The late Dr. John McAndrew. Photo: Irish Post

Irish Centre in Birmingham honours memory of Mayo football legend

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The Irish Centre in Birmingham has a commemorative framed tribute honouring the exploits of Bangor Erris native Dr. John McAndrew, an All-Ireland winner with Mayo in 1950 and 1951. S E KELLY

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The framed tribute to Dr. John McAndrew detailing his extensive exploits on and off the field.

Patrick Hennelly

Published: Fri 24 Jul 2026, 2:16 PM

THE Irish Centre in Kings Heath, Birmingham, has a commemorative framed tribute honouring the football exploits of the late Dr. John McAndrew.

One of last men to win an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title with Mayo, Dr. John McAndrew – a native of Bangor Erris – was a key member of the famous Mayo side that won back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1950 and '51.

As well as being part of that iconic Mayo side, Dr. McAndrew went on to win an All-Ireland junior medal with Mayo in 1957; captained the Mayo team beaten by Dublin in an All-Ireland senior semi-final in 1955; won four county senior medals (with Crossmolina, Castlebar and Ballina); and won a county championship medal with The Westerners (Dublin).

His Mayo inter-county career included five Connacht senior titles and two National League titles.

Dr. McAndrew was a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, and having completed his medical training in 1959, he moved to Birmingham to begin life as a doctor and had an extensive medical practice there for 50 years.

During his time in Birmingham, Dr. McAndrew continued to compete for honours with John Mitchels GAA Club.

His successes there included the following: seven Warwickshire Championships; four Birmingham City Council Park Trophy Competitions; seven Fr. Forde Cups; and eight Senior Football League competitions.

Dr. McAndrew’s exploits on the football pitch resulted in him being chosen as full-back on the Warwickshire Team of the 20th century, and he was an outstanding captain for John Mitchels GAA Club.

Off the field, Dr. McAndrew served as chairman of Warwickshire County Board and chairman of John Mitchels GAA Club, and was named a Life President of John Mitchels GAA Club.