Cloneen has the distinction of being Kilkenny’s youngest GAA club – having been formed on February 22, 1984 - during the Association’s Centenary Year. Cloneen HC, which is based in Clogh, became the younger sister club to the long-established Railyard Gaelic Football Club, whose headquarters are in Moneenroe.
In the 28 years of its existence the north county club has made steady progress and can now boast a beautiful new clubhouse in Clogh.

In 1984 Cloneen entered the Kilkenny Junior B hurling championship, losing all games but one, gaining their first league point with a draw against Tullaroan in Freshford.
In 1985 things got slightly better for Cloneen as they won one game against Graigue-Ballycallan and the upward progression continued in ’86 with two victories and two draws.
The first county championship came the club’s way in 1987 when they won the county B junior final with victory over John Lockes of Callan and in ’88 the A title was annexed when Glenmore was defeated after a replay.
That 1988 final was notable for the fact that it brought the biggest recorded gate for this level of competition to Nowlan Park.
In 1989 Cloneen reached the Northern Junior hurling final, losing to St. Lachtain’s, Freshford.
The 1990’s was not a very successful period for the club at adult level, with the unfavourable economic climate of the day forcing a few of the club’s best players to emigrate.
It was at this time that work began on underage development within the club and there was success for Cloneen as the Roinn C titles were won at Under-14, minor and Under-21 levels.