Honouring our History

Honouring our History

Since 1902

Since 1902

Who We Are

St. James’ Gate FC is one of Irish football’s originals—founded in 1902 as the works team of the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, “The Gate” remains a community-driven club competing in the Leinster Senior League, developing players and volunteers while honoring more than a century of achievement.

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Our Origins at the Gate

The club was formed within the Guinness community at St. James’s Gate, reflecting the brewery’s culture of welfare, recreation and teamwork. Early sides quickly made their mark—lifting the Leinster Senior League and Irish Intermediate Cup in 1909–10, then sweeping four trophies in 1919–20

our past drives our future

Founders of the League of Ireland

In 1921, St. James’ Gate became a founding member of the new League of Ireland—then promptly set the standard. The club won the inaugural league title (1921–22) and completed a historic treble with the FAI Cup and Leinster Senior Cup in the same season. Forward Jack Kelly topped the league scoring charts.

Building the Irish Game

The Gate continued to shape the domestic game between the wars—adding a second FAI Cup (1937–38), the Dublin City Cup (1938–39) and League of Ireland Shields (1935–36, 1940–41). The club’s second League of Ireland championship arrived in 1939–40.

Gate players wore Ireland green on the international stage too. At the 1924 Olympic Games, three Gate men—Paddy Duncan, Michael Farrell and Ernie MacKay—were in the Ireland side; Duncan scored the Republic of Ireland’s first official international goal.

Our Home — Iveagh Grounds

After earlier venues near the Grand Canal, the club moved to the Iveagh Grounds in 1928, which remain the spiritual home of St. James’ Gate FC and a hub for football and community activity on Dublin’s south side.

Modern Eras & Resilience

The club re-entered the senior ranks in 1990 (League of Ireland First Division) and competed until 1996. In 2012, we marked our 110th anniversary with a celebratory tournament. In 2022, faced with severe financial pressure, St. James’ Gate announced an intention to fold—but an extraordinary public response helped the club regroup and continue in the Leinster Senior League setup. The Gate’s resilience and community backing remain defining features of our identity.

Today at The Gate

  • Pathway & Participation: We provide a platform for senior and development players, with a clear pathway from youth to adult football.

  • Coaching & Culture: UEFA-qualified coaches and volunteers foster standards on and off the pitch—reflecting the work ethic that built the club.

  • Community: From matchdays at the Iveagh Grounds to local initiatives, we connect generations who share pride in the Gate’s colours and crest.

Honours (selected)

  • League of Ireland (2): 1921–22, 1939–40

  • FAI Cup (2): 1921–22, 1937–38

  • League of Ireland Shield (2): 1935–36, 1940–41

  • Dublin City Cup (1): 1938–39

  • Leinster Senior Cup (5): 1919–20, 1921–22, 1934–35, 1936–37, 1940–41

  • Leinster Senior League (6): 1909–10, 1911–12, 1914–15, 1919–20, 1987–88, 1988–89

  • Irish/FAI Intermediate titles: multiple, including 1909–10 and 1919–20.

Be Part of the Story

For more than a century, St. James’ Gate FC has welcomed players, coaches, supporters and partners who believe football should be ambitious, inclusive and rooted in place.