Our mission and commitment at Scoil Uí Chonaill is to continue our proud line of tradition and always strive for competitive success. Just as importantly, we endeavour to support each member, playing or not, with the commitment and loyalty that is so often displayed on the pitch.
— Scoil Uí Chonaill Mission Statement
Who is Scoil Uí Chonaill?
Scoil Uí Chonaill CLG was founded in 1950 by Brother Jim Scully, Principal of O’Connell School, initially to provide Gaelic games for pupils and past pupils of O’Connell School.
Whilst retaining strong ties with O’Connell Primary and Secondary schools, we have evolved into a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted and multi-cultured hub of health, fitness, friendship and support for hundreds of members.
Our Games Promotion Officer and others from the Club work to support the development of Gaelic games in five other north inner city DEIS schools. We also maintain a special bond with Scoil Neasáin in Artane.
Scoil Uí Chonaill epitomises a family club which retains members regardless of their address. The club has established itself as one with an ingrained culture of welcoming all new members, young and old, with many adult players originating from counties outside of Dublin.
What Makes Scoil Different?
While founded out of O’Connells school in the North East Inner City, we are unique in that we are a club which does not operate in the realms of the traditional parish. What others may see as a challenge, we welcome as an opportunity. The club is very proud of our inclusive welcome to all players with our Games Promotions Officers, Aimee, coaching GAA in the heart of Dublin city every day.
Renowned for our open door and warm heart policy, all newcomers – young or old, playing or non-playing – are welcomed and encouraged to be as involved as our longest serving members!
Did You Know?
Our exceptionally unique jerseys of Maroon, Royal Blue and Amber originate from the original O’Connell School colour of red, yellow and blue. Legend has it that when the School established a Rugby team (hence the hoops!) one of the Christian Brothers, on returning from a stint in The Vatican, had a fondness for the colours of the Vatican Guard uniform. Thus, the most unique jersey in Ireland was born!
As our own colours have evolved, we in Scoil have our own interpretation as to what they mean to us:
MAROON
Represents our rich and proud history. Now also a key colour of O’Connell schools, it embodies our link to our heritage and reminds us where we came from. But it also represents the controlled fire in our hearts which has seen us win many battles on the pitch and acts as a warning to any challengers.
AMBER
Represents the warmth and vibrancy in the club. It reminds us of the joy and aliveness that the Club represents and connects us to the playing and enjoyment aspect of the Club on which it was founded.
ROYAL BLUE
Represents both the calm confidence we embody in ourselves and the authoritative security we feel the moment we enter the large gates into our homely enclosed grounds. Blue is an open and seemingly endless colour; as is our acceptance of new members and friends.
That’s the legend, show us the facts!
What Makes Scoil Tick Today?
Today, our Club is a warm and vibrant environment which encourages both an inclusive and supportive culture, as well as an ambitious and goal-orientated mindset.
- We have three Adult Men’s teams which play football in AFL 2, AFL7 and AFL 11, as well as both Intermediate and Junior Championships.
- Our Adult Hurlers play in AHL 2 and AHL8, as well as both Intermediate and Junior Championships.
- Our Adult Ladies team plays in AFL3, Intermediate Championships and Cups.
At Scoil Uí Chonaill we recognise that youth is our future and place enormous emphasis on developing our younger members, starting with our Scoil Hoppers GAA Academy, which take place every Saturday morning from 10am to 11.00am in the club grounds. Our NEIC Nursery takes place every Saturday, 12-1pm in O’Connells school. Our underage teams compete from Under-8 to Under-16 (boys) and Under-10 to Under-16 (girls), after which they graduate to Minor (U-18) level. Click here to learn more.
Our Facilities
Based at 95 Clontarf Road, we enjoy the benefit of large, enclosed private grounds with a fully equipped clubhouse with bar and function room. Our members also enjoy the benefit of newly refurbished changing facilities and state of the art gym for both men and women, as well as a hurling wall.
