Pat Finnegan

Pat Finnegan, chairman of St. Patrick’s GAA club in Louth, opens the interview by discussing his earliest memories of Gaelic games, including reference to school leagues and the social life around his early informal participation. His family’s involvement with the GAA in Louth is also sketched out. As well as stories about travelling to games in overcrowded cars, Pat recalls some of the highlights in the St. Patrick’s club’s history – the 1972 junior final and the 2003 senior championship final. Pat talks about the impact of economic recession on the club and its activities; furthermore, he considers the challenges which face both the club and the GAA generally. Club rivalries, in particular that with Cooley, are discussed as is the involvement of St. Pat’s players with Louth county teams, including Louth captain in 2010, Paddy Keenan.