Annual Asian Gaelic Games were held in fast growing Shanghai in 2006. This year, in 2007, the tournament's schedule has changed to June and I want to show some pictures from last year.

The tournament took place in a ground outside of downtown Shanghai on 14-15th of October. 40 teams from Shanghai, Japan, Hong Kong, Beijing, Dalian, Shenzhen, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and Dubai participated in the tournament. This 2-day event has been organized since 1996. It's hosted by different Asian regions' clubs and growing bigger every year.

The opening day reception on Friday was at a lovely Chinese building in a middle of modern Shanghai with a BBQ. The draw for the tournament was held there amongst much anticipation and excitement.

	Chinese style opening	BBQ in Shanghai
	Japan men's team	Japan lady's team

On Saturday morning the games started.

The tournament consists of a seven-a-side Gaelic football game and each region had multiple teams participating.

The spectators were enjoying food and drink by the pitch. Team mates of the players were cheering for their team.

After the exciting first day we had a party by the pitch. The theme then changed from each teams' sporting ability to their talent in singing and dancing.

The day 2 was another exciting day with nail-biting games.

Between the Gaelic football matches, an exhibition game of Hurling was played.

The teams playing in the Cup Final were led by the Chinese army band. The most famous Irish Gaelic games commentator, Mr. Mícheál O'Muireachartaig brought true excitement to the games as if we were in Croke Park (Ireland's main GAA stadium).

Hong Kong team won the men's final and Dubai team won the women's final

The awards ceremony

Japan Lady's A team with the Plate.

The fantastic weekend was closed with a big dinner party in a hotel in downtown Shanghai. Mr. Mícheál O'Muireachartaig's speech and good authentic Chinese food made all the players relaxed and forget about bruises on their knees and elbows made in last two days and everybody danced with music till late.

I wonder what kind of excitement and craic is waiting for us in Asian Gaelic Games 2007 in Singapore