The first hint we get that some Gaels in Clonakilty were seriously thinking of introducing the G.A.A. to the town comes in January, 1887. Well, the three gentlemen were either highly disillusioned by what they saw, or got lost on the way home, because nothing whatsoever came of the visit. Local tradition has always held that it was John Sisk, the Cork building contractor, who introduced football to the town when he came with his workmen to build the Catholic church in the 1870's. Stories are told of matches between the local men and Sisk's workmen.
Research shows that belief to be partly true.
It was indeed John Sisk who introduced Gaelic football to the town but at the much later date of 1887. The type of football played in the '70s was a rough and ready type of soccer which bore little relation to Gaelic football. John Sisk was back working in Clonakilty in 1887 and by this time he had become a convert to Gaelic football under the new G.A.A. rules. The sport was witnessed by a large number of spectators, among whom were veterans. The association promises to be a great success in this town and district.