Geelong Gaels

The newly reformed Geelong Gaels brings Gaelic Football to AFL heartland. 

Geelong Gaels was initially established back in 1952 but disbanded in the 1980’s, the Club resurrected in 90's but again fell away, with their last official game played around 5 years ago.

Speaking about the club’s recent resurgence, John Reaney explains, “I first got chatting to a few blokes back in early 2012 who were involved in the last set up as I was keen to set up a Men’s Football team to travel to Melbourne for the annual Pearse’s 7s competition.” 

“After numerous phone calls and texts we finally got the numbers together to head up for the day which was a great experience.” 

After their trip to the 7’s and with up to 25 men and women turning up to training, John and fellow ex-pat Nigel Maxey, decided to give the Gaels another go.

They now have about 30 men on their playing list, which is made up of predominately Irish ex-pats who now live and work in the Geelong area. There is also a growing number of locals on the team, who have some Irish roots and are interested in playing Gaelic Football. 

Following on from the 7s, the Gaels had their first competitive 15 a side game earlier this season against Garryowen from Melbourne, the game was played in Geelong with Garryowen coming out on top 2-20 to 0-12. The have since played St Kevin’s from Melbourne, also in Geelong, but unfortunately after a close game they came up short losing 1-12 to 1-07.

The Gaels are now participating in the Victoria GAA Championship with a view to competing in the League next year. 

For more information on the Geelong Gaels join them on Facebook.

Geelong Gaels and Garryowen 

Gold Coast Gaels

 “Nothing beats the passion that GAA brings to and from the Irish community; it is a great way to embrace our culture and showcase our proud sporting heritage to the local communities in whatever part of the world we reside. We've introduced the code to many enthusiastic local AFL players and welcome them into our teams.” Daragh Murphy, Club Treasurer

It all began with a phone call late last October and after a few short months Queensland GAA has a new Club hailing from the pristine sands of Surfer's Paradise - the Gold Coast Gaels. 

Prior to the establishment of the Club, players from the Gold Coast had to travel to and from Brisbane, and in some cases as far as Sydney, to participate in Gaelic Games. However with the emergence of the Gaels, GAA on the Goldie is fast becoming hugely popular. 

Founding members of the Gaels and close friends, Daniel O Halloran and Joe Macauley, have been living on the Gold Coast for over 7 years and both share a great love of the GAA. Daniel hails from Ballyheigue (Kerry) and having played County hurling at underage he has always maintained a passion for everything GAA-related. Similarly Joe is closely connected with the GAA since his brother (Michael Darragh Macauley) is the current Footballer of the Year and dual All Star and All Ireland winner.  

Over the years both men had regularly commented that there was an opportunity for a GAA Club on the Gold Coast due to the numbers of Irish expats living or passing through the region.

"Dan rang me one day last October and said, “Lets just do it, lets get the Gold Coast's first GAA Club up and running”, a typically positive and proactive approach that Dan applies very successfully to everything in life and business. I had no hesitation in jumping on board to get the ball rolling" explains Joe.

"Once we eventually got the legal side of things out of the way, we ploughed on with advertising our grand opening night which doubled as a fundraiser and registration night, whilst concurrently we were hard at designing our kit, crest and organising a playing home grounds".

The Club's official opening, held at the Southport Sharks AFL Club, was a huge success aided by a special guest appearance from Michael Darragh Macauley and Daragh Murphy (GM at the Sharks and now also current treasurer, co-manager and fitness coach for the Gaels).

Since then player numbers have grown considerably and the Club are extremely thankful to Robina Roos AFL Club who have welcomed them to use their pitch as their home ground, and Matty Glynn who made it all possible.

Currently, the Gaels have both a Men’s Football and Ladies Football team and their objective over the coming years is to further develop the Club, and indeed GAA in the region, by introducing underage teams across all codes.

"Establishing a GAA Club on the Gold Coast has taken a lot of work but the rewards in seeing a closer Irish community has made it all worthwhile. When Joe and I started talking about doing this last year we were very focused on the community aspect of the Club and in building a social scene around it. We have been very fortunate that there has been a lot of support for the Club and also that we have access to some very good players, which should contribute to the Gaels having a very successful inaugural season. It is our intention to grow the Club into the future and to be the first port of call for Irish passing through or settling on the Gold Coast." - Daniel O'Halloran, Founder and Club President.

The Gaels train two evenings a week guided by a fantastic, passionate and hugely devoted manager, Brian “Lego” Grant, and as a result they have already had great success in the Queensland GAA League culminating in a Grand Final appearance early this season which they narrowly lost by 2 points.

"We strive to provide a platform for Irish, young and old, to connect with their sporting roots, and to enjoy the great benefits that participation in team sports can bring. Our players enjoy the banter and the competitive nature of training almost as much as they enjoy the serious challenges that each game brings." - Brian Grant, Manager.

The Gael's sights are now firmly set on the main Queensland GAA League which kicked off in May. Matches are played every weekend either at the Gaelic grounds in Brisbane or locally on the Gold Coast.

To find out more about the Club visit them online at www.goldcoastgaels.com or find them on Facebook

Gold Coast Gaels Men's Football Team