News
St Patricks Day Kids Challenge – March 2010
The first ever Gaelic Football match between schools in Thailand took place in Bangkok on St Patrick’s Day. Shrewsbury School travelled across town to play Bangkok Patana School in an U11Challenge match. The prize at stage was the inaugural Sister Louise Trophy sponsored by the Irish-Thai Chamber of Commerce. Gaelic Football is not an “official” sport in either school but with commitment from parents, teachers and the schools themselves the game was arranged and went ahead on the sports fields at Bangkok Patana School. The teams contained boys and girls from Years 4, 5 and 6, with the players coming from Ireland, Thailand, UK, Finland, France, Australia and Holland. It was fantastic to see children from so many countries playing and enjoying Gaelic Football, especially on St. Patrick’s Day!
The Patana team had played together once before in the Asian Gaelic Games Tournament which was held in Bangkok in October 2009, but for the Shrewsbury team this was their first experience of playing a competitive game. The two sides showed a lot of good basic skills, talent and determination over the course of the 9 a-side game which was divided in 4 x 7 minute quarters. Patana’s extra experience would prove to be decisive in the end.
The game started at a fast pace with Patana racing into and early lead thanks to some excellent midfield play and expertly taken points. Patana quickly built up a lead of 1-3 to 0-0. However, Shrewsbury came back strongly and the first quarter ended with Patana leading 1-3 to 0-1. The second quarter began with Patana playing strongly and scoring 2 very well worked goals to extend their lead. There was some excellent defending by both sides with the full back lines showing great skill in catching balls high in the air. Shrewsbury were coming more into the game and their midfield was exerting more of an influence and were instrumental in a well taken goal. Both full forward lines showed great movement and skill, and took their scores very well. Half-time had Patana leading 3-4 to 1-4.
The second half started with Shrewsbury performing well and putting together some beautiful passing moves. The midfield battles were hotting up with both sides competing strongly for the ball. The 3rd quarter was a low scoring affair thanks to excellent defending by both sides and each team only added one goal to their tally. Going into the final quarter Patana were 2 goals up but Shrewsbury were still well in the hunt. There was a definite air of tension as the final quarter started and Shrewsbury quickly reduced the deficit with a long range goal. Patana then responded with 2 well taken goals to increase their lead to 3 goals. Shrewsbury were passing the ball around well and this allowed them to score 2 quick goals to reduce the deficit to 1 goal with 2 minutes left. Both teams showed great commitment in these final minutes but there was no further scoring. Patana ran out winners by 6-4 to 5-4.
It was a very closely fought contest between two very evenly matched teams who played the game in great spirit and enthusiasm and with a high level of skill. It was definitely a game worthy of the Inaugural Sister Louise Trophy. Coaches Louise King (Shrewsbury) and John Moore (Patana) congratulated both teams on their skills, commitment, sportsmanship and teamwork, and were very proud of both sets of players.
Sister Louise presented medals to both sets of players and the trophy to the victorious Patana Team. All who attended agreed that it was a fantastic occasion and a very enjoyable game, which will hopefully become an annual event. Both sides were already talking about next year’s game and how they will bring the Cup back to their school!
To view photos from the Kids Challenge please click here.
Interview with Dennis O’Brien – December 2009
Thai GAA Chairman John Campbell gave an interview with Dennis O’Brien from www.gaelicsportscast.com, a Gaelic Sports podcast in Ireland. To listen to the interview please click here.
Thai GAA Awards 2009 – November 2009
On November 7th 2009, the Thai GAA held their inaugural awards at the Australian Pub & BBQ on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Thai GAA Award winners for 2009 were the following…
- Male Palyer of the Year – Simon Roughneed (Mayo)
- Female Player of the Year – Orlagh McHugh (Meath)
- Best Male Newcomer – Jarred Rexilius (Australia)
- Best Female Newcomer – Louise King (Armagh)
- Asian Gaelic Games MVP – Nicole Iberri (California)
- Club Person of the Year – Natjan Jantriwong a.k.a “Guitar” (Bangkok)
- Team of the Year – The ThaiGAA Cubs
- Special Appreciation Award – Paralee Tohsouksee
Asian Gaelic Games – October 2009
October 16-18th was an amazing weekend of sports, music, craic and wicked thunder storms in Bangkok. The Bangkok AGG, organised by the Thai GAA, was definitely one of the best games in recent years. 550 + players – men, women and children – in over 50 teams from all parts of Asia and the mid east descended on the playing fields of Bangkok Patana School to battle for the Asian County Championship.
Despite the monsoon like weather and interrupted play due to flooding, there were some fantastic displays of football with the match of the tournament surely the quarter final between Thailand Mens A and Malaysia A which Thailand won with a sudden death point.
The mens A tournament was won by Hong Kong for the 4th year running, with Singapore winning the ladies A tournament. However both Thailand’s men and ladies teams made a huge impact on the tournament with some brilliant individual and team football. The men’s team went through Saturday undefeated with 3 from 3 and finished top of their group. The ladies team lost their first game but then went on to win their next 4 in a row. The men reached the B Cup semi-final where they lost to Singapore by a single point, and the ladies fell by the same score to Malaysia in the B competition. The performances exceded expectations but should be of no surprise given the quality of the footballers currently to be found living in Thailand. These performances were recognised by the Asian County Board with both John Campbell and Orlagh McHugh receiving All Star awards, however many more were equally deserving of the accolade. Everyone played their part and contributed to our success. Truly outstanding performances from Jarred, Simon, and Trevor on the mens teams, with Orlagh and Louise driving the girls forward all day. MVP of the weekend must surely be Nicole whose breathtaking display of goal scoring impressed all. Special mention to Guitar for notching her first point in competitive football.
Not to be outdone Thailand’s children’s team – the Thai GAA Cubs – put on some outstanding displays managing to beat Singapore and only losing to Malaysia. These performances was all the more remarkable considering the kids only took up the sport a month before the tournament !
The weekend culminated with the AGG Awards dinner at the Dusit Thani, attended by over 700 players, fans and friends of Ireland. The mood for the evening was set by Mick Moloney and his Bangkok Ceili Band and following speeches and awards continued late into the night with 7th Sense. The common view is that, despite the rain, this has been the most successful games to date.
Again personal thank you to all who took part. We really came together as a club and the hard work over the past few months paid off. Let’s build on it for the future.
John Campbell
If you would like to see some photos or videos of the Asian Gaelic Games please have a look at the following…
South East Asian Games – May 2009
The ThaiGAA’s travelled to KL for the 2009 South East Asian Gaelic Games. The 5 men were outnumbered by the 10 ladies who travelled over for what would be the ThaiGAA Ladies first competitve outing. The weekends festivities got under way for most of the team on the Thursday night with a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe, which was conveniently situated next door to the hotel. This was a sensible enough evening since most of the team made it out for a Friday afternoon training session – obviously taking things very seriously. The opening ceremony for the games was held Friday night at the residence of the Irish Ambassador, Mr Eugene Hutchison. There was a particularly warm welcome for our ladies team and we caught up with our friends from Singapore. KL, and Vietnam. A few more drinks were had at Finnegans before we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest.The tournament kicked off Saturday morning at the Alice Smith International School. The lads – John, Derek, Andy, Jalal and Brian joined up with Colm, Mike, Jim and Matt from Vietnam and Connor and Frank from Cambodia. The first game was against the Malaysia Blue team. Despite plenty of possession too many missed scoring opportunities saw us on the end of a narrow defeat. Our second game was not so close although we did cause the Singapore white team (and eventual winners) some problems. We followed this game up with our first victory against the Malaysia yellow team. Again some great passing football from the boys. This took us through to a play-off with the Singapore Reds for a place in the final, however their superior fitness and greater footballing experience saw them run out winners, although the lads never stopped. Our final game saw us easily defeat the Combined Malaysian team with four first half goals essentially killing the game off and secured us the plate and third place behind Singapore Red and White. Some great footballing displays from the lads, particularly Connor who was voted tournament MVP. Derek made a big difference when he switched to goalkeeper and this allowed us to move further up the pitch. Brian and Andy put in the usual solid performances in midfield and defence. JC carried out the role of playmaker with consumate ease (although his defensive duties are a bit suspect), while Jalal covered lots of ground and looked like he had been playing GAA for years.
The girls – Cat, Jessie, Nicole, Carrie, Suzanne, Cookie, Sarah, Amy, Suzanne, Ellen, Heather were joined by Lana from Vietnam. The girls put in a great battling debut performance in their opening game against Singapore, before eventually losing to this much more experienced side. Again another impressive performance against the Malaysian side (and eventual winners) ended in defeat however the girls learned their lessons and got the formation just right for the final game against a combined Malaysia-Singapore team. This truly was a magnificent performance and the girls recorded their first win in only their third competitive game and matched the guys with another exhibition in goalscoring. Heather was commanding in goal with some great kick-outs, Amy, Ellen and Cookie formed an awesome defense, and this allowed Sarah and Carrie to push futher up the field and go on some barnstorming solo runs; Cat and Nicole linked well together in the forwards with some determined running and both scored spectacular goals. Jessie, Suzanne and Lana put in some great work in the ful forward line ,battling for every ball and allowing the half forwards and midfield to create lots of goal scoring chances. A truly impressive debut and looks good for the AGG in October.
Saturday was rounded off by the presentation dinner and follow up drinks at Finnegans. All in all a great weekend, although we had a few casualties due to some food poisoning. Thanks to all who travelled and took part in a great weekend. Look forward to seeing you all at the next training session.
Asian Gaelic Games – October 2008
Thailand GAA travelled to Penang, Malaysia to compete in the 2008 Asian Gaelic Games, proving once more that this future powerhouse of Gaelic Football in Asia is truly on the up-and-up!
Unfortunately, such displays of profound athleticism only come with hard work and sacrifice, and this year bodies were well and truly put on the line for the cause.
April 2008
Thailand GAA host the first Thailand Invitational Gaelic Football Tournament!
November 2007
Thailand GAA make their first pilgrimage to another budding powerhouse of Gaelic Games in Asia.
The newly-formed Malaysia GAA club will host the boys in Kuala Lumpur for the weekend around November 17th. Fancy a trip? Bit of football, bit of craic … you know you want to!!
June 2007
Thailand GAA announce their arrival on the Asian football scene at the Asian Gaelic Games in Singapore….
The Bangkok ThaiGAAs made their debut in the 12th Asian Gaelic Games, hosted recently in Singapore. The annual 7-a-side tournament attracted over 40 teams, both mens and ladies, from all over Asia and the middle east.
The ThaiGAAs are a newly formed predominantly Bangkok-based Gaelic football team. Given that half the team had never played the game before we were expecting an early exit followed by drowning of sorrows with the black stuff !
Following a quick briefing on the basic rules to the beginners, our first game was against another novice team, the Singapore Barbarians Rugby Team including ex England rugby international Phil Greening. A quick Jon Norris goal settled the nerves and we romped home to a confidence-boosting victory 4-1 to 1-0.
Our next opponents were home side Singapore C. We dominated play but failure to put away our chances meant we lost by the odd point. We put up another brave performance against Hong Kong B but fatigue and inexperience showed and Hong Kong over powered us in the latter part of the second half.
The final game in the heats was against Korea B. Again we showed skill and determination which defied our inexperience with only an open goal miss in the last seconds resulting in another 1 point defeat.
Our plate quarter final against the Hong Kong Exiles, was a very end to end game with us coming out on top 6-5 -4-6. However the semi final against Japan B proved to be a match too far and we lost by 2 goals.
In the main tournament Hong Kong, featuring several county players, retained their trophy, defeating Singapore in the final. Likewise Dubai retained their ladies trophy. Taiwan triumphed in the bowl, to record their first men’s silverware after 12 years of competing.
All in all a very encouraging debut for the ThaiGAAs. Many thanks to the Dubliner Pub in Bangkok for it’s generous sponsorship. Our kits, produced by Xtreme Rugbywear in Bangkok, were much admired and have recently been sighted in Taipei and Shanghai ! Also many thanks to our Singapore based players who, despite never having played before, contributed immensely to our performances.
