Alan Brogan facts for kids

Alan Brogan is a famous Gaelic footballer from Dublin, Ireland. He was born on January 11, 1982. Alan played for his local club, St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh. He also played for the Dublin county team from 2002 until he retired in 2015. Alan usually played as a centre half forward, which is a key attacking position.

Alan comes from a well-known family of Gaelic footballers. His dad, Bernard Snr, was also a great player. Alan's brothers, Bernard Jnr and Paul, also played for Dublin. His uncle Jim was also a county player for Dublin. In 2008, Alan was chosen to be the captain of the Dublin team for the Championship.

Alan won many awards during his career. He won his first Leinster Senior Football Championship medal in 2002. In 2003, he won an All-Ireland Under-21 medal with Dublin. He also played for the Ireland team. In 2004, he scored 9 points when Ireland beat Australia.

Alan Brogan's Football Journey

Starting Out: 2002 to 2005

Alan Brogan first played for Dublin in 2002. His first game was against Wexford. In 2005, he played a big part in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. He scored 2 goals and 20 points that season.

He also helped Dublin win the 2005 Leinster Senior Football Championship. They beat Laois in the final at Croke Park. Alan scored 1 point in that game. He was asked to join Ireland's international rules team. But he could not play because of an injury.

All-Star Years: 2006 to 2007

In 2006, Alan played in a game against Tyrone. He was sent off the field during this game. But later, he and other players were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Alan helped Dublin win another Leinster senior title in 2006. They beat Offaly in the final. Many people thought he would win an All Star award that year. An All Star is a special award for the best players. He did win his first All Star in 2006. He was named one of the best half forwards. He was also chosen for the first ever GPA Gaelic Team of the Year.

In 2007, Dublin's league season was tough. But Alan still won the 2007 Leinster Senior Football Championship. Dublin was later knocked out of the All-Ireland by Kerry. Despite this, Alan won another All Star award. This time, he was named the best left half forward.

Captain of Dublin: 2008

In 2008, Alan Brogan became the captain of the Dublin senior team. His first game as captain was against Carlow. He also helped his club, St Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruadh, win their first ever league title.

As Dublin captain, he won the 2008 O'Byrne Cup. They beat Longford in the final. He also won his fifth Leinster title in 2008. Dublin had a huge win against Wexford, scoring 3 goals and 23 points. Alan himself scored 1 goal and 3 points in that game.

Later Career and Retirement: 2009 to 2015

In 2009, Alan won another Leinster title with Dublin. But their season ended when they lost to Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

In 2011, Alan scored 3 points for Dublin against Wexford. Dublin won the 2011 Leinster Senior Football Championship again. They then played Tyrone in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Alan played well, scoring 3 points. Dublin won easily. They then played Donegal in the All-Ireland semi-final. Dublin won a low-scoring game.

This meant Dublin was in the All-Ireland final for the first time since 1995. They played their old rivals, Kerry. Alan scored 2 points in the final. Dublin won by just one point, 1–12 to 1–11. They came from behind in the last few minutes to win. On October 21, 2011, Alan won his third All Star award. He was also named the GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year.

On September 20, 2015, Alan won his third All-Ireland title. Dublin beat Kerry by 0–12 to 0–9 in the final. Alan came on for the last four minutes of the game. He scored Dublin's final point.

On December 15, 2015, Alan Brogan announced he was retiring from playing for Dublin. He said he was leaving a great team. He also said he would always remember the friendships he made. He thanked all the players, managers, and mentors who helped him.

Alan Brogan's Achievements

• Leinster Senior Football Championship (11): 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
• All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (3): 2011, 2013, 2015
• National Football League (3): 2013, 2014, 2015