The 2025 Cayman Islands Gaelic season is officially under way after a series of pre-season matches that featured 20 corporate teams competing in the Cayman Islands Gaelic Association Conyers Mixed 11s.
The tournament, held from 17-19 Jan. at the Camana Bay Sports Complex, is primarily geared towards preparing players for the league, identifying talent and raising money local charities.
Cathal McGrath, chairman of the Gaelic club, told the Compass that this was another year kicked off the right way, noting that the level of play is better, when compared to previous years.
“The standard of Gaelic here is much, much higher than previous years,” McGrath said. “All the round robin groups that we’ve had have been very tight, [there] hasn’t been a clear winner until the end. So each year, it’s improving all the time.”
The pre-season tournament comprised groups A and B – ‘elite competition’ – and groups C, D and E – ‘social competition’ – providing competition catering to various skill levels.
“It’s a great opportunity for people who never played the sport before to get into the sport,” McGrath said. “We see new players each year, great new players that come on island or local people, and they get into the sport and they’re like, why haven’t I played this before.”
Each group winner donated $500 to a charity of their choice. Harmonic were the overall winners, claiming the tournament cup. They donated their winnings to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.
Teneo, the bowl winners, donated to the Cayman Islands Humane Society, with vase winners Conyers contributing to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
Interpath took the jug and Citco received the plate for their efforts, donating to the Breast Cancer Foundation and Jasmine, respectively.
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