Teams from across Asia set sights on ‘Oriental Sam Maguire’

IN what is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best celebrations of Irish sports and culture held in Asia, the 8th Asian Gaelic Games will take place in Hong Kong from September 27-28.

In recognition of the growing importance of the event, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Tom Kitt & will attend to meet representatives of the various Irish communities from across Asia. The three-day event will bring together the Irish diaspora with teams representing Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Taiwan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Macau competing in seven-a-side men’s and ladies football competitions.

Over 300 players will participate with Korea seeking to retain the Derek Brady Trophy, the “Oriental Sam Maguire”, and Japan ladies defending their championship. Derek Brady was one of the original games’ founders in Taiwan and died tragically in a road accident before he could witness the incredible success of the venture he had helped to inspire.