@GAAINWA
GAAWA Irish Scene Report July/August 2022
O
n April 1st last, our newest Club Na Fianna Catalpa GAA played the Mandurah Makos AFL Club in an International Rules scratch match in Mandurah. The match was a well contested affair and Na Fianna wish to express their thanks to Mandurah Makos for the game and their hospitality off the field on the night which included presentations in the club house. The 23rd of April saw the running of the annual GAA WA 7’s competition for the Tim Hickey and Neil McCague Trophy’s. A beautiful sunny day saw a huge crowd show up to RA Cooke Reserve eagerly anticipating some great 7’s hurling and football action after an absence of 3 years. After some massive battles St Finbarrs carried off the Men’s & Ladies Football titles while Sarsfields emerged victorious in the Hurling and Western Swans in the Camogie. The Executive of GAAWA wishes to express their sincere thanks to the Hurling & Football Sub-committees for all their efforts in making the 2022 7’s a massive success. Early May saw a visit from the Australasian GAA Secretary Gerard Roe and Coaching Director Glen Carpenter who led a refereeing and underage coaching course in Leederville & Tom Bateman Reserve. Both courses were heavily supported by all our Clubs and Junior Academy. A big thank you to all those involved in facilitating the running of the courses. At Australasian Convention in March 2022 Gerard announced his retirement as Australasian GAA Secretary after 38 years in
92 | THE IRISH SCENE
the role. Western Australia made a presentation to Gerard in recognition of his service to the Association while he was in Perth and wish him a long and happy retirement. As I write this both the Hurling, Camogie and Football leagues are in full swing. Saturday June 18th sees the 2022 Hurling League Final take place between Sarsfields & Perth Shamrocks. Western Swans face off against St Gabriels in the Camogie decider. Both matches take place in RA Cooke Reserve followed by a Race Night in aid of Western Australia Hurling in the Mighty Quinn Tavern. Like and follow all our GAA WA Clubs to keep up with all the goings on in Hurling and Football across the State. Finally, on behalf of our President John Whelahan and everyone involved in GAA WA can we extend our best wishes and thanks to all those people who are moving back to Ireland from Western Australia. In particular can we make a special mention of our outgoing Vice-President Alan Burke & Public Relations Officer Sarah Donnelly as they head back to Mayo & Tyrone respectively. Both Alan & Sarah have made a huge contribution to Gaelic Games in Western Australia on and off the field and we wish them both and their families all the very best and our sincere thanks. Tom Murphy Secretary GAA WA
