A brief history of Belgium GAA

Some highly recommended reading material on the history of Belgium GAA from former player, captain and trainer Eoin Sheanon for livegaelic.com

Click on the link for the full text and you might just learn something:  

http://www.livegaelic.com/gaa-abroad/gaa-abroad-belgium-gaa/ 

Belgium GAA set down marker in The Hague with double win

The Hague, Sat, April 20^th

Belgium GAA got their competitive season off on the right foot with wins in the Men’s Championship, Ladies Championship and a 2^nd place in the Men's Shield.

Ladies Championship

Competing in the Ladies Championship with Belgium were Holland Ladies and Paris. The ladies were straight out of the blocks marking up an impressive 4-11 to 0-2 win against Holland Ladies.

The second group game against Paris was a different affair as Paris won by a narrow margin. (Belgium 3-4 Paris 5-1)  

However, in a tightly contested final the result was flipped. Belgium found another level to their play and edged a narrow contest 0-9 to 1-4 for Paris.

Men’s Championship

After an early departure from Brussels, the Men’s Championship team got off to a great start with a 2 point win against Luxembourg (Luxembourg V Belgium A 0-6 to 1-5), before handing a heavy defeat to newcomers Eindhoven (Belgium A V Eindhoven 6-8 to 0-4).

Despite a one point defeat to Den Haag (Den Haag V Belgium A 1-7 to 1-6), the Men’s Championship finished off the group round with a strong performance against Amsterdam (Amsterdam A V Belgium A 0-3 to 3-6).

Once the rule book was checked and points difference taken into account, Belgium A would face Amsterdam A in the final.

The final was a tense affair and closely contested, but the Belgium boys were able to take their goal opportunities when they came and ran out deserved winners 2-7 to 0-7.

Congratulations to goalkeeper Shane Ryan on his player of the tournament award. A pair of point blank saves in the final a highlight from a great day between the posts.  

Men's Shield

The Men’s Shield had a later start to the day not setting off until 11am due to the smaller number of teams in the Shield competition.

Upon arrival the first group game had ended in victory for Dusseldorf against Amsterdam B. The Men's Shield team would face off against an Amsterdam team fighting for survival in the small group.

After a tense start, the team grew in confidence and skill as the game drew on. A flurry of points and a goal from Pierce put the Belgian boys ahead. A penalty was awarded after Conor Mulv was taken out in the box. Unfortunately when the penalty was missed, Amsterdam sprang back to life, scoring a goal and a couple of points.

The last few minutes were tense but the final whistle came in time for the Belgian boys who held on for the win to knock out Amsterdam B. (Amsterdam B V Belgium B 1-5 to 1-6)

That set up a double header with Dusseldorf. The final group game or “shadow boxing match” was unspectacular with both teams ringing the changes and keeping their cards close to their chests. Dusseldorf edged it with a couple of goals in the second half (Belgium B V Dusseldorf 1-7 to 3-7)

Although the Men's Shield were ready for a tussle in the final, the concession of an early goal left a mountain to climb against quality opposition.

As in the Men’s Championship, goal opportunities were key, in this case Dusseldorf profited, running out winners by 5-4 to Belgium B’s 1-4.

A great days work and debut by Padraic Varley in mid-field was rewarded with the Men's Shield player of the tournament trophy.

Looking forward

Overall it was a great start to the competitive season for Belgium GAA with a double win and two players’ of the tournament.

The next round will be in our own backyard on Saturday May 18^th, where Belgium GAA will hope to go one better and secure a rare clean sweep in all competitions.

Until then, training is every Monday (20h) and Thursday (20h30) in VUB. New players’ are always welcome! Check out our website (Belgiumgaa.com) for more!

Full results from The Hague

Men Championship

GROUP GAMES

Amsterdam A V Den Haag 0-8 to 0-4 Luxembourg V Belgium A 0-6 to 1-5 Amsterdam A V Eindhoven 3-4 to 0-3 Luxembourg V Den Haag 1-4 to 0-7 Belgium A V Eindhoven 6-8 to 0-4 Amsterdam A V Luxemb'g 0-9 to 0-9 Den Haag V Belgium A 1-7 to 1-6 Luxembourg V Eindhoven 5-8 to 1-2 Amsterdam A V Belgium A 0-3 to 3-6 

Den Haag V Eindhoven 4-8 to 0-1

Belgium A 6
Amsterdam A 5*
Den Haag 5*
Luxembourg 4
Eindhoven 0
* Amsterdam A went through to final due to group win V Den Haag 
3/4th PLAY-OFF
Den Haag V Luxembourg 0-6 to 4-2
FINAL
Belgium A V Amsterdam A 2-7 to 0-7
--------------------------------------------------------
Ladies Championship

GROUP GAMES
Belgium V Holland Ladies 4-11 to 0-2
Belgium V Paris 3-4 to 5-1
Holland Ladies V Paris 0-2 to 5-3
GROUP STANDINGS: Pts
Paris Gaels 4
Belgium 2
Holland Ladies 0


3/4th PLAY-OFF
Den Haag V Luxembourg 0-6 to 4-2
FINAL
Belgium A V Amsterdam A 2-7 to 0-7
--------------------------------------------------------
Ladies Championship
GROUP GAMES
Belgium V Holland Ladies 4-11 to 0-2
Belgium V Paris 3-4 to 5-1
Holland Ladies V Paris 0-2 to 5-3
GROUP STANDINGS: Pts
Paris Gaels 4
Belgium 2
Holland Ladies 0


GROUP GAMES
Belgium V Holland Ladies 4-11 to 0-2
Belgium V Paris 3-4 to 5-1
Holland Ladies V Paris 0-2 to 5-3
GROUP STANDINGS: Pts
Paris Gaels 4
Belgium 2
Holland Ladies 0


Paris Final V Belgium 1-4 to 0-9
--------------------------------------------------------
Men's Shield
GROUP GAMES
Amsterdam B V Dusseldorf 1-2 to 1-7
Amsterdam B V Belgium B 1-5 to 1-6
Belgium B V Dusseldorf 1-7 to 3-7

GROUP GAMES
Amsterdam B V Dusseldorf 1-2 to 1-7
Amsterdam B V Belgium B 1-5 to 1-6
Belgium B V Dusseldorf 1-7 to 3-7
GROUP STANDINGS: Pts
Dusseldorf 4
Belgium B 2
Amsterdam B 0
FINAL 

GROUP STANDINGS: Pts

FINAL

Dusseldorf V Belgium B 5-4 to 1-4

Belgium GAA’s new committee and a preview of our forthcoming newsletter...in 1 post!

Belgium GAA 2013 - show me your Meitheal

Dia Dhaoibh go léir,

I'd like to welcome old and new members to the club for the 2013 season, Belgium GAA's TEN year anniversary. I'd like to say a massive thanks to the outgoing committee for their hard work in 2012 and in previous years. This year's committee stands on the shoulders of giants!

Last year was an incredibly successful year for the club both on and off the pitch. I'm sure if it wasn't for the financial support and fundraising, our trophy cabinet would not be as full. We received fantastic support from our sponsor's (DeValera's and the Old Oak) and all club members helped fundraise to make sure that our Treasurer had an operating surplus at the end of the year. Considering our expenditure for 2012 was €17,464 with pitch rental alone at the VUB costing €9420, that was no mean feat. To sustain this level of investment we need a huge effort again in fundraising and a generous sponsor.

I'm delighted to announce that for 2013, De Valera's, the Old Oak and 6 Nations will be our sponsors. We've signed an exclusive sponsorship agreement with them this week which holds expectations from both sides - the club will be paid a fixed amount for fifteen (or possibly more) official events that we hold in either venue, including the end of year dinner, quizzes, post tournament nights out and watching some of the main GAA games on TV. This Sunday our sponsors play a massive role in the organisation of St.Patrick's Day, securing sponsorship from drink companies and utilising contacts to get the club great deals on the facilities we use on the day. With the sponsorship, the club saves a significant amount on VAT which is important for this year if we order jerseys/gear/equipment. In total the club will benefit €4,000-€4,500 through sponsorship. In return for this, we have agreed to support and promote our sponsors in all communications and at pitchside for Belgium tournaments. Again like last year we've agreed not to promote any other bar in Belgium GAA emails, facebook etc.

One of our aims for this year is to involve as many of the wider Irish/Belgian/international community in club events. This year we will receive a grant of €5,000 from the Department of Foreign Affairs for a project which the heroic Shane Ryan created entitled 'Brussels Community Gaelic Football Parish league'. We will run a parish league throughout the year that involves the wider Belgium/Irish/international community, especially the kids club. More info will follow from the code officers. I'd also like to create some open events where people who have never played Gaelic Games and who are possibly scared of official training, could come and pick up a hurl/football and learn about our sport and our club. I'd especially like to target those who are slightly older and who haven't played in years due to family commitments.

Finally I'm making a personal plea to all members to strengthen the Belgium GAA Meitheal by volunteering and helping the club in 2013. Each member should recognise the costs of running the club and the effort people put in to make sure this club is such a success. Some members pour their heart into the club - by researching new drills for training, organising gear, picking up rubbish after tournaments and cleaning toilets after the Fr.Ted ceili, or moving goal posts with mice in the back of a van etc. We need your help at all times. If you feel like you could contribute to the club by writing a post match analysis, or buying bananas in Colruyt or anything else you can think of please contact us. Tell your friends, invite them to our events and most importantly get people playing our wonderful Gaelic Games.

Go n-éirí libh go léir,

Maria

Results of 2012 ECB Convention

The 2012 Convention of the European County Board was held on 8-9 December 2012 (around the time that Belgium GAA was engaged in some major back-patting, dancing and singing up a storm at the end-of-season dinner). 

Ahead of this week's Annual General Meeting (on Wednesday 30 January - don't forget to sign up here), please click the below links to keep up to date on decisions made at County level.

• Reports, Accounts, Nominations & Motions
• Results of Elections and Debates on Motions

UPDATED: Belgium GAA (Still) Needs You

UPDATED: 

The AGM takes place on Wednesday 30 January 2013, from 19h00. 

Everyone attending the AGM is requested to fill in their details here (url: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Au2NuPg-Cx1JdG1FT1h0eUtTcXpJMTE5ZlljS1BuOGc). 

This information is requested for all attendees (not just those who need Parliament passes) so as to keep track of numbers.

Please note: the deadline for nominations and motions is today, 18 January 2013

It's January 2013. Don't worry - it isn't time to go back to training yet (that time will come in February) but it is time to get back to the business of running this club. 

With that in mind, the 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in the European Parliament on Wednesday 30 January. You will be contacted by your relevant code officer in the coming weeks to submit your details for access to the Parliament, as well as more information on the time and exact location of the meeting. If you are not on one of the lists, please send an email to pro.belgium.europa@gaa.ie.

Ah, the AGM. It's an exciting time, so much hangs in the balance. 2013 is no exception. For once, the majority of the current committee is leaving office. Familiar faces such as Colin Byrne, Jane Brennan and Phil Cushen are moving on from committee life. Don't be afraid. The club will continue. Fresh blood and new ideas are always welcome.

Any club member is entitled to put their name forward for any of the positions on the committee. Are you one such eager beaver? Do you yearn for power and responsibility? Do you believe that there is more to a club than what takes place on the pitch during training or a match? Or do you just want to pay forward the work of current and previous committee members. If so, Belgium GAA needs you.

Below you will see a list of the roles and the current occupants (those in red have indicated that they will not stand for re-election).

Chair - Aonghus O Muirtheartaigh - Maria Brosnan nominated

Secretary - Jane Brennan - Jelena Radakovic nominated

Assistant Secretary Irish Club Liaison Officer - Caoimhe Ní Shuilleabháin

Treasurer - Oliver Swan

Men's Football - Colin Byrne - Gavin Flynn nominated

Ladies Football - Anna Bates - no nominations to replace

Camogie - Christine O' Gorman  - no nominations to replace

Hurling - Shane Ryan

Equipment Officer - Phil Cushen - David Kitching nominated

Social Secretary - Maria Brosnan  - no nominations to replace

PRO - Sylvia McCarthy - Paul Quinn nominated

Here is the important part: to date, only two nominations have been received. These are Jelena Radakovic to replace Jane Brennan, and David Kitching to replace Phil Cushen. 

Please note: your nomination is only valid if you communicate it directly to Jane Brennan (secretary.belgium.europe@gaa.ie). That drunken conversation you had with the lads in the pub does not count as a nomination. 

Jane has kindly extended the deadline for nominations to 18 January, so get cracking!! If you have any questions about what any of these roles entail, please don't hesitate to get in contact with any of the existing officers for more information.

A lot depends on this meeting, not least because it is the one time during the year when everyone gets together in a formal setting to discuss the future of the club. Anything that happens during the year, from committee meetings to tournament management to  training locations, will stem from this meeting. If you do not attend and do not have any input (unless for a very good reason), then you really don't have the right to complain about any decisions made during the year.

Quiz-nuts Roasting on an Open Fire

In case you missed it, tonight will be the very last Belgium GAA event of 2012, the Christmas quiz in De Valeras. Contact the lovely Christine O' Gorman (belgiumgaa.camogie@gmail.com) if you want a last-minute registration for your team. 

That's it - no more end-of-season dinners, no more Race Nights, no more Fr. Ted Céilis and no more St. Patrick's Day Festivals. 

Until 2013, that is, when it starts all over again with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the European Parliament on 30 January (tbc). Watch out here, on the Belgium GAA+Friends FB page, on Twitter and in any emails you receive from the code officers in the coming weeks for more information, as you will need to submit your details to get a pass for the Parliament.

During the meeting the 2013 committee will be elected. Any club member is entitled to put their name forward for any of the positions on the committee.

I have listed them below for your information.  Those in red are committee members who have indicated that they will not stand for re-election in 2013.  As you can see there are alot of positions which need to be filled!  

Chair - Aonghus O Muirtheartaigh

Secretary - Jane Brennan

Assistant Secretary - Irish Club Liaison Officer - Caoimhe Ní Shuilleabháin 

Treasurer - Oliver Swann

Men's Football - Colin Byrne

Ladies Football - Anna Bates

Camogie - Christine O'Gorman

Hurling - Shane Ryan

Equipment Officer - Phil Cushen

Social Secretary - Maria Brosnan

Public Relations Officer - Sylvia McCarthy

If you are interested in any of these roles, and why wouldn't you be, please contact Jane Brennan (secretary.belgium.europe@gaa.ie) no later than 10th January 2013 to declare your interest.

Being a committee member is a rewarding role, and this year's committee deserves its just rewards. It is always good to have fresh faces and fresh ideas, but the beauty of a revolving committee is that the old committee members are still around to give support and help where needed. Between them and the rest of the reliable club members who are willing to provide their time and expertise, there is no excuse for 2013 not to be as productive and prosperous for the club.

Please click here to see some descriptions of the various roles - these descriptions were made by the officers themselves and the roles are constantly evolving.

Finally, if you have made it this far, you deserve a little flashback on Belgium GAA in 2012. Yes - it's the little slideshow that could (or could not, depending on where you were on the night of the end-of-season dinner). Enjoy, good luck tonight, happy Christmas and see you all in the New Year!!

2012: A Belgium GAA Odyssey from Sylvia McCarthy