Patsy Kelly, Tony Duffy, and Ann Brereton (RIP).

In their second year, Fulham Irish claimed the 2012 Intermediate Championship, defeating Granuaile in the final on a score line of 2-7 to 2-6. The panel was drawn from all corners of Ireland but was particularly well served by Gortnahoe-Glengoole in Tipperary who provided four of the starting 15 on that occasion. Man-of-the-Match on the day was Donal Casey from Cork, whose accuracy from frees and eye for goal was vital throughout the championship campaign.

Martin Carroll and Anthony Scullion had worn the Bainisteoir bib for the first two seasons, but in 2013 Mick Ruby assumed managerial duties of the team. Fulham’s maiden appearance in the Senior championship that year ended with a 2-9 to 0-15 draw against a fancied Robert Emmett’s side. Clareman Kevin McHugh netted twice within a minute on his Fulham debut. However, the team failed to capitalise on that promising start, and found themselves competing at Intermediate level again in 2014.

In June 2015, a resurgent Fulham Irish overcame a tough Fr. Murphy’s team to secure a second Ronan Cup triumph. Both sides met later that year in the championship semi-final, knowing that victory would send them up to the Senior ranks. Fulham emerged victorious from that battle on a score line of 0-13 to 0-9. However, they were unable to continue the momentum through to the final and so had the dubious honour of securing promotion without the silverware.

Despite strong showings over the following three years, Fulham’s hurlers failed to add their name to any trophies as they bowed out before the final stage of each competition entered in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The arrival of Fergus McMahon as manager in 2019 provided a renewed impetus to Fulham Irish hurling. His experience and enthusiasm drove the team to strong performances in all competitions, securing their place in the final of the Ronan Cup and later in the Intermediate Championship. Fr. Murphy’s provided stiff opposition throughout the year, and ultimately proved too strong for Fulham in both finals.

As we entered the 2024 season, there was a sense of optimism among the team looking to build on their experience gain from playing senior league in 2023.  The 2024 season did not disappoint with the hurlers reaching the championship and cup final but came up short on both occasions to a strong Fr Murphys side. There was a buzz around the team as the year ended with excitement already building for the 2025 season. We continue to offer a high standard of hurling in London while being the youngest hurling club in London.