The Irish who emigrated brought their national games with them and both regional and club units are now well established in America, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, mainland Europe and in many other parts of the world, where the large Irish ex-pats are located. Portugal is such a place and although it’s unique to the locals, G.A.A. Football is not a rare site in the Algarve especially at Browns. In 2006 Browns was pleased to have hosted both the finalists of the 2006 All-Ireland Football Championship: Mayo and Kerry.

The climate and facilities at Browns are also ideal for both Hurling and Football and a number of top clubs have already chosen Browns for their pre-season and pre All-Ireland competition training camps. Many teams overall camp training structure has consisted of field activities, player tutorial sessions plus the major factor of team bonding. At Browns this factor was possible due to the unique concept of having a training camp exclusively for themselves. This allows for a tension –free camp and greater unity.

Every professional rugby club is different in their requirements for training camps. Browns aim is to provide the ideal environment to enable both the Management and players to gain maximum benefit from their time away. Every Team Manager has a different approach to his training camp. Therefore, custom-made camps are created that are based on individual requests. Preparation is the key to ensuring a training camp runs smoothly. Careful planning, right down to the finest detail, all ensure that any camp arranged by Browns is a success.  We take into account the following: training requirements, duration of camp, training facilities, nutritional requests, friendly matches, medical and support network, time of year, leisure facilities.

TEAMS ATTENDED - G.A.A. Football
Within Gaelic Football, Browns have hosted various County Gaelic teams. Leading teams such as:

• Monaghans G.A.A. (visited 2 consecutive years)
• Mayo G.A.A. (visited 2 consecutive years and are to visit in 2007)
• Kerry G.A.A.

REFERENCES
Declann Brennan Head coach of Monaghans G.A.A at the timecommented on Browns training centre: “…the facilities have been first class. The pitch is outstanding and the additional facilities such as the weights room have been fantastic. We are then pleased with the effort and commitment of the athletes. The camp has highlighted a couple of areas for improvement as well as building confidence in other key areas of performance”.

John Morrison who attended Browns with Mayo in 2005 & 2006 felt training progressed well as: “The playing field surface is excellent, the gym is great as is the accommodation and with all the training facilities close together it is a help”. In addition he added: “The facilities are excellent….facilities do not necessarily make a great camp but the people working at the facilities ensure the success of the camp. That’s how it has been for us”

Kerry G.A.A Commenting on the training completed at Browns February 2006, Kerry G.A.A Football Head Coach Ger O’Keeffe said: “To work with the players 24-7 was excellent… and it was probably the best we have prepared all year.”