The Friends of Dublin Hurling (FODH) was formed in 2002 by Michael O’Grady, Jimmy Gray and Humphrey Kelleher.
Its purpose emanated from the Blueprint for Dublin Hurling and was to introduce a dedicated hurling culture and project a dynamic image of Dublin Hurling.
Over the past 15 years the FODH has raised over €150,000 in support of Dublin hurling. This money has been principally raised in two ways: membership @ €20.00 per annum and Golf Classics. During that time over 1,000 people have become members and at present we have 400 active members.
Annual expenditure consists of holding an Annual Celebration Night where the Player of the Year in hurling and camogie, Young Player of the Year, Senior and Juvenile Clubs of the Year, Secondary and Primary Schools of the Year and Hall of Fame awards are presented.
Further expenditure is spent on providing buses to away games, donations are made to school, club, county hurling and camogie teams and also a contribution is made to the Underage Elite Coaching Camp.
Over the past number of months FODH has supported Cuala, Dublin North Colleges and DCU Freshers hurling teams. Each of these teams were ultimate winners of the competitions they competed in.
Double All-Ireland Club winner, Dublin and Cuala star David Treacy said “For over 10 years, the Friends of Dublin Hurling have been tireless in their efforts to promote hurling in the Capital at all levels. Be it their support at matches travelling up and down the country or their brilliant fundraising efforts their work is truly appreciated by all the players”
Gareth O’Driscoll, DCU Freshers Hurling Manager and Mentor with St. Fintan’s High School Sutton said “We have benefitted so much from the support that FODH provide to grassroots hurling, they are a fantastic, dynamic group who are truly committed to the promotion of hurling at all levels in Dublin”
In the 30 years between 1972 and 2001 Dublin hurling teams at senior, u21, minor and club level appeared in 17 Leinster finals and just winning 3 titles with no All-Ireland win. However, the start of the new Millennium saw Dublin hurling getting much more competitive and in the 16 years between 2003 and 2018 Dublin hurling teams have amassed a total of 27 titles – 7 All-Irelands, 1 National League, 4 Walsh Cups and 15 Leinster titles.
All-Ireland Club Champions – Cuala – 2017, 2018
All-Ireland Colleges Champions – 2006
All-Ireland Feile na nGael (u14) Div. 1 Champions – 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
National League Champions – 2011
Walsh Cup winners – 2003, 2011, 2013, 2016
Leinster SH Champions – 2013
Leinster Club Champions – 2017, 2018
Leinster u 21 Champions – 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016
Leinster Minor Champions – 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2016
Leinster u17 Champions – 2017
Leinster Colleges Champions – 2007, 2018
All-Ireland Senior semi-finalists – 2011, 2013
This success story can be attributed to a lot of hard work and organisation involving the Dublin County Board, coaches, teachers, clubs and many dedicated players over the years. No doubt the contribution of the Blueprint for Dublin Hurling together with the Friends of Dublin Hurling has played no small part as well.
The FODH are seeking new members @€20.00 per annum and also teams for its Golf Classic in Castlewarden on May 17th, €300 per team of 4 or €100 for a tee-box, to help continue its supportive work in Dublin hurling.
Contact details are;
Phone : Michael O’Grady – 087 2331983 – Humphrey Kelleher- 086 2544328
Email : info@fodh.ie Website: www.fodh.ie Facebook: @fodh.ie Twitter ; @dublinhurling
