News

HARP'S DOUBLE CHAMPIONS IN RED DEER

The first complete Western Canada tournament to be staged in RED DEER, ALBERTA, can only be described as a resounding success.

Top-class field and facilities, responsive and welcoming hosts, and a very high standard of Gaelic Football played in lush green fields in Alberta (in August). What more could you ask for? OK, so the conspiracy theorists will say that the "release" of 8 billion mosquitos in the area of the fields was a distraction that the visiting teams struggled with. However, by all accounts, the teams from Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Vancouver are raving about their hosts, and their experiences in this latest Western Canada GAA hub.

The VANCOUVER HARPS (LADIES) repeated their heroics of 2008, taking both titles back over the Rockies and there were no complaints from the opposition. The Ladies demonstrated great skills but also, keen tactical awareness, to take their 4th title in a row, and over take the Edmonton Wolfe Tones as the winning-most club in the Division. The VANCOUVER HARPS (MEN) played some great football and though the Albertan sides really put it up to them, they had enough to (in the end) win the title by a commanding and deserved margin.

It was great to see the Lethbridge, AB, contingent in town, and their players provided great support to Red Deer Eire Og's cause. Red Deer were competitive in all their fixtures, and effectively ended the challenge of the spirited Vancouver Celts with their victory over the only club younger than theirs in the Western Canada Division. Stephen Agnew produced a powerhouse display for Eire Og scoring a cracking hatrick of goals to ensure a victory for the home side.

Calgary Chieftains and Edmonton Wolfe Tones renewed rivalries in the final game of the 2010 Championship with the Wolfe Tones victory providing a small consolation for the 2009 Champions.

Saturday nights event at the Westerner was memorable with Sean Smith providing a brief and enlightening summary of the career of Edmonton and Co.Louth Great, Jack Bell. Jack, a stalwart of the Wolfe Tones, died in March 2010, and the gaelic community in Western Canada will miss his presence. The Bell family were on hand to accept some gifts from the Canadian County Board, including a Louth jersey in commemoration of his services to the County.

Later in the evening, Jermaine Gibbons was on hand to present the Tom Gibbons trophy to the Vancouver Harps captain, Helen Keohane. Jermaine's husband, & Tom Gibbons son, Liam Gibbons, sadly, passed away last winter. His vibrant personality will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

After a very keenly contested singing competition into the wee hours of Sunday morning, the teams rested up and prepared for Sundays fixtures. These were played in brilliant sunshine and again the Battle of Alberta, between Calgary and Edmonton, produced a cracking tussle. Even a score-board malfunction couldn't deny a rejuvenated Cheiftains, and they produced the goals that mattered to take a 2-7 to 1-8 victory. The Ladies played a friendly challenge to round out the game-play, but the first official Red Deer Ladies title went to the Vancouver Harps. Back in the Men's competition, it was the Harps, led by Mikey Harnett, who first dispatched Red Deer, and then the Chieftains, to complete a sweep of tournament titles in 2010.

On behalf of all the Visiting teams, the Western Canada Division offers Special thanks to Eire Og's Tournament committee, and the Titans RFC in Red Deer, for a job well done.

We look forward to many more visits to Lacombe County in the years to come.

VANCOUVER TOURNAMENT 2010

The 2010 Western Canadian Championship commenced in Capilano Rugby Club, North Vancouver as the Vancouver Irish Sporting & Social Club, hosted the five WCD clubs and some visitors from Seattle also to the annual tournament.

The Men's reigning Champions, from the Wolfe Tones club in Edmonton started the day with an impressive showing against the Calgary Chieftains. However, the Vancouver clubs set the pace, with both the Harps and Celts recording victories over all three Albertan teams. That paved the way for a surprizingly competitive match-up between the local clubs.

The fraternal relationships that exist off-season between the Harps & Celts were clearly thrown out the window, in an often heated affair.

Late in the game, Dave Tonge, a 2009 All-Star, scored what everyone assumed would be the winning goal. But just as the World Cup continues to throw curve-balls at every opportunity, the Celts responded. A frantic challenge on an attacking Celt, and the ref had little alternative but to point to the penalty spot. The Celts duly converted through Cathal O'Loughlin and the teams were tied.

All Vancouver teams will travel to Red Deer sharing top spot in the table. The men's teams have 7 points from the available 8.

The Vancouver Harps ladies are also top having dominated their opposition. The Calgary ladies had a great turn-out for the second successive year, and like the Wolfe Tones, will look to take advantage of the Vancouver club at the Final Round in Red Deer.

Harps and Celts men did have a great match, but the game that had everyone talking was the clash between their female counter-parts. Aishling Jenning (Celts) and Renee McGloin (Harps) gave a master class in shooting and running, and the packed stand was fully entertained.

Spectators enjoyed a performance by the De Danann irish dancers shortly before the Vancouver hurlers played a demonstration match ahead of their historic trip to Chicago for the North American championships next Labor Day week-end. Denis Ryan led the way with direct Tipp hurling.

Saturday night took all the teams to Smiley O'Neals Bar on Pender, and with Roolya Boolya providing the music, a good time was had by all.

Sunday's games were close encounters. The Chieftains pushed the Harps all the way, while the Celts were defeated to set up a second successive Vancouver final for the Wolfe Tones men. Unfortunately for the Edmonton outfit the Harps were too strong and they had to settle for second for a second season running.

Again the Harps and Celts Ladies showcased their skills as they played for the Vancouver bragging rights.

Western Championship Results

Ladies -

Edmonton 0-0 Calgary 5-5 (20)
Harps 5-5 (20) Edmonton 0-0
Calgary 0-0 Harps 12-13 (49)

Men's -

  1. Calgary 1-4 (7). Celts 0-11 (11)
  2. Edmonton 5-5 (20). Red Deer 0-0
  3. Harps 1-8 (11). Celts 2-5 (11)
  4. Red Deer 0-0. Harps 5-5 (20)
  5. Edmonton 2-7. Calgary 0-6 (6)
  6. Calgary 5-5 (20). Red Deer 0-0
  7. Edmonton 1-2 (5). Harps 1-9 (12)
  8. Harps 5-14 (29). Calgary 1-3 (6)
  9. Red Deer 0-0. Celts 5-5 (20)
  10. Celts 0-7 (7). Edmonton 0-3 (3)

ALBERTA CUP EXPANDS

Update: Current Alberta Cup standings - here

Great news from Edmonton with the commencement of the 2010 Alberta Cup. The provincial championship has run now for 2 seasons in honor of the late Denis Walsh of Edmonton Wolfe Tones. Edmonton (2009) and Calgary (2008) have been the previous winners. Those two cities play against Red Deer and the competition has increased with Red Deers growth and Calgary & Edmonton's rivalries.

The 2010 Alberta Cup sees unprecedented changes in the format. From 3 teams the AB Cup expands to 6 men's and the Ladies from Calgary and Edmonton will play-off for a provincial bragging rights.

Men’s Alberta Cup 2010 (6 Teams)
Ladies' Alberta Cup 2010 (2 Teams)

The results from the 1st Round weekend were as follows:

Round 1
Round 2
Ladies - Round 1

Unfortunately that is all the football that was played. The weather was absolutely appalling all week-end. So bad was the snow (yes, SNOW) Sunday that the whole tournament had to be cancelled (10 cm of snow that fell on Saturday night.

These postponements mean the clubs will play for the Christy Whelehan trophy in Lethbridge in September.

All games were very competitive. Lethbridge put in a fantastic showing in their first tournament. Only two late goals by St. Marys Edmonton and some way-ward shooting by Lethbridge gave their first game a slightly lobsided look. They then came within 4 minutes of beating Red Deer but a little bit of experience from Mick O'Toole and Rory Lynch told the story in the end with three late points.

All the rest of the games were also very even which augers really well for the future of football in Alberta.

The ladies played a very entertaining game in very poor conditions. They will play 2 more times (at least) in Calgary to finish up the AB Cup.

GAELIC FOOTBALL FOR KIDS

June 26th & 27th, Capilano RFC, North Vancouver

For the Vancouver Tournament, June, 26th & 27th, The Western Canada Division will be running a FREE introductory event aimed specifically at Children so that they can learn about the unique and fun game of Gaelic Football. The course will be aimed primarily at the children/ spouses of participants in the tournament, which is growing every year. Organizers have welcomed the additional feature of their expanding tournament, and were eager to find activities to ensure that families & friends of those competing could have an enjoyable experience (we all know how restless those young ones get when asked to sit through multiple matches). Clearly however, if you do not have any connection with the players or teams, yet want to bring your children along to one of the sessions, you are more than welcome to do so.

Like soccer, the gaelic games require little equipment, namely cleats/ runners, socks, shorts and light top. Be sure to pack plenty of sun-screen in case the sun is too oppressive.

The hugely successful Vancouver Gaelic Football tournament will running alongside, so families are encouraged to hang around, spectate and support the local teams, as they compete in adult competition over the course of the week-end.

There will be 3 classes over the course of the week-end, at the following times:

All are encouraged to be at the venue at least 30 mins prior to the session, to ensure that we can get young players and their families registered. There will be plenty of other activities for Kids to participate in with coloring, games, and other fun ‘stuff’.

Contact ronandeane@hotmail.com or 604-898-1441 for further details.

REMEMBERING A LEGEND

Jack Bell

It is with great regret that we inform you of the passing of Jack Bell on Tuesday March 23, 2010. Jack was a former Louth Gaelic Footballer (and St Mary's GFC in Ardee), proud member of the Edmonton Wolfe Tones, and namesake of Edmonton's annual fall tournament.

Jack Bell played senior football for Louth and emigrated to Edmonton in 1956. Louth went on to win the All-Ireland in 1957 and Bell took on the role of Gaelic football missionary in Edmonton. Bell, who was named to the Irish Millennium Gaelic All-Star team, formed a team in Edmonton, which folded after a few years due to lack of competition. At that time, a team would have to travel several thousand miles to compete.

FULL 2010 SCHEDULE

March 6, 13, 20, 27 - Vancouver
Mixed 7’s Tournament
Venue: Andy Livingston Park, China Town – Vancouver, BC

May 29, 2010 - Calgary
Exhibition Match
Venue: CCIAC RFC Grounds - Calgary, AB

June 5 & 6, 2010 - Seattle
Hurling & Ladies Football Tournament
Venue: 7201 E Green Lake Drive N - Seattle, Washington, USA

June 12 & 13, 2010 (tentative) - Edmonton
Alberta Cup – Round 1 – Christy Whelan Invitational Tournament
Venue: TBA

June 26 & 27, 2010 - Vancouver
Western Canadian Champ’s – Round 1
Venue: Capilano RFC Grounds - 1910 Glenaire Drive - North Vancouver, BC

July 17, 2010 - Calgary
Alberta Cup – Round 2
Venue: CCIAC RFC Grounds - Calgary, AB

July 31 & Aug 1, 2010 - Red Deer
Western Canadian Champ’s – Finals
Venue: Titans RFC Grounds - Red Deer, AB

August 21 & 22, 2010 - Calgary
Alberta Cup – Round 3 – Calgary Invitational Tournament
Venue: CCIAC RFC Grounds - Calgary, AB

September 4,5,6, 2010 - Chicago
Vancouver Harps attend NACB Hurling Championships

September 11, 2010 - Calgary
Gaelic Games Day
Venue: CCIAC RFC Grounds - Calgary, AB

MARK YOUR CALENDERS - CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

The Dates for Western Canadian Championships in 2010

WESTERN CANADA DIVISION - AGM 2010

Western Canadian Division AGM was held on Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 (730pm BC; 830pm AB)


Congrats to the 2010 Divisional Board on your new posts.
Also to the Formal appointments for the 2010 Discipline Committee

Looking forward to a very competitive and enjoyable 2010, and seeing everyone over the course of the coming season.

2009 Archives

2009 - All-Stars - 2009 Ledcor Western Canada GAA All-Stars

4th December, 2009 - Liam Gibbons - Passing of Liam Gibbons

2009 - Recap - Wolfe Tones Men, Harps Ladies, Rule West

2009 - Results - Western Canadian Championships

August 2009 - Burnaby - World Police & Fire Games

25 & 26 July, 2009 - Edmonton - Western Canadian Championships - Final Round

27 & 28 June, 2009 - Vancouver - Western Canadian Championships - First Round

2008 Archives

2008 - Results - Western Canadian Championships

31st August, 2008 - Red Deer - Alberta Cup

16th August, 2008 - Seattle - Seattle Gaelic Games Day

2nd August, 2008 - Calgary - Western Canadian Championships

26th July, 2008 - AFL Tournament - The BC Footy West Coast Cup

2007 Archives

4 & 5-Aug-2007 - Vancouver - Chieftains Men, Vancouver Ladies rule out West

21-Jul, 2007 - Seattle - Seattle Gaels host successful Gaelic Games Day

30-Jun & 1-Jul, 2007 - Alberta - Vancouver double-strike in Edmonton

16-Jun-2007 - Vancouver - Gaelic Games Day 2007

02-Jun-2007 - Vancouver - Harps - First Gaels to Enter Aussie Territory

11-May-2007 - Alberta - Calgary Toasts Tony Griffin

05-May-2007 - Alberta - Red Deer Gaelic Football Game Day

20-Mar-2007 - Vancouver - Annual St. Pat's, Aussie's vrs Irish Gaelic Football Challenge

20-Mar-2007 - Vancouver - "Play til St. Patricks Day" Mixed 7's League - Results