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Jeju Island hosts Gaelic football tournament

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By Jon Dunbar
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The North Asia Gaelic Games are underway on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

The North Asia Gaelic Games are underway on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

Jeju Island recently hosted the 25th North Asian Gaelic Games (NAGGs), gathering 174 Gaelic football players on 14 teams across Korea, China and Taiwan.

"Went great," Fintan Cannon, the public relations officer for Seoul-based Gaelic football team Seoul Gaels, told The Korea Times after returning from the games which were held May 24 to 26. "A lot of satisfied and sunburnt people at the end of it."

Donie Keane of Seoul Gaels controls the ball during the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

Donie Keane of Seoul Gaels controls the ball during the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

On May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a total of 33 games were played on two grass fields side by side in Kang Chang-hak Sports Complex in the island's southern Seogwipo City, which provided free use of the stadium as well as ambulance support.

Cannon said the Gaels had a very successful day, fielding four teams in different competitions. The senior men's and women's teams won their respective cups. As well, a Seoul-Busan men's team and a second women's team "chalked up some impressive wins," he added.

"Inis Jeju won their first regional silverware — an amazing achievement for a club less than 2 years old," said a representative of the Jeju team. "Women won the plate and men won the shield."

As well, Beijing's team won the mens' plate and Taiwan won the ladies' shield.

There were also two children's exhibition games, letting the future Gaelic footballers of tomorrow show off their skills.

A bagpipe player leads the opening ceremony of the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

A bagpipe player leads the opening ceremony of the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

"It's an honor to be back in Korea and attending the NAGGs for the first time since COVID," Conor Melvin, chair of the Asian County Board (ACB) of the GAA, said in a welcoming statement to the participants. "A lot has happened in all of our lives over the last few years, and it's fantastic to see that even during such a difficult time, a GAA club on the beautiful island of Jeju can grow and thrive under such circumstances."

Melvin added, "It's a testament to the character and heart of all those involved that we are here this weekend for what looks to be the largest NAGGs in history, and I can think of no better place than beautiful Jeju."

The ACB supported Inis Jeju's planning for the tournament, with assistance also provided by the Irish Government's Global Games Development Fund (GGDF).

The event was sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland in Korea, and Irish Ambassador Michelle Winthrop attended. Local companies supported the tournament, including Samdasoo Water, Hallasan Soju, Magpie Brewing Co., Isidore Farm, Branksome Hall Asia and North London Collegiate School. And Guinness also supported the games by providing beer and alcohol-free beer.

Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop, center, hands a trophy to Seoul Gaels player Aine Deasy, women's competition MVP, during the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. To the left is ACB Chairman Conor Melvin. Courtesy of @tails1018

Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop, center, hands a trophy to Seoul Gaels player Aine Deasy, women's competition MVP, during the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. To the left is ACB Chairman Conor Melvin. Courtesy of @tails1018

The host team was Inis Jeju, a member team of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland's largest amateur sporting association.

Cannon gave a special shout-out to the Jeju team for organizing and being great hosts.

"They are a very new club, formed in 2022, and to pull this off so early in its infancy is truly impressive," he said. "There are already calls for them to host the Asian Gaelic Games going forward."

Inis Jeju team members pose for a group photo at the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

Inis Jeju team members pose for a group photo at the North Asia Gaelic Games on Jeju Island, May 25. Courtesy of @tails1018

The next Asian Gaelic Games will take place this November in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing teams together from across Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.

Cannon pointed out that while Gaelic football is a distinctly Irish sport, it is welcoming of people from all around the world, as was on display at the latest NAGGs.

"Whilst many attended were Irish, as you would expect, there was also an incredibly strong international feel to the day as players from all over the world shared in celebrating the ancient Irish pastime," he said.

"Gaelic Games are Ireland's national sport and we are honored to be able to share them with our Korea and international friends in such idyllic surroundings," said the Inis Jeju representative. "Looking forward to hosting more tournaments on Jeju and welcoming old and new friends to play football on Jeju again."

Visit inisjeju.com for more information.