Anticipation is building in the Austrian capital as the Vienna Gaels prepare for their third hosting of the European Gaelic Football Championships. After successful previous editions of the tournament in 2012 and 2015, the Gaels are now busy preparing for the arrival of as many as 700 Gaelic footballers from all over Europe for the one day tournament, which will see competition for mens and ladies teams at Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades. Here’s club PRO Noel Fitzgerald with some useful information in advance of the competition.
Where are the European Gaelic Football Championships taking place?
Matches will take place at two separate grounds in the Schwechat suburb between Vienna airport and the city. The grounds are about 10 km from the city centre so please allow ample time to get there. The two grounds are: Rudolf-Tonn-Stadion, Franz Schuster-Strasse 1-3, 2320 Schwechat, between Vienna Airport and the city, where most matches will be played, and Phönixplatz, Alfred Horn-Straße 2, 2320 Schwechat. Please note that the main stadium where the large majority of the games will be played will be Rudolf-Tonn Stadion. Details of the pitches will be provided closer to the tournament. All games will be played on grass soccer pitches, so studded boots are recommended. There is ample free car parking at the stadium for anyone who is planning to drive.
How do I make sure my club are registered to compete?
The registration form has been sent to the respective club secretaries. Due to the high number of expected attendees expected it is important that we receive this information as soon as possible. The cost for the day is €35 per player as standard and includes registration, lunch, and evening buffet dinner. Evening dinner for non-players is €15.
Please pay the total team fees in advance to the account below:
Bank Account Name: SV Gaelic Athletic Association Vienna
Bank Name: Raiffeisen
BIC code: RLNWATWW
IBAN – Code: AT033200000012047817
The registration form contains the option to opt-out of team water bottles as part of our club’s green initiative. Please note that registration forms and full payment are needed by Friday 11th October. Due to the size of the tournament we must confirm numbers and pay suppliers a week in advance. For this reason, we can only accommodate minor changes (+/- 1-2 players) closer to the tournament. The withdrawal of full teams (or a significant number) after 11th October will mean that the team in question will be liable to the full costs contained on their original registration forms.
How do I get there?
Rudolf-Tonn-Stadion Option 1:
Take the U3 to the Jufa Hotel (stop Enkplatz). From there a shuttle bus will be operating to the stadium. The first bus will depart at 07:15 and the journey takes approximately 25 mins.
Rudolf-Tonn-Stadion Option 2:
Take the U3 to the last stop Simmering. From there the following options are available:
• A taxi from here to the stadium costs €12-€15
• Bus 217 (exit Hasenleitengasse at Simmering U-Bahn station) to Brauhausstraße stop. Journey takes 13 mins and departs at 7:48, 8:47 and 9:47.
• Bus 218 (exit Hasenleitengasse at Simmering U-Bahn station) to Schwechat. Mappesgasse stop. It is a 12 min walk from there to the stadium. Bus journey takes 20 mins and departs at 7:22, 8:20 and 9:20.
Rudolf-Tonn-Stadion Option 3:
Take the S7 trainfrom Landstraße/Wien Mitte to Schwechat railway station (direction Wolfstahl or Flughafen (Vienna Airport). Trains depart 15 and 45 mins past every hour, journey time 17 min. The cost of this train is included in the 24/48/72 hour travel ticket mentioned above.
From there the following options are available:
• Taxis should be available costing approximately €7 to the stadium.
• Bus 217 from the station to Brauhausstraße stop. Departs at 8:40 and 9:40
• It is approximately a 10 min walk from the bus station to the stadium.
Phönixplatz:
Take the S7 trainfrom Landstraße/Wien Mitte to Schwechat railway station. Phönixplatz is a 5 minute walk from Schwechat Railway Station.
Other Options:
• Taxi from Reumannplatz (U1) approx. €18-20.
• Taxi from Vienna Airport approx. €10-15
Where is the post-tournament banquet?
On the evening of the tournament, a sumptuous banquet shall take place in the “Schutzhaus Zukunft”, a traditional Austrian restaurant. Dinner will be served at 19:30 and will be followed by the awards ceremony. Live entertainment on the night will be provided by local band Express Train. Schutzhaus Zukunft is located to the west of the city centre. It is 5 minutes’ walk from the metro station “Johnstrasse” on the U3 (Orange Line).
Will there be any more venues for the night out?
After the dinner and awards ceremony the fun and frolics will move onto Charlie P’s pub and Flanagan’s Irish Pub in the historic centre of Vienna at ca. 12:00. Libations to quench the thirst of sportsmen and sportswomen will be served late into the night.
From where will the competing teams be coming from?
Gaelic Games Europe has so far announced a whopping list of 31 clubs who will be sending players to the tournament, with more to be announced. These clubs come from all over the continent, such as Valencia GAA, Azur Gaels, Earls of Leuven, Malmo GAA, as well as teams more familiar to us such as Cumann Warszawa and the Slovak Shamrocks.
Will the Vienna Gaels be competing?
The tournament is set to have one of the biggest Vienna Gaels squads ever competing, with two full men’s teams, the Vienna Gaels and the Vienna Vipers, as well as two full ladies teams, the Vienna Gaelettes and Gael Force. The Vienna Gaels men will take part at Intermediate grade while the Vipers will take part in the Junior section of the men’s competition. Meanwhile, both ladies squads, well stacked with new faces, will be competing in the Junior section.
Are spectators welcome?
Spectators are very welcome to come along and support the respective teams at all parts of the day, with games going from early in the morning all the way up until the late afternoon across seven pitches.
Can I still join the Vienna Gaels and be a part of the tournament?
Yes! The club are very willing to accept all forms of help and support, there are even places on the playing squads for those who would still like to take part. Just contact us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!