Walsh Island has a great sporting history, the Senior Gaelic football team won six county titles in a row from 1976-1981. Many county footballers hail from Walsh Island, local man Willie Bryan was the first Offaly man to captain the Offaly winning All-Ireland team in 1971. Richie and Murt Connor, two former principals of Walsh Island NS are members of the famous footballing Connor family, Richie also captained Offaly to All Ireland fame in 1982. They brought their love of the game and their many skills and talents to the children of Walsh Island. Matt Connor, considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time is also brother to Richie and Murt. This footballing dynasty also included cousins Liam and Tomas Connor all former pupils of Walsh Island NS.
This tradition continues today with Ritchies sons Brian and Rory Connor playing for the current Offaly team and Tomas son of Tomas Connor Senior playing county football for Kildare.
Eamon Mulhall cousin of the Connor clan played county football with Offaly and his son Alan is the goalkeeper for the present team. Alan has worked closely with the children of Walsh Island NS through his role as a coaching and games development officer with Offaly county baord and in conjunction with Cumman na mBunscoil.
With such strong GAA tradition we are very lucky and privledged to be supported by the local GAA club. The children at Walsh Island NS have access to the wonderful sporting facilities at Kilbeg and we really appreciate this and can only hope to emulate the success of our predecessors.
This tradition continues today with Ritchies sons Brian and Rory Connor playing for the current Offaly team and Tomas son of Tomas Connor Senior playing county football for Kildare.
Eamon Mulhall cousin of the Connor clan played county football with Offaly and his son Alan is the goalkeeper for the present team. Alan has worked closely with the children of Walsh Island NS through his role as a coaching and games development officer with Offaly county baord and in conjunction with Cumman na mBunscoil.
With such strong GAA tradition we are very lucky and privledged to be supported by the local GAA club. The children at Walsh Island NS have access to the wonderful sporting facilities at Kilbeg and we really appreciate this and can only hope to emulate the success of our predecessors.
Cumann na mBunscoil Final 22nd May 2019
Cumann na mBunscoil Final on 16th of May 2017
After much hard work and training, we are delighted to be in the school football final against Gael Scoil Edenderry on Tuesday the 17th of May in the county grounds, O'Connor Park in Tullamore. Coach Mr. Carroll is very proud at how the children have performed in this years competition and there is great excitement building within the school community. We would be delighted to have as many supporters there as possible next Tuesday, kick off is at 2.30pm! Hon the Island!!