Belgium GAA 2009

Imreoirí uaisle An Chraobh Rua, Dear Belgium GAA friends,

On behalf of our club's new committee, I have the great pleasure of (re)welcoming you aboard and looking forward to another brilliant year of gaelic games across Europe.

We have come a long way in a short time. This time last year, then Chairman Conchur De Barra, looking forward to 2008, said that "Belgium G.A.A. will break new ground this year with a new, more accessible, home pitch and more teams. Your enthusiasm and commitment for all Gaelic Games will be paramount to our success on and off the pitch."

Though not widely known as a clairvoyant, Conchur's prediction came true many times over: Belgium GAA finished the year as European champions in both women's and men's football, while the hurling and camogie teams were both runners-up in their respective championships – an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of last year's committee, managers, trainers and players.

Our challenge this year is to use our 2008 success, both on and off the field, as a platform to make 2009 an even greater year for Belgium GAA. Your continuing commitment is the key.
And we've no time to lose! Forthcoming events include:

• Sat March 7: Men's and women's football tournament between Belgium, Clare Island GAA and Roger Casements GAA (Coventry) at Parc Cinquantenaire (P50), followed by dinner for 100 and presentations at Old Oak.
• Sunday March 15: HUGE St Patrick's Day celebrations in Bxl, culminating in games at P50.

As was agreed at this year's AGM the membership fee for the year will be maintained at 50€. Yes, only 50€ for having access to the 50enaire pitch 4 times a week for a large part of the year between all codes. 35€ for students and anyone unemployed.
We ask that you please transfer this amount a.s.a.p. to the club account 363-0292739-33 with your name and mention "fees 2009".

Last year we gave a pair of club shorts and socks when the fee had been paid into the account. This too will remain unchanged for anyone wishing to get the club shorts and socks. For club members who already have the shorts and socks from previous year(s), these members who pay their membership fee will be entitled to a "10€ off" club gear that can be purchased via the Equipment Officer, Maria Brosnan.

On the 'off the pitch' side of things, if you have any ideas in the following areas, do not hesitate to email a committee member, who will bring them up at our meetings:

• Fundraising/sponsorship ideas
• Team "recruitment" initiatives
• Ideas for improving the social/fun/trips side of things for the club

So welcome aboard! The full committee (names and email addresses) is on the ‘contacts’ page on our website – do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Looking forward to seeing you getting your knees dirty for An Chraobh Rua at P50 in the coming weeks,

Is mise le meas, Olof Gill, Belgium GAA Chair 2009.