Founded 1925 following a decision taken at the county convention to sub-divide Kerry into 4 Divisions - North, South, East and West.

The legendary Dick Fitzgerald was the first chairman of the Board, and another legendary figure, Paul Russell, was the first secretary.

Delegates from the following clubs attended the first meeting of the new Board:
Killarney, Currow, Farranfore, Firies, Kenmare, Headford, Kilcummin and Killorglin.

Down through the years, many different clubs from outside of the present boundaries were part of the division stretching from Kenmare to Glenbeigh and in more recent years, Ballymacelligott.

In 1931, Farranfore, Ballymac, Cordal, Scartaglen and Currow broke away from the Division and joined with Castleisland to form the Castleisland District League.

In 1947, Laune Rangers, Castlemaine, Milltown, Tuogh and Glenbeigh broke away with Beaufort to form the Mid Kerry League.

The Board is currently made up of the following 13 clubs: Cordal, Dr. Crokes, Currow, Firies, Fossa, Glenflesk, Gneeveguilla, Kilcummin, Legion, Listry, Rathmore, Scartaglen and Spa.

Cordal, Currow and Scartaglen rejoined the Board in 1971, while Ballymacelligott, who joined in 1972, were the last club to leave the Division.

In 1967, Bord Na N-Og Chiarrai Thoir was set up to look after Juvenile affairs.

In 1982, St. Patrick’s Hurling Club was founded to cater for hurling in the Division.

Earlier this year, Mr. Brendan Walshe, was appointed President of the East Kerry GAA Board. It was due recognition for a man who, as Board Chairman, had presided over GAA affairs in East Kerry for a period close to fifteen years. Born in Headford in 1938, he attended Glenflesk National School, where his mother taught, and furthered his education at St. Brendan’s College before going on to St. Patrick’s T.C. where he trained as a teacher. His first posting was to St. Fergal’s Boys School in Finglas (where Tom Long had preceded him) and he returned to Knockanes N.S. in 1962 where he taught until he was appointed Principal of St. Oliver’s School in Ballycasheen in 1977.

In 1951 as a thirteen year old he was present at the founding of the present Glenflesk GAA club in the old Headford Station House, and on his return to his native parish he immersed himself in the affairs of his local club. “Like many East Kerry teams at that time they were weak” he recalls. He served in many capacities including chairman, and played in goal in the unsuccessful 1965 O’Donoghue Cup final against Dr. Crokes. Also in 1965, he took over as chairman of the E.K. Board in succession to John O’Leary (Ex T.D.) and he readily recalls the problems at that time; “There was a scarcity of fields, games usually started late, pitch inspections and objections took up a lot of our time, and there was very little competition apart from the East Kerry League, the top two playing in the final of the O’Donoghue Cup”.
There were many innovations during his stewardship of the Board including the setting up of Bord na nÓg in 1967, and the “Tops of the Club” talent competition in the late sixties. The O’Donoghue Cup became a knockout competition in 1967 and the Board expanded in 1971 when Cordal, Scartaglen and Currow were admitted this” broadening the competition within the division”.

On the playing fields it was a very successful era for the divisional side, something he recalls with no little pride; “We won the Minor and Senior County Championship double in 1965, and went on to complete the three in a row of titles at senior level in 1970, culminating in the winning of the first All Ireland Club championship title in 1971. We were blessed with great talent most of them were Kerry players at one level or another. We had the talent - all that was required was to harness it.” During his term he unsuccessfully contested the positions of chairman, secretary and vice chairman of the County Board but continued as chairman of the E.K. Board until he handed over to Sean Kelly in 1978. So now as he reflects on this tenure of office has he any regrets? “Just one” he says, “ I never had the pleasure of presenting the O’Donoghue Cup to Glenflesk Football Club, but I did have the satisfaction in recent years of seeing them win six titles which was a great personal thrill for me.” Brendan still follows the games closely both at club and county level, and takes great satisfaction from Glenflesk’s successes in recent years; “I was particularly pleased that Seamus Moynihan and John Crowley brought such honour to the parish and brought the Sam Maguire to the “little valley” of Glenflesk.” What changes has he seen at East Kerry level over the years? “The Board is away more streamlined nowadays, in particular the whole area of publicity with in-depth reporting of our games”.
Brendan retired as principal of Ballycasheen National School just over a year ago and is enjoying his retirement in the company of his wife Mary, daughter Sinead, son Cathal, daughter in law Fiona and grandson Adam.
Long may he continue to do so.