By Peter O’ Dwyer
The South African Gaels have been taking in the sights and sounds of Ireland as well as playing a game or two whilst on tour here over the last week.
Having played a St Vincents masters selection on Saturday and St Mary’s of Belfast on Monday, the team also visited Stormont and found time to entice Joe Brolly and Martin McGuinness into a team selfie.
With the South African Gaelic football team at Stormont today. All two footed. pic.twitter.com/lKf7MCtZuN
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) March 25, 2014
Last night, the Gaels took to the pitch against Ballyboden St Enda’s Junior B team and were unlucky not to leave with the spoils with a late St Enda’s goal ultimately proving the difference.
The Johannesburg side, comprised of South African and Zimbabwean natives and a few Irish ex-pats, gave a fantastic account of themselves on a cold evening in Dublin. The game was played over four 15 minute quarters with somewhat relaxed rules to accommodate the visitors.
Captain Steve Mavinga played alongside ex-Ballyboden man Greg Heraty in midfield and felt that ultimately Ballyboden had an extra gear which proved pivotal.
“The game was very intense. We have learned a lot in Ireland. In the last quarter the lads from Ballyboden started to step it up a level which was tough for us. It was clear that we were getting a bit tired near the end so that is something we have to work on,” he told GrassRoots.ie.
Despite the 3-08 to 2-09 loss, the South Africans were in good spirits after the game and even treated the locals to an interesting dance routine after the game.