We know that the Hercules Club was formed in 1935 and was set up in rented premises on Ormond Quay,Dublin. We know that the founder was an Englishman by the name of George Dale. We have been told that he came from Yorkshire and was a regional wrestling champion. Apparently he took his leave some short years later. That's all we know. George Dale remains a man of mystery.
However, there is no mystery about the club which will be 75 years old in 2010.
The Hercs is unique in that it is owned by the members and run on a democratic basis. All monies accrued eventually make their way towards buying new equipment and maintaining the building. The building is now in Lurgan Street, off North King Street since 1985, after 50 years on Ormond Quay.
By now many thousands have passed through it's doors. It's a little Dublin institution when much of Old Dublin is disappearing.
The achievements of club members in weightlifting, wrestling, powerlifting, bodybuilding, athletics and other sports deserves a chapter in itself, but the following is a list of members who have competed in Olympic Games and is probably not complete.
Tommy Hayden, Weightlifting, (Rome 1960)
Joe Feeney,Wrestling, (Joe's involvement in the club has been mainly on a coaching level).
Martin Hensey, Cycling, (London 1948).
Phil Conway, Paul Quirke, John Menton. (Shot Put)
Declan Hegarty, Roman Lincheild, Pat McGrath.(Hammer Throw)
Nick Sweeney (Discus).
Terry McHugh (Javelin).
John Farrelly,(Bobsleigh at Winter Olympics).
This is possibly the best known club among the weight lifting fraternity in Ireland with a history going back over seventy years. Many National and International Champions have laid the foundations for their success in the hercules club over the years.
The Hercules Club is a non profit making club and is run by members for members. The very substantial membership is now made up of Olympic Weight lifters - Power Lifters - Body builders - Olympic wrestling and athletes from various sports particularly power orientated sports such as sprinters, games players, tug of war etc. Charges for using the club facilities are very reasonable.