The Kerry Community Awards committee recognise and reward the work of the community and voluntary groups that work tirelessly to improve the social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life in our local communities. 

Among the short listed groups for 2025 Spa GAA Club will be represented at The Rose Hotel on Thursday 18th September for the Awards Night event. 

Written by James Cahill Spa GAA

It is with surprise, delight and great humility that Spa GAA club have been nominated as a finalist in the Kerry PPN Community Awards 2025. Spa GAA is a community based organization that has never lacked determination or vision. From it’s humble origins in 1948, that community spirit has prevailed over the decades resulting in a strong, vibrant and expanding club. In the early 50’s players togged out amidst the ferns and under the bushes, around the field perimeter. By 1969 we had dressing rooms of sort, a structure made from plywood shipping cases, re-cycled from the Ford Motor factory in Cork. In 1975 the football field was purchased from Denis O Keefe, following a door to door community funding drive. The first club house and dressing rooms were opened in May 1979 following a huge community effort in the provision of voluntary labour and services. In the early noughties, in response to growing numbers and increased female participation, the need for new facilities became evident. A multi purpose sports hall was developed in 2003. The original clubhouse was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a new sports complex incorporating 4 dressing rooms, reception, meeting rooms, kitchen and dancehall. The facilities were officially opened by then Minister John O Donoghue and Sean Kelly, then President of Cumann Luthchleas Gael on 26th March 2006. Further playing ground was purchased in 2008 and this resulted in the development of Senior and Juvenile playing pitches in 2010. In 2016 a new first floor gymnasium was constructed and commissioned and in 2017 a new handball wall was installed in the main Sports hall. In November 2018 a state of the art floodlighting system was provided for the upper playing field. 2021 saw the development of a fully illuminated 1 km walking track along the perimeter of club grounds. Early 2025 saw the installation of a state of the art Solar Energy micro generation system. These developments are the product of club investment of €1.5 million over a 10 year period, and a proud symbol of the sense of spirit and pride that exists within our community.