The 2026 Division 1 league campaign marked a historic chapter for Father Murphy’s GAA Club, as the hurling team played its first competitive fixtures at the club’s new home grounds at Wasps FC in Acton. A busy July saw the Murphys host all four of their league games at their new venue, where they proved they were more than capable of competing at the highest level of London GAA.
The league campaign began with a tough test against a strong Sean Treacy’s side, one of the favourites for this year’s Senior Championship. The Murphys matched their opponents throughout a fiercely contested first half and trailed by just four points at the interval. Sean Treacy’s found another gear after the break, however, with their clinical goal-scoring proving the difference as they eventually pulled away for the win.
The second league game brought another landmark moment as the Murphys recorded their first-ever victory at their new home, overcoming Robert Emmets in another thrilling encounter. Much like recent meetings between the sides, the game went right down to the wire before the Murphys edged it on a scoreline of 2-18 to 3-14.
It was a superb team performance from start to finish. In defence, Ronan Keane and Aaron Coughlan were outstanding, while Charlie O’Sullivan impressed between the posts. At the other end of the field, Ryan Meyler was in excellent form alongside Cillian Corkery and Michael Burke. With the game hanging in the balance, the Murphys finished strongly, producing some excellent team scores that were clinically finished by Burke and Eoin O’Leary to secure a memorable first home win.
A depleted Murphys side faced last year’s league champions, Brother Pearse, in the third round. Despite missing several players, the team battled bravely throughout. Captain Matt Murphy and Aaron O’Gara led by example as the Murphys finished the game strongly, with the final score reading 3-18 to 2-08.
The fourth and final league fixture came just seven days after their previous outing, with last year’s championship runners-up Kilburn Gaels providing the opposition. The Murphys more than held their own in an entertaining first half that saw the sides trade scores throughout. Aaron Roche and Brogan Campbell impressed in defence, while Alan Griffith and Tom Foley were influential in attack, creating a number of excellent scoring opportunities. The game remained finely balanced until the closing stages, when Kilburn Gaels finished strongly with a series of late scores to claim a 3-14 to 0-13 victory.
The Murphys’ Division 1 status for 2027 will be decided once the remaining league fixtures are completed. Regardless of the final standings, it has been a historic and hugely encouraging month for the club. The team has not only settled into its new home at Wasps FC but has also recorded its first competitive victory there, creating another memorable milestone in the continued growth of Father Murphy’s GAA Club.