Search Results for 'Erasmus Smith Foundation'

One of the most enduring of Galway institutions is this band, which has given much pleasure to its own members and countless thousands of the public since it was formed in Forster Street in 1896. The founders were Peter Rabbitt, a Forster Street publican, Michael Spelman, who worked in Moons and Paddy Walsh, the Station Master. It was originally a Fife and Drum band.

In 1924, the Galway Agricultural & Sports Society was formed, a group of visionary people, mostly businessmen from the town, with the aim of providing amenities for the citizens of Galway and environs. They purchased 17 acres of land from the Erasmus Smith Foundation, the owners of the Grammar School. These 22 men, together with five trustees, began to develop the ground to let to various sporting bodies which included greyhound racing, rugby, hurling and football, camogie, ladies hockey, drill displays etc. The first president of this group was CJ Kerin, 1925-1955 and he was followed by John D Whelan, 1955-1964. It was always intended to be a multi-purpose venue and was variously known as the Sportsground, the Sports Field or the Galway Greyhound Stadium.