Record numbers for European finals

This weekend promises to be something of a milestone for GAA in Europe.
Some 10 years ago, the European County Board (ECB) with less than a handful of clubs was formed, but today the entire scenario has dramatically changed with numbers now over 40 and growing. Tomorrow Saturday Nov 6, in many ways marks a new era for European GAA as the biggest ever number of teams takes part in the Pan Europe Footballs finals round in Maastricht, Holland.
Heading into this year’s finale, we see a record 29 teams taking part from countries throughout the length and breadth of Europe.
In the Ladies Championship, 10 teams square off, while in the Mens Football Shield, a very exiting finale awaits with no less then 15 teams ready for the fray.
The premier competition in the Mens Senior Football Championship has four teams doing battle with champions The Hague in pole position after winning the two previous rounds and looking good to retain their title. It’s also looking good for Belgium ladies as they lead the seven round ladies championship series. Paris Gaels are close behind in second place, but it would have to take an unlikely meltdown by the champions from Belgium to relinquish the their crown.
The competition that could turn out to produce the most exciting finish in Europe this year is undoubtedly the Shield as Frankfurt shade things by 4 points at the top followed closely by second seed Copenhagen, with Belgium B and Prague also in close proximity.
At the event, the biggest country representation with six clubs is from the European state with the largest number of GAA clubs, France, while the host country of Holland is next with three clubs.
The tournament takes place at the Maastricht GAA facilities who share grounds and clubhouse with the Maribos rugby team in the city. Some 5 pitches including a full sized Gaelic football and hurling all-weather pitch will be is use all day tomorrow along with state of the art floodlighting.