Making an appearance in Groove magazine!
April, 2013.
Gaels holding strong against the North Koreans!
April, 2013
Our lovely Chairman has a chat with the Sun newspaper!
April, 2013
The fine folk of Waterford in the Waterford News & Star. August 2012.
The GAA Continues to grow.
Article from the Munster GAA website.
By Kevin O’Brien
As Irish clubs continue to mourn the loss of so many departing players, the game in Asia is flourishing, with GAA clubs thriving in countries like Japan, Thailand, China and Taiwan. None more so than the Seoul Gaels club from South Korea’s capital, who celebrate their 10 year anniversary in July having become one of Asia’s most successful GAA sides.
Established just after the 2002 World Cup due to the flocks of young Irish people arriving in Seoul to work, Seoul Gaels have gone from strength-to-strength.
“The club is hugely important to Irish people in Korea as it gives us all a taste of home in such far and distant place,” said club P.R.O. Tom Gaughan.
“We have over 40 women training with our girl’s teams and 20 with our men’s teams. When you join the Seoul Gaels you become a part of an expat family, not just Irish but North Americans to New Zealanders and everyone in-between.”
The club also helps new arrivals look for work. “There are no jobs available directly through the Seoul Gaels itself but with over 90 paid up members in 2011 somebody will point you in the right direction,” he said.
Last year, Seoul Gaels hosted the 16th annual Asian Gaelic Games in Suwon, just south of Seoul, in what was the largest amateur team event in Asia. 60 teams from 27 clubs based in 15 Asian countries all competed to become champions of Asia in Football and Hurling.
“We actually used the pitches right beside the World Cup stadium where Ireland played Spain in 2002,” said Gaughan.
“Good pitches are hard to find in Seoul as there are so many people and not a lot of land so we were forced to go to Suwon for such an important event. It went extremely well with everyone having a great time both on and off the field.”
The Gael’s had a mixed weekend, winning the Men’s ‘B’ competition and losing narrowly in the Ladies ‘A’ final. But they are no strangers to success in the Games, having won the Derek Brady Trophy (Asia’s replica of the Sam Maguire presented to the Men’s ‘A’ winners) for three years running from 2002-04.
“People who have come to live and work in Seoul, particularly Irish, have settled in very well because they have found a home away from home,” said Aine Deasy, the club’s representative for women.
“Being part of the large network of friendly and helpful members of Seoul Gaels is a rich and rewarding experience.”
As Irish clubs continue to mourn the loss of so many departing players, the game in Asia is flourishing, with GAA clubs thriving in countries like Japan, Thailand, China and Taiwan. None more so than the Seoul Gaels club from South Korea’s capital, who celebrate their 10 year anniversary in July having become one of Asia’s most successful GAA sides.
Established just after the 2002 World Cup due to the flocks of young Irish people arriving in Seoul to work, Seoul Gaels have gone from strength-to-strength.
“The club is hugely important to Irish people in Korea as it gives us all a taste of home in such far and distant place,” said club P.R.O. Tom Gaughan.
“We have over 40 women training with our girl’s teams and 20 with our men’s teams. When you join the Seoul Gaels you become a part of an expat family, not just Irish but North Americans to New Zealanders and everyone in-between.”
The club also helps new arrivals look for work. “There are no jobs available directly through the Seoul Gaels itself but with over 90 paid up members in 2011 somebody will point you in the right direction,” he said.
Last year, Seoul Gaels hosted the 16th annual Asian Gaelic Games in Suwon, just south of Seoul, in what was the largest amateur team event in Asia. 60 teams from 27 clubs based in 15 Asian countries all competed to become champions of Asia in Football and Hurling.
“We actually used the pitches right beside the World Cup stadium where Ireland played Spain in 2002,” said Gaughan.
“Good pitches are hard to find in Seoul as there are so many people and not a lot of land so we were forced to go to Suwon for such an important event. It went extremely well with everyone having a great time both on and off the field.”
The Gael’s had a mixed weekend, winning the Men’s ‘B’ competition and losing narrowly in the Ladies ‘A’ final. But they are no strangers to success in the Games, having won the Derek Brady Trophy (Asia’s replica of the Sam Maguire presented to the Men’s ‘A’ winners) for three years running from 2002-04.
“People who have come to live and work in Seoul, particularly Irish, have settled in very well because they have found a home away from home,” said Aine Deasy, the club’s representative for women.
“Being part of the large network of friendly and helpful members of Seoul Gaels is a rich and rewarding experience.”
Beijing Brilliance
So a hearty band of Seoul Gaels travelled to Beijing for the All China Games over the weekend of June 8th 2012. After the short flight from Incheon we negotiated our way to the hotel for check in and after a quick turnaround we went in search of the Irish Bar. After some adventuring we stumbled across it and most had a few sociable pints while others stumbled out after more than a few casual ones.
Saturday morning came early as we made our way to the Dulwich International School, via a fruit shop to appease someone’s banana cravings, for the day’s festivities.
The men were drawn in pool B where they would face Beijing B, Beijing Legends, Beijing Bombers (Aussie Rules players) and Shanghai A. The 1st game against Beijing B was handy enough with a final score of 0-2 to 7-12. A great way to start the day.
The ladies teamed up with Beijing B and were in a round robin against Beijing A, Shanghai A, Shanghai B & a combined team of Dalian & Suzhou. Their first game didn’t go the way of the Beijing/Seoul team who faced a rampant Shanghai A side. However their next game against Dalian/Suzhou was a much tighter affair, losing by 1 goal with a final score of 2-1 to 1-1.
Just as the ladies game finished the men were up against a very tall and well defined Beijing Bombers team who offered a stern physical test but after 5 mins the Gaels began to take control and our combination of retention, speed and positional interchanging eventually won out 5-7 to 0-3.
As midday approached both teams were scheduled face a Beijing team. The men were up against the Beijing Legends whilst the ladies faced Beijing A. The men triumphed over the Legends with a final score of 0-0 to 5-14 whilst the girls lost 3-5 to 0-3. Their game was much closer than the score suggests.
At this stage the men needed to win their final game against Shanghai A to go into the Cup final and the ladies needed to win their last group game to make it into the Plate final whilst hoping results went their way.
First up were the ladies against Shanghai B. In an end to end game the Seoul/Beijing combo came out on top with a final score of 4-3 to 3-4. They’d now have to wait to learn their fate as Shanghai B faced Dalian/Suzhou. In the meantime the men faced off against Shanghai A in a top of the table clash. In a tense, tight and tough game the Gaels survived a late scare to triumph 1-6 to 1-4. The Gaels were in the final against the hosts, Beijing A, who topped their pool defeating Dalian & Shanghai B whilst drawing with Suzhou.
As the men triumphed over Shanghai A the ladies of Dalian/Suzhou defeated Shanghai B 1-0 to 3-4 and guaranteed themselves & Seoul/Beijing would face off in the Plate final. There would be 2 Gaels teams in 2 finals.
The ladies threw in first and after a tight 1st half they were 2-1 to 2-0 up at half time with Aine Deasy (MVP) getting all the scores for the ladies. In the 2nd half a switch in personnel saw Grainne Barrett go into goals and make 3 great saves, including a penalty, to keep the Gaels/Beijing ahead. Joan Campbell & Gezina Annadale were solid in defence but in the 2nd half the combined team failed to score despite the best efforts of Marie Doherty. Dalian/Suzhou kicked 3 points to win the game 2-1 to 2-4.
Shanghai A&B faced off in the men’s Plate final which ended in a draw with both teams choosing not to play extra time, resulting in an overall win for Shanghai. We’re unsure how they split the medals.
In the ladies Cup it was Beijing A vs. Shanghai A. This game also ended in a draw and as they started extra time a thunder storm rolled in and it began to rain heavily while flashes of lightening brightened the dull sky. In the end Beijing A came out on top after scoring 2 quick goals despite Shanghai’s valiant comeback.
As the sky opened the men took the field and during a tense first half the Gaels went in at half time with a 2-4 to 0-6 lead. Beijing had great movement and took each of their scores very well. Mark Dowdall and Kieran Gardiner dove tailed effortlessly opening up Beijing to create scores for themselves and others, carrying over their exceptional work from the previous 4 games. As usual Joe Trolan was lively and won several frees which he converted with consummate ease. Brian Keane was as reliable as always, stroking over a couple of scores, providing a heap of assists and he was on hand to blast home a goal after an audacious back heel from Mark Dowdall rebounded off the keeper. They all contributed brilliantly to the Gaels tally to put us in control going into the 2nd half.
After a wobbly 3 minutes the Gaels reasserted their authority in midfield with MVP nominee & Captain Conor Melvin working in harmony with Paudie Cummane springing forward, breaking up the play and dominating the midfield. This lead to 2 quick goals and a few points for the Gaels as the defence absorbed the Beijing fight back. Kevin Tobin made a few important saves and distributed the ball accurately and quickly whilst Tom Guaghan & Alan price dealt with the mobile and direct full forwards limiting their space and opportunities. Sean Cummane was the ever present metronome talking to the players and keeping the ball moving out of defense into the midfield. Manager Meredith offered a tactical eye from the sideline and rotated the subs with impeccable timing allowing the Gaels to stay fresh throughout the 10 minute halves. In the end the Gaels secured victory with a 5-9 to 3-8 score line to become the All China Champions.
As you can see from the pictures we went to the Irish Embassy in Beijing where Captain Conor was presented the trophy and the Gaels graciously collected their winners and runners up medals as well as a fully deserved MVP award for the indomitable Aine Deasy.
You can see a great night followed *, with the cup passed around for all to drink from and there was rarely a moment it was empty. And just to make sure the cup was cultured enough and didn’t get homesick it was taken around a few of the Beijing sites before it boarded the plane back to Seoul where it will proudly be displayed in the Wolfhound until we take it back to China and defend it in 2013.
Another successful Seoul Gaels trip abroad. Will you be on the next one?
* Click Photo's --> Archive --> 2012 for some action shots and pictures from the weekend.
Saturday morning came early as we made our way to the Dulwich International School, via a fruit shop to appease someone’s banana cravings, for the day’s festivities.
The men were drawn in pool B where they would face Beijing B, Beijing Legends, Beijing Bombers (Aussie Rules players) and Shanghai A. The 1st game against Beijing B was handy enough with a final score of 0-2 to 7-12. A great way to start the day.
The ladies teamed up with Beijing B and were in a round robin against Beijing A, Shanghai A, Shanghai B & a combined team of Dalian & Suzhou. Their first game didn’t go the way of the Beijing/Seoul team who faced a rampant Shanghai A side. However their next game against Dalian/Suzhou was a much tighter affair, losing by 1 goal with a final score of 2-1 to 1-1.
Just as the ladies game finished the men were up against a very tall and well defined Beijing Bombers team who offered a stern physical test but after 5 mins the Gaels began to take control and our combination of retention, speed and positional interchanging eventually won out 5-7 to 0-3.
As midday approached both teams were scheduled face a Beijing team. The men were up against the Beijing Legends whilst the ladies faced Beijing A. The men triumphed over the Legends with a final score of 0-0 to 5-14 whilst the girls lost 3-5 to 0-3. Their game was much closer than the score suggests.
At this stage the men needed to win their final game against Shanghai A to go into the Cup final and the ladies needed to win their last group game to make it into the Plate final whilst hoping results went their way.
First up were the ladies against Shanghai B. In an end to end game the Seoul/Beijing combo came out on top with a final score of 4-3 to 3-4. They’d now have to wait to learn their fate as Shanghai B faced Dalian/Suzhou. In the meantime the men faced off against Shanghai A in a top of the table clash. In a tense, tight and tough game the Gaels survived a late scare to triumph 1-6 to 1-4. The Gaels were in the final against the hosts, Beijing A, who topped their pool defeating Dalian & Shanghai B whilst drawing with Suzhou.
As the men triumphed over Shanghai A the ladies of Dalian/Suzhou defeated Shanghai B 1-0 to 3-4 and guaranteed themselves & Seoul/Beijing would face off in the Plate final. There would be 2 Gaels teams in 2 finals.
The ladies threw in first and after a tight 1st half they were 2-1 to 2-0 up at half time with Aine Deasy (MVP) getting all the scores for the ladies. In the 2nd half a switch in personnel saw Grainne Barrett go into goals and make 3 great saves, including a penalty, to keep the Gaels/Beijing ahead. Joan Campbell & Gezina Annadale were solid in defence but in the 2nd half the combined team failed to score despite the best efforts of Marie Doherty. Dalian/Suzhou kicked 3 points to win the game 2-1 to 2-4.
Shanghai A&B faced off in the men’s Plate final which ended in a draw with both teams choosing not to play extra time, resulting in an overall win for Shanghai. We’re unsure how they split the medals.
In the ladies Cup it was Beijing A vs. Shanghai A. This game also ended in a draw and as they started extra time a thunder storm rolled in and it began to rain heavily while flashes of lightening brightened the dull sky. In the end Beijing A came out on top after scoring 2 quick goals despite Shanghai’s valiant comeback.
As the sky opened the men took the field and during a tense first half the Gaels went in at half time with a 2-4 to 0-6 lead. Beijing had great movement and took each of their scores very well. Mark Dowdall and Kieran Gardiner dove tailed effortlessly opening up Beijing to create scores for themselves and others, carrying over their exceptional work from the previous 4 games. As usual Joe Trolan was lively and won several frees which he converted with consummate ease. Brian Keane was as reliable as always, stroking over a couple of scores, providing a heap of assists and he was on hand to blast home a goal after an audacious back heel from Mark Dowdall rebounded off the keeper. They all contributed brilliantly to the Gaels tally to put us in control going into the 2nd half.
After a wobbly 3 minutes the Gaels reasserted their authority in midfield with MVP nominee & Captain Conor Melvin working in harmony with Paudie Cummane springing forward, breaking up the play and dominating the midfield. This lead to 2 quick goals and a few points for the Gaels as the defence absorbed the Beijing fight back. Kevin Tobin made a few important saves and distributed the ball accurately and quickly whilst Tom Guaghan & Alan price dealt with the mobile and direct full forwards limiting their space and opportunities. Sean Cummane was the ever present metronome talking to the players and keeping the ball moving out of defense into the midfield. Manager Meredith offered a tactical eye from the sideline and rotated the subs with impeccable timing allowing the Gaels to stay fresh throughout the 10 minute halves. In the end the Gaels secured victory with a 5-9 to 3-8 score line to become the All China Champions.
As you can see from the pictures we went to the Irish Embassy in Beijing where Captain Conor was presented the trophy and the Gaels graciously collected their winners and runners up medals as well as a fully deserved MVP award for the indomitable Aine Deasy.
You can see a great night followed *, with the cup passed around for all to drink from and there was rarely a moment it was empty. And just to make sure the cup was cultured enough and didn’t get homesick it was taken around a few of the Beijing sites before it boarded the plane back to Seoul where it will proudly be displayed in the Wolfhound until we take it back to China and defend it in 2013.
Another successful Seoul Gaels trip abroad. Will you be on the next one?
* Click Photo's --> Archive --> 2012 for some action shots and pictures from the weekend.
Gaels in Beijing by Daragh Meredith June 13th 2012
Finished up work and headed to Incheon
Changed our money to Yuan from Won
The second Friday of June and it fell on the 8th
We put through our bags and headed for the gate
Arrived in Beijing and headed to our hotel
What the taxi man was saying, none of us could tell
Threw in our bags and looked for a bar
We knew the direction but didn’t know how far
We wandered and roamed and found Paddy O Shea’s
We looked at each other and said “Happy Days”
An early night for most but a late night for some
Some people slept while others drank rum
Saturday morning which meant an 8am rise
If I said everyone looked fresh then I’d be telling lies
17 of us from Seoul Gaels at the All China Games
Here goes a shot at rhyming the names
In goals for the men was the old head Tobin
He played 6 games and hardly let a goal in
In front of him was the solid Alan Price
A tiger on the field but off it he’s nice
Our next player is Mr. Phill O’ Neill
As chairman and player he’s kind of a big deal
Beside him on the field was good old Tommy G
Famous for his catch but he has more tricks we’ve yet to see
Moving up the field we’ve two cousins from Limerick
Two boys who master the game and never miss a trick
Tight solo Seanie who’s the director at the back
Engine room Paudie who’s a threat in attack
Midfield maestro and always running the show
Long haired Melvin all the way from Mayo
Further up the field we’ve Joe Trolan in attack
38 years old and rolling the years back
The danger man Keano who provided many a score
“Drive it in to full forward” you’d often hear him roar
Next up is Prof. Gardiner with his deadly left boot
Within 30 yards he’s guaranteed to assist or shoot
Our last man is Mark known for his fast run
He skips by opponents and makes it look like fun
That’s all the lads but Seoul brought along 5 more
5 determined girls who all wanted to score
Gezina prevented almost every chance of a score
Many opposing girls left scared and quite sore
Joan at the back tackled with pressure all day
Her determination made sure she got in every opponents way
Marie Doherty with her pink fluffy socks
Took plenty of shots and made many blocks
Versatile Grainne started the day in the goal
Then produced a great score in her attacking role
A special mention to the great Aine Deasy
Who ended the day as tournament MVP
Her drive and her work rate were a sight to behold
Her performances all day were something of gold
I spent the day as a coach and referee
I’d rather have played but it wasn’t to be
The men won the cup and the ladies lost the bowl
Everyone was great and smiled all the way to Seoul
That night started off at the Irish Embassy
Treated like champs with all food and beer for free
The cup was presented and filled up with booze
We partied all night like we’d nothing to lose
Sunday was here and many a sore head
There was a huge effort to make it out of the bed
Some stayed in the city and some went to the Great Wall
Others hung around and did nothing at all
The weekend was over and we headed for Seoul
The football and partying were taking their toll
We arrived back safe after a great time in Beijing
The AGG’s are the next big thing!!
Gaels Glory in Beijing, Connaught Telegraph June 11th 2012 Thanks to 1 defender, 1 midfielder & 1 forward from Mayo.
Korean League Round 1 - Busan - April 28th 2012
The long anticipated Korean League is finally up and running with the first round in Busan done and dusted, many games played, many won, many lost and even an oul draw. There was beautiful weather, a good atmosphere and an excellent competitive edge to all the games.
Loachra Busan must be mentioned for their work in organizing the weekend’s games; providing excellent pitches and making sure everything ran smoothly. There were five ladies teams, one from Daegu and Busan respectively and three from Seoul. On the day Busan and Daegu fielded one men’s team each with Seoul providing two men’s teams to compete also. The first few games saw many of us very obviously trying to shake off the rust of the last six months of inactivity, but as the day progressed we all got into the swing of things. As the day went on and the games got up and running some beautiful scores were taken and some big hits were made. There were many great clashes in both the male and female competitions with Seoul’s A ladies and B Men’s teams coming out on top in their respective competitions.
The games kicked off with the match up of Daegu’s and Busan’s ladies teams, Busan winning 1-03 to 0-04. This was very quickly followed by the clash of their men’s teams, where Daegu snatched a 2-09 to 2-05 victory over their Busan rivals. Then we witnessed the Seoul ladies teams go head-to-head with the clash of Seoul A and Seoul C. Following this there was the meeting of Seoul’s A and B men’s teams with Seoul B coming out with a well-earned victory. The games came thick and fast as the day went on with each ladies team competing four times and each men’s team contesting 3 games apiece.
After the games it was off for a wash and then the festivities continued in the Wolfhound Busan right beside Haeundae beach. There was flip cup, music, madness and even a shift or two. The evening had all the trademarks of a traditional GAA outing in Korea, as most drank, many danced, some shifted and few slept. For many the morning came too quick and this resulted in the festivities being resumed the next day back in the Wolfhound. Despite some detours everybody eventually returned home safely and it’s fair to say a great night was had by all.
Loachra Busan must be mentioned for their work in organizing the weekend’s games; providing excellent pitches and making sure everything ran smoothly. There were five ladies teams, one from Daegu and Busan respectively and three from Seoul. On the day Busan and Daegu fielded one men’s team each with Seoul providing two men’s teams to compete also. The first few games saw many of us very obviously trying to shake off the rust of the last six months of inactivity, but as the day progressed we all got into the swing of things. As the day went on and the games got up and running some beautiful scores were taken and some big hits were made. There were many great clashes in both the male and female competitions with Seoul’s A ladies and B Men’s teams coming out on top in their respective competitions.
The games kicked off with the match up of Daegu’s and Busan’s ladies teams, Busan winning 1-03 to 0-04. This was very quickly followed by the clash of their men’s teams, where Daegu snatched a 2-09 to 2-05 victory over their Busan rivals. Then we witnessed the Seoul ladies teams go head-to-head with the clash of Seoul A and Seoul C. Following this there was the meeting of Seoul’s A and B men’s teams with Seoul B coming out with a well-earned victory. The games came thick and fast as the day went on with each ladies team competing four times and each men’s team contesting 3 games apiece.
After the games it was off for a wash and then the festivities continued in the Wolfhound Busan right beside Haeundae beach. There was flip cup, music, madness and even a shift or two. The evening had all the trademarks of a traditional GAA outing in Korea, as most drank, many danced, some shifted and few slept. For many the morning came too quick and this resulted in the festivities being resumed the next day back in the Wolfhound. Despite some detours everybody eventually returned home safely and it’s fair to say a great night was had by all.
Kerry Men abroad (no mention of Brian Keane) Wednesday May 16th 2012
http://www.kerryman.ie/news/having-the-craic-in-korea-3113551.html
http://www.kerryman.ie/news/having-the-craic-in-korea-3113551.html
A week in the life of Thomas 'The Catch' Guaghan in the Irish Times. April 3rd 2012
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/education/2012/0403/1224314291075.html?fb_ref=.T3rVTeH3p4c.like&fb_source=home_multiline
Seoul Gaels in the Korean Times & Herald post AGG 2011
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/10/177_96892.html
http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20111018000815
Seoul Gaels on the Hogan Stand.
The Hogan Stand has posted up info about the Seoul Gaels club and our hosting of the Asian Gaelic Games, here are the links:
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=143953
http://www.hoganstand.com/overseas/
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=143953
http://www.hoganstand.com/overseas/
Seoul Gaels Newsletter.
Seoul Gaels Newsletter 2011: Issue 1
Hey everyone here is the clubs first newsletter of the year, filled with lots of information about last year, and the up coming season. So just click on the above link, and it will re-direct you to the newsletter.
Hey everyone here is the clubs first newsletter of the year, filled with lots of information about last year, and the up coming season. So just click on the above link, and it will re-direct you to the newsletter.
Seoul Gaels All-stars conquer Kuala Lumpur
Five members of the Seoul Gaels men's and women's teams attended the GAA All-Star event in Kuala Lumpur and showcased their talents to a great crowd. A big thank you to Orang Eire Gaelic club and the Asian County Board for hosting a superb event that included men's and women's Asian all-star game and the Vodaphone GAA All-stars. The five members who attended were Taidgh Simpson, Mark Cummins, Ealga Ni Aodha, Chelsey Thomas, and Joe Trolan.