Picturesque Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island hosted a thrilling 2024 New Zealand Championships over St Patrick’s weekend.
The two-day tournament at Queenstown Events Centre saw thirty-three teams line out across six competitions, making it the largest national championships in New Zealand to date.
In the women’s senior football, Wellington/Hutt Valley lived up to their favourites tag as they claimed their fifth competition win on the trot. However, it took extra-time wins in the semi, against St Pat’s Emerald City, and in the final, versus a brilliant Queenstown Gaels side, to get over the line.
The men’s senior football final saw the impressive St Pat’s defeat first-time finalists Naomh Críostóir to make it back-to-back championships for the Aucklanders.
With the small ball, it was a first championship win for Wellington/Hutt Valley who overcame Canterbury in the camogie, and in doing so, made it a historic football-camogie championship double for the club from the capital.
The hurling final saw Auckland gain redemption for their one-point loss in 2023’s final with an emphatic win over red-hot favourites Canterbury. Trailing by five points in the final quarter, the men from the big smoke struck three quickfire goals to earn their second title of the season.
The junior football competitions served up some of the most exciting games over the weekend. Where their senior sides fell at the final hurdle, Queenstown Gaels’ (women) and Naomh Críostóir’s (men) junior footballers didn’t disappoint in bringing the silverware home for their clubs.
It was an action-packed weekend from start to finish, and President of the host club Queenstown Gaels, Lisa Whelan, was delighted with how their first competition went:
“Overall we are absolutely delighted with our first hosting experienced. We were definitely surprised by the scale of it. Once we started asking for expressions of interest, we were shocked to see the numbers planning to travel down.
“Over the COVID years so many clubs, including our own, shrunk so much, so it’s amazing to see the growth of the sport in New Zealand. The Queenstown Gaels committee are so passionate about the club, and Queenstown in general is such a supportive community, but we couldn’t have pulled it off without the efforts from both.
Lisa’s highlights from the weekend include, “[Queenstown] having the numbers to enter four teams. This time last year we wouldn’t have even dreamed that we would have 80 players signed up.
“And of course it has to be captaining the junior ladies team, who managed to bring home silverware for the second year in a row.”
Silverware went the length and breadth of the country following the New Zealand Sevens on Saturday 25 November, with clubs from Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown among the victors.
Teams from across the north and south islands flocked to Hamilton, New Zealand for the first national games of the 2023/24 NZ Gaelic games calendar. Naomh Críostóir, who were only established in 2015, assumed hosting duties for the competition, having recently hosted their first national tournament in the NZ Championships earlier in the year. An outstanding feat for an up-and-coming club.
It was a frantic day of games, with six trophies up for grabs. In the men’s senior football, hosts Naomh Críostóir, who in recent years have been competing in the junior grade, duly justified their place in the top tier by making it to the final. There they faced regular contenders in Marist Rangers of Auckland. It was a thrilling final, and in this ‘Battle of the Bombays’, it was the Auckland side who got over the line with a four-point win.
The women’s senior football saw Wellington/Hutt Valley continue their imperious form in New Zealand –and Australasia – with a resounding victory over St Pat’s Emerald City in the final. This is their fourth competition win on the trot, and few will be betting against them come the NZ Championships in March.
It was Wellington/Hutt Valley and a combined Auckland side contesting the hurling final. With Wellington eyeing up a third consecutive title, Auckland, who have been making great strides with the small ball in recent years, had different ideas. In a tight and tense game the Auckland side claimed a memorable three-point win, and in doing so, put an end to the recent Wellington-Canterbury supremacy over NZ hurling. The camogie final was also a Wellington/Hutt Valley-Auckland affair, with the camógs from the capital also aiming for three sevens titles in a row – and they didn’t disappoint, running out convincing winners, and continuing their year-on-year progress.
The men’s junior football final was a battle between the north and south islands as Wellington/Hutt Valley, another team from the capital looking to make it three sevens titles in a row, faced Queenstown Gaels. It wasn’t to be for Wellington as Queenstown, who were one of the most impressive teams in Hamilton, dominated the final and ran out convincing winners. The women’s shield final, meanwhile, was played between Celtic GFC of Auckland and Wellington/Hutt Valley’s second team. This was a high-scoring game, with goals aplenty, but the Aucklanders’ superiority up front got them over the line with a six-point victory.
Congratulations to all tournament winners, and a worthy bualadh bos to hosts Naomh Críostóir for their outstanding contribution to Gaelic games in NZ in 2023. Next up in the NZ calendar are the national championships in Queenstown on St Patrick’s weekend, and it’s sure to be a cracker.
Melbourne, Victoria will be a hive of Gaelic games activity this weekend as two tournaments usher in the Australian summer. The Seamus Moloughney Invitational Tournament on Saturday, and the Melbourne Super 11s on Sunday continue apace Gaelic Games Victoria’s recent busy calendar.
On Saturday 2 December Young Melbourne will host the inaugural Seamus Moloughney Invitational Tournament at Albert Park, Melbourne. With a focus on participation and fostering a community spirit, the seven-a-side tournament will see women’s and men’s football teams from Victoria and beyond play in a safe, social and positive environment. To promote participation and enjoyment, only players not having played in any senior league or championship games in the 2022/23 season are eligible. Keep up to date with the tournament through the link below.
Young Melbourne GAA – Facebook
The following day, Sunday 3 December, Gaelic Park in Keysborough will host the second annual Melbourne Super 11s competition. Organised by Sinn Féin and Wolfe Tones, this is the second edition of the 11-a-side tournament, and it will feature the four codes of men’s and women’s Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. With 34 teams participating, it is certain to be a competitive and high-quality day of games. Keep up to date with the tournament through the link below.
Super 11s Melbourne – Instagram
It was Regional Games glory for the Gaels of Geelong and Gold Coast, while three clubs made their competition debuts at a sun-soaked Harold Hurst Reserve in Geelong on Saturday 11 November.
The fifth edition of the competition, it was the biggest yet with 14 women’s and men’s teams across seven clubs lining out. It was also a competition of firsts, featuring several first-time players, clubs and winners.
In the women’s competition, five teams competed in the group stage: Ballarat Clovers, Geelong Gaels Blue, Geelong Gaels Red, Gold Coast Gaels, and Young Melbourne. After a competitive group stage and semi-finals, it was the two Geelong sides who met in the final. In this local derby, the more experienced Blue side – who boasted 2023 Australasia World Games reps such as Tahlia Tatlock, Tess DeGrandi and Tamara Knox – claimed a solid win over a gallant, youthful Red side, who have several young players who will no doubt make their mark for Geelong, and indeed Victoria, in future competitions.
Watch the women’s final – YouTube
Congratulations to Ballarat Clovers and Young Melbourne – Victoria’s two newest clubs – on making their Regional Games debut. It was Young Melbourne’s first time fielding a women’s team since their foundation in 2016, and to make the semi-final was an impressive feat.
The men’s football featured nine teams across two groups, and it was the Gaels of Geelong and Gaels of the Gold Coast who progressed through the group stage and semi-finals to set up a mouth-watering final. With both clubs celebrating their 10-year anniversaries in 2023, it was fitting that they would play the decider. While Geelong were hoping to top off their anniversary year with a repeat of the 2018 women’s and men’s double, Gold Coast were looking to mark theirs with a maiden trophy for the club.
The final was a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. However, the Gaels from Queensland, who were potent in front of goal all day, built up an early lead and managed to keep an organised and hard-working Geelong Maroon side at bay until the final whistle. Jubilant scenes followed amongst the Gold Coast players, management and supporters. Following on from their memorable win in the Queensland championship earlier this year, this victory will leave the club with plenty to celebrate at their anniversary celebrations at the end of the month.
Watch the men’s final – YouTube
A special mention to the newly formed Cairns Chieftains who played at their first Regional Games, and recorded two draws before succumbing to their fellow Queenslanders in the semi-final. Also, Victorian clubs Ballarat Clovers and Young Melbourne, who fielded two teams of primarily Australian-born players, featured at their first Regional Games.
“It was a fantastic day of Gaelic football in Geelong”, said Geelong Gaels President and player, John Reaney. “Congratulations to the Gold Coast Gaels on winning their first men’s trophy, and also to our very own women’s team who went back to back.”
“We’d like thank Manifold Heights Cricket Club for their support in hosting the games. Also, thanks Cr Trent Sullivan, Mayor of Greater Geelong for presenting the women’s trophy, and Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, H.E. Tim Mawe for travelling from Canberra to be in attendance for the day’s events and presenting the men’s winning trophy”, said John.
John continued, “we appreciate all our volunteers who put in a mountain of work on the day and over the past few months, including the Gaelic Football & Hurling Association of Australasia for their huge effort and support in providing a fantastic set of games.”
“Finally, to all the clubs who travelled to make these the best games to date, thank you so much and we hope you enjoyed the weekend.”
No doubt we’re already looking forward to Tasmania in 2024.
Congratulations to the tournament All-Stars for their fine performances on the day, and a special bualadh bos to the players of the tournament: Tahlia Tatlock of Geelong Gaels women’s team, and Patrick Meehan of Gold Coast Gaels men’s team.
Get ready for the fifth edition of the Australasia Regional Games, which throws in at Hurst Reserve, Geelong, Victoria on Saturday 11 November 2023.
Men’s and women’s teams from across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland will converge on Geelong to battle it out for national silverware in this seven-a-side Gaelic football competition.
Held annually, the competition caters to Australasia teams in regional areas, as well as teams with predominantly non-Irish-born players. Having hosted their first Regional Games in 2018, Geelong Gaels are excited to welcome teams from across the country back to the Pivot City, with promises that this will be the best edition yet.
So mark it in your diaries now. It’s going to be a brilliant day of Gaelic football, and another great opportunity to witness the quality of Australasia’s homegrown talent.
For any queries, contact Australasia secretary Teresa Daly at secretary.australasia@gaa.ie and Geelong Gaels secretary Ryan Healy at secretary.geelonggaels@gmail.com.
Stay up to date with tournament fixtures and information on the Australasia Regional Games 2023 page.
St Kevin’s 4-9 – 4-6 Sinn Féin
Sunday 2 July
St Kevin’s and Sinn Féin met in the women’s senior football final, the third meeting of this pairing in finals in 2023. With Sinn Féin taking the Pearses Sevens title, and St. Kevin’s victorious in the league final, the championship final was aptly the decider for the year. It was all Kevin’s in the first half with an eight-point difference at half time, but Cormac O’Neill’s Sinn Fein came out firing in the second half, clawing back to make it a draw game. It seemed like the momentum was all with Sinn Féin, however St Kevin’s dug deep and found that extra gear that was evident all season to kick the final three points of the game. At full time it was St Kevin’s 4-9 to Sinn Fein 4-6. Captain Mona Sheridan was amongst St Kevin’s best and accepted the cup, with Anna Jones named player of the match. Australasia World Games player Tricia Melanaphy was a star for Sinn Féin, and will be one to watch in Derry at the end of the month.
St Kevin’s and Sinn Féin faced in a best-of-three for 2023 in the women’s senior football final. Photo: An Astráil
Garryowen 3-15 – 2-9 Wolfe Tones
Sunday 2 July
This final was eagerly awaited between two great rivals in Garryowen and Wolfe Tones. Wolfe Tones started very strongly getting three points in the first five minutes but this was nullified by an opportunist goal on the break from Garryowen. Wolfe Tones’ tactics worked well in the first half causing several critical turnovers, which helped them build a small lead at half time. The second half was a different story, however. Garryowen’s running game clicked into action and their superior ball handling, speed and fitness was telling. Wolfe Tones did score a fine goal on the break to keep them in the game but Garryowen’s on-field leaders, namely Conor Dorman, Stephen Cahill and Shane Buckley came to the fore, particularly in the final quarter to finish their opponents off in some style. Matthew O’Sullivan at full-forward had a fine game for Garryowen scoring three wonderful points from play when it really mattered. Some observers said he was reminiscent of his fellow county man, the legendary Eoin ‘Bomber’ Liston.
Garryowen’s Seán McSweeney kicks a free in the men’s senior football final against Wolfe Tones. Photo: An Astráil
Melbourne Shamrocks 6-10 – 0-2 Garryowen
Sunday 2 July
Melbourne Shamrocks avenged their league final defeat with huge win over Garryowen. Shamrocks built up a healthy lead in the first half with some well-taken goals by their inside forwards, and went in at the break leading by 4-4 to 0-2. They continued their dominance in the second half, but credit to Garryowen who never gave up and battled hard until the final whistle. Shamrocks captain Lisa McCarthy was presented with the championship cup for 2023, while Orla Beagan deservedly received the player of the match award.
Melbourne Shamrocks players celebrate their resounding championship final victory over Garryowen. Photo: An Astráil
Melbourne Shamrocks 1-24 – 2-18 Garryowen
Sunday 2 July
In a repeat of the league final, Melbourne Shamrocks and Garryowen battled it out for the 2023 championship title. In a titanic tussle that ebbed and flowed, both teams produced a fantastic hour of hurling. Shamrocks went in at the short whistle leading by a goal, 1-9 to 0-9. The second half produced some delightful scores by both teams in an action-packed 30 minutes of hurling. After a great effort by Garryowen, Shamrocks finished the stronger and held out for a three-point win on a scoreline of 1-24 to 2-18. Paul Morris accepted the cup on behalf of his team, while Kieran Bennett received the player of the match award following his outstanding display.
Action from the hurling final where Melbourne Shamrock claimed a league and championship double over Garryowen for 2023. Photo: An Astráil
Garryowen 3-9 – 0-13 Pádraig Pearses
Sunday 2 July
Whilst Garryowen started out as favourites, Pádraig Pearses took the game to them from the start with their combative and direct style of play in an entertaining encounter. Pearses delivered the ball quickly into Brian Lowry to great effect throughout the game, and he finished with 0-8 points from play and frees, a tremendous individual contribution. However, Garryowen’s powerful running game proved to be more incisive and their three goals were ultimately decisive. Jonathan Quinlan (man of the match) at midfield was imperious for Garryowen, and he won a huge share of possession under considerable pressure at vital stages in the game. And Eddie Goggin, the veteran corner forward, was a constant and deadly threat to the Pearses defence. The game moved at a great pace in both halves and was played in a very sporting fashion. Garryowen were full value for their win against a brave Pearses outfit.
Garryowen and Pádraig Pearses contest a kickout in the men’s intermediate football final. Photo: An Astráil
Sinn Féin 3-9 – 4-4 Pádraig Pearses
Sunday 25 June
The women’s intermediate football was the first of Victoria’s championship finals to be played. In a game that saw seven green flags raised, Sinn Féin eked out a two-point win to take home the title.
The Sinn Féin team who defeated Pádraig Pearses to win the women’s intermediate football final.
St Kevin’s 2-06 – 1-05 Sinn Féin
Sunday 28 May
In the women’s senior football final, Sinn Féin took on St Kevin’s. The standard in ladies football has risen greatly this year with hotly contested games throughout the league. It was victory for St Kevin’s on a final scoreline of 2-06 to 1-05. Mona Sheridan in her first year at St. Kevin’s accepted the trophy as captain, with player of the match going to Jayne Moore.
The St Kevin’s team who defeated Sinn Féin in the women’s senior football final.
Garryowen 0-18 – 1-11 Wolfe Tones
Sunday 28 May
The men’s senior football final saw Garryowen take on rivals Wolfe Tones again. This was an exceptional match with both teams fighting eagerly for the victory. Garryowen came out on top with the score at the final whistle being 0-18 to 1-11. Garryowen captain Stephen Cahill lifted the cup, with the player of the match being awarded to Fearghal McMahon.
Garryowen and Wolfe Tones in the men’s senior football final.
Garryowen 1-9 – 1-3 Melbourne Shamrocks
Sunday 28 May
In the camogie final, we had reigning winners Melbourne Shamrocks take on Garryowen. In a first for the Garryowen team, they came away as victors with the final score of 1-9 to 1-3. Garryowen captain Paula Collins raised the cup, and the player of the tournament was awarded to Sinéad Touhy. President Conor Hennessy commented that the standard of camogie has risen in Victoria, and it is promising to see how it progresses in the coming year.
Camogie league final between Melbourne Shamrocks and Garryowen.
Melbourne Shamrocks 1-25 – 0-16 Garryowen
Sunday 28 May
The hurling final saw an incredible tussle between Melbourne Shamrocks and Garryowen. Shamrocks were victorious at full time with an outstanding result of 1-25 to 0-16. Melbourne Shamrocks captain Paul Morris picked up the silverware with the player of the match being awarded to Jason Stanley.
Hurling league final between Melbourne Shamrocks and Garryowen.
Pádraig Pearses 2-6 – 0-4 Sinn Féin
Sunday 21 May
Pádraig Pearses claimed the intermediate league with a convincing eight-point win over Sinn Féin, with a final score of 2-6 to 0-4.
Garryowen 2-7 – 1-8 Wolfe Tones
Saturday 20 May
The men’s intermediate league final pitted old rivals Garryowen against Wolfe Tones. There’s never a dull moment when these two clubs play, with their usual high standard on display throughout the competition. The men in red and black got over the line this time round on a scoreline of 2-7 Garryowen to Wolfe Tones’ 1-8. Garryowen’s captain Mark O’Driscoll accepted the trophy, and the player of the match was awarded to Eddie Goggin. The men’s intermediate league had seven teams participating for the first time. This is a great sign of the significant growth in participation in Victoria in 2023.
Intermediate football final player of the game Eddie Goggin (left) with Gaelic Games Victoria President Conor Hennessy.
Young Melbourne 3-12 – 3-10 Pádraig Pearses
Saturday 20 May
The shield final was contested by Young Melbourne and Pádraig Pearses, with Young Melbourne snatching victory by a couple of points after extra time. It was a memorable win for the fledgling club, and a testament to the great strides they’ve made since they formation. The final score was Young Melbourne 3-12 to Pearses 3-10. Young Melbourne’s captain Ollie McKeon lifted the shield, with the player of the match going to Graham Glynn.
The victorious Young Melbourne team following their intermediate football shield final win.
