Sheilds Final Round (Football), European GAA, Maastricht, Saturday 31th Oct, 2009.

The weather was kind to the players and the occasion on this plesant autumn day in the southern Dutch city of Maastricht. 16 degrees and sunshine with the rain holding off until after the sun went down and the floodlights burned brightly.

Copenhagen started the day in a very positive mood knowing that a good start was necessary to see them through to retaining the European Shield. Group 1 consisted of Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Liffré and Maastricht while Copenhagen were joined in Group 2 by Belgium B, Zurich and Valencia.

Copenhagen v Belgium B

The first game against Belgium B started tit-for-tat with 2 points a piece until Coogan ran at goal with a soccer-style dribble and slotted a neat goal off the side of his boot. The resulting kick-out went straight to Fergus? boot about 30m out. He doubled on the ball directly back at goal forcing the goalkeeper to handle the ball on the ground outside his small parallelagram. The awarded 20m free was taken quickly by Robbie who ruthlessly stuck the ball in the back of the net while the Belgium team were still in a state of dissaray. A couple of Copenhagen points more and a goal-scoring chance put wide by Belgium left the sides 2-4 to 0-2 at half time.

Belgium failed to start the second half with any kind of momentum and, while Bert made the maximum subsitutes of 4 in a game, Copenhagen continued to outscore their opponents by 4 points to 1 leaving the final score 2-8 to 0-3.

Copenhagen v Valencia

Having lost their first game against Zurich, Valencia proved to be formidable opposition. Valencia opened up the Copenhagen defence to score an early goal and Copenhagen saw two chances go wide before Mel opened the account with a fisted point. Slick movement from a Robbie free-kick to Coogan to lay-on John for a superb point narrowed the gap before Valencia returned with one of the same. A Ger 45m free-kick inches wide left the sides 0-2 to 1-1 at the interval.

Valencia started the second half strongly scoring 2 points to Copenhagen?s answer of 2 wides. Frustration was beginning to show in the Copenhagen camp and it was only the hard working defence that stopped Valencia going further ahead. With time almost up Robbie steadied himself infront of the posts to put the ball over the bar. With 3 points between the sides there was only one way to go and as John gathered the ball at mid-field, he played a one-two off Coogan to stick that ball into the corner of the net. As the kick-out was taken the whistle sounded for full-time. A let-off, perhaps, but a hard fought for and well deserved draw, 1-3 to 1-3.

Copenhagen v Zurich

Zurich, having won their first two games, were top of the group. A win here would put Copenhagen top and give a semi-final place against no. 2 in Group 1. Any other option was not concieveable!

Copenhagen started well with a point from the consistantly brilliant full-back Dave before Zurich replied with one of their own. Two more well taken points were answered yet again by two from Zurich before Copenhagen managed to open the gap by yet two points, the last of which looked like a certain goal from Tony but rose too high and just over the crossbar. So half time saw the score 0-5 to 0-3. Play continued tit for tat in the second half before Copenhagen managed to pull a further two points ahead. But then the Zurich mid-field seemed to come alive and a point by them was quickly followed by a goal, leaving the sides level with time running out in the game. A foul comitted in front of the posts was converted by Ger, but Zurich would not lie down and equalised yet again with seconds on the clock. The final score: 0-8 to 1-5.

The group finished: Zurich 5 points, Copenhagen 4, Valencia 3, Belgium B 0.

Copenhagen v Frankfurt

Frankfurt had won all their group games in what some had believed was the more difficult of the two groups. Although the semi-final on the day, this game could well be the decider of who would be crowned European Shield Champions 2009. As it stood Frankfurt were leading the table with Copenhagen in second place. A win for Frankfurt would put them out of reach of Copenhagen. A win for Copenhagen would leave the teams level on points if Copenhagen were to loose the final and Frankfurt to win the third/fourth play-off. The only previous meeting of the two teams in the competion (in Munich) saw Frankfurt win by a point meant, according to competion rules, that if Copenhagen were to win by more than 1 point then they would be Shield Champions. Both teams knew what was at stake.

The game started at a furious pace with Frankfurt drawing first blood. A point from Ger from a free to put the sides level was followed by a lesson in passing football the length of the field to see the ball tapped over by John. Robbie was to squeeze a third point inside the upright before a Coogan special rattled the back of the net. Copenhagen were on fire but a surge from Frankfurt left the Copenhagen defence venerable and a soft free was given away on the 20m line. While the Copenhagen defence was still trying to figure out what was going on Frankfurt took a quick free-kick and the ball was in the back of the net. Two further points from Frankfurt before the interval saw them claw back, within a few minutes, from being 5 points down to level scores, 1-3 to 1-3.

The resumption saw the teams exchange points before Coogan, on a one-two with Andrew, saw himself, yet again, one-on-one with the goalkeeper and drilled the ball, yet again, to the back of the net. The full-back line of Dave and Adrian were stopping everything that Frankfurt could throw at them and this allowed Mel to break forward and take a point. Copenhagen were winning everything now and the proof was in the pudding when Robbie pointed from a sideline kick. A point apiece before the final whistle gave Copenhagen a victory of 2-7 to 1-5.

A 5 point margin, a convincing win and Copenhagen were well deserved European Shield Champions 2009. As one onlooker so emotionally exclaimed, it was "an empathetic victory!"

Copenhagen v Maastricht

And so to the Final of the day.

Copenhagen were riding on a high after the semi and feeling invinsible. Maastricht, on the other hand, were keen to perform well and prove themselves infront of the home crowd. Maastricht pressurised well from the start, winning 2 frees and converting them. But then John gathered the ball and went on a 30m solo solo run before lobbing the goalkeeper. Goal! Not to be subdued, a Maastricht player bore down on goal and, one-on-one with Jacob, was denied a certain goal by a Mel shoulder as he was about to strike the ball. Maastricht continued the pressure adding 2 further points to their tally and forcing a spectacular save from Jacob to a shot to the top corner of the net, leaving the half-time score 1-0 to 0-4.

Maastricht drew first blood again in the second half before a Copenhagen free-kick bounced infront of the goalkeeper, over his head, and failed to drop enough before going over the bar. Maastricht began to win most of the breaking ball and had 4 unanswered points. Coogan pulled one back before the final nail in the coffin for the tired Copenhagen legs, a high ball dropping behind Jacob and into the back of the net. Final score 1-2 to 1-9. Maastricht had won their own tournament but Copenhagen had won The Shield, for the second year running.

Ladies Final Round (Football), European GAA, Maastricht, Saturday 31th Oct, 2009.

Finishing on a High

It was with much anticipation the ladies embarked on the final tournament of the year. After showing signs of promise at our home tournament, we were all eager to see if this potential could be converted to our first win, particularly being placed in such a strong draw.

Back row: Annika, Mia, Lærke, Jay
Front row: Angela, Vanessa, Monica, Lotte

First on the cards was Belgium A, already the European champions before the tournament had begun. However, the Copenhagen ladies remained optimistic and from kick off surprised the A side with what one Belgian commented later that evening as 'their toughest game of the day'. With an additional pair of aussie legs in the midfield in Jay, we were able to construct a very strong backline; Lærke, myself, Vanessa taking on defensive responsibilities from the mid and Monica who was again our handy utility playing wherever needed. After some brief training on the kick outs, we were much improved and Mia produced not only great distance, but well-timed kicks. For the most part, we maintained possession after Belgian scoring opportunities. Our forward line in Annika and Lotte were being kept relatively quiet by a strong defence. To their credit, both players battled hard to keep on providing strong options, maintaining good movement and space. This opened up our scoring opportunities through 'give and go' situations from the run of the Williamson's and as the game settled Mia. It was very much an even affair, until I was carded with only a few minutes remaining in the first half. Belgium maximised their and scored three quick points before the half time whistle. While we began the second half with a man down still, we were quick to regroup and stop the Belgian run. The remainder of the match fluctuated, with timely points from Jay regaining lost ground. At full time both sides were unsure of the result, a testament to how even the contest was. Despite going down by three points, 2-2 2-5, we had left Belgium shocked and in our best game of the day showed that the Copenhagen ladies could be serious tournament contenders.

In our second game against Renne, we were keen to secure that elusive win. Copenhagen came out hard from the first whistle and never relented, dominating the play and finally seeing the results on the scoreboard. We produced a fantastic team game with all players contributing to our ecstatic first win.

Unfortunately only a clean sweep would have seen us progress to the finals, so we were left to play off against the might of Munich for 5th and 6th. With both teams weary from the day, the game was very even. Annika played exceptionally in the forward line and secured a much needed penalty conversion as the game hung in the balance. Together with Jay's goal late in the game, Copenhagen seemed to gather momentum and we were looking like getting the better of Munich. However, the full time whistle blew, and we came away with a draw. Though, we were not left with the hollow feeling a draw can so often bring. All players were only too aware of how far we had come from the Copenhagen tournament, when we had been demolished by Munich. The battle for 5th place seemed insignificant to the achievements of the day.

Maastricht was a fantastic tournament for the ladies realising a potential that we knew existed; further confirmed by the countless remarks from other teams and spectators as to our vast improvement. For my mind, the two most improved players of the season would be Lærke and Vanessa who have both built hugely in confidence. Lærke had a great tournament and was very accountable in defence, taking some fantastic marks! Vanessa provided much needed run and support, able to break free in the mid and finish with excellent disposals! On the whole, the team has really come together on and off the field and I hope that this momentum carries through into 2010. It has been a wonderful season, congratulations all.

Thanks
Thank you so much to the Copenhagen club. To the committee and those players, especially to Kieran, Tim, Fergal and Lotte for the ladies, who have put so much into the administration, you have made the season possible. We are most appreciative and indebted to you.
To Bert, thank you for your time and patience in coaching the ladies, it has been invaluable to be so integrated at training. You will be sorely missed next year. Also to those boys in Bert?s absence who have taken on the role of coach at training, particularly Robert, your experience and coaching have been much appreciated.
And for the game support during touraments from the boys when time allowed, especially from Kieran who often gave us a coach?s corner at half time when he could.

To all the men, Copenhagen is an incredibly welcoming and inclusive club and it is you who create this environment. We were very proud to celebrate your much deserved shield win and in turn we have felt so genuinely supported in our own endeavours.
It has been a pleasure to play and train alongside you, thank you all.

Sheilds 2^nd Round (Football), European GAA, Copenhagen, Saturday 29th, 2009.

A Day of High Drama

Firstly I would like to thank everyone that helped in organising the tournament. Sundby Boldklub who let us use there excellent facilities and provide excellent food. A special thanks to the two first aiders, from the Danish Army, who were kept busy all day. Club chairperson Tim lead the organising and he able supported by many of the players, without whom the day could not have run as smoothly as it did.

Onto the football. First up it was Gothenburg. This game is best forgotten from a Copenhagen point of view. As normal Copenhagen started slowly, conceding a goal from the very first opposition attach. The game continued in this vein with Gothenburg scoring at every opportunity. This game just got worse and worse for Copenhagen with Mark & Tony lost to injury. The only highlight from this game was a good goal from Simon on his debut for the club. Final score 1-04 to 6-07.

The second game now became make or break. Guernsey had arrived with an injury hit squad and had also lost their first game to Gothenburg 2-09 to 1-02. Copenhagen preformed more to normal standards in this game. The defence held firm, with the introduction of Kenny for his debut. With the defence repelling the Guernsey forays and even launching attaches of their own, the scores begin to flow. A punched goal by Phil & a well taken goal by Rob ensured a comfortable victory. Final score 2-10 to 0-03.

This brought a close to the group stages with Gothenburg & Copenhagen qualifying to the semi-finals against Amsterdam & Malmö respectively. Guernsey went on to lose to a combined Belgium B/Stockholm side in the 5^th/6^th playoff. Thanks to Kevin, Sean Mac & Tommy for helping Guernsey out on the day.

The last time Copenhagen met Malmö resulted in a 15 point drubbing dealt out by the boys from Skåne. Although Malmö were missing a few of their Aussie Rules players, they had easily come through there group and were favourites to win. Once the match started, there was no quarter given or asked for. Malmö raced into a half time lead of 4 points, with Phil & Sean scoring goals for Copenhagen. A counter attaching goal from St.John kept Copenhagen hanging on by their coattails. So with approximately 5 minutes left Copenhagen were trailing by 7 points. At this stage Malmö were beginning to tire and the experience of these day long tournaments began to show for Copenhagen. Twice Ger had two 21 yard frees pushed over the bar by the very able Malmö keeper. Now it was down to a five point game with 2 minutes left. Copenhagen stepped up another gear. A breaking ball was feed into Sean who finished to the net. Down to a 2 point game with only seconds left. From the Malmö kickout, captain Rob fielded and feed Sean on the left. Using all his speed he beat the fullback and was left one and one with the keeper. The finish was cool and calm to the net. All that was left was the kickout and that was met with the final whistle. The final score 5-06 to 5-04, all the spectators thought it was only a one point game, but referee said otherwise and it matters not.

After all that we still had a final to play. And it turned out to be a replay against our first opponents, Gothenburg who had disposed of Amsterdam in the other semi. Malmö conceded 3rd place to Amsterdam so all eyes were focused on the shield final. The crowd were entertained by possibly one of the best games of football to be played in Europe this season. Both teams were well up for the final and this showed on the pitch as the challenges were hard. The first half was even and low scoring affair, Copenhagen played with the substantial wind but it ended level at 0-03 each. The game really came to life in the 2^nd half. Gothenburg scored an early goal to give them a 3 point lead. Copenhagen pegged a couple of points back but were hit again by another Gothenburg goal. It looked all over for Copenhagen at this stage. But another free to Copenhagen was pointed and now it was a 3 point game. Copenhagen had only one choice now and that was to go for goal. Gothenburg were well aware of this and their foul count was increasing. Frustrations finally boiled over and a red card was soon shown to one player from either side. Copenhagen kept pressing forward look for an equalising goal but the clock was ticking away. With the final attach of the game Fergus broke into the box was hauled back with a high tackle. All eyes went to the referee and he awarded the deserved penalty. Ger confidently stepped forward and buried the ball to the net. Extra time beckoned. With only 5 minutes aside every score counted dearly. Gothenburg went to the break with a one point advantage. So again Copenhagen had to come from behind and again it was left late. Another free pointed from Ger just before the whistle ensured the scores were level. Now what happens? The rules were checked. Golden score!!! No one had ever seen it before. A coin had to be tossed for ends. This provided to be vital as there as a strong win. Gothenburg won the toss and play resumed. Again it was tentative play as both sides were nervous. Half opportunities were made and not converted. But in the end a Copenhagen free out driven into the wind was won by Gothenburg which was dispatch back over the Copenhagen bar. Gothenburg won by 2-08 to 1-10 AET.

Our congratulations go to Gothenburg on their win, their first. Copenhagen return to the top of the Shield table. Also Captain Rob was deservedly awarded Mens Shield player of the tournament. Now we wait and see the results from Rennes before heading to Maastricht in October for the final tournament.

Ladies 5^th Round (Football), European GAA, Copenhagen, Saturday 29th, 2009.

First time for Copenhagen Ladies

For the first time Copenhagen Ladies entered an independent side for a tournament. Comprised of mainly Copenhagen residents, the majority of whom are native Danes, we were honoured to be joined by representatives from Estonia, France, Sweden and Spain.

Back row: Lotte, Siret (Estonia), Vanessa, Mia, Mia (Sweden), Lærke
Front row: Eva (France), Monica (Spain), Irina, Angela, Annika

The day started with two physical matches, firstly Belgium B and then Munich. While both matches were very winnable for the new side, the team struggled to settle against the physicality and were unfortunately beaten in both games by very narrow margins. The results in both matches proof to the theory that goals and not points are game winners in ladies football, particularly with such a short pitch and such limited playing time. In a day of firsts, Lotte scored her first point in this game and continued to show potential all day to be a good 'crumbing' forward in close.

The second Munich match saw Copenhagen make a few adjustments to the team, most notably moving Mia into goals and Annika forward. These changes stayed in place for the remainder of the day. Mia, despite urges from the sideline to rejoin the field, was an invaluable goalie. She saved countless certain goals, provided excellent distance on the kick outs and used her ball carrying skills through the midfield when needed. Similarly, having Annika as a target forward for the rest of the day was instrumental in our closely fought matches, her skills to score points from distance obvious coming to the fore in the match against Munich. Lærke, who was a reluctant but turns out more than capable goalie for the first match, stepped back into defense where she continued to be reliable all day.

Game three was probably the most disappointing for the team. Reduced to 7 a side against Holland, we had the same amount of players on the sidelines as was on the field. Rotation proved to be difficult without a coach and with only 12 1/2 minute halves. In the spirit of learning and shared participation, we opted to rotate positions regularly. While this may have cost us the game, it did allow us to give new comers and one game players Christina and Marianne substantial game time. Our third new player Irina had the opportunity to play a full game in the midfield in game two. All three new players show huge potential for the game with skills far beyond their game experience!

Pitted against Belgium A for the final game, Copenhagen showed much improvement. The group showed the best team cohesion of the day, led by the midfielders. Vanessa, who had been used both back and forward throughout the day, stepped up to the challenge and seemed very comfortable in the mid, getting plenty of ball and producing her best game. Against the strongest side Copenhagen were more than competitive and showed signs of the team that we can be.

A huge thank you to the ladies who journeyed from afar to play in the tournament with us:

Mia from Sweden who managed the huge adjustment from men's to women's football! Monica from Spain, whose ability and spirit on and off the field were infectious. Siret from Estonia, who despite insisting she was a forward, was a fantastic backliner, whose aptitude to read and anticipate the play provided many turnovers. Eva for often sacrificing her own interests and acting as a utility player (i.e. put me wherever) in order to support the Copenhagen girls.

Thank you so much, it was a memorable day/night (particularly the celebratory Spanish shots courtesy of Siret) and we have made some treasured friendships! We hope to see you on the field again, be it with or against us.

Despite four losses, overall the tournament was a huge success for the ladies. Copenhagen in our first official appearance were more than competitive. There are encouraging signs for the future with Marianne signed up and ready for the Maastricht tournament and Christina thinking seriously of making the train journey to join us. Numbers are continuing to build and as we get more training and games under our belts, expect the Copenhagen Ladies to be a force in the future!

Sheilds 1^st Round (Football), European GAA, Munich, Saturday 25th, 2009.

A Day of Sunshine and Showers.

Saturday 25th July saw Copenhagen GAA take to the field in Munich in the first of this year's four pan-European Gaelic football tournaments.

The inclement weather reflected the performance of the team in the five games played over 8 hours of the day. Temperatures of football friendly 20C were interrupted by thundery showers. The defending European Shield Champions were in Group A with Frankfurt, Liffré and Belgium, with Group B containing Munich, Amsterdam, Zurich and Vienna.

The advice from bainisteoir Bert to "relax and enjoy yourselves out there" prior to the first game against Frankfurt seemed to put the team in a positive frame of mind. Teamwork was exceptional and despite many wides Copenhagen were 2 points to no score at the interval. Realising that they were very much still in the game Frankfurt opened the second half with more urgency. A one on one with a Frankfurt forward and Jacob saw our goalkeeper beaten and a certain goal was thwarted only by the intervention of St. John who managed to knock the ball out for a 45. But Frankfurt would not lie down and while Copenhagen wasted many more chances Frankfurt managed to bag 1-2 to Copenhagen's 2 points in the half to win by the slenderest of margins, 0-4 to 1-2.

A sense of urgency descended on the camp as Copenhagen prepared for their second game against Liffré. The fit young Breton champions had won their first game but their pre-match song only strengthened the Copenhagen resolve. An early point from a tight angle from Coogan was the start of a dominating Copenhagen first half. A solid display from Jacob saw him keep his lines clear and his kickouts were excellent. Despite half a dozen wides, points from Rob, after a one-two with Eoin, and Simon kept Copenhagen ahead 0-3 to 0-1 at the break. The Bretons restarted more positively notching up a point from a freekick. As they then bore down on goal a Liffré attacker was brought down in the box and although the ball ended up in the net the whistle had been blown. The ensuing penalty was drilled wide. After breathing a heavy sigh of relief Copenhagen again went on the attack. A point from Simon after a 60m Rob solo and a Rob freekick over the blackspot as the last kick of the game left the final score 0-5 to 0-2.

As the ball was being thrown in against Belgium for the last group game of the day the heavens opened to give us the heaviest of the day's showers. Copenhagen took control of the greasy ball and points from Rob (45) and Tony and a goal from Coogan after a scramble saw Copenhagen breeze into a 1-2 to 0-0 half time lead. Although Copenhagen had become more economical with wides the margin might have been greater as Phil rattled the post just before half time. Copenhagen continued where they left off with a point from Tony before a Belgium shot struck the top of the crossbar to score their sole point of the game. A 14m free crossed in from Rob curled into the back of the net and the game finished 2-3 to 0-1.

With the preliminaries completed Copenhagen finished second in Group A (4 points) behind Frankfurt (5 points). Top Group B places went to Munich (6 points) and Amsterdam (4 points). The semi-final contests would be Frankfurt v Amsterdam and Munich v Copenhagen.

The game against Munich proved to be the toughest of the day. Rob claimed first blood with a point from a 45. Munich soon equalised. Rob blocked down and kicked first time over the crossbar. While Dave played a stormer at fullback Copenhagen kicked 2 wides from frees to Munich's 3 wides in the first period. The half time score read 0-2 to 0-1. Munich increased the pressure in the second half. After 2 consecutive wides, one from play, one from a free, a mêlée in front of goal saw a ball pointed for Munich. Copenhagen went on the attack again. The titanic Phil held off 3 men to pass the ball to an incoming Mel to pop the ball over the bar. The pace, if not already frantic, increased as Jacob palmed the ball off his line and was cleared by the defence. But Munich regained possession to point and bring the sides level for the third time. A pointed free for the Bavarians put them in the lead and, although they kicked wide with the last kick of the game, Munich had done enough to win the game with a scoreline of 0-3 to 0-4.

Frankfurt having won the other semi-final to have an all-German final left last years Shield Champions (Copenhagen) to face last years runners-up (Amsterdam) in a 3rd/4th playoff.

The sun began to shine again and steam rose from the surface as the teams took to the field. Amsterdam started the more positive, first with 2 wides and then with 2 unanswered points. Then came the break for Copenhagen. An Eoin shot on goal was blocked by the keeper and fell to Coogan who made no delay about burying it in the back of the net. An Amsterdam point left the sides level before Rob slotted a free over the black spot. Then Amsterdam were awarded a contentious penalty. As Jacob made himself big, the shot screamed just over the crossbar. Shortly after Amsterdam did score a goal, a super shot to the corner of the net! That was the difference between the sides at half time, the score 1-1 to 1-4. The second half resumed with an Amsterdam shot across goal and free kick both going wide. A poor kickout from Jacob was bravely won by St. John who got the ball to Tony to feed Coogan for his third goal of the day. Rob pointed another from a free kick before another pass from Tony across goal went into a mêlée to be directed into goal by an Amsterdam player pressured by Eoin. Amsterdam answered with a point, the last kick of the game, too little too late for them. Final score 3-2 to 1-5 giving Copenhagen 3rd place in the tournament.

Bert acknowledged that he was happy with the performance of the team on the day. "Everyone gave a 100%, and that's all I can ask for", he said.

The Final was won easily by Munich, 2-12 to Frankfurt's 1-0.

Copenhagen squad:
Robbie Walsh (capt.), Jacob Bak Simmonsen, Dave O'Connell, Mel Lyham, St. John Walsh, Tom Wynne, Fergal Rattray, Seán Coogan, Eoin Bevan, Simon Conheady, Kieran Punch, Tom Hughes, Tony Kennedy, Phil Murray, Tim Tynan.
Bainisteoir: Bert Lane.