Match Reports on Kildare’s 1905 All-Ireland Victory

Lecture [Free] and launch of a booklet [€10] of match reports commemorating Kildare's first All-Ireland champions. Full proceeds go to charity.

The 1905 All-Ireland Football Championship was one of the most exciting to take place since the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). After twenty years, football in all four provinces was becoming competitive.

Gaelic games in Kildare had been revived at the turn of the century by Dick Radley. He was ably assisted by Mr J Archer (chairman). Messrs McKenna, Rakin, Fox, and Lacey were also key figures in terms of the thankless administrative work and organisational activities.

The Lillywhites had won the 1903 Leinster title, but would need to deliver something special in 1905. To win the All-Ireland, they would have to defeat Dublin (1902 champions), Offaly, Louth, Cavan (Ulster’s best), and Kerry (1904 champions). This is their story…