FEXCO 2014 Asian Gaelic Games Review

What a weekend it was, the Fexco 2014 Asian Gaelic Games did not disappoint! With clubs from as far apart as Dubai and Taiwan playing in over 180 games in Senior, Intermediate and Junior men's and ladies football as well as hurling, camogie and underage games played over two days at Taman Equestrian Park Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there were 24 different nationalities playing, making this not just an Irish or Asian affair but a truly international one.

For the first time ever in Asian Gaelic Games history the number of ladies teams surpassed that of their male counterparts and so the men's senior final was played as the curtain-raiser to that of the ladies. Shanghai and Singapore, in a repeat of last year's ladies final, treated the large crowd to an excellent game, with the quality of football on display surpassed only by an exciting second half comeback by Shanghai, the 2013 champions, thanks in no small part to MVP of the tournament, Alice Malone. Singapore were only a point ahead with a minute left on the clock but an insurance goal from Jennifer Norman ensured they were crowned Asian champions.

Earlier, the men's final proved to be a one-sided affair with Singapore running out comfortable winners against Seoul Gaels, who had earlier enjoyed a one point win over a much fancied Dubai side in the semi-finals. Singapore took an early lead that they never looked like relinquishing with Seoul's case not helped when they were reduced to eight men mid-way through the first half.

The hurling final between Hong Kong and Singapore was a close encounter with the lead going back and forth a few times before Singapore ran out four point winners with the scoreboard reading 5-7 to 4-6 at the final whistle. The result saw former All Star and All Ireland medal winner, Gary Hanniffy of Offaly, pick up another medal to add to his collection of accolades. The camogie players of Hong Kong stopped Singapore making a clean sweep of the finals on pitch F with a one point win in their exhibition game. Hopefully the numbers playing camogie in Asia will enjoy similar growth to ladies football and a full camogie competition be added to the events of the Asian Gaelic Games before too long.

In the other competitions the titles were well spread around the Asian region with Shanghai, Orang Eire (Kuala Lumpur) and the Viet Celts enjoying success in the Men's Intermediate Cup, Junior Cup and Junior Plate respectively. On the ladies side the Intermediate Cup was won by Seoul, the Intermediate Plate by Singapore and the Junior Cup by Japan Sumo while the Junior Plate went to newcomers to the Games, Saigon.

Well done to the first ever UCD International Ladies Gaelic football team who made it through to the Ladies Junior Plate semi-finals where they were narrowly beaten by Taiwan. That's it until next year and the 20th anniversary of the Asian Gaelic Games!

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By Ruth Wynne, PRO, Asian County Board. Photo Credit (©) to Kok, Yoon Lee.