Patrick “Paddy” Brannigan was born and raised in Kearny and still resides in Soccertown, USA. He is married to his wonderful wife Diane and is honored to be the father of Patrick Brannigan. “Coach” began his soccer career early on in life. He was captain of the State Championship Team and also named to the All State team while in attendance at St. Cecilia’s.
Soccer teaches important life lessons and instills a sense of discipline and dedication in a player. Paddy Brannigan took his discipline and dedication to a higher level while serving a thirteen month Combat Tour of Duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corp. He served our country from 1966 through 1968. Coach then returned to Kearny and continued to serve the community as a member of the Kearny Fire Department from 1972 until his retirement in 2002.
Coach Brannigan’s love of soccer would not be forgotten and thus began his soccer coaching career. Paddy volunteered his time between coaching seven years with the Kearny Recreation Youth Soccer league and spent eight years as a Coach of Thistle F.C. teams. During this time Paddy also managed to serve as the President of Thistle F.C. for three terms. He also chaired the Thistle F.C. dance with this wife Diane for five years. And when the position of League Commissioner was available, Coach Brannigan once again gave his time for two terms.
Coach Brannigan not only coached, but he coached successfully. His teams earned the right to compete in the State Cup Finals on four different occasions. Coach’s teams also won their league and indoor titles eight years in a row. Under his leadership, his team became a finalist in the Canadian Robbie Tournament and also went on to win the Columbia Maryland Tournament. Coach Brannigan’s teams appeared in numerous New Jersey events during his tenure as coach and were showered with many accolades. It is with great pleasure that we honor Patrick “Paddy” Brannigan this evening at the Thistle F.C. Annual Hall of Fame Dinner Dance. Through your dedication to the sport, your community, and the young adults that you have coached, you have truly left an imprint on the hearts of many.
