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Monday, 06 April 2009 13:02 |
Gaelic Games have been in existence in Enniskillen for over a hundred years. It has often been quite a struggle to keep them alive however.
The White brothers from Tipperary started Enniskillen O'Neill's in 1903 and initially they were successful in both football and hurling championships including the double in 1907. Early promise was unfulfilled however, and the original O'Neill's club lasted for less than ten years. For most of the next twenty years clubs such as Young Irelander's, Sean McDermott's, Maguire’s and Geraldine's came into the scene and departed as quickly. In early 1926 a group of enthusiasts led by Felix Hackett, Tom Cox and Peter Maguire formed a junior club called Lough Erne Gaels. From that humble beginning the present Enniskillen Gaels club was formed in February 1927, seventy-five years ago last year.
Although a senior football championship was won in 1930 successes were few and far between fro many years. Despite some success at underage level there was a large turnover of players due to emigration and the lure of other sports. The Gaels were lucky to have some of the most dedicated and foresighted officials imaginable over these years. This was shown by the purchase of the old Gaelic field in the early days of the club and the provision of the first purpose built dressing rooms in 1968.
Things began to change in the 1970's. Despite having no home pitch from 1974 to 1982 the club won 2 Senior Football Championships, one Hurling and many other titles. In 1982 the present grounds were opened and named after our most famous son, Michael Brewster. Since the Brewster Park has become one of the best provincial grounds in the country. Success on the field of play has continued too, with the senior football team completing six in a row of Fermanagh Senior Football Championships.
Hopefully success, on and off the field, can continue for many years to come. Let's always remember those who kept the flag flying in bad times as well as the more successful eras.
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