In their very first year competing in the Pan-European Championship, Belgium G.A.A. claimed both the Men's and Women's titles in Maastricht last Saturday. The girls had the title wrapped up going into the final round but were determined to claim victory in their fifth consecutive final. Unfortunately it was not to be as the Barbara Wynne trained girls were defeated by a talented Holland team. The Men on the other hand had it all to do on the final day. They led the table at the start of the day but faced a serious threat for the title in the form of Paris and Luxembourg. Grouped with a resurgent Den Hague side, as well as Munich, the first challenge was to qualify from this group. The match against Den Hague was a bruising encounter and the Dutchmen made all the running early on, going into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead. The Belgians kept within distance however and got their reward when a thunderbolt from Enda Rice raised the green flag. A two point victory was a good result after a shaky performance. Munich were up next but were far from their best and Belgium recorded a straight forward victory. This set up a semi final with Paris. Victory in this game, coupled with a Den Hague win against Luxembourg in the other semi would mean the European Championship Cup would make the journey back to Brussels. Belgium had edged out Paris by a solitary point in the Rennes final and they again proved difficult opponents. However, some spectacular points from Enda Rice shot his side into an early lead but Paris roared back in the second half and a late goal brought them to within two points. However, some heroic defending kept the late insurgence at bay and sent Belgium through to their fifth final of the year. Den Hague's victory in the other semi meant overall victory was secured but there was no extra motivation needed for the clash. It was an incredibly tense affair as both teams put everything on the line. Belgium couldn't find the scoring touch but defended heroically. The Hague's 0-1 to 0-0 halt-time lead indicates how tight things were. They further increased their lead to 0-4 to 0-0 and with seven minutes to go looked certainties. However, the newly crowned champions are made of stern stuff and after Olof Gill kicked their first point, Eoin Sheanon intercepted a short kick out before releasing to Colin Byrne who buried the ball in the back of the net. With scores level it looked extra time was on the cards for the battle weary teams. However, the Belgians, through the inspirational Gearoid Sayers found a winning score to take the Maastricht title. The trophies were presented at a massive banquet that night which was attended by over 250 people. Belgium picked up runners-up medals for the European Hurling and Camogie Championship, the European Cups for Men's and Ladies Football as well as the Maastricht tournament trophy. Dave Barrett was also named Maastricht Player of the Tournament. So ends a phenomenal year for the club which has taken its teams to Budapest, Munich, Zurich, Rennes and beyond. Over 70 people lined out for the club in various tournaments. Now the challenge turns to next year when our rivals around Europe will be looking for their slice of the cake. For now though, victory can be savoured and the season will finally end next Saturday night at the clubs annual dinner where a big crowd is expected. If you are in Brussels or coming to Brussels in the coming months, be sure to check out www.belgiumgaa.com and join up! Tweet

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