In a crowded Irish bar in Amsterdam on St. Patrick's Day 2003, an Australian and Irishman shook hands and formed what would become a fulcrum of the Irish community in The Netherlands; Amsterdam Gaelic Athletic Club. Ten years later, the club has become one of Europe's leading GAA clubs and continues to go from strength to strength.

Amsterdam GAC celebrates their 10 year anniversary on St. Patrick's Weekend 2013. To mark the occasion the club are hosting an Invitational Mens and Ladies Gaelic Football tournament on Saturday March 16th at Amstelveen Rugby Club between 10am and 6pm.

In the mens competition, Amsterdam GAC, the reigning Benelux champions will be competing against current European champions, Belgium GAA, local rivals Den Haag GAA and two London based teams; Eire Og CLG and Heston Gaels.

In the ladies tournament, Holland Ladies will be put their skills to the test against their Belgium counterparts and two UK based teams; 2010 All Britain champions Oisin CLG from Manchester and 2012 British Junior Champions, Holloway Gaels from London.

Amsterdam have also secured the services of two guest referees from Ireland for the day, Hugh Coghlan from Tipperary club, Moyne-Templetouhy and Sean MacIntyre from Tyrone club, Strabane Sigersons.

The Amsterdam hurlers will also play an exhibition match against Den Haag. It therefore promises to be an action packed and exciting day, with Europe's elite testing themselves against very strong UK opposition. It will be interesting to see how the UK teams cope with the European 11-a-side blitz format, with teams playing 4 to 5 30 minute games over the course of the day.

Hopefully, any new rivalries established as teams fight it out to take the trophies will soon be forgotten as the club hosts a post tournament banquet and entertainment at the Hole In The Wall Irish Bar in Amsterdam City Centre.

For more information about Amsterdam Gaelic Athletic Club and Holland Ladies:
Web: www.amsterdamgac.nl Tweet

Most Read Stories