The Harneys’ Cayman Islands Gaelic Football League kicked off at Camana Bay Sports Complex on Sunday, 5 Feb. with a record 20 teams competing, 12 men’s and eight women’s’ squads, with the season running until the end of June.
The much-anticipated women’s’ fixtures kicked off with a win for Sarsfields over Buffers’ Alley. With two strong Irish captains leading both sides, it was expected to be a close match. However, Buffers’ Alley struggled to contain Sarsfields striker Kate Amigo who scored three goals to secure the win for the Reds with a final score of 3-5 to 0-6.
Second to the pitch saw Harps come away with a resounding win of 3-11 to 1-2 against Skeheenarinky, that were unfortunate to be missing several key players for their opening match, which contributed to a heavy defeat. With their front line decimated, it was up to Pinks midfielder Cass Lacelle to step up and get some points on the board. It was not enough, though, with Harps seizing their opportunity and racking up the points mostly off the boot of Elena Testori.
For the third fixture of the day, Na Piarsaigh were defeated by Bredagh 10-3 to 1-4. The Green side, who were missing Selena Travers to injury, struggled to keep up with Bredagh whose strong back line held them at bay. Travers’ speedy return will be crucial to turn things around for Na Piarsaigh this season.
The final ladies’ game of the day was played between reigning league winners Clan na Gael and Oliver Plunketts. The Oranges continued their form from 2022 beating Oliver Plunketts 2-6 to 1-0. The combo of Anne Bjorge and Marilyn Smith up front proved too much for the Whites in the end.
In the opening men’s game, Gabriels defeated an Éire Óg side shorn of some key players by 2-7 to 8 points. The game was most noteworthy for a sensational goal by Gabriels’ corner back Gavin Maher after a storming run up the field.
The second men’s game was between Wolfe Tones, captained by Pat Sakowski and Tír na nÓg captained by Ollie Freaney. The Whites celebrated Pat’s birthday in style, cutting open the Sky Blues’ defence almost at will and running in 5 goals, prevailing on a scoreline of 5-6 to 1-5.
The next men’s game was an eagerly awaited clash between Na Fianna and Cavan Gaels, tipped by many to be in contention for honours come season end. A tense and sometimes feisty affair was eventually settled by a 1 point margin in Cavan Gaels’ favour, 3-2 to 0-10, with the Yellows spurning numerous opportunities to draw level late on.
The final game of the day was between Cú Chulainns and The Heath, one of the new teams for 2023. Cú Chulainns, motivated by captain James Tucker’s pre-match rituals and inspired by an excellent performance from midfielder James Murphy, took home the points, winning 1-10 to 1-6.
The action continues every Friday night and Sunday at Camana Bay.
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