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Brendan Lennon 1935-2022. An Appreciation
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1984 was the Centenary Year of the Gaelic Athletic Association . As part of the National Celebrations every county in Ireland nominated a Clubman of the Year . Brendan from Grattan Óg was Longfords winner and he went on to win the ultimate award -All Ireland Clubman of the Year . Who was this man and what did he do to be awarded such a prestigious honour in the year of years 1984 .
Brendan Lennon was born and reared in the parish of Carrickedmond In 1935 . As a young man he settled in Gurteenboy in the parish of Ballymacormack where he farmed with his wife Rose and their children Cathal, Sandra and Declan .Grattan Óg GAA club was formed in 1889 making it one of the oldest GAA clubs in the county .It was known as Ballymacormack Grattans at that stage .Like many clubs it had its ups and downs going out of existence and coming back from time to time . After a lapse of twenty years Grattan Óg was reformed in 1980 . What started out as a desire to provide football for the locals of Ballymacormack and surrounding town lands has since been transformed into a vibrant and successful club and community centre . Brendan was at the first meeting in 1980 and he was elected Vice Chairman with the late Danny Quinn as Chairman . Brendan became Chairman in 1981 and served in the role until 1994 . He made a number of attempts to step down but volunteers to take over were scarce . He served as a County Board Delegate and steward in Pearse Park on many occasions .
In 1980 Grattan Óg had no pitch no dressing rooms and no money . Brendan stepped forward to solve the first two . He offered his best field a fine meadow in front of his house as a football field . That was his privacy gone for ten years and the pillars of his gate took a battering from time to time . Insurance was the lest of his concerns . He remembered those years in 2013 at the opening and upgrading of Dunbeggan Park “many memories come flooding back to me , countless evenings watching the teams training outside the kitchen window , cars and tractors lined up to provide light for the team to train . Many an evening we had to take the cattle off the field to allow training to begin . There was lots of evidence of the cows presence left behind and many a footballer had the misfortune of meeting them head on . My late wife Rose had the unenviable task of washing the jerseys . We knew from early on that we needed our own permanent grounds .We managed to secure the land at Dunbeggan which had been kindly donated by Mrs Mai Farrell of Dunbeggan House .I remember all the different fundraising ventures that were undertaken to pay for the work .The opening day of the new pitch in August 1990 stands out as one of the greatest days . “At the opening on that day Brendan remarked “ I believe these facilities are an investment in the future of the club and I hope the youth of the area will benefit from them for years to come “ . How right he was .
Brendan like many others in the club knew that the future of any club is the under age structure . The population of the area being small meant it was often difficult to field a full team at under age . Brendan once again focused on the job collecting players from the edge of the town who had no transport . Many of these players wouldn’t have played football but for him and Rose . His blue Mark 2 Ford Cortina Estate was a familiar sight loaded up with players and what he couldn’t carry Rose brought in her Ford Fiesta. They were like sardines in a tin . In 1988 Grattan Óg won their first under age title . With Ciarán Woods as trainer and Brendan as selector they beat Emmet Óg in a juvenile final . He was a selector on every team from under age to senior and the crowning glory was in 1983 when Grattan Óg won the Junior Championship . That junior team was a team of strong characters who would do justice to a Kilkenny hurling training session . Brendan and Hubert Flanagan were selectors but they had no trainer . Tactics were clear go forward at all times and everyone had to win their own ball . Brendan was often heard to say at intense training sessions where no quarter was given “Save it for the match lads “ .
Despite the success of 83 Grattan Óg often struggled to field a team . “We only have 13 “ said Mick Maguire .” Count them again said Brendan . Woodsy gave a fellow a lift hitching from Athlone one evening and told him he had to line out . At half time when things weren’t going well Brendan was called on for solutions . As he moved his wooly cap backwards and forwards on his head he often remarked “we are in a bit of an awkward situation “ .More than once he had to remind Woodsy and others they weren’t selectors . When the match was over Brendan’s work continued . In the days before Lotto he went door to door selling tickets . When the kitty was empty he paid bills himself . Club meetings for the first ten years were held in Lennon’s living room .Despite a busy day on the farm Brendan was ever present .Milking was often delayed if meetings dragged on . Scór was another part of Grattans life and Brendan and Rose brought the same passion to Scór as they did to football . They believed it would build the spirit of the club and how right they were . The club won numerous Longford titles a number of Leinster titles and in 1993 an All Ireland title for Amharanaiocht Aonair by Helen Barry Lisduff .
From the days when the players built the dressing rooms in Lennon’s field to the opening of the new developments in 2013 and 2022 Brendan has seen it all .Its fitting that he was able to open our new clubhouse in April 22. and celebrate the clubs success this year . Grattan Óg won U12,13 and 14 in boys football this year. The ladies are Longford Intermediate champions and the men won the Division 5 League and the Junior Championship .
Brendan saw the good in everyone and every situation . He was calm , gentle , easy going , never in a rush . He gave everyone a chance and he was firm when he had to be . If he got annoyed with you it was quickly forgotten . His commitment, focus and belief inspired those of us who worked with him and all those who came after him .
Now you know why Brendan Lennon was National Clubman of the year in 1984 an All Ireland winner.
May He Rest In Peace
Compiled by Tommy Joe Quinn , Mick Maguire, Eamonn Brennan, Ciarán Woods and Niall Nerney.
Brendan Lennon was born and reared in the parish of Carrickedmond In 1935 . As a young man he settled in Gurteenboy in the parish of Ballymacormack where he farmed with his wife Rose and their children Cathal, Sandra and Declan .Grattan Óg GAA club was formed in 1889 making it one of the oldest GAA clubs in the county .It was known as Ballymacormack Grattans at that stage .Like many clubs it had its ups and downs going out of existence and coming back from time to time . After a lapse of twenty years Grattan Óg was reformed in 1980 . What started out as a desire to provide football for the locals of Ballymacormack and surrounding town lands has since been transformed into a vibrant and successful club and community centre . Brendan was at the first meeting in 1980 and he was elected Vice Chairman with the late Danny Quinn as Chairman . Brendan became Chairman in 1981 and served in the role until 1994 . He made a number of attempts to step down but volunteers to take over were scarce . He served as a County Board Delegate and steward in Pearse Park on many occasions .
In 1980 Grattan Óg had no pitch no dressing rooms and no money . Brendan stepped forward to solve the first two . He offered his best field a fine meadow in front of his house as a football field . That was his privacy gone for ten years and the pillars of his gate took a battering from time to time . Insurance was the lest of his concerns . He remembered those years in 2013 at the opening and upgrading of Dunbeggan Park “many memories come flooding back to me , countless evenings watching the teams training outside the kitchen window , cars and tractors lined up to provide light for the team to train . Many an evening we had to take the cattle off the field to allow training to begin . There was lots of evidence of the cows presence left behind and many a footballer had the misfortune of meeting them head on . My late wife Rose had the unenviable task of washing the jerseys . We knew from early on that we needed our own permanent grounds .We managed to secure the land at Dunbeggan which had been kindly donated by Mrs Mai Farrell of Dunbeggan House .I remember all the different fundraising ventures that were undertaken to pay for the work .The opening day of the new pitch in August 1990 stands out as one of the greatest days . “At the opening on that day Brendan remarked “ I believe these facilities are an investment in the future of the club and I hope the youth of the area will benefit from them for years to come “ . How right he was .
Brendan like many others in the club knew that the future of any club is the under age structure . The population of the area being small meant it was often difficult to field a full team at under age . Brendan once again focused on the job collecting players from the edge of the town who had no transport . Many of these players wouldn’t have played football but for him and Rose . His blue Mark 2 Ford Cortina Estate was a familiar sight loaded up with players and what he couldn’t carry Rose brought in her Ford Fiesta. They were like sardines in a tin . In 1988 Grattan Óg won their first under age title . With Ciarán Woods as trainer and Brendan as selector they beat Emmet Óg in a juvenile final . He was a selector on every team from under age to senior and the crowning glory was in 1983 when Grattan Óg won the Junior Championship . That junior team was a team of strong characters who would do justice to a Kilkenny hurling training session . Brendan and Hubert Flanagan were selectors but they had no trainer . Tactics were clear go forward at all times and everyone had to win their own ball . Brendan was often heard to say at intense training sessions where no quarter was given “Save it for the match lads “ .
Despite the success of 83 Grattan Óg often struggled to field a team . “We only have 13 “ said Mick Maguire .” Count them again said Brendan . Woodsy gave a fellow a lift hitching from Athlone one evening and told him he had to line out . At half time when things weren’t going well Brendan was called on for solutions . As he moved his wooly cap backwards and forwards on his head he often remarked “we are in a bit of an awkward situation “ .More than once he had to remind Woodsy and others they weren’t selectors . When the match was over Brendan’s work continued . In the days before Lotto he went door to door selling tickets . When the kitty was empty he paid bills himself . Club meetings for the first ten years were held in Lennon’s living room .Despite a busy day on the farm Brendan was ever present .Milking was often delayed if meetings dragged on . Scór was another part of Grattans life and Brendan and Rose brought the same passion to Scór as they did to football . They believed it would build the spirit of the club and how right they were . The club won numerous Longford titles a number of Leinster titles and in 1993 an All Ireland title for Amharanaiocht Aonair by Helen Barry Lisduff .
From the days when the players built the dressing rooms in Lennon’s field to the opening of the new developments in 2013 and 2022 Brendan has seen it all .Its fitting that he was able to open our new clubhouse in April 22. and celebrate the clubs success this year . Grattan Óg won U12,13 and 14 in boys football this year. The ladies are Longford Intermediate champions and the men won the Division 5 League and the Junior Championship .
Brendan saw the good in everyone and every situation . He was calm , gentle , easy going , never in a rush . He gave everyone a chance and he was firm when he had to be . If he got annoyed with you it was quickly forgotten . His commitment, focus and belief inspired those of us who worked with him and all those who came after him .
Now you know why Brendan Lennon was National Clubman of the year in 1984 an All Ireland winner.
May He Rest In Peace
Compiled by Tommy Joe Quinn , Mick Maguire, Eamonn Brennan, Ciarán Woods and Niall Nerney.
Predictor Competition Update
Congratulations to our winner
Donal Kane!!
Donal Kane!!
Congratulations to Liam Geraghty for the mid completion spot prize - collected by Pat Tiernan
Bonus Ball Bonanza Draw Update
Buy a bonus No. (1-47) and In the last Saturday National Lottery Draw for each month until December, you are In with a chance Of winning;
Main Draw €160
Lotto Plus 1 €50
Lotto Plus 2 €20
Cost per month €10. (Or book the same number for the 5 draws - €50)
If your number is the bonus ball in the relevant draw you are a winner! Contact Georgie (086 0806346) or Tony (085 115 3503) if interested!
Good luck
Main Draw €160
Lotto Plus 1 €50
Lotto Plus 2 €20
Cost per month €10. (Or book the same number for the 5 draws - €50)
If your number is the bonus ball in the relevant draw you are a winner! Contact Georgie (086 0806346) or Tony (085 115 3503) if interested!
Good luck
31/8
Morning All, congratulations to the following winners for our August Bonus Ball Bonanza Draw;
Main Draw No. 19- €160 Niall Gannon
Lotto 1 Draw No. 38- €50 Trish McHugh
Lotto 2 Draw No. 33- €20 Adrian Moran
We will get the prize money over to the winners in the coming days and thanks again for supporting our draw and best of luck to anyone who will be remaining for the September draw🍀
Morning All, congratulations to the following winners for our August Bonus Ball Bonanza Draw;
Main Draw No. 19- €160 Niall Gannon
Lotto 1 Draw No. 38- €50 Trish McHugh
Lotto 2 Draw No. 33- €20 Adrian Moran
We will get the prize money over to the winners in the coming days and thanks again for supporting our draw and best of luck to anyone who will be remaining for the September draw🍀
Predictor Competition Update
31/8
Predictor Update!
Congrats to the three players now on 50 points after the penultimate event, Pat Corrigan, Stephen McNally and Micheal Tiernan. Two have selected S. Africa and one New Zealand for the mini 7’s in two weeks time, so we have to wait until September 13th to see if there’s an outright winner! There are 7 more back on 45 points and if results go their way could come into the picture - but will have to wait and see! 👀. See the full table
Predictor Update!
Congrats to the three players now on 50 points after the penultimate event, Pat Corrigan, Stephen McNally and Micheal Tiernan. Two have selected S. Africa and one New Zealand for the mini 7’s in two weeks time, so we have to wait until September 13th to see if there’s an outright winner! There are 7 more back on 45 points and if results go their way could come into the picture - but will have to wait and see! 👀. See the full table
22/7
Predictor Update:
Two events for deciding at the weekend, though the experts say that the Tour de France is Jonas Vingegaards to loose! If they are correct the 2 successful predictors - Ciara Daly & Joanne Conlon will be happy!! The 89 who picked Tadej Pogacar might not be tho 🥲
In the All Ireland - 75 backed Kerry with ZERO on Galway!! Therefore potentially there may be 2 out of 234 correct predictions this weekend if Galway upset the apple cart!
Updates over the weekend
Predictor Update:
Two events for deciding at the weekend, though the experts say that the Tour de France is Jonas Vingegaards to loose! If they are correct the 2 successful predictors - Ciara Daly & Joanne Conlon will be happy!! The 89 who picked Tadej Pogacar might not be tho 🥲
In the All Ireland - 75 backed Kerry with ZERO on Galway!! Therefore potentially there may be 2 out of 234 correct predictions this weekend if Galway upset the apple cart!
Updates over the weekend
18/7
Predictor Update;
Congratulations to the 55 predictors who correctly selected Shelly-Ann Frayser Price in the 100m world championship finals. There are now 11 on 30 points but out in a clear lead with 35 points at the halfway weekend, and winner of the bottle of whiskey, is Liam Geraghty 👏👏👏. Congrats Liam and to seller Pat Tiernan. More events coming to a conclusion in the coming weekends so keep an eye out at:
Predictor Update;
Congratulations to the 55 predictors who correctly selected Shelly-Ann Frayser Price in the 100m world championship finals. There are now 11 on 30 points but out in a clear lead with 35 points at the halfway weekend, and winner of the bottle of whiskey, is Liam Geraghty 👏👏👏. Congrats Liam and to seller Pat Tiernan. More events coming to a conclusion in the coming weekends so keep an eye out at:
17/7
Congrats to the 7 correct predictors who chose Fred Kerley to win the 100M in the world athletic championship this morning! The leaderboard has tightened up further with 23 now on 20 points!! Can the three events finalising today identify an outright leader🤷🏼♂️. Updates to follow @
Congrats to the 7 correct predictors who chose Fred Kerley to win the 100M in the world athletic championship this morning! The leaderboard has tightened up further with 23 now on 20 points!! Can the three events finalising today identify an outright leader🤷🏼♂️. Updates to follow @
16/7
After 3 rounds of the British open nearing completion we have 32 predictors hoping Rory McIroy can hold out to win!! Of the other contenders 2 have Dustin Johnston, 9 have Scottie Scheffler. For the hurling tomorrow, 88 on Limerick V 5 who opted for Kilkenny! That’s in addition to the 100m mens world championship race which takes place in the early hours of tomorrow morning! (Women’s race early Monday morning!) Hopefully by the end of the weekend we might have a clear leader to win Seymour’s Whiskey?? Check the website for details!
After 3 rounds of the British open nearing completion we have 32 predictors hoping Rory McIroy can hold out to win!! Of the other contenders 2 have Dustin Johnston, 9 have Scottie Scheffler. For the hurling tomorrow, 88 on Limerick V 5 who opted for Kilkenny! That’s in addition to the 100m mens world championship race which takes place in the early hours of tomorrow morning! (Women’s race early Monday morning!) Hopefully by the end of the weekend we might have a clear leader to win Seymour’s Whiskey?? Check the website for details!
3 events are up for settling this weekend but with no one picking either of the ladies finalists in Wimbledon, maximum points up for grabs is 10! In the mens final, 86 have opted for Djokovic with 0 for Kyrgios!
In the Tailteann Cup 68 go for Cavan and 19 for Westmeath! There’s a possibility of 10 of those currently on 15 points increasing to 25 if a Cavan /Djokovic double clicks! Best of luck and check out the leaderboard
At: https://www.grattangaa.com/sports-predictor-2022.html
In the Tailteann Cup 68 go for Cavan and 19 for Westmeath! There’s a possibility of 10 of those currently on 15 points increasing to 25 if a Cavan /Djokovic double clicks! Best of luck and check out the leaderboard
At: https://www.grattangaa.com/sports-predictor-2022.html
Under 13s win the Packie Lynch Tournament
A huge congrats to the U13 Grattans team who overcame Mullahoran in the plate final in the Packie Lynch U13 tournament hosted by Killoe Emmet Og. A big thank you to Killoe Emmet Og for inviting the club, it was an very well run tournament and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Grattans sports predictor competition is coming!
Grand opening
Unfortunately no four legged friends are allowed as for health and safety reasons. club policy is - no dogs are allowed on the grounds
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There is always lots going on down at Dunbeggan park: training all ages, games, community events. We are always looking for volunteers to help out. If you are interested in giving a little time we would be delighted to hear from you. You get loads back like training in new skills, or that warm feeling you get when you give back to the community.
Under 18s are also welcome to help or get involved in coaching, just let one of the team know and we can direct you to the forms your parent/guardian needs to complete. We would be delighted to hear from you.
Under 18s are also welcome to help or get involved in coaching, just let one of the team know and we can direct you to the forms your parent/guardian needs to complete. We would be delighted to hear from you.
