Saturday saw over 450 players from 34 teams around Europe gather at the six pitches in Rudolf-Tonn Stadion for the Pan-European Gaelic football finals.
Following a week of constant rain, everyone involved was delighted to remain dry all day long, with spells of sunshine even emerging at times, allowing players and spectators alike to enjoy the highlight event in the European GAA calendar to the max.
The senior men’s championship was a four-team event, won by Belgium GAA after victory over Paris Gaels in the final. However, the French club took the overall championship thanks to their 2nd place finish last month in Spain last month.
10 teams were involved in the ladies championship, with two groups of five played before teams were seperated into senior, shield and plate competitions. Belgium were once again victorious, overcoming a brave Munich performance in the final, and added to their opening round win to take the overall title.
Vienna Gaels ladies finished 3rd in the shield following a win over Paris Gaels, finishing the day with a 3-3 record.
Credit: Thomas Mayer
The remaining men’s teams competed in five further divisions – Senior B, Intermediate A, Intermediate B, Junior A and Junior B.
Vienna Gaels men went unbeaten throughout the day and made up for narrowly missing out on qualification for the Senior B semi-finals by winning the Intermediate A title for the second time in three years, rounding the day off with a final win over combined Swedish side Nordic Gaels.
Vienna Vipers missed out on the Junior B title on points difference, finishing second behind Lorient.
Results summary:
Men
Senior A – Belgium (Paris win overall championship)
Senior B – Warsaw
Intermediate A – Vienna
Intermediate B – Munich
Junior A – Augsburg
Junior B – Lorient
Ladies
Senior – Belgium (Belgium win overall championship)
Shield – Warsaw
Plate – Zurich