Today, the 11th DHL Asian Gaelic Games came to a nail-biting end in Shanghai, Jinqiao. Mr. Michael Ahern, Ireland’s Minister for International Trade and other invited dignitaries, together with more than 450 players, and hundreds of local and foreign spectators witnessed the end of this two-day sporting event. Platinum sponsor DHL and Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Governments trade board, gave great support to this event. Sean Wall, Deputy Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans said “As the global leading express service provider, we are not only a trade facilitator, but we also support cultural and sports events around the globe. We are happy to be the emissary of this traditional sport culture in promoting Gaelic football here in China.”

The 11th DHL Asian Gaelic Games was officially opened at Lujiazui Development Exhibition House on 13th October. Mr. Michael Ahern Ireland’s Minister for International Trade cut the ribbon marking its opening. This is the second time such an event has been held in Shanghai. Featuring a men’s and women’s seven-a-side game, the Asian Gaelic Games has become one of the largest amateur sporting events in Asia and its growth is set to continue with the establishment of the Asian GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association) Board earlier this year, this fledgling organization aims to spread the growth of Gaelic football throughout the region.

Since its inception in Manila in 1995, the Asian Gaelic Games has received strong support from both the Irish Government, local and expatriate communities, helping to make Gaelic Football one of the fastest growing amateur sports in the Asia Pacific region. This year’s event attracted more than 450 players on 40 teams from close to 10 countries. Teams from Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Dalian, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Japan, Korea and Singapore participated in a round-robin tournament followed by a playoff round. During the course of the weekend, various Irish and Chinese performances and activities for children took place. It was a fun-filled weekend for all.

As dusk fell over Shanghai Ireland’s Minister for International Trade, presented the winning teams on the Men’s side and the women’s side, their well-earned trophies. Concluding this year’s event Minister Michael Ahern, said "the Asian Gaelic Games have developed tremendously since they started 11 years ago. They bring together Irish and friends of Ireland from all over the Asian continent and I am delighted to be here to witness this spectacular occasion. It is wonderful to see Irish culture and sport on display in Shanghai and it is testament to the strong links between Ireland and China."

Ireland’s famous commentator, flown in especially for the occasion, Micheal Muircheartaigh, said. “It’s my honor to be here in Shanghai as commentator for this tournament, it’s overwhelming to see so many people of all nationalities playing a traditionally Irish game,” He said.

Nicholas O'Brien, the Irish Consul General in Shanghai said, "The local GAA club has grown from strength to strength. This is the second year in a row that the Games have been held in Shanghai and this is a sign of the vibrancy of the Irish community in Shanghai. The excellent organization of the Games is a fitting tribute to the memory of Derek Brady, who died tragically and whom the Championship is named after."

Gaelic Football combines the use of both hands & feet in a game that is best described as a mixture of the rough and tumble style of rugby and the skill and finesse of soccer. As one of the most enjoyable and socially rewarding sports to play for both men and women, Gaelic Football’s popularity continues to spread across China and Asia.

Photos of last year’s tournament are available by clicking on the below link:
http://www.shanghaigaelic.com/2004_2005.htm

More information on this year’s tournament can be found on the below link:
http://www.asiangaelicgames.com


About Shanghai Gaelic Football Club
Shanghai Gaelic Football Club was founded in 2002 by two China veterans – Noelie ‘The Legend' Lennon and Ronan ‘Inflammable Ron' McGuinness. From humble beginnings the club has grown in stature over the years to a well established, formalisied club of expats & locals who play regular, competitive games. The club now boasts 2 men’s and 2 women’s teams, they are the fastest growing sports and social club in Shanghai.
http://www.shanghaigaelic.com

About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the Trade and Technology Board of the Irish Government, responsible for the development of Irish-owned industry. Through our network of 11 Irish offices and 33 international offices, Enterprise Ireland offers a gateway to Ireland for international companies looking for world-class suppliers.
http://www.enterprise-ireland.com

About DHL-Sinotrans
DHL-Sinotrans is a 50/50 joint venture established in 1986 between DHL and China National Foreign Trade Transportation (Group) Corporation. Combining DHL’s leading expertise in the global air express industry and Sinotrans’ unrivalled local knowledge in the China foreign trade transport market, DHL-Sinotrans provides international and domestic express and logistics services to shippers in major cities in China. Over the past 20 years, DHL-Sinotrans has developed the largest air express services network in China covering 318 cities, with 56 joint ventures and close to 180 locations and 6,500 highly qualified employees.

For further information, please visit DHL China website: www.cn.dhl.com .

Press Contacts:

Shirley Zhang/ Lilian Li
DHL-Sinotrans Fortune China, Beijing Office
Tel: +86 10 6466 5566-2012 Tel: +86 10 6310 0088
Fax: +86 10 6462 9490 Fax: +86 10 6310 0066

Email: xuejing.zhang@dhl.com Email:lilian.li@fortunechina.com