European GAA by the Danube: Budapest Tournament April 21 2007 with Munich, Vienna and Budapest - men`s and ladies Gaelic Football
Budapest Tournament April 21 2007
Budapest got the Central and Eastern European region rolling, in magnificent sunshine, with a very enjoyable tournament hosted on the Danube bend in a little village called ‘leanyfalu’
Three men’s teams Budapest, Vienna and Munich took part and two ladies teams Budapest and Vienna.
Munich V Vienna (Men’s)
The throw in was just after midday when Vienna took the Field against neighbors and rivals Munich. Vienna started well and it seemed almost appropriate that Peter Murphy one of the founders of the Budapest team
(today on loan to Vienna)Kicked the tournaments first point.
Munich however proved to be the stronger team and ran out winners 2-11 to 0-4
Munich V Budapest (Men’s)
The match we were all waiting for after two magnificent encounters last year was up next. All the pundits were predicting a close encounter. It was not the case and some well worked goals clearly showed Budapest superiority Budapest winning 5-7 to Munich’s 0-6
Budapest V Vienna (Men’s)
Unsurprisingly Vienna led on by John Baxter gave Budapest a real scare here and at half time the hosts were only 2 points ahead. The second half saw Budapest pull away again with some cleverly worked goals. Final score Budapest 6-4 Vienna 2-1
Men’s Final Budapest V Munich
The final proved to be a much closer affair with Mick O Connell leading from the front for Munich and taking the game to Budapest. At half time it was anyone’s game. The second half saw Budapest up the tempo and they finished clear and deserving winners 4-8 to Munich’s 2-5 .Budapest then retain their cup and this Budapest team could go far in Europe if they can get to the tournaments at the second stage the next round should be a classic as Munich (who were missing some players) will be looking to avenge these two defeats
Ladies Final Budapest V Vienna
The ladies game was a highly entertaining affair with both teams trading points and goals almost one for one and some fancy football from both sides at half time Budapest let by one point. The second half was almost a replica of the first
But Vienna’s 2 second half goals putting their noses ahead at the final post. This was the closest game of the day and very well supported by the fans Final score Budapest 2-4 Vienna 3-3. Vienna taking the cup back over the border.
Player of the Tournament
There were many fantastic players on show today Three quarters of the Budapest team would have been deserving winners also Mick O Connell from Munich who had a great final. The award went to John Baxter from Vienna who never gave up and played each game as if it was his last.
The evening finished off with a very entertaining dinner in Becketts and all were honoured by the presence of the Irish Ambassador Martin Greene who made a speech and presented the prizes.
Last stop was a cultural tour till 6 am finishing at the Balkans Kert
Many thanks to Gearoid O Sullivan ,Kieran Fahy , Peter Murphy , Eamonn O Floinn and Liam Carroll and Brian Elders for a very well run tournament in Budapest
Report by M Cryan, submitted by Peter Murphy of Budapest Rangers, in Hungary.
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