It may surprise you to learn that at least ten players have represented both Barrow AFC and Dublin side Shelbourne during their careers. Barrow historian Peter Lee Hawkridge has dived into his archive to tell us all about it in this Give 'Em Beans long read special!
Thomas Patrick McKenna
The connection began with full-back Thomas Patrick McKenna, a Tullamore native from County Offaly. McKenna started his journey with Dublin junior side Lansdowne United before joining Shelbourne in 1908.
After just one season with Shelbourne, the promising right full-back ventured across the Irish Sea to join Liverpool Combination side Garston Gas Works. His solid performances there earned him a move to Colne in June 1910, where he flourished in the Lancashire Combination First Division, helping the team secure a commendable sixth-place finish.
McKenna's talent didn't go unnoticed, and Football League side Burnley soon came calling for the 1911-12 season. However, his time there proved frustrating as he was confined to reserve team football. Seeking regular first-team action, he joined Barrow AFC in August 1912 alongside Burnley teammate John Woods.
Making his Barrow debut on the opening day of the 1912-13 season in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie against St Helens Town at Holker Street, McKenna formed an impressive partnership with fellow newcomer James Neil from Kilmarnock. Their defensive prowess helped Barrow achieve fifth place in the league and reach the FA Cup first round proper - only the second time in the club's history.
In a memorable cup tie, Barrow took Bradford to a replay and accepted £650 to switch the replay venue to Bradford. Despite conceding home advantage, they were only eliminated by a single goal in injury time.
McKenna enjoyed a successful first season, missing just two league games and making 32 league and eight cup appearances. He even managed to score once in a remarkable 10-0 victory over Rossendale United at Holker Street that December. However, the club's refusal to pay summer wages prompted his departure.
In May 1913, McKenna and former teammate David Kenny moved to Football League Second Division side Grimsby Town. He made 16 league appearances over the next two seasons before the outbreak of the First World War. Answering the call of duty, McKenna and five Grimsby teammates - David Kenny, Sid Wheelhouse, Frank Martin, Alf Gregson and David Chalmers - volunteered with the 17th Middlesex Regiment, known as the "Footballers Battalion". They served in several key battles, including the Battle of the Somme.
During the war, McKenna continued to play football, participating in battalion matches and making guest appearances for Belfast United, whom he joined permanently after the war ended in 1918.
August 1919 saw McKenna make a surprise return to Barrow, where he resumed his familiar right full-back position alongside Ralph Duckworth. He made 31 league appearances as the club again finished fifth in the Lancashire Combination. The following season, despite missing nearly half the games through injury and suspension, he played a crucial role in Barrow's championship-winning campaign.
When Barrow became founder members of Division 3 North in 1921, McKenna stayed for a third season. However, competition from Robert James, Billy McKay and James Phizacklea limited him to 16 league and three cup appearances.
In August 1922, after amassing 97 league and 19 cup appearances and scoring five goals across his two spells with Barrow, McKenna moved across the bay to Lancashire Combination side Morecambe. A season later, he became player/coach at Kendal Town, commuting from his Barrow home before joining nearby Ulverston Town in summer 1924.
Though he hung up his boots the following year, McKenna's passion for football continued in a coaching role with local side Barrow Pulpworks. Tragically, his contribution to the game was cut short by heart disease, claiming his life on 3rd August 1930 at just 38 years of age.
George Patrick Cunningham
During Tom McKenna's first season with Barrow, the club welcomed two more players who had previously played for Shelbourne.
George Patrick Cunningham, born in Dublin's Pembroke West district in 1890, began his footballing journey as an amateur with Belfast Celtic in 1908 before moving closer to home to join Shelbourne in summer 1909.
His impressive pace and skill caught the eye of selectors, earning him a place in the Irish League side that faced the English Football League at Boundary Park on 9th October 1909. Despite an emphatic 8-1 defeat, Cunningham retained his place for the match against the Scottish League at Firhill on 25th October, though that too ended in defeat, 2-0.
After just one season at Shelbourne, Leeds City manager Frank Scott-Walford signed Cunningham in May 1910, along with his teammates Joe Enright and Mick Foley. The Irish trio made their debuts together against Blackpool on the opening day of the 1910-11 season. While Enright and Foley made immediate impacts, Cunningham struggled to recapture his Shelbourne form and lost his place after only two matches.
Making just one more appearance that season, Cunningham became a regular in Leeds' reserve team until his move to Barrow on 1st February 1913. His debut came that very day, replacing the injured Ernie Pinkney against Walkden Central. Though Barrow lost 1-0, ending their remarkable 53-game unbeaten home run that stretched back to January 1910, Cunningham held onto his place in the team.
He went on to feature in all of Barrow's remaining fixtures that season, playing 14 league matches and 4 friendlies - including one against his former club Leeds City as part of the Jimmy Robertson transfer. Cunningham opened his scoring account for Barrow at Chester on 21st March and followed it with a brace in a commanding 7-2 victory over Heywood United the next day.
After 18 appearances and three goals, Cunningham moved to Central League side Crewe Alexandra in August 1913, before joining their rivals Stalybridge Celtic the following February. Released by Stalybridge at the end of the 1913-14 season, he returned to Ireland, though records of any subsequent playing career with Irish clubs remain unclear.
James Joseph Fortune
Born in 1888 in Dublin's Pembroke West district (the same area as future Barrow teammate George Cunningham), James Joseph Fortune followed his older brother Michael's path into football. While Michael played as a goalkeeper for Herbert Park in South Dublin, James signed for the same club in summer 1907.
As a left winger, Fortune's pace and trickery caught the local press's attention. His talents earned him selection for the Leinster League in a representative match against the Garrison League at Dalymount Park on 21st April 1908.
After impressing in his debut season, Fortune secured a move to Irish League side Shelbourne, where he quickly became their first-choice left winger, helping the club achieve a third-place finish in 1908-09. Though Shelbourne struggled the following season, finishing bottom, Fortune's consistent performances attracted Belfast Distillery's interest.
His stay in Belfast was brief - just three months - before he joined the growing Irish contingent at Leeds City in October 1910, sharing lodgings with fellow Irishmen Tom Mulholland, George Cunningham, Joe Enright, and Mick Foley. First-team opportunities proved scarce until his debut against Chelsea on 9th September the following season, in a 0-0 draw. Despite positive reports about his combination play with Enright on the left flank, Fortune returned to the reserves after just one appearance.
Returning to Shelbourne, Fortune's excellent performances caught Barrow's attention, leading to a trial in February 1913. He debuted at Hyde on 25th February, becoming the fourteenth player to occupy the left-wing position, with former Leeds teammate Cunningham on the opposite flank. The pair helped secure a 1-0 victory.
After impressing again in a friendly against Leicester Fosse (despite picking up an injury), Fortune signed with Barrow on 5th March. He played 9 league and 4 friendly matches, including a remarkable hat-trick in a 10-0 victory over Denton. His final goal came in a May Day fund match against Dalton & District, opening the scoring in a 3-2 win.
With Barrow unable to offer summer wages, Fortune moved to Queens Park Rangers in May 1913, staying one season before joining Bristol Rovers. When World War I broke out, he returned to Dublin for a third spell with Shelbourne. Post-war, he signed for Stalybridge Celtic in 1919, facing his former club Barrow twice that season.
Fortune's career then took him to Wales, first with Pembroke Dock AFC and then Pontypridd, where he impressed in the Welsh section of the Southern League. In 1922, he returned to Shelbourne for a fourth time, helping them secure consecutive runner-up finishes in what was then the Football League of the Irish Free State, scoring 16 goals across two seasons before retiring in 1924. He remained connected to Shelbourne, becoming a regular match reporter for the Irish Times.
Benjamin H “Ben” Brelsford
Benjamin H "Ben" Brelsford, born in Sheffield's Attercliffe district in 1896, came from a remarkable footballing family. The youngest of four brothers, Ben followed his siblings Tom and Charles to Sheffield Wednesday, while brother Bill played for local rivals Sheffield United.
After two seasons of reserve team football with Sheffield Wednesday, Brelsford's breakthrough came in July 1925 with a £150 transfer to Barrow, joining alongside brother Tom and teammate Fred Laycock. The move to Division Three North offered the powerful left-back his first real opportunity to shine.
Barrow, looking to improve after finishing bottom the previous season, had given their faithful supporters hope with several new signings. Brelsford made his debut in a goalless draw at Doncaster on 30th August, going on to make 32 league appearances and scoring once in a 2-0 victory over Durham City at Holker Street. Despite a poor run of five defeats in their final seven games, Barrow secured a fourteenth-place finish.
The season's highlight was an extraordinary FA Cup run, featuring a record-breaking four replays to overcome Gillingham after earlier victories against Darwen and Wrexham. Their reward was a trip to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool, where they earned a creditable replay before falling to a 2-0 defeat at Holker Street. Brelsford featured in all nine cup ties, plus a Lancashire Senior Cup match against Preston North End.
While brother Tom departed for Rotherham County, Ben remained at Barrow, inheriting the captain's armband for the 1925-26 season. He made 31 appearances and scored once - a penalty in a 4-1 home defeat to Coventry City - but couldn't prevent Barrow finishing bottom, eight points adrift. Early exits from both cup competitions compounded a disappointing campaign.
After 63 league appearances and two goals, plus 12 cup matches for Barrow, Brelsford moved to Second Division Oldham Athletic for £50 in May 1926. However, he struggled to establish himself, making just nine appearances across two seasons.
A move to Watford in Division Three South followed in May 1928. Despite a promising start, Brelsford managed only 24 league appearances over two seasons, scoring once - his first goal since October 1925.
In 1930, Brelsford made a surprising move to Ireland, initially trialling with Shelbourne before signing for their rivals Bray Unknowns. Ironically, he debuted against Shelbourne in a 5-0 defeat, though his performances soon earned praise from the Dublin press and consideration for the Irish League representative side.
His Irish adventure proved brief, departing in November to join Manchester North End in the Cheshire County League. Further moves followed to Rossendale United, where he helped secure a sixth-place Lancashire Combination finish, then trials with Northern Irish side Larne. His career wound down with spells at Newton Heath Loco and finally New Mills in the Manchester League, where he signed in January 1934.
John Smith Jackson Maconnachie
John Smith Jackson Maconnachie, born in Aberdeen in 1885, embarked on a remarkable football career that would span nearly three decades. Starting with junior side Glasgow Perthshire, he soon caught the eye of Scottish First Division club Hibernian, signing with them in 1903.
After making his debut against Kilmarnock in September 1903, Maconnachie quickly established himself in the Hibs first team. Over the next four seasons, he made 93 appearances and scored 9 goals, showcasing his defensive prowess and attacking capabilities.
In April 1907, Maconnachie moved south to join Everton for a £1,000 transfer fee. Though he debuted as a centre half in a 2-1 victory over Preston North End at Goodison Park, he soon returned to his preferred left half position. His consistency and skill saw him make 229 league appearances over the next eight seasons, with a brief loan spell back to Hibernian in April 1914.
Recognising his natural leadership qualities, Everton appointed him captain, and he led the team to the league title in 1915. Off the pitch, Maconnachie demonstrated his commitment to player development by organising night classes to educate younger players at the club.
During the First World War, Maconnachie served his country as a mechanic in the Royal Air Force. He maintained his football career with guest appearances for West Ham United and Swedish side Djurgardens. In 1918, he then went on to play for Shelbourne and participated in a Red Cross fundraising match between the Leinster and Co Antrim Football Associations.
Post-war, Maconnachie returned to Everton for a final spell, making 16 more league appearances and scoring twice. In 1920, after accumulating 245 league appearances and 6 goals for Everton, he joined newly-promoted Football League Third Division side Swindon Town. His career then took an international turn with three spells at Swedish side Djurgardens, including a stint as player/manager.
However, his life took a dramatic turn in May 1924 when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court. Despite being described as "one of the greatest footballers that Scotland and Everton had ever had", he was charged with deserting his wife and three children, who had been forced to seek help from the West Derby Union Workhouse. His fall from grace highlighted the financial precarity faced by even top footballers in an era before substantial wages and modern player protections.
In October 1927, Maconnachie's career experienced an unexpected revival when he became manager of Barrow AFC. In a remarkable turn of events, at the age of 42 years and 10 months, he became the oldest player in the club's history when he returned to the pitch as both a left winger and centre forward. Despite leading the team to a 2-0 victory against Chesterfield, he wisely decided to end his playing career afterwards.
After a mixed spell as manager, with results ranging from promising to concerning, Maconnachie resigned from Barrow in December 1928. His final role in football came as player/manager of North Suffolk League side Lowestoft Town in March 1930, where he remained until his retirement the following spring.
John Smith Jackson Maconnachie passed away in November 1956 at the age of 71. His legacy endures at Everton, where fans still remember him as one of the finest defenders to have graced Goodison Park. His career, spanning multiple countries and roles, exemplifies the dedication and adaptability of early 20th century footballers, while his personal struggles highlight the financial challenges they faced.
James “Jimmy” Watt
Born in Bellshill, Glasgow in December 1904, James "Jimmy" Watt developed his footballing skills in the local junior leagues, playing for Bellshill Juniors and Mossend Swifts before catching the eye of English side Charlton Athletic, who signed him in May 1928.
After two seasons in Charlton's reserve team without breaking into the first team, Watt moved north to join Barrow AFC in the summer of 1929. He made his debut at left half in a challenging 5-0 defeat at Port Vale on 7th September. Despite the difficult start, Watt's versatility and consistency saw him become an ever-present figure in the team, appearing across the half-back line and even filling in at inside left against Nelson.
The 1929-30 season proved challenging for Barrow, who finished bottom of the table and faced re-election. However, Watt's performances stood out as a rare bright spot. He made an impressive 40 league appearances, complemented by two FA Cup matches and a Lancashire Senior Cup appearance, where he scored his only goal of the season in a 4-2 defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Watt's second season at Barrow began with him at centre half in the opening day's 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers. Though new signing Charlie Cowie took over the centre half position, Watt soon returned to the side at left half, forming a formidable partnership with Cowie and Billy Murray. The team improved to finish sixteenth, with Watt contributing 31 league appearances and scoring twice - in home victories against Wigan Borough and Nelson.
After accumulating 77 appearances and three goals for Barrow, Watt embarked on a new chapter in Ireland with Dublin side Dolphin. His consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the league's finest half-backs, culminating in his selection for the Leinster Football Association in a prestigious match against Scottish League champions Motherwell at Dalymount Park.
Following two successful seasons with Dolphin, Watt returned to England with Southport in June 1933, where he demonstrated remarkable durability by missing just one game throughout the Division Three North campaign. The summer of 1934 saw him briefly return to Ireland for a trial with Shelbourne before rejoining Dolphin, where he played a crucial role in the club's first Irish League title, contributing three important goals.
Watt's influence helped Dolphin secure second place the following season, though they dropped to tenth in his final year. In the summer of 1937, he moved to Welsh side Bangor City, where he remained until the outbreak of World War Two, during which he had trials with Wigan Athletic and made a guest appearance for his former club Southport in 1941.
After hanging up his boots, Watt settled in Southport, where he established a successful grocery business. He remained a respected figure in the community until his passing in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of versatility, consistency, and success across English, Irish, and Welsh football.
Frank Peed (Francisco Enrique Gonzalez)
Born Francisco Enrique Gonsalez on 27th July 1905 in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, Frank Peed's life story began with an intriguing cultural blend - born to a Wolverhampton-born mother and Argentine father. After his father's death, his mother Jennie's marriage to John Peed led to the anglicisation of his name, adopting his stepfather's surname.
Raised in Newport, Wales, Peed's football journey began during his studies at Corporation Road school. His early career saw him progress through local sides, playing for Orb Villa and Lliswery AFC in the Newport & District Football League. His powerful presence as a centre forward caught attention while serving with the 1st Battalion of the South Wales Borderers, and he also had a spell with Staffordshire's Brereton Social AFC before signing for Aston Villa in October 1928.
Despite regular goals for Villa's reserve team and representing the Birmingham County Football Association in a junior international against Scotland, Peed couldn't break into Villa's first team over two seasons. The summer of 1929 saw him move to Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, but after just two appearances, he transferred to their Division Three South rivals Norwich City.
At Norwich, Peed made his debut against Torquay United on 26th October, going on to score four goals in 17 league appearances during the 1930-31 season. His career took a significant turn when he returned to Newport in August 1931, joining Newport County on loan. The club, then playing in the Southern League Western Division after failing to gain re-election to the Football League, provided Peed with a platform to showcase his talents.
His impact was immediate, scoring twice on his debut against Merthyr Town in a 4-2 victory. That season proved to be one of his most successful, as he finished as the club's top scorer with 24 league goals, helping Newport secure a sixth-place finish and return to the Football League. His form earned him selection for the Welsh League in a representative match against the Irish League at Stebonheath Park, where he scored in a 4-2 defeat.
After spells back at Norwich and Newport County, Peed's career took him to Shelbourne in Ireland before joining Barrow AFC in January 1934. At Barrow, he became part of a formidable attacking line-up alongside Jackie Foster, Jimmy Shankly, Matthew Robinson, and Joe Roberts. His time there coincided with one of the club's most successful attacking seasons, as they scored a record 116 goals in 1933-34, finishing eighth in the league.
Peed played his part in creating history during his final appearance of that season, scoring in Barrow's remarkable 12-1 victory over Gateshead - a scoreline that remains a club record. The following season proved less successful, with Peed scoring 8 goals in 22 appearances before being released.
His career concluded with spells at ambitious Southern League side Bath City and Nuneaton Town. After hanging up his boots, Peed returned to his adopted hometown of Newport, where he passed away on 13th June 1969, aged 64.
Frank Peed's career, spanning multiple levels of English, Welsh, and Irish football, reflected the journey of many players of his era - marked by frequent moves and the constant search for regular first-team football. His contribution to Barrow's record-breaking season and Newport County's return to the Football League stand as testament to his abilities as a powerful centre forward.
John James Commins
John James Commins, born in Athy, County Kildare, began his journey in England at the age of 17, working at the Brightside and Carbrook Co-Operative Association in Sheffield. His path to football management began after moving to Glasgow, where he took his first managerial role with Mossend Hibernian in 1906.
After six successful years at Mossend, Commins was appointed Secretary-Manager of Clyde on 1st May 1912, where he would remain for twelve seasons. His reputation for skilled management led to his appointment at Barnsley in 1926, though financial constraints forced him to sell several key players. He eventually resigned on 28th May 1928 due to "differences in matters of policy."
First Spell at Barrow AFC - March 1929 saw Commins take charge at Southport, where he rebuilt the team without incurring costs. However, just as the team was reaching its peak, he surprised many by moving to Barrow AFC on 27th November 1930. At the time, Barrow had won only three games and seemed destined for re-election, but Commins's impact was immediate - his first game resulted in a 3-0 victory over Nelson.
Under his leadership, Barrow won 12 games and finished sixteenth, safely avoiding re-election. Commins's eye for talent saw him bring in key players including Ernie Suggett, Jock Morgan, James Tinnion, Ossie Littler, Bob Hindley, and Jimmy Kelly. His reorganisation of the club's internal operations and ability to build team spirit led to remarkable success in the 1931-32 season, with the club achieving their highest-ever finish of fifth place, bolstered by Billy Millar's impressive 30 goals in 30 games and Ernie Suggett's 21 league goals.
Later Career - In May 1932, Commins left for Shelbourne, attracted by a salary exceeding his £8 per week at Barrow. After leading Shelbourne to third place in the Irish League, he returned to Southport in April 1933 for an annual salary of £400 plus transfer fee percentages. His second Southport spell was marked by player sales to keep the club solvent and occasional conflicts with both board and supporters.
Return to Barrow - Following his retirement in 1936, Commins made a surprising return to management in August 1945, chosen from over 40 applicants to lead Barrow for a second time. The 1945-46 season saw him work with directors and supporters to rebuild the club, achieving a notable FA Cup run that ended with an 8-4 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the third round.
Despite operating on a modest budget, Commins strengthened the squad for the 1946-47 season with signings including Alf Burnett, Stan Henderson, Eddie Miller, Alex Roxburgh, Billy Lee, and George Forbes. The team maintained a top-ten position with attendances regularly exceeding 6,000, but disagreements with the board and supporters led to his resignation on 8th February 1947.
His managerial record at Barrow was impressive, winning 55.7% of games during his first spell and 28.8% in his second spell (including the 1945-46 wartime season). Commins's final role in football came in August 1948 as manager of Cork United, though this lasted just two months before the club resigned from the Irish league and disbanded.
John James Commins retired to Southport, where he remained until his death in March 1955. His legacy as a manager who could build successful teams on limited budgets, while maintaining high standards of organisation and efficiency, makes him a significant figure in the history of English and Irish football.
Shelbourne FC 1919
Barrow AFC 1912-13
Back Row: Alex Montgomery (Director), James Preston Phillips (Secretary), William Dickinson (Vice-Chairman), Robert Fergusson, James McLelland, Robert Parker (Directors).
Second Row: Jack Banks (Trainer), David Kenny, Ernie Pinkney, John Woods, William Campbell, James Neil, William “Paddy” McRailt, John Armer, John Edmund Moralee (Director).
Front Row: James “Daisy” Bell, Walter Clements (Chairman), Pat Gallacher (Captain), Fred Newman Esq. (President), Jimmy Atkinson, David Cooksey (Director), George Cunningham.
Sitting: Thomas McKenna, John Coham.
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