Following on from hosting last year’s AGG in Bangkok, which whetted the appetite of gaels in the kingdom in more ways than one, the ThaiGAA’s return for their 4th AGG, with the ThaiGals taking part in their second, both hoping to go one better than their semi-final appearances in last years games.
Stalwarts JC, Padraic and Derek take the field again – JC & Padraic, along with Michael Byrne, secretly hoping for a veteran’s tournament, while Derek will always be a ThaiGAA, despite his recent relocation to Saigon. Last year’s ThaiGAA’s player of the year, Simon Roughneed will make up a fast moving and skillful midfield duo with Thailand’s very own Cassanova – the silver fox that is Shane O’Mahony. County America’s Andy and Jalal are now veterans of their third AGG. Andy is a rock at the back and Jalal has become one of the best all-round players at the club. This year’s most impressive new come, Michael Hynes will be hoping to out do his wife, Louise, captain of the Ladies team. Veteran keeper Ciaran and new recruit from the Netherlands, Eric, hoping to join, work permitting.
The ThaiGals contain most of the same team who made their debut at last year’s games and are bolstered by the welcome addition of Allie Coutts, formertly of Beijing and former Taiwan Nu and fittest player at the Club, Kat Rymarz who is using this AGG as warm up for the Rayong Tri-athlon. Goalscoring machine Nicole McEntee will be looking to continue her remarkable scoring form. Louise will be testing the supposed no contact rule to the limit (remembering what Malaysia got awy with in last year’s semi – we haven’t forgotten!). Guitair, Thailand’s first female Gaelic Footballer is hoping to go a goal better than her first point in last year’s games. Ace defender Julie who has been practicing soloing in her living room every night, is joined by strong running and hard tackling midfielder Jen and goalie Heather to bring out North American (incl. Canada) contingent to four. Debbie is cutting short her vacation in Ireland to return for the games and she promises this time she’ll not run away from the ball. Fiona has fixed her flight schedules so she can make her first appearance. She has no idea what’s she let herself in for! Other overseas recruits hoping to join, Dutch duo Suzanne and Marielle will make great addtions to the team.
