VANCOUVER IRISH SPORTING & SOCIAL CLUB
Exciting performances and great sportsmanship at the 2010 Vancouver tournament

RONAN DEANE, chairman of the Western Canada Division with participants in this year’s kids camp.

ENJOYING the Gaelic football tournament in N. Vancouver (L-R) Chris Cyr holding son John with wife Nuala holding daughter Molly. Mick Hurley is shown with his son Nial and his wife Jennifer.

By RONAN DEANE

VANCOUVER – The 2010 Western Canadian Championship commenced at the Capilano Rugby Club in North Vancouver on June 26-27 as the Vancouver Irish Sporting & Social Club hosted the five Western Canada Division clubs, and some visitors from Seattle to the annual tournament.

The men's reigning champions the Wolfe Tones club from Edmonton started the day with an impressive showing against the Calgary Chieftains. However the Vancouver clubs set the pace with both the Harps and Celts recording victories over all three Albertan teams. That paved the way for a surprisingly competitive match-up between the local clubs.

The fraternal relationship that exists off-season between the Harps and Celts was clearly thrown out the window in an often heated affair.

Late in the game, Dave Tonge, a 2009 All-Star, scored what everyone assumed would be the winning goal. But just as the World Cup continues to throw curve-balls at every opportunity, the Celts responded.

A frantic challenge on an attacking Celt, and the ref had little alternative but to point to the penalty spot. The Celts duly converted and the teams were tied.

All Vancouver teams will travel to Red Deer sharing top spot in the table. The men's teams have seven points from the available eight.

The Vancouver Harps ladies are also top having dominated their opposition. The Calgary ladies had a great turn-out for the second successive year, and like the Wolfe Tones, will look to take advantage of the Vancouver club at the final round in Red Deer.

Harps and Celts men did have a great match, but the game that had everyone talking was the clash between their female counter-parts. Aishling Jenning (Celts) and Renee McGloin (Harps) gave a master class in shooting and running, and the packed stand was fully entertained.

Spectators enjoyed a performance by the De Danann Irish dancers shortly before the Vancouver hurlers played a demonstration match ahead of their historic trip to Chicago for the North American championships next Labour Day weekend. Denis Ryan led the way with direct Tipp hurling.

Saturday night took all the teams to Smiley O'Neals Bar on Pender, and with Roolya Boolya providing the music, a good time was had by all.

Sunday's games were close encounters. The Chieftains pushed the Harps all the way, while the Celts were defeated to set up a second successive Vancouver final for the Wolfe Tones men. Unfortunately for the Edmonton outfit the Harps were too strong and they had to settle for second for a second season running.

Again the Harps and Celts Ladies showcased their skills as they played for the Vancouver bragging rights.

Western Championship Results LADIES:
Edmonton 0-0 - Calgary 5-5 (20)
Harps 5-5 (20) - Edmonton 0-0
Calgary 0-0 - Harps 12-13 (49)

MEN'S:
1. Calgary 1-4 (7) - Celts 0-11 (11)
2. Edmonton 5-5 (20) - Red Deer 0-0
3. Harps 1-8 (11) - Celts 2-5 (11)
4. Red Deer 0-0 - Harps 5-5 (20)
5. Edmonton 2-7 - Calgary 0-6 (6)
6. Calgary 5-5 (20) - Red Deer 0-0
7. Edmonton 1-2 (5) - Harps 1-9 (12)
8. Harps 5-14 (29) - Calgary 1-3 (6)
9. Red Deer 0-0 - Celts 5-5 (20)
10. Celts 0-7 (7) - Edmonton 0-3 (3)

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