Two important upcoming events for your social calender: Saturday August 29th: HKGAA Inter-Provincial and Tri-Nations Gaelic Football Tournament
Saturday August 29th at Hong Kong Football Club will see the running of the first ever HKGAA Inter-Provincial (for men) and Tri-Nations (for women) Gaelic Football tournament.
The competition will see the mighty men of Ulster, Munster, Connaught and Leinster battle it out for glory on the day, while the ladies of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will compete for the international title.
Regardless of age, ability, fitness levels or doctors advice, come out and represent your home province or nation, or else become an honorary member of one of the teams for the day.
The event kicks-off at 3.30pm in HK Football Club on August 29th.
Captains for each province and nation are listed below and are currently busy recruiting squad members out of their Summer hibernation and semi-retirement, so please let your captain know of your availability on the day.
Team Captains:
Munster: Capt: Damien Barry Vice: Derek Ryan
Connaught: Capt: Walter Ellicott Vice: Simon Galvin
Ulster: Capt: Ross Bolton Vice: Liam McCartan
Leinster: Capt: Andy Gardner Vice: Steve Martin
Ireland: Capt: Antje Keim
New Zealand: Capt: Bianca Vowell
Australia: Capt: To be confirmed.
August Training Times
| Date | Location | Time |
| SAT 15-AUG | HKFC | 4-6 |
| MON 17-AUG | Happy Valley | 7.30-9.00 |
| WED 19-AUG | Happy Valley | 7.30-9.00 |
| SAT 22-AUG | HKFC | 4-6 |
| MON 24-AUG | Happy Valley | 7.30-9.00 |
| WED 26-AUG | Happy Valley | 7.30-9.00 |
| SAT 29-AUG | HKFC | 4-6 |
| MON 31-AUG | Happy Valley | 7.30-9.00 |
Summer League 2009 The Business End
League Tables - 12th June
| Team | P | W | L | D | Points |
| Kowloon Kickhams | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Valley O'Tooles | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Fr DB/TC Murphy's | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Shenzhen Celts | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| St Kevin's Island | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Team | P | W | L | D | Points |
| Setantas | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Crokes | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Na Fianna | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Fixture Lists - 12th June
| Date | Time | Game | Team 1 | Team 2 |
| 13 Jun | 3.00pm | W | Setantas | Na Fianna |
| 13 Jun | 3.20pm | M | St Kevins | Kowloon Kickhams |
| 13 Jun | 3.40pm | W | Crokes | Na Fianna |
| 13 Jun | 4.00pm | M | Shenzhen Celts | Fr DB/TC Murphy's |
| 13 Jun | 4.20pm | M | Valley O'Tooles | Kowloon Kickhams |
| 13 Jun | 4.40pm | W | Setantas | Crokes |
| 13 Jun | 5.00pm | M | St Kevins | Fr DB/TC Murphy's |
| 13 Jun | 5.20pm | M | Valley O'Tooles | Shenzhen Celts |
| Date | Time | Game | Team 1 | Team 2 |
| 20 Jun | 3.00pm | a | M4th | M5th |
| 20 Jun | 3.20pm | b | W1st | W3rd |
| 20 Jun | 3.40pm | c | M2nd | M3rd |
| 20 Jun | 4.00pm | - | W2nd | Loser b |
| 20 Jun | 4.20pm | d | M1 | M Winner a |
| 20 Jun | 4.40pm | e | M Loser a | M Loser c |
| 20 Jun | 5.00pm | f | W2 | W Winner b |
| 20 Jun | 5.20pm | Plate | M Loser d | M Winner e |
| 20 Jun | 5.40pm | Cup | M Winner c | M Winner e |
Shortly after the last game on the 20th the presentation will be made to the Ladies Champions and Kowloon Kickhams and then there will be a few bottles, bit of grub and of course the usual messing. It'l be great!!
Summer League 2009
Hong Kong GAA is back in full swing and we have a busy few weeks ahead of us. The draw has taken place for the 2009 Summer League and there promises to be a few mouth-watering and highly entertaining clashes in the next few weeks. Training Times and dates are as follows:
Summer Schedule - 2009
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
| 10-May | Summer League | Happy Valley | 3-6 |
| 12-May | Training | Kings Park | 7.30-9.00 |
| 16-May | Summer League | Kings Park | 3-6 |
| 19-May | Training | Kings Park | 7.30-9.00 |
| 23-May | Summer League | Shenzhen | TBC |
| 26-May | Training | Kings Park | 7.30-9.00 |
| 30-May | All China Games | Shanghai | TBC |
| 04-Jun | Training | Football Club | 8.15-10 |
| 06-Jun | Summer League | Football Club | 3-6 |
| 11-Jun | Training | Football Club | 8.15-10 |
| 13-Jun | Summer League | Football Club | 3-6 |
| 18-Jun | Training | Football Club | 8.15-10 |
| 20-Jun | Summer League | Kings Park | 3-6 |
| 25-Jun | Training | Football Club | 8.15-10 |
| 27-Jun | Training | Football Club | 4-6 |
| Oct 17/18 | Asian Gaelic Games | Bangkok | TBC |
Coaching in Schools
2009 has seen the beginning of our coaching in schools programme. We hope to get as many kids playing and enjoying Gaelic Football as we can with help from the various schools around Hong Kong. Still in its early stages, it began with a six class programme in Renaissance College Kowloon. Thanks for the effort put in by JJ, Gary, Joycey, Fergal Whyte, Walter and the PE staff of R.C. A few Diamonds in the rough were unearthed and we hope that the 80 or so teenagers that took part enjoyed themselves.
This current school term promises to be particularly exciting with the addition of Caolan McBreen to Hong Kong. Mick McBreen will be our GAA development officer and will no doubt do a fantastic job. He will be appearing in a school near you soon!!!
Coach Gary and the future Hong Kong Ladies Team
Congratulations !!
HKGAA would like to congratulate committee members and Gaelic Football stalwarts Cozie and Antje on their recent engagement.Further congrats to Cozie on his completion of the gruelling Ironman in an amazing time of 15hrs 31mins 16secs.Click on the link to watch the man himself cross the line about 3kgs lighter than when he started.
Happy New Year !!
Happy new year to everyone out there. The club is taking a short well earned break after a long year, four tours, a summer league and lots more. There'll be light training mid-week in the new year. Please email Dee Cheung on dee_hycheung@yahoo.ca for more information. If you're not on the yahoo club list, make sure you get on it to keep up to date with what's going on.
2009 Asian Gaelic Games
It has been confirmed that Bangkok will be the hosts of the 2009 Asian Gaelic Games. The event is likely to be held in mid October 2009, probably the 16th to the 18th. This will be the 4th time that Thailand has hosted the Asian Games after they were held in Phuket three times from 2000-2002 inclusive. Given Bangkok's central location in Asia, the event promises to be the largest Asian Games yet. Good luck to the Thai GAA in the planning and organisation !!
2008 AGM / Christmas Party / Annual Awards
A thoroughly enjoyable AGM coincided with the year end Christmas Party - JJ Neville was re-elected as the Club Chairperson and Rupa Wati was appointed as the Club's President for the year - congratulations to both.
The AGM was followed by the Christmas Party. A great event, great fund and plenty of much needed funds raised for the club. The winners of the annual award were as follows:
2008 Club Awards
Female Player of the Year: Niamh McMullan
Male Player of the Year: Del Boy
Male Most Improved Player: John O'Reilly
Female Most Improved Player: Ruth Wynne
Female Best Newcomer: Bess Hepworth
Male Best Newcomer: Simon Galvin
Special Awards -
Sergant Major of the Year Award: Clara McInerney
Best Attack on a Seoul Player's Elbow: Sandie Gillespie-Wong
Best Gaelic Impersonator: Kirsty Smith
The Longest Going Away Party Ever: Fergal Power
Slapped-like-a-bitch Award: Andrew Gardner
Fergal Power Impersonation Award: Waltor Ellicott
Best hands-free score Award: Buckshot
Murav Cup
In December 2008, over 20 hearty souls from Hong Kong travelled to Taiwan to play in the inaugural Murav Cup - played in honour of the departing Willy Murray - who managed to make all eight organised tours in his 2 1/2 years in Hong Kong - Shanghai, Dubai, Singapore, Dublin, Bangkok, Beijing, Penang and Taiwan - a fine effort. The destination was decided upon mostly to present the Asian Games Bowl that HK had forgot to bring to Penang - sorry once again lads !
More information here can be found of the Murav Cup Click here
2008 Club Updates
The Dublin Jack Men's and Solas Ladies' Summer League
Congratulations to all winners and all participants of the Social Summer League.
Saturday 28 June was the culmination and the crescendo of two months of fierce competition, hits, slagging, jeering, bitching, moaning - the likes of which has never been experienced before - with some very good football thrown in as well. In all seriousness, some of the play was extremely competitive.
Perhaps the biggest shock in the League's history happened on the final day when St Kevin's, who came bottom of the league, won their semi-final to play O'Tooles in the final. Despite the torrential rain, St Kevin's outscored Cozie's table topping O'Tooles by some 15 scores to three.
Afterwards all the players and supportes retreated to the Football Club restaurant for a fabulous sit down dinner - a well attended and to be repeated event. Oh to be civil !!. Then we retreated further to Delaneys upstairs for the cup presentations and what then can be only called a "fun filled night !"
The tables and results page has been updated. Roll on 2009 !
All China Games - Beijing 2008
And here lies that famous men's side
The All China Games were held in Beijing on June 7th.
Teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian, Shenzhen and Hong Kong took part in separate ladies and mens competitions.
Beijing Ladies came out victorious in the Ladies competition and Shanghai beat Beijing in the final of the Men's competition. Congratulations to all who participated.
The HKGAA would like to thank the Beijing organisers for the work and dedication that they put into organising the event.
It was suggested that HK did not take the event seriously - to send 20+ players anywhere is a serious effort - but sometimes you just can't win. The bunch that did travel to Beijing had a great time - "we'll always have Beijing !!"
Membership Renewal
Membership forms can be downloaded from the 'Club' section. Make sure you get your form in quickly to get your full twelve months' worth of benefits! Membership will be on a four quarter basis - members will receive notification of membership expiry as it arises.
Major past events
Kilmacud Crokes Sevens - Dublin
Follow the results by clicking here
Hong Kong broke new ground again this year by competing in the Kilmacud Crokes Sevens. Unfancied at the start, Hong Kong were drawn in Group 2, playing on the main pitches, up against Bryansford (Down), Cregan Kickhams (Antrim), and Tuam Stars (Galway). The only disappointment HK caused the spectators was the failure to produce a team of Chinese players.
The HK Team: Back row (L-R): Neville, Kinsella, Hussey, Burke, Harmon, Cooke; Front row; Del Boy, Murray, Tierney, Azar, Cosgrove
First up was Bryansford, a tight game in the first half, HK stole an early lead but Bryansford battled back, displaying some of the guise that made them the 3 time champions of the Kilmacud Sevens, previous year's semi finalists and one of the favourites for the favourites, to lead by a point at half time. The second half started tight, but HK pressed the accelerator and eventually won out by 8-9 to 4-12, causing a few raised eyebrows. At the same time, sports radio news desks reported the win as a shock win, and the Ladbrokes odds tumbled to 25-1 from 100-1 before the start of the second game.
Against Tuam Stars in the second match, HK started well converting point after point to lead 5 points to 1 point when a Tuam player came out the worse from Cozie's shoulder charge. A long break in play interupted HK's control on the game and Tuam fought back to lead by a point at half time. The second half remained tight, before HK sped away again, and also hitting the post time and again. Somehow though a 5pt lead was not good enough and two late goals, one with the last kick of the game, caused Tuam to win by 2points. Disappointing in the end, the game was in the bag twice. In the end the result did not matter as Cregan Kickhams, won both their first two games, and qualification from the group would go to the winner of the last game between Kickhams and HK.
The tiredness that showed late in the TUam game continued from the start against Kickhams. It was here when HK was properly introduced to Sevens Ulster style. Kickhams scored almost with every possession. HK chased goals but could not break down the Kickhams flat defence. In the end a large margin of victory for Kickhams. Fair play, by far the better side, but the score did not reflect HK's chances and share of possession in the game.
Overall, HK performed very well and provided great exposure for the game in Hong Kong and indeed across Asia. A huge thanks to all the supporters from across Ireland and those from Asia who came along to support. A very big thanks to jim Chester and Cognitive Solutions for sponsoring the team. And to Tsunami and Kukri for arranging late on the kit for the event.
Sadly the closesness of Kilmacud caused HK to miss out on the All China Games - the absence of so many players, wives and girlfriends made it impossible to get teams from Dublin via Hong Kong to Dalian in a week.
We're looking for new playing members
The club on tour in Shanghai at the Asian Gaelic Games
Interested in playing gaelic football??
The game is suitable to anyone interested in team sports - rugby, soccer, netball, basketball, Aussie rules and incorporates most of the skills involved in those games. We have separate men's and ladies teams, but often train at the same time and always hold joint social events.
Alan Baxter will take responsibility for the co-ordination of the men and Nora Ni Mhuimhneachain will co-ordinate the ladies. Please e-mail either of them to find out about training, the Summer League and the upcoming tours.
Social members can join by contacting Shane Harmon. Dedicated training sessions will be provided for all standards throughout the season. Most sessions are followed by social gatherings.
Click on "what's on" section for the upcoming training sessions and latest events. Everyone is welcome to try the game before joining the club.
Membership Renewal
Membership forms can be downloaded from the 'Club' section. Make sure you get your form in quickly to get your full twelve months' worth of benefits! Membership will be on a four quarter basis - members will receive notification of membership expiry as it arises.
Lan Kwai Fong Puc Fada
Thursday 15th March, Lan Kwai Fong - it promised to be the maddest event in the club's history and it was! Off the scale, there'll be pictures here shortly. Thankfully, although one sliothar was fired at the speed of 70kph at one bar and hit the sign above, there were no other serious incidents and the club remains claim free. Off the scale, there'll be pictures here shortly but you can watch the Star News report by clicking here
Dubai Gulf Games 2007
Hong Kong A beaten by a solitary last minute point by Limivady in the final
The club sent its Mens A team to compete in the excellently organised Gulf Games in Dubai in January this year. Twelve teams competed in the Mens A Cup section, and the team did very well in winning all five of its league games in difficult hot conditions, before meeting old foes Dubai in the semi final. After serving up the game of the tournament in the Asian Gaelic Games semi final, they served up another cracker in Dubai, with Hong Kong playing their best football yet. In the final against a strong Limavady Wolfhounds senior team from Derry, Hong Kong failed to take advantage of the first half wind and early opportunities - losing out by a last minute point. A total of 30 club members traveled to Dubai. Well done to Cozie (captain) and the lads on a great effort. Congratulations to Dubai Celts on a great event, the event also coincided with the Vodafone All Stars Tour. The HK results over the weekend were:-
Final - Hong Kong lost by a single point to Limavady, Co Derry. 3-5 to 4-1
Semi-final - vs Dubai HK won by 7 points
Game 5 - vs St Vincents B - HK won by about 8 goals.
Game 4 - vs Neasdon Gaels - HK won a close game 1-5 to 1-2.
Game 3 - vs Limavady B - HK won by several goals
Game 2 - vs Dubai B - 'After a lax first half HK took over in the second half.'
Game 1 - vs Fulham Irish, London - HK won by about 11 goals
Upcoming Tours
HKGAA's highlight of the year is the annual Asian Gaelic Games (June 2007), which this year is being held in Singapore. It true Singapore style, we expect that it will be an event that will outdo all others. The club is looking forward to sending a number of teams as well a contingent of supporters. More details will be made available to members later. But for anyone that doesn't know, the event is more than just a football tournament.
Asian Gaelic Games - Shanghai 2006
Antje Keim of Hong Kong in the Ladies Semi-final v Shanghai, 2006
The 2006 Asian Gaelic Games were hosted by Shanghai Gaelic Football Club last September for the 2nd year in succession. Over 30 teams competed over two days and 4 pitches in the hope of becoming the Mens and Ladies Gaelic Football Champions. In the ladies section, our A team won all before them on Saturday before competing against Beijing in the semi-final (a repeat of the previous year) with Hong Kong this time coming out on top. A final against Dubai A, HK's fast becoming arch rivals loomed, and the team was unlucky to lose by a single point after extra time, the 2nd time in 4 years that the ladies have lost in that way. Congratulations to Dubai and also to Hong Kong's Antje Keim for winning player of the tournament. Our B team competed brilliantly in the B competition topping their league on the Saturday by winning 6 and drawing one of their games. A gruesome day, their reward was to be prompted into the A Cup quarter final against Dubai A. Despite trying their best, they could not match the eventual champions and exited the competition graciously knowing they beat all their peers and would have faired well against most other A team sides.
In the Men's Competition our B team started off to a draw against Taiwan A in the "A" competition. Despite going an early two goals up against Japan A in their next game, injuries started to kick in and they eventually lost out by 4 points. A further defeat to Korea, saw them exit the competition only to strangely resurrect themselves in the Plate with most of the same teams that they played the day before. An early morning Sunday defeat to a decent Taiwan side, saw them hit the stalls early.
The Hong Ladies B team
Our Men's A team chugged along nicely on Saturday getting their game in order for the Sunday's semis. Coming out on top, an open semi final draw resulted in a semi against the competitions other top side - Dubai. A very tense early Sunday morning game, Hong Kong pulled away early before Dubai clawed it back by half time. Again HK pulled away, winning a tension filled encounter. For many it was more difficult to watch if you were a Hong Kong supporter, given Hong Kong's extra time defeat to Dubai in the previous year. Acknowledgment must be given to Dubai for the manner and the spirit they played this game. Hong Kong's opponents in the final was Singapore. Singapore, with a depleted squad (because of non-travelers) did very well to get to the final beating arch rivals Japan and the hosts Shanghai in an exciting quarter final. However, Singapore struggled to keep up with a full flowing Hong Kong side who won out by seven goals in a game commentated on by the legendary Micheal O Muircheartaigh - who commented that Singapore would have more of a chance against King Kong than Hong Kong. Congratulations to Singapore for fighting to the end and to our own Will Murray who won the Player of the Tournament.
A huge thanks and congratulations to Shanghai, the hosts, for the wonderful attentive organization. Blessed with great facilities, they made the most out of them and all from Hong Kong had a great weekend. Enjoy the well earned break from hosting the event, as we look forward to Singapore in June 2007.
Our Sponsors - Delaney's
The HKGAA is proud to be sponsored and supported by the Delaney's Group. The Dublin Jack and Delaney's Wanchai is the scene of many club nights and events. All members are entitled to discount at all Delaney's Group outlets on food, drink and merchandise. The HKGAA's trophy cabinet is located in Delaney's Wanchai, location of many cups won over recent years and the club's very important Summer League trophies. Delaneys also operate the clubhouse at King's Park, the location of the annual Summer League.
Dragon Boating 2007
No-Gooood Grasshoppers, Stanley 2005
Sadly the club will not be entering a team in this year's Dragon Boat Festival on account that it falls only a few days before the Asian Games - bah humbug ! We will be back however. However, if you are still interested in paddling, and not too football orientated please contact Anna Gamvros, who might be able to sort you out with another bunch of paddlers. Sorry all for the inconvenience, but the football comes first.
Ireland signs Work Holiday Scheme
Ireland has recently signed a work holiday visa scheme with Hong Kong. The scheme will allow Irish passport holders under the age of 30 (to be confirmed) obtain a one year work holiday visa for Hong Kong and vice versa. The scheme is limited to 100 visas per year each way. Details may be obtained from the Hong Kong Consulate in Dublin or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Anyone intending to apply under the scheme should also contact any of the committee to find out more details and obtain more information about life in Hong Kong. The same applies to anyone intending to move to Hong Kong.
Are you interested in moving to Hong Kong - there are plenty of opportunities for teachers and accountants and other professions. Let us know and we can point you in the right direction. Contact us on HKGAA