Pan European Tournament in Munich, Germany, 11^th September 2010.

The Copenhagen men began the defence of their European Gaelic football title last weekend in Munich, and although missing many key players, got within a whisker of the qualifying for the tournament final. With 5 teams competing for top honours on the day, there was lots of football to be played in near perfect playing conditions.

First to face Copenhagen was Jersey. The teams were closely matched for the first half, with keeper Phil Murrays kick-outs working very well, and Sean "Buff" Coogans precision place kicking, equalling some fine long range efforts from the Jersey side. However, Jersey stepped up the intensity in the second half and their physical superiority became evident, slipping in for a match turning goal and taking the wind from the Copenhagen sails, Jersey coming out on top convincingly in the end, 1-06 to 0-03.

Second opposition was all French side, St. Malo. Again Copenhagen came out strong as both teams exchanged some early scores. The decisive moment in the match came early in the second half when St. Malo's nippy corner forward, full of twists and shimmies, netted a well worked goal to the top corner. At this point Copenhagen could have done with some of their missing experience, losing their shape a little and unable to recover from the body blow goal, despite the valiant efforts of Mid-fielder Brendan Fagan and half back Mel Lynam. Final score, 1-03 to 0-03 to St. Malo.

The third game of the day was against German side Frankfurt. After losing both opening games Copenhagen rallied from the start in an effort to get something from the weekends play. Tenacious defending from Mark Hassett set up a good platform to build from and provided much needed inspiration to the Copenhagen team. Some great link up play from defence and midfield saw an inch perfect pass delivered to an oncoming Coogan who blasted to the roof of the Frankfurt net. Copenhagen got the sniff of victory and piled on the pressure from there on. Some more fine scores were landed from play in the second half, with Copenhagen running out comfortable winners 2-05 to 1-03.

With 3 teams level on points at this stage it was all to play for in the fourth match against Belgium B - win, and get a second shot at already qualified Jersey in the tournament final, lose, and the weekends football was over. This proved to be the toughest game of the day with both teams giving their all and refusing to give in to fatigue. Belgium B pulled away on the scoreboard with 2 very lucky goals from long range that just sneaked in under the crossbar adding to a couple of points from frees. As usual Copenhagen would not go down without a fight, and came thundering back with goals from a quickly taken free kick by Lynam and a wondrous swivel and shot, low to the left corner by prolific Coogan. Time was against Copenhagen now, and even tough well on top at this stage of the game, they could not muster the score to snatch victory, Belgium B winning narrowly in a thrilling 3-03 to 3-01 decider. In the tournament final, Jersey ended up hammering Frankfurt and were crowned well deserved champions.

Now the football was over it was time to relax and sample what Munich had to offer. The men's and ladies teams joined forces on a night out in the town to enjoy the city's vibrancy. Before the team had even left the hostel a gang of frisky German girls on a hen almost convinced "Buff" Coogan to provide a highly desired strip tease... however a little more dutch courage was needed for the occasion despite Coogan's natural exhibitionist tendencies. With only a week to the October fest the pubs were lively and many took a fancy to the fresh brew offered for the occasion. Sunday morning brought the usual sore heads, aching limbs and battered bodies from the previous day's antics, but that didn't stop everyone from taking in some sites and having a good wonder around. Some visited Dachau, some slumbered in the shade of trees in the English gardens, others did the 3rd Reich Tour, while Fergus "Crilly" walsh entertained with his usual animated stories to those blessed with his presence for the day. Overall it was another classic trip for the Club and everyone is looking forward to next month's tournament in Budapest, where fingers crossed, the team can put up a sterner defence of their coveted trophy.