Pen Pics


Declan Brewster  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Defender  
   

Hailing from Fermanagh, Declan is part of a Fermanagh footballing dynasty that is Brewster. A huge player in defence this doughty defender loves nothing more than getting forward for a score at any opportunity. Unfortunately due to age getting back to his defence is the main problem. Concerns have been raised re his commitment as he has recently married. But his better half is confirmed she is quite happy to see the back of him each Tuesday and Thursday night for training.

Marcas Allen  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Defender  


This tight marking defender is by all his own accounts a natural forward. Last year Oisin put this boast to the test by playing Allen at corner forward in the Isle of Man. He subsequently missed a 15 yard free blaming Paddy Campbell for putting him off, he has now returned to defence. The engine room behind the website, this Fermanagh man has been a great addition to Oisin both on and off the field.
   

Gary Craven  
Origin:
  Down  
Position:
  Defender  
    The Down man has become a regular feature for Oisin and has contributed several crucial and long range scores. Well known for his witty retorts, he is a generous player who passes the ball sometimes to his own team mates but more often to the opposition. Gary has never been one to follow popular trends, last year he became the first person to actually gain weight training for the New York Marathon. Oisin and his doctor are glad to have him back training with the team.

Johnny Garrity  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Defender  
Captain of the juniors last year and a regular feature in the seniors this versatile player has played as a defender, midfielder and forward. A good trainer himself Johnny has turned to training the team while he undergoes rehabilitaion from a recent ACL reconstruction. Oisin looks forward to his return in the blue and white jersey. Good luck Johnny.    

Stephen McCrory  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Defender  
   

A constant steady influence Stephen is always available to pick up the breaking ball. He has made the number 6 jersey his own. Away from the field Stephen can regularly be heard singing such popular hits as U2's With or Without you in Cassidy's bar in Heaton Moor.

Ben McQuaid  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Defender  
Some say they`ve seen better hanging out of a birds nest, some say he doesn`t solo the ball properly, but there's no doubting this Dungannon Clarkes man is one of Tyrone`s finest exports. A versatile player with the ability to play anywhere between the half forward and half back line, and the ability to take a point with either boot. This man will certainly be a worthy addition to the Oisin team this season.    

John Barrett  
Origin:
  Kildare  
Position:
  Defender  
   

The undisputed "Hardest man of the club" he's the strongest thing to come out of Kildare since the Massey Ferguson MF 8400. This marauding half back is one of the longest serving players at Oisins, who when he's not at training, is seen down at the local gym, "blazing on his guns"

Ciaran Donnelly  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Defender  


Another of the many Tyrone men at the club, which begs the question if there are any left in Tyrone. Although it would explain why Mickey Hart has taken his scouting across the water, having been spotted last year at Bedians. One of the veterans of the club Ciaran tenacious tackling is a headache for most forwards.
   

Patrick Campbell  
Origin:
  Armagh  
Position:
  Defender  
   

Initially the only Armagh man at the club, Oisin thought it couldn`t handle another one. Paddy is regularly on hand with his wise-cracking jibes, especially at the expense of the Tyrone faithful. The club`s PRO is as committed on the pitch as he off it, just as well he wears a gum shield!

Stiofan Hunter  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Defender  
A natural athlete who's fitness levels are well renowned, Stiofan can play in defence or attack. This is one player who always gives 100%, especially vocally but his temperament can be questionable. Hardly surprising given his Urney background. Off the field this school teacher strikes fear into many a pupil.    

Keith Morgan  
Origin:
  Down  
Position:
  Defender  
    Keith is a Down man by origin and now an Oisin man by heart. He provides a service in defence equalled only by OJ Simpson`s lawyers. A trophy-less first season has spurred him to find the eye of the tiger and live by the motto `There is no tomorrow` The trusty defender attributes his desire for success to his childhood idol and fellow Mourne-man Micky Linden, while also adopting the ideals of none other than the great Rocky Balboa himself. His dedication and fight is comparable only to that of Gerry Conlon. And just like Gerry, Keith hopes at the end of the season he`ll be going out the front door- with league, championship, the whole shebang!!

Raymond McCarroll  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
One of a number of Tyrone men Oisin are proud to have as lengthy servants Raymond, a name of German origin, means worthy protector which encapsulates this fine specimen of a beast perfectly. On the field he fights with the ferocity of a young bull for every ball and has a keen eye for a score. Off the field he fights to be served at the bar and has a keen eye for the women. He has Chuck-Norris-like speed and aggression and effortlessly realises impossibilities. He is an astute young fellow, unlikely to take a wife but nevertheless has a lot to offer.    

Ben Allen  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Defender  
    A promising young back of 19, Ben is a recent addition to the club. He has transferred from St Patricks Donagh with a glowing reputation having been part of Fermanagh's underage development squad. A committed club man Ben is also capable of filling in between the sticks as he proved on his Oisin debut against St Benidict's of Leeds. As with most students Ben doesn't have a lot of disposable income but somehow always manages to spend many hours in the local pubs.

Thomas Harkin  
Origin:
  Derry  
Position:
  Midfield  


Drop-kick specialist and midfield dominator Harkin always has plenty to say. He does however back up his mouth with 100% effort every week. Whether he has a split forehead or a dodgy foot hes there to muck in week-in week-out.
   

Karol McNamee  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Midfield  
   

Captain maestro McNamee led the team to victory in the Lancashire Championship and Pennine League in 2006. Unfortunately this year Karol has been struck down by a bad dose of absenteeism which meant he missed most of the early season. However after an antidote administered by Peter Scanlon Karol is back and ready for action.

Conor Teague  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
A naturally talented scoring forward, Teague is worth four points a game. His flair on the pitch is matched off it as few gaelic footballers can claim to own matching white jeans and shoes. With a penchant for fancy dress Conor has also been the catalyst for such events as Miami Vice night and the Anchorman theme (pics). Aside from fancy dress Conor may also be spotted cruising around Didsbury on his `hog`. Unfortunately he is still eagerly awaiting his membership invitation from the Hells Angels.    

Nicholas Rafferty  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
   

Nicholas has rightly earned a reputation as one of the most talented forwards within Lancashire. A quiet unassuming individual Nicholas rarely speaks to referee or opposition players only to wish them good day. Oisins hope to see more of the Tyrone mans scoring proweress this year.

Tommy Hanvey  
Origin:
  Down  
Position:
  Forward  


Tommy "Hollywood" Hanvey is one of the most prolific players wearing oisins colours this season. The super-sub continues the Down tradition of preferring goals to points, and has come off the bench many times to turn the game with a shimmy in Oisins favour. When he's not injured the local primary school teacher proves what a valuable asset he is to the club as a whole, by coaching our underage stars as well.
   

Ryan Kelly  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
    The Omagh man is another of the Oisins forwards who have been instrumental so far this season in the teams success. Particularly at junior level, Skellies clinical precision from free's has often been the difference guiding the team to victory. Another of the strong Tyrone contingent at the club, his slick hairdo is almost as slick as this football skills. A claims solicitor by trade, watch out for Ryan in hot pursuit of Manchester`s ambulances!

Ryan Maguire  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Forward  
Despite a family move to England at the age 11 and a subsequent ten year lay off Ryan's debut season in 2007 saw him starting every game at half forward. Unquestionable fitness and surprising strength given his light frame make Ryan a very mobile half forward and an excellent addition to the club. Ryan is one of a number of one pint wonders at the club. This efficient use of alcohol is the envy of many of his teammates.    

Kevin Swift  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Forward  
    The Fermanagh firebrand has good ball handling and a snappy turn of pace. Demanding a lot from himself and his team-mates he can be volcanic at times but that same explosiveness makes him a valuable asset to Oisin. Kevin has settled quickly in Manchester and if ever there was an award for O'Neills Sunday night stalwart Kevin would definitely be in the running.

Johnny Farmer  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Forward  


An Oisins man through and through, this fiery Fermanagh man is one of the breakthrough home grown players. Farmer won young player of the year three years ago and has continued to grown in stature. Unfortunately his attempts to grow a beard have failed miserably. The main recruiter of new players to the club, Farmers nights out are the stuff of legends.
   

Anto Lavin  
Origin:
  Donegal  
Position:
  Forward  
   

This talented midfielder is one of the Oisins spice boys. A regular at training, he sometimes even participates in it. For Oisins to retain their Lancashire titles, Lavin will have to be at his best.

Robert Graham  
Origin:
  Dublin  
Position:
  Goalkeeper  
Manchester born, Robert's family hail from Dublin. In his first season playing gaelic football he has taken to it like a duck to water. Playing in goals for the junior team most of the year, he is a future star. His best performance by far was in the Isle of Man! This year Robert looks like establishing himself in goals for the senior side. His kick-outs have hit an impressive level of consistency and Oisin should be able to build the type of play the want from them. Lets hope that his Facebook addiction doesn`t keep out of any of the big games this year.    

David Betney  
Origin:
  Mayo  
Position:
  Forward  
   

Another Manchester born player, David's family originate in Mayo.A regular at training David is improving all the time and is an established member of the junior team. Was famously heard saying "Who thinks Barry Donnelly is a really nice man?". Whatever floats your boat Betney!

Craig Norris  
Origin:
  Derry  
Position:
  Forward  


Craig has come a long way since the first whistle of his GAA career when he actually bent down to form a scrum. His tradmark chest catch works wonderfully seeing as the ball is still well above everyone else's heads. A great find by Oisin providing they don't spend all year untangling his arms and legs from other players, posts, passing dogs, etc, etc...
   

Paul Mackey  
Origin:
  Derry  
Position:
  Forward  
   

Another tall forward, Paul can help Oisin dominate the high ball. After recently getting hitched Paul now needs a reason to get out of the house. Luckily for Oisin football is an acceptable excuse. A potential midfielder Paul will do great things now that his slim fast diet has helped him lose 5 stone (4 of which were on his head).

Jason Walker  
Origin:
  Claire  
Position:
  Forward  


The old man of the club proves that age is no obstacle with his marauding runs from defense. One of the small number of local English players playing for Oisins, his skills aren't limited to football, as he's also an accomplished hurler. Proving that you don't have to be from Ireland to have a passion for GAA.
   

Patrick Corr  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
    Hailing from Coalisland, County Tyrone Pakie first pulled on the blue and white colours of Oisin`s in 2001. A hardworking corner forward, capable of stretching any defence with his energetic running, also known to keep a cool head to slot over the odd point or two. Coming from a hurling background Pakie is as handy with a ball in his hand as he is with a stick, although as some of you will already know when he has neither of those in his hand it`s usually a pint.

Gareth Shiells  
Origin:
  Tyrone  
Position:
  Forward  
This tall James Blunt lookalike from Dungannon ,Tyrone will be a great addition to Oisin. A skilful player Gareth is accurate with either foot, has steady ball handling and a fitness level that's second to none. He's a changed man from a few years ago when he was going to give up the game when at full pace he was overtaken by a referee.    

James Kelly  
Origin:
  Fermanagh  
Position:
  Midfield  
    One of the growing Fermanagh contingent currently at the club, James is a tall midfielder who likes a tackle. In his spare time James can be seen in bars and clubs (and streets) showing his Lennox Lewis esque stature being put to good use.

Ciaran McKenna  
Origin:
  Armagh  
Position:
  Forward  
Originating from a county with a fine tradition in gaelic football, this is the first full year for this Armagh man in Oisin colours. He won a penalty within 30 seconds of his introduction in his first game against St Peters in the junior championship. When not training Ciaran dispenses medical advice along with complimentary business cards from various Manchester undertakers.    

Paul Brady  
Origin:
  Laois  
Position:
  Forward  
   

This die-hard Laois man has been a regular fixture for Oisins both as a player and Committee member for two decades. The club Secretary showed showed he isn't ready to be put out to grass just yet when he bagged two goals against Brendan's in the junior championship. If you haven't already heard the story- you are in the minority.

For the Pen Pics of former players click here.
Check out our look-a-likes on the forum here.