10th Annual Den Haag Invitational

On Saturday the 5th of March the 10th annual Den Haag GAA invitational tournament took place. The Shams delighted to be able to field a men’s team and to have the Eindhoven ladies joining their teammates in the Holland ladies for the competition. The ladies had a great day out, returning to Eindhoven victorious. Our very own Trish Fogarty was awarded with the ladies player of the tournament award and Donal also managed to snag a medal or two. This annual invitational tournament is always a great way to kick off the year with teams from both Ireland and England joining the Benelux teams. The standard of football is always high with even a few past All Ireland winners dusting off their boots to tog out with the visiting teams.

past All Ireland winners dusting off their boots to tog out with the visiting teams.

The Shams had a tough day out and were still feeling the winter cobwebs at the start of the day but were still unfortunate not to make it out of the group stages. In the final play-off game the shams put on one of the performances of the tournament to come back from a half time deficit to triumph over Den Haag for a memorable win. All round it was a great day of football and great preparation for the 1st round of the Benelux championship which is back in Den Haag on the 9th of April.

When the football was all done the beers and banter were in full flow in the clubhouse with the visiting teams thoroughly enjoying the Dutch hospitality. The party continued with a lovely meal in the city center before a big session of drink and dancing in O’Caseys Irish pub.

Thanks to all the players and supporters who traveled up on the day. Thanks also to Den Haag legend Mary Gavin for organised another great tournament, we look forward to next years 11th invitational already.