Pearses 7's Championship 2010
February is the Padraig Pearses annual 7-a-side competition.
Started back in 1989 as a fundraiser for the Padraig Pearse club the competition has grown well past the expectations of its founders and now attracts clubs from all over Australia as well as Victoria, with the All Ireland 7-a-side hurling champions Borrisleigh from Tipperary playing in 2003.
The competition is open to any club, with new clubs always welcome for the hurling, mens football and womens football.
With local and interstate teams competing, it is a great day for players, spectators and the gaelic community in Melbourne.
Sunday 14th February 2010
With 30 teams and nearly 450 players competing in all codes the 21st Padraig Pearses 7`s championship proved to be another great success.
Teams traveled from Brisbane, Perth, Tasmania and New south Wales to join Victoria`s finest for this years competition
In the hurling we were treated to some excellent games throughout the day but in the end it was between Western Australia and Sydneys St Patricks, and it was to be St Patricks who would take the title back to across the border again after an excellent display of hurling in the final.
Ten teams from all over Australia competed for the mens football title. Young Irelands from Sydney proved too strong for hosts Pardarig Pearses in the final winning 1-8 to 1-4.
Central Coast Ladies did the Double beating Cormac McAnallens in the Camoige and Victorian team Garryowen in the ladies football, much too the delight of their large traveling support.
Well done to all 30 teams that competed, esp to all those who traveled from interstate, it was very much appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you all back down here in feb.
Want to see pics from the day? View the 7's facebook photo album or the gallery from the Irish echo
7-a-side FAQs
How many players are allowed in a 7-a-side team?
Both men and womens teams have a total of 12 players allowed, 7 players on the field and a maximum of 5 on the bench.
How long are the games and how many teams are competing?
Games are 10 minute halves (with 5 minute half time), and we aim to give each team at least 2 games, time permitting. Usually there are 4-6 women's teams and 6-8 mens teams (plus hurling).
What is the best way to travel from the Melbourne CBD out to Gaelic Park (Keysborough)?
If required, the Pearse can organise a bus for the day. Generally, there are buses organised to run from the CBD and St Kilda at a cost of $10-$15 per person. The bus company has the itinerary for the day and drops off and picks up as needed.
Gaelic Park is a good 45 minute drive from the CBD (get directions). To have a bus organised contact the Pearses club secretary, Jane Murphy on 0401 195 291 or padraigpearsegac@gmail.com
What time does the comp run from on the day?
Generally games start from 9am, with interstate teams getting preference for later starts (10-11am). Depending on the number of teams the comp usually runs all day with the womens final around 5pm and the mens around 6pm.
Where's the craic?
The designated after party is at The Quiet Man, Flemington a great pub and proud sponsor of the Padraig Pearses.
What are some accommodation options?
St Kilda is the most popular suburb for accommodation for visiting teams/backpackers, and is a 15min tram ride from the CBD. There are also backpackers available in Southbank.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact the Pearses club secretary, Jane Murphy on 0401 195 291 or padraigpearsegac@gmail.com