Book Launch – ‘No Club Better’

A club history of the St. Brendan’s GAA club in London may not seem to have much relevance to Omagh CBS but a cursory glance proves otherwise. Not only is the author of “No Club Better” one or our own members of staff Pat McNabb, but the club’s history is one that contains many connections to Omagh and its surrounding areas.

The book documents the history of St. Brendan’s GAA club from its founding in Hayes in west London in 1956 until the present day and Pat played a pivotal role in the development of the club during his ten years working in London as a teacher. As well as playing for St. Brendan’s, he also acted as club secretary for eight years and was the senior team manager from 2001 until he left in 2006. During this time, St. Brendan’s were one of the dominant forces in London football and this period of time represents the ‘glory days’ in the history of the St. Brendan’s club. Senior Championships, Senior League titles and a host of other silverware were annexed during this period.

A contingent of Omagh players, including some past pupils of Omagh CBS, have also played for the Brendan’s over the years including, John Collins, Paul Tierney, Niall ‘Walter’ McSorley, Keith Burns, Liam Sharkey, Finbar O’Neill and Larry Strain as well as Drumragh’s Benny Cox, Fabian McGlone and Paddy Collins. Past pupils, Kevin Mossey, Ciaran Mossey and Michael Mossey – all brothers from Gortin have also donned the colours of St. Brendan’s in recent years.

‘No Club Better’ – The History of St. Brendan’s GAC is a thoroughly detailed account of not only the progress of the club on the field over the decades, but also provides a fascinating insight into the men and women behind the club across the generations as well as giving the reader a real feel for the development of the GAA in London from its’ earliest years.

The book was launched earlier this year in April at McGovern Park in Ruislip and our congratulations go to Pat on what is an excellent publication.

Anyone who wishes to purchase a copy of ‘No Club Better’ can contact Pat directly or alternatively, can purchase a copy through www.mckeeversports.com/products/the-gaa-store-st-brendans-g-a-c-london-no-club-better-book