Sport In Profile UK Issue 03 | Page 54

BROTHERS PEARSE GAA [BROTHERS PEARSE GAA] [GAELIC FOOTBALL] There is much to admire about the set up that Brothers Pearse GAA has in place and they are now approaching their 100th anniversary. Sport in Profile Magazine caught up with their Captain Stephen Frawley who told us more about the club. Involvement He started by telling us about his involvement with the club, saying, “I was at home in Ireland early 2012 and work there was very slow, I bumped into a fella, Matt Rea of Effin co. Limerick who put me in touch with his brother Jerry Rea. Jerry Rea is a massive figure within the club; he collected me from the airport, fed and watered me and kindly put me up for a week whilst helping me sort accommodation and work so I’m forever grateful for his help. There was a big following of limerick players and at the time I joined it was almost like being at home playing with lads I would have played against.” Being Captain “Becoming captain of the team was very rewarding; I’ve been captain for 2 years now making it to the County Final last year which was a great achievement for myself and the club. Unfortunately we missed out on the silverware but that’s how your luck swings some days. Playing with the Brothers Pearse opened doors and I was selected to play in the London 54 ISSUE 03 senior hurling panel where I won a league final medal. It’s very tough here in London with working and playing not for myself but speaking for all the lads to finish up work on an evening and heading straight to training. We train 2 nights a week, play most weekends and it’s a huge commitment jumping on and off tubes can be very stressful at times.” Atmosphere “The general mood here is grand; the lads have their heads up, we were all a bit disappointed losing the county final last year and this year we were narrowly beat in the semis. It’s a shame to drop out early, it’s a great feeling to still be training on September nights but there’s always next year.” Youth “Youth development is a big issue within the London county board. There’s a massive push on grass roots here in London, I have heard that it’s in schools around the area and its great kids are being taught hurling. The Brothers Pearse is yet to form a youth team but as popularity grows there is a future and no doubt would be a great asset to the club.” Welcoming “We welcome all players of all abilities to come down and join us. We have 4 London