Ellan Vannin Gaels
Before the arrival of the Ellan Vannin Gaels in the summer of 2006, Gaelic football was a rare sight on the Island. A previous incarnation, `Mannin Gales` (though not connected), had competed in the Lancashire league during the 1990`s. Due to lack of funding and facilities, the competitive `Mannin Gaels` disbanded late on in the decade.
There was still an appetite for Gaelic football on the Island though with regular training sessions amongst a core group of 10 to 20 during the summers of 2005 and 2006. As the numbers grew and the players became hungry for competition, it was decided to `give it a go`. The club was formed at an informal meeting in July 2006. Straight away the Gaels set about plans to get some much needed competitive games and started to promote the game to the wider audience on the Isle of Man. Initial sponsorship deals were struck to kit out the team, and some attractive local press coverage ensured that the club was moving in the right direction.
On an Island known for its diversity of sport and top class facilities, the Gaels knew that they would have to approach some local clubs with a view to a ground share. After some constructive meetings, Vagabonds RUFC invited the Gaels to use their facilities at Glencrutchery Road, Douglas. A link was formed between the clubs, which ensured the Gaels could host games on the Island.
So its a case of `onwards and upwards` for this progressive thinking club, with plans afoot to host their own end of season tournament which is hoped would attract a large number of teams from both the UK and Ireland.
