In the Spring of 1885, a GAA club was formed in Athenry and from humble beginnings teams from the parish have been a powerful force in hurling, football, handball and camogie.
The Athenry De-Wetts were football legends winning three county titles in the early 1900's. Derrydonnell won the county senior hurling title in 1911. Athenry players won the All-Ireland Senior Handball Title in the twenties.In the forties, junior and minor football titles were won and a junior hurling title in 1957.
In 1960 Newcastle were crowned intermediate hurling champions. The seventies were dominated by camogie players winning numerous county titles and an All-Ireland Club Title in 1977.
The club was renamed St. Mary's GAA Club in 1966 following the introduction of the 'Parish Rule'. Success did not come easily but victory in the 1987 county final was memorable.Ten years later, at Croke Park, Athenry were crowned All-Ireland Club Hurling Champions and were back to win titles again in 2000 and 2001.
Reel Back the Years is a year by year record of the GAA in Athenry and other local events.