Shamrocks GFC have come a long way since a group of ex-pats got together back in 1983 and formed what has become one of the most successful clubs on the Brisbane GAA scene.

Also a founding club of the Queensland Gaelic Football Association - they were a force to be reckoned with from inception, winning back to back senior men's league and championships doubles in the inaugural competitions of '84 and '85

Founding members included Johnny Walsh, Jimmy Walsh, John Kelleher, John Convery, Joe Finn, Seamus Brannigan, Dermot Mc Cormack, Arthur Henry, Gerry O Neill, and Nicholas Carpenter. Originally from Ireland all resided in Brisbane's Western suburbs, and hence the club was initially known as "Wests". However in 1990 the club was renamed "Shamrocks GFC" and their current colours of green, white and gold were adapted.

Major achievements for The Shamrocks include four senior championships (men's), six league titles (men's) a ladies championship as well as two championship titles and a league title for the reserve and minor teams. The Shamrocks are also the only club to have won all thirteen trophies available across the divisions! One of their most notable players was All-Star and former All-Ireland champion Owen Mulligan who helped the club to a championship victory back in 2000.

The club proudly promotes Gaelic games in Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs and it takes pride in keeping the national sport of Ireland alive in the southern hemisphere. Many of the Shamrocks players and club members are Australian citizens with a passion for the game that equals that of their Irish compatriots. In 1999 the club elected Harold Peacock as its first Australian born president, a post he would hold for 3 years. Harold went on to become secretary of the QGFA (Queensland Gaelic Football Association) for a further three years.

One of the most historic moments for the Shamrocks and indeed for Gaelic games worldwide came in 2005 when world cup champion, Jacqueline Peacock (Harold's wife) became the first female coach of a men's senior Gaelic football team!! Success was immediate as Shamrocks regained the senior men's league title for the first time in seven years.

Unfortunately the Shamrocks have not been without troubles either. The 2006 season ended in tragedy when beloved team member and top scorer Paul Daly had his life cut short in an accident in Co. Westmeath. It was an emotional blow for the club as was the un-timely death of founding member Nicholas Carpenter. Both men were held in high esteem within the club and the wider Brisbane Irish community. Their memories live on - the senior men's best and fairest award was renamed "The Paul Daly Cup" and the "Hotel Carpenter" logo was placed on the sleeves of the new jerseys. "Hotel Carpenter" is in fact the family home of the late Nicholas and his wife Sally, where the door was always open. Many great nights were had at "Hotel Carpenter" particularly after games! The" Brisbane Shield" was also renamed the" Carpenter Cup" in honour of Nicholas`s long and selfless commitment to the Queensland Gaelic Football and Hurling Association (QGFHA). Nicholas and Sally's son Glenn followed in his father's footsteps and was also club president. He continues to work hard for the club behind the scenes.
The club came close to folding back in 1997 as they struggled to field just even a senior men's team each week. Thankfully in 1998 things were looking brighter when then club president and founding member Gerry O Neill commenced a golden era in the ensuing eight years that would see the Shamrocks win 22 of its current 33 titles.
In more recent times the club and all of the QGFA suffered a major setback when the home of Gaelic football and hurling, Gaelic Park at Willawong, was ravaged by the 2011 Brisbane floods. Both the clubhouse and grounds were submerged in 2.4 meters of water and received significant damage.
Under the leadership of QGFA president Seamus Sullivan, and with the support of the wider community including government funding the clubhouse was refurbished and the association bounced back with games recommencing in mid-2011.

Next week end marks a special occasion for The Shamrocks GFC as they celebrate their 30 year Anniversary. Sally Carpenter, wife of the late Nicholas Carpenter had these words to say: "As a proud Donegal woman (married to a special Meath man until he was called from this world three years ago this month) - I love Gaelic Football and will continue to support the club for the remainder of my days. The lads have worked hard to organise this event so please support your clubs history and celebrate the achievements over the last 30 years on the 13th at Gaelic Park. Make it a night to remember"

The festivities kick off at 6.30, food is served at 7.30 and Music will be provided by the brilliant Murphy's Pigs. For ticket information please contact Billy Rockett on 0403 166 168 or contact us via Facebook.

The club currently train on Thursday nights in Carina under the management of Donegal native, Mick Breslin. For further information about the club or if you would like to join please contact any club member or find us on Facebook @ Shamrocks Gfc. Tweet

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