VIDEO: South African Gaels’ fabulous post match dance after narrow Ballyboden defeat

By Peter O’ Dwyer

The South African Gaels have been taking in the sights and sounds of Ireland as well as playing a game or two whilst on tour here over the last week.

Having played a St Vincents masters selection on Saturday and St Mary’s of Belfast on Monday, the team also visited Stormont and found time to entice Joe Brolly and Martin McGuinness into a team selfie.

With the South African Gaelic football team at Stormont today. All two footed. pic.twitter.com/lKf7MCtZuN

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) March 25, 2014

Last night, the Gaels took to the pitch against Ballyboden St Enda’s Junior B team and were unlucky not to leave with the spoils with a late St Enda’s goal ultimately proving the difference.

The Johannesburg side, comprised of South African and Zimbabwean natives and a few Irish ex-pats, gave a fantastic account of themselves on a cold evening in Dublin. The game was played over four 15 minute quarters with somewhat relaxed rules to accommodate the visitors.

Captain Steve Mavinga played alongside ex-Ballyboden man Greg Heraty in midfield and felt that ultimately Ballyboden had an extra gear which proved pivotal.

“The game was very intense. We have learned a lot in Ireland. In the last quarter the lads from Ballyboden started to step it up a level which was tough for us. It was clear that we were getting a bit tired near the end so that is something we have to work on,” he told GrassRoots.ie.

Despite the 3-08 to 2-09 loss, the South Africans were in good spirits after the game and even treated the locals to an interesting dance routine after the game.