Paraguay GAA marks the first-ever Gaelic football match in the country on Saturday, May 24. At one of their last training sessions before the big game, the team – a diverse mix of local and international players – prepares. The Asunción Times is present and meets the players.
Paraguay GAA gets ready
“What is ‘let’s go!’ in Thai?” asks Dominik Wójciak from Poland, one of the sixteen players gearing up for a Gaelic football training session with Paraguay GAA at Luque Rugby Club under the scorching afternoon sun. His question is directed to fellow player and Paraguay GAA club president Mozz Suraphot from Thailand, who responds in his native tongue. The answer (ลุย – pronounced as “Lui”) leaves Dominik with a puzzled expression. ‘Never mind,’ the Pole seems to think, shaking his head with a smile.
The players charge onto the pitch, and after dividing into two teams, Dominik scores first by powerfully kicking the ball over the crossbar, earning one point. After the first of four quarters, the score stands at 11-0. The players seek shade and reach for much-needed refreshments.
Points and goals in Gaelic football
“I keep forgetting that kicking the ball over the crossbar only earns one point,” Dominik remarks, sipping from a bottle of water. In Gaelic football, points are scored by kicking or punching the ball over the crossbar between the goalposts (worth 1 point), while goals are scored by sending the ball under the crossbar into the net (worth 3 points).
For most players in the team, playing in Paraguay is their first encounter with Gaelic football. Most of them previously played football, rugby, or basketball, and Gaelic football – a traditional Irish sport – combines elements of all these sports. On the rectangular field, players can kick, punch, or carry the ball to score points or goals.
The second and third quarters of the training game, after mixing up the players, are far more evenly matched. Despite it being late afternoon, the sun offers no respite to the running players. After the third quarter, only experienced Gaelic footballer Mozz appears as though he’s just enjoyed a leisurely afternoon stroll.
“I’m used to playing in temperatures above 35 degrees in Bangkok. The weather in Asunción in May is perfect for me. I’m flying!” he says with a grin. “Well, at least for the first few minutes of each quarter.”
Paraguay GAA’s diverse mix
After the fourth and final quarter, 17-year-old Matías Campos rests on the concrete stairs next to the clubhouse of Luque Rugby Club. The Paraguayan youngster plays in the team alongside his father and younger sister. His mother watched the entire training session closely from the shade, doubling as the DJ.
“It’s a very intense sport, but I love it. It’s something different from football, which everyone here already plays,” says Matías. “And I enjoy playing with people from all sorts of countries. We have players from Paraguay, Ireland, Brazil, Ecuador, the Netherlands, England, and the USA.”
Matías is looking forward to Paraguay GAA’s inaugural match on May 24 against Cuenca de la Plata from Argentina. “It will be tough. But it will be a great experience in every way.”
Most of his teammates refrain from labelling Paraguay GAA as favourites against the far more experienced Argentine club. The word “underdog” is on several lips. But not Dominik’s: “Underdog? Who’s the underdog? Argentina is!”
Support and party with the teams!
Come cheer on Paraguay GAA at Luque Rugby on May 24 from 12:30 PM, or support Cuenca de la Plata from Argentina! Free entrance at the game, and supporters are welcome to join the afterparty at the iconic Gran Hotel del Paraguay. For more info follow The Asunción Times on Instagram.
