Guinness Asian Gaelic Games - a thoroughly enjoyable weekend

June 27, 2007

Asian Gaelic Games 2007
Saturday and Sunday at the Polo Grounds in Singapore saw  fierce competition from clubs from every corner of Asia competing for the coveted title of Asian Champions. Four pitches were set up to hold over 130 matches in the course of the two days.  This year in the mens A competition, the honours fell to Hong Kong who retained their crown and hold onto the Derek Brady trophy for another year.  For  the second year running they met Singapore A. Result: Hong Kong A 5-7, Singapore A 3-4. (photo below of Hong Kong team Captain being presented with the Derek Brady cup by Sheamus Howlin) This year the ladies A competition was a very tight race with the Singapore ladies team topping the group stages as the only unbeaten team. Hong Kong and Singapore both lost out in the semi finals however. In the Ladies Football final Korea A and Dubai A took part in a very close match with Dubai narrowly winning by just one point to secure victory for the second year running against a very competitive Seoul team. Final Result: Dubai 2-6, Seoul 2-5. In the ladies B competition the plate final was contested by the Singapore exiles and a successful Japan A.  Such is the attraction of this tournament now that players routinely travel back to Asia, even when they have moved away, just to compete in the games and be part of the fun and catch up with old friends. The mens B competition saw Dubai get the better of Singapore (Result: Dubai 1-4, Singapore 0-5). For the first time in the Asian Gaelic Games a Hurling trophy was competed for and the honour of holding this title for the first time went to Dubai, who beat Singapore in a very enjoyable match. For many people at the tournament this was the first time they had  experienced the pleasure of watching this skilled game. (Photo below: Dubai and Singapore hurling finalists). Three childrens games were played out between the Singapore Gaelic Lions and the local Australian School where gaelic football is now part of the curriculum. The tournament was rounded off by a beach party with everyone letting their hair down and partying until the early hours of the morning.  (Photo below: Host Club, Singapore Gaelic Lions)

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