Rock `n` Roll (GAA) Star

Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame appeared on the long running Irish talk show The Late Late Show last Friday 17th February where he discussed his upcoming series of shows with his new band Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds. While being interviewed by Ryan Tubridy, Noel told of how he once played and scored a point at Croke Park with his local G.A.A. club Oisín`s.

Below is an article which appeared in the Irish Daily Mirror earlier this week describing the events of that weekend in Dublin back in 1983. Long time clubman and former British G.A.A. President Padraig Johnson was interviewed by the newspaper.

This GAA star had no idea he would be back to Croke Park for the gig of his life.

Chart-topper Noel Gallagher is pictured here with his teammates from the Oisín GAA club at the legendary Dublin stadium in 1983.

Croker hosted the once promising Gaelic football player and his brother Paul when his team, based in his home town of Manchester, played two exhibition games.

The former Oasis frontman revealed all about his love of our national game of Friday night`s Late Late Show on RTE.

And yesterday Oisín GAA club`s Padraig Johnson said the team lost a great player when Noel picked up the guitar. He added: "Noel was a promising player. Our loss was music`s gain. That weekend in 1983 was a busy one"
"The lads played four games, two in Croke Park and two more against the Kilmacud Crokers out in Stillorgan. They savoured every minute of it. The two Gallagher brothers, who would have been aged around 16 and 17, had a great time. Liam, Noel`s brother and the other half of world-famous band Oasis, wasn`t on the trip for some reason and I can`t remember why. More than 30 of us were staying in a hostel in Ballsbridge. The Oisín GAA Club organisers had set a curfew of 11.30pm for all the lads to be in bed but needless to say we had to go looking for some of lads who disappeared. Noel was one of them. All they wanted to do was have some fun. But Noel and his brothers were very committed to the game when they were playing His mum and dad were and still are great supporters of the game."

On Friday night Noel, who will play Croker with the Red Hot Chili Peppers this summer, said he had played football at the venue.

He added: "We came to Dublin to play exhibition games against some Dublin teams in Croke Park. We were hammered though. But I scored a point and there is even a photograph of me somewhere scoring the point."

Padraig, who opened his photo album to the Daily Mirror, is originally from Offaly but has lived in Manchester for 44 years.

And he said Noel is still in contact with the club which has been going strong for 108 years.

Padraig added: "He lives such a busy life but over the years he has stayed in contact with us."

Next up for Oisín`s is Warwickshire champions St. Barnabas on Sunday 25th February. The junior match is 12pm throw in and senior 1:30pm. The bar will be open for the day and we will again be putting food on for the traveling teams. So come along and support your local G.A.A.

Oisín CLG are always looking for new players for both their mens and ladies teams. Founded in 1904 we are the oldest club in the North West. We are the only club in the North West to play on a non council owned pitch and we have our own clubhouse beside the pitch which includes bar and changing facilities.

If you are new to Manchester or the North West then we will always try and assist you in finding employment, accommodation and transport to training. Email us at player@oisinclg.com visit our website oisinclg.com, find us on Facebook, twitter or if you would like to talk to someone at the club call Anthony Lavin on 07740100606.

Date Submitted: Thursday 23rd February 2012
By: Oisín`s P.R.O.