HISTORY OF GLEN ROVERS

A cold, Sunday afternoon, in 1953, saw the birth of Glen Rovers Hurling and Football Club in Watford.

The name having been chosen by lucky dip, from names put forward by the people present at that inaugural meeting.

Our first ever game was played against slough and shortly afterwards another game followed against Brother Pearce’s. This game was played in Garston Park. Garston Park then became our first Home Pitch.

Out time at Garston Park was short lived, due to a petition from a local man, who complained to the Council, when a Ball was kicked into his garden. We were forced to leave Garston Park as a result of this petition.

We then moved to Watford Fields where we remained for two years. From here we were again forced by petition to move. On this occasion the petition, was made by The Lords Day Observance Society in protest against playing on the Sabbath. One Sunday a man with a megaphone invaded the pitch during a game. He was however told, in no uncertain terms where to go, and consequently the petition followed.

Following this event and thanks to a wonderful write up and support from the Watford Observer we were granted permission to play at Oxhey Park. This has become our permanent home and where Glen Rovers still play today.

Our first football Championship Game was played at Hackney and our first Hurling Championship game was played at Mitcham Stadium. Both games of which were won.

In 1955, and having been established just two years, Glen Rovers made their mark on Gaelic Games, when they won the London Championship Intermediate Hurling Final.