World Footy News

The Cayman Islands has a vibrant Gaelic Football scene, and within their playing ranks are a number of Aussies who play the Irish game. On an annual basis the Irish play the Australians on both ANZAC Day and St Patrick's Day. In the past some of these matches have been Aussie Rules but compromise rules (or International Rules) has been the agreed format. One of the Aussie stars of the game there is Gavin McMaster. We thank Gavin for the following report.

For many Aussies living in the Cayman Islands, ANZAC Day was spent preparing for the much anticipated re-match of the International Rules series against the Irish. The Irish had earlier denied the Australian requests to play full Aussie Rules for fear of injury and were full of confidence given their recent St. Patrick’s Day victory and superior skills with the round ball. While some of the Australian team play in the local Gaelic football league, for many the St. Patrick’s Day game was their first exposure to International Rules. This was clearly evident on that day with errant kicking for goal costing the Australians dearly.



The dawn service at the South Sound Dock must have really inspired the Aussie lads as they got off to a flying start with Shannon Moylan scoring an excellent over off his opposite foot in the first 15 seconds. Paul Neary was providing a solid target up front with Neary taking some strong marks and slotting two overs and a point for the day. Michael Burbidge was his usual energetic self, despite being massively hungover, and at 6 foot 3 proved a difficult match up for the Irish.

The midday start and 30 degree temperature made it tough work for the midfielders. The heat proved too much for some with Jay Reid showered and in the pavilion with beer in hand before half time. The work was left to Kent Pearce, Richard Marian and Blair Jones who all did well for the Aussies while Tim Fitzgerald, Colm Mognihan and Shane Gallery controlled play for the Irish.

Early in the second quarter, Aussie physio and forward pocket Matt Jefers made the most of an errant Irish kick out, collecting the ball on the run and sending it straight back over the goalies head for 3 points. An entertaining and well contested first half saw the Aussies up by 6 points.

Matthew “Tex” Walker was clearly under the weather and nearly passing out during the main break, but he gallantly played on as the team was led back out onto the field by Captain Richard Marian. The Irish came out firing in the second half with Fitzgerald dominating the midfield and setting up numerous scoring opportunities. Declan Cassidy scored a great over from a difficult angle and former Gaelic Chairman Howard Byrne showing signs of yesteryear with an impressive second effort and incredible snap shot over his shoulder for another 3 pointer. For the Aussies, Shannon Moylan was able to stem with tide with another good over from long range.

The fourth quarter was set up for a tense finish with the Australians intent on not letting the Irish spoil their ANZAC Day celebrations. The pressure obviously got to veteran Bluey Hannon who took a strong contested mark in midfield, but then undid his good work by kicking the ball towards the Irish goal, if it wasn’t for the solid defending of Pearce the Irish would have surely scored. Marian and Moylan continued to work hard in the midfield, setting up Jones for a shot on goal. The ball hit the post, rebounded back into play and landed in Simon Wetherell’s lap, but he was unable to slot the goal. For the Irish, Western Gaels inspirational leader James Kennedy tried hard all day and put his body on the line when the game was there to be won. An unfortunate collision resulted in a severe shoulder injury. We wish Kenzo the best in his recovery.

Mid way through the last term, the Aussies were boosted by the late arrival of former Claremont player Gerard Milne. What followed was the most intense 20 seconds of football the Cayman Islands has ever witnessed. Milne sprinted from end to end trying to get into the play, and then cannoned into Shane Gallery after Gallery had marked and was preparing to take his kick. Milne was sin binned by impartial Irish referee James McElvanna for rough conduct and left the field with a free against the only stat to his name. The Aussies lifted despite this setback, and Chris Coventry sent a shot sailing from half way which was perfectly placed to clear keeper Delaney for a goal. Marian, Walker and Wetherell all had chances to put the game out of reach, but errant kicking again proved to be a problem with only 3 points scored from 3 good opportunities. The Aussies looked home, but Fitzgerald refused to give up and thumped a late goal into the back of the net for the Irish. Unfortunately for them this wasn’t enough and they fell short by 2 points with a final score of 42 – 40.

A great day was had by all, with beers, barbeque and a spot of two-up after the game providing a good chance for the players to unwind.