This Saturday, Feb 28th saw Na Fianna GAA, lately of Dublin, travel to Brussels to take on Belgium GAA in parc cinquantenaire. Belgium staked themselves to an early lead 0-3 to 0-1 before the game was halted as Na Fianna forward Declan Power and the referee required medical attentionfor reasons not related to the match.

After a delay of forty minutes and two ambulances play resumed and Belgium GAA continued to pressure the Na Fianna defence. The first half ended 2-5 to 0-7 for Belgium with Eoin Sheanon making a number of points and with able contributions, when given the opportunity, from his fellow forwards Maurits, Mike H., and Conor A.

The seond half featured the fleet-footed Phil R. out of goals and into midfield and the lead-footed Adrian from midfield into goals where the clean sheet was maintained throughout the rest of the match. Phil C. exhibited his customary selfless and determined play after shaking off a little intitial rust and Belgium’s play continued to sail despite the loss of Eoghan K. and Dave B. for the second half due to other commitments.

There can be no doubt that the Na Fianna boys were feeling the effects of the previous night’s excesses and while it was good to get a victory to open the season there can be no doubt that much work remains if Belgium GAA is to finally win the European Championship.