Top Ten...

...that make playing G.A.A. in Europe worthwhile.

10. Jammers

A crowded pitch with Ladies Football, Hurling and Gaelic Football teams training at the same time, in the shadow of the European Commission.

9. Camaraderie

You think you can only get it in your home club. Not true. Maybe you have to leave the island to allow yourself indulge again though. I've rarely experienced the bond lads have in this club in any other team.

8. Post-training / Pre-tournament pints

It became a ritual for a short period last year. We'd stroll down to Shuman (still togged out) for a quick pint after the last training before a tournament. It died without discussion though. Presumably because the pints never stopped at one...or two....or..... Problem 1 was when you'd emerge p1ssed around midnight and stand looking at your car wondering how you would both get home. Problem 2 would be when you woke up the next morning with a banging headache wondering where you left the car!

7. Paparazzi

Training can be like Oscar night on occasion. Runners and walkers stop to gaze. Photographers peer through their lenses from distance and the occasionaly punter wanders over to ask what the hell is going on?

6. Local Rivalries

Well, local may be stretching it. Our closest are about 200km but with 5 hurling tournaments, 8 football tournaments and many dual players, there is no shortage of opportunity to become acquainted with eachother. Generally its healthy but at times it can boil over. You'd be disappointed if it didn't.

5. The Munich Ladies Gaelic Football team.

The G.A.A. has its poster girls. Enough said.

4. Goalposts

The first time you assemble them and land them on the goal line.....putting your flag on the peak of Everest could not garner such satisfaction or pride.

3. Winning

Spend €300 to take an 8 hour train trip to Zurich and two nights accomodation and play all day in searing heat. Finish off with victory in the final and its worth every penny and ounce of sweat. The first beer cracked open on the side of the pitch and let the night begin. The hangover the next morning barely has time to register as you scour the train station for beer before you get on your midday train. 8 more hours of drinking and merriment follow before you disembark in Shuman and head for the Hairy Canary. Unbeatable, its just a pity the locals don't understand.

2. Community.

Its small put its significant. For any newcomer, they can walk straight in and seamlessly integrate. Accomodation, jobs or any other query; you name it, there will be someone only a phonecall or email away that came help. Its this spirit which brings people in and makes it harder for them to set sail for another destination.

1. Hurling and Gaelic Football

The simple enjoyment that playing the games bring. Catching a ball on the sweet spot, plucking it out of the sky with your fingertips, a full stretch blockdown or shipping a massive tackle. It cannot be matched.