The club was formed at the start of the 1990/91 season. Eamon Douglas, a lad from Ballymun was the founder member of the club. He placed an advert in the old Dublin Evening Press, looking for fellow Hammers fans interested in forming a supporters club.

The first ever Dublin Hammers meeting was held in 'The Fleet' public house on Abbey St. Seven people attended that first meeting, and from these lowly beginnings the club was born! Gary Purdy and Robbie Carpenter, still keen members today, were among those first seven members.

The second meeting was held at the 'Plough' (also in Abbey St.), and it was there that 'yours truly' (Liam McDonagh - dh Secretary) first joined the club. Memories are somewhat faded, but around 15 people attended this meeting, and it was decided that a committee should be formed.

The club then decided that it should run its first trip to Upton Park, and deposits were duly taken. Eamon Douglas, who was organising the trip, never showed up after that, and 'to this day' has never been seen since? However without his initial interest the club might never have been formed!

Vincent Jackson took over the reigns, including running the first club trip. Jackson, himself an East London lad, provided invaluable experience during the early stages of the club. A total of 8 people went on that first trip to see West Ham play Everton, a game the Hammers lost 2.0, however it was memorable for the fact that there was a pitch invasion in protest of the infamous "Bond Scheme' and the kick-off was held up. Pat McNamara and myself were on this first trip.

I had been travelling to Upton Park by myself for 10 years, and to go with a group of lads, however small, was brilliant! Pat McNamara went on to become Travel Secretary and did a great job! The following season, despite West Ham being relegated to the old second division the club took 33 of its members to the home game against Newcastle.

The team and the club have had some ups and downs in the intervening years. The venue for meetings has changed a few times, after 'The Plough' we spent a few good years in 'The Clarendon Inn'. We also held meetings in 'The Halfpenny Bridge Inn', 'The Bankers' in Trinity St. and we are currently meeting upstairs at 'Brannigans' of Cathedral St. (formerly 'The Goalpost').

Season 2000-2001 saw West Ham United coming to Dublin for a pre-season friendly against St. Pats. As well as seeing the Hammer's win (1-0, Sinclair scoring from a penalty), the highlight of the weekend was a visit to the club from (then) West Ham manager Harry Redknapp. Harry spent a couple of hours in the pub with us, telling stories and answering questions about West Ham United. He was very entertaining, and that afternoon will stick in the memory of club members for years to come!

Since it was set up the Dublin Hammers committee has done some tremendous work involving a range of activities, Dessie Doyle runs the 'Spot the Ball' competitions, John O'Leary organises the 'End of Season' draw, Anto Fortune does great work in organising our 'Quiz Nights'. We also have a new Chairman, Kenny Moran, he replaces Eddie Cox, both longstanding members and finally (to curtail the namedropping) I must mention Charlie O'Reilly, to me the most vital cog in the wheel, not only does he handle the club funds, he also shifts large amounts of Dublin Hammers merchandise. But it is his communications with Adrienne at the West Ham United ticket office that has proved to be really invaluable.

The club is growing all the time, current membership stands at 45.
New members, as well as new ideas are always welcome!

Yours in Sport, Liam McDonagh