The following is an interview with Eoin Mac Cathmhaoil, Barcelona Gaels. Eoin is the regional rep for Iberia on the European County Board.
How did you get involved with GAA in Europe?
I moved to Barcelona in September 2018 for an Erasmus year, alone in a new city I immediately joined the Barcelona Gaels and it’s been a home away from home ever since. After a few years as Chairperson of Barcelona, I joined the Iberian Committee before becoming the Iberian Rep for GGE.
Were you involved with any clubs in Ireland before you moved out?
I was involved in Pearse’s in Belfast at an underage level, before playing for the University of Liverpool while studying there.
Can you tell us a bit about Barcelona, the city and the club?
As a Tech Hub, Barcelona has a very large Irish community meaning that post-Covid the Gaels have grown massively to the extent we are now fielding 2 mens and 2 ladies teams in each tournament, fielding 3 Men’s teams twice and fielding a 3rd ladies team in the most recent Central East Iberian round in Valencia last month. It’s sunny 95% of the year which is a big bonus as a starting point for the city!
Can you explain the Iberian leagues to the public? What countries and teams are involved?
We’re divided into 3 sub-regions. Our sub-region is Central-East where we have Barcelona, Madrid & Valencia as senior clubs, then the intermediate section is made up of those 3 along with Sitges, Zaragoza, Vitoria & Bilbao. In the Southern region, we have clubs from Andalucía alongside Gibraltar and Portugal. Finally, we have Galicia who play their own league & championship. Each sub-region then sends their best teams to compete in the Iberian Finals, which will be in Salou this year.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Iberian region?
Without a doubt it’s pitches, and access to them. There are no GAA facilities within Iberia, and a lack of Government recognition for Gaelic Games means we have to really upon good relations with existing Rugby/Soccer clubs in order to use their facilities. Another issue is the climate, which makes playing very difficult in the summer months throughout most of the Peninsula.
The Iberian Gaelic Football Finals takes place this weekend, can you tell us what to expect?
We have 4 competitions this weekend. The reigning Iberian Senior Mens winners Madrid didn’t qualify from CE this year, so we will have Barcelona Gaels, Valencia Sant Vicent, Lisbon & Fillos de Breogán. Barcelona Gaels are the reigning Iberian Senior Ladies champions & will play Turonia, Estrella Vermelha, Madrid Harps & Costa Gaels. On the intermediate side, Barcelona St Enda’s are the reigning champions looking to “three-peat” against Eire Óg Sevilla & Estrella Vermelha, while on the ladies side Barcelona Santa Eulàlia will be taking on Eire Óg Sevilla looking to win both sides first Intermediate Ladies title champions & will play Turonia, Estrella Vermelha, Madrid Harps & Costa Gaels. On the intermediate side, Barcelona St Enda’s are the reigning champions looking to “three-peat” against Eire Óg Sevilla & Estrella Vermelha, while on the ladies side Barcelona Santa Eulàlia will be taking on Eire Óg Sevilla looking to win both sides first Intermediate Ladies title.
Follow the Iberian YouTube channel to see the Iberian Gaelic Football Finals live! Iberian Youtube channel
Any developments in the youth section in Iberia?
Youth sections exist across Galicia, where they recently hosted the GGE Féile in Vigo attended by GAA President Jarlath Burns. In addition to this, there are active youth sections in both Valencia & Costa Gaels
What has been your best moment playing Gaelic Football for Barcelona Gaels?
While my audacious lobs of goalkeepers who had the temerity to come off their lines long before Jim McGuinness made it fashionable will live long in the memory… the welcome home the Senior Ladies received at the airport in Barcelona just after midnight after ending the clubs 10 year famine without a Senior Iberian title in Vigo will never be forgotten!
Want to learn more about Iberian GAA?
Iberia GAA Galicia GAA Andalucia GAA
