First-ever Brusssels Hurling Tournament
October 1st, 2005
Munich win the Charlie McCreevy Cup

Saturday, October 3rd, 2005, saw the first-ever Brusssels Hurling Tournament. Hearts sank as the began with dark clouds and pouring rain but by the time the games started at noon blue skies and a warm sun had arrived.

Four teams – Brussels, Den Haag, Munich and Zurich – took to the field under the watchful eye of 3-time All-Ireland Finals referee, Dickie Murphy. Players from more than 10 countries strove valiantly to win the Charlie McCreevy Cup, the tournament trophy being sponsored by the Irish EU Commissioner for the Internal Market.

In the course of an eventful day Brussels recorded their first-ever EHL victory, Zurich and Den Haag shared 12 goals in a scoring bonanza and Mick O’Connell of Munich displayed the top form that eventually led to him winning the player of the tournament award. Tightest game of the day was the very first match, a one point win for Zurich over Munich. That scoreline was reversed with interest in the tournament final when Munich won the McCreevy Cup on a 1-14 to 1-06 scoreline.

The 2005 edition of the Poc Fada na hEorpa competition, organised by Eoghan Ó hAnnracháin (formerly of Luxembourg), was held prior to the final and was won by the Zurich full-back, Gabriel Cosgrove.

The Charlie McCreevy Cup and medals were presented in The Michael Collins, a well-known Brussels pub and landmark, by Brian Nason the Irish Ambassador to Belgium and by Michael Murray from Commissioner McCreevy’s Cabinet. Dickie Murphy was also presented with an award by the home club in recognition of his fine refereeing during the day.

Players and supporters had a most enjoyable weekend and it is to be hoped that the Brussels Hurling Tournament will become an established fixture on the European GAA calendar.

Tournament scorelines
Zurich 1-3 0-5 Munich
Brussels 2-5 1-3 Den Haag
Munich 2-13 0-6 Brussels
Zurich 8-4 4-8 Den Haag
Munich 4-12 1-6 Den Haag
Zurich 1-10 1-5 Brussels
Munich 1-14 1-6 Zurich

For more information about hurling in Brussels contact (Cian Ó Lionáin, October 1st, 2005) cian.olionain@dfa.ie
by Cian Ó Lionáin, October 1st, 2005

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