Derry, Ireland – June 28th, 2025
For the first time in its 25-year history, Gaelic Games Europe formed and fielded a European All-Star team at Féile Peile na nÓg, another forward step in the organisation’s growth and ambition. Representing the diversity and passion of Gaelic games across the continent, a panel of 22 players from nine clubs formed the inaugural European Féile All-Star team.
The week began in Bellaghy, as the lads were graciously hosted by the Wolfe Tones GAC, who kindly offered their facilities for a coaching session with Derry minor manager Kieran Glackin, and Europe’s own Chris Collins, who led the team through the campaign. Following the opening training session, the European contingent were fed by the Wolfe tones, and led into a useful presentation on the new rules by National GAA Referee, Barry Cassidy.
The Wolfe Tones community spent the week hosting Europe’s players, an incredible gesture of hospitality that truly embodied the ethos of the GAA. It was a living, breathing example of how the Association functions across Ireland, with families opening their homes and hearts to visiting teams. For our young stars, many of whom are helping to grow the games in non-traditional counties, it was a first-hand experience of community spirit in action, and one they will never forget. As GGE continues to develop similar models across Europe, this was a powerful reminder of what we’re building towards.
Friday began with a powerful immersion into the city’s compelling history. Players first walked the 17th-century Derry Walls, the most complete set of defensive ramparts on the island of Ireland, built between 1613–19 and standing as a testament to the city’s resilience. From these ancient ramparts, they took in panoramic views of Bogside and the iconic murals – moving visual reminders of the city’s storied past, from the Siege of Derry to the civil rights era.
Next came a visit to the Museum of Free Derry, a solemn yet inspiring space dedicated to the memory of Bloody Sunday, the Battle of the Bogside, and the broader struggle for civil rights. The Bogside walking tour was made even more poignant by guide Jimmy Toye, who was present during Bloody Sunday and shared a powerful first-hand account of that tragic day in Irish history. This historical context set a reflective mood, reinforcing how Gaelic games can bring communities together.
In the afternoon, the squad retreated to the Owenbeg GAA Centre for a world-class analysis session using cutting-edge performance tools. At Owenbeg GAA Centre, the squad trained on the stadium pitch under the guidance of Derry GAA’s Head of Performance Analysis, Ben McGuckin. Players engaged in live breakdowns of match footage via advanced analytics software, marking a first for many in a GGE context. They examined GPS data, heat maps, split‑time performance metrics, and shot accuracy, led by Derrys development team. The insights empowered each All‑Star with a deeper understanding of their tactical strengths and areas for growth, and an insight into the top tier of their beloved sport. Following the high-intensity session, players were treated to a hearty meal in the team canteen, thanks to Owenbeg’s top-class catering team.
Adding local star power to the session, the team was joined by Brendan Rogers and Conor Doherty, two of Derry’s current inter‑county luminaries. Rogers – an Ulster Footballer of the Year, pivotal in Derry’s rise through NFL divisions and a dual‑code standout- is known for his dynamic midfield performances and leadership on the pitch. Doherty, a rock at wing‑back, famously clinched dramatic scores against Tyrone, earning Footballer of the Week for his defensive prowess and attacking impetus. Together, Rogers and Doherty shared their elite‑level insights, talking about the challenges, the workload, and most importantly, the rewards at the end of it all, and the passion that motivates them to train hard! Their presence elevated the whole week. Their talk was quite literally a game-changer for Europe’s bright young stars.
By the end of Friday, the All‑Star squad left not only with sharpened skills but with a profound connection to Derry’s history and an emotional investment in their future through the new relationship with Brendan and Conor.
Then, after all the hard work during the day, the parents and coaching staff enjoyed a special evening at The Tap House bar in Bellaghy, hosted by Dermot O’Kane – a former teammate of Chris Collins from St Mary’s Magherafelt. Surrounded by Seamus Heaney memorabilia, they shared a beautiful three-course meal and swapped stories from their own Gaelic Games journeys across Europe
A Historic Start on the Field
Saturday’s action kicked off with a clash that will go down in GGE history. Facing an impressive San Francisco side – a team that had travelled nearly 5,000 miles to compete, The Europe All‑Stars made an unforgettable statement. From the opening whistle, it was clear that the GGE lads, despite being drawn from clubs across the continent, had clicked into gear.
Goals flew in, points sailed over the bar, and teamwork flowed with the rhythm of a well-established side. All the prep and training in the days before proved worthy. The cohesion, intensity, and passion on display defied the fact that this was their first competitive outing as a team. It was a resounding win, not just on the scoreboard, but in setting the tone for what Gaelic Games Europe can achieve on the world stage.
While the opening win brought jubilation, the second game delivered a sharp reality check. Claudy GAC from Derry, with their trademark Ulster grit and physical presence, pushed the Europe side to their limits. A thunderous hit early on set the tone for what became the toughest battle of the day. Claudy boasted a stunning forward line and are to be commended for raising the bar for the day. Though the scoreboard didn’t favour GGE, the match offered crucial lessons – a baptism of fire against seasoned Ulster opposition.
Rebounding from the challenge, Europeans showed true character in their third fixture against Gaultier of Waterford. The Munster side brought sharp handling and tactical precision, but the Europeans rose to meet the occasion. They showed great composure and teamwork, and all who witnessed the battle agreed: with just a few more training sessions or match days together, this team could easily have turned the result in their favour.
A Semi-Final Standoff: Europe vs Ballymaguigan
In the semi-final, Europe squared off against another formidable local side: Ballymaguigan GAA. The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both teams trading blows in a thrilling first-half shootout that ended in a deadlock at the break. Europe threw everything forward in the second half in pursuit of victory, but Ballymaguigan’s defensive discipline held firm. Time and again, the Europeans were denied, not just by the tenacious tackling of their opponents, but by the upright and the crossbar. It was a masterclass in defensive football from the Derry side, matched by a valiant and unrelenting attacking effort from Europe. In the end, Ballymaguigan edged through, but the lessons for the GGE squad were priceless, the kind that can only be learned in the heat of battle on Irish soil.
A glorious day of football for Europe’s young stars. Maith sibh lads.
Though Europe’s tournament had drawn to a close, the spirit of the weekend was far from over. Following the semi-final, the team returned to Bellaghy Wolfe Tones to break bread with the hosts, and to witness the Féile finals in Páirc Seán de Brún – a truly special occasion held in a ground named in honour of one of the GAA’s fallen heroes, Seán Brown.
It was both a privilege and a poignant moment for the team to stand on such hallowed ground. In a touching ceremony, Chris Collins and Pearse Bell of GGE presented a gift to Chris Brown, brother of the late Seán. The handcrafted piece, designed and handmade by Pearse Bell – Europe’s visionary Youth Officer. The presentation was especially meaningful for Chris Collins, who had previously played under Chris Brown as a Derry minor – a personal connection that brought even more emotion to the occasion.
A Croke Park Finale – Na Fianna Hospitality & Elite Exhibition
Just before departing for home, the European All-Stars were bound for Croke Park – but not before a warm and generous stop at Na Fianna GAA Club in Glasnevin. The Dublin giants extended a gesture of hospitality that Europe won’t soon forget, kindly taking care of the team’s luggage to allow the players a carefree visit to headquarters for a day of championship action. The lads caught one of Dublin’s fiercest club rivalries on Mobhi Road, where reigning All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling champions Na Fianna clashed with St Vincent’s. It was a thrilling spectacle, brimming with top-tier skill, local pride, and the electric energy of club hurling at its best.
But the main event unfolded at Croke Park. In a stunning upset, Meath, the underdogs, broke through to defeat Galway, last year’s finalists, in a performance that sent the Hill into raptures. The passion, power, and precision from the Royal County left a lasting impression.
To round off an unforgettable weekend, the squad witnessed an attacking masterclass by Sean O’Sé, David Clifford, the latter a two-time GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year and widely regarded as the finest footballer of his generation. Their sharpshooting display was the perfect exclamation point on a weekend filled with pride, purpose, and pure grá for the games.
Europe would like to extend sincere thanks to all teams, organisers, and volunteers who made this unforgettable Féile journey a reality. Special appreciation goes to Jones Engineering, our official Féile sponsor, as well as to Kingspan and McKeever Sport for kitting out the team in style.
But above all, our deepest thanks go to the incredible families of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones, who opened their homes and hearts to Europe, providing warmth, welcome, and full bellies throughout the weekend.
Chris Collins had this to say about the hospitality of the host club:
Bellaghy Wolfe Tones showed our team nothing short of exceptional hospitality. From the moment we arrived, every detail was taken care of with such generosity and pride — from the brilliant coaching session with Kieran Glackin to the warm homecoming and shared meal on Saturday night. Our players and parents, representing nine clubs across six countries, left with full hearts and lifelong memories. Bellaghy has set the bar incredibly high for youth team visits to Ireland, and we now count your community as true friends of Gaelic Games Europe.
