It could probably be fairly safely ventured that there is some sort of organised GAA activity in most corners of the world at this stage. And as has been stated on numerous occasions in this space over the years, these things are always more relatable when a bit of a personal connection – however tenuous – can be attached to a given issue. There was nothing tenuous about the majority of what appears hereafter mind you.
At some point in the last decade, it was discovered that Michael Farrelly – who scored Meath’s winning goal in the All Ireland MFC Final in 1992 – was coaching Gaelic Football in China. It’s only when you see something like that you go digging and see what else you can unearth. There was no need to delve too far in this case. Reason being the early morning start was to watch my niece Niamh Farrell and her Dunboyne colleagues Aisling Flynn and Anna O’Dwyer lining out for Barcelona Gaels in the Iberian Football Championship Finals day.
All three girls were part of the Dunboyne panels which won All Ireland Club JFC and IFC titles around a decade ago but have been based overseas for the past couple of years. Ironically, though, their current club wear the same, black and yellow jerseys and red nicks as did the homestead on those two All Ireland days.
During today’s festival of football, Niamh lined out in her traditional spot in the full back line while Aisling, despite wearing number 5, was industrious all over the field and also a very reliable place kicker for the Gaels and Anna was stationed at top of the right.
Having come through the group stages unbeaten this morning, the Catalonian diaspora defeated Estrella from the Conpostella region in the semi final. In said fixture, they had laid a good foundation for themselves by half time when leading by 0-06 to 0-01.
Those who share their name with a rather delectable lager did improve considerably after the break, Barcelona always held the upper hand in the pivotal positions on the field and ran out winners by 1-14 to 1-06.
In the Final, they were up against Turonia from the Puerto Del Carmen region. A much more cagey affair, with defences to the fore on both sides, in the end, Barca being slightly sharper at the basics of the game told. With even this writer’s niece Ms. Farrell driving over a point en route to a 0-09 to 0-04 victory.
A slice of home is never far away no matter where you are in the world.
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