Malaysia compete in the 2007 Asian Gaelic Games

The weekend of 23 & 24 June saw Singapore hosting the Asian Gaelic Games. This competition, now in its tenth year, is an extravaganza of Gaelic football, hurling, athleticism and all-out craic with over 30 teams from all over Asia competing. Legend has it that Malaysia did have team in the past, but the connection was somehow lost until this year, when some aging members of the St. Patrick's Society and a few other lads decided to get together and form a new squad. Time was tight and resources were few, but the opportunity to be part of the biggest Irish sporting celebration in Asia was just too good to pass up.

So on a warm April's evening a few interested folks met up over a few pints and decided to take action. Training schedules and timelines were ignored in favour of a heated debate over what to call a team. Images of tigers and lions just didn't seem to capture the spirit of what was being planned, but in a frenzy of brainstorming the best name just popped out: Orang Éire Malaysia.

A logo was designed, shirts were ordered and several white lies were told about how fit we all really were. Training began with the magnanimous help of the local Australian Rules Football team, the KL Warriors, who brought the Orang Éire out on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons. Their friendship and support were vital in pulling the squad together and, very slowly, things began to take shape until June was suddenly upon us and the Games were round the corner.

An extra training session was put on on Sunday mornings at 09:30 (now that's commitment!) and 12 players finally signed up to go down to Singapore together with a large and rowdy contingent of supporters.

The Games are basically a 7 a side Gaelic football tournament where each team has 5 rotating substitutes. A precursor of Australian Rules, Gaelic football is played with a round ball with rugby-type goalposts. Scores are made by kicking the ball into the net below the crossbar (a goal, worth 3 points) or over the bar for 1 point. Players carrying the ball must alternatively bounce it or drop it to their feet and kick it back up into their hands every 3 steps. The ball must be punch-passed or kicked to members of your own team. There is no tackling as such but one hand may be used to get the ball out of another player's hands. Now, if you followed all that then we want to see you out at training next Sunday morning.

The Orang Éire were placed in the Men's B Division and faced 5 matches of punishing ball skills and full-on sprinting but spirits were high and the team mascot (see photo) helped inspire more confidence. True, a gorilla is not an exact match for the logo but you try getting an Orangutan suit in KL. Our high profile quickly drew some attention and before we knew it one of our top supporters, the Ipoh-born Jessica Lourdes, had been co-opted into the Shenzen ladies team where she made a considerable contribution to the defence. A big well-done must be said to Jessica for her commitment to the game and the party. It is understood that contract negotiations with the Chinese side are to begin soon.

The first game for the Orang Éire was against the formidable Singapore Lions who had a slow start and allowed our Malaysian heroes to take an early lead. Star forward Niall Walsh scored two quick points and things were looking good at the half time break. However, the discipline of the host team began to reap results and a few defensive errors saw Malaysia fall behind before too long. In a cruel piece of bad luck, Malaysia then suffered two serious injuries leaving Dubliner Ronan O'Carroll and former-Marine Peter Lentz on the bench for the rest of the weekend. Singapore got some lucky goals and a final point to win 2-1 to 0-2.

Things picked up in the second match as the Orang Éire took a more strategic approach to the game. Hong Kong were the opposition but they were quickly put on the back foot by solid work in the midfield from Mayo-born John English and the towering Denis Muldowney. The ball was fed up to Niall Walsh again who showed his soccer prowess by getting a good goal and then following up with several points. Despite Hong Kong getting a few long balls over the bar, Malaysia maintained control of the game and full forward Johnny Lucey even scored another goal. This was, however, mistakenly disallowed by a myopic referee who had an otherwise decent game. Final score Malaysia 1-4, HK 0-4.

Confidence was running high when the lads then faced their toughest challenge yet: the boys from Shenzen. The heat started to take its toll and the forwards were unlucky on a number of occasions not to get even one point. Dubliner Niall Keating had some brave efforts but most of the work took place in front of the Malaysian goal where Pat Gorham played a blinder, saving more balls than you would have thought possible. However Shenzen were fitter and moved the ball round their players with ease. The defensive line of Captain Danny McBride and Eóin Duggan were run ragged by the superior fire power and the game ended a disappointing Malaysia 0-0, Shenzen 4-2.

The last game of the day was against another leading side; the Dubai Celts. Again the professionalism of this opposition proved to be too much for our spirited, but depleted, resources. Despite committed running from Ronan Kelly of Tyrone and Singapore-based Rory Johnson, Dubai took control of the midfield and scored several goals with impunity. The Orang Éire did have a few chances but their luck had run out and the best performance of the day was once again put in by goalie Pat Gorham. His second-half, full-stretch diving save drew strong applause and was a highlight of the competition but the boys from the Gulf were just too strong. The final score was a painful 0-0 to 5-2.

The day ended with a magnificent players' barbeque courtesy of the Singapore Lions. As the sun set on the polo grounds where we had played, some songs were sung and friends were made and a happy sense of achievement settled over the team. Then it was time to run back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading out to sample the all the delights that the lion city has to offer. Thankfully there is no photo evidence of the night so suffice to say that it ended at a messy 2am, or 3am, or some time like that.

Getting up for breakfast on Sunday morning was challenge enough but we then had to face the gruelling prospect of a semi-final against the local rugby team, the Singapore Barbarians. After injuries and other commitments had taken their toll, the Orang Éire comprised of only 9 players, all of whom had seen better days, but we lined up with some determination against a side that contained a former English rugby international (!). Things did not go smoothly however and the Barbarians quickly began to dominate in the air. Their passing skills were acceptable but their fitness was superb and it was in the running that they beat the gallant Orang Éire back to the goal line on play after play. The heat and the night before quickly sapped all of Malaysia's energy and despite a few breaks up the pitch, and a fine point from Niall Keating, the Ba-Bas opened up an unassailable lead. Highlights included Pat's magnificent saves and Rory actually bringing down the aforementioned rugby star, but the game ended a dismal 6-1 to 0-1.

Taking stock after the tournament and considering that most of the players had never played a full game before, the team acquitted themselves well. It was great to have represented Malaysia once again after so many years and the thrill of competing was reward enough for all the effort that was put in. The supporters made a fine bit of noise and many of the other teams were complementary on our presence and performance. Thanks must go out to everyone who pitched in, in particular all the KL Warriors (especially Manners, Macca and Blacky), the supporters (Ron, Mary, Martin, Darina, Terry, Aisling, Carrie, Jessica and the rest), the sponsors (Crowne, leBlanc and EI) and Sue for the gorilla suit.

All in all, it's a good start. A committee is now to be set up and everyone and anyone is welcome to join. We need your help so please get in touch. For more information contact: malaysiagaa@gmail.com

Orang Éire Men's Senior Football Team 2007: Pat Gorham (Mayo), Danny McBride (Capt - Donegal), Eóin Duggan (Dublin), John English (vice-Capt - Mayo), Denis Muldowney (Boston), Niall Walsh (Wicklow), Johnny Lucey (Cork, boy), Niall Keating (Dublin), Ronan Kelly (Tyrone), Rory Johnson (Dublin), Ronan O'Carroll (Dublin), Peter Lentz (U.S.A.)