Gibraltar Tournament - November 2022

Lisbon GAA went to Gibraltar, battled and won

Lisbon's Irish football team, the Celtiberos, played in their first proper tournament in the Andalucía 7's Tournament of the Iberian GAA Federation last weekend. Despite the Lisbon team existing since 2017, this was the first competitive game they have had. Although some friendlies happened earlier this year in Algarve and Lisbon, this was first time the club participated in tournaments that other teams have been playing in for nearly ten years now.

Getting up at 4am to make the long trek from Lisbon was tough. Four cars made the journey, all arriving a bit later than hoped for (thanks Brexit). One car picked up a knock enroute, so some players were even further delayed. Ten lads and four women made the trip. More players wanted to play, but again borders didn't help the clubs Latin American women players.

Both men's and women's games were played in 7s format in the amazing ground right at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, with views across the straits over to the mountains and towns of Africa. The four women became honorary Gibraltar players for the day and played some great ball, with some great individual skills shown by Claire Kelly. But sadly, they had no wins. Seville women travelled with two teams, their top team won the day, beating our crew 7-13 to 2-1.

The Lisbon lads arrived after the long journey, made a very quick kit change, an even quicker warm up and were up for their first game against Málaga. Even with two of the ten missing (the Mayo cousins were held up filling forms in cop shops), the Lisbon lads held their own and notched up a very strong 24-4 victory. Next up they battled hosts Gibraltar in a tighter game, but held out for a deserved win. The Mayo boys arrived, changed pitch side and joined the battle. Seville were too strong for the Celtiberos this time, in a tough and very high scoring game, beating Lisbon 9-6 to 4-4.

Approaching the last round of the tournament, each team had lost at least one game. Lisbon went into their last game needing the win. This game was against Marbella's Costa Gaels. A few months back in Algarve, even though a friendly, tensions were high between these two teams and tempers flared. In Gibraltar, Lisbon took to the field calmly, ready for whatever was thrown at them. It was a tight, tough game. Tensions were high, but it didn't boil over into a scrap. With some lovely runs and scoring up front by Seán Croke, sweet point taking by Eoin Keogh and dogged defence from Jamie O'Sullivan, the Lisbon lads won the day with a 3-9 to 2-5 victory. Everyone who played was shattered after the game, having given their all for the well-deserved win.

The final men’s game saw Málaga play the hosts Gibraltar. Again, a tight, even game, with some lovely individual football played on both sides. At final whistle, it was a draw though (2-5 to 1-8). So much questions were asked from all teams on the pitch. After a quick tot up of points, Lisbon were told that they were the winners. And that was that.

The Lisbon Celtiberos, or Pirates as they call themselves due to the black and white colours of their city’s flag, had won the day. Lisbon is a club which prides itself on its inclusivity, a club still in the making. Every Saturday men and women play together, so the lads have to hold back from honing that full on competitive edge. But despite this and after traveling over 600km to get to the Rock of Gibraltar; Lisbon arrived, battled and conquered.

The tournament has four events, but with Lisbon only being able to make three of the four, the rest of the clubs generously agreed that the winner will be the best of top three performances. Let’s hope Lisbon can keep their form for the 2nd tournament next February in Seville, then for the final day out in Lisbon a few days before Saint Patrick’s Day. Roll it on…

Hon Lisbon, Hon Celtiberos, Hon the Pirates +

2022 CALENDAR - Andalucia League Championship : Standings

https://www.gaelicgamesandalucia.com/standings/2022-league/

Results table: https://www.gaelicgamesandalucia.com/7s/tournament-results/

Lisbon Celtiberos & GAA Portugal, Links: www.gaa.pt Insta: @gaa.celtiberos & @gaa.portugal Twitter: @gaa_pt Facebook: fb.com/gaapt