The Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of South Australia (formerly the Gaelic Athletic Association)
was formed in 1967. Originally, Gaelic Football and Hurling matches were played on a social basis in the
parklands that surround the city of Adelaide. In 1967, the GAA was formally established and a “home
ground” was obtained at TK Shutter Reserve, Klemzig, approx. 10km northeast of the city of Adelaide.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, matches were also regularly played at Elizabeth, 20km north of Adelaide,
and Christies Beach, 20km South of Adelaide.

During the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, Irish immigration to South Australia was strong which allowed for a good
competition with a large number of supporters. Each year approx. 6 teams competed in the Gaelic Football
and Hurling competitions with around 100-150 participants. Our State was instrumental in establishing
the Gaelic Athletic Association of Australasia in the early 1970’s. Its annual convention is still held in
Adelaide and our state continues to play a significant role in this body. Each year, South Australia
competed in the Australasian Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, and hosted a number of very
successful games.

The mid 80’s saw a steady increase in non-Irish Australian participants of all ethnic backgrounds.

Over time, the Irish community aged and there was less Irish immigration to South Australia due to lack
of job opportunities. Australian Rules football has always been extremely popular in Adelaide, even
amongst our own members, and in 1991 the entry of the first Adelaide team into the Australian Football
League (AFL) occurred. These factors resulted in a decline in both player and spectator numbers, then
when a second team entered the AFL in 1997, our Association was on the brink of collapse. No longer
could we play our games on Sunday afternoons in winter, directly clashing with AFL games being played
in Adelaide or being televised live on TV.

A major restructuring of our organization’s activities was required, and fast.

The major changes that were implemented in 1997 were the move to a summer season and the
introduction of a 7-a-side competition. Other changes included a "pay as you play system" with incentives
to Clubs for providing match officials, and the interchange system, whilst retaining all other playing rules.
The games were played at TK Shutter Reserve at Klemzig on Wednesday and Friday evenings with three
men’s 15-a-side teams and five men’s 7-a-side teams. The Association struggled to attract spectators and
sufficient players, particularly for the 15-a-side competition. However, the 7-a-side competition was
moderately successful and eventually proved the saviour of the Association.

After 30 years at TK Shutter Reserve, the decision was made in 1998 to move all games from Klemzig.
We also decided the only way to grow would be to concentrate on the 7-a-side competition. January 1998
was the beginning of the revival of Gaelic Football in South Australia.

The Association moved all games to Brighton Rugby Club in a beachside suburb approximately 10km
southwest of Adelaide. The excellent bar and clubroom facilities and the ability to play games under-lights
on Friday nights resulted in an influx of new players and teams from other football codes, and with them a
large number of spectators. Many people from the Irish community that we hadn't seen for some time
heard about the revival, were happy with what they saw and became involved again in Gaelic Football.

Seven 7-a-side men’s teams competed in the season from January to March 1999 and, for the first time in
South Australia, women’s Gaelic Football was played each week, thanks to a small but dedicated group of
women.

At around this time we received encouragement and tangible support from the GAA in Croke Park,
Ireland, through Joe McDonough (then President), Pat Daly, Debbie Massey and the players in the Irish
Under 17 and Senior touring squads for the International series. The International Rules games played in
October provided an enormous boost for our Association. The overwhelming interest in the series, which
saw over 47,000 fill Football Park in Adelaide, followed through to our local competition.

The 1999/2000 season began in late October 1999 with seven men’s teams and five women’s teams at
Brighton playing 9-a-side football. Despite having programs set for the early 2000 season, an additional
team was entered into the competition which was expanded to 11-a-side. Games were now being played
on Friday nights and Sunday evenings and membership soared to almost 300, the highest figure in the
33-year history of the Association.

During the time of rebuilding, a number of other changes were made to ensure the future of the
Association. A permanent office area was established in the city at a building for state sporting
associations owned by the South Australian Government. We also now obtain regular funding from the
South Australian Government, most recently $A5,000 for the development of a school’s program, which
saw Gaelic Football introduced to a number of Adelaide schools. We were the first Association in
Australasia to have an official website and we developed a 5-year strategic plan with many targets
achieved in the first 3 years. On the administration side, the Association is strong with a full committee of
unique characters, comprising a vibrant blend of youth and experience.

The Association has continued from strength to strength in 2000. In October, we hosted a very successful
Australasian Championships. The Championships saw the SA senior and minor teams compete for first
time in 5 times and the first ever South Australian ladies Gaelic Football team. The current season has 10
11-a-side men's and 5 11-a-side women's teams. A total of eight games are played each week on Friday
and Sunday nights at Brighton. Both membership and spectator numbers are at their highest levels in the
33-year history of the Association, and things are only going to get better!