April 2020

And we're back!

With only a few days left until March, the new season is soon to get underway. After one of the most successful years ever for the club in 2019, the committee are keen to build on that and grow the club in terms of membership and presence here in Japan

This newsletter will cover the upcoming social events, training's and 

tournaments over the next few months

Fight for Finn

This Saturday 29th February we will doing a 5 km run/walk around the Imperial Palace at 12pm. We will be meeting at Sakuradamon Gate at 11.50am (see below)

Most of you won't know Finn Harper or his family, they have been part of Hong Kong GAA for many years, but the GAA here in Asia is a community and testament to this is how an idea to raise awareness and money, has evolved into a global 5km run which will take place in 15 cities across 8 countries thanks to past and present HK GAA members. 

Finn Harper, son of Elaine Morgan and Ryan Harper - are prominent members of the club in HK - was diagnosed with stage IV Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive malignant cancer, just before Christmas.

The following link has Finns full story and has the details for donating

https://gogetfunding.com/fight-for-finn-2/  

Please make every effort to join us on Saturday, and wear something green on the day to show your support.

If you can't, even just by sharing the donations link on Facebook can help #FightforFinn

There will also be a nomihodai at the Craic from 8pm - 10pm on Saturday evening for 3000 Yen. 

An opportunity for everyone to get together before the season kicks off

Next Parish Cup

The next Parish Cup will be held on Monday 23rd March from 7pm - 9pm at Yashio Kita Park, Shinagawa Seaside. 

We are working this year to try and get into a few schools to teach GAA and set up youth teams. We have been offered a couple of school pitches to practice on, so from April will hopefully have weekend trainings at either one

St Patrick's Day Celebrations

Unfortunately, due to increased pressure to avoid large gatherings amidst this feckin' Covid-19 outbreak, both the Emerald Ball and the I Love Ireland Festival have both been cancelled. As you can imagine a lot of work had already been put into both of these events, however people's health and safety are paramount. We will try to source a pitch and arrange a kick around or something on Saturday 14th March, will update later in the chat

Saturday 14th March - Kate and Ciaran's Leaving Party

Two of our great club members are leaving in a few weeks, so their will be an "unofficial Ireland Ball" on Saturday 14th March to say farewell and have a session. Details will be announced later.

Tuesday 17th March - Craic Irish Pub in Akasaka

On St Patrick's Day there will be a social event and get together, short Irish themed table quiz and raffle with some great prizes. There will be special offers on drinks including pints of the black stuff and food like Irish stew

All proceeds will be split between the Ireland Funds and the Fight for Finn Appeal. Spread the word and get down!

Taiwan Tour

The Invitational Tournament is still on, but again due to the virus we need to look at things such as re-entry into Japan etc. I will be speaking to Chris Walshe in Taiwan this weekend and we as a club will make a final decision on this by 8th March     

  Nothing has been confirmed for the NAGGs in HK, bit it is highly likely that they will be postponed, so please don't book flights etc until we know more.   

Player Focus

Niamh Burns: Hey friend, it's the Sligo highball slinger and the Ents officer for the year, great addition to the club 

but not so great for our liver #bananas #cans #niamhfellagain

Local Club / Hometown: St Farnans

How long have you been playing GAA: 14 years

Favorite sportsperson: Michael O'Leary

Favorite Sport/hobby outside GAA: Badminton

Favorite movie: Kill Bill

Best thing about the club or living in Japan: Best thing to help you make friends when you move here first

Rian Doyle: Next up, is the proud Dubliner, the dual star and a nightmare to handle both on the pitch and on a night out

Oh and never stops smiling... #spoof

Local Club / Hometown: Faughs GAA, Templeogue (Hurling), Templeogue Synge Street (Football)

How long have you been playing GAA: 14 years

Favorite sportsperson: James McCarthy (Dublin), John Mullane (Waterford), Harry Kane (Soccer)

Favorite Sport outside GAA: Soccer, running

Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption, Letters from Iwo Jima

Best thing about the club or living in Japan: Food, weather, safety and friendly people 

Sports Day 2020

Date for the diary, our annual Sports Day will be held at Komazawa Olympic Park on Saturday 23rd May. Keep it free if you can.

If you haven't paid the membership fees by then, Maya will collect that day, which will remain at 10,000 Yen for the year

Coaches for 2020

The ladies teams will again be coached by Colin and Graham.

The mens teams this year will again be Chris "eyebrows" O'Sullivan, and will be helped out by Colman and myself.