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.
