Our history

Early beginnings (1904–1950s)

Oisín CLG Manchester traces its origins back to 1904, when the club was formed out of the Craobh Oisín Gaelic League in Manchester. The Gaelic League branch at that time promoted Irish language, music, song, and dance, and the establishment of a Gaelic football club extended that cultural mission onto the playing field.

In the early decades, the club was based at 7 Cheapside in Manchester, with the Gaelic League rooms acting as a focal point for Irish cultural and sporting life in the city. Oisín became a key part of the growing Irish community and of the development of Gaelic games in Britain.

A club without a permanent home (1950s–early 1990s)

Around the mid-1950s the Gaelic League branch in Manchester ceased to exist, and with it the physical base at Cheapside was lost. For the next number of decades, Oisín continued to operate as a club without its own permanent clubhouse, relying on the dedication of volunteers and members to keep Gaelic football alive in Manchester.

Despite not having a home ground of its own, the club survived and competed, drawing in new waves of Irish emigrants and building teams that would go on to have success in Lancashire and beyond. This period is remembered for the resilience and commitment of those who kept the club going.

A new home at Old Bedians (1990s onwards)

In the early 1990s, a new chapter began when Oisín joined forces with Old Bedians Rugby and Soccer clubs. Land at Millgate Lane in Didsbury was developed to provide pitches for Oisín alongside a rebuilt Old Bedians clubhouse.

This partnership finally gave Oisín a permanent home with modern facilities, including high-quality playing surfaces, changing rooms, and a clubhouse with bar and function room. The move to Old Bedians transformed the club’s prospects and laid the foundation for growth in playing numbers and activity.

On-field achievements and milestones

Over the years, Oisín teams have enjoyed success in Lancashire and British competitions. The club has produced sides capable of competing at the highest levels in Britain, including notable performances in provincial and national championships.

Underage teams have also brought honours back to the club, reflecting the importance placed on youth development and home-grown talent. These achievements have helped cement Oisín’s reputation as a strong and competitive Gaelic football club in the UK.

People and stories

The story of Oisín CLG Manchester is also the story of its people. Generations of players, coaches, officials, and supporters have given their time and energy to keep the club thriving. Many members have gone on to make their mark in Gaelic games and in their local communities, both in Manchester and back in Ireland.

The club has welcomed players from counties all over Ireland and from around the world, creating a unique mix of accents, experiences, and stories. This diversity has always been one of Oisín’s strengths, binding people together under the green and white colours of the club.

Today and the future

Today, Oisín CLG Manchester remains proud of its status as one of the oldest GAA clubs in Britain and a standard-bearer for Gaelic football in Manchester. With men’s, ladies, and youth teams, the club continues to grow and to provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in Gaelic games.

As we build on more than a century of history, our focus is on strengthening our teams, developing young players, and deepening our roots in the local community. We look forward to writing the next chapters of the Oisín story with current and future members of the club.