Team Introductions
James Moan
How long have you been playing GAA?
I played until I was 16 and then stopped because my exams were suffering. I didn't kick a ball again for 20years until I came to Shanghai! Now, I regret I ever stopped.
What is your training routine before a big game?
I usually text Stephen Murphy the night before and he motivates me with his words. I cannot eat though and get quite nervous. I don'tthink I settle until I get the ball in my hands or make a tackle.
Barry'sor Lyons?
Tetley. I'm from County Down. The North of Ireland!
Wechator Alipay?
Camelor the Blarney
Camel. But I live in Waigaoqiao and we don't have bars there. So I'd have to say a six-pack of Asahi from Family Mart.
Anywords of wisdom on how to improve Gaelic football skills?
I have learnt more from marking the best players we have than from being told about it or watchinga video. I love marking players like Ruairi Hickey, Stevie Green and Connor OSullivan because they can batter you unless you work. If you keep their scores down, you've done well. So, yes, mark the biggest and best and learn from your mistakes.
What is your favourite country to visit and why?
I can only say China. I've been lucky to travel to some beautiful places but this place is stunning. The food, the craziness, the variety of cultures are something special, but the Chinese people are something altogether extra. My children call China 'home' and that warms me. We hope to call China 'home' for many years.
Tell us your thoughts about your initial introduction to Shanghai
I had been only enjoying some aspects of Shanghai for my first three months. Work was a fishbowl and my only friends at the start were colleagues - who weren't very sociable and were a bit dull. Then one day I heard the AGGs going on across from my apartment and everything changed. I've never been happier or healthier, and I fell in love with this city all over again!
Jessica
How long have you been playing GAA? 2 years
What is your training routine beforea big game? Do extra running sessions and get some massages
Barry's or Lyons? Neither (coffee)
Wechat or Alipay? WeChat
Camel or the Blarney? Blarney because I can bring my dog Rocky.
Any words of wisdom on how to improve Gaelic football skills? Find an Irishman to give you private lessons 😜
What is your favorite country to visit and why? Holland because I love visiting Amsterdam
Tell us your thoughts about your initial introduction to Shanghai….
Busy, vibrant and exciting city. And still loving it.
Farewell to a beautiful and vibrant lady
With a heavy heart the Shanghai Gaelic Football Club announces the sudden passing of our former team mate and great friend, Sisonke Mabongo.
On Sept. 23, Sisonke passed away suddenly due to medical complications. Sisonke was a beautiful person, full of sunshine and excellent dance moves. She brought smiles andlaughter to all whom she met. Sisonke was a vivacious person who will begreatly missed for her caring personality, amazing sense of humor, and positive energy.
Training
We are so excited to see the huge increase in numbers this month. Welcome back to all our returning players and a massive welcome to those who are new to the club!!
Keep an eye out in the wechat training groups for updates on training times and locations over the next few weeks.
Luwan
No. 128 Zhaojiabang Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu. Nearest metro stationis Jiashan Lu Line 9 &12 – Exit 2)
Jinhui
No. 462 Jinhui Road. Itis on line 10, Long bai Xin Cun Station and a 5 min walk from there.
Saturdays:
10 am to 12pm at Shanghai Community Sports Center (SCSC), located at 2700 Zhangyang Bei Lu, nearWuzhou Avenue. Nearest metro station is Wuzhou Avenue (Line 6 – Exit 1)
張楊北路2700號近五洲大道, 上海灘運動公社(SCSC)
The SCSC training ground is booked on specific dates on Saturday's. Training does not happen every weekend there. Check the wechat training group for updates on which dates will be confirmed.
Youth team training (girls and boys aged 5 – 16) takes place every Saturday at the SCSC from 12-1pm. Remaining dates for youth team training are November 24th and December 1st. Contact shanghaigaelic@gmail.com if you would like to find out more about participating in the youth team training at any stage.
Asia Youth Championships
By Peter Mooney
Shanghai GAA has participated in the Asia Youth Championships (AYC) every year since its inauguration in 2016. This year 16 players travelled to play for Shanghai, the largest contingent to represent the club to date, reflecting the strength and growth of the program stemming from the dedication of parents and coaches. There were an equal number of parents in Kuala Lumpur to support the teams andtake plenty of excellent photos.
The U12s faced strong opposition from all over Asia including teams from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. They battled fiercely through the 3 group games, improving in skill and decision making with each match, eventually qualifying for the Plate final. Here, they played friends and rivals Seoul, one of the few north Asian clubs to make the 5+ hour journey to KL.
With stubborn and intelligent defending from Alan, Fred and Emily and the lightening reflexes of Natalie in goal, Shanghai held Seoul’s attack at arm’s length. Up stepped Jonathan in midfield to receive the kick-outs and glide through the opposition’s defence to set up Philip, Thomas and Jorge for the winning scores.
On realising there was insufficient competition in their age group, the U14s made the courageous decision to play in the U16 tournament as well. Again, the strongest teams were from the local region, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They showed tremendous bravery to compete with the bigger and older all male teams (even rumoured to have a few 17 year olds snuck in – the full beard was a bit of a give-away). After the four games of the league-style competition Shanghai finished joint second.
The best performance was a victory over a Singaporean team who travelled 30 minutes from the southern end of the Malay peninsula. 14 year olds, Gavin,Johnny (AYC MVP winner) and William gave the team a tremendous platform inmidfield with Jimmy and Thomas slicing through the Singapore defence to scoregoals. 13 year olds, Alicia and Audrey, were tigerish in defense with Natalie and Elena showing great skill and creativity in attack. Returning as U14 champions and claiming medals in the U12s and U16s shows that there are exciting times ahead for Gaelic football in Shanghai.
Peter Mooney, youth team coach, got to play in a friendly adult game at the tournament.
Suzhou Tournament
Women's review by Ann Marie Herward
「A breakfast for champions,」 was what was heard as most of the teams, men and women, enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and a tasty breakfast roll in the Camel before they set of on their journey to Suzhou. The bus pulled up and we all piled on with boys to the back and girls to the front. Great banter was heard from the back where all the boys were sitting as the girls took their beauty naps near the front.
As we neared Suzhou, everyone perked up andstarted to get the water on board. It was a beautiful, hot day without a cloud in the sky and the ground nice and hard. Perfect for a few games of football.
Shanghai 1 took on Shanghai 2 in the first ladies』 game. Plenty of shoulders and elbows were thrown throughout the game making it a good, intensive game for all. However, it’s always nice to play your own first!
Shanghai 1 took on Suzhou next where we were at a bit of a disadvantage with Suzhou having sussed us out in the first game. They took advantage of this in the first half shocking us with some of their excellent plays and blind siding us with their kickouts. It didn’t take us long to figure out their strategies and use it to our advantage. After the halftime whistle was blown we took our much-needed minute break and went out toplay the second half the way we know best and won with a 4 point lead.
Shanghai 2 took on Suzhou next and but up an excellent fight in the first half with only 1 point difference at half time.The girls showed excellent fight holding the Suzhou girls at bay but unfortunately the Suzhou girls came on even stronger in the second half. It wasnow a Shanghai 1 V Suzhou final!
We were lucky to have a long break while the men played their final two games. We got together as a whole panel for abit of a kick about before breaking into our team for our final warm up. We now knew what to expect. As the ball was thrown in we could hear all the girls and guys on the sideline cheering us on which gave us an extra boost. 20 minutes later and we had the cup in our hands!
For such a small club, the atmosphere in Suzhou was wonderful, with music playing for the whole day. Food and music were on sale for anyone who may have got peckish and a fine meal was provided for usafter. The Suzhou team went all out for the dress up after and put the Shanghaigals and guys to shame. Ann Doyle, Fr. Ted and Pat Mustard look-a-likes all making an appearance. All in all it was a great day out and I am looking forward to next year already.
Men's review by James Moan
On October 20th, Shanghai's Intermediate team arrived at Suzhou for their first outing as a squad together. We faced and defeated Suzhou and Beijing in the league stages before a final, again against Suzhou. The Shanghai tactics, fitness, and drive provided by a miracle performance in goal, and a fiercely on-target attack meant that the total score conceded over three games was but 0-9. At the opposite end, the team scored a total of 10-15. Full of pride and trophy in hand the squad celebrated quietly in Suzhou and discussed politics, the environment and education all the way back to Shanghai. For the Intermediate team, the AGGs couldn't come fast enough.
Social
Ladies Social Night
The female members of ourclub gathered together on 22nd September at Little Creatures for a spot of brunch. It was a difficult choice to know whether to opt for the extended free flow or to be sensible at that time of day and stick to singular drinks. Such discussions proved to be a bonding exercise, with some of the ladies deciding to support each other and go for the free flow together.
The laughter and chatter at the table was an ode to the success of the event but may not have been to the enjoyment of others in the vicinity. Social gatherings like these provide a great opportunity to build relationships amongst team members which in turn benefits relationships on the field.
Men’s Social
By Stephen Murphy
Saturday the 13th after training that day, the men’s social event took place at Latinas in Jing`an. 26 men arrived at approx 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 (Irish time). The craic was ninety in-between drinking from a bikini glad bottle of some fathom liquor and the beer flowed.
Some brave souls went straight from training, they began to lag at this stage but low and behold Sean Moran arrived like a crucial sub and lifted the roof off with affairs proceeding on course again.
Steaks aplenty eaten by many and great service, Peter takes the nod for most meat consumed though Jamie and Andy are adamant they could have given him a run for his money.
Afterwards we ventured forth into Shanghai's glorious nightlife, collectively going to The Shed first followed by a blur of belly laughs, questionable stories. Brotherhood and relationships were formed and a successful night was had by all.
Table Quiz
The club hosted our biennial table quiz on Thursday the 1st November at The Camel. A large crownd turned out to do battle and enter the raffle for some of the great prizes on offer. The happy hour drinks offer, as well as shots for the winning team after each round ensured a lively atmosphere. In the end, the quiet team in the corner, "the slashers", topped the leaderboard. All in all a very successful night of fundraising for the club with 8,250 RMB raised. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it another successful night.
Asian Gaelic Games
The AGG’s will take placein Bangkok again this year on the weekend of the 17th November. It’s a weekend not to be missed! An amazing experience to see teams from all across Asia come together to play and honor the sport. It is an opportunity for people to showcase their skills but also to realize that the sport is much bigger than the individual. It’s inspires a sense of pride to watch people from countries all over the world come together to play and compete. Let’s not forget the Banquet!!! After two days of competitive matches and hard running, people relish in the opportunity to let loose, drink more than a few and transfer their football skills to the dance floor. More information will be shared shortly but for now mark it into the diaries and arrange to have that Monday off work!!!
The following hotels areoffering promotional prices:
Option1 - The Landmark Hotel
For Landmark Hotelbookings. Gala Ball will take place here on the Sunday night.
Referring to PROMO Code for accommodation reservation, please find below explanation, URL link and how to process through the system
Option 1 - Book via URL Link:https://reservation.landmarkbangkok.com/hotelpage/rates/?propertyId=385&onlineId=4&pid=MDYyNTkw&accesscode=GAA2018
Option 2 - Book via Promo code by visiting Landmark hotelwebsite www.landmarkbangkok.com
Select check-in & check-out date and enter the promocode: GAA2018
Rate Details:
Room rate: Premium single/double room @ THB 4000.-Net includebreakfast.
Booking period: June 26 - October 16, 2018.
Stay period: November10 - 25, 2018.
Cancellation policy: Any cancellation received less than 7 days prior to arrival date will be subjected to a penalty equal to the entire stay.
room rate
No show: No show, 100 percent oftotal amount will be charged.
Option2- The Boulevard Hotel
reservations@boulevardbangkok.com
www.boulevardbangkok.com
Boulevard Hotel Bangkok - Deluxe 4 Star Hotel in Nana ...
Welcome to Boulevard Hotel Bangkok! We are a friendly 4-star hotel on legendary Sukhumvit Road between Asoke & Nana Skytrain Stations, in the heart of Bangkok.
www.boulevardbangkok.com
Promo Code: GAA2018
Promo Code: GAA2018 Bookable period: 01 August – 30 September 2018
Stay period: 16 – 18November 2018 (+/- 3 days Pre and Post stay from 13 – 21 Nov. 2018)
Room type: Superior Room with breakfast and Deluxe Room with breakfast and other room type for both ofsingle or twin occupancy per room; -
Superior Room THB 2,550 net/ room / night -
Deluxe Room THB 3,150 net /room / night -
Deluxe Corner THB 3,800 net/ room / night -
Deluxe Terrace THB 3,800net / room / night -
Junior Suite THB 5,500 net/ room / night
Extra bed: THB 1,050.-net per room per night including 10% service charge and 7% VAT
Keep an eye on the Wechat group for more details about the Asian Games
Membership:
For any newcomers, please reach out to Tadhg Lyne or Sara Costa to find out more about club membership.
The membership options areas follows:
Adults:
1 year - 2000rmb
Half year - 1300rmb (1season)
Students:
1 year - 400 rmb
Half year - 250rmb (1season)
Gear would have to be purchased separately.
Kids:
1 year - 1000rmb
Family Deal - 3000rmb (adult players with kids playing, or couples living together)
The Membership Year is from Feb 2018 until Feb 2019. You won't be allowed toplay in tournaments or receive your kit if you haven't paid the membership. Membership can be paid by WeChat or cash directly to Sara Costa or Tadhg Lyne. The membership includes access to training sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays, training gear (except for students) and enrollment to the Nations Cup. Other benefits include the Camel Bar Group discount card and a range of dicounted social events.
N.B. When paying your membership can you specify the size of the jersey and shots that you require and whetheryou prefer regular or tight fit. We ask that all membership and fees be paid bythe 21st September so that we can place the order in time for the AsianGames.