St Brendan's
GAA Manchester
St Brendan's stick the heat to win Pennine League Division 1
ST BRENDAN'S 3-11 JOHN MITCHELS 1-11 | Pennine League Final | 10th June 2018
The Senior team had a good win against rivals John Mitchels of Liverpool to annex the Pennine League Division 1 title for 2018. For a game played in blistering heat both teams showed a good level of conditioning, but it was the introduction of fresh legs at key times that helps the Saints get over the line in a game between two very evenly matched teams.
The contest ebbed and flowed for the opening quarter and John Mitchels opened the scoring after 5 minutes through Darren Russell, the Kerry man curling over a typically stylish effort. This was quickly followed up by a Padraig Slane point. In response St Brendan’s opening score came from Paddy McCoy following good support play by Chris Mullen. As the game progressed new signings Dan McLaughlin and Sean Keenan showed their ability in defence and attack respectively.
The first major of the day came from full forward Colm Conway who powered through to notch a customary goal, not long after the same player was brought down for a penalty which Keenan duly converted to leave the score Brendans 2-2 Mitchels 0-2. As the clock ticked towards half time the teams exchanged scores to leave it Brendan’s 2-5 Mitchels 0-5 at the short whistle.
Whatever was said to the Liverpool lads at half time certainly had an effect, they registered the first scores of the second half inside 5 minutes with a point and well taken goal from new midfielder Peader McCarthy, score Brendan’s 2-5 Mitchels 1-6. In spite of the setback the Manchester lads stuck to their task and when cool heads were needed experienced duo Paddy Murphy and John Gibney settled the team down with important contributions in defence and attack. Both teams exchanged points for a time as the play went from end to end without much regard for tactics, both teams were content to run the ball forward at pace with Cormac Crowe of Mitchels and Paddy McCoy of Brendan’s a constant threat to the opposition defence.
As the final quarter approached Sands and Mullen began to take control around the middle, and with the introduction of David Sirle, Tom Grady and Sean Doyle, St Brendan’s had just enough in the tank to score a vital goal again through Keenan, ably assisted by Tom Grady who offered a more direct threat in the full forward line. This put Brendan’s 3-7 to 1-8 up and the lads didn’t look back. Mitchels found time to notch 3 more scores but Brendan’s now with a lead to protect were able to score on the break as Colm Conway and Tom Grady rounded off a good team performance to secure the first Senior silverware of the Lancashire season.
As tends to be the case during the season for a variety of reasons both teams were missing a number of A list players, Mitchels will add another dimension through the return of Niall McCartan and Michael Molloy, while Brendan’s will hope to call upon the talents of Aaron Murtagh and Lancashire hurling captain Greg Jacob in the coming weeks after the small matter of a visit to Croke Park for the Lory Meagher Final.
Kerry too tough for brave Lancashire in All-Ireland JFC semi-final
LANCASHIRE 3-10 KERRY 4-17 | All-Ireland Junior Football Championship Semi-Final | 23rd July 2016
KERRY turned on the gas in the second-half to ruthlessly crush the best efforts of the Red Roses of Lancashire and set up an All-Ireland final against Mayo next month. A valiant effort from the hosts in the first-half where they went in level at the break, signalled a potential victory; but within the first five minutes of the second-half the writing was on the wall for the British champions.
Kerry’s fitness and match sharpness was evident for all to see as they overran the Saffrons to pummel three goals in the space of eight minutes to coast home in the end. Old Bedians was looking splendid in the warm summer sunshine and a piper led the two groups of players past the well-marshalled Manchester ground as 400 spectators waited in expectancy for the game to begin.
Michael Higgins opened the scoring for Lancashire when he split the posts with the outside of the boot after three minutes, but Kerry notched over the next three points courtesy of their potent full-forward line of Sean O’Conchuior, Kieran Hurley and Niall O’Shea. The trio would amass a total of 2-12 between them and were the main difference between the teams.
Comparing the full-forward lines was like chalk and cheese. When the ball was let into the Lancashire full-forward line, it easily came straight back out; the Kerry full-forward however, was likened to a horseshoe magnet: the ball was attracted to them. Then a Kerryman struck a goal, but this time he was wearing a Lancashire jersey. Darren Russell, who hails from Asdee, managed to pounce on the ball when it struck the upright, to give the Saffrons the lead.
This was followed up with a point from the marauding Pauric McGuirk as Lancashire’s tails were very much up. Kerry were welcoming Lancashire onto them and were simply absorbing the pressure, but when they broke, they did so at speed and precision.
Enter Hurley. He was giving McTaggert a torrid time and his next two points were simply breathtaking as he got out in front of the Louth man, turned and fired over.
Colm Conway for Lancashire and then an O’Shea free-kick followed up Hurley’s heroics to leave Kerry one point behind before Tyrone’s Ciaran Harper stretched the lead back to two points with a free.
Kerry would then outscore Lancashire by three points to one for the remainder of the half, the pick of these being an O’Conchuir effort which ricocheted off the crossbar, leaving the score Lancashire 1-6 to Kerry’s 0-9 at the break.
This was an encouraging half from the British champions, they were going toe-to-toe with their more illustrious opponents and they had a chance of an upset as the second-half began. In comparison, Kerry manager Stephen Wallace was not happy. He cut a frustrated figure along the sideline for much of the opening half and his rage was taken out on an unlucky trio of players as they were made to leave the fray at the break.
The substitutions seemed to do the trick, as the players who came on impressed, as well as sending a firecracker up the backsides of the rest of the team.
Within the space of five minutes they had registered 1-3. The Kingdom had come. The deadly O’Conchuir hit the first two points, the first being a monster effort from long range, while the second was a free-kick from close range.
This was followed up by the rampaging John O’Connor, before Kevin O’Sullivan smashed the ball into the net to stretch the gap to six points. Lancashire had barley time to breathe such was the speed of the Kerry attacks. Ironically, Lancashire’s first attack of the second-half resulted in a goal when a great run by Stephen Sands led to Gerard McCaughey rifling the ball past Darragh O’Se in the Kerry goal.
While the partisan crowd thought that Lancashire were back in the game, their dreams were blown away in ruthless fashion; the Kerry fashion. They hit three goals in succession to seal the game. First, Hurley found the net to cap an excellent move; secondly, O’Shea goaled a rebound after the ball hit the post and then wingback Robert Wharton got on the end of a flowing move to fire home.
By this stage the score read Lancashire 2-6 to 4-12 and it was all over with 12 minutes remaining. A catalyst for these goals was the impressive Adrian Spillane in midfield. He is not overly big for a midfielder, but his sheer athleticism was a joy to watch as he soared through the sky like a falcon to secure possession. Kerry rattled over five points to finish up, not before a second goal for McCaughey gave Lancashire some credit to leave the final score Lancashire 3-10 to Kerry’s 4-17.
The Kerry Juniors were much like their Senior counterparts in the second-half. Their quick speed of thought and delightful foot-passing could not be thwarted by a tired Lancashire team. Kerry had to start a new team from scratch this year. They won the All-Ireland Junior last year and the same players cannot take part if they have had previously won it, add to the fact that 10 of the players are just 20 years of age; it is a remarkable achievement.
Lancashire, on the other hand, were in bonus territory. They had deservedly claimed the All-Britain crown and anything after that was a welcome addition. They can look back on a successful season as the inter-county football in Britain takes a break.
GAME AT A GLANCE
Man of the Match: Adrian Spillane (Kerry)
Anyone in the Kerry full-forward line could have secured this award, such was their possession-holding and score-taking capabilities. The award however goes to Adrian Spillane. Spillane is truly an athlete. He ran from start to finish and linked up play as Kerry became more dominant in the second-half and was very much like Donnchadh Walsh.
TEAMS & SCORERS
Lancashire: M Donnelly; C Owen, D McTaggert, M Collins; M Higgins (0-1), P McGuirk (0-1), G Morris; S Sands (0-3), N Donnelly; M Comney, G McCaughey (2-0), C Mullen; D Russell (1-1), C Conway (0-1), C Harper (0-2, 1f). Subs: D O’Malley (0-1) for CHarper (HT), R Devlin for M Collins (43 mins), D O’Neill for C Mullen (43 mins), J O’Hagan for N Donnelly (48 mins), P Murphy for C Conway, P Murphy for D Russell (55 mins).
Kerry: D O’Se; F Clifford (0-2), J Foley, C O Luing; L Bastible, A Barry, R Wharton (1-0); A Spillane, M O’Donnell; B O’Seanachain, K O’Sullivan (1-0), D Foran (0-1); S Conchuir (0-6, 2f), K Hurley (1-4), N O’Shea (1-2, 1f). Subs: J C. O’Connor (0-1) for M O’Donnell, P Clifford for L Bastible, L O’Donoghue for D Foran (all HT); P O’Donoghue for K O’Sullivan (50 mins), Dara Roche (0-1) for A Spillane (53 mins) D O’Shea for R Wharton (55 mins).
St Brendan's GAA Manchester secure new home for 2015
The club have secured new facilities for the 2015 season. St. Brendan's will be playing and training at Trafford MV RFC in Sale. The committee have been working hard on this new development and this will bring fresh benefits for both players and members of the club.
This latest development will give our players and visiting teams a new pitch, changing facilities, car parking, floodlights and also social amenities such as a bar and kitchen to use at our own convenience.
The club hopes that links with Trafford MV and the new secure premises will aid in building our underage structure again. St. Brendan's would like to thank in particular Sean Mc Mahon for all his hard work and also Trafford MV for being welcoming and showing us their continued support.
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/traffordmv
The annual dinner dance takes places this Saturday 7th February at St. Kent's Social Club, Fallowfield. For any last minute tickets please contact our chairman Shane Walsh, tickets are £25 each. We welcome Sean Hackett from St. Lawrence's as our special guest, who was recently elected President of the GAA in Britain.
The club would like to wish John Mitchel's, Liverpool good luck for their All Ireland Club Junior football Final after beating Westmeath's Moate All Whites. They now play Kerry club Brosna on 14th February.
And we would also like to wish Fullen Gaels good luck for their All Ireland Junior club Hurling Final after they beat Castleblayney. They now play Bennettsbridge from Kilkenny on 15th February. We wish our own senior player Greg Jacob all the very best for that final.
There is a referee's course taking place on Saturday 7th in Manchester. For anyone who would like to go please contact Lancashire CDA Andrew Kane on 07872600082.
It was great to see former Brendan's player Luke Howard back playing for Down in their late dramatic win against Kildare in NFL Division 2. We wish Luke well in his new role as vice-captain and for the rest of the season.
The club is always welcoming new players to the club for both the ladies and men's teams. If you are in the Manchester area or the North West and would like to join the club you are more than welcome to get in touch!
Ladies Football: Aisling Burke 07960861364
Men's Football: Shane Walsh 07586785703
With the location of the new facilities we are more accessible now, just off the M60 J7. The new address is Finny Bank Road, Sale M33 6LR
For more club info browse our website: www.stbrendansgaa.co.uk
St Brendans Manchester GAA notes
01 July 2014
Senior
The senior team have had a break in June because of the Lancashire County team being in action. Unfortunately, this year Lancashire couldn't make it 5 in a row as AB Champions as they got beaten by Kilkenny. We thank those St. Brendan's players and management who gave up their time to support the County. The Lancashire team will no doubt be back stronger next year.
On Monday (30th June) the senior team were narrowly beaten by St. Peter's at Hough End in the PL. It was an open and competitive game, fair play to both sides who gave it everything in the warm conditions. Peter's just managed to pull away in the last ten minutes, winning by a margin of 4 points. The Final Score was 1-19 to 0-18.
Senior Pennine League Games Remaining:
6th July - CC's in Leeds @ Beeston 1pm
13th July - St Benedict's @ Beeston 1pm
27th July -John Mitchel's @ Greenbank 1pm
3rd Aug - Semi Finals
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI: 14/09/14
Junior
The junior team played St. Mary's in the junior league on Wed 18th June; a strong junior team took full advantage of the young and inexperienced St. Mary's lads. Final score was 8-17 to 0-01. The junior team were awarded a walk over against EVG from Isle of Man on 21st June, as the boat was not running due to maintenance repairs.
With injuries mounting in the squad, Brendan's awarded WT's a walkover in the junior league on Sun 29th. Junior games remaining:
2nd July - Oisin's @ Hough End 7.30pm
JM's & Peter's TBC
11th July - Junior League Semi Final
Junior Championship - 23rd July (R1) and 6th August (Q/F)
Men's Training
Training continues next Tuesday 8th July at Hough End beginning at 7pm sharp.
Underage
Following an important underage meeting, the club have decided to start underage training on Saturday 12th July at Broughton Park Rugby Club at 3pm.
We would encourage everyone at the club to get behind this, so if you are a parent or past member / player please get in contact if you want your kids to get involved. For more information regarding our underage, please contact:
Chairman - Shane Walsh 07586785703 or shane-walsh82@hotmail.co.uk
Secretary - Jonny Plant 07783391152
Club Draw
Congratulations to our recent winners:
May - Lee Gavin
June - Anne Caffey
Facebook - St Brendan GAA, Manchester
Twitter - @stbrendansgaa
Website - www.stbrendansgaa.co.uk
09 January 2014
Happy New Year to all!
Dinner Dance
Our dinner dance will take place in St. Kent's Fallowfield on Saturday 8th February starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25 which includes a 3 course meal and entertainment provided by JIB. Tickets are now on sale - Please contact Jonny Plant on 07783391152 ASAP as there are a limited amount of tickets.
Club Meeting
In preparation for our dinner dance the next club meeting will take place on Monday 13th January at St. Kent's beginning at 8pm.
Underage
Our committee is currently looking for volunteers to come forward to help out with the development of our underage.
So we are looking for past members and players to come forward and give up 1 hour a week to help re build our underage structure. Parents whose kids are being coached locally in our schools are also more than welcome to get in touch - Many hands make light work!
St. Brendan's have traditionally produced winning juvenile teams throughout our history and the club has won many honours. Parents should consider St. Brendan's for their children as we have proven over the years we can provide football and skills development for kids.
Last year, when our senior team reached the Senior Championship final we had 8 players out of our 15 starting team come through our underage structure, a great record for youth development at any GAA club in England.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved please get in touch with our chairman Shane Walsh on 07586785703
New Players - Men
St. Brendan's GAA provides 2 men's teams in Lancashire, a senior and junior team respectively. The club usually train twice a week with games mostly played at the weekends.
Currently, the club have a great squad with a combination of home grown players and players from Ireland who won the Lancashire Senior League in 2013. All new players are made to feel very welcome regardless of their ability.
The club are beginning preparations for the 2014 season, so if you are located in Manchester or thinking of moving here and interested in playing competitive Gaelic Football you are welcome to get in touch. You can call our Chairman Shane Walsh on 07586785703 or our Senior Team Manager Jonny Plant on 07783391152.
New Players - Ladies
2014 sees a new exciting chapter in the clubs history with the ladies starting a new football team for the coming season. The girls have already been successful in signing players, securing a new sponsor and had a successful fundraiser.
Any ladies who would like to join the new team whether you are a beginner or experienced, please contact Aisling Burke on 07960861364.
For more club info browse our website: www.stbrendansgaa.co.uk
St Brendan’s Manchester November Notes
Football Update
Unfortunately, the senior team were beaten in a closely contested Lancashire Senior Championship Final by 2 points by John Mitchel’s last month. It’s always disappointing losing a final but the club can be proud of winning the senior league this year, a first in 10 years. I am sure the current squad will use the disappointment and experience from the championship and bounce back stronger in 2014.
The club would like to thank all the players and management involved for their commitment in 2013.
We wish John Mitchel’s all the very best in their All Britain Final this Sunday against Dunedin Connolly’s from Scotland.
The club would like to congratulate senior player Greg Jacobs on winning the AB Hurling Championship with Fullen Gaels.
AGM
The AGM will take place in the Marion Room at St. Kent’s on Sunday 1st December at 5pm. All members, players, parents are all invited to attend. Anyone who would like to get involved please contact the current Chairman Brian Johnston. As the club continues to grow stronger, more help will be needed especially with the underage in 2014.
Dinner Dance
The annual dinner dance will take place again in St. Kent’s Fallowfield on Saturday 8th February 2014 starting at 7.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by JIB and tickets are priced at £25, fantastic value for an excellent 3 course meal and a great night’s craic. The senior team will be presented with their senior league medals on the night.
Player’s Christmas Party
The annual player’s Christmas party will begin at Waxy O Connor’s in the Print works, Manchester on Saturday 30th November. The meal will be served for 7.30pm. There are about 20 lads going so for those who haven’t placed their food orders please contact Declan Alder. Everyone is to meet there at 7pm sharp!
Ladies
2014 will see St. Brendan’s fielding a ladies team. The ladies had their first meeting last night, which was a great success. Their AGM will be Thursday 16th January 7.15pm at St. Kent’s.
There has already been some fantastic work done by Aisling Burke and the ladies. Within a month, the ladies have managed to get a sponsor – Mulligan’s of Deansgate, who are kindly sponsoring the ladies new playing kits.
The ladies have also set up a fundraiser, which will be taking place at Mulligan’s on Friday 13th December. Tickets are on sale for their raffle, £2 each. There are some fantastic prizes to be won including: 5 Star weekend breaks in Dublin & Killarney, Manchester United Tickets and Meals at San Carlo and Rosso in Manchester’s finest restaurants.
St. Brendan’s are now looking to recruit new ladies and men’s players for the 2014 season, so if you are interested in joining Manchester’s finest
GAA Club, please contact us via:
Ladies Football: Aisling Burke email: aisling.burke@carraghconnection.co.uk mobile: 07960 861 364
Men’s Senior Football: Brian Johnston brianjohnston86@hotmail.co.uk mobile 07969314939
Website - stbrendansgaa.co.uk
Facebook - facebook.com/St Brendans GAA Manchester
Twitter - @StBrendansGAA
Football Update
The senior team were in action in the first of their two round robin games on 15th September against John Mitchels from Liverpool. In difficult conditions at Hough End, the seniors performed brilliantly and edged out a win by beating JM’s by 2 points despite the weather. Final Score 2-09 to 1-10
On Sunday 29th September, the senior team took on Oisin’s at Bedians. A perfect day for football saw the two teams clash in the final group B game. There was a good intensity to game, in where Brendan’s remained in control for the majority of it.
Goals in the game killed off the Oisin’s threat, 2 goals from Lee Gavin and Colm Conway saw Brendan’s lead by 6 points at half time. A third goal scored by John Gibney ten minutes from time sealed the win. Final Score 3-11 to 1-08.
The senior team now play Wolfe Tones in the semi-final on 6th October at Bedian’s – throw in 1pm. I would encourage everyone to get down there and support the lads.
No update regarding the Junior Championship until the next CB meeting. (7th October)
Training continues on Friday under the flood lights at Burnage Rugby club, players to meet for 7.45pm. Anyone needs a lift contact Brian or Jonny.
Underage
There will be an Underage re-launch on Saturday 12th October at Turn Moss. Kids will be given the opportunity to receive some coaching and be able to take part in some games as part of the event.
It’s vital that everyone at the club supports this, so I would encourage all members and past players to bring down their kids and anyone else who is interested. It is great fitness for the kids and very enjoyable for them to get involved in some fun games in a safe environment.
We currently have eight lads playing on our senior team who are products of our underage so launching this and supporting it is important to the long term success of the club. For more details contact Jonny Plant.
Date’s for the Diary
Next Club Meeting – 14th October
Provisional AGM Date – 24th November 2013
Provisional Dinner Dance Date – 8th February 2014
Club Gear
There are only a few remaining bags, polo tops and jackets remaining so if anyone is interested in buying any please contact Brian.
New Ladies Team for 2014
The club is proud to announce that the club will be starting to recruit for a ladies team to compete in competitions for the 2014 season. Having another team representing with the club will be fantastic, therefore if you are interested in playing or getting involved please contact:
Aisling Burke email: aisling.burke@carraghconnection.co.uk mobile: 07960 861 364
Jenna Connell email: jennaconnell99@yahoo.com mobile: 07789815817
Further details will be available on our website, Facebook & Twitter.
Men’s teams 2014
Our Men’s teams continue to go from strength to strength and next year will be no different, so if you are interested in playing for St. Brendan’s in Manchester your very welcome to get in touch.
Contact Chairman Brian Johnston – 07969314939 or
Team Manager / Secretary Jonny Plant – 0778391152
Keep up to date:
Website - stbrendansgaa.co.uk
Facebook - facebook.com/St Brendans GAA Manchester
Twitter - @StBrendansGAA
Lancashire Senior League Final 2013
St Brendan’s 1-11; John Mitchells 0-12
St Brendan’s claim the first big silverware of the season and in some style by overturning a nine point half time deficit to pip Mitchells by 2 point at Bedians.
A tale of two halves was never more poignant a statement, as Mitchells simply had no answer in the second half to the constant barrage of Brendan’s’ attacks, and over the course of the hour, the Manchester side just about edged it.
It was Mitchells who started much the better, knocking over two scores in the opening two minutes of the contest. Paddy Murphy opened the scoring for the Liverpool team, before Ciaran Lynam slotted over soon after.
Brendan’s were slow to get into their stride, and missed a couple of close range frees early on, with Mitchells looking the hungrier. Indeed they opened up a five point cushion in the opening ten minutes of play, with Murphy, Paddy Mulligan and Daryl McConnell on the score sheet. Things could well have been worse as well, with Brendan’s keeper Declan Alder pulling off a superb save to keep the score line down.
The home side were guilty of some basic errors throughout the first half with chances at a premium for them. They did manage to get off the mark midway through the half though when John Gibney landed a free.
Mitchells were well on top however, and further scores from Paddy Murphy, Ciaran Lynam and Daryl McConnell put them further in the driving seat as half time approached. Indeed they tagged on another two scores just before the break to leave the score at 0-10 to 0-01 at half time, with the game seemingly over as a contest.
However, what unfolded in the second period was in stark contrast to the first, with Brendan’s putting in a faultless thirty minutes of football. Suddenly they were first to every breaking ball, putting moves together, and more importantly racking up scores.
Stephen Sands was the source of most of their scores, hitting three frees without reply early on. Lee Gavin then added a point from play to reduce the arrears to five points with twenty minutes still to play.
Mitchells hit back with two points of their own from Ciaran Lynam and Paddy Murphy though, and the game still looked beyond the reach of Brendan’s.
They began to rally though, and another three unanswered scores from the ever reliable Sands and John Gibney, as well as a fine score from Colm Conway left just four points between them with enough time left.
Another Sand’s free then left a kick of the ball between the sides. Brendan’s had Mitchells on the ropes, and created two glorious goal chances, only to spurn both of them with full time looming.
One last goal chance though saw Colm Conway coolly slot the ball into the bottom corner to signal a marvellous comeback.
It seemed now that the game could only go one way when Brendan’s took the lead for the first time in the entire contest with a Sands free with Mitchells dead on their feet.
Indeed, it was fitting that Sands would finish the game off with virtually the last kick of the ball when he rifled over from close range to finish off a remarkable Brendan’s comeback to land the first big silverware of the season.
St. Brendan’s GAA, Manchester August 2013
RIP John Clifford
St. Brendan’s would like to offer their condolences to the Clifford family on the recent bereavement of John. John was a devoted St. Brendan’s clubman and highly thought of by all at the club.
John will be remembered for being a brilliant player and coach. His ability to motivate his peers was immense. Along with motivational skills, his knowledge and coaching skills resulted in St. Brendan’s winning several Senior Football Championships, in the clubs most successful period ever.
The club would like to thank all members who were involved in helping arrange elements of the funeral and all who attended last Friday. In particular, Michael Mannion for ensuring everyone was contacted regarding the arrangements & Kieron Gleeson who wrote a wonderful deserving tribute to John.
May you rest in Peace John.
Football Update / Fixtures
The senior team finished their league round robin games in recent weeks playing John Mitchel’s in Liverpool; with a few key lads missing the lads put in an excellent performance but were just narrowly beaten by a 2 points. The last league game resulted in a comfortable victory over St. Peter’s. Stephen Sand’s accuracy was the difference; he was the key man in attack scoring 11 points, 9 from free kicks.
As a result, St. Brendan’s qualified for the senior league semi-final were they played Oisin’s. In a tight game, St. Brendan’s showed a lot of character to overcome a physical Oisin’s side. With several minutes left St. Brendan led by 4 but Oisin’s hit back with a goal to bring the gap to a point. But the lads remained calm and slotted over a few late points and kept great possession of the ball for the remaining minutes and injury time.
Vital goals on the night came from Stephen Sand’s and Colm Conway along with some great points from John Gibney and the energetic Lee Gavin.A great win as Oisin’s had previously recorded 2 wins earlier in the league campaign.
The final will take place at Bedian’s on 18thAugust against John Mitchel’s, throw in at 1pm. I would encourage all members and supporter’s to be there to support the lads.
The Senior Championship is approaching in September. St. Brendan’s have drawn John Mitchel’s at home and Oisin’s away for the round robin games. These will take place on 15th& 29th.
Unfortunately, the junior team were beaten in the junior league final. After a good first half by the young St. Brendan’s side, a strong and experienced JM’s team were able to break away in the second half. This year saw an excellent junior league campaign winning all but 2 games; it’s great to see that the club has young talent coming through and that they are developing their games with some of the experienced lads.
The junior team aim to bounce back quickly, as they have a Championship semi-final to look forward to as they aim to retain their junior championship title. Dates have yet to be confirmed.
Club Gear
The club has new polo shirts, new training jackets and bags available to buy, please contact Jonny or Brian for more info.
Club Meeting
The next club meeting will take place on 19th August at St. Kent’s in Fallowfield beginning at 8pm.
New Players
St. Brendan’s as a club continue to strengthen as we always welcome new players and members into our footballing community. If you are moving to Manchester / North West and interested in playing, coaching or getting involved in any aspect please get in touch. We will always make a huge effort to help any new players and members settle into the area.
Call the Chairman Brian Johnston on 07969314939
Team Manager / Coach Jonny Plant on 07783391152
Follow us on:
Website - stbrendansgaa.co.uk
Facebook - facebook.com/St Brendans GAA Manchester
Twitter - @StBrendansGAA
July Notes
Result from Thursday night's Lancashire Senior League semi-final at Old Bedians: St Brendans 3-14 Oisins 2-13. St Brendans now through to Senior League final on Sunday 18th August versus John Mitchells.
Team and Scorers:
1. Declan Alder
2. Nathan Plant
3. Brian Johnston
4. Stephen Rafferty
5. Lee Gavin
6. Sean Monaghan
7. John Gibney 1-4
8. Stephen Sands 1-5
9. Paddy Murphy 0-1
10. Conrad Tierney
11. Dermot Gallagher 0-1
12. Liam Kelly
13. Colm Conway 1-3
Subs: Matthew Hassall, Dermot Quinn
St Brendan's Junior team are now through to the Lancashire Junior Championship semi-final next month after John Mitchells conceded (due to player unavailability) the quarter final that was due to take place this Sunday. St Brendans training continues next week (Monday and Wednesday nights) at Hough End, beginning at 7pm sharp.
St. Brendan’s Manchester March Notes
Dinner Dance
Thank you all the players, committee, members, and guests who attended our Dinner Dance in St. Kent’s on 23rd Feb. Congratulations to all the prize winners especially our Junior Championship Winners, Senior Player of Year Lee Gavin, Young Player of the Year Ciaran Connolly and Club Person of the year Dermot Mc Anenley. Finally, a big thanks to Kevin Fitzpatrick and all his staff at St. Kent’s for hosting a great night.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The club will be participating again in the St. Patrick’s Parade, which is on Sunday 17th March. If anyone is available to help preparing the float please contact Tony Mongey. Players and members are meeting for the Parade at the Irish Centre at 12pm. This year the Parade is being televised live on Sky Channel 191. (12-3)
More details on the Irish Manchester festival can be found at www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk
Membership
Membership is now due for the new season. Please contact Registrar Gareth Johnston on 07892479169.
Coaching Course
Niall Jackman ran a very successful foundation coaching course on behalf of Lancashire CB on 24th Feb at St. Kent’s. Thanks to Donal Gallagher & Kevin Mullin who attended on behalf of the club.
Football
The football training for both senior and junior lads continues this Wednesday 20th March at Broughton Park Rugby Club starting at 8pm. The senior team won their first game against Benedict’s in the Pennine League. The next game is against St. Peter’s on Sun 24th throw in at 1pm.
New Website
Big thanks to Donal Gallagher our PRO who has updated our website. The website is now more Adobe Flash based with Facebook and Twitter feeds. This means everyone can keep up to date with what’s going on. Donal will continue to update the site regularly throughout the season.
New Players
St. Brendan’s are an ambitious club in Lancashire and we will be pushing for more success in 2013.
Therefore, if you are interested in playing Gaelic Football in Manchester get in touch via the club Chairman Brian Johnston on 07969314939 or our club Secretary Jonny Plant on 07783391152.
St Brendans Dinner Dance
St Brendan’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held in St Kentigern’s Social Club on Saturday 23rd February.
The Dinner Dance is always an enjoyable night for members and friends of the club. Tickets are now available from any committee member.
Click on the image to enlarge
Lancashire Junior Championship Final
St Brendans GAA, Manchester v John Mitchels, Liverpool
Lancashire GAA headquarters at Old Bedians in Didsbury was the venue for this much anticipated Junior Championship Final between St Brendans of Manchester and Liverpool outfit John Mitchels last Saturday evening. The many spectators in attendance were treated to a magnificent display of Gaelic football. St Brendans started the strongest in the first two minutes by winning the throw in and going on the attack up the field, resulting with a well taken point from Killian O’Meara. The pressure from the men in maroon and white kept coming and this led to a goal from Brendan’s forward Colm Conway. John Mitchels then replied from this pressure by going up the field and scoring a point from a free-kick.
St Brendans then won the resulting kick-out with good handling by Cathal Brennan in the middle of the field who then laid it on to Brendan’s Captain Lee Gavin who slotted the ball in between the posts for St Brendan’s second point of the game. At this stage, John Mitchels became frustrated and they conceded a penalty when St Brendan’s forward Liam Kelly was brought down in the box. Kelly slotted the ball wide to give Mitchels some hope of regaining a stronger position in the game. John Mitchels then replied with a further two points before Brendan’s forward Conway scored a well-taken point at the other end. Continued pressure from Mitchels resulted in the Liverpool outfit grabbing another two points. Another fast attack up the field from St Brendans resulted in a point from James Mulligan. St Brendans then continued their domination of the first half with more pressure on the Mitchels full-back line and this resulted in a well taken goal from forward Colm Conway. John Mitchels then grabbed their seventh point of the game just before the half-time interval.
Half Time: St Brendans 2-4 John Mitchels 0-7
St Brendans started the strongest team in the second half when forward Francis McGinley headed the ball into the net to give them their third goal. Brendans then went on to register two further points, both coming from forward Liam Kelly. John Mitchels then replied and continued the pressure on the Brendans defence which resulted in a sloppy goal conceded for the Hough End outfit. Mitchels applied more pressure to Brendan’s and an attempted shot at goal was blocked well by St Brendan’s goalkeeper Rob Kelly. St Brendan’s then gained more momentum and this was evident when Captain Lee Gavin consecutively scored a goal and a point. Mitchels then started to battle back and regained some strength to go up the field and score a point. Then, a highly-dangerous tackle by a Mitchels player on midfielder Connolly raised doubts about the quality of the refereeing, who took no action against the player in question. St Brendan’s then went on to take control of the game with consecutive points coming from half-back Sean Monaghan and forward Liam Kelly. With John Mitchels becoming more frustrated, the strong fitness levels of the St Brendan’s players was evident too see with a further two points coming from midfielder Niall Connolly. St Brendan’s full-back Ciaran Connolly then scored Brendan’s twelfth and final point of the game, after a magnificent solo-run of the pitch. John Mitchels replied with their seventh point of the game but it was not enough as the final whistle sounded straight after to give St Brendan’s their first Lancashire Junior Championship in eleven years.
Full Time: St Brendans 4-12 John Mitchels 1-09