Kildare: Glen Ryan, Round Towers - Won the county championship following a 35-year drought two years ago under. Glen Ryan was co-captain with Fergus Hopkins. Played their first match in 1888 as St John's and underwent a number of name changes before becoming Round Towers. William `Squires' Gannon was the first club legend, leading the club to the 1927 county title and was as captain of the 1928 team that last brought the Sam Maguire to Kildare (the first time the cup was awarded). Other names from the period include Bill Mangan (granduncle of Glen Ryan) and Tom Kehoe (uncle of county secretary Seamas Aldridge). There was a string of senior county titles in the 1950s. In 1956, Eddie and Paddy Loughlin and Eddie Treacy helped Kildare to their first Leinster title since 1935. Towers also won county titles in 1959 and 1961 and after losing to Clane in 1963, had to wait another 33 years before contesting the county final and another two before Ryan restored the title to the black and amber.
Founded: 1888. Number of county senior titles: 8. Players on current panel: Glen Ryan, Brian Lacey, Derek Maher. Captains of All-Ireland winning teams: William `Squires' Gannon, 1928. Parish base: Kildare town. Population of catchment area: 5,500. Club members: 210.
Galway: Ray Silke, Corofin - Won their third Connacht championship club of the 90s this year. Corofin made their first appearance in an All-Ireland final against Erin's Isle in March, taking the title 0-15 to 0-10. They have also had six minor football titles in a row and a Feile Peile Division A title this decade. Jimmy Duggan was part of the Galway side that last took home the All-Ireland in 1966 and Gerry Burke was a member of the victorious minors in 1976. Located in the football heartland of North Galway, between Tuam and the city, the club has put a strong emphasis on juvenile football, mostly through the work of Frank Morris. The great tradition of family involvement - such as the Burkes, Lardners, and Comers - is again emphasised with Ray and his brother Brian Silke heading to Croke Park on Sunday.
Founded: 1884. Number of senior county titles: 7. Players on current senior panel: Ray Silke, Martin McNamara, Brian Silke. Captains of All-Ireland winning teams: None. Parish base: Corofin/Bellclare. Population of catchment area: 1,500. Club members: 140.
