[legendary former GAA broadcaster]. Micheál
made his way out to the team after the game
and told them how impressed he was with their
skills. We had informed the students about how
important Micheál was to Gaelic games in Ireland so they were well aware of him. It was a
great way to finish off the football year for them
and they posed for pictures together.
AFTER THE AGG, WERE THEY INSPIRED FURTHER TO PLAY AND
BRING FRIENDS TO TRAINING?
Oh, they will all be back. In fact we had over 40
signed up for this last semester and we cannot wait
Photo courtesy of Colm Walsh.
for the spring and to prepare for the All China
Games again. There are some very promising new players and
a tough year but very enjoyable at the same time. I think
the hope is to have two men’s team next year. The word is spreadnow that we have competed in the tournaments it defiing and the added carrot of playing at a tournament is making
nitely has a future and when you see the numbers turning
things even more interesting.
up at training you have to believe this is more than just
a passing interest. Plus, we have received really positive
WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THE CLUB
feedback from the Asian County Board and from other
AT THE BDIC AND WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE
clubs across Asia. China has huge potential and we hope
TEAM IF ANY?
what we have done will inspire other clubs to do so as
well.
Well, BDIC fall under our umbrella as we provide the
coaches, organise the BDIC team when it comes to tourCAN IT HELP BEIJING GAA GOING FORWARD?
naments and integrate them into the Irish community as
much as possible. Obviously all the students are from the
Without a doubt. Our aim was to increase the involvement
university however they are not a club in its own right.
of Chinese people in our club. These students, while not
The Team is called BDIC/Beijing GAA. They wear our
all from Beijing, will work and live here for many years to
club colours which is great and they have BDIC, UCD and
come and will hopefully become integral parts of the club.
Beijing GAA logos on their jerseys. It has become a real
We had to think of ways how Beijing GAA could continue
team effort which everyone is immensely proud of.
to prosper so that when future Irish people come to live in
Beijing there will always be a club here to welcome them.
AFTER 1 YEAR, WHAT DO YOU THINK NOW OF
There isn’t always going to be a huge Irish community due
THE INITIATIVE AND HAS IT A FUTURE?
to the transient nature of the city, however if there is a good
core of Chinese, International and Irish, there will always
It’s hard to believe that it’s over a year already. It has been
be a GAA club in the capital of China.
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