2014 Magners Australasian GFHAA Championships - Day 1

In the first full day of games at this year’s Australasian State Championships saw 20 matches played across three pitches. 

In the Camogie competition, a strong start by Western Australia resulted in them defeating both Queensland and hosts Victoria. New South Wales and Victoria battled it out in the last Camogie game of the day with the visitors from Sydney proving to be the stronger outfit defeating VIC by 1-10 to 2-03. The final round of Camogie games will be played tomorrow morning, ultimately determining which teams will face off against each other in the Semi Finals, the first of which will be played tomorrow evening.

Representing New Zealand, Wellington Ladies came up against a very strong Queensland side, and despite the score line they put in a solid effort for their first Australasian Championships. After today’s performances both NSW and Queensland are in a good position to advance to the Semi Finals on Friday having won both their games, this leaves South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia with ‘must win’ games tomorrow.

For the first time in the Championship’s history, Wellington also submitted a Hurling side however they came up against a strong New South Wales side who recorded a high scoring win. The remaining two matches were a closer affair, with hosts Victoria narrowly beating Queensland in the early game, while their second game against Western Australia finished in a draw at 0-07 a piece.

The Minor Footballers who opened the State Championships yesterday afternoon had their all-important semi-final placings to play for today. After two impressive wins, Victoria Blues finished top of the table followed by South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria Whites. The Minor semis will be played tomorrow with South Australia meeting New South Wales, while both the local Victorian teams will face off against each other.

In the Senior Men’s Football competition, Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales recorded convincing wins, and will undoubtedly be the ones to watch as the tournament continues tomorrow.

For live updates like the Australasia GAA page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @australasiagaa #GFHAA14

Camogie
QLD	4-7	NSW	0-2
WA	2-8	VIC	1-4
WA	3-14	QLD	1-2
VIC	2-3	NSW	1-10
Ladies Football
SA	3-2	NSW	4-6
QLD	8-12	WELL	1-6
WA	1-5	VIC	1-5
SA	3-11	WELL	0-3
QLD	1-7	VIC	0-8
WA	0-6	NSW	2-2
Hurling
VIC	1-9	QLD	0-8
WELL	0-7	NSW	3-19
VIC	0-7	WA	0-7
Minor Football
VIC WHITE	2-1	NSW	2-2
VIC BLUE	1-7	SA	0-5
VIC BLUE	2-10	NSW	1-0
VIC WHITE	0-2	SA	6-8
Senior Football
SA	1-2	NSW	2-15
VIC	0-6	QLD	0-4
WA	1-14	WELL	0-0

Gaelic Games Junior Academy flourishes in West Australia

The Gaelic Games Junior Academy (GGJA) was established in 2012 due to the growing number of Irish Families who were relocating to West Australia, and in particular Perth. 

As GAA Clubs are often the first port of call for Irish emigrants, the Irish Families in Perth Facebook page was inundated with parents enquiring as to where their kids could play Gaelic Games.

 

"When we discovered that there was nowhere in Australia that catered for Junior GAA development, let alone Perth, we knew that we had to look at starting up something ourselves", explains Deborah Cashman, GGJA Secretary. "We approached the WA GAA executive committee at their AGM and were given their full support to go ahead". 

A "Come and Try" day was quickly organised enabling kids to have a go at Gaelic Games, while bouncing castles, treats and face painting provided some additional fun, helping to kick the Junior Academy initative of on a positive note. It proved so successful that a larger venue had to be arranged for the 2013 season. 

Today, there are two GAA Junior Academies catering for kids aged from 4-12 years old operating in Perth, one in Tapping (North) and the other at Thornlie (South) at the home of GAA in WA - Tom Bateman Reserve.

In addition, Martin Brady recently took over the reins to bridge the gap between Juniors and Minors (age 13-15) ensuring they remain involved in our game and to further develop their skills ahead of joining the Minor squad.

"We are still aware that we cannot sit back and think things will run themselves, we are working on organising interschool competitions and a GAA school blitz. It takes a lot of work and commitment, and we are lucky to have Gerry Crowley assist in promoting GAA within the schools to local Australian children, which in our view, is where the real growth will happen."

Deborah adds, "The committee and coaches are the real heros of the success of the GGJA for putting in their time, effort and enlisting their children. Every Sunday during school term, when you see the kids swinging Hurley’s or kicking a Gaelic football over the bar, you may even forget for a minute you are on the other side of the world!"

GGJA academies (4-12 year olds) are held on Sundays from 12pm - 1.30pm at Tapping Primary School and Tom Bateman Reserve.

13-15 year olds train on Friday evenings from 6pm - 8pm at Kingsway.

To find out more about the Gaelic Games Junior Academy like their page on Facebook or email ggjunioracademy@gmail.com.

The Coastal Breakers developing Ladies Football in Western Australia

The Coastal Breakers GAA Club was formed in 2007 by sisters Angela and Jacqualine Williamson. At the time, they had several Australian friends who were involved in other sports but were interested in playing Gaelic Football. Further, they saw an opportunity to expand the local Western Australia Women's GAA competition from 5 to 6 clubs.

  

Since their foundation they have continued to enter at least one team into the WA GAA competition and in 2009 player numbers increased to enable them to enter two teams, the first Club to do so in the Women's League.

Coastal Breakers is very much in support of the growth and development of Gaelic Football in Australia, not only as a place for Irish expats to enjoy their home sport, but as a great sporting alternative for Australian women.

Coastal Breakers at half time during a night game

The majority of the Breakers’ playing group have always been Australian. However, they are gradually recruiting more Irish which provides for a great cultural mix. They currently have 31 registered players, 7 of whom are Irish natives. These girls are all committed to a life in Australia in the medium to long term and have all made valuable contributions to the development of the Club.

In their 7 year history the Breakers are yet to secure a Premiership Cup, but have come close with two Grand Final appearances.

Coastal Breakers players have been well represented on various Western Australia Ladies teams; Lisa Bryant, Angela Williamson, Christina Kreppold, Jacqualine Williamson, Kezia Jones, Amanda Crean, Taryn Priestly, Jessica Valvasori, Alexis McLeod, Gillian Power and Kate Reeson. Five of these girls have also received Australasian GFHA All Stars.

The Coastal Breakers train on Monday (Creswell Park, Swanbourne) and Wednesday (Brittania Reserve, Mount Hawthorn) nights. If you are interested in joining them contact Angela Williamson on thecoastalbreakers@gmail.com

For more information visit their Facebook page or website

 

Bondi Gaels on the up in Sydney

Based in Australia's best known suburb, the Bondi Gaels are the most recent addition to Sydney’s GAA community.

In 2012, the Club's founders, David Keane and Darraigh Hussey from Roscommon, along with Tipperary native Peader Byrne, saw a need for a new Football team due to the influx of Irish migrating to Sydney and they moved quickly to get the Club up and running for the NSWGAA Competition that year.

For the following 2013 season the Gaels had grown sufficiently to be able to enter both a Senior and Junior Football team into the League. Throughout the season they worked hard to set a solid foundation for the Club, with support from sponsors such as Roscom Construction, MMA Civil, Taxback.com and the Cock & Bull helping immensely.

Bondi Gaels in action at the Macs Beach GAA Blitz

The Club further extended it’s community by hosting a sell out Brendan Grace gig in May 2013 with some proceeds going towards the Canteen Foundation and other small local charities.

This year the Club has had a consistent squad of over 50 players from a big array of counties such as Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Tyrone, Wexford, Kildare, Meath, Roscommon, Tipperary, Cork, Limerick, Donegal, Offaly, Laois, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cavan, Derry, and Dublin.

For the past couple of years the Club has been managed by Wexford man David Cooney since 2013, along with a management team consisting of Liam Leacy (Wexford), David Keane (Roscommon) and Alister ‘Boots’ Handbridge (Wicklow).

The Bondi Gaels Squad after training

The 2014 season has been very promising and a lot can be contributed to the Bondi Gaels securing a permanent training home at a facility in North Bondi, which can be difficult for teams in Sydney. While the Senior team had a mixed league, the Junior team will contest the upcoming NSWGAA League Final, a first for this developing Club.

The Bondi Gaels are known for having a strong social side, all the while maintaining and growing a competitive Club. There is a great camaraderie among the players, and the Club work hard to foster this social network by assisting members to secure both work and accommodation during their stint in Sydney.

Onwards and upwards for NSWGAA’s newest club!

For more information on the Bondi Gaels find them on Facebook

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