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The 2010 season came to a close and the planning for 2011 started in earnest with a game of hurling at Östermalms IP and a prize-giving ceremony at the new Irish Embassy in Stockholm.

The Gaels prepare for the first hurling clash in 15 years in the city.

As the winter chill began to bite on October 30, around twenty hardy souls took to the field with their camáns for the first game of hurling in Stockholm for almost 15 years.

Club sponsor Liam Kennedy, who took part in the last hurling game to take place in the Swedish capital all those years ago, threw in the ball to start the new era of hurling and despite some wonderful scores from distance, the Scandinavian Select eventually beat the Stockholm Gaels representatives, powered by a couple of quick goals at the start of the second half.

From there it was on to Hovslagargatan 5, where Ireland’s Ambassador to Sweden, Mr Donal Hamill, welcomed the Gaels for a prize-giving reception. The Ambassador first presented the medals for the recently-completed Ambassador Cup before turning his attention to the team that won the Scandinavian championship.

In a break with tradition, club captain Kevin Carroll stepped aside as the John Ahearn trophy was presented to Karl Lambert as the trophy is named in tribute to Karl’s friend John, who tragically passed away on a visit to Stockholm to celebrate St. Patricks Day some years ago. Specially commissioned by the club, it is hoped that the John Ahearn trophy will be comepeted for every year in Scandinavia, subject to agreement from the other clubs in the region

A huge thank you to the Ambassador and to Embassy Second Secretary Ragnar Almqvist for organising the event, to the Ambassador’s wife Bernadette who as always was a wonderful hostess, and to the staff at the Embassy.

The John Ahearn Trophy, on display at the new Irish Embassy in Stockholm.

In another great coup for the Gaels, the European County Board will hold their annual congress in Stockholm on the first weekend in December- more details about activities around this great event coming soon.

Planning for the 2011 season has already started, and with the Embassy behind us and a great pool of talent at our disposal on and off the pitch, next year will be another great year for the Stockholm Gaels.

Be part of it.

The final weekend of the competitive season saw the Gaels depart Arlanda on Friday night for Budapest and the most daunting sporting challenge of the year – the Pan-European Gaelic Football Championship. A side weakened by injury and absence but strong on resolve and self-confidence touched down in Budapest determined to keep the club flag flying as long as was possible, and once again expectations were exceeded.

Niall Scullion gives a final tactical briefing before boarding the flight to Budapest

 

Drawn in a tough group, the Gaels faced the hosts first on Saturday morning, and a young Budapest side quickly put up a strong challenge. A speculative high ball dropped over Liam Ginnane in the Gaels goal to give the hosts the lead, but the Scandinavian champions weren’t about to lie down. Colin Courtney’s left boot has been the source of many scores this season but with his left ankle bruised and swollen, he used his right to fire home first time and pull the Gaels back into the game. A Mark O’Kane penalty then put the Gaels in the driving seat, spurring his team on to win 3-3 to 1-5 and get some hard-fought points on the board.

Luxembourg were next and another hard battle ensued. With no disrespect to anyone in Scandinavia, the European sides have a head start and their skill, experience and the depth of talent available to them was apparent throughout the day. But once again the Gaels weren’t to be undone, and with Mark O’Kane shackling the Lux dangerman in midfield and his friends Mark and Jarlath giving good account of themselves in the back line and in midfield, another victory was chalked up and qualification for the semis all but guaranteed.

Tactics talk from Liam before the throw-in

 

In an effort to protect tired limbs and conserve energy, the Stockholm pack underwent a serious reshuffle for the final group game against Paris, who handed the Gaels only their second defeat of the season. With Niall Scullion replacing Colin Courtney at full forward and the goalkeeping duties being handled by Mark O’Kane and Declan Graham, the French side quickly conquered midfield and built up a lead that Stockholm never threatened to peg back. Keith Hearne was given licence to roam the field breaking up attacks, and Stockholm’s Marathon man revelled in the task throughout the day. Fellow distance runner Karl Lambert was also forced to cover the ground, but as usual the Sundbyberg Express was on time, every time to snuff out the Paris efforts on goal.

Marathon Man Keith Hearne

 

Nigel O’Reilly covered virtually every position from the full back line up to half-forward and wasn’t found wanting in any of them, as Barry Quinn and Jim Kelly scrapped hard for ball against a tough half-back line. The pair did Longford and Carlow proud as they succeeded in setting up several scoring chances for the deep-lying foward Scullion, who finsihed them off in his usual stylish manner.

A long break caused by the late arrival of Guernsey to the tournament ensued and the Gaels, by now stiff-legged and sore from the constant stop-start games against Europe’s top sides, were starting to tire at the worst possible moment. Semi-final opponents Den Haag had a big bench to call on and with plenty of energy in reserve, they set about playing the same quick-passing, hard-running football that was a trademark of the Gaels earlier in the spring. Den Haag quickly built up a head of steam and threatened to run away with the tie, but the Gaels showed the same spirit that fuelled their march through Scandinavia and threw everything at the Dutch side in a final frenzied assault.

First Ken Feely ran all of forty yards before smashing home a brilliant solo goal, and Declan Graham’s fisted effort from a rebound looked to have set up a grandstand finale only for the referee to disallow it, inexplicably giving the Dutch a free out for a square ball. The final whistle a couple of minutes later came as something of a relief to the tired Gaels, who witnessed a cracking final between Belgium and Den Haag as the sun set over a chilly evening in Budapest.

All of Europe had been waiting to see the team that had burst onto the Scandinavian scene this year, and the Gaels didn’t disappoint – every team that met them had to battle hard for every yard against them. The Viking Gaels, our ladies team composed of Scandinavians from Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Stockholm, also put on some fantastic performances in their group games.

With not a single Irish-born players in their ranks the Scandinavian girls were up against it, but they frightened the lives out of many of their opponents with their excellent technique and never-say-die attitude, and with a few more breaks from the referee and a more selfish attitude in front of goal they could have caused at least two major upsets in Europe’s premiere ladies competition. As the day wore on their tactical play improved greatly and it will be a far more confident team that returns to this stage next year as they attempt to push on in Europe.

With no flight until early Monday morning, all that was left was to enjoy the hospitality of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. A wonderful banquet was organised on Saturday night by the host club, and the following afternoon was spent relaxing and recovering in a traditional Hungarian steam bath before a spot of sight-seeing and an end-of-season dinner at the Rose Restaurant close the the Gaels hotel.

For the first time, the Gaels went to a tournament, lost two games and didn’t make it to the final, but there was no shame in any of these defeats. Much as we learned the lessons of Copenhagen, now we know what awaits us on our travels and we will be all the better prepared for next season.

Courtney's left arm- almost as quick as his left peg...

Our thanks to our hosts Budapest, and to our sporting opponents from Paris, Luxembourg and Den Haag on the day. An even bigger thank-you goes to Jim Kelly and Niall Balfe, with the former documenting the day’s proceedings, contributing a helping hand on the pitch and updating the fans at home and abroad with news of our progress, whilst Niall, fresh from his side’s victory in the Ambassador Cup, played the manager’s role to perfection, keeping everything running smoothly on the day.

Mark O’Kane’s reinforcements from Derry deserve a special mention for taking the time to come over for the weekend to help out on the playing front, but once again it was our own players who represented the club in the fantasic sporting manner to which we all aspire – with skill, flair and sportsmanship, the Stockholm Gaels took another step towards a bright future in European Gaelic Football. Be part of it.

The old adage that goals win games held true once again as Niall Balfe’s United side beat Kennedy AB to claim the inaugural Ambassador Cup title in Stockholm on Sunday. Niall’s team netted four goals in a pulsating counter, with Kennedy’s only three-pointer coming from the boot of Brendan O’Driscoll, who along with James Guanci was appearing in his first GAA final of any sort. It finished 4-13 to 1-10 to Balfe United, who will receive their medals and trophy at a ceremony hosted by the Irish Ambassador later this month.

Liam Kennedy’s side weren’t helped by an injury to forward Colin Courtney, who went over on his left ankle early in the first half, but with both goalkeepers not afraid to move upfield with the ball, there was no shortage of attacking threats on either side.

Senior team captain Kevin Carroll was his usual industrious self, popping up all over the pitch in defence and attack for Kennedy. Despite only taking up the game a few short weeks ago, Guo Guodong was a constant threat with his speed and improvisational abilities in the Balfe frontline.

Niall Balfe himself made a triumphant return from a dislocated shoulder to lead his side to victory, and they could even afford the luxury of  a missed penalty in the second half and still run out winners.

With Ragnar Almqvist in goal and Niall Scullion prompting attacks from the back, Mark Meegan popped up with several vital scores, including a fisted goal which put the final nail in the Kennedy coffin late in the second half.

The Swedish-Irish Society were also on hand to provide some colour for the occassion, and they kept younger family members entertained with hotdogs and soft drinks as the action went on on the pitch.

Thanks to all the players and coaches who took part in a fantastic tournament played in a great sporting spirit. A special word of gratitude to Jim Kelly and Phil Cahill, whose organisational and refereeing skills were key to making the six-week league such a big success.

Our attentions turn to Europe again next weekend, but rest assured the Ambassador Cup will be back soon with more teams and more players.

Be part of it.

So it all comes down to this- at the end of five weeks of hard-fought football there is nothing to seperate Balfe United and Kennedy AB, and tomorrow they meet in the final game to decide the championship. The curtain-raiser is the ever-popular pub derby between the Dubliner and the Liffey, and we will be joined by the members of the Swedish Irish Society for what should be a fun day out for all the family. Hot dogs and drinks will be served to the spectators, whilst on the pitch will be one of the most hotly-contested games of the year.

Be part of it.

There was a fine turnout of players and fans at Östermalms IP to witness some brilliant football at the first round of the Ambassador Cup today. Niall Balfe’s team have taken an early lead in the table with a tremendous display scoring, whilst the Dubliner did what the Dubs found so hard and rattled the net five times in their game.

Three university students who signed up on the day gave those in attendance a lesson in point-scoring from all parts of the pitch as Balfe’s boys beat the Liffey in the second game of the day, scoring a whopping 3-17 in the process. Earlier in the day Liam Kennedy’s side met the Dubliner in a closer encounter with the pub side proving the old adage that goals win games, netting five times to take the points. Full results and table here. 

For all those from beyond the Pale who feel they got too much stick today, you can get your own back in the forum.

On the other seven-a-side pitch Ciarán O’Reilly put the girls through their paces, and the coming generation of Gaels (mostly under 10!) also got a good runout. Thanks to Ciarán, Lisa, Per, Mary and everyone else who took part. Rumour also has it that many of those in attendance adjourned to our sponsor pubs to recharge their batteries and watch Down take on Kildare in the All-Ireland semi-final afterwards.

We’ll be doing it all over again next week – and for the next five weeks – so bring the coffee, the kids and your boots for a great afternoon of Gaelic football with the Swedish-Irish community.

Be part of it.

The Scandinavian champions go from strength to strength. The Ambassador Cup starts tomorrow, and just over the horizon is the mouthwatering prospect of testing ourselves against the best that European GAA has to offer.  If you haven’t already joined the Stockholm Gaels do it now! We have playing and social memberships, and everyone is welcome- from Ireland, Sweden or anywhere else. Use the fancy new sign-up box on the right to sign up for our mailing list, and you’ll never miss another game or event.

The 2010 season has been a great success so far, and there’s still a whole lot still left. Be part of it.

AMBASSADOR CUP

The throw-in to Stockholm’s finest Gaelic football tournament is fast approaching- check out the match schedule and the rules today!

SCANDINAVIAN CHAMPIONS 2010!

Thank to everyone- players, sponsors, supporters and not least the other clubs in the tournament- for a brilliant Scandinavian season. We will celebrate this for a long, long time!!!

One More Round And New Beginnings As Holidays End

Just two weeks to go before the final round of the Scandinavian Championship in Gothenburg, but the season is by no means over. As that tournament draws to a close, we will be turning our attention to two new fronts- the European tournaments and our brand-new seven-a-side league in Stockholm, the Ambassador Cup. With mens and ladies competitions and the winner’s presentation being made by the Irish Ambassador, as well as hopes of en exhibition hurling game, the days of late summer and early autumn are looking very promising indeed. Be part of it.

Gaels Beat Oslo To Take Second Successive Round

Stockholm Gaels emerged victorious in a slimmed-down round of the Scandinavian Championships in Oslo last  weekend. With Gothenburg and Copenhagen unable to attend, it was up to Malmö, Stockholm and Oslo to keep the flag flying. The Gaels beat Oslo in the opening match but the hosts bounced back to hand a shock defeat to Malmö and book their place in the final. Stockholm proved too strong and took their second successive regional championship victory.

Stockholm now hold all the aces before the final round in Gothenburg on August 14- with Malmö’s surprise defeat, Stockholm need to finish third or better to win the Scandinavian Championship at their first attempt. Despite the undoubted friendship that exists between the clubs, there will be no favours asked or offered in Gothenburg, and an exciting finish awaits- be sure to be part of it if you can!

Oslo Awaits As Championship Continues

The Scandinavian Gaelic Football Championship continues this weekend in Oslo with scant regard for the holiday season. The third round takes place in Oslo and with two teams (Copenhagen and Gothenburg) unable to travel, it will be between the Gaels, hosts Oslo GAA and Malmo to see who brings home the spoils. We’re hoping for live updates throughout the day, with the Gaels opening their campaign against Oslo at 1200 on Saturday afternoon.

Gaels Beat Malmö To Bring Back the Trophy

Stockholm Gaels beat host club Malmö to claim the second of four rounds in the Scandinavian championship at a superb tournament on Saturday. Sweden’s youngest club went unbeaten throughout the day, with wins against Gothenburg, Oslo and Copenhagen bookending two defeats for our hosts.

In a repeat of last month’s Copenhagen final, Stockholm went one step further to claim victory this time, despite massive Malmö pressure either side of half time. Stockholm’s squad of 16 players were forced to work hard for every point on the day, with every player making a huge contribution to the overall result.

Aside from the usual strong performance from the home side, a much-improved Oslo team gave a good account of themselves, scoring more freely than in the previous rounds. Copenhagen’s results didn’t quite reflect the excellent standard of some of their play, and Gothenburg were narrowly pipped to a place in the final by Malmö.

All in all it was another fantastic weekend for gaelic football in Scandinvia. The five clubs are working hard to maintain high standards on and off the pitch, and our hosts deserve great credit for their fantastic organisation and hospitality.

All five clubs are committed to making sure that gaelic games thrive in the Nordic region, and all are welcome. We are building something great here. Be part of it.

Our picture shows the celebrations following the presentation in Harry’s Pub, as captain Kevin Carroll holds the trophy aloft.

All Roads Lead to Malmö!

The bus is booked, the kit is washed, the training done and the plans in place- on Friday afternoon the fleet sets off for Malmö and the next round of the Scandinavian championships.

The Gaels travel in good spirits, with a full squad of players and a strong support team. The memory of the final defeat in Copenhagen to Malmö is still fresh, but the Stockholm side are once again looking forward to the battles of skill and wits that await against our Scandinavian neighbours and rivals.

There will be regular live updates from Malmö on Facebook, Twitter (https://twitter.com/stockholmgaels) and here on the site- we’re heading off for another very special weekend in Scandinavian GAA. Be part of it.

Great Day in the Sunshine Ends In Dub-ious Victory

Our sponsors had a well-deserved day in the sunshine at Ärvinge BP in Kista yesterday as the Dubliner took on the Liffey in a hard-fought and competitive challenge match. Most encouraging for the club was our first-ever training session for the coming generations, as the children of the Swedish-Irish community were put through their paces by the club coaches. Added to that we had an incredible debut for young Swedish teenager Anton, who excelled at full back despite only learning the rules of the game on the day!

With a trip to Malmö and the second round of the Championship only two weeks away, there was an extra edge to what was otherwise a sporting and fun contest.

The Liffey made the early running, displaying the quick, short-passing football that has become the hallmark of the club as they opened an early lead. Karl Stein of the Liffey had imported some players especially for the occasion, and with Colin Courtney and Don Corry (sometimes illegally, in the latter’s case!) controlling the middle third, the boys in white dominated.

The Dubliner team, in the Gaels kit for the day, fought their way back into the game, helped considerably by a very friendly referee and some considerable good fortune (guess which side the reporter was playing for).

First, Niall Scullion’s speculative punt dipped under the cross bar for the flukiest of goals, and then The Liffey were inexplicably denied a legitimate goal by referee John Carroll. Carroll was rumoured to have been seen accepting an envelope stuffed with cash from Dubliner owner Ronan Morgan just prior to the second half, although it could have been the bar receipts from the last time we were there.

A certain full back’s stated aim of keeping the club chairman scoreless went up in smoke within seconds of it being made, as a lofted point evoked the ghost of Kieran Duff- it had all the makings of a youtube classic, but luckily for the unnamed full back, for once we had no camera at the game.

The final whistle went a couple of minutes before two o’clock with the Dubliner running out winners by a few points. Encouragingly, many of the squad due to travel to Malmö got a good run-out and some skilful scores were posted by both sides.

The day was rounded off with a club barbecue at the home of Keith Hearne and the wonderful Malin, who grilled hamburgers and hotdogs on a beautiful afternoon- a huge thank-you to both for their hospitality. Thanks too to the injured Kevin Carrol, who was up at the crack of dawn to improvise a couple of sets of goalposts worthy of the occasion.

We thank our sponsors for their commitment to the club, both financial and otherwise- without them, it would have been impossible for the club to come so far in such a short space of time. Please support them the way they support us.

The serious business starts again soon, and the club needs all the support it can get as we continue our efforts to build something great for the Irish community in Stockholm. Be part of it.

Honour in First Tournament Final Defeat in  For Gaels

In the end, it wasn’t to be. Stockholm Gaels played scorching football in the scorching sunshine, defeating all-comers with their combination of skill and speed on their way to the final in Copehnagen, where they fell at the last hurdle against a tough Malmö side. With a quick passing game and points and goals coming from all corners of the pitch, Stockholm announced their arrival on the Scandinavian scene.

There was no shame in falling short either- together with Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo and the victors Malmö, the Gaels showed European GAA that the game of gaelic football is alive and thriving here, and it will take a lot to beat any of us. Thanks to Kieran and the Copenhagen club for a great day. We’ll see you all again in Malmö, where we aim to go one step further!

Pictured is Colin Courtney, one of many Gaels to get on the scoresheet during the tournament.

Countdown to Copenhagen- Kit Arrived Safely!

A big thank-you to Stephen Murphy at O’Neills for organising our kit in world-record time- a full set of jersies, shorts and socks arrived in Stockholm today in good time for the first round of the championship this coming Saturday. We owe Stephen a few beers for rushing the order through and getting it from Strabane to Dublin for collection and transport to Stockholm, not to mention his team, who put together a great design. Now all that remains is to go out on Satrurday and do the shirt proud!
Some extras have been produced- to order, please e-mail stockholmgaa [at] gmail.com- a new batch of shirts, polos and bags will also be available soon.

This Sunday afternoon saw the squad for the first round of the  Scandinavian Championship put through their paces by Niall Scullion at a sunny and warm Östermalms IP. Success in Copenhagen will require  over 100 minutes of energetic football, and this was the last chance for some full-contact training before the tournament. The rest of the week will now be spent on ballwork and fitness, and a booze ban will be in place from midnight on Thursday until the end of the final on Saturday evening- whether the ban is broken with beer or bubbles will depend on the results!

There is still space for those who may want to travel down with us- contact us via e-mail if you wish to join in.

Training, Travel and Bodhrán-batin’ Ballads on Gaels Agenda

The trip to Copenhagen will soon be upon us, so let us know as soon as possible if you intend to travel- and how. We will have an internal game where the travelling squad will be put through their paces by the rest of the players at Östermalms IP before the tournament. On June 5 we will have our first sponsor’s game, where teams representing the Dubliner and the Liffey will clash at Ärvinge BP in Kista, and the Swedish-Irish Society will arrange a family picnic in conjunction with the event.

Gaels Victorious in Historic First Fixture

Stockholm Gaels emerged victorious from their first-ever game, defeating Gothenburg by 6-16 to 3-7. Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t all one-way traffic and for long periods Gothenburg made it very tough. Eventually the depth of the Stockholm bench paid dividends and saw the capital city’s team overcome their more experienced (in European terms) rivals.

Thanks to everyone who made it such a great day- the players from both clubs, the sponsors, Stefan Wittberg, referee Liam Kennedy and all those who came to watch.

Stockholm Gaels is a GAA club set up by Irish ex-patriates and other sports lovers living in the capital. Founded this year, we aim to take part in all rounds of the 2010 Nordic Gaelic Football Championship. Next year, we aim to compete in the European rounds of both the ladies and mens football, as well as provide players for a Nordic or Swedish hurling team.

On this site, you’ll find details about here about the games themselves, and where we play, train and socialise- you are welcome to show up at all of the above, regardless of where you’re from or how good you are. All are welcome.

Still not sure this is for you? Register for the forum and we’ll answer all your questions!

One Great Club- Two Great Pubs!

Stockholm Gaels are priveleged to have great supporters and sponsors- so much so that we have two “home” pubs that we divide our activities across.

Both the Dubliner and the Liffey have provided financial, practical and moral support from the very beginning, and we hope that our players, members, and supporters will in turn support them and our other sponsors.

We will continue to alternate our events, fundraisers and social activities between these two great pubs, and you never know- the bartender that served you a pint tonight might be the goal-scoring full forward of tomorrow!

If you’re off to Croke Park, why not stay at the Drury Court Hotel? A stone’s throw from Grafton Street, the Drury Court were among our earliest sponsors, providing O’Neills footballs to the club.  Send them an e-mail at reservations@drurycourthotel.ie and they’ll make your stay in Dublin a memorable one.