Belgium GAA descends on Maastricht

Final countdown: the full Belgium Ladies squad

On Saturday 6 November, the European football finals took place in Maastricht, for the third and final time in as many years. It was an epic day for Belgium GAA, the only club to bring 6 teams (plus a number of supporters) to a tournament, which was attended by 420 players in total.

The day started off like any other November morning, dismal and grey, as everyone waited around Schuman for the convoy of cars heading to the Netherlands. Thankfully, by the time the first whistles blew, the rain had eased slightly and by the afternoon, some watery sunshine trickled through the clouds.

The Belgian Men were divided between two competitions: Championship and Shield. Although recording a definitive win over Luxembourg, the A team came up against severe resistance from Den Haag and Paris, and came 3rd overall in the Championship. The B team went confidently into the Shield, recording wins over Lyon and Rennes, before being beaten by a mere 4 points by Amsterdam (the ultimate winners of the Shield tournament) in their last group match.

Meanwhile, the C team, also playing in the Shield, faced some difficulties against Liffre and Prague, but beat St. Malo in the final group match. In the words of Dave Barrett, "To put this in perspective, St. Malo beat out the Bs in Munich and also in a playoff on Saturday. In our home tournament in June, I felt afterwards we were wasting our time as the lads were trampled on. However, the team was much stronger on Saturday and we’d expect some of the lads to step up to the A & B teams next year."

For more of Dave's analysis in the coming days and weeks, read his blog here.

Although confirmed as European Ladies Football Champions (since the Munich tournament in September), the Belgian ladies were not about to take the day lightly. For the first time in their short history, the squad boasted 3 teams (A, B and An Bheilg), and each team marked their own victory on the day. The A team won the tournament, beating Paris in the final, the B team overcame Copenhagen in the 5th/6th place play-off, and the C team beat Paris Gold in the 7th/8th place play-off. Many thanks go to our (injured) sideline staff, Laura Whiskerd and Stephanie Dunn, who managed to be in about 6 places at once.

All credit to Maastricht Gaels and to all those involved in making Maastricht yet another memorable tournament on the European GAA calendar.

Photos of the day, with thanks to Stephanie Dunn and Jelena Radakovic, will be available on the website as soon as possible.

Coming Soon....Maastricht Football Finals...6 November 2010

It's that time of year again, when Belgium GAA descends on Maastricht to play football and cause all kinds of trouble, both on and off the pitch. This year, at least 70 Belgium GAA members will cover the short journey to the Netherlands, where 10 ladies teams and 19 mens teams will go to battle. Numbers and spirits are high. Below is a photo of the club's 2008 crowning achievements...may 2010 be as fruitful again!

Belgium GAA Halloween Quiz Night

Come along to our Halloween themed quiz, complete with scary cocktails, spooky music, and the opportunity for you all to get dressed up in your ghoulish gear (optional but preferable). There will be great prizes on offer.

€5 per person, maximum 5 people per table. Reserve early and on time by emailling Laura (lwhiskerd@gmail.com).

LATEST NEWS!

De Valera's have kindly offered to award a €100 prize for the Best Costume of the Night!!!

Brussels Kids Gaelic Football starting back!

The Brussels Kids Gaelic Football is starting back this weekend, Sunday 3 October at 14.00h - & then every 2nd Sunday - at the usual BSB grass pitch in Terveuren.

The dates for the next while -3/10;17/10;31/10;14/11;28/11;12/12;23/1;6/2;20/2;6/3/11

For more info, check the club website - www.playgaa.be

Munich witnesses exciting day of European Football Championship action

Press Release from European County Secretary:

Belgium retain Ladies Football Championship

The Hague get a great start in battle to retain Men's Championship

Jersey take honours in Shield round

Congratulations to Belgium GAA who have retained their ladies football championship with two rounds still to play. The Belgium club have now won four rounds and with the winners of each round collecting 25 points, second place 20pts, and so on, no team can overtake Belgium. Runners-up position is still up for grabs with Paris Gaels, Holland Ladies and Munich all in with a chance.

Reigning European football champions, The Hague, who defeated Paris Gaels in the men's Championship round, came from behind to clinch the first round in an exciting final which saw them overhaul Paris Gaels who appeared to be heading for the points when leading by four points with just with five minutes left. They will be difficult to dislodge after a good start but all the teams including 3rd placed Luxembourg, Belgium, and Guernsey competing at this level for the first time, fought hard and there was little to choose between them at the group stage. Next month Stockholm Gaels and Budapest Rangers will enter the fray and present new challenges for these five. This is also the first time that seven teams have entered the premier men's football competition.

Jersey Irish made the long journey from the Channel islands and were rewarded by taking in the first round of the Shield with a hard fought victory over Frankfurt Sarsfields who were making their seasonal debut. St. Malo, a team of indigenous French players surprised most observers by taking 3rd, place whilst Belgium "B"and Copenhagen were in the mix until the final group game. Next month other clubs are expected to join this group in what could be the most exciting Shield competition in years.

Player of the Tournament awards went to former Kerry county ladies star, Grainne Ní Flaharta (Belgium- ladies); Michael McAnea (Paris Gaels - Chp) and Mark O'Shea (Jersey - Shield)

15 teams competed in 36 games in warm sunshine in a superb tournament excellently organised by the Munich Colmcilles club and officiating by a team of referees drawn from European clubs. Afterwards, the 200+ players and supporters enjoyed a typical meal in the Augustiner Brauhouse, Munich's oldest brewery dating back to 1328, where they also had a sneak preview tasting of the „Oktoberfestbier“ brewed exclusively for Munich’s Oktoberfest, which celebrates 200 years beginning next week.

The next round takes place in Budapest in Hungary next month (Oct.9th) with the final round of all three competitions being hosted in Maastricht (NL) on November 6th along with the ECB gala presentation night.

ENDS

NOTE:-

In each round, the winner is awarded 25 points; 2nd - 20pts; 3rd-16 pts; 4th-13pts; 5th-11pts; 6th-10pts; 7th-9pts .....10th-6pts.

Ladies Chp - Best five rounds from seven are counted; in Men's competitions all three rounds count. The Men's competitions entries are decided after the completion of the five regional leagues which were contested by almost teams before the summer break.

Belgium GAA: Winners of 2010 European Hurling and Camogie Championship

On 16 July 2010, Belgium GAA travelled by plane, train and automobile to the European Hurling and Camogie Finals in Zurich. The hurlers went to complete their clean sweep of tournaments, going into the tournament already confirmed as European Champions. They acquitted themselves with aplomb, winning the final against Zurich.

The fate of camogie was less certain; with formidable opponents from Luxembourg, Paris and Zurich putting them under severe pressure to maintain their spot at the top of the table. Nevertheless, heroic effort from the whole team saw them win both the Zurich tournament and the overall European Championship for the very first time.

It was an epic weekend, punctuated by 8 hour train journeys and finished off with a spectacular rendition of "We are the Champions" back in the Hairy in Brussels.

To read more about the trip, and other Belgium GAA events, read our newsletter.

The end of the beginning of a new Belgium GAA tradition

A note from Eoin Sheanon:

Congratulations to Munster on their performances throughout the tournament and their deserved victory in the first Belgian Interclub tournament.

The tournament will finish next Tuesday (20 July 2010) with winners Munster and 4th place Dublin playing against 2nd place The West and 3^rd place Leinster. The game will kick off at 19:30 in Parc 50 and will be 30 minutes a side with rolling subs. It will be 13/15 a side depending on numbers and everyone is invited back to the Old Oak for the first night of Collie Byrne's stag party and the presentation of the cup to Timmy O'Donovan's Munster. There will be finger food and a belly full of beer, ahead of the Belgian national holiday on 21 July.

13 July 2010 - Outstanding display from Munster sees them take inter-club tournament as Connaught/Ulster/Clare (CUC hereafter) exit with a whimper

Report by Pearse O'Caoimh

Munster 3-13

Connaught/Ulster/Clare 1-4

Both Munster and CUC came into the final round of games unbeaten as the crowds swelled around parc 50 in anticipation at what was expected to be the showcase match of the tournament. Though a quick glance at the sides during the warm up told a different story. Munster were boasting a particularly inflated squad of 14 seasoned pros while CUC looked to have the bare minimum to field a team. Both provinces however, especially Ulster, have come through worse in the past (historically speaking) so to write them off would have been a massive error and one this reporter was certainly not going to make.

The opening exchanges were tense and yielded few scores but it wasn't long before Munster started to impose their superiority on the game. After Clareman James O'Shaughnessy pointed early on for his side from a sideline, CUC were forced to wait until the dying moments of the first half for their next score. Michael Hough, formidable as ever, was causing huge problems for the CUC defence and was picking off points with relative ease. Munster were an absolute joy to watch at times as Daves Barrett and Collins on the field understanding continued to blossom in the half back line. Their build up play was patient, their passing was consistent and this told on the score board as CUC's hopes of a top of the table finish began to fade.

There was a nifty little new young lad playing in the full back line for Munster who deserves mention for an impressive debut. His presence, though welcomed, adds to the air of discontent within Belgian GAA circles about the mysterious and steady expansion of the Munster squad with unknowns. This was reflected by their increasingly emphatic results since the beginning of the campaign.

This reporter found himself on umpire duty during the match and noted the contrast in mood between both goalkeepers as he fished for quotes and insight. Romadrian in the Munster goal was brash and confident proclaiming "Munster is the best" while Kevin Keary in the CUC goal cut a lonely figure as time and time again, he was forced to collect the ball from the imaginary nets he had forgotten to bring.

Paul Hagan's goal midway through the second half looked to renew CUC's faith and passion but Munster just proved too strong all over the pitch. Not even the famous Olof Gill holler could spur his men on for what would have been an amazing comeback.

Such was the fluidity of Munster's play that I could not pick a man of the match. This reporter recalls a unique moment in 2008 when after a mesmerising performance from his own county in an all-Ireland hurling final, the manager was in fact awarded the man of the match accolade. Therefore, either David Barrett deserves the credit here.

13 July 2010 - Dublin Hopes Pearsed by Lustrous Leinster

Report by Oliver O'Callaghan

Dublin 2-9

Leinster 4-11

With the "Coalition of the Willing" beaten by "Mercenaries Inc." the Doobs still had a glimmer of hope of making the final. Standing in their way would be Leinster Lite playing for the not insignificant prize of their pride (at least half of this team has been seen marching for Pride).

As soon as the game started Leinster had the look of a team unshackled by their position, while the Dubs seemed to be toiling under the pressure of expectation, living up to the clichés about their county. Leinster grabbed the early initiative which they would refuse to surrender throughout the match, through a classy finish from Colly Byrne who would later add a bitten tongue to his litany of injuries this summer. Scores continued to flow for Leinster including a fisted goal from Conor Aylward in a blatant, pathetic attempt to wrest the title of "Goalpuncher Extraordinaire" from an unnamed injured player.

Halftime saw the Dubs reeling but not out of it yet. Alec Elliot's goal gave them hope albeit the type of hope usually found in gambling addicts spending their last fiver on scratch cards. Eoin Ó Seanain could be seen making apoplectic gestures to his team-mates during the team talk while captain Ciaran Hudson looking on with a distant, slightly glazed look in his eyes.

The second half saw Leinster continue in cruise control giving a lesson in counterattacking football. O Seanain was forced to come deep to look for the ball because Dave "Bonecrusher" Burke was all over him like a cheap suit. In the midst of this classy Leinster performance Crusher seemed to reinvent himself as marauding halfback regularly defying his nosebleeds to pass the halfway line. Similarly Emmett "Devine" Devine bombed forward at every opportunity looking to fill his boots but he must have insulted his team-mates for he was ignored more times than Dave Collins at a singles' night. Fair play to man-mountain Sean O'Connor who got a goal by utilising the skills learnt in his many other sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, archery, dressage, the luge, coxless fours sculling, and interpretive dance.

The game was killed off as a contest by a classy goal by Pearse O'Caoimh whose languid style and devil-may-care demeanour belie a steely determination and a self-belief known only to the most narcissistic of souls.

Ultimately the Dubs will feel that personnel and past performance should have made this contest more competitive and will be disappointed in a somewhat abject display, but credit to the lads from Leinster who could have been in the final themselves had the Fates blown the winds of fortune in their favour during previous encounters.

Man of the Match: Pearse O'Caoimh

8 July 2010 - Munster's travelling circus moves on as the West awakes

Dublin: 0-8

Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Laois, Offaly, Cavan, England, Kenya, Romania, half the FC Irlande football team, anyone who has ever stepped into the hairy for a pint and the referee: 2-10

On the way up from Strasbourg yesterday afternoon the man on the radio told me that there was a heat wave in France and that all old people should stay indoors.

No wonder then that the Dublin team was without Fergal Mythen, Martin Crowley, Conan Mac Oscair and Denis O'Sullivan. What with a combined age of 603, better the lads stayed at home with their slippers and fixadent, than suffer heat stroke out in the Parc 50. It did leave Dublin extremely short and with only ten men in the stifling heat the Dubs struggled to impose the running game that had been so effective against The West last week.

The game started at breakneck speed and the inevitable schmozzle erupted after only a few minutes played. Timmy went in with the boot on cyclist Phil Roche and Rochey, rightly so, lost the plot. Those watching feared for the mild mannered Cork man who was only going for the ball, like.

As Munster settled into a rhythm they passed the ball superbly around at the back with Barrett, Collins and McGrath creating space for the overlap at every opportunity. Hough was causing major problems and every time he got possession it felt as if a score was coming. Dublin went in at the break 1-5 to 0-1 down and were struggling. They came out fighting in the second half though and through Matti, Alec and Johnny O kicked some very good scores. The second Munster goal from Cavan man Ollie killed off the Dublin challenge although not before some great goalkeeping by Adrian Beau in the Munster net who had proved a thorn in Dublin's side just when a goal would have brought them right back into the game. Notable performances by Adrian, as mentioned, Collins and O'Donnell in midifeld and Matti who worked his socks off for the Dubs against the run of play. Barrett must be criticized for not having the balls to go for a hop ball early in the second half. When taunted to grow a pair and go for it, the contrary little mucksavage retorted: "' I'm too small, like". Yes indeed.

Man of the Match to Michael Hough with some great scoring from out the field and a constant threat in front of the Dublin goal.

Leinster 0-8

The West 2-10

By the time the game started the heat had reduced considerably, which worked to the advantage of the West. Sitting by the radio Big Liam heard that old people were allowed back out again and rushed down to Parc 50 to lend a hand to his fellow bog-munchers. His presence made a big difference, no pun intended, and one wonders if he could have swung a victory for them the last day against the Dubs.

This was a much more fluid encounter and only for two sloppy enough goals Leinster could easily have shaded it. The West had the first sight on goal as the Antrim Maradona who looked more like the Antrim Yakubu tried to catch the ball in front of the goal when a simple punch would have done the trick. He later turned into the Antrim Drogba coming off the field with a very sore hand. The West pushed on though with Big Liam causing all sorts of problems up front and Crusher and Burkey under constant pressure at the back.

Whereas Dublin were simply outclassed Leinster were left to rue some bad wides on a night when they became the first team to exit the race to become Belgium's best club side. Pearse was excellent at times for Leinster and kicked some great scores but the experience of Giller and James O'Connor in midfield shone through as they stamped their authority as the came wore on.

A solid game of end to end football created the outstanding player of the evening in Olof Gill who kicked some masterful scores from all sorts of angles, making it an easy choice for Man of the Match.

30 June 2010 – The Quartering of Belgium

Background: the illustrious captain of Belgium GAA’s Mens Football A team, Eoin Sheanon, took it upon himself to rally the troops during the unexpected mid-season off-season of European football, by organising the very first Belgian Interclub League. With a wealth of players to choose from, the players were divided (very evenly*) into 4 teams: Munster and Europe; Dublin and France; Connaught, Ulster and Non-Aligned Territories; and Leinster and the Americas. Here is his account of the first fixture, on Wednesday 30 June.

The Dublin versus the West game was a real humdinger and a tale of two halves. The West dominated the first half with Giller marshalling midfield and Francis in flying form scoring three points from play. In the second half Alec and Diarmuid, with the outside of his boot, completely controlled the centre of the park. Hudson had a fantastic second half keeping Francis scoreless but despite O'Dowd keeping the scoreboard ticking over, the West needed a hero. Cometh the hour, Cometh the man, and the self described Antrim Maradona, Oliver O'Callaghan was on hand to get in between the Davide, our imported Dub who hadn't put a foot wrong and Fergal who had been solid all evening to fist home an unlikely winner and rescue a well-deserved point for Liam-Kelly-less West. Special mention to Paul Hagan who won a heap of possession around the half forward line and Alan Rowan who really got going in the second half but Man of the Match has to go to Oliver O'Callaghan with the never-say-die attitude that earned his team the draw.

Leinster v. Munster was a scrappy affair with Munster edging it by just two points. Munster went in 5 points up at the break and looked like they were coasting. Collins hit some great points and Barrett seemed to be always in the right place at the back. Shane Griffin was keeping good tabs on Jim though and Leinster fought back gallantly with a great goal by Collie Byrne setting up a frantic final few minutes. With Leinster getting right back into it, up the field came Timmy with a fantastic goal that in the end killed off the Leinster comeback. Timmy was excellent for the 40 minutes and takes the Man of the Match.

* Editor’s note: the editor is from the Munster region. Make of it what you will.

Belgium GAA Take Double Honours in First Home Tournament

Monday 10th May

Belgium GAA took a clean sweep of cups in their first home tournament on 8th May.

Former President of the GAA Sean Kelly MEP presented the cups to captains Caoimhe Ní Shuilleabháin and Eoin Ó Seanáin on an historic day for Belgium GAA.

Belgium Ladies won Round 2 of the 2011 Euro-Ladies Championship, comprehensively beating Paris in the final by 3-7 to 0-2

Belgium B Ladies beat by 1-6 to 2-1 Holland to take third place.

Belgium A footballers beat their arch-rivals The Hague in the final of the Benelux Regional Round 3, on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-5.

In the Ladies' decider, Belgium established an early lead with goals by Maria Brosnan and Ciara Farrell. In an exhibition of football never before seen on the Continent of Europe, Cavan star Ciara Farrell adorned the final with some exceptional forward play.

The general teamwork was a sight to behold with Emer Kelly, Grainne Ni Fhlatharta, Sylvia McCarthy and Aisling Fenton keeping things watertight at the back. Midfielders Caragh O'Connor and captain fantastic Caoimhe Ní Shuilleabháin linked play in the middle and the forward line were clinical in front of goal.

Excellent link-work by full forward Maria 'the Bomber' Brosnan opened up acres of space on numerous occasions and corner-forward Barbara Wynne chipped in for a point from the right in the second half.

In the men's final, the intense rivalry between Belgium A and Den Haag was renewed, with the two sides meeting in the final for the third time in succession.

Belgium had been motoring well all day, meanwhile an injury-depleted The Hague had to work hard to reach the final, leaving the home side favourites to take the honours.

However it is never so simple in matters between these rivals and an early flurry of points by Eoin Sheanon from play and James O'Dowd from frees was matched by Danny Craven from dead balls, leaving Belgium only a point to the good at half time 0-5 to 04.

An inspiring speech by Jim McGrath at the break saw a riled-up Belgium side immediately get on the scoreboard, the Tipp man putting his money where his mouth was by immediately pointing from 15 yards.

From there on in it was Belgium all the way as a series of excellent points put daylight between the sides. The deadly boot James O'Dowd once more put The Hague men to the sword.

Meanwhile at the back, David Collins was putting in a vintage performance on The Hague talisman Craven and debutant Diarmuid Laffan was fielding some great ball, also chipping in with a well-taken score.

The now traditional Belgium-Hague shamozzle saw Olof Gill get a clout to the snout and The Hague's Declan Bonner walk to the line.

In the end, Belgium were well on top and delighted the large home crowd by finishing off victors by 0-11 to 0-5.

The evening's festivities were crowned by Belgium taking a clean sweep of all trophies, Belgium captain Eoin Ó Seanáin taking the Player of the Tournament award for his "honesty and integrity" if not for his footballing ability. Meanwhile there was no doubting the merits of Ciara Farrell taking the award for the ladies.

All in all another great day for Belgium GAA!

Belgium GAA Ladies and Mens Football Tournament - 8 May 2010

On Saturday 8 May, Belgium GAA will host its first tournament of the year, which will take place in the Catholic University of Leuven/ Louvain (more information on getting to the pitches below).

Updated information: This is the link to the schedule (mens and ladies) for Saturday - http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=t2ocrKNmLGps2Veejaxk0Xw&output=html

This is the first time that Belgium GAA will host a round of the Ladies Football European Championship, and a round of the Benelux Mens Football Championship, so we are pulling out all the stops.

Everyone is invited to join in the day, club members and non-members alike. So if you fancy fresh air, sunshine (fingers crossed), the chance to get out of Brussels for a day, good food and drink, and the opportunity to see teams from all over Europe tearing into each other in a bid to win medals, trophies, honour and glory, then Leuven on Saturday is the place for you!

This competitive spirit will continue into the evening in De Valera's bar in Place Flagey, sponsors of Belgium GAA. Here, from 22h, you can enjoy the other side of European GAA, the side that makes speeches, sings, and dances its socks off until the early hours of Sunday morning.

If you can't make it this month, never fear! Next month, on Saturday 26 June, we will do it all over again, except this time, we will be hosting a round of the European Hurling and Camogie Championship.

For more information, please visit the Belgium GAA and Friends Facebook page or the Belgium GAA Ladies and Mens Football Tournament event page.

Pitch Information:

If you are travelling by car

• Leuven (Flemish spelling) / Louvain (French spelling) is situated about 10 km outside the Brussels Ring. Click here for the exact location of the pitches.

If you are travelling by train

• Trains go from all the main Brussels train stations to Leuven approximately every 30 minutes. The journey from Gare du Midi is 25 minutes. This is the link for information on the train schedule: http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/
• Click here for a map of the distance between the train station and the pitches (2.7km). If you are playing, it may be best to get a taxi from the station.
  

Belgium Hurlers Win in Den Haag

Monday 3rd May Belgium Hurlers, European Champions in 2009, continued their impressive run of success on May 1st last, clocking up their 7th tournament win in a row and their first of 2010.

Belgium won the final by 1-8 to 1-5, with a goal by captain Phil Cushen the difference between the sides in the end.

The day began badly for Belgium, who were without 12 starters from 2009. In the group game against Den Haag, the concession of 2 sloppy goals saw them lose by 2-3 to 0-5. 3 points by Davy Barrett, with 1 each from play by Phil Cushen and Jarrett Reckseidler amounted to Belgium's tally.

Next up were Luxembourg in a make or break tie. Belgium huffed and puffed before putting away the Lux challenge with a series of pointed frees from top marksman Davy Barrett. Also on the scoresheet were Phil Cushen and Shane Ryan. Solid defending by Fergal Mythen and Yann de Kesel kept the Luxembourg threat to a minimum.

The final offered a chance to undo the damage inflicted by Den Haag earlier on. This Belgium team is not used to capitulating having dominated Europe for over a year now and Saturday proved no different.

A titantic tussle between Sean Simpson and Phil Cushen at midfield set the tone for proceedings, with the DH man notching up the lion's share of his teams score, with the Crusher scoring the only goal of the day for Belgium.

Den Haag established an early foothold with the aforementioned Simpson scoring a goal. Half time Belgium were down 1-3 to 0-4 with Davy Barrett scoring 2 points, The Crusher scoring 1 and Limerick's Conor Magner scoring a great point from the left.

The first half was also marked by a couple of shamozzles, with Belgium's Dad's Army leading the way in the trenches!

Belgium upped the tempo in the second half, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. Phil Cushen pilfered the ball 35 yards out on the left, broke through 2 tackles before angling a shot to the top right corner of the net, bring Belgium level.

Shane Ryan found his shooting range with an excellent score from out on the right before Davy Barrett added to points to seal the deal.

Belgium came away with silverware once more in a struggle which brought back memories of a great battle between these two rivals in Luxembourg in 2009.

Credit to all who travelled on the day, which featured assured performances from debutants such as Conor Magner and old hands such as Adrian Hiel at the back.

Belgium Gaelic Footballers Take Honours in Den Haag

Monday 12 April - Belgium Gaelic Footballers Take Honours in Den Haag

The men of Belgium GAA recorded a famous victory on Saturday last in the final of the 2nd round of the Benelux Championship in extra time over hosts and 2009 European Champions Den Haag.

The final score was 2-11 to 1-9. The result was only put beyond doubt with two minutes of extra time remaining, with Kilkenny man Pearse O Caoimh notching the decisive goal.

There is very little to separate these two teams, who have dominated European football over the past couple of years. The game started thus, with James O'Dowd of Belgium and DH's Danny Craven exchanging a series of points from play and from dead balls. Jim McGrath and Alec Elliott also finished off well-worked moves to leave Belgium one up at 0-5 to 0-4 at half time.

The first half finished on an ugly note with a vicious assault on Tipp man Jim McGrath by one of Den Haag players, which the referee unfortunately missed.

Den Haag started brightly in the second half, scoring two points in a row. Former Offaly Senior Club Footballer and Morgan Parra lookalike Dave Collins tagged a point back for the Belgians, however Den Haag rattled the men in grey with a goal from Down native Craven.

With the clock ticking down the intensity of the game reached a new level, with some of the most keenly contested and best exchanges of play that European football has seen to date.

Belgium came storming back into it. A well-worked move saw Belgium skipper Eoin O Seanáin dragged down in the area for a penalty. Clareman and debutant James O'Dowd, who hadn't put a foot wrong from dead balls all day, stepped up to slot the ball beyond the Den Haag goalkeeper.

Nevertheless the game was not over yet with Sean Simpson of Den Haag scoring an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game.

Extra time ensued, and weary bodies were thrown into the fray for one last battle.

Olof Gill and Eoin O Seanain exchanged points with Danny Craven before James O'Dowd put Belgium 2 up with 2 minutes remaining on the clock. As tired bodies on both sides struggled manfully to win the crucial breaks, the ball was worked down the left wing with Pearse O Caoimh slotting in from the left to scuff a 15 yard kick past the Haag goalkeeper.

The ball trickled into the far corner of the net and the crowd erupted in delight - Belgium had taken a famous scalp, winning the Den Haag Benelux Tournament for the first time ever.

In what is only the 2nd Round of a 4 Round Championship, the sides are level heading for the May 8th Belgium Tournament in Leuven, with Den Haag victors in Amsterdam.

All is still to play for in what is turning into an epic battle between Belgium and Den Haag footballers.

Will you meet me on Clare Island?

Wednesday March 17th Paddy's Day and the drinking is easy, but the hearts and minds of Belgium GAA's finest are set on the Clare Island Tournament this Saturday 20th March.

Belgium GAA men travel to the soft and craggy isle off the coast of Mayo this weekend seeking to retain the Richard Hayes Memorial Cup. The three-way tournament features the hosts, Clare Island, Belgium GAA and Roger Casements of Coventry.

The same clubs field in the Ladies' Tournament, with our all-conquering Belgium GAA ladies travelling in strength to try and wrest the crown from the Champions, Roger Casements.

In what promises to be an intriguing three-way tussle, the home team Clare Island ladies will be hoping to upset the apple cart, but Caoimhe Ni Shuilleabhain's Belgians will be strongly fancied.

Our intrepid travellers will depart Roonagh Pier at 10am on Saturday morning. A long day of football, Gale Force Westerlies, pints of the famous 'Special', soup and sangwiches and boogeying the night away to the Saw Doctors awaits.

As the saying goes, "Up the Wesht!"

Meanwhile, tournament organiser Olof Gill is facing somewhat of a dilemma:

"It will be tough challenge for us," said Gill.

"Which team are you talking about?" asked your puzzled reporter.

"Ah well, eh, I'm confused...honesht to God" said Gill, who is facing a torrent of abuse no matter which jersey he pulls on on the day.

Reports from within the Belgium GAA camp suggest Davy Barrett is lining up a spectacular ambush on Gill, should his colours change.

"I'll knock him as far as Inishturk, like", Barrett is reported to have said.

When contacted, Mr Barrett refused to comment.

St Patrick's Day Festival in Parc Cinquantenaire This Sunday March 14th!

Belgium GAA and FC Irlande are once again jointly organising the fantastic and fun St Patrick's Day Festival in Parc Cinquantenaire in the heart of Brussels from 11:30 til late this Sunday 14th March.

Festivities will include BBQ and Bar, fun games for all the family, Gaelic Football, Hurling and Soccer, as well as music and general merrymaking...hail, rain or shine!

In the evening the festivities will continue with gusto in Bar 1898 on Rond Point Schuman with traditional Irish music, dancing and even more merrymaking!

It promises to be another famous event marking one of the highpoints of the year for the large and vibrant Irish community and friends in Brussels.

All are welcome and don't forget to invite your friends and family.

Further info: www.paddysday.be

Belgium GAA AGM 2010

2nd February

Belgium GAA held its 3rd AGM in the plush surroundings of the European Parliament. Chairman and legendary Mayo Swede Olof Gill handed over the reins to Galwayman Kevin Keary. In his speech, Olof made reference to the ongoing strides of the phenomenon that is Belgium GAA, both on and off the pitch along with some unusual references to frogs in the blue sky.

Club Secretary Becky Mattes in her short but comprehensive speech cited notable successes in 2009 such as retaining the Ladies' Pan-European Football crown and winning the Hurling title for the first time. Off the pitch, Conan MacOscair won the award for best GAA website of the year, while clubman Willie 'the Tipp Lip' Cashin was elected Chair of the European County Board in Madrid in December.

New officers elected included Conchur de Barra as Treasurer (making a welcome return to the Committee), Tipp man Big Jim McGrath as PRO, Jane Brennan as Ladies' Football Officer, Sylvia McCarthy as Camogie Officer, and Lorraine Baldwin and Phil ‘the Crusher’ Cushen who will provide the military hardware as equipment officers.

Last but by no means least, a new beefed up Fundraising Subcommittee in the form of Johnny Phelan, Pearse O’Caoimh, Aisling Fenton, Clare Appleby, Rosine Bacon and Stephanie Dunn is in place to rake in the sponds.

The highlight of the night was the election of two Honorary Presidents of Belgium GAA. These are Malachy Vallely, Director of the world-renowned Irish Institute in Leuven, and Sean Kelly MEP, who generously hosted the AGM. The former President of the GAA will doubtless be a great asset to the club in raising our profile back in Ireland, while Malachy will do the same in Belgium.

It’s shaping up to be another big year ahead for Belgium GAA so roll on the first trip to Clare Island on March 20th!

FC IRLANDE / BELGIUM GAA HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF DAY

FC Irlande and Belgium GAA are running a series of events on Saturday 30th of January to raise funds for two charities which are intimately involved in the relief and reconstruction work in Haiti.

All afternoon, we will have special events during FC Irlande's home-games. That evening we will have a special FC Idol karaoke event in de Valera's. And in the weeks leading up to this, many of our members will be running activities to raise funds.

NB Even if you cannot attend any of these, please see below how you can help!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, de Valera's, and their partners, ALL the money generated, including bar-profits and perhaps even the cost of the drinks, will be donated, so every penny you spend will go to help people who really really need it.

Not only that, but de Valera's will match every euro donated or raised as part of this program (up to 20,000 Euros !!!!) - so if you give us one euro, the people of Haiti get two euros.

The two charities who will benefit are MSF, who are deeply involved in both the emergency relief work and the rebuilding of health care later, and Haven, a charity which has already been involved in building safe homes in Haiti and will now be looking to greatly increase its work.

Two of our own are deeply involved in these two charities, with Erwin working for MSF and Conchur already having done volunteer work in Haiti with Haven. So we can be sure that the money will be put to great use!!

Details will follow - but please keep that day free!

IMPORTANT:
Even if you can't attend our event, do not hesitate do support the causes, by making a donation as outlined below. As you can see below, we have found ways to ensure that for every euro you donate, TWO euros will go directly to help the people of Haiti !!

HOW TO MAKE A DONATION VIA BANK TRANSFER:
Make a donation directly to this FC Irlande/Belgium GAA appeal, and our extremely generous and committed sponsors, de Valera's, will DOUBLE every donation !!! You give us 20 Euros, the people of Haiti will get 40 Euros. Please transfer your contribution directly to the following bank account:

account owner/name: MCCP
communication: Haiti Fundraiser
IBAN code is BE 34 310 1397677 90
BIC Code is BBRUBEBB.

No amount is too small (or too large :) )

HOW TO DONATE ONLINE
If you prefer, you can go directly to the charity websites and make a donation. There is no need to mention our event, the only important thing is that your money is going to the right people!
If you are currently employed, take advantage of the tax-deductible opportunity. For example, instead of donating 20 Euros, you can donate 40 and get ~20 euros back as a tax-rebate next year. Note that in Belgium you must donate at least 30 euros to get tax-deductable benefit.

Medicins Sans Frontiers:
MSF keeps spending for HQ support, admin and fundraising at a minimum; in 2008, over 80 cent out of every euro donated was spent of its medical work and advocacy in over 60 countries.
If you work in Belgium, you can make a tax-deductible donation at the following link, which will make your effective donation twice as efficient!:
http://www.msf-azg.be/fr/main-menu/soutenir-msf/faire-un-don.html

Haven:
Haven is a great choice because their work will not stop when the cameras go away - they have been working there even before the quake, and will continue to work to provide better housing for the millions who desperately need it. If you're in Ireland, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Haven at this link:
https://www.havenpartnership.com/html/donate/donateonline.php

If you're not in Ireland or Belgium, you can still find your local branch of MSF and make a tax-deductible donation there (start from www.msf.org). But why not just do an international bank-transfer to the event account and let de Valera's double your money??