Phil Brennan

Phil Brennan talks about a life spent in many different locations, moving from his native Donegal to Antrim to London and then New York before finally settling in Kerry. He describes his experiences with the GAA while on that journey, and how it was incredibly popular amongst those who had emigrated to London and New York. As a union delegate in New York Phil soon became involved with the Donegal GAA club. He describes the GAA set-up there and how it differed from that in Ireland, shedding light on how valued players’ services were secured by teams, the political currents running through New York GAA and his own topsy-turvy relationship with the New York Board. Phil never set out to become heavily involved with GAA matters, but his life’s story illustrates the extent to which the Association is an integral part of the Irish emigrant experience.