25 Years of Pride, Perseverance & Passion: Clan na Gael Celebrates a Milestone
This year, Clan na Gael Ladies Gaelic Football Club marks a milestone that few clubs in the U.S. can claim: 25 years of grit, growth, and Gaelic football. What began in 2000 as a bold new chapter for women’s football in San Francisco has blossomed into one of the Bay Area’s most enduring and dynamic clubs.
From Golden Gate to a New Beginning
Clan na Gael emerged from the ashes of Golden Gate Ladies – one of San Francisco’s very first ladies teams – which folded in 1999. But the story didn’t end there. A passionate group of players refused to give up the sport they loved. Led by AnneMarie Burns (Tyrone), Una Bailey (Cork), Rosie Kingston (Cork), Trish Crowe (Dublin), Linda Walsh (Dublin), Patty Ryan (San Francisco), Linda Ryan (San Francisco), Sinead Cosgrove (Cavan), and Orla McSweeney (Dublin), the team reformed with a new name, new colors, and new determination to keep ladies Gaelic football alive and thriving in the City by the Bay.
Laying the Foundations
Like any young club, the early years were marked by hustle, recruitment, and grassroots energy. With a strong home-based foundation and new recruits from Ireland and around the world, Clan slowly built momentum. In 2003, they reached the San Francisco finals for the first time. By 2004, they had their first trophy – the San Francisco Junior Cup – and made their USGAA Finals debut in Denver.
Two years later, Clan Na Gael clinched the Western Division Title in 2006, blending local talent with J1 summer players to build a strong panel. The next big challenge came in 2009, when the club moved up to the newly formed Intermediate Division – a step up that tested their depth and determination. In 2010, they conquered that test, claiming the Western Divisional Championship once again.
A Club of Champions
The 2010s saw Clan na Gael continue to rise. In 2011, they proudly brought home their first North American Championship title. Since then, the club has made regular appearances at the USGAA Finals, competing at both junior and intermediate levels. Narrow misses in Cleveland (2013) and Chicago (2015) only fueled the club’s drive.
“What makes Clan na Gael so special isn’t just the medals or milestones – it’s the way we show up for each other. On and off the pitch, we’re a family. That spirit is what’s carried us for 25 years, and it’s what will carry us into the next 25.”
In 2017, Clan won the Junior B Cup on home turf in San Francisco. And in 2022, they added another feather to their cap by capturing the Junior A Cup in Chicago.
Last season was one for the history books. The home-based team captured the Aoife Mc Conn Cup – a deeply emotional victory in a cup named for the late daughter of founding member Linda Ryan. To top it off, Clan fielded two teams at the 2023 USGAA Finals, with the Intermediate squad bringing home their first-ever Intermediate Cup, right here in San Francisco.
25 Years On: A Club That Feels Like Home
Today, Clan na Gael is as strong and close-knit as ever. Their legacy is built not just on wins, but on welcoming players of all backgrounds – from seasoned Irish footballers to local recruits learning the sport for the first time. Many of their current players started as part of SF Youth GAA, growing through the ranks into dedicated adult athletes.
Every summer, the club is reinvigorated by J1 players who bring fresh energy and fierce competition. But it’s the home-based players – those who commit year-round, who coach, fundraise, and promote the sport throughout the Bay Area – who form the beating heart of the club.
Clan’s ethos is simple: work hard, play harder. Win or lose, you'll find the Clan girls sharing laughs, songs, and pints together – on the pitch, at training, or in the pub.
Looking Ahead
As they celebrate 25 years, Clan na Gael remains committed to growing the game, supporting each other, and representing San Francisco with pride. Their eyes are firmly fixed on another North American Cup – but regardless of what happens on the scoreboard, this is a club that always comes out on top where it matters most: community, commitment, and camaraderie.
Happy 25th Anniversary, Clan na Gael – here’s to the next 25!
