In 1747, a letter from Vannes, Brittany, described Irish soldiers of the Irish Brigade playing a match of hurling to honour comrades lost at the Battle of Fontenoy — one of the earliest known accounts of the game outside Ireland. Nearly 300 years later, the sliotar that once rolled through the fields of Brittany now soars through the skies of Europe – carried not by soldiers, but by clubs.
As the curtain falls on Gaelic Games Europe’s 23rd season of small ball, 2025 will be remembered for its scale, spirit, and record-breaking participation – a powerful reminder that hurling and camogie are no longer just Irish games, but international ones.
2025: Season recap
The 2025 season proved to be one of the most expansive and dynamic in the history of Hurling & Camogie on the continent, marked by new milestones, cross-border growth, and historic firsts in both hurling and camogie.
- Across four rounds of competition, the hurling championship featured 25 clubs, while 18 clubs contested the camogie championship — both record-breaking totals for Gaelic Games Europe.
- Collectively travelling over 25,000 kilometres across the season – a figure that captures not just logistical effort, but the truly continental reach of the sport.
- Perhaps most significantly, approximately one in four players who took the field this year were non-Irish – a testament to the inclusive, international spirit driving Gaelic Games forward in Europe.
- The season also welcomed several notable debuts: Aachen Gaels, Nijmegen, and Strasbourg all fielded teams in either hurling or camogie for the first time.
- In a significant cultural and developmental milestone, 2025 witnessed the arrival of the first-ever all-Czech hurling team, proudly represented by Piobairí Strakonice — a landmark moment for Gaelic Games in Central Europe.
- Darmstadt GAA – one of Europe’s most enduring Hurling clubs – celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special tour of Ireland, honoring a decade of growth, friendship, and competition.
- Total scores: 749 goals, 1,803 points. total = 4,657 total points
- Hurling: Across the four rounds – 394 goals were scored, and 1,134 points – totalling 2,923
- Camogie: 355 goals, 669 points → 1,734 pts
The Kingpsan Hurling and Camogie finals
Hurling Champions – Brussels Craobh Rua
Brussels enjoyed a resurgent, consistent season in 2025, reclaiming their place at the summit of European 9-a-side hurling. Competing in all four rounds, they delivered standout performances throughout – capturing the Cup title in Round 4 (Eindhoven) and reaching the finals in every preceding round.
Their defensive discipline was exceptional, conceding just 19 points in four matches in the final round – the strongest defensive record of the entire season.
Brussels finished top of the European Championship rankings, securing their first official title under the Brussels Craobh Rua name, having previously won nine European Championships as Belgium GAA.
Pitcured above are champions Stephen Molumphy, Waterford GAA All-star, talking tactics with Brussels/Belgium Stalwart – Brendan O’Donoghue
Camogie Champions – Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg
Luxembourg dominated both on the scoreboard and in squad depth throughout 2025, the only club among all 18 to field at least one full team in every round.
In the decisive final round, they amassed 124 points and conceded just 24, finishing with a staggering +100 point differential — the highest margin achieved by any team across both codes this season.
That performance sealed Luxembourg’s place as the most successful team of 2025, winning three of four Camogie rounds in style.
Pictured: The Luxembourg Camogie team receiving their trophy, presented by Shauna Coen and Brian Molloy, Uachtarán
Both Brussels and Luxembourg hit their strides at the perfect moment – securing the Cups in fashion, with the best of audiences, as Gaelic Games Europe proudly welcomed Willie Maher, GAA’s Head of Hurling, and Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association – for the final weekend.
Both were hugely impressed by the level of play, the passion on display, and the stories they heard from Europe’s growing Hurling and Camogie community. The feeling was indeed mutual – players and coaches were equally inspired to hear directly from the two men during the Hurling Roadshow, held on the eve of the finals.
Also on the panel in the roadshow were Europe’s Head of Operations – Chris Collins, and Europe’s Camogie Officer – Shauna Coen.
Hurling in the Nordics
A special mention is owed to the Viking Gaels, who made history in 2025, as hosts and record-breakers. At Round 3 in Copenhagen, they assembled and fielded a staggering four teams (A, B, C, and D) – an unprecedented feat not just for hurling, but potentially across all codes in European GAA history. With close to 50 players togged out. The rise of Viking Gaels is one of Europe’s most exciting success stories.
Mens MVP – Paddy Cooke, with Head of Hurling, Willie Maher
The close of the 2025 season brings a moment of special recognition for Shauna Coen, whose final year as Camogie Officer marks the end of an inspiring chapter in European camogie. Shauna has overseen and orchestrated a Camogie renaissance in continental Europe, her contributions will be remembered by all.
Gaelic Games Europe also extends heartfelt thanks to our valued partners, Kingspan and McKeever Sports, for their continued belief in our mission.
Their support has helped us deliver world-class tournaments, enhance our visibility, and provide players with the resources and recognition they deserve.
Looking Ahead – Amsterdam on the Leinster Stage
The season isn’t over yet for European hurling. Amsterdam GAA will proudly represent the continent in the Leinster Junior Hurling Championship, facing Rathmoylon (Meath) on 8 November 2025. Their qualification marks another milestone for European clubs competing at inter-county level – a fitting conclusion to a landmark year for Gaelic Games in Europe.
