Ottawa Gaels overcame spirited performances from the hosts to claim victory in the Annual Montreal Mens and Ladies tournament last Saturday in St Julie.

In their very first tournament, Quebec Saints claimed the Junior Cup after defeating Quebec City.
Teams from Brampton, Quebec City, Quebec Saints (an Australian Rules team),Quebec City and two teams from Montreal Shamrocks competed for the honours in a very competitive tournament. Atrocious weather conditions meant aesthetic football was at a premium, but the teams defied the elements to give a great display of hard graft, skill and passion in all of the games.

Mens Tournament:

In the mens competition, the teams were divided into two groups of three, with Montreal Shamrock's A team, Brampton and Quebec Saints making up the first group. After overcoming the Quebec Saints, Brampton and Montreal A played out an intense, exciting game which finished in a draw - allowing Montreal to top the group. In the other group, Ottawa defeated Quebec City and the Shamrock's B team to top the group.  

In the semi-final stage, Montreal's A team overcame their compatriots from the Shamrocks' B team, while Ottawa weathered strong resistance from Brampton to make the final. The final took place amid heavy rain and wind, with Ottawa's experience proving just enough to prevail in a tight game - on a scoreline of 1-4 to 1-2.  Montreal were left to rue some missed chances and some poor final passes but can be proud of themselves after showing great commitment and some terrific skill on the day. The performances of many of the new players augurs well for the team's participation in the rest of this year's matches.

Great credit is also due to the new players from Quebec City and the Australian Rules team - who adapted very well to their first taste of competitive action.

Ladies Tournament:

In the ladies competition, Ottawa Gaels and Montreal Shamrocks played out a tough battle, with Ottawa Gaels coming out on top in the final game despite a typical fighting display from the Shamrocks.

A special word for the trainers of the ladies and mens teams from Montreal - Una and Brendan - whose hard work at training was justified in the teams' performances on the day.

Thank You:

The club would like to thank all of the teams who made the long journey for the tournament and to all who attended a very successful evening's entertainment. 

Thanks to our sponsor - Hurley's Irish Pub for providing an excellent banquet and plenty of space for the next generation of would-be Irish dancers to strut their stuff afterwards!

Thanks to Montreal Irish Rugby Club for providing the pitches, bar and barbecue for the day. 

Finally, a special thanks to all who helped to organise the tournament - your contributions were invaluable.

Training continues every Tuesday at The Annexe at 7pm.

Annual Ladies and Mens Gaelic Football Tournament

Saturday May 16th in St Julie

Beginning at 11am (until 5pm)

Teams from Ottawa, Quebec City and Toronto.

Bar and BBQ available throughout the day.

Address: 707 rue de la Vallee, St Julie

Take A20 East, exit 105 (McMasterville)

All welcome

Montreal Shamrocks GAA Club hosted their first social night of the year at new sponsor, Hurley's Irish Pub.

Thanks to all who turned up to celebrate the beginning of the season and see our new jersey presented to us by Hurley's.
Thanks to Hurley's for organising a great night.

Only 3 weeks to go before our first tournament of the year - time to put in the work at training now!

The mens Montreal Shamrocks adapted themselves admirably to the game of Australian Rules today - managing to win one of their matches and finish 3rd overall against their more experienced opponents. 
Great performances were put in from all of the Montreal players - with Mark Sullivan winning the rookie player award.
 
A full report is available at the folllowing address: http://quebecsaintsafc.blogspot.com/2009/04/ottawa-swans-win-hooters-cup.html
 
Thanks to all the guys who turned up - it was a good work-out in advance of our tournament on May 16th and great to see such a good panel of guys out.