27/05/2026
St Patrick’s FC - Grangetown’s Glory Days
St Patrick’s FC (often referred to as the "all-greens" due to their kit) was described in a newspaper article as a legendary amateur football club based in Grangetown, Cardiff, that dominated local "park football" during the 1960s and 70s.
The club emerged as a major force in the 1964–65 campaign. They famously monopolised the Cardiff and District Premier Division, winning the title for 12 consecutive seasons until 1977. They also won the City Supporters’ Cup and Ninian Stuart Cup. The Greyhound Cup and Barry and District Cup. The Amateur Cup and the Combination Cup.
Their quality was borne out by the fact that several of their number went on to more illustrious things.
Gil Rees progressed to the ranks of Cardiff City, Sheffield United and Wales and returned to play for St Patrick's after his professional days were over.
City's record appearance holder Phil Dwyer was also associated with the club, while Mike Hancock, Gary Jones, Derek Redwood, Trevor Nott and Clive Ayers also went on to a much higher level of football.
Were they the greatest? Well, it's difficult to argue against that, although there are plenty who would.
Yet it was the stalwarts who contributed so much to the success of St Patrick's.
Players like Mike Fitzgerald, Yanto Monks, Mike Murphy, Dai Jones, Robert Reece, Colin Deans, Frank Evans, Charlie Jeakin, Clive Clifford and Robert O'Leary were more unsung heroes.
Les Smith Phillips, who was secretary of the district league for more than 40 years, believes the 'Pats' were the finest side the parks have ever seen. His father Bertie, who managed Grange Harlequins agreed, as did Echo columnist David Giles.
